UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ý☒ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 20172020
 
OR
o☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period fromto
Commission File NumberRegistrant; State of Incorporation; Address and Telephone NumberIRS Employer Identification No.
001-38126
atus-20201231_g1.jpg
38-3980194
Altice USA, Inc.
Delaware
1 Court Square West
Long Island City,New York11101
(516)803-2300
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities ActYes☒No☐
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the ActForYes☐No☒
Indicate by check mark whether the transitionRegistrant (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 fromthat the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.to
Yes☒No☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically 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 such files).
Yes☒No☐








Commission File NumberRegistrant; State of Incorporation; Address and Telephone NumberIRS Employer Identification No.
001-38126
38-3980194
Altice USA, Inc.
Delaware
1 Court Square West
Long Island City, New York  11101
(516) 803-2300





Securities registered pursuant to section 12(b)Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Act:
Title of each className of exchange which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $.01New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes    o    No ý

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes    o    No ý

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes    ý    No o
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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 Registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes   ý    No o

Act. (Check one)
Large Accelerated Filer☒Accelerated filer☐
Non-accelerated filer



Indicate by a check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrants' knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether each Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
☐
Large accelerated fileroAccelerated filero
Non-accelerated filerýSmaller reporting companyo☐
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)Emerging growth companyo☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).Yeso☐Noý☒
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of Altice USA, Inc. computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2017:$3,712,484,222

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.☒
Aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of Altice USA, Inc. computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold on the New York Stock Exchange as of June 30, 2020:$7,109,567,296 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per shareATUSNYSE
Number of shares of common stock outstanding as of February 16, 2018:5, 2021
473,216,854 
Class A common stock, par value $0.01246,982,292
Class B common stock, par value $0.01490,086,674
Documents incorporated by reference - Altice USA, Inc. intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year, a definitive proxy statement or an amendment to this report filed under cover of Form 10-K/A containing the information required to be disclosed under Part III of Form 10-K.








TABLE OF CONTENTS


  Page
Part I  
 1.
Business
2
   
 1A.
Risk Factors
18
   
 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
42
   
 2.
Properties
42
   
 3.
Legal Proceedings
42
   
 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
42
   
Part II  
 5.
42
   
 6.
Selected Financial Data
45
   
 7.
48
   
 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
72
   
 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
74
   
 9.
74
   
 9A.
Controls and Procedures
75
   
 9B.
Other Information
75
   
Part III  
 10.Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance*
   
 11.Executive Compensation*
   
 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters*
   
 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence*
   
 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services*
   
Part IV  
 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
76
   Page
Part I   
 1.Business
2
    
 1A.Risk Factors
20
    
 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
43
    
 2.Properties
43
    
 3.Legal Proceedings
44
    
 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
44
    
Part II   
 5.Market for the Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
44
    
 6.Selected Financial Data
46
    
 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
50
    
 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
81
    
 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
82
    
 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
82
    
 9A.Controls and Procedures
82
    
 9B.Other Information
82
    
Part III   
 10.Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance*
    
 11.Executive Compensation*
    
 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholders Matters*
    
 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence*
    
 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services*
    
Part IV   
 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
83


*Some or all of these items are omitted because Altice USA, Inc. intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year, a definitive proxy statement or an amendment to this report filed under cover of Form 10-K/A containing the information required to be disclosed under Part III of Form 10-K.
*Some or all of these items are omitted because Altice USA, Inc. intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, not later than 120 days after the close of its fiscal year, a definitive proxy statement or an amendment to this report filed under cover of Form 10-K/A containing the information required to be disclosed under Part III of Form 10-K.

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PART I
Item 1.        Business
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of December 31, 2017, Altice USAThrough June 8, 2018, the Company was majority‑ownedmajority-owned by Altice Europe N.V. ("Altice Europe"), a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap)("naamloze vennootshcap") under Dutch law ("Altice N.V." and Altice N.V. and its subsidiaries, the "Altice Group"). Upon the completion of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below, the Company will no longer be majority-owned by Altice N.V.
Altice USA is one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States. We deliver broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.9 million residential and business customers. Our footprint extends across 21 states through a fiber-rich broadband network with more than 8.6 million homes passed as of December 31, 2017.
        We acquired Cequel Corporation ("Suddenlink" or "Cequel") on December 21, 2015 and Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Optimum" or "Cablevision") onlaw. On June 21, 2016. These acquisitions are referred to throughout this document as the "Suddenlink Acquisition" (or the "Cequel Acquisition") and the "Optimum Acquisition (or the "Cablevision Acquisition"), respectively, and collectively as the "Acquisitions." We are a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of our own. We serve our customers through two business segments: Optimum, which operates in the New York metropolitan area, and Suddenlink, which principally operates in markets in the south-central United States.
Following the Acquisitions, we began to simplify our organizational structure, reduce management layers, streamline decision-making processes and redeploy resources with a focus on network investment, customer service enhancements and marketing support. As a result, we have made significant progress in integrating the operations of Optimum and Suddenlink, centralizing our business functions, reorganizing our procurement processes, eliminating duplicative management functions, terminating lower-return projects and non-essential consulting and third-party service arrangements, and investing in our employee relations and our culture. Improved operational efficiency has allowed us to redeploy physical, technical and financial resources towards upgrading our network and enhancing the customer experience to drive customer growth. This focus is demonstrated by reduced network outages since the Acquisitions, which we believe improves the consistency and quality of the customer experience. In addition, we have expanded, and intend to continue expanding, our e-commerce channels for sales and marketing.
        Since the Acquisitions, we have quadrupled the maximum available broadband speeds we are offering to our Optimum customers from 101 Mbps to 400 Mbps for residential customers and 450 Mbps for business customers and expanded our 1 Gbps broadband service to approximately 72% of our Suddenlink footprint from approximately 40% prior to the Suddenlink Acquisition. In addition, we have commenced a plan to build a fiber-to-the-home ("FTTH") network, which will enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds across our entire Optimum footprint and part of our Suddenlink footprint. We believe this FTTH network will be more resilient with reduced maintenance requirements, fewer service outages and lower power usage, which we expect will drive further cost efficiencies in our business. In order to further enhance the customer experience, during the fourth quarter, we introduced a new home communications hub, Altice One, and we have begun rolling it out across our Optimum footprint. Our new home communications hub is an innovative, integrated platform with a dynamic and sophisticated user interface, combining a set-top box, Internet wireless router and cable modem in one device, and is our most advanced home communications hub. We are also beginning to offer managed data and communications services to our business customers and more advanced advertising services, such as targeted multi-screen advertising and data analytics, to our advertising and other business clients. In the fourth quarter of 2017, we and Sprint Corporation ("Sprint") entered into a multi-year strategic agreement pursuant to which we will utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and our broadband network will be utilized to accelerate the densification of Sprint's network. We believe this additional product offering will enable us to deliver greater value and more benefits to our customers.

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The following table presents certain financial data and metrics for the Company and its segments:
 Years ended December 31,
 Altice USA Optimum Segment Cequel Segment
(in thousands except percentage data)2017 2016 (a) 2017 2016 (b) 2017 2016
Customer Relationships4,906
 4,892
 3,156
 3,141
 1,750
 1,751
% growth0.3%   0.5%   (0.1)%  
Revenue$9,326,570
 $6,017,212
 $6,664,788
 $3,444,052
 $2,664,574
 $2,573,160
Adjusted EBITDA (c)$4,005,690
 $2,414,735
 $2,751,121
 $1,259,844
 $1,254,569
 $1,154,891
% of Revenue42.9% 40.1% 41.3% 36.6% 47.1 % 44.9%
Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures (c)$3,014,326
 $1,789,194
 $2,039,689
 $961,487
 $974,637
 $827,707
% of Revenue32.3% 29.7% 30.6% 27.9% 36.6 % 32.2%
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders (d)$1,520,031
 $(832,030)        
(a)The 2016 amounts for Altice USA include the operating results of Cablevision from the date of the Cablevision Acquisition.
(b)Amounts reflect the operating results of Cablevision from the date of the Cablevision Acquisition and include results for Newsday Media Group ("Newsday"). Altice USA sold a 75% stake in Newsday in July 2016. Newsday's revenue, for the period from June 21, 2016 through its sale in July 2016, was approximately $8.8 million. 
(c)For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss), please refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
(d)Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,337,900 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distributeEurope distributed substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'sEurope's common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in theThe Company and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. is ultimately controlled by Patrick Drahi through Next AltAlt. S.a.r.l. (‘‘("Next Alt’’Alt"). As
Altice USA is a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of its own. Altice Europe, through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 (the "Cequel Acquisition") and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016 (the "Cablevision Acquisition").
The Company principally provides broadband communications and video services in the United States and markets its services primarily under two brands: Optimum, in the New York metropolitan area, and Suddenlink, principally in markets in the south-central United States. We deliver broadband, video, telephony, and mobile services to more than five million residential and business customers. Our footprint extends across 21 states through a fiber-rich hybrid-fiber coaxial ("HFC") broadband network and a fiber-to-the-home ("FTTH") network with more than 9 million homes passed as of December 31, 2017, Next Alt held 60.31%2020. Additionally, we offer news programming and content, and advertising services. The Company launched Altice Mobile, our full service mobile offering, to consumers across our footprint in September 2019.
Our FTTH network build, which would enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds to meet the growing data needs of residential and business customers, is underway. Concurrent to our FTTH network deployment, we also continue to upgrade our existing HFC network through the outstanding share capitaldeployment of digital and voting rights of Altice N.V., representing 49.5% of the economic rights and 66% of the voting powerdata over cable service interface specification ("DOCSIS") 3.0 technology in general meetings. Mr. Drahi has informed us that Next Alt will electorder to receive 100% of the shares of Altice USAroll out enhanced broadband services to which it is entitledcustomers. One Gbps broadband services are available in the Distribution in the formmajority of Altice USA Class B common stockour footprint and will be subjectcontinue to proration, inexpand across our service areas throughout 2021. Altice USA’s broadbandservice provides a connectivity experience to support the same manner as other Altice N.V. shareholders, in the event the number of shares of Altice USA Class B common stock elected to be received by Altice N.V. shareholders exceeds a cap of 247.7 million shares (the "Class B Cap"most data-intensive activities, including streaming 4K ultra-high-definition ("UHD"). As a result of Next Alt’s intended election, and voting agreements that Next Alt will enter into with certain members of Altice N.V.high-definition ("HD") video on multiple devices, online multi-player video game streaming platforms, video chatting, streaming music, high-quality virtual-and augmented reality experiences, and Altice USA management with respect to all shares of Altice USA common stock they own, Mr. Drahi will control Altice USA immediately after giving effect to the Distribution regardless of the elections made by other Altice N.V. shareholders.downloading large files.
The implementationfollowing table presents certain financial data and metrics for Altice USA:
Years ended December 31,
202020192018
 (in thousands, except percentage data)
Customer Relationships (a)5,024.6 4,916.3 4,899.5 
% growth2.2 %0.3 %0.3 %
Revenue$9,894,642 $9,760,859 9,566,608 
Adjusted EBITDA (b)$4,414,814 $4,265,471 $4,163,078 
% of Revenue44.6 %43.7 %43.5 %
Net income attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$436,183 $138,936 $18,833 
(a)Customer metrics do not include Altice Mobile customers.
(b)For additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation of the Distribution is expectedNet Income to be subjectAdjusted EBITDA, please refer to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V."Management's Discussion and the Company have not yet negotiated the final termsAnalysis of the DistributionFinancial Condition and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:Results of Operations."
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
The Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018, as amended, being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);

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The entry into a separation agreement (the "Master Separation Agreement") and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved in principle the payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completion of the separation. Formal approval of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC ("CSC Holdings"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directors of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase program of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
Our Products and Services
We provide broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services to both residential and business customers. We also provide enterprise-grade fiber connectivity, bandwidth and managed services to enterprise customers through Optimum’s Lightpath business (also marketed as Altice Business) and provide advertising time and services to advertisers. In addition, we offer various news programming through traditional linear and digital platforms. In September 2019, the Company launched Altice Mobile, a full service mobile offering, to consumers across our footprint.
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The prices we charge for our services vary based on the number of services and associated service level or tier our customers choose, coupled with any promotions we may offer. As part of our marketing strategy our customers are increasingly choosing to bundle their subscriptions to two (‘‘double product’’) or three (‘‘triple product’’) of our services at the same time. Customers who subscribe to a bundle generally receive a discount from the price of buying each of these services separately, as well as the convenience of receiving multiple services from a single provider, all on a single monthly bill. For example, we offer ana ‘‘Optimum Triple Play’’ package that is a special promotion for new customers or eligible current customers where Optimumour broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services are each available at a reduced rate for a specified period when purchased together. Approximately 50% of our residential customers were triple product customers as of December 31, 2017.
Residential Services
       We offer broadband, pay television and telephony services to residential customers through both our Optimum and Suddenlink segments. The following tables showtable shows our residential customer relationships for broadband, video and telephony services provided to residential customers.
December 31,
202020192018
 (in thousands)
Total residential customer relationships:4,648.4 4,533.3 4,518.1 
Broadband4,359.2 4,187.3 4,115.4 
Video2,961.0 3,179.2 3,286.1 
Telephony2,214.0 2,398.8 2,530.1 

The following table shows our revenues by service offerings for each of our Optimumbroadband, video and Suddenlink segments as well as on a combined basis.telephony services provided to residential customers.
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Optimum Suddenlink Total Optimum Suddenlink Total
 (in thousands)
Total Residential customers relationships2,893
 1,642
 4,535
 2,879
 1,649
 4,528
Pay TV2,363
 1,042
 3,406
 2,428
 1,107
 3,535
Broadband2,670
 1,376
 4,046
 2,619
 1,344
 3,963
Telephony1,965
 592
 2,557
 1,962
 597
 2,559

 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 Optimum Suddenlink Total Optimum Suddenlink Total
 (dollars in thousands)
Residential revenue:    

     

Pay TV$3,113,238
 $1,101,507
 $4,214,745
 $1,638,691
 $1,120,525
 $2,759,216
Broadband1,603,015
 960,757
 2,563,772
 782,615
 834,414
 1,617,029
Telephony693,478
 130,503
 823,981
 376,034
 153,939
 529,973

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Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Residential revenue:(in thousands)
Broadband$3,689,159 $3,222,605 $2,887,455 
Video3,670,859 3,997,873 4,156,428 
Telephony468,777 598,694 652,895 
Broadband Services
We offer a variety of broadband service tiers tailored to meet the different needs of our residential customers. Current customer offers include four tiers with download speeds ranging from 60 Mbps to 400 Mbps for our Optimum residential customers and 5020 Mbps to 1 Gbps for our Suddenlink residential customers. Our broadband services also include the Optimum wireless router, as well as Internet security software, including anti-virus, anti-spyware, personal firewall and anti-spam protection. Substantially all of our hybrid fiber-coaxial ("HFC")HFC network is digital and data over cable service interface specification ("DOCSIS")DOCSIS 3.0 compatible, with approximately 275266 homes per node and a bandwidth capacity of at least 750 MHz throughout. This network allows us to provide our customers with advanced broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services. Since the Acquisitions, we have quadrupled the maximum available broadband speeds we are offering to our Optimum customers from 101 Mbps to 400 Mbps for residential customers and 450 Mbps for business customers and expanded our 1 Gbps broadband service to approximately 72% of our Suddenlink footprint from approximately 40% prior to the Suddenlink Acquisition. We have also commenced a plan to build a FTTH network, which will enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds across our entire Optimum footprint and part of our Suddenlink footprint.
In addition, we have deployed Wi-FiWiFi across our OptimumNew York metropolitan service area with approximatelyand have started a WiFi deployment program across the rest of our footprint providing for over 2.1 million Wi-Fitotal WiFi hotspots as of December 31, 2017.2020. The Optimum Wi-FiWiFi network allows Optimum broadband customers to access the serviceInternet connectivity while they are away from their home or office. Wi-FiWiFi is delivered via wireless access points mounted on our Optimum broadband network, in certain retail partner locations, certain NJ Transit rail stations, New York City parks and other public venues. Similarly,Our wireless router product and our "Optimum wireless router" product includesAltice One device include a second network that enables all Optimum broadband customers to access the Optimum Wi-Fi network.WiFi network throughout the neighborhoods we serve. Access to the Optimum Wi-FiWiFi network is offered as a free value-added benefit to Optimum broadband customers and for a fee to non-customers in certain locations. Our Wi-FiWiFi service also allows our Optimum broadband customers to access the Wi-FiWiFi networks of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast"), Charter Communications, Inc. ("Charter")(within the legacy Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks footprints) and Cox Communications.Communications, Inc. Through these relationships we offer our Optimum customers complimentary access to approximately 350,000 additional hotspots nationwide.
Pay TelevisionVideo Services
We currently offer a variety of pay televisionvideo services, which include delivery of broadcast stations and cable networks, over the top ("OTT") services such as Netflix, YouTube and others, and advanced digital pay televisionvideo services, such as video-on-demand ("VOD"), high-definition ("HD")HD channels, digital video recorder ("DVR") and pay-per-view, to our residential markets. Depending on the market and level of service, our pay televisionvideo services include, among other programming, local broadcast networks and independent television stations, news, information, sports and entertainment channels, regional sports networks, international channels and premium services such as HBO, Showtime, Cinemax, Starz, and The Movie Channel. Our residential customers pay a monthly charge based on the pay televisionvideo programming level of service, tier or
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package they receive and the type of equipment they select. Customers who subscribe to seasonal sports packages, international channels and premium services may be charged an additional monthly amount. We may also charge additional fees for pay-per-view programming and events, DVR and certain VOD services.
As of December 31, 2017, Optimum2020, our residential customers were able to receive upbetween 470 to 605 digital channels and Suddenlink residential customers were able to receive up to 438592 digital channels depending on their market and level of service. Optimum offers upIn addition, depending on the service area, we offer between 156 to 174 HD channels and Suddenlink offers up to 139188 HD channels which represent the most widely watched programming, including all major broadcast networks, as well as most leading national cable networks, premium channels and regional sports networks. HDTV features high-resolution picture quality, digital sound quality and a wide-screen, theater-like display when using an HDTV set and an HD-capable converter. We also continue to launch additional HD channels to continuously improve our customer's viewing experience. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 95% of our residential Optimum pay television customers subscribe to HDTV services. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 81% of Suddenlink pay television customers were digital pay television customers and approximately 95% of those digital pay television customers subscribe to HDTV services.
We also provide advanced services, such as pay-per-view and VOD, that give residential pay televisionvideo customers control over when they watch their favorite programming. Our pay-per-view service allows customers to pay to view single showings of programming on an unedited, commercial-free basis, including feature films, live sporting events,

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concerts and other special events. Our VOD service provides on-demand access to movies, special events, free prime time content and general interest titles. Subscription-based VOD premium content such as HBO and Showtime is made available to customers who subscribe to one of our premium programming packages. Our customers have the ability to start the programs at whatever time is convenient, as well as pause, rewind and (for most content) fast forward both standard definition and HD VOD programming. As of December 31, 2017,2020, pay-per-view services were available for all Optimum andto over 99% of Suddenlink pay televisionall our video customers and VOD services were available to all of our Optimum pay television customers andover 95% of our Suddenlink pay televisionvideo customers, and we offeredoffer thousands of HD titles on-demand for Optimum and Suddenlink customers, respectively.on-demand.
For a monthly fee, we offer DVR services through the use of digital converters, the majority of which are HDTV-capable and have video recording capability. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 50% of our residential Optimum pay television customers and 37% of our Suddenlink pay television customers utilized DVR services. Optimum customersHDTV-capable. Customers can choose either a set-top box DVR with the ability to record, pause and rewind live television or the Cloud DVR Plus with remote-storage capability to record 15 shows simultaneously while watching any live or pre-recorded show, and pause and rewind live television. Depending on the service area and market, Suddenlink customers have the option to use a set-top box DVR or a TiVo HD/DVR converter. The TiVo converter which delivers multi-room DVR capability using TiVo Mini devices that allow customers to pause and rewind live television, manage recordings from different television locations and play them back throughout the home. In addition, TiVo Stream service, which allows customers to stream live television channels and recorded programming wirelessly throughout their home to Android and iOS devices, and, subject to copyright restrictions, download previously recorded content to these devices so that it can be viewed outside the home, is provided to current TiVo DVR customers.
        We also introduced a new home communications and entertainment hub duringDuring the fourth quarter of 2017, we introduced an entertainment and connectivity platform, called Altice One. Altice One which is our most advanced home hub, and we have begun rolling it out across our Optimum footprint. This new hub is an innovative, integrated platform with a dynamic and sophisticatedmodern user interface combiningthat combines a set-top box, Internet wireless router and cable modem in one device. It is based on LaBox, which Altice N.V. has successfully deployed in France, the Dominican Republic and Israel, and is initially offered to new customers subscribing to our double and triple-product packages. It is capable of delivering broadband Internet, Wi-Fi,WiFi, digital television services, over-the-top ("OTT")OTT services and fixed-line telephony and supports 4K video and a remote-storageCloud DVR with the capacity to record 15 television programs simultaneously and the ability to rewind live television on the last two channels watched. Additional features include a point-anywhere voice-command remote control and a companion Altice One mobile app that allows viewing of all television content including DVR streaming. Additional televisions will beare paired with "minis,"Minis." which can also actSince launch, we have and continue to update Altice One and its companion mobile apps with new features, including the ability to watch Cloud DVR content on the go, access to the YouTube Kids application, the ability to use voice search on YouTube to discover videos, more 4K content for a vivid viewing experience, and more advanced features for customers such as Wi-Fi extendersthe introduction of our new sports hub, enhanced home screen and additional applications. During the first quarter of 2020 we introduced the Altice One App for an advanced Wi-Fi experience throughoutApple TV, providing customers with the home.ability to watch live, On Demand and DVR content on that platform.
We also offer alternative viewing platforms for our pay televisionvideo programming through mobile applications. OurAltice One customers have access to the Altice One mobile application and Optimum customers have access to the Optimum App,TV application, available for the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, personal computers, Kindle Fire and select Android phones and tablets, and our Suddenlink customers have access to the Suddenlink2GO available for personal computers and select phones and tablets.website. Depending on the platform, the Optimum AppTV application features include the ability to watch live television, stream on-demand titles from various networks and use the device as a remote to control the customer's digital set-top box while inside the home. Suddenlink customers have access to the Suddenlink2GO website, which enables Suddenlink customers to watch over 300,000 movies, shows and clips from over 200 networks on a personal computer once authenticated via the Suddenlinka customer portal and select television shows and movies on their mobile devices.
Telephony Services
Through voice over Internet protocol ("VoIP") telephone service we also offer unlimited local, regional and long-distance calling within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands and Canada for a flat monthly rate, including
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popular calling features such as caller ID with name and number, call waiting, three-way calling, enhanced emergency 911 dialing and television caller ID. We also offer additional options designed to meet our customers' needs, including directory assistance, voicemail services and international calling. Discount and promotional pricing are available when our telephony services are combined with our other service offerings.
Mobile
In September 2019, we commercially launched Altice Mobile, a mobile service providing data, talk and text to consumers in or near our wired service footprint. The service is delivered over a nationwide network with long-term evolution ("LTE") and 5G (where available) coverage through our network partners, including our infrastructure-based mobile virtual network operator ("MVNO") agreement with T-Mobile U.S. Inc. ("T-Mobile") which acquired Sprint Corporation (“Sprint”) in 2020. We have densified the fourth quarterSprint network coverage in our Optimum footprint with the mounting of 2017, we and Sprint entered into a multi-year strategic agreement pursuant to which we will utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and19,000 airstrands on our broadband infrastructure and now benefit from the full combined coverage of the “T-Mobile” and “Sprint” networks. We also have a direct roaming agreement with AT&T Inc. ("AT&T") and some regional partners. We offload mobile traffic using our Optimum Wi-Fi network will be utilized to accelerateof hotspots in the densification of Sprint's network. We believe this additional product

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offering will enableNew York metropolitan area as well as select customer premises equipment (“CPE”) across our footprint. Our full infrastructure MVNO agreement with T-Mobile is differentiated from other light MVNOs in that it gives us full access control over our own core network, as well as the Home Location Register and subscriber identification module ("SIM") cards. This allows us to deliver greater valuefully control seamless data offloading and more benefits tothe handover between the fixed and wireless networks. We also have full product, features and marketing flexibility with our customers,mobile service.
Altice Mobile is sold at Optimum and Suddenlink stores as well as online. Consumers can bring their own devices or buy or finance a variety of phones directly from us, including by offering "quad play" offerings that bundle broadband, pay television, telephonyApple, Samsung and mobile voice and data services to our customers.Motorola devices.
Business Services
        Both our Optimum and Suddenlink segmentsWe offer a wide and growing variety of products and services to both large enterprise and small and medium-sized business ("SMB") customers, including broadband, telephony, networking and pay televisionvideo services. For the year ended December 31, 2017, business services accounted for approximately 14% of the revenue for both our Optimum and Suddenlink segments, respectively, and accounted for approximately 14% of our consolidated revenue. As of December 31, 2017, our Optimum segment2020, we served approximately 263,000376,000 SMB customers andacross our Suddenlink segment served 109,000 SMB customers.footprint. We serve enterprise customers primarily through our Lightpath business, a subsidiary of Cablevision.business.
Enterprise Customers
Lightpath provides Ethernet, data transport, IP-based virtual private networks, Internet access, telephony services, including session initiated protocol ("SIP") trunking and VoIP services to the business market.market in the New York metropolitan area. Our Lightpath bandwidth connectivity service offers download speeds up to 100 Gbps. Lightpath also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed Wi-Fi,WiFi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. Through Lightpath, we also offer fiber-to-the-tower ("FTTT") services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul and enablethat enables wireline communications service providers to connect to customerstowers that their own wireline networks do not reach. Lightpath's enterprise customers include companies in health care, financial, education, legal and professional services, and other industries, as well as the public sector and communication providers, incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILEC"), and competitive local exchange carriers ("CLEC"). As of December 31, 2017,2020, Lightpath had over 9,10011,800 locations connected to its fiber network. Our Lightpath advanced fiber optic network, extendswhich currently includes more than 7,100 route miles, which includes approximately 361,00018,800 miles of fiber throughoutsheaths (“route miles”) (approximately 9,000 owned route miles and approximately 9,800 route miles pursuant to an indefeasible right of use (“IRU”) from Altice USA.
In December 2020, the New York metropolitan area.Company completed the sale of a 49.99% interest in its Lightpath fiber enterprise business (the "Lightpath Transaction") based on an implied enterprise value of $3.2 billion. The Company retained a 50.01% interest in the Lightpath business and maintained control of Cablevision Lightpath LLC, the entity holding the interest in the Lightpath business. Accordingly, the Company continues to consolidate the operating results of the Lightpath business.
        ForIn our Suddenlink footprint, for enterprise and larger commercial customers, Suddenlink offers high capacity data services, including wide area networking and dedicated data access and advanced services such as wireless mesh networks. Suddenlink also offers enterprise class telephone services which include traditional multi-line phone service over DOCSIS and trunking solutions via SIP for our Primary Rate Interface ("PRI") and SIP trunking applications. Similar to Lightpath, Suddenlink also offers FTTT services. These Suddenlink services are offered on a standalone basis or in bundles that are developed specifically for our commercial customers.
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SMB Customers
        Both our Optimum and Suddenlink segmentsWe provide broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services to SMB customers. In addition to these services, we also offer managed services, including business e-mail, hosted private branch exchange, web space storage and network security monitoring for SMB customers. We also offerTelephony services include Optimum Voice for Business, providing for up to 24 voice lines for SMB customersSuddenlink Business Class Phones, Business Hosted Voice and 20 business calling features at no additional charge. Optimum Voice for Business offers business trunking services with support for application programming interfaces.Trunking (SIP and PRI). Optional telephony add-on services such asinclude international calling and toll free callingnumbers.
News and virtual receptionists, are also available for business customers.
Advertising Sales
        As part of the agreements under which we acquire pay television programming, we typically receive an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming, generally two minutes per hour, into which our systems can insert commercials, subject, in some instances, to certain subject matter limitations. Our advertising sales infrastructure includes in-house production facilities, production and administrative employees and a locally-based sales force, and is part of Altice Media Solutions ("AMS"), the advertising sales division of Altice USA.
        AMS offers data-driven television, digital and other multi-platform advertising to clients ranging from Fortune 500 brands to local businesses. AMS provides national and local businesses with television and digital advertising opportunities targeted within specific geographies, including in New York City, and throughout the Suddenlink footprint. AMS offers clients opportunities to use interactive television products to reach their customers and provide a deeper level of audience engagement.

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        In several of the markets in which we operate, we have entered into agreements commonly referred to as interconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising, simplifying our clients' purchase of local advertising and expanding their geographic reach. In some of these markets, we represent the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in other markets, other cable operators represent us. For instance, AMS manages the New York Interconnect, a partnership between AMS and Comcast that provides national brands with television and digital advertising opportunities over a broader portion of the New York designated market area ("DMA") than AMS's local offerings. The New York Interconnect is the largest interconnect in the country, with a footprint of over 3.2 million households. In the larger DMAs in the Suddenlink footprint, we participate in a number of interconnects managed by others, such as the Houston and Dallas interconnects. In December 2017, Altice USA, Charter Communications and Comcast announced a preliminary agreement to form a new Interconnect in the New York market that would provide a single solution to reach more than 6.2 million households across the New York DMA. The new New York Interconnect is expected to launch in early second quarter 2018.
        For the year ended December 31, 2017, advertising sales accounted for approximately 5% and 3% of the revenue for our Optimum and Suddenlink segments, respectively, and accounted for approximately 4% of our consolidated revenue.
Data Analytics
        The Advanced Data Analytics business, which was launched by Optimum in 2013, provides data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions to the media industry, including AMS, programmers and multichannel video programming distributors ("MVPDs"). Total Audience Data, its flagship portfolio of products, consists of advanced analytics tools providing granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. These tools allow us and our clients to more precisely optimize our product offerings, target and deliver ads more efficiently, and provide accurate measurement to our clients and partners.
        Our March 2017 acquisition of Audience Partners, a leading provider of data-driven, audience-based digital advertising solutions, expands the scope of targeted advertising solutions we offer from television to include digital, mobile and tablets. In addition, the acquisition expands our audience-based advertising services to include further advanced analytics tools within key and growing segments, including political, advocacy, healthcare, automotive, and programming.
News 12 Networks
Our News 12 Networks consists of seven 24-hour local news channels in the New York metropolitan area—the Bronx, Brooklyn, Connecticut, Hudson Valley, Long Island, New Jersey and Westchester—providing each with complete access to hyper-local breaking news, traffic, weather, sports, and more. In addition, News 12 Networks also includes five traffic and weather channels that offer constantly updated information; the award-winning News12.com, the premier destination for local news on the web; News 12 Interactive, channel 612 on Optimum TV, providing local news on demand; and News 12 To Go, the network's mobile app for phones and tablets.
Since launching in 1986, News 12 Networks has been widely recognized by the news industry with numerous prestigious honors and awards, including over 230 Emmy Awards, plus multiple Edward R. Murrow Awards, NY Press Club Awards, and more. We derive revenue from our News 12 Networks for the sale of advertising and affiliation fees paid by cable operators.
Cheddar
Cheddar consists of the Cheddar Business News network covering business, politics, headline news, popular culture, and innovative products, technologies, and services. Cheddar Business News broadcasts live a total of 11 hours a day across traditional linear television delivery systems and OTT platforms.
Cheddar was acquired in June 2019, and we consolidated Cheddar's results of operations and its assets and liabilities as of June 1, 2019.
i24NEWS
i24NEWS consists of three 24-hour global channels that provide global breaking news and world stories with a focus on the Middle East and Israel. i24NEWS launched in English, French, and Arabic in July 2013.
a4 Advertising revenue
a4 Advertising is includedthe advanced advertising and data solutions subsidiary of Altice USA. It provides audience-based, IP-authenticated cross-screen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. a4 enables advertisers to reach U.S. households across their devices through cable networks, on-demand and addressable inventory.
New York Interconnect 
In many markets, we have entered into agreements commonly referred to as “Interconnects” with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. This simplifies our clients' purchase of local advertising and expands their geographic reach. In some markets, we represent the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in "Advertising"other markets, alternative cable operators represent us. For example, NY Interconnect, LLC ("NYI") is a joint venture that was launched in the second quarter 2018 between Altice USA, Charter and affiliation fees chargedComcast. NYI provides a wide range of television and digital advertising opportunities for brands looking to reach over 7.5 million households and 20+ million people across the programming are included in "Other."New York designated market area ("DMA").
Franchises
As of December 31, 2017,2020, our systems operated in more than 1,300 communities pursuant to franchises, permits and similar authorizations issued by state and local governmental authorities. Franchise agreements typically require the payment of franchise fees and contain regulatory provisions addressing, among other things, service quality, cable service to schools and other public institutions, insurance and indemnity. Franchise authorities generally charge a franchise fee of not more than 5% of certain of our cable service revenues that are derived from the operation of the system within such locality. We generally pass the franchise fee on to our customers.
Franchise agreements are usually for a term of 5 to 15 years from the date of grant, (a majority of which are for 10 years), however, approximately 400460 of Altice’sAltice USA’s communities are now served under perpetual state-issued franchises.located in states (Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina and Texas) where by law franchise agreements do not have an expiration date. Franchise agreements are usually terminable only if the cable operator fails to comply with material provisions and then

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only after the franchising authority complies
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with substantive and procedural protections afforded by the franchise agreement and federal and state law. Prior to the scheduled expiration of most franchises, we generally initiate renewal proceedings with the granting authorities. This process usually takes less than three years but can take a longer period of time. The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), which is the primary federal statute regulating interstate communications, provides for an orderly franchise renewal process in which granting authorities may not unreasonably withhold renewals. See "Regulation—Cable Television—Franchising." In connection with the franchise renewal process, many governmental authorities require the cable operator to make certain commitments, such as building out certain franchise areas, meeting customer service requirements and supporting and carrying public access channels.
Historically, we have been able to renew our franchises without incurring significant costs, although any particular franchise may not be renewed on commercially favorable terms or otherwise. We expect to renew or continue to operate under all or substantially all of these franchises. For more information regarding risks related to our franchises, see "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Regulatory and Legislative Matters—Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination. The failure to renew a franchise in one or more key markets could adversely affect our business." Proposals to streamline cable franchising recently have been adopted at both the federal and state levels. For more information, see "Regulation—Cable Television—Franchising."
Programming
We design our channel line-ups for each system according to demographics, programming contract requirements, market research, viewership, local programming preferences, channel capacity, competition, price sensitivity and local regulation. We believe offering a wide variety of programming influences a customer's decision to subscribe to and retain our pay televisionvideo services. We obtain programming, including basic, expanded basic, digital, HD, 4K UHD, VOD and broadband content, from a number of suppliers, including broadcast and cable networks.
We generally carry cable networks pursuant to written programming contracts, which continue for a fixed period of time, usually from three to five years, and are subject to negotiated renewal. Cable network programming is usually made available to us for a license fee, which is generally paid based on the number of customers who subscribe to the level of service that provides such programming. Such license fees may include "volume" discounts available for higher numbers of customers, as well as discounts for channel placement or service penetration. Where possible, we negotiate volume discount pricing structures. For home shopping channels, we receive a percentage of the revenue attributable to our customers' purchases, as well as, in some instances, incentives for channel placement.
We typically seek flexible distribution terms that would permit services to be made available in a variety of retail packages and on a variety of platforms and devices in order to maximize consumer choice. Suppliers typically insist that their most popular and attractive services be distributed to a minimum number or percentage of customers, which limits our ability to provide consumers full purchasing flexibility. Suppliers also typically seek to control or limit the terms on which we are able to make their services available on various platforms and devices yet this has become more flexible each year.
Our cable programming costs for broadcast stations and cable networks have increased in excess of customary inflationary and cost-of-living type increases. We expect programming costs to continue to increase due to a variety of factors including annual increases imposed by stations and programmers and additional programming being provided to customers, including HD, 4K UHD, digital and VOD programming. In particular, broadcast and sports programming costs have increased significantly over the past several years. In addition, contracts to purchase sports programming sometimes provide for optional additional programming to be available on a surcharge basis during the term of the contract. These increases have coincided with a significant increase in the quality of the programming, from high production value original cable series to enhanced camera and statistical data technology in sports broadcasts, and more flexible rights to make the content available on various platforms and devices.
We have programming contracts that have expired and others that will expire in the near term. We will seek to renegotiate the terms of these agreements, but there can be no assurance that these agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms. To the extent that we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms that we believe are reasonable, we have been, and may in the future be, forced to remove such programming channels from our line-up, which may result in a loss of customers. For example, in 2017, we were unable to reach agreement with Starz on acceptable economic terms, and effective January 1, 2018, all Starz services were removed from our lineups

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in our Optimum and Suddenlink segments, and we launched alternative networks offered by other programmers under new long-term contracts. On February 13, 2018, we and Starz reached a new carriage agreement and we started restoring the Starz services previously offered by Optimum and Suddenlink. Also in our Suddenlink segment, we were unable to reach agreement with Viacom on acceptable economic terms for a long-term contract renewal, and effective October 1, 2014, all Viacom networks were removed from our channel lineups in our Suddenlink segment, and we launched alternative networks offered by other programmers under new long-term contracts. We and Viacom did not reach a new agreement to include certain Viacom networks in the Suddenlink channel lineup until May 2017. For more information, see "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—Programming and retransmission costs are increasing and we may not have the ability to pass these increases on to our customers. Disputes with programmers and the inability to retain or obtain popular programming can adversely affect our relationship with customers and lead to customer losses.losses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations."
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Sales and Marketing
Sales are managed centrally and multiple sales channels are leveragedallow us to reach each current and potential customers in a variety of ways, including in-bound customer care centers, outbound telemarketing, stores, field technician sales and door-to-door sales. E-commerce is also managed centrally on behalf of the organization and is a growing and dynamic part of our business and is our fastest growing sales channel. For the three months ended December 31, 2017, 27% of our gross adds were via our online sales channel, compared to 14% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. We also use mass media, including broadcast television, digital media, radio, newspaper and outdoor advertising, to attract customers and direct them to our in-bound customer care centers or website. Our sales and service employees use a variety of sales tools as they work to match customers' needs with our best-in-class products, with a focus on building and enhancing customer relationships.
Because of our local presence and market knowledge, we invest heavily in targeted marketing. Our strategic focus is on building new customer relationships and bundling broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services. Our promotional materials and messaging focus on how our products and services that deliver innovative solutions to customer pain points. Much of our advertising is developed centrally and customized for our regions. Among other factors, we monitor customer perceptions, marketing tactic impact and competition, to increase our responsiveness and the effectiveness of our efforts. Our footprint has several large college markets where we market specialized products and services to students for multiple dwelling units ("MDUs"), such as dormitories and apartment complexes.
We have separate dedicated sales teams for our SMB and enterprise offerings and dedicated service teams to support SMB and enterprise clients.
Altice Technical Services
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company expects to become the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS prior to the Distribution. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. In light of Altice N.V.'s determination to focus on businesses other than the Company, we and Altice N.V. concluded it is in Altice N.V.'s and the Company's interests for Altice USA to own and operate ATS. The ATS Acquisition was approved by our Audit Committee pursuant to the Company's related-party transaction approval policy.
ATS has and will continue to provide technical operating services to the Company, including field services, such as dispatch, customer installations, disconnects, service changes and other customer service visits, outside plant maintenance services and design and construction services for HFC and FTTH infrastructure pursuant to an Independent Contractor Agreement and Transition Services Agreement with the Company.
Customer Experience
We believe customer service is thea cornerstone of our business. Our strategy is to demonstrate that we are reliable, technical experts, that we are simple to interact with and that, in the event of a service failure, we are responsive and courteous as we work to resolve the issue. Accordingly, we make a concerted effort to continually improve each customer's experience and have made significant investments in our people, processes and technology to enhance our customers' experience and to reduce the number of timesneed for customers need to contact us.
The insights from operational customer service metrics help us focus our product and network improvement efforts. For example,Listening to and acting upon feedback is a major pillar in our customer experience program and as such we link internal sales incentives to early churn and product mix,review feedback as opposed to more traditional criteriapart of new sales, in order to refocus our organization away from churn retention to churn prevention.daily operations.

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        Our customer care centers are managed and operated locally, with the deployment and execution of end-to-end care strategies and initiatives conducted on a site-by-site basis. We have residential and commercial customer care centers located throughout our footprint, including in Newark, NJ; Jericho, NY; Bronx, NY; Melville, NY; Tyler, TX; and Lubbock, TX. Our customer care centers function as an integrated system and utilize software programs that provide increased efficiencies and limited wait-times for customers requiring support.
We provide technical service to our customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have systems that allow our customer care centers to be accessed and managed remotely in the event that systems functionality is temporarily lost, which provides our customers access to customer service with limited disruption.
We are prioritizing the growth and development of new self-service and digital care options while simultaneously simplifying and improving our agent toolset to better serve our customer needs. We strive to offer a premium customer care experience through traditional and digital methods.
We also utilize our customer portal to enable our customers to view and paymanage their billsbill online, obtain usefulservice information and perform various equipment troubleshooting procedures. Our customers may also obtain support through our online bot, chat e-mail functionality and social media websites, including Twitter and Facebook.
Network Management
Our cable systems are generally designed with an HFC architecture that has proven to be highly flexible in meeting the increasing needs of our customers. We deliver our signals via laser-fed fiber optic cable from control centers known as headends and hubs to individual nodes. Each node is connected to the individual homes served by us. A primary benefit of this design is that it pushes fiber optics closer to our customers' homes, which allows us to subdivide our systems into smaller service groups and make capital investments only in service groups experiencing higher than average service growth.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, approximately 96%95% of our basic pay televisionvideo customers were served by systems with a capacity of at least 750 MHz and approximately 275266 homes per node. Our OptimumWe have upgraded our networks, both through the deployment of our fiber to the home network has been upgraded to nearly four times the maximum available broadband speedsand through new DOCSIS technologies, and we have expanded ourare delivering speeds of up to 1 Gbps broadband service to approximately 72%in many areas of our Suddenlink footprint, compared to approximately 40% prior to the Suddenlink Acquisition.footprint. More than 99% of our residential broadband Internet customers are connected to our national backbone with a presence in major carrier access points in New York, Dallas, Chicago, San Jose, Washington D.C. and Phoenix. This presence allows us to avoid significant Internet transit costs by establishing peering relationships with major Internet service and content providers enabling direct connectivity with them at these access points.
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We also have a networking caching architecture that places highly viewed Internet traffic from the largest Internet-based content providers at the edge of the network closest to the customer to reduce bandwidth requirements across our national backbone, thus reducing operating expense. This collective network architecture also provides us with the capability to manage traffic across several Internet access points, thus helping to ensure Internet access redundancy and quality of service for our customers. Additionally, our national backbone connects most of our systems, which allows for an efficient and economical deployment of services from our centralized platforms that include telephone, VOD, network DVR, common pay televisionvideo content, broadband Internet, hosted business solutions, provisioning, e-mail and other related services.
        We have also commenced a plan to build aOur FTTH network build, which willwould enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds across our entire Optimum footprint and parta majority of our Suddenlink footprint.footprint, is underway. We believe this FTTH network will be more resilient with reduced maintenance requirements, fewer service outages and lower power usage, which we expect will drive further structural cost efficiencies.
We have also focused on system reliability and disaster recovery as part of our national backbone and primary system strategy. For example, to help ensure a high level of reliability of our services, we implemented redundant power capability, as well as fiber route and carrier diversity in our networks serving most of our customers. With respect to disaster recovery, we invested in our telephone platform architecture for geo-redundancy to minimize downtime in the event of a disaster to any single facility. Additionally, we are working to implement a geo-redundant disaster recovery environment for our network operations center supporting both residential and business customers.
In addition, we have expanded and refined our bandwidth utilization in capacity constrained systems in order to meet demand for new and improved advanced services. A key component to reclaim bandwidth was the digital delivery of pay televisionvideo channels that were previously distributed in analog through the launch of digital simulcast, which duplicates analog channels as digital channels. Additionally, the deployment of lower-cost digital customer premises equipment, such as HD digital transport adapters, enabled the use of more efficient digital channels instead of analog

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channels, thus allowing the reclamation of expanded basic analog bandwidth in the targeted systems. This reclaimed analog bandwidth could then be repurposed for other advanced services such as additional HDTV services and faster Internet access speeds. This technology has
To support our mobile business, we built a nationwide mobile core network with five main interconnection points (Texas, California, Illinois, and two in New York), as well as the added benefit of providing improved picturenecessary interconnection points for our network partners T-Mobile and sound quality to customers for most of their pay television programming.AT&T.
Information Technology
Our IT systems consist of billing, customer relationship management, business and operational support and sales force management systems. We are updatingcontinue to update and simplifyingsimplify our IT infrastructure through further investments, focusing on cost efficiencies, improved system reliability, functionality and scalability and enhancing the ability of our IT infrastructure to meet our ongoing business objectives. Further, we have made significant progress in integrating and consolidating the IT platforms and systems and streamlining the processes of Optimum and Suddenlink, which has driven operating efficiencies. Additionally, through investment in our IT platforms and focus on process improvement, we have simplified and harmonized our service offering bundles optimizedand improved our technical service delivery and improved customer service.service capabilities. We contract with managed service providers to deliver certain core Business Support Systems and Operations Support Systems. These services are integrated into our overall IT ecosystems to ensure an efficient operation. Backup services are provided through alternate systems and infrastructure.
Suppliers
Customer Premise and Network Equipment
We purchase set-top boxes and other customer premise equipment from a limited number of vendors because each of our cable systems usesuse one or two proprietary technology architectures. We also buy HD, HD/DVRs and VOD equipment, routers, including the components of our new home communications hub, and other network equipment from a limited number of suppliers, including Altice Labs, Altice N.V.'sEurope's technology, services and innovation center. See "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—We rely on network and information systems for our operations and a disruption or failure of, or defects in, those systems may disrupt our operations, damage our reputation with customers and adversely affect our results of operations."
Broadband and Telephone Connectivity
We deliver broadband and telephony services through our HFC and fiber network. We use circuits that are either owned by us or leasedrented from third parties to connect to the Internet and the public switched telephone network. We
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pay fees for leasedrented circuits based on the amount of capacity available to it and pay for Internet connectivity based on the amount of IP-based traffic received from and sent over the other carrier's network.
Mobile Voice and Data Equipment
We purchase for resale mobile handsets from a number of original equipment manufacturers including Apple, Samsung, and Motorola. Customers of our mobile service are able to purchase these handsets with upfront payments or financed without interest over a 36-month period.
Intellectual Property
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. We also rely on our access to the proprietary technology of Altice Europe, including through Altice Labs, and licenses to the name “Altice” and derivatives from Next Alt. However, no single patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or content license is material to our business. We believe we own or have the right to use all of the intellectual property that is necessary for the operation of our business as we currently conduct it.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, pay televisionvideo, mobile and fixed-line telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. We believe our leading market positionsposition in our footprint, technologically advanced network infrastructure, including our FTTH build-out, Altice One, our entertainment and connectivity platform, our new home communications hubmobile service, and our focus on enhancing the customer experience favorably position us to compete in our industry. See also "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—We operate in a highly competitive business environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity."
Broadband Services Competition
Our broadband services face competition from broadband communications companies' digital subscriber line ("DSL"), FTTHFTTH/Fiber to the Premises ("FTTP") and wireless broadband offerings, as well as from a variety of companies that offer other forms of online services, including satellite-based broadband services. AT&T and Verizon Communications Inc.'s ("Verizon") Fios are our primary FTTH competitors. Current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 3G, 4G, LTE and 5G fixed and(and variants) wireless broadband services and Wi-FiWiFi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may also compete with our broadband services both for in premises broadband service and mobile broadband. All major wireless carriers offer unlimited data plans, which could, in some cases, become a substitute for the fixed broadband services we provide. The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") is likely to continue to make additional radio spectrum available for these wireless Internet access services, which in time could expand the quality and reach of these services.
Pay TelevisionVideo Services Competition
We face intense competition from broadband communications companies with fiber-based networks, primarily Verizon, Communications Inc. ("Verizon"), which has constructed a FTTH network plant that passes a significant number of households in our Optimum service area, and AT&T, which has constructed an FTTP/Fiber to the Node ("FTTN") infrastructure in parts of our Suddenlink service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell a fiber-based pay television

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video service, as well as broadband and VoIP services, to at least half of the households in our Optimum service area. In addition, Frontier Communications Corporation ("Frontier") offers pay televisionvideo service in competition with us in most of our Connecticut service area.
We also compete with direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") providers, such as DirecTV (a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.)&T) and DISH Network Corporation ("DISH Network"DISH"). DirecTV and DISH offer one-way satellite-delivered pre-packaged programming services that are received by relatively small and inexpensive receiving dishes. DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming that we cannot offer. In 2018 AT&T also has an agreement to acquireacquired Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner"), which owns a number of cable networks, including TBS, CNN and HBO, andas well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. However, weAT&T's and DirecTV's access to Time Warner programming and studio assets provides AT&T and DirecTV the ability to offer competitive promotional packages. We believe cable-delivered VOD services, which include HD programming,the ability to bundle
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additional services such as broadband, offer a competitive advantage to DBS service because cable headends can provide two-way communication to deliver a large volume of programming which customers can access and control independently, whereas DBS technology can only make available a much smaller amount of programming with DVR-like customer control.independently.
Our pay televisionvideo services also face competition from a number of other sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other pay televisionvideo programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, iTunes,Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube, Playstation Vue, DirecTV NowSling TV, AT&T TV, Locast and Sling TV.others. In addition, our programming partners continue to launch direct to consumer streaming products, delivering content to consumers that was formerly only available via video, such as HBO Max, Discovery+ and Disney+.
Telephony Services Competition
Our telephony service competes with wireline, wireless and OTTVoIP phone service providers, such as Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack, as well as companies that sell phone cards at a cost per minute for both national and international service. In addition, weWe also compete with other forms of communication, such as text messaging on cellular phones, instant messaging, social networking services, video conferencing and email. The increase in theincreased number of different technologies capable of carrying telephony services and the number of alternative communication options available to customers as well as the replacement of wireline services by wireless have intensified the competitive environment in which we operate our telephony services.
Mobile Wireless Competition
Our mobile wireless service, launched in September 2019, faces competition from a number of national incumbent network-based mobile service providers (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Inc. ("T-Mobile")) and smaller regional service providers, as well as a number of reseller or MVNO providers (such as Tracfone, Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless, among others). We believe that our approach to the mobile wireless service offering, including the construction and operation of our own "mobile core" and the ability to bundle and promote the product to our existing customer base, gives us advantages over pure MVNO resellers, and differentiates us from incumbent network-based operators. Improvements by incumbent and reseller mobile service providers on price, features, speeds, and service enhancements will continue to impact the competitiveness and attractiveness of our mobile service, and we will need to continue to invest in our services, product and marketing to answer that competition. Our mobile wireless strategy depends on the availability of wholesale access to radio access networks ("RAN") from one or more network-based providers with whom we are likely to compete. Our mobile service is vulnerable to constraints on the availability of wholesale access or increases in price from the incumbents. Consolidation among wholesale RAN access providers could impair our ability to sustain our mobile service. In April 2020, Sprint and T-Mobile merged, subject to certain conditions imposed by the United States Department of Justice and the FCC. While the conditions attached to the combination may benefit our mobile service in the medium term, the reduction of competition among mobile wireless network-based providers likely will negatively impact the price and availability of wholesale RAN access to the Company generally, certain of the conditions imposed upon the merger parties by the U.S. Justice Department and the FCC have the potential to ameliorate those effects and to enhance the coverage, quality and cost structure for our mobile services while those conditions are in effect.
Business Services Competition
We operate in highly competitive business telecommunications market and compete primarily with local incumbent telephone companies, especially AT&T, CenturyLink, Inc. ("Centurylink"), Frontier and Verizon, as well as fromwith a variety of other national and regional business services competitors.
Advertising Sales Competition
We provide advertising and advanced targeted digital advertising services on television and digital platforms, both directly and indirectly, within and outside our television service area. We face intense competition for advertising revenue across many different platforms and from a wide range of local and national competitors. Advertising competition has increased and will likely continue to increase as new formats seek to attract the same advertisers. We compete for advertising revenue against, among others, local broadcast stations, national cable and broadcast networks, radio stations, print media, social network platforms (such as Facebook and Instagram), and online advertising companies (such as Google) and content providers.providers (such as Disney).
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Regulation
General Company Regulation
Our cable, related and relatedother services are subject to a variety of federal, state and local law and regulations.regulations, as well as, in instances where we operate outside of the U.S., the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we operate. The Communications Act, and the rules, regulations and policies of the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"),FCC, as well as other federal, state and stateother laws governing cable television, communications, consumer protection, privacy and related matters, affect significant aspects of the operations of our cable, systemrelated and services operations.other services.
The following paragraphs describe the existing legal and regulatory requirements we believe are most significant to our cable system operations today. Our business can be dramatically impacted by changes to the existing regulatory framework, whether triggered by legislative, administrative or judicial rulings.
Cable Television
Franchising.    The Communications Act requires cable operators to obtain a non-exclusive franchise from state or local franchising authorities to provide cable service. Although the terms of franchise agreements differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, they typically require payment of franchise fees and contain regulatory provisions addressing, among other things, use of the right of way, service quality, cable service to schools and other public institutions, insurance, indemnity and sales of assets or changes in ownership. State and local franchising authority, however, must be exercised consistent

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with the Communications Act, which sets limits on franchising authorities' powers, including limiting franchise fees to no more than 5% of gross revenues from the provision of cable service, prohibiting franchising authorities from requiring us to carry specific programming services, and protecting the renewal expectation of franchisees by limiting the factors a franchising authority may consider and requiring a due process hearing before denying renewal. Even when franchises are renewed, however, the franchise authority may, except where prohibited by applicable law, seek to impose new and more onerous requirements as a condition of renewal. Similarly, if a franchising authority's consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system, the franchising authority may attempt to impose more burdensome requirements as a condition for providing its consent. Cable franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and, in many cases, include monetary penalties for noncompliance. They may also be terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with material provisions.
In recent years, the traditional local cable franchising regime underwenthas undergone significant change as a result of various federal and state actions.action. Several states have reduced or eliminated the role of local or municipal government in franchising in favor of statestate- or system-wide franchises, and the trend has been toward consolidation of franchising authority at the state level, in part to accommodate the interests of new broadband and cable entrants over the last decade. At the same time, the FCC has adopted rules that streamline entry for new competitors (such as those affiliated with broadband communications companies) and reduce certain franchising burdens for these new entrants. TheIn 2019, the FCC adopted more modest relief foralso extended to existing cable operators, but a recent federal court decision curtailed a portion of thisproviders relief that relatesfrom certain fees and other regulatory requirements imposed by franchising authorities, including subjecting certain fees for access to the right-of-way and certain in-kind payments obligations to the statutory cap on in-kind payments tofranchise fees, as well as preempting franchising authorities.authorities from regulating cable operators’ non-cable services. The FCC’s order is currently being challenged on appeal.
Pricing and Packaging.    The Communications Act and the FCC's rules limit the scope of price regulation for cable television services. Among other limitations, franchising authorities may regulate rates for only "basic" cable service. In 2015, the FCC adopted an order reversing its historic approach to this local rate regulation. Previously, rate regulation was in effect in a community unless and untilrule establishing a cable operator successfully petitioned the FCC for relief by showing the existence of "effective competition" (as defined under federal law) in the community. The FCC reversed that presumption barring franchise authorityagainst rate regulation absent an affirmative showing by the franchising authority that there is an absence of effective competition. AsBased on the 2015 FCC rule, none of our franchise authorities have filed the necessary rate regulation certification, none of our pay televisionvideo customers are currently subject to basic rate regulation.
There have been frequent calls to impose further rate regulation on the cable industry. It is possible that Congress or the FCC may adopt new constraints on the retail pricing or packaging of cable programming. For example, there has been legislative and regulatory interest in requiring cable operators to offer historically bundled programming services on an à la carte basis. In addition, the FCC recently initiated a proceeding exploring how programming practices involving MVPDs affect the availability of diverse and independent programming. As we attempt to respond to a changing marketplace with competitive marketing and pricing practices, we may face regulations that impede our ability to compete. In addition, a number of state and local regulatory authorities have imposed or seek to impose price- or price-related regulation that we believe is inconsistent with FCC direction, and these efforts if successful, will diminish the benefits of deregulation and hamper our ability to compete with our largely unregulated competitors. We brought a challenge in federal court against one such attempt to regulate our pricing by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and in January 2020 we won a preliminary injunction in federal court in the District of New Jersey enjoining that agency from enforcing its regulation.
Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent.    Cable operators are required to carry, without compensation, programming transmitted by most local commercial and noncommercial broadcast television stations that elect "must carry" status.
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Alternatively, local commercial broadcast television stations may elect "retransmission consent," giving up their must-carry right and instead negotiating with cable systems the terms on which the cable systems may carry the station's programming content. Cable systems generally may not carry a broadcast station that has elected retransmission consent without the station's consent. The terms of retransmission consent agreements frequently include the payment of compensation to the station.
Broadcast stations must elect either "must carry" or retransmission consent every three years. A substantial number of local broadcast stations currently carried by our cable systems have elected to negotiate for retransmission consent. In the most recent retransmission consent negotiations, popular television stations have demanded substantial compensation increases, thereby increasing our operating costs.
Ownership Limitations.    Federal regulation of the communications field traditionally included a host of ownership restrictions, which limited the size of certain media entities and restricted their ability to enter into competing enterprises. Through a series of legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions, most of these restrictions have been either eliminated or substantially relaxed. In 2017, the FCC relaxed some broadcast media ownership rules, and the broadcast industry subsequently experienced consolidation. The FCCFCC’s order relaxing these rules was vacated by a federal appeals court, but the appeals court decision is currently considering substantial changes in this area,being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on the outcome of that case or the FCC’s current quadrennial review of ownership rules, the broadcast industry could consolidate further, which could alterimpact the business environment in whichfees we operate.pay broadcasters to license their signals.
Set-Top Boxes.    The Communications Act includes a provision that requires the FCC to take certain steps to support the development of a retail market for "navigation devices," such as cable set-top boxes. As a result,Several years ago, the FCC has adopted certain mandates, from timebegan a proceeding to time, to requireconsider requiring cable operators to accommodate third partythird-party navigation devices, sometimes imposingwhich have imposed substantial development and operating requirements on the industry. From time to time, the FCC has proposed additional rules to effectuate this mandate, thoughThough there is currently no currently active effort to advance these proposals. Nevertheless,proposals, the FCC may in the future consider implementing other measures to promote the competitive availability of retail set-top boxes or third partythird-party navigation options that could impact our customers' experience, our ability to capture user interactions to refine and enhance our services, and our ability to provide a consistent customer support environment.

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PEG and Leased Access.     Franchising authorities may require that we support the delivery and support for public, educational, or governmental ("PEG") channels on our cable systems. In addition to providing PEG channels, we must make a limited number of commercial leased access channels available to third parties (including parties with potentially competitive pay televisionvideo services) at regulated rates. The FCC adopted revised rules several years ago mandating a significant reduction in the rates that operators can charge commercial leased access users. These rules were stayed, however, by a federal court, pending a cable industry appeal. This matter currently remains pending, and the revised rules are not yet in effect. Although commercial leased access activity historically has been relatively limited, increased activity in this area could further burden the channel capacity of our cable systems.
Pole Attachments.    The companyCompany makes extensive use of utility poles and conduitconduits owned by other utilities to attach and install the facilities that are integral to our network and services. The Communications Act requires most utilities to provide cable systems with access to poles and conduits for access to attach such facilities at regulated rates. StatesThe FCC (or where states choose nota state, if it chooses to regulate, the FCC) regulateregulate) regulates utility company rates for the rental of pole and conduit space used by companies, including operators like us, to provide cable, telecommunications services, and Internet access services, unless states establish their own regulations in this area.services. Many states in which we operate have elected to set their own pole attachment rules.
In 2011 and again in 2015, the FCC amended its pole attachment rules to promote broadband deployment. The 2011 order allows for new penalties in certain cases involving unauthorized attachments, but generally strengthens the cable industry's ability to access investor-owned utility poles on reasonable rates, terms and conditions. Additionally, the 2011 order reduces the federal rate formula previously applicable to "telecommunications" attachments to closely approximate the more favorable rate formula applicable to "cable" attachments. The 2015 Order continues this rate reconciliation, effectively closing a remaining "loophole" that potentially allowed for significantly higher rates for telecommunications attachments in certain scenarios. Neither the 2011 order nor the 2015 Order directly affects the rate in states that self-regulate (rather than allowing the FCC to regulate) pole rates, but many of those states have substantially the same rate for cable and telecommunications attachments. Adverse changes to the pole attachment rate structure, rate,rates, classifications, and classificationsaccess could significantly increase our annual pole attachment costs.
Program Access.    The program access rules generally prohibit a cable operator from improperly influencing an affiliated satellite-delivered cable programming service to discriminate unfairly against an unaffiliated distributor where the purpose or effect of such influence is to significantly hinder or prevent the competitor from providing satellite-delivered cable programming. FCC rules also allow a competing distributor to bring a complaint against a cable-affiliated terrestrially-delivered programmer or its affiliated cable operator for alleged violations of this rule, and seek reformed terms of carriage as a remedy.
Program Carriage.    The FCC's program carriage rules prohibit us from requiring that an unaffiliated programmer grant us a financial interest or exclusive carriage rights as a condition of its carriage on our cable systems and prohibit us from unfairly discriminating against unaffiliated programmers in the terms and conditions of carriage on the basis of their nonaffiliation.
On October 12, 2011, Game Show Network ("GSN") filed a program carriage complaint against Cablevision, alleging that we discriminated against it in the terms and conditions of carriage based on GSN's lack of affiliation with us. Although the Enforcement Bureau of the FCC recommended on October 15, 2015, that the administrative law judge adjudicating this dispute find in our favor because GSN had not satisfied its burden of proving that we discriminated against it on the basis of affiliation, the administrative law judge issued his initial decision in GSN's favor on November 23, 2016, requiring that we restore GSN to the expanded basic tier. The FCC reversed that decision and denied GSN's complaint on July 13, 2017. GSN initiated review of that decision in a federal appeals court on September 11, 2017. We believe GSN's claims are without merit and intervened in GSN's appeal to support the FCC's decision on October 11, 2017. On December 28, 2017, we entered into a binding settlement agreement with GSN. On January 25, 2018, the federal court of appeals entered dismissal of the action.
Exclusive Access to Multitenant Buildings.    The FCC has prohibited cable operators from entering into or enforcing exclusive agreements with owners of multitenant buildings under which the operator is the only MVPDmultichannel video
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programming distributor ("MVPD") with access to the building. The FCC is currently considering whether to adopt additional rules regarding access to multitenant environments by providers of broadband service.
CALM Act.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that all commercials carried on our cable service comply with specified volume standards.
Privacy and Data Security.    In the course of providing our services, we collect certain information about our customers and their use of our services. We also collect certain information regarding potential customers and other individuals. Our collection, use, disclosure and other handling of information is subject to a variety of federal and state privacy requirements, including those imposed specifically on cable operators and telecommunications service providers by the Communications Act. We are also subject to data security obligations, as well as requirements to provide notice to individuals and governmental

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entities in the event of certain data security breaches, and such breaches, depending on their scope and consequences, may lead to litigation and enforcement actions with the potential of substantial monetary forfeitures or to adversely affect our brand.
As cable operators provide interactive and other advanced services, additional privacy and data security requirements may arise through legislation, regulation or judicial decisions. For example, the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 has been extended to cover online interactive services through which customers can buy or rent movies. In addition, Congress, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and other lawmakers and regulators are all considering whether to adopt additional measures that could impact the collection, use, and disclosure of customer information in connection with the delivery of advertising and other services to consumers customized to their interests. In October 2016, the FCC adopted new privacy and data security rules governing the use of customer information by broadband ISPs, including cable ISPs and providers of VoIP. These new rules permit the collection and use of non-sensitive customer information subject to the customers' ability to opt out, but require the customers' opt-in before access, use or disclosure of sensitive proprietary information. These new rules are more stringent than the FTC's privacy standards. The FCC suspended the data security portion of these rules in February. In March, both houses of Congress voted to overturn all of the rules. This legislation was signed by the President in April and it is now effective. Some states are now considering imposing similar rules, however.See "Privacy Regulations" below.
Federal Copyright Regulation.    We are required to pay copyright royalty fees on a semi-annual basis to receive a statutory compulsory license to carry broadcast television content. These fees are subject to periodic audit by the content owners. The amount of a cable operator's royalty fee payments are determined by a statutory formula that takes into account various factors, including the amount of "gross receipts" received from customers for "basic" service, the number of "distant" broadcast signals carried and the characteristics of those distant signals (e.g., network, independent or noncommercial). Certain elements of the royalty formula are subject to adjustment from time to time, which can lead to increases in the amount of our semi-annual royalty payments. The U.S. Copyright Office, which administers the collection of royalty fees, has made recommendations to Congress for changes in or elimination of the statutory compulsory licenses for cable television carriage of broadcast signals and the U.S. Government Accountability Office is conducting a statutorily-mandated inquiry into whether the cable compulsory license should be phased out. Changes to copyright regulations could adversely affect the ability of our cable systems to obtain such programming and could increase the cost of such programming. Similarly, we must obtain music rights for locally originated programming and advertising from the major music performing rights organizations. These licensing fees have been the source of litigation in the past, and we cannot predict with certainty whether license fee disputes may arise in the future.
Access for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities can more fully access the programming we carry. We are required to provide closed captions and pass through video description to customers on some networks we carry, and to provide an easy means of activating closed captioning and to ensure the audio accessibility of emergency information and on-screen text menus and guides provided by our navigation capabilities of our video offerings.devices.
Other Regulation.    We are subject to various other regulations, including those related to political broadcasting; home wiring; the blackout of certain network and syndicated programming; prohibitions on transmitting obscene programming; limitations on advertising in children's programming; and standards for emergency alerts, as well as telemarketing and general consumer protection laws and equal employment opportunity obligations. For example, the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 imposes obligations on cable and fixed broadband providers, including required disclosures at the point of sale and in electronic billing and prohibitions on certain equipment charges. The FCC also imposes various technical standards on our operations.In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the FCC and the states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks, potentially including cable networks. Further, following certain extreme weather events in 2020, several states have undertaken examinations of storm resiliency, recovery, and customer impacts, which investigations could lead to additional regulation of the industry. Each of these regulations restricts (or could restrict) our business practices to varying degrees. The FCC can aggressively enforce compliance with its regulations and consumer protection policies, including through the imposition of substantial monetary sanctions. It is possible that Congress or the FCC will expand or modify its regulations of cable systems in the future, and we cannot predict at this time how that might impact our business.
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Broadband
Regulatory Classification.    Broadband Internet access services were traditionally classified by the FCC as "information services" for regulatory purposes, a type of service that is subject to a lesser degree of regulation than "telecommunications services." In 2015, the FCC reversed this determination and classified broadband Internet access services as "telecommunications services." This reclassification had subjected our broadband Internet access service to greater regulation, although the FCC did not apply all telecommunications service obligations to broadband Internet access service. The 2015 Order (as defined below) could have had a material adverse impact on our business. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order that in large part reversed again the 2015 Order and reestablished the "information service" classification for broadband Internet access service. The 2017 Order has not yet gone into effect, however, and the 2015 Order will remain binding until(as defined below) was affirmed in part on appeal in October 2019 insofar as it classified broadband Internet access services as information services subject to lesser federal regulation. However, the 2017 Order takes effect. The 2017 Orderwas also vacated in part on appeal insofar as it preempted states from subjecting broadband Internet access services to any requirements more stringent than the federal requirements. As a result, the precise extent to which state rules may impose such requirements on broadband Internet access service providers is not fully settled. Additionally, the FCC is expected to be subject to legal challenge that may delay its effect or overturn it.revisit the appropriate regulatory classification of broadband in 2021.

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Net Neutrality.    The 2015 Order also established a new "Open Internet" framework that expanded disclosure requirements on Internet service providers ("ISPs") such as cable companies, prohibited blocking, throttling, and paid prioritization of Internet traffic on the basis of the content, and imposed a "general conduct standard" that prohibits unreasonable interference with the ability of end users and edge providers to reach each other. The FCC's 2017 Order eliminates these rules except for certain disclosure requirements. As noted above, however, we cannot be certain when or if the 2017 Order will take effect. Additionally,   Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify "net neutrality" rules.“net neutrality” rules, which could include prohibitions on blocking, throttling and prioritizing Internet traffic. A number of states, including California and New York, have adopted legislation and/or executive orders that apply “net neutrality” rules to Internet service providers ("ISPs"). The California legislation is currently being challenged in court.
Access for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to "advanced communications services" ("ACS"), such as electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing. They also require that certain pay televisionvideo programming delivered via Internet Protocol include closed captioning and require entities distributing such programming to end users to pass through such captions and identify programming that should be captioned.
Other Regulation.    The 2015 Order also subjected broadband providers' Internet traffic exchange rates and practices to potential FCC oversight and created a mechanism for third parties to file complaints regarding these matters. In addition, our provision of Internet services also subjects us to the limitations on use and disclosure of user communications and records contained in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. Broadband Internet access service is also subject to other federal and state privacy laws applicable to electronic communications.
 Additionally, providers    Providers of broadband Internet access services must comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (‘‘CALEA’’("CALEA"), which requires providers to make their services and facilities accessible for law enforcement intercept requests. Various other federal and state laws apply to providers of services that are accessible through broadband Internet access service, including copyright laws, telemarketing laws, prohibitions on obscenity, and a ban on unsolicited commercial e-mail, and privacy and data security laws. Online content we provide is also subject to some of these laws.
Other forms of regulation of broadband Internet access service currently being considered by the FCC, Congress or state legislatures include consumer protection requirements, cyber securitybilling and notifications requirements, cybersecurity requirements, consumer service standards, requirements to contribute to universal service programs and requirements to protect personally identifiable customer data from theft. Pending and future legislation in this area could adversely affect our operations as an Internet service providerISP and our relationship with our Internet customers.
Additionally, from time to time the FCC and Congress have considered whether to subject broadband Internet access services to the federal Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution requirements. Any contribution requirements adopted for Internet access services would impose significant new costs on our broadband Internet service. At the same time, the FCC is changing the manner in which Universal Service funds are distributed. By focusing on broadband and wireless deployment, rather than traditional telephone service, the changes could assist some of our competitors in more effectively competing with our service offerings.
Telephony Services - VoIP
We provide telephony services using VoIP technology ("interconnected VoIP"). and traditional switched telephony via our CLEC subsidiaries.
The FCC has adopted several regulations for interconnected VoIP services, as have several states, especially as it relates to core customer and safety issues such as E911, local number portability, disability access, outage reporting, universal service contributions, and regulatory reporting requirements. The FCC has not, however, formally classified interconnected VoIP services as either information services or telecommunications services. In this vacuum, some states have asserted more expansive rights to regulate interconnected VoIP services, while others have adopted laws that bar the state commission from regulating VoIP service.
Universal Service.     Interconnected VoIP services must contribute to the USF used to subsidize communication services provided to low incomelow-income households, to customers in rural and high cost areas, and to schools, libraries, and
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rural health care providers. The amount of universal service contribution required of interconnected VoIP service providers is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on interconnected VoIP providers.
Local Number Portability.   The FCC requires interconnected VoIP service providers and their "numbering partners" to ensure that their customers have the ability to port their telephone numbers when changing providers. We also contribute to federal funds to meet the shared costs of local number portability and the costs of North American Numbering Plan Administration.
Intercarrier Compensation.    In an October 2011 reform order and subsequent clarifying orders, the FCC revised the regime governing payments among providers of telephony services for the exchange of calls between and among different networks ("intercarrier compensation") to, among other things, explicitly include interconnected VoIP. In that Order, the FCC determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic, including VoIP traffic exchanged in time-division

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multiplexing ("TDM") format, will be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018. The FCC is considering further reform in this area, which could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Other Regulation.     Interconnected VoIP service providers are required to provide enhanced 911 emergency services to their customers; protect customer proprietary network information from unauthorized disclosure to third parties; report to the FCC on service outages; comply with telemarketing regulations and other privacy and data security requirements; comply with disabilities access requirements and service discontinuance obligations; comply with call signaling requirements; and comply with CALEA standards. In August 2015, the FCC adopted new rules to improve the resiliency of the communications network. Under the new rules, providers of telephony services, including interconnected VoIP service providers, must make available eight hours of standby backup power for consumers to purchase at the point of sale. The rules also require that providers inform new and current customers about service limitations during power outages and steps that consumers can take to address those risks.
Telephony Services - Traditional
We operateprovide traditional telecommunications services under the trade name Lightpath in various statestates through our operating subsidiaries, and those services are largely governed under rules established for CLECs under the Communications Act. The Communications Act entitles our CLEC subsidiaries to certain rights, but as telecommunications carriers, it also subjects them to regulation by the FCC and the states. Their designation as telecommunications carriers also results in other regulations that may affect them and the services they offer.
Interconnection and Intercarrier Compensation.    The Communications Act requires telecommunications carriers to interconnect directly or indirectly with other telecommunications carriers.carriers and networks, including VoIP. Under the FCC's intercarrier compensation rules, we are entitled, in some cases, to compensation from carriers when they use our network to terminate or originate calls and in other cases are required to compensate another carrier for using its network to originate or terminate traffic. The FCC and state regulatory commissions, including those in the states in which we operate, have adopted limits on the amounts of compensation that may be charged for certain types of traffic. As noted above,In an October 2011 Order, the FCC has determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic, willincluding VoIP traffic exchanged in time-division multiplexing ("TDM") format, would be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018, and2018. The FCC is considering further reform that could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Universal Service.    Our CLEC subsidiaries are required to contribute to the USF. The amount of universal service contribution required of us is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on CLEC telecommunications services.
Other Regulation.    Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services are subject to other FCC requirements, including protecting the use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information; meeting certain notice requirements in the event of service termination; compliance with disabilities access requirements; compliance with CALEA standards; outage reporting; and the payment of fees to fund local number portability administration and the North American Numbering Plan. As noted above, the FCC and states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks.networks, including heightened backup power requirements within the provider's network. Communications with our customers are also subject to FCC, FTC and state regulations on telemarketing and the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail and fax messages, as well as additional privacy and data security requirements.
State Regulation. Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services are subject to regulation by state commissions in each state where we provide services. In order to provide our services, we must seek approval from the state regulatory commission or be registered to provide services in each state where we operate and may at times require local approval to construct facilities. Regulatory obligations vary from state to state and include some or all of the following requirements: filing tariffs (rates, terms and conditions); filing operational, financial, and customer service reports; seeking approval to transfer the assets or capital stock of the broadband communications company; seeking approval to issue stocks, bonds and other forms of indebtedness of the broadband communications company;
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reporting customer service and quality of service requirements; outage reporting; making contributions to state universal service support programs; paying regulatory and state Telecommunications Relay Service and E911 fees; geographic build-out; and other matters relating to competition.
In September 2019, we launched Altice Mobile, our mobile service using our own core infrastructure and our infrastructure mobile virtual network operator ("iMVNO") agreements with Sprint and other roaming partners, including AT&T. Our mobile wireless service is subject to most of the same FCC and consumer protection regulations as typical, network-based wireless carriers (such as E911 services, local number portability, privacy protection, and constraints on billing and advertising practices). The FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt new or different regulations that apply to our services or similarly situated providers, impose new taxes or fees, or modify the obligations of other network-based carriers to provide wholesale RAN access to providers like Altice USA.
Other Services
We may provide other services and features over our cable system, such as games and interactive advertising that may be subject to a range of federal, state and local laws such as privacy and consumer protection regulations. We also maintain various websites that provide information and content regarding our businesses. The operation of these websites is also subject to a similar range of regulations.

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Environmental Regulations
Our business operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including regulations governing the use, storage, disposal of, and exposure to, hazardous materials, the release of pollutants into the environment and the remediation of contamination. In part as a result of the increasing public awareness concerning the importance of environmental regulations, these regulations have become more stringent over time. Amended or new regulations could impact our operations and costs.
Employees and Labor Relations
As of December 31, 2017, we had 9,047 full-time (5,962 in our Cablevision segment and 3,085 in our Suddenlink segment), 72 part-time (63 in our Cablevision segment and 9 in our Suddenlink segment) and 295 temporary employees (294 in our Cablevision segment and 1 in our Suddenlink segment) of which 208 (in our Cablevision segment) were covered under collective bargaining agreements and an additional 94 (in our Cablevision segment) were represented by a union. As of December 31, 2017, ATS had approximately 3,250 employees, none of which were covered under collective bargaining agreements or represented by a union. We believe our relations with employees are satisfactory.
Available Information and Website
We make available free of charge, through our investor relations section at our website, http://www.alticeusa.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549.  In addition, the public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at its web site http://www.sec.gov.

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Item 1A.    Risk Factors
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
We operate in a highly competitive business environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, pay television and telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite-delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. Some of our competitors include AT&T and its DirecTV subsidiary, CenturyLink, DISH Network, Frontier and Verizon. In addition, our pay television services compete with all other sources of leisure, news, information and entertainment, including movies, sporting or other live events, radio broadcasts, home-video services, console games, print media and the Internet.
In some instances, our competitors have fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater resources, greater operating capabilities and efficiencies of scale, stronger brand-name recognition, longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities and customers, more customers, more flexibility to offer promotional packages at prices lower than ours and greater access to programming or other services. This competition creates pressure on our pricing and has adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our ability to add and retain customers, which in turn adversely affects our business, financial condition and results of operations. The effects of competition may also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our debt. For example, we face intense competition from Verizon, which has constructed FTTH network infrastructure that passes a significant number of households in our New York metropolitan service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell a fiber-based triple play, including broadband, pay television and telephony services, to at least half of the households in our New York metropolitan service area and may expand these and other service offerings to more customers in the future. Any estimate of Verizon's build-out and sales activity in our New York metropolitan service area is difficult to assess because it is based on visual inspections and other limited estimating techniques and therefore serves only as an approximation.
Our competitive risks are heightened by the rapid technological change inherent in our business, evolving consumer preferences and the need to acquire, develop and adopt new technology to differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors, and to meet consumer demand. We may need to anticipate far in advance which technology we should use for the development of new products and services or the enhancement of existing products and services. The failure to accurately anticipate such changes may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Consolidation and cooperation in our industry may allow our competitors to acquire service capabilities or offer products that are not available to us or offer similar products and services at prices lower than ours. For example, Comcast and Charter Communications have agreed to jointly explore operational efficiencies to speed their respective entries into the wireless market, including in the areas of creating common operating platforms and emerging wireless technology platforms. In addition, changes in the regulatory and legislative environments may result in changes to the competitive landscape.
In addition, certain of our competitors own directly or are affiliated with companies that own programming content or have exclusive arrangements with content providers that may enable them to obtain lower programming costs or offer exclusive programming that may be attractive to prospective customers. For example, DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming we cannot offer. AT&T also has an agreement to acquire Time Warner, which owns a number of cable networks, including TBS, CNN and HBO, as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. AT&T's and DirecTV's potential access to Time Warner programming could allow AT&T and DirecTV to offer competitive and promotional packages that could negatively affect our ability to maintain or increase our existing customers and revenues. DBS operators such as DISH Network and DirecTV also have marketing arrangements with certain phone companies in which the DBS provider's pay television services are sold together with the phone company's broadband and mobile and traditional phone services.
Another source of competition for our pay television services is the delivery of video content over the Internet directly to customers, some of which is offered without charging a fee for access to the content. This competition comes

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from a number of different sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming over broadband Internet connections, such as Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, Playstation Vue, DirecTV Now and Go90. It is possible that additional competitors will enter the market and begin providing video content over the Internet directly to customers. Increasingly, content owners, such as HBO and CBS, are selling their programming directly to consumers over the Internet without requiring a pay-television subscription. The availability of these services has and will continue to adversely affect customer demand for our pay television services, including premium and on-demand services. Further, due to consumer electronics innovations, consumers are able to watch such Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Internet access services are also offered by providers of wireless services, including traditional cellular phone carriers and others focused solely on wireless data services. All wireless carriers have started to offer unlimited data plans, which could, in some cases, become a substitute for the fixed broadband services we provide. The FCC is likely to continue to make additional radio spectrum available for these wireless Internet access services.
Our pay television services also face competition from broadcast television stations, entities that make digital video recorded movies and programs available for home rental or sale, satellite master antenna television ("SMATV") systems, which generally serve large MDUs under an agreement with the landlord and service providers and open video system operators. Private cable systems can offer improved reception of local television stations and many of the same satellite-delivered program services that are offered by cable systems. SMATV systems currently benefit from operating advantages not available to franchised cable systems, including fewer regulatory burdens. Cable television has also long competed with broadcast television, which consists of television signals that the viewer is able to receive without charge using an "off-air" antenna. The extent of such competition is dependent upon the quality and quantity of broadcast signals available through "off-air" reception, compared to the services provided by the local cable system. The use of radio spectrum now provides traditional broadcasters with the ability to deliver HD television pictures and multiple digital-quality program streams. There can be no assurance that existing, proposed or as yet undeveloped technologies will not become dominant in the future and render our video service offering less profitable or even obsolete.
Most broadband communications companies, which already have wired networks, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place (such as billing and service personnel), offer DSL services. We believe DSL service competes with our broadband service and is often offered at prices lower than our Internet services. However, DSL is often offered at speeds lower than the speeds we offer. In addition, DSL providers may currently be in a better position to offer Internet services to businesses since their networks tend to be more complete in commercial areas. They may also increasingly have the ability to combine video services with telephone and Internet services offered to their customers, particularly as broadband communications companies enter into co-marketing agreements with other service providers. In addition, current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 3G, 4G and 5G fixed and wireless broadband services and Wi-Fi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may compete with our broadband services.
Our telephony services compete directly with established broadband communications companies and other carriers, including wireless providers, as increasing numbers of homes are replacing their traditional telephone service with wireless telephone service. We also compete against VoIP providers like Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack that do not own networks but can provide service to any person with a broadband connection, in some cases free of charge. In addition, we compete against ILECs, other CLECs and long-distance voice-service companies for large commercial and enterprise customers. While we compete with the ILECs, we also enter into interconnection agreements with ILECs so that our customers can make and receive calls to and from customers served by the ILECs and other telecommunications providers. Federal and state law and regulations require ILECs to enter into such agreements and provide facilities and services necessary for connection, at prices subject to regulation. The specific price, terms and conditions of each agreement, however, depend on the outcome of negotiations between us and each ILEC. Interconnection agreements are also subject to approval by the state regulatory commissions, which may arbitrate negotiation impasses. We have entered into interconnection agreements with Verizon for New York, New Jersey and portions of Connecticut, and with Frontier for portions of Connecticut, which have been approved by the respective state commissions. We have also entered into interconnection agreements with other ILECs in New York and New Jersey. These agreements, like all interconnection agreements, are for limited terms and upon expiration are subject to renegotiation, potential arbitration and approval under the laws in effect at that time.

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We also face competition for our advertising sales from traditional and non-traditional media outlets, including television and radio stations, traditional print media and the Internet.
We face significant risks as a result of rapid changes in technology, consumer expectations and behavior.
The broadband communications industry has undergone significant technological development over time and these changes continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such changes have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on consumer expectations and behavior. Our video business faces technological change risks as a result of the continuing development of new and changing methods for delivery of programming content such as Internet-based delivery of movies, shows and other content which can be viewed on televisions, wireless devices and other developing mobile devices. Consumers' video consumption patterns are also evolving, for example, with more content being downloaded for time-shifted consumption. A proliferation of delivery systems for video content can adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and the demand for our services and it can also decrease advertising demand on our delivery systems. Our broadband business faces technological challenges from rapidly evolving wireless Internet solutions. Our telephony service offerings face technological developments in the proliferation of telephony delivery systems including those based on Internet and wireless delivery. If we do not develop or acquire and successfully implement new technologies, we will limit our ability to compete effectively for customers, content and advertising. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of our home communications hub, Altice One, or that it will be rolled out across our footprint in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to anticipate and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement with Sprint pursuant to which we will utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and our broadband network will be utilized to accelerate the densification of Sprint's network. We believe this additional product offering will enable us to deliver greater value and more benefits to our customers, including by offering "quad play" offerings that bundle broadband, pay television, telephony and mobile voice and data services to our customers. Some of our competitors already offer, or have announced plans to offer, their own "quad-play" offerings that bundle broadband, pay television, telephony and mobile voice and data services. If our customers do not view our quad play offers as competitive with those offered by our competitors, we could experience increased customer churn. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of our mobile voice and data services, or that they will be rolled out in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to anticipate and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Programming and retransmission costs are increasing and we may not have the ability to pass these increases on to our customers. Disputes with programmers and the inability to retain or obtain popular programming can adversely affect our relationship with customers and lead to customer losses.
Programming costs are one of our largest categories of expenses. In recent years, the cost of programming in the cable and satellite video industries has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase, particularly with respect to costs for sports programming and broadcast networks. We may not be able to pass programming cost increases on to our customers due to the increasingly competitive environment. If we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, programming costs are related directly to the number of customers to whom the programming is provided. Our smaller customer base relative to our competitors may limit our ability to negotiate lower per-customer programming costs, which could result in reduced operating margins relative to our competitors with a larger customer base.
The expiration dates of our various programming contracts are staggered, which results in the expiration of a portion of our programming contracts throughout each year. We attempt to control our programming costs and, therefore, the cost of our video services to our customers, by negotiating favorable terms for the renewal of our affiliation agreements with programmers. On certain occasions in the past, such negotiations have led to disputes with programmers that have resulted in temporary periods during which we did not carry or decided to stop carrying a particular broadcast network or programming service or services. For example, in 2017, we were unable to reach agreement with Starz on acceptable economic terms, and effective January 1, 2018, all Starz services were removed from our lineups in our Optimum and

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Suddenlink segments, and we launched alternative networks offered by other programmers under new long-term contracts. On February 13, 2018, we and Starz reached a new carriage agreement and we started restoring the Starz services previously offered by Optimum and Suddenlink. Also, in our Suddenlink segment, we were unable to reach agreement with Viacom on acceptable economic terms for a long-term contract renewal and, effective October 1, 2014, all Viacom networks were removed from our channel lineups in our Suddenlink footprint. We and Viacom did not reach a new agreement to include certain Viacom networks in the Suddenlink channel lineup until May 2017. To the extent we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms we believe are reasonable, we may be forced to, or determine for strategic or business reasons to, remove certain programming channels from our line-up and may decide to replace such programming channels with other programming channels, which may not be available on acceptable terms or be as attractive to customers. Such disputes, or the removal or replacement of programming, may inconvenience some of our customers and can lead to customer dissatisfaction and, in certain cases, the loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that our existing programming contracts will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all, or that the rights we negotiate will be adequate for us to execute our business strategy.
We may also be subject to increasing financial and other demands by broadcast stations. Federal law allows commercial television broadcast stations to make an election between "must-carry" rights and an alternative "retransmission consent" regime. Local stations that elect "must-carry" are entitled to mandatory carriage on our systems, but at no fee. When a station opts for retransmission consent, cable operators negotiate for the right to carry the station's signal, which typically requires payment of a per-customer fee. Our retransmission agreements with stations expire from time to time. Upon expiration of these agreements, we may carry some stations under short-term arrangements while we attempt to negotiate new long-term retransmission agreements. In connection with any negotiation of new retransmission agreements, we may become subject to increased or additional costs, which we may not be able to pass on to our customers. To the extent that we cannot pass on such increased or additional costs to customers or offset such increased or additional costs through the sale of additional services, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. In addition, in the event contract negotiations with stations are unsuccessful, we could be required, or determine for strategic or business reasons, to cease carrying such stations' signals, possibly for an indefinite period. Any loss of stations could make our video service less attractive to our customers, which could result in a loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that any expiring retransmission agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all.
We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy.
Our future growth, profitability and results of operations depend upon our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, which, in turn, is dependent upon a number of factors, including our ability to continue to:
simplify and optimize our organization; 
reinvest in infrastructure and content; 
invest in sales, marketing and innovation; 
enhance the customer experience; 
drive revenue and cash flow growth; and 
opportunistically grow through value-accretive acquisitions.
There can be no assurance that we can successfully achieve any or all of the above initiatives in the manner or time period that we expect. Furthermore, achieving these objectives will require investments which may result in short-term costs without generating any current revenues and therefore may be dilutive to our earnings. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect our strategy will achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to continue improving our operational performance and customer experience we may face a decrease in new customers and an increase in customer churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our plan to build a FTTH network within the anticipated timeline or at all or within the cost

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parameters we currently expect. Similarly, we may not be successful in deploying Altice One or the mobile voice and data services we intend to offer under our agreement with Sprint on our current timeline or realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction thereof, and we may face technological or other challenges in pursuing these or other initiatives.
The financial markets are subject to volatility and disruptions, which have in the past, and may in the future, adversely affect our business, including by affecting the cost of new capital and our ability to fund acquisitions or other strategic transactions.
The capital markets experience volatility and disruption. At times, the markets have exerted extreme downward pressure on stock prices and upward pressure on the cost of new debt, which has severely restricted credit availability for many companies.
Historical market disruptions have typically been accompanied by a broader economic downturn, which has historically led to lower demand for our products, such as video services, as well as lower levels of television advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. A recurrence of these conditions may further adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on the capital markets, particularly for offerings of debt securities and borrowings under syndicated facilities, to meet our financial commitments and liquidity needs and to fund acquisitions or other strategic transactions. Disruptions or volatility in the capital markets could also adversely affect our ability to refinance on satisfactory terms, or at all, our scheduled debt maturities and could adversely affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit facilities.
Disruptions in the capital markets as well as the broader global financial market can also result in higher interest rates on publicly issued debt securities and increased costs under credit facilities. Such disruptions could increase our interest expense, adversely affecting our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our access to funds under our revolving credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to those facilities to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facilities are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.
Longer term, volatility and disruptions in the capital markets and the broader global financial market as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our businesses. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash or impede or delay potential acquisitions, strategic transactions and refinancing transactions until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged.
We are highly leveraged and have substantial indebtedness, which reduces our capability to withstand adverse developments or business conditions.
Our subsidiaries have incurred substantial amounts of indebtedness to finance the Acquisitions, our operations, upgrades to our cable plant and acquisitions of other cable systems, sources of programming and other businesses. We have also incurred substantial indebtedness in order to offer new or upgraded services to our current and potential customers. At December 31, 2017, the carrying value of our total aggregate indebtedness, including collateralized indebtedness, was approximately $21.9 billion ($15.3 billion at our Cablevision segment and $6.6 billion at our Cequel segment). Because we are highly leveraged, our payments on our indebtedness are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flow, which exposes us to significant risk in the event of downturns in our businesses (whether through competitive pressures or otherwise), our industry or the economy generally, since our cash flows would decrease, but our required payments under our indebtedness would not.
Economic downturns may impact our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions in our indentures, credit facilities and agreements governing our other indebtedness and may impact our ability to pay or refinance our indebtedness as it comes due. If we do not repay or refinance our debt obligations when they become due and do not otherwise comply with the covenants and restrictions in our indentures, credit facilities and agreements governing our other indebtedness,

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we would be in default under those agreements and the underlying debt could be declared immediately due and payable. In addition, any default under any of our indentures, credit facilities or agreements governing our other indebtedness could lead to an acceleration of debt under any other debt instruments or agreements that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. If the indebtedness incurred under our indentures, credit facilities and agreements governing our other indebtedness were accelerated, we would not have sufficient cash to repay amounts due thereunder. To avoid a default, we could be required to defer capital expenditures, sell assets, seek strategic investments from third parties or otherwise reduce or eliminate discretionary uses of cash. However, if such measures were to become necessary, there can be no assurance that we would be able to sell sufficient assets or raise strategic investment capital sufficient to meet our scheduled debt maturities as they come due. In addition, any significant reduction in necessary capital expenditures could adversely affect our ability to retain our existing customer base and obtain new customers, which would adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our overall leverage and the terms of our financing arrangements could also:
make it more difficult for us to satisfy obligations under our outstanding indebtedness; 
limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions; 
limit our ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all; 
limit our ability to adapt to changing market conditions; 
restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures; 
require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to paying the principal of and interest on our indebtedness, thereby limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future capital expenditures, working capital and other corporate purposes; 
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the broadband communications industry generally; and 
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with competitors that have a less significant debt burden.
In addition, a substantial portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, our variable-rate debt will have higher debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition. For more information, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk." Although we have historically entered into, and may in the future enter into, hedging arrangements to limit our exposure to an increase in interest rates, such arrangements may not offer complete protection from this risk.
If we incur additional indebtedness, such indebtedness could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
If we incur additional indebtedness, such indebtedness will be added to our current debt levels and the related risks we currently face could be magnified. Any decrease in our revenues or an increase in operating costs (and corresponding reduction in our cash flows) would also adversely affect our ability to pay our indebtedness as it comes due.
We have in past periods incurred substantial losses from continuing operations, and we may do so in the future, which may reduce our ability to raise needed capital.
We have in the past incurred substantial losses from continuing operations and we may do so in the future. Significant losses from continuing operations could limit our ability to raise any needed financing, or to do so on favorable terms, as such losses could be taken into account by potential investors, lenders and the organizations that issue investment ratings on our indebtedness.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities by ratings agencies may further increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies they follow. The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. In addition,

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developments in our business and operations or the amount of indebtedness could lead to a ratings downgrade on our or our subsidiaries' indebtedness. The debt ratings for our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities are currently below the "investment grade" category, which results in higher borrowing costs as well as a reduced pool of potential investors of that debt as some investors will not purchase debt securities or become lenders under credit facilities that are not rated in an investment grade rating category. In addition, there can be no assurance that any rating assigned will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency, if in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Any such fluctuation in the rating of us or our subsidiaries may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in return may adversely affect the market price of shares of our Class A common stock.
Our subsidiaries' ability to meet obligations under their indebtedness may be restricted by limitations on our other subsidiaries' ability to send funds.
Our subsidiaries that have incurred indebtedness under indentures and credit facilities are primarily holding companies whose ability to pay interest and principal on such indebtedness is wholly or partially dependent upon the operations of their respective subsidiaries and the distributions or other payments of cash, in the form of distributions, loans or advances, those other subsidiaries deliver to our indebted subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and, unless any such subsidiaries has guaranteed the underlying indebtedness, have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on our indebted subsidiaries' indebtedness or to make any funds available to our indebted subsidiaries to do so. These subsidiaries may not generate enough cash to make such funds available to our indebted subsidiaries and in certain circumstances legal and contractual restrictions may also limit their ability to do so. Also, our subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors, in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary, would be entitled to a claim on the assets of such subsidiaries, including any assets transferred to those subsidiaries, prior to any of our claims as a stockholder and those creditors are likely to be paid in full before any distribution is made to us. To the extent that we are a creditor of a subsidiary, our claims could be subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and/or any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to that held by us.
In addition, our Optimum and Suddenlink businesses are each currently financed on a standalone basis and constitute separate financing groups, which are subject to covenants that restrict the use of their respective cash flows outside their respective restricted groups. Consequently, cash flows from operations of Optimum and its subsidiaries may not be able to be applied to meet the obligations or other expenses of Suddenlink and its subsidiaries and cash flows from operations of Suddenlink may not be able to be applied to meet the obligations or other expenses of Optimum and its subsidiaries, except to the extent that the relevant restricted group is able to pay a dividend under the agreements governing their respective indebtedness.
Our ability to incur additional indebtedness and use our funds is limited by significant restrictive covenants in financing agreements.
The indentures, credit facilities and agreements governing the indebtedness of our subsidiaries contain various negative covenants that restrict our subsidiaries' (and their respective subsidiaries') ability to, among other things:
incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; 
pay dividends or make other distributions, or repurchase or redeem capital stock; 
prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated debt or equity; 
issue certain preferred stock; 
make loans and investments; 
sell assets; 
incur liens; 
enter into transactions with affiliates; 

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create or permit any encumbrances or restrictions on the ability of their respective subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions, make loans or advances or transfer assets, in each case to such subsidiary, or its other restricted subsidiaries; and 
consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets.
We are also subject to certain affirmative covenants under our subsidiaries' revolving credit facilities, which, among other things, require the relevant Cablevision and Cequel subsidiaries to each maintain a specified financial ratio if there are any outstanding utilizations. Our ability to meet these financial ratios may be affected by events beyond our control and, as a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet these ratios.
Violation of these covenants could result in a default that would permit the relevant creditors to require the immediate repayment of the borrowings thereunder, which could result in a default under other debt instruments and agreements that contain cross-default provisions and, in the case of revolving credit facilities, permit the relevant lenders to restrict the relevant borrower's ability to borrow undrawn funds under such revolving credit facilities. A default under any of the agreements governing our indebtedness could materially adversely affect our growth, financial condition and results of operations.
As a result, we may be:
limited in how we conduct our business; 
unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or 
unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.
These restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy and on the value of our debt and equity securities. In addition, our financial results, substantial indebtedness and credit ratings could materially adversely affect the availability and terms of our financing.
We will need to raise significant amounts of funding over the next several years to fund capital expenditures, repay existing obligations and meet other obligations and the failure to do so successfully could adversely affect our business. We may also engage in extraordinary transactions that involve the incurrence of large amounts of indebtedness.
Our business is capital intensive. Operating and maintaining our cable systems requires significant amounts of cash payments to third parties. Capital expenditures were $991.4 million and $625.5 million in 2017 and 2016 and primarily included payments for customer premise equipment, network infrastructure, support and other costs. Capital expenditures were $711.4 million and $298.4 million in 2017 and for the period from the date of the Cablevision Acquisition through December 31, 2016, respectively, for our Cablevision segment and $279.9 million and $327.2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, for our Cequel segment.
We have commenced a plan to build a FTTH network, which will enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds across our entire Optimum footprint and part of our Suddenlink footprint. We also introduced Altice One during the fourth quarter of 2017, which is our most advanced home communications hub, and we have begun rolling it out across our Optimum footprint. Also in the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement pursuant to which we will utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and our broadband network will be utilized to accelerate the densification of Sprint's network. We may not be able to execute these initiatives within the anticipated timelines and we may incur greater than anticipated costs and capital expenditures, fail to realize anticipated benefits, experience business disruptions or encounter other challenges to executing either as planned. The failure to realize the anticipated benefits of these initiatives could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect these capital expenditures to continue to be significant as we further enhance our service offerings. We may have substantial future capital commitments in the form of long-term contracts that require substantial payments over a period of time. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash internally to fund anticipated capital expenditures, meet these obligations and repay our indebtedness at maturity. Accordingly, we may have to do one or more of the following:
refinance existing obligations to extend maturities; 

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raise additional capital, through debt or equity issuances or both; 
cancel or scale back current and future spending programs; or 
sell assets or interests in one or more of our businesses.
However, we may not be able to refinance existing obligations or raise any required additional capital or to do so on favorable terms. Borrowing costs related to future capital raising activities may be significantly higher than our current borrowing costs and we may not be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, if financial markets experience volatility. If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Our choice of which spending programs to cancel or reduce may be limited. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. It is possible that in the future we may also engage in extraordinary transactions and such transactions could result in the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness.
We rely on network and information systems for our operations and a disruption or failure of, or defects in, those systems may disrupt our operations, damage our reputation with customers and adversely affect our results of operations.
Network and information systems are essential to our ability to deliver our services to our customers. While we have in place multiple security systems designed to protect against intentional or unintentional disruption, failure, misappropriation or corruption of our network and information systems, there can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our network and information systems will prevent any of the problems identified above. A problem of this type might be caused by events such as computer hacking, computer viruses, worms and other destructive or disruptive software, "cyber-attacks" and other malicious activity, defects in the hardware and software comprising our network and information systems, as well as natural disasters, power outages, terrorist attacks and similar events. Such events could have an adverse impact on us and our customers, including degradation of service, service disruption, excessive call volume to call centers and damage to our plant, equipment and data. Operational or business delays may result from the disruption of network or information systems and the subsequent remediation activities. Moreover, these events may create negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers and our results of operations could suffer.
We also use certain vendors to supply some of the hardware, software and support of our network, some of which have been customized or altered to fit our business needs. Certain of these vendors and suppliers may have leverage over us considering that there are limited suppliers of certain products and services, or that there is a long lead time and/or significant expense required to transition to another provider. In addition, some of these vendors and suppliers do not have a long operating history or may not be able to continue to supply the equipment and services we desire. Some of our hardware, software and operational support vendors and some of our service providers represent our sole source of supply or have, either through contract or as a result of intellectual property rights, a position of some exclusivity. In addition, because of the pace at which technological innovations occur in our industry, we may not be able to obtain access to the latest technology on reasonable terms. Any delays or the termination or disruption in these relationships as a result of contractual disagreements, operational or financial failures on the part of our vendors and suppliers, or other adverse events that prevent such vendors and suppliers from providing the equipment or services we need, with the level of quality we require, in a timely manner and at reasonable prices, could result in significant costs to us and have a negative effect on our ability to provide services and rollout advanced services. Our ability to replace such vendors and suppliers may be limited and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
If we experience a significant data security breach or fail to detect and appropriately respond to a significant data security breach, our results of operations and reputation could suffer.
The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our customers and employees. We have procedures in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. Unauthorized parties may

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also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities and to our proprietary business information. If our efforts to protect the security of information about our customers and employees are unsuccessful, a significant data security breach may result in costly government enforcement actions, private litigation and negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer.
A portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions. Collective bargaining agreements can increase our expenses. Labor disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2017, 208 Cablevision full-time employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements (primarily technicians in Brooklyn, New York) with the Communication Workers of America ("CWA"). Cablevision and the CWA entered into a collective bargaining agreement in 2015. This agreement was renewed in June 2016 for an additional three-year term. On March 10, 2017, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW") was certified to represent 100 employees in Oakland, New Jersey. We are currently negotiating a collective bargaining agreement with the IBEW relating to these employees and there can be no assurance that we will be able to reach an agreement on terms acceptable to us. The collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW covering these groups of employees or any other agreements with other unions may increase our expenses. In addition, any disruptions to our operations due to labor related problems could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A significant amount of our book value consists of intangible assets that may not generate cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale.
At December 31, 2017, we reported approximately $34.8 billion of consolidated total assets, of which approximately $26.1 billion were intangible ($18.4 billion at our Cablevision segment and $7.7 billion at our Cequel segment). Intangible assets primarily included franchises from city and county governments to operate cable systems, goodwill, customer relationships and trade names. While we believe the carrying values of our intangible assets are recoverable, we may not receive any cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale of these intangible assets, particularly if we were not continuing as an operating business. We urge our stockholders to read carefully our consolidated financial statements contained herein, which provide more detailed information about these intangible assets.
We may engage in acquisitions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business has grown significantly as a result of acquisitions, including the Acquisitions, which entail numerous risks including:
distraction of our management team in identifying potential acquisition targets, conducting due diligence and negotiating acquisition agreements; 
difficulties in integrating the operations, personnel, products, technologies and systems of acquired businesses; 
difficulties in enhancing our customer support resources to adequately service our existing customers and the customers of acquired businesses; 
the potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired businesses; 
unanticipated liabilities or contingencies of acquired businesses; 
unbudgeted costs which we may incur in connection with pursuing potential acquisitions which are not consummated; 
failure to achieve projected cost savings or cash flow from acquired businesses, which are based on projections that are inherently uncertain; 
fluctuations in our operating results caused by incurring considerable expenses to acquire and integrate businesses before receiving the anticipated revenues expected to result from the acquisitions; and 
difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals required to consummate acquisitions.

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We also participate in competitive bidding processes, some of which may involve significant cable systems. If we are the winning bidder in any such process involving significant cable systems or we otherwise engage in acquisitions or other strategic transactions in the future, we may incur additional debt, contingent liabilities and amortization expenses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also issue substantial additional equity which could dilute existing stockholders.
If our acquisitions, including the Acquisitions and the integration of the Optimum and Suddenlink businesses, do not result in the anticipated operating efficiencies, are not effectively integrated, or result in costs which exceed our expectations, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Significant unanticipated increases in the use of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services could increase our costs.
The rising popularity of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services poses risks for our broadband services. Examples of such services include peer-to-peer file sharing services, gaming services and the delivery of video via streaming technology and by download. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive broadband services grows beyond our current expectations, we may need to incur more expenses than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our systems or our customers could have a suboptimal experience when using our broadband service. In order to continue to provide quality service at attractive prices, we need the continued flexibility to develop and refine business models that respond to changing consumer uses and demands and to manage bandwidth usage efficiently. Our ability to undertake such actions could be restricted by regulatory and legislative efforts to impose so-called "net neutrality" requirements on broadband communication providers like us that provide broadband services. For more information, see "Regulation—Broadband."
Our business depends on intellectual property rights and on not infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.Intellectual Property
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. Our intellectual property rights may be challengedWe also rely on our access to the proprietary technology of Altice Europe, including through Altice Labs, and invalidated by third partieslicenses to the name “Altice” and may not be strong enough to provide meaningful commercial competitive advantage. Third parties have in the past, and may in the future, assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusivederivatives from Next Alt. However, no single patent, copyright, trademark, and othertrade secret or content license is material to our business. We believe we own or have the right to use all of the intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a resultis necessary for the operation of our growthbusiness as we currently conduct it.
Competition
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, video, mobile and fixed-line telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. We believe our leading market position in our footprint, technologically advanced network infrastructure, including our FTTH build-out, Altice One, our entertainment and connectivity platform, our new mobile service, and our focus on enhancing the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. Because of the existence of a large number of patents in the networking field, the secrecy of some pending patents and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, we believe it is not possible to determine in advance whether a product or any of its components infringes or will infringe on the patent rights of others. Asserted claims and/or initiated litigation can include claims against us or our manufacturers, suppliers or customers, alleging infringement of their proprietary rights with respect to our existing or future products and/or services or components of those products and/or services.
Regardless of the merit of these claims, they can be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and diversion of technical and management personnel, or requirecustomer experience favorably position us to modifycompete in our industry. See also "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—We operate in a highly competitive business develop a non-infringing technology, be enjoined from use of certain intellectual property, use alternate technology or enter into license agreements. There can be no assurance that licenses will be available on acceptable terms and conditions, if at all, or that our indemnification by our suppliers will be adequate to cover our costs if a claim were brought directly against us or our customers. Furthermore, because of the potential for high court awards that are not necessarily predictable, it is not unusual to find even arguably unmeritorious claims settled for significant amounts. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third party is successful, if we are required to indemnify a customer with respect to a claim against the customer, or if we fail to modify our business, develop non-infringing technology, use alternate technology or license the proprietary rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions,environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations and liquidity."
Broadband Services Competition
Our broadband services face competition from broadband communications companies' digital subscriber line ("DSL"), FTTH/Fiber to the Premises ("FTTP") and wireless broadband offerings, as well as from a variety of companies that offer other forms of online services, including satellite-based broadband services. AT&T and Verizon Communications Inc.'s ("Verizon") Fios are our primary FTTH competitors. Current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 4G, LTE and 5G (and variants) wireless broadband services and WiFi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may also compete with our broadband services both for in premises broadband service and mobile broadband. All major wireless carriers offer unlimited data plans, which could, be materially adversely affected.in some cases, become a substitute for the fixed broadband services we provide. The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") is likely to continue to make additional radio spectrum available for these wireless Internet access services, which in time could expand the quality and reach of these services.
Video Services Competition
We may be liable for the materialface intense competition from broadband communications companies with fiber-based networks, primarily Verizon, which has constructed a FTTH network plant that content providers distribute overpasses a significant number of households in our networks.
The law relatingOptimum service area, and AT&T, which has constructed an FTTP/Fiber to the liabilityNode ("FTTN") infrastructure in parts of private network operators for information carried on, stored or disseminated through theirour Suddenlink service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell a fiber-based video service, as well as broadband and VoIP services, to at least half of the households in our Optimum service area. Frontier Communications Corporation ("Frontier") offers video service in competition with us in most of our Connecticut service area.
We also compete with direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") providers, such as DirecTV (a subsidiary of AT&T) and DISH Network Corporation ("DISH"). DirecTV and DISH offer one-way satellite-delivered pre-packaged programming services that are received by relatively small and inexpensive receiving dishes. DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming that we cannot offer. In 2018 AT&T acquired Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner"), which owns a number of cable networks, is still unsettled. As such, we could be exposedincluding TBS, CNN and HBO, as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. AT&T's and DirecTV's access to legal claims relatingTime Warner programming and studio assets provides AT&T and DirecTV the ability to content disseminated on our networks. Claims could challengeoffer competitive promotional packages. We believe cable-delivered services, which include the accuracy of materials on our network or could involve matters such as

ability to bundle
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additional services such as broadband, offer a competitive advantage to DBS service because cable headends can provide two-way communication to deliver a large volume of programming which customers can access and control independently.
defamation, invasionOur video services also face competition from a number of privacyother sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, AT&T TV, Locast and others. In addition, our programming partners continue to launch direct to consumer streaming products, delivering content to consumers that was formerly only available via video, such as HBO Max, Discovery+ and Disney+.
Telephony Services Competition
Our telephony service competes with wireline, wireless and VoIP phone service providers, such as Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack, as well as companies that sell phone cards at a cost per minute for both national and international service. We also compete with other forms of communication, such as text messaging on cellular phones, instant messaging, social networking services, video conferencing and email. The increased number of technologies capable of carrying telephony services and the number of alternative communication options available to customers have intensified the competitive environment in which we operate our telephony services.
Mobile Wireless Competition
Our mobile wireless service, launched in September 2019, faces competition from a number of national incumbent network-based mobile service providers (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Inc. ("T-Mobile")) and smaller regional service providers, as well as a number of reseller or copyright infringement. IfMVNO providers (such as Tracfone, Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless, among others). We believe that our approach to the mobile wireless service offering, including the construction and operation of our own "mobile core" and the ability to bundle and promote the product to our existing customer base, gives us advantages over pure MVNO resellers, and differentiates us from incumbent network-based operators. Improvements by incumbent and reseller mobile service providers on price, features, speeds, and service enhancements will continue to impact the competitiveness and attractiveness of our mobile service, and we will need to take costly measurescontinue to reduceinvest in our exposureservices, product and marketing to these risksanswer that competition. Our mobile wireless strategy depends on the availability of wholesale access to radio access networks ("RAN") from one or are required to defend ourselves against such claims, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Ifmore network-based providers with whom we are unablelikely to retain key employees,compete. Our mobile service is vulnerable to constraints on the availability of wholesale access or increases in price from the incumbents. Consolidation among wholesale RAN access providers could impair our ability to managesustain our business could be adversely affected.
Our operational results have depended,mobile service. In April 2020, Sprint and T-Mobile merged, subject to certain conditions imposed by the United States Department of Justice and the FCC. While the conditions attached to the combination may benefit our future resultsmobile service in the medium term, the reduction of competition among mobile wireless network-based providers likely will depend,negatively impact the price and availability of wholesale RAN access to the Company generally, certain of the conditions imposed upon the retention and continued performance of our management team. The competitive environment for management talent inmerger parties by the broadband communications industry could adversely impact our ability to retain and hire new key employees for management positions. The loss of the services of key members of managementU.S. Justice Department and the inability or delay in hiring new key employees could adversely affect our abilityFCC have the potential to manage our businessameliorate those effects and our future operationalto enhance the coverage, quality and financial results.
Impairment of Altice Group's or Mr. Drahi's reputation could adversely affect current and future customers' perception of Altice USA.
Our ability to attract and retain customers depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Altice Group's and Mr. Drahi's reputation and the quality of Altice Group's products and its corporate and management integrity. The broadband communications and video services industry is by its nature more prone to reputational risks than other industries. This has been compounded in recent years by the free flow of unverified information on the Internet and, in particular, on social media. Impairment, including any loss of goodwill or reputational advantages, of Altice Group's or Mr. Drahi's reputation in markets in which we do not operate could adversely affect current and future customers' perception of Altice USA. The consummation of the Distribution may not lessen these risks.
Macroeconomic developments may adversely affect our business.
Our performance is subject to global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending levels. Continued uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, and/or declines in income or asset values, which could have a material negative effect on demandcost structure for our productsmobile services while those conditions are in effect.
Business Services Competition
We operate in highly competitive business telecommunications market and services. Ascompete primarily with local incumbent telephone companies, especially AT&T, CenturyLink, Inc. ("Centurylink"), Frontier and Verizon, as well as with a variety of other national and regional business services competitors.
Advertising Sales Competition
We provide advertising and advanced targeted digital advertising services on television and digital platforms, both directly and indirectly, within and outside our business depends on consumer discretionary spending, our resultstelevision service area. We face intense competition for advertising revenue across many different platforms and from a wide range of operations are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases as a result of job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies,local and national competitors. Advertising competition has increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes, reduced access to credit, and lower home values. These and other economic factors could adversely affect demand for our products, which in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Online piracy of entertainment and media content could result in reduced revenues and increased expenditures which could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Online entertainment and media content piracy is extensive in many parts of the world and is made easier by technological advances. This trend facilitates the creation, transmission and sharing of high quality unauthorized copies of entertainment and media content. The proliferation of unauthorized copies of this content will likely continue to increase as new formats seek to attract the same advertisers. We compete for advertising revenue against, among others, local broadcast stations, national cable and if it does, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditionbroadcast networks, radio stations, print media, social network platforms (such as Facebook and results of operations because these products could reduce the revenue we receive for our products. Additionally, in order to contain this problem, we may have to implement elaborateInstagram), and costly securityonline advertising companies (such as Google) and antipiracy measures, which could result in significant expenses and losses of revenue. There can be no assurance that even the highest levels of security and anti-piracy measures will prevent piracy.
The AMC Networks Distribution could result in significant tax liability.
We have received private letter rulings from the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") to the effect that, among other things, the AMC Networks Distribution (whereby Cablevision distributed to its stockholders all of the outstanding common stock of AMC Networks, a company which consisted principally of national programming networks, including AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel, previously owned and operated by Cablevision) and certain related transactions, will qualify for tax-free treatment under the Internal Revenue Code ("Code")content providers (such as Disney).
Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if the factual representations or assumptions made in the letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, we will not be able to rely on the ruling. Furthermore, the IRS will not rule on whether a distribution satisfies certain requirements necessary
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Regulation
to obtain tax-free treatment under the Code. Rather, the ruling is based upon our representations that these conditions have been satisfied, and any inaccuracy in such representations could invalidate the ruling.
If the AMC Networks Distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then, in general, we would be subject to tax as if we had sold the AMC Networks common stock, as the case may be, in a taxable sale for its fair value. Cablevision stockholders at the time of the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a distribution equal to the fair value of AMC Networks common stock that was distributed to them, which generally would be treated as a taxable dividend. It is expected that the amount of any such taxes to Cablevision's stockholders and us would be substantial.
Risk Factors Relating to Regulatory and Legislative MattersGeneral Company Regulation
Our business iscable, related and other services are subject to extensive governmental legislation and regulation, which could adversely affect our business, increase our operational and administrative expenses and limit our revenues.
Regulation of the cable, telephone, and broadband industries imposes operational and administrative expenses and limits their revenues. The Company operates in all of these industries and is therefore subject to, among other things:
rules governing the provisioning and marketing of cable equipment and compatibility with new digital technologies; 
rules and regulations relating to data protection and customer and employee privacy; 
rules establishing limited rate regulation of video service; 
rules governing the copyright royalties that must be paid for retransmitting broadcast signals; 
• rules governing when a cable system must carry a particular broadcast station and when it must first obtain retransmission consent to carry a broadcast station; 
rules governing the provision of channel capacity to unaffiliated commercial leased access programmers; 
rules limiting the ability to enter into exclusive agreements with MDUs and control inside wiring; 
rules for cable franchise renewals and transfers; 
other requirements covering a variety of operational areas such as equal employment opportunity, emergency alert systems, disability access, technical standards and customer service and consumer protection requirements; 
rules, regulations and regulatory policies relating to the provision of broadband service, including "net neutrality" requirements; and 
rules, regulations and regulatory policies relating to the provision of telephony services.
Many aspects of these regulations are currently the subject of judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. There are also efforts to amend or expand the federal, state and local regulationlaw and regulations, as well as, in instances where we operate outside of somethe U.S., the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we operate. The Communications Act, and the rules, regulations and policies of the FCC, as well as other federal, state and other laws governing cable television, communications, consumer protection, privacy and related matters, affect significant aspects of the operations of our cable, systems, which may compoundrelated and other services.
The following paragraphs describe the regulatory risks we already face, and proposals that might make it easier for our employees to unionize. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act prohibits many taxes on Internet access service, but certain states and localities are considering new taxes and fees on our provision of cable, broadband, and telecommunications taxes that could increase operating expenses. Certain states are also considering adopting energy efficiency regulations governing the operation of equipment that we use, which could constrain innovation. Congress periodically considers whether to rewrite the entire Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act") to account for changes in the communications marketplace or to adopt more focused changes. In response to recent data breaches and increasing concerns regarding the protection of consumers' personal information, Congress, states, and regulatory agencies are considering the adoption of new privacy and data security laws and regulations that could result in additional privacy, as well as network and information security, requirements for our business. These new laws, as well as existing legal and regulatory obligations, could requirerequirements we believe are most significant expenditures.
Additionally, there have been statements by federal government officials indicating that some laws and regulations applicable to our industry may be repealed or modified in a way that could be favorable to us and our competitors. There

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operations today. Our business can be no assurance that any such repealdramatically impacted by changes to the existing regulatory framework, whether triggered by legislative, administrative or modification will be beneficialjudicial rulings.
Cable Television
Franchising.    The Communications Act requires cable operators to us or will not be more beneficial to our current and future competitors.
Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination. The failure to renewobtain a non-exclusive franchise in one or more key markets could adversely affect our business.
Our cable systems generally operate pursuant to franchises, permits and similar authorizations issued by afrom state or local governmentalfranchising authorities to provide cable service. Although the terms of franchise agreements differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, they typically require payment of franchise fees and contain regulatory provisions addressing, among other things, use of the right of way, service quality, cable service to schools and other public institutions, insurance, indemnity and sales of assets or changes in ownership. State and local franchising authority, controllinghowever, must be exercised consistent with the public rights-of-way. SomeCommunications Act, which sets limits on franchising authorities' powers, including limiting franchise fees to no more than 5% of gross revenues from the provision of cable service, prohibiting franchising authorities from requiring us to carry specific programming services, and protecting the renewal expectation of franchisees by limiting the factors a franchising authority may consider and requiring a due process hearing before denying renewal. Even when franchises establish comprehensive facilitiesare renewed, however, the franchise authority may, except where prohibited by applicable law, seek to impose new and servicemore onerous requirements as wella condition of renewal. Similarly, if a franchising authority's consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system, the franchising authority may attempt to impose more burdensome requirements as specific customer service standardsa condition for providing its consent. Cable franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and, in many cases, include monetary penalties for non-compliance. In many cases, franchises arenoncompliance. They may also be terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with significant provisions set forth inmaterial provisions.
In recent years, the franchise agreement governing system operations. Franchises are generally granted for fixed terms and must be periodically renewed. Franchising authorities may resist granting a renewal if either past performance or the prospective operating proposal is considered inadequate. Franchise authorities often demand concessions or other commitments as a condition to renewal. In some instances,traditional local franchises have not been renewed at expiration, and we have operated and are operating under either temporary operating agreements or without a franchise while negotiating renewal terms with the local franchising authorities.
As of December 31, 2017, one of our largest franchises, the Town of Hempstead, New York, comprising an aggregate of approximately 85,000 pay television customers, was expired. We are currently lawfully operating in the Town of Hempstead, New York franchise area under temporary authority recognized by the State of New York. Lightpath holds a franchise from New York City that expired on December 20, 2008 and the renewal process is ongoing. We believe New York City is treating the expiration date of this franchise as extended until a formal determination on renewal is made, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in renewing this franchise on anticipated terms or at all. We expect to renew or continue to operate under all or substantially all of our franchises.
The traditional cable franchising regime is currently undergoinghas undergone significant change as a result of various federal and state actions. Some stateaction. Several states have reduced or eliminated the role of local or municipal government in franchising laws do not allow incumbent operators like us to immediately opt into favorable statewide franchising as quickly as new entrants, and often require us to retain certain franchise obligations that are more burdensome than those applied to new entrants.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with all significant provisionsin favor of our franchise agreements and certain of our franchisors have from time to time alleged that we have not complied with these agreements. Additionally, although historically we have renewed our franchises without incurring significant costs, there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew,state- or to renew on terms as favorable, our franchises in the future. A termination of or a sustained failure to renew a franchise in one or more key markets could adversely affect our business in the affected geographic area.
Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive. Accordingly, local and state franchising authorities can grant additionalsystem-wide franchises, and create competitionthe trend has been toward consolidation of franchising authority at the state level, in market areas where none existed previously, resulting in overbuilds, which could adversely affect our resultspart to accommodate the interests of operations.
Cable systems are operated under non-exclusive franchises historically granted by local authorities. More than onenew broadband and cable system may legally be built inentrants over the last decade. At the same area, which is referred to as an overbuild. It is possible that a franchising authority might grant a second franchise to another cable operator and that such franchise might contain terms and conditions more favorable than those afforded to us. Although entry intotime, the cable industry involves significant cost barriers and risks, well-financed businesses from outside the cable industry, such as online service providers, or public utilities that already possess fiber optic and other transmission lines in the areas they serve, may over time become competitors. In addition, there are a few cities that have constructed their own cable systems, in a manner similar to city-provided utility services, and private cable companies not affiliated with established local exchange carriers have also demonstrated an interest in constructing overbuilds. We believe that for any potential competitor to be successful, such competitor's overbuild would need to be able to serve the homes and businesses in the overbuilt area with equal or better service quality, on a more cost-effective basis than we can.
In some cases, local government entities and municipal utilities may legally compete with us without securing a local franchise or on more favorable franchise terms. In recent years, federal legislative and regulatory proposals have sought to facilitate the ability of municipalities to construct and deploy broadband facilities that could compete with our cable systems. In addition, certain telephone companies have sought or are seeking authority to operate in communities

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without first obtaining a local franchise. As a result, competing operators may build systems in areas in which we hold franchises. The FCC has adopted rules that streamline entry for new competitors (including(such as those affiliated with telephonebroadband communications companies) and reduce certain franchising burdens for these new entrants. TheIn 2019, the FCC subsequentlyalso extended more modest relief to incumbent cable operators like the Company, but a recent federal court decision curtailed a portion of this relief that relates to the cap on in-kind payments to franchising authorities. At the same time, a substantial number of states have adopted franchising laws designed to streamline entry for new competitors, and they often provide advantages for these new entrants that are not immediately available to existing operators.
We believe the markets we serve are not significantly overbuilt. However, the FCCcable providers relief from certain fees and some stateother regulatory commissions direct certain subsidies to entities deploying broadband to areas deemed to be "unserved" or "underserved." Many other organizations have applied for and received these funds, including broadband services competitors and new entrants into such services. We have generally opposed such subsidies when directed to areas that we serve and have deployed broadband capable networks. Despite those efforts, we could be placed at a competitive disadvantage if recipients use these funds to subsidize services that compete with our broadband services.
Local franchising authorities have the ability to impose additional regulatory constraints on our business, which could reduce our revenues or increase our expenses.
In addition to the franchise agreement, local franchising authorities in some jurisdictions have adopted cable regulatory ordinances that further regulate the operation of cable systems. This additional regulation increases the cost of operating our business. For example, some local franchising authorities impose minimum customer service standards on our operations. There are no assurances that the local franchising authorities will not impose new and more restrictive requirements.
Further regulation of the cable industry could restrict our marketing options or impair our ability to raise rates to cover our increasing costs.
The cable industry has operated under a federal rate regulation regime for more than three decades. Currently, rate regulationrequirements imposed by franchising authorities, is strictly limitedincluding subjecting certain fees for access to the basic service tierright-of-way and associated equipment and installation activities. A franchising authority that wishescertain in-kind payments obligations to regulate basic cable service offered by a particular cable system must certify and demonstrate that the cable system is not subject to "effective competition"statutory cap on franchise fees, as defined by federal law. Our franchise authorities have not certified to exercise this limited rate regulation authority. If any of our localwell as preempting franchising authorities obtain certification tofrom regulating cable operators’ non-cable services. The FCC’s order is currently being challenged on appeal.
Pricing and Packaging.    The Communications Act and the FCC's rules limit the scope of price regulation for cable television services. Among other limitations, franchising authorities may regulate rates they would have the power to reduce rates and order refunds on the rates charged for basic service and equipment, which could reduce our revenues. The FCC and Congress also continue to be concerned that cable rate increases are exceeding inflation. It is possible that either the FCC or Congress will adopt more extensive rate regulation for our pay television services or regulate our other services, such as broadband and telephony services, which could impede our ability to raise rates, or require rate reductions. To the extent we are unable to raise our rates in response to increasing costs, or are required to reduce our rates, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity will be materially adversely affected. There has been legislative and regulatory interest in requiring cable operators to offer historically bundled programming services on an à la carte basis. It is possible that new marketing restrictions could be adopted in the future. These restrictions could affect how we provide, and limit, customer equipment used in connection with our services and how we provide access to video programming beyond conventional cable delivery.
There also continues to be interest at the FCC and in Congress in proposals that would allow customers to receive cable service without having to rent a set-top box from their cable operator. These proposals could, if adopted, adversely affect our relationship with our customers and programmers and our operations. It is also possible that regulations will be adopted affecting the negotiations between MVPDs (like us) and programmers. While these regulations might provide us with additional rights and protections in our programming negotiations, they might also limit our flexibility in ways that adversely affect our operations.
We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory changes related to pole attachment costs.
Pole attachments are cable wires that are attached to utility poles. Cable system pole attachments to utility poles historically have been regulated at the federal or state level, generally resulting in favorable pole attachment rates for attachments used to provideonly "basic" cable service. Any changes in the current pole attachment approach could result in a substantial increase in our pole attachment costs.

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Changes in channel carriage regulations could impose significant additional costs on us.
Cable operators also face significant regulation affecting the carriage of broadcast and other programming channels. We can be required to devote substantial capacity to the carriage of programming that we might not otherwise carry voluntarily, including certain local broadcast signals; local public, educational and governmental access programming; and unaffiliated, commercial leased access programming (channel capacity designated for use by programmers unaffiliated with the cable operator). Regulatory changes in this area could disrupt existing programming commitments, interfere with our preferred use of limited channel capacity and limit our ability to offer services that would maximize our revenue potential. It is possible that other legal restraints will be adopted limiting our discretion over programming decisions.
Increasing regulation of our Internet-based products and services could adversely affect our ability to provide new products and services.
On February 26,In 2015, the FCC adopted a rule establishing a presumption against rate regulation absent an affirmative showing by the franchising authority that there is an absence of effective competition. Based on the 2015 FCC rule, none of our video customers are currently subject to basic rate regulation.
There have been frequent calls to impose further rate regulation on the cable industry. It is possible that Congress or the FCC may adopt new "net neutrality"constraints on the retail pricing or Openpackaging of cable programming. As we attempt to respond to a changing marketplace with competitive marketing and pricing practices, we may face regulations that impede our ability to compete. In addition, a number of state and local regulatory authorities have imposed or seek to impose price- or price-related regulation that we believe is inconsistent with FCC direction, and these efforts if successful, will diminish the benefits of deregulation and hamper our ability to compete with our largely unregulated competitors. We brought a challenge in federal court against one such attempt to regulate our pricing by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and in January 2020 we won a preliminary injunction in federal court in the District of New Jersey enjoining that agency from enforcing its regulation.
Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent.    Cable operators are required to carry, without compensation, programming transmitted by most local commercial and noncommercial broadcast television stations that elect "must carry" status.
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Alternatively, local commercial broadcast television stations may elect "retransmission consent," giving up their must-carry right and instead negotiating with cable systems the terms on which the cable systems may carry the station's programming content. Cable systems generally may not carry a broadcast station that has elected retransmission consent without the station's consent. The terms of retransmission consent agreements frequently include the payment of compensation to the station.
Broadcast stations must elect either "must carry" or retransmission consent every three years. A substantial number of local broadcast stations currently carried by our cable systems have elected to negotiate for retransmission consent. In the most recent retransmission consent negotiations, popular television stations have demanded substantial compensation increases, thereby increasing our operating costs.
Ownership Limitations.    Federal regulation of the communications field traditionally included a host of ownership restrictions, which limited the size of certain media entities and restricted their ability to enter into competing enterprises. Through a series of legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions, most of these restrictions have been either eliminated or substantially relaxed. In 2017, the FCC relaxed some broadcast media ownership rules, and the broadcast industry subsequently experienced consolidation. The FCC’s order relaxing these rules was vacated by a federal appeals court, but the appeals court decision is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on the outcome of that case or the FCC’s current quadrennial review of ownership rules, the broadcast industry could consolidate further, which could impact the fees we pay broadcasters to license their signals.
Set-Top Boxes.    The Communications Act includes a provision that requires the FCC to take certain steps to support the development of a retail market for "navigation devices," such as cable set-top boxes. Several years ago, the FCC began a proceeding to consider requiring cable operators to accommodate third-party navigation devices, which have imposed substantial development and operating requirements on the industry. Though there is currently no active effort to advance these proposals, the FCC may in the future consider implementing other measures to promote the competitive availability of retail set-top boxes or third-party navigation options that could impact our customers' experience, our ability to capture user interactions to refine and enhance our services, and our ability to provide a consistent customer support environment.
PEG and Leased Access.     Franchising authorities may require that we support the delivery and support for public, educational, or governmental ("PEG") channels on our cable systems. In addition to providing PEG channels, we must make a limited number of commercial leased access channels available to third parties (including parties with potentially competitive video services) at regulated rates. The FCC adopted revised rules several years ago mandating a significant reduction in the rates that operators can charge commercial leased access users. These rules were stayed, however, by a federal court, pending a cable industry appeal. This matter currently remains pending, and the revised rules are not yet in effect. Although commercial leased access activity historically has been relatively limited, increased activity in this area could further burden the channel capacity of our cable systems.
Pole Attachments.    The Company makes extensive use of utility poles and conduits owned by other utilities to attach and install the facilities that are integral to our network and services. The Communications Act requires most utilities to provide cable systems with access to poles and conduits to attach such facilities at regulated rates. The FCC (or a state, if it chooses to regulate) regulates utility company rates for the rental of pole and conduit space used by companies, including operators like us, to provide cable, telecommunications services, and Internet order (the "2015 Order"access services. Many states in which we operate have elected to set their own pole attachment rules. Adverse changes to the pole attachment rate structure, rates, classifications, and access could significantly increase our annual pole attachment costs.
Program Access.    The program access rules generally prohibit a cable operator from improperly influencing an affiliated satellite-delivered cable programming service to discriminate unfairly against an unaffiliated distributor where the purpose or effect of such influence is to significantly hinder or prevent the competitor from providing satellite-delivered cable programming. FCC rules also allow a competing distributor to bring a complaint against a cable-affiliated terrestrially-delivered programmer or its affiliated cable operator for alleged violations of this rule, and seek reformed terms of carriage as a remedy.
Program Carriage.    The FCC's program carriage rules prohibit us from requiring that an unaffiliated programmer grant us a financial interest or exclusive carriage rights as a condition of its carriage on our cable systems and prohibit us from unfairly discriminating against unaffiliated programmers in the terms and conditions of carriage on the basis of their nonaffiliation.
Exclusive Access to Multitenant Buildings.    The FCC has prohibited cable operators from entering into or enforcing exclusive agreements with owners of multitenant buildings under which the operator is the only multichannel video
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programming distributor ("MVPD") that: (1) reclassifiedwith access to the building. The FCC is currently considering whether to adopt additional rules regarding access to multitenant environments by providers of broadband service.
CALM Act.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that all commercials carried on our cable service comply with specified volume standards.
Privacy and Data Security.    In the course of providing our services, we collect certain information about our customers and their use of our services. We also collect certain information regarding potential customers and other individuals. Our collection, use, disclosure and other handling of information is subject to a variety of federal and state privacy requirements, including those imposed specifically on cable operators and telecommunications service providers by the Communications Act. We are also subject to data security obligations, as well as requirements to provide notice to individuals and governmental entities in the event of certain data security breaches, and such breaches, depending on their scope and consequences, may lead to litigation and enforcement actions with the potential of substantial monetary forfeitures or to adversely affect our brand.
As cable operators provide interactive and other advanced services, additional privacy and data security requirements may arise through legislation, regulation or judicial decisions. For example, the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 has been extended to cover online interactive services through which customers can buy or rent movies. In addition, Congress, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and other lawmakers and regulators are all considering whether to adopt additional measures that could impact the collection, use, and disclosure of customer information in connection with the delivery of advertising and other services to consumers customized to their interests. See "Privacy Regulations" below.
Federal Copyright Regulation.    We are required to pay copyright royalty fees on a semi-annual basis to receive a statutory compulsory license to carry broadcast television content. These fees are subject to periodic audit by the content owners. The amount of a cable operator's royalty fee payments are determined by a statutory formula that takes into account various factors, including the amount of "gross receipts" received from customers for "basic" service, the number of "distant" broadcast signals carried and the characteristics of those distant signals (e.g., network, independent or noncommercial). Certain elements of the royalty formula are subject to adjustment from time to time, which can lead to increases in the amount of our semi-annual royalty payments. The U.S. Copyright Office, which administers the collection of royalty fees, has made recommendations to Congress for changes in or elimination of the statutory compulsory licenses for cable television carriage of broadcast signals and the U.S. Government Accountability Office is conducting a statutorily-mandated inquiry into whether the cable compulsory license should be phased out. Changes to copyright regulations could adversely affect the ability of our cable systems to obtain such programming and could increase the cost of such programming. Similarly, we must obtain music rights for locally originated programming and advertising from the major music performing rights organizations. These licensing fees have been the source of litigation in the past, and we cannot predict with certainty whether license fee disputes may arise in the future.
Access for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities can more fully access the programming we carry. We are required to provide closed captions and pass through video description to customers on some networks we carry, and to provide an easy means of activating closed captioning and to ensure the audio accessibility of emergency information and on-screen text menus and guides provided by our navigation devices.
Other Regulation.    We are subject to various other regulations, including those related to political broadcasting; home wiring; the blackout of certain network and syndicated programming; prohibitions on transmitting obscene programming; limitations on advertising in children's programming; and standards for emergency alerts, as well as telemarketing and general consumer protection laws and equal employment opportunity obligations. For example, the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 imposes obligations on cable and fixed broadband providers, including required disclosures at the point of sale and in electronic billing and prohibitions on certain equipment charges. The FCC also imposes various technical standards on our operations.In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the FCC and the states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks, potentially including cable networks. Further, following certain extreme weather events in 2020, several states have undertaken examinations of storm resiliency, recovery, and customer impacts, which investigations could lead to additional regulation of the industry. Each of these regulations restricts (or could restrict) our business practices to varying degrees. The FCC can aggressively enforce compliance with its regulations and consumer protection policies, including through the imposition of substantial monetary sanctions. It is possible that Congress or the FCC will expand or modify its regulations of cable systems in the future, and we cannot predict at this time how that might impact our business.
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Broadband
Regulatory Classification.    Broadband Internet access services were traditionally classified by the FCC as "information services" for regulatory purposes, a type of service that is subject to a lesser degree of regulation than "telecommunications services." In 2015, the FCC reversed this determination and classified broadband Internet access services as "telecommunications services." This reclassification had subjected our broadband Internet access service as a Title II common carrierto greater regulation, although the FCC did not apply all telecommunications service (2) applied certain existing Title II provisions and associated regulations; (3) forbore from applying a range of other existing Title II provisions and associated regulations, butobligations to varying degrees indicated that this forbearance may be only temporary and (4) issued new rules expanding disclosure requirements and prohibiting blocking, throttling, paid prioritization and unreasonable interference with the ability of end users and edge providers to reach each other.broadband Internet access service. The 2015 Order also subjected broadband providers' Internet traffic exchange rates and practices to potential FCC oversight and created(as defined below) could have had a mechanism for third parties to file complaints regarding these matters. The 2015 Order could limitmaterial adverse impact on our ability to efficiently manage our cable systems and respond to operational and competitive challenges.business. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order (the "2017 Order") that in large part reversesreversed again the 2015 Order.Order and reestablished the "information service" classification for broadband Internet access service. The 2017 Order has not yet gone into effect, however, and the 2015 Order will remain binding until(as defined below) was affirmed in part on appeal in October 2019 insofar as it classified broadband Internet access services as information services subject to lesser federal regulation. However, the 2017 Order takes effect. The 2017 Orderwas also vacated in part on appeal insofar as it preempted states from subjecting broadband Internet access services to any requirements more stringent than the federal requirements. As a result, the precise extent to which state rules may impose such requirements on broadband Internet access service providers is not fully settled. Additionally, the FCC is expected to be subject to legal challenge that may delay its effect or overturn it. Additionally,revisit the appropriate regulatory classification of broadband in 2021.
Net Neutrality.   Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify "net neutrality" rules.“net neutrality” rules, which could include prohibitions on blocking, throttling and prioritizing Internet traffic. A number of states, including California and New York, have adopted legislation and/or executive orders that apply “net neutrality” rules to Internet service providers ("ISPs"). The California legislation is currently being challenged in court.
Offering telephone services may subjectAccess for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to additional regulatory burdens, causing usensure that persons with disabilities have access to incur additional costs."advanced communications services", such as electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing. They also require that certain video programming delivered via Internet Protocol include closed captioning and require entities distributing such programming to end users to pass through such captions and identify programming that should be captioned.
Other Regulation.    Providers of broadband Internet access services must comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act ("CALEA"), which requires providers to make their services and facilities accessible for law enforcement intercept requests. Various other federal and state laws apply to providers of services that are accessible through broadband Internet access service, including copyright laws, telemarketing laws, prohibitions on obscenity, a ban on unsolicited commercial e-mail, and privacy and data security laws. Online content we provide is also subject to some of these laws.
Other forms of regulation of broadband Internet access service currently being considered by the FCC, Congress or state legislatures include consumer protection requirements, billing and notifications requirements, cybersecurity requirements, consumer service standards, requirements to contribute to universal service programs and requirements to protect personally identifiable customer data from theft. Pending and future legislation in this area could adversely affect our operations as an ISP and our relationship with our Internet customers.
Additionally, from time to time the FCC and Congress have considered whether to subject broadband Internet access services to the federal Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution requirements. Any contribution requirements adopted for Internet access services would impose significant new costs on our broadband Internet service. At the same time, the FCC is changing the manner in which Universal Service funds are distributed. By focusing on broadband and wireless deployment, rather than traditional telephone service, the changes could assist some of our competitors in more effectively competing with our service offerings.
Telephony Services
We offer telephoneprovide telephony services overusing VoIP technology ("interconnected VoIP") and traditional switched telephony via our broadband network and continue to develop and deployCLEC subsidiaries.
The FCC has adopted several regulations for interconnected VoIP services, as have several states, especially as it relates to core customer and safety issues such as E911, local number portability, disability access, outage reporting, universal service contributions, and regulatory reporting requirements. The FCC has not, however, formally classified interconnected VoIP services as either information services or telecommunications services. In this vacuum, some states have asserted more expansive rights to regulate interconnected VoIP services, while others have adopted laws that bar the state commission from regulating VoIP service.
Universal Service.     Interconnected VoIP services must contribute to the USF used to subsidize communication services provided to low-income households, to customers in rural and high cost areas, and to schools, libraries, and
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rural health care providers. The amount of universal service contribution required of interconnected VoIP service providers is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that competitivestates may impose state universal service fees on interconnected VoIP providers.
Local Number Portability.   The FCC requires interconnected VoIP service providers and their "numbering partners" to ensure that their customers have the ability to port their telephone companiesnumbers when changing providers. We also contribute to federal funds to meet the shared costs of local number portability and the costs of North American Numbering Plan Administration.
Other Regulation.     Interconnected VoIP service providers are required to provide enhanced 911 emergency services to their customers; protect customer proprietary network information from unauthorized disclosure to third parties; report to the FCC on service outages; comply with telemarketing regulations and other privacy and data security requirements; comply with disabilities access requirements and service discontinuance obligations; comply with call signaling requirements; and comply with CALEA standards. In August 2015, the FCC adopted new rules to improve the resiliency of the communications network. Under the new rules, providers of telephony services, including interconnected VoIP service providers, must make available eight hours of standby backup power for consumers to purchase at the point of sale. The rules also require that supportproviders inform new and current customers about service limitations during power outages and steps that consumers can take to address those risks.
We provide traditional telecommunications services in various states through our operating subsidiaries, and those services are largely governed under rules established for CLECs under the Communications Act. The Communications Act entitles our CLEC subsidiaries to certain rights, but as telecommunications carriers, it also subjects them to regulation by the FCC and the states. Their designation as telecommunications carriers results in other regulations that may affect them and the services they offer.
Interconnection and Intercarrier Compensation.    The Communications Act requires telecommunications carriers to interconnect directly or indirectly with other telecommunications carriers and networks, including VoIP. Under the FCC's intercarrier compensation rules, we are entitled, in some cases, to compensation from carriers when they use our network to terminate or originate calls and in other cases are required to compensate another carrier for using its network to originate or terminate traffic. The FCC and state regulatory commissions, including those in the states in which we operate, have adopted limits on the amounts of compensation that may be charged for certain types of traffic. In an October 2011 Order, the FCC determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic, including VoIP traffic exchanged in time-division multiplexing ("TDM") format, would be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018. The FCC is considering further reform that could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Universal Service.    Our CLEC subsidiaries are required to contribute to the USF. The amount of universal service contribution required of us is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services such as thoseprovided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that we offerstates may impose state universal service fees on CLEC telecommunications services.
Other Regulation.    Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services are subject to other FCC requirements, including protecting the use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information; meeting certain notice requirements in the event of service termination; compliance with disabilities access requirements; compliance with CALEA standards; outage reporting; and the payment of fees to fund local number portability administration and the North American Numbering Plan. As noted above, the FCC and states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks, including heightened backup power requirements within the provider's network. Communications with our customers are entitledalso subject to interconnect with incumbent providers of traditional telecommunications services, which ensures that our VoIP services can operate in the market. However, the scope of these interconnection rights are being reviewed in a current FCC, proceeding, which may affect our ability to compete in the provision of telephony services or result in additional costs. It remains unclear precisely to what extent federalFTC and state regulators will subject VoIPregulations on telemarketing and the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail and fax messages, as well as additional privacy and data security requirements.
State Regulation.  Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services to traditional telephone service regulation. Expanding our offering of these services may require us to obtain certain authorizations, including federal and state licenses. We may not be able to obtain such authorizations in a timely manner, or conditions could be imposed upon such licenses or authorizations that may not be favorable to us. The FCC has already extended certain traditional telecommunications requirements, such as E911 capabilities, USF contribution, CALEA, measures to protect Customer Proprietary Network Information, customer privacy, disability access, number porting, battery back-up, network outage reporting, rural call completion reporting and other regulatory requirements to many VoIP providers such as us. If additional telecommunications regulations are applied to our VoIP service, it could cause us to incur additional costs and may otherwise materially adversely impact our operations. In 2011, the FCC released an order significantly changing the rules governing intercarrier compensation for the origination and termination of telephone traffic between interconnected carriers. These rules have resulted in a substantial decrease in interstate compensation payments over a multi-year period. The FCC is currently considering additional reforms that could further reduce interstate compensation payments. Further, although the FCC recently declined to impose additional regulatory burdens on certain point to point transport ("special access") services provided by cable companies, that FCC decision has been appealed by multiple parties. If those appeals are successfully, there could be additional regulatory burdens and additional costs placed on these services.
We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory, legal and economic changes relating to our physical plant.
Our systems depend on physical facilities, including transmission equipment and miles of fiber and coaxial cable. Significant portions of those physical facilities occupy public rights-of-way and are subject to local ordinances and governmental regulations. Other portions occupy private property under express or implied easements, and many miles

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ofregulation by state commissions in each state where we provide services. In order to provide our services, we must seek approval from the cable are attached to utility poles governed by pole attachment agreements. No assurances can be given that we will be able to maintain and use our facilities in their current locations and at their current costs. Changes in governmental regulations or changes in these relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
Certain aspects of Tax Reform could have an adverse impact on us or our stockholders
On December 20, 2017, the U.S. Congress passed Tax Reform, and on December 22, 2017, Tax Reform was signed into law. Tax Reform makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to both individuals and entities, including corporations. The details of any forthcoming regulations or guidance in connection with Tax Reform are uncertain and could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition or on our stockholders. Our stockholders should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the potential effects of Tax Reform on their investment in our common stock.
Risk Factors Relating to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
Prior to the Distribution, no market exists for our Class B common stock and we cannot assure you that an active, liquid trading market will develop for our Class B common stock following the Distribution. Following the Distribution, holders of shares of our Class B common stock may need to convert them into shares of our Class A common stock to realize their full potential value, which over time could further concentrate voting power with remaining holders of our Class B common stock.
Prior to the Distribution, our Class B common stock is held by Altice N.V. and is not listed on the NYSE or any other exchange. At the time of the Distribution, our Class B common stock will not be listed on the NYSE or any other stock exchange and we do not currently intend to list our Class B common stock on the NYSE or any other stock exchange. There is currently no trading market for the Class B common stock and we cannot assure you that an active trading market will developstate regulatory commission or be sustained following the Distribution. If an active market is not developed or sustained, the market price and liquidity of the Class B common stock may be adversely affected. Because the Class B common stock is unlisted, holders of shares of Class B common stock may need to convert them into shares of our Class A common stock, which is listed on the NYSE, in order to realize their full potential value. Sellers of a significant amount of shares of Class B common stock may be more likely to convert them into shares of Class A common stock and sell them on the NYSE. This could over time reduce the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding and potentially further concentrate voting power with remaining holders of Class B common stock.
Our stockholders' percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of capital stock, which could reduce their influence over matters on which stockholders vote.
Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors will have the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options, Class B common stock, Class C common stock or shares of our authorized but unissued preferred stock. We may issue such capital stock to meet a number of our business needs, including funding any potential acquisitions or other strategic transactions. Future issuances of Class A common stock, Class B common stock or voting preferred stock could reduce our stockholders' influence over matters on which our stockholders vote and, in the case of issuances of preferred stock, would likely result in their interest in us being subject to the prior rights of holders of that preferred stock.
The market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock may be volatile after the Distribution.
Securities markets often experience significant price and volume fluctuations. Even if an active trading market develops for our Class B common stock after the Distribution, the market price of our Class B common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. The market price of our Class A common stock may also be highly volatile after the Distribution, and the market prices of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above in "—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business" and include, but are not limited to, the following:
the failure of securities analysts to cover our business after the Distribution or changes in financial estimates by analysts; 
the inability to meet the financial estimates of analysts who follow our business; 

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strategic actions by us or our competitors; 
announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, joint marketing relationships, joint ventures or capital commitments; 
introduction of new products or services by us or our competitors; 
variations in our quarterly operating results and those of our competitors; 
additions or departures of key personnel; 
general economic and stock market conditions; 
risks related to our business and our industry, including those discussed above; 
changes in conditions or trends in our industry, markets or customers; 
regulatory, legal or political developments; 
changes in accounting principles; 
changes in tax legislation and regulations; 
litigation and governmental investigations; 
terrorist acts; 
future sales of Altice USA common stock or other securities; 
default under agreements governing our indebtedness; and
investor perceptions of the investment opportunity associated with Altice USA common stock relative to other investment alternatives.
Following the Distribution, the market price for shares of our Class A common stock may be affected by factors different from those affecting the market price for shares of our Class B common stock. As a result of the above and other factors, holders of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock may not be able to resell their shares at or above the value at the time of the Distribution or may not be able to resell them at all. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In addition, price volatility may be greater if the public float and trading volume of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock is low.
Because we have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock following the Pre-Distribution Dividend and for the foreseeable future, our stockholders may not receive any return on investment unless they sell their Class A common stock or Class B common stock.
As a condition to the Distribution, our Board of Directors expects to declare and pay the Pre-Distribution Dividend. Other than this dividend, we intend to retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no other current plans to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of Class A common stock and shares of Class B common stock will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by covenants contained in the agreements governing our existing indebtedness and may be limited by covenants contained in any future indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. As a result, our stockholders may not receive any return on an investment in our Class A common stock or Class B common stock unless our stockholders sell our Class A common stock or Class B common stock.

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Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public market following the Distribution could cause the market price for our Class A common stock or Class B common stock to decline.
After the Distribution, the sale of substantial amounts of shares of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the prevailing market price of shares of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock to decline. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
As of December 31, 2017, we had a total of 246,982,292 shares of Class A common stock outstanding and 490,086,674 shares of Class B common stock outstanding. All of the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock distributed in the Distribution will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), except for shares received by individuals who are our affiliates.
Any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 of the Securities Act ("Rule 144"), including Next Alt and its affiliates, may be sold only in compliance with certain limitations.
The remaining shares will be "restricted securities" within the meaning of Rule 144 and subject to certain restrictions on resale following the Distribution. Restricted securities may be sold in the public market only if they are registered under the Securities Act or are sold pursuant to an exemption from registration such as Rule 144.
In addition, pursuant to a stockholders and registration rights agreement, our existing owners have the right, subject to certain conditions, to require us to register the sale of their shares of our Class A common stock, or shares of Class A common stock issuable on conversion of shares of Class B common stock under the Securities Act. By exercising their registration rights and selling a large number of shares, our existing owners could cause the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock to decline. In connection with the Distribution, we expect Next Alt to become a party to our stockholders and registration rights agreement with Altice N.V., funds advised by BC Partners LLP ("BCP") and entities affiliated with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB" and together with BCP, the "Sponsors"). We do not expect there will be any other material changes made to this agreement in connection with the Distribution. Registration of any of these outstanding shares of capital stock would result in such shares becoming freely tradable without compliance with Rule 144 upon effectiveness of the registration statement, except for shares received by individuals who are our affiliates.
As restrictions on resale end or if these stockholders exercise their registration rights, the market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock could drop significantly if the holders of Class A common stock or Class B common stock sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock or other securities. In the future, we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The amount of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock or Class C common stock issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of then-outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
The tri-class structure of Altice USA common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with Next Alt. This will limit or preclude our stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. Shares of Class B common stock will not automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock upon transfer to a third party.
Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to twenty-five votes per share and each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share. If we issue any shares of Class C common stock, they will be non-voting.
Because of the twenty-five to one voting ratio between our Class B common stock and Class A common stock, a majority of the combined voting power of our capital stock will be controlled by Altice N.V. prior to the Distribution and Next Alt following the Distribution. This will allow Altice N.V. and Next Alt to control all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval until the Distribution, in the case of Altice N.V., and until such date as Next Alt ceases to own, or to have the right to vote, shares of our capital stock representing a majority of the outstanding votes. This concentrated control will limit or preclude our stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or

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substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. The disparate voting rights of Altice USA common stock may also prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our capital stock that our stockholders may feel are in their best interest as one of our stockholders.
Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock at the option of the holder at any time. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for the automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock upon transfer under any circumstances. The holders of Class B common stock thus will be free to transfer them without converting them into shares of Class A common stock.
Next Alt will control us after the Distribution and its interests may conflict with ours or our stockholders in the future.
The aggregate voting power of Next Alt following the Distribution will depend on the number of shares of Class B common stock distributed in the Distribution. If the number of shares of Class B common stock distributed to Altice N.V. shareholders other than Next Alt is maximized up to the Class B Cap, Next Alt will own 43% of our issued and outstanding Class A and Class B common stock which will represent approximately 51.2% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. If no shares of Class B common stock are distributed to Altice N.V. shareholders other than Next Alt, Next Alt will own 43% of our issued and outstanding Class A and Class B common stock which will represent approximately 93.7% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock. So long as Next Alt continues to control a majority of the voting power of our capital stock, Next Alt and, through his control of Next Alt, Mr. Drahi, will be able to significantly influence the composition of our Board of Directors and thereby influence our policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of Altice USA common stock or other securities, the payment of dividends, if any, on Altice USA common stock, the incurrence or modification of debt by us, amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and the entering into extraordinary transactions, and their interests may not in all cases be aligned with our stockholders' interests. In addition, Next Alt may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment or improve its financial condition, even though such transactions might involve risks to our stockholders. For example, Next Alt could cause us to make acquisitions that increase our indebtedness or cause us to sell revenue-generating assets.
In addition, Next Alt will be able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change of control of the Company or a change in the composition of our Board of Directors and could preclude any unsolicited acquisition of the Company. The concentration of ownership could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock as part of a sale of the Company and ultimately might affect the market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock.
If conflicts arise between us and Next Alt, these conflicts could be resolved in a manner that is unfavorable to us and as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if Next Alt ceases to control us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change of control transaction.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders.
These provisions provide for, among other things:
a tri-class common stock structure, as a result of which Next Alt generally will be able to control the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets; 
the ability of our Board of Directors to, without further action by our stockholders, fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of up to an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and authorize their issuance; and 
the ability of stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of our capital stock to call a special meeting of stockholders.

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These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third-party's offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock. In addition, so long as Next Alt controls a majority of our combined voting power it will be able to prevent a change of control of the Company.
Holders of a single class of Altice USA common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that class of Altice USA common stock.
Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, including the holders of all classes of Altice USA common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common stockholders regardless of class and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of stockholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our Board of Directors may be required to make a decision that could be viewed as adverse to the holders of one class of Altice USA common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule, holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one class of our stock if our Board of Directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.
Following the Distribution, we will continue to be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE. As a result, we will qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that would otherwise provide protection to stockholders of other companies.
After completion of the Distribution, Next Alt will control a majority of the voting power of our capital stock. As a result, we will continue to be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including:
the requirement that a majority of our Board of Directors consists of "independent directors" as defined under the rules of the NYSE; and 
the requirement that we have a governance and nominating committee.
Consistent with these exemptions, we will continue not to have a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors or a nominating and governance committee. Accordingly, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the market price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock could decline.
We could be subject to securities class action litigation.
In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies whose securities have experienced periods of volatility in market price. Securities litigation brought against us following volatility in the price of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, regardless of the merit or ultimate results of such litigation, could result in substantial costs, which would hurt our financial condition and results of operations and divert management's attention and resources from our business.

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Our amended and restated bylaws provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other stockholders.
Our amended and restated bylaws provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware) is the exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought in our name or on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL"); (iv) any action regarding our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; or (v) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our amended and restated bylaws permits our Board of Directors to approve the selection of an alternative forum. Unless waived, this exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other stockholders, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other stockholders. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Risk Factors Relating to the Distribution
The Distribution will result in a taxable dividend to the U.S. Holders of Altice N.V. shares.
The Distribution will be taxable as a foreign-source dividend to the U.S. holders of Altice N.V. shares to the extent of the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Altice N.V. allocable to the Altice N.V. shares held by the respective U.S. holder. Non-corporate U.S. holders may benefit from the preferential long-term capital gains rate with respect to such dividend assuming they meet certain requirements. To the extent the fair market value of the Altice U.S. shares distributed to a U.S. holder of Altice N.V. shares pursuant to the Distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Altice N.V. allocable to the Altice N.V. shares held by such U.S. Holder, such excess will be treated as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. holder’s basis in the Altice N.V. shares, and as a capital gain thereafter.
The terms of our arrangements with the Altice Group, or that we obtained because we were part of the Altice Group, may be more favorable than we will be able to obtain from an unaffiliated third party or following the Distribution when we are no longer a subsidiary of Altice N.V. We may be unable to replace the services, products and technology the Altice Group provides us in a timely manner or on comparable terms.
Prior to the Distribution, our business has been operated as part of the Altice Group. As part of the Altice Group, we entered into a variety of transactions and agreements with our affiliates, including:
Our acquisition of software and network equipment such as routers, power supply and transceiver modules, including equipment to be used in our new home communications hub;
Our procurement of services, such as for the design, development, integration, support and maintenance of the user interface software for our new home communications hub; access to an international communications backbone, international carrier services and call termination services; and real estate and real estate services;
Our purchase of customer and technical service support and services and licensing of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks and other rights; and
Our acquisition of content, including our agreement relating to i24 News, an international news channel majority owned by Altice N.V. in which we have a 25% investment in its U.S. business.
We negotiated these arrangements with the Altice Group in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship. Although the Altice Group is contractually obligated to provide us with services, products and technology during the term of the relevant agreements, there can be no assurance that we will be able to replace these services, products or technology in a timely manner or on comparable terms. They also contain terms and provisions that may be more favorable than terms and provisions we might have obtained in arm’s-length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties. When Altice Group ceases to provide services in each state where we operate and products pursuantmay at times require local approval to those arrangements, our costs of procuring those servicesconstruct facilities. Regulatory obligations vary from third parties may increase. In addition, we may have received more favorable pricing or other terms from third party vendors

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because we were part of the Altice Group. After the Distribution, when we are no longer a subsidiary of Altice N.V., we may not be ablestate to obtain equally favorable terms.
Our inter-company agreements are being negotiated while we are a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
In connection with the Distribution, we will enter into a Master Separation Agreementstate and certain agreements regarding, among other things, the license of the Altice brand, and amendments to certain commercial agreements between the Company, on the one hand, and Altice N.V. and its affiliates, on the other hand. The terms of these inter-company agreements are being established while we are a subsidiary of Altice N.V. and, therefore, may not be the result of arms’-length negotiations. We believe that the terms of these inter-company agreements are commercially reasonable and fair to all parties under the circumstances; however, conflicts could arise in the interpretation or any extension or renegotiation of the foregoing agreements after the Distribution. These inter-company arrangements are subject to compliance with the Altice USA Related-Party Transaction Approval Policy, which requires Audit Committee approval of certain agreements with Altice N.V.
We may not realize the potential benefits from the Distribution in the near term or at all.
We believe that, as an independent company, we will be able to, among other things, better focus our financial and operational resources on our specific business, implement and maintain a capital structure designed to meet our specific needs, design and implement corporate strategies and policies that are exclusively targeted to our business and more effectively respond to industry dynamics, and decouple our business from Altice N.V. as it focuses resources on addressing issues within other Altice Group businesses. However, by separating from Altice N.V., we may have less leverage with suppliers and we may experience other adverse events. In addition, we may be unable to achieveinclude some or all of the benefits that we expectfollowing requirements: filing tariffs (rates, terms and conditions); filing operational, financial, and customer service reports; seeking approval to achieve as an independent company intransfer the time we expect, if at all. The completionassets or capital stock of the Distribution will also require significant amounts of our management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating and growing our business.
Altice N.V.’s board of directors may abandon the Distribution at any time.
No assurance can be given that the Distribution will occur, or if it occurs that it will occur on the terms described herein. In additionbroadband communications company; seeking approval to the conditions to the Distribution described herein (certain of which may be waived by the Altice N.V. board of directors in its sole discretion), the Altice N.V. board of directors may abandon the Distribution at any time prior to the Distribution Date for any reason or for no reason.
Following the Distribution, certain of our overlapping directors and officers will have relationships with Altice N.V., Next Alt and A4 S.A., which may result in the diversion of corporate opportunitiesissue stocks, bonds and other conflicts with respect to our business and executives.
Following the Distribution, fourforms of our directors, including Mr. Drahi, who is expected to join our Board of Directors as Chairman upon the completionindebtedness of the Distribution, will be employed by or affiliated with Altice N.V., Next Alt or A4 S.A., an entity controlled by the family of Mr. Drahi. These directors have fiduciary duties to us and, in addition, have duties to Altice N.V., Next Alt and A4 S.A. As a result, these directors and officers may face real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters affecting both us and Altice N.V., Next Alt or A4 S.A., whose interests may be adverse to ours in some circumstances.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation recognizes that Mr. Drahi and certain directors, principals, officers, employees and/or other representatives of Altice N.V., Next Alt and A4 S.A. and their affiliates (each such director, principal, officer, employee and/or other representative, an ‘‘Altice Group Representative’’ and collectively, the ‘‘Altice Group Representatives’’) may serve as our directors, officers or agents and that Mr. Drahi, Next Alt, Altice N.V., A4 S.A., the Altice Group Representatives and their respective affiliates, and members of our Board of Directors designated by Next Alt and A4 S.A. pursuant to the stockholders’ agreement (the ‘‘Designated Directors’’), may now engage, may continue to engage and may in the future engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which we, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which we, directly or indirectly, may engage. In the amended and restated certificate of incorporation we have renounced our rights to certain business opportunities and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that none of Mr. Drahi, Next Alt, Altice N.V., A4 S.A., any Altice Group Representative, any Designated Director, or their respective affiliates, have any duty to refrain from, directly or indirectly, engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of businesses in which we or any of our affiliates engage or are reasonably likely to engage,

broadband communications company;
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or otherwise competing with us or any of our affiliates, or have any duty to communicate such opportunities to us, unless such opportunities arise in or are predominantly related to North America. The amendedreporting customer service and restated certificate of incorporation further provides that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, none of Mr. Drahi, Next Alt, Altice N.V., A4 S.A., any Altice Group Representative, any Designated Director (including any Designated Director who serves as one of our officers) or any of the foregoing persons’ affiliates shall be liable to us or our stockholders for breach of any fiduciary duty solely because they engage in such activities.
In connection with the Distribution, Altice USA will agree to indemnify Altice N.V. for certain liabilities and Altice N.V. will agree to indemnify Altice USA for certain liabilities, and such indemnities may not be adequate.
Pursuant to the Master Separation Agreement and other agreements with Altice N.V., including the Indemnification Agreement, Altice N.V. will agree to indemnify Altice USA for certain liabilities and Altice USA will agree to indemnify Altice N.V. for certain liabilities, in each case, for uncapped amounts. Indemnity payments that Altice USA may be required to pay to Altice N.V. may be significant and could negatively impact our business. There can be no assurance that the indemnity from Altice N.V. will be sufficient to protect Altice USA against the full amount of such liabilities or that Altice N.V. will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Altice N.V. any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves.
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.        Properties
Our headquarters are located in Long Island City, New York, where we currently lease approximately 170,000 square feet of office space under a lease expiring in 2021. We also own our former headquarters building located in Bethpage, New York, with approximately 558,000 square feet of space, where we continue to maintain administrative offices. In addition, we own or lease real estate throughout our operating areas where certain of our call centers, corporate facilities, business offices, earth stations, transponders, microwave towers, warehouses, headend equipment, hub sites, access studios, and microwave receiving antennae are located.
Our principal physical assets consist of cable operating plant and equipment, including signal receiving, encoding and decoding devices, headend facilities, fiber optic transport networks, coaxial and distribution systems and equipment at or near customers' homes or places of business for each of the systems. The signal receiving apparatus typically includes a tower, antenna, ancillary electronic equipment and earth stations for reception of satellite signals. Headend facilities are located near the receiving devices. Our distribution system consists primarily of coaxial and fiber optic cables and related electronic equipment. Customer premise equipment consists of set-top devices, cable modems, Internet routers, wireless devices and media terminal adapters for telephone. Our cable plant and related equipment generally are attached to utility poles under pole rental agreements with local public utilities; although in some areas the distribution cable is buried in underground ducts or directly in trenches. The physical components of the cable systems require maintenance and periodic upgrading to improve system performance and capacity. In addition, we operate a network operations center that monitors our network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping to ensure a high quality of service requirements; outage reporting; making contributions to state universal service support programs; paying regulatory and reliability for bothstate Telecommunications Relay Service and E911 fees; geographic build-out; and other matters relating to competition.
In September 2019, we launched Altice Mobile, our residentialmobile service using our own core infrastructure and commercial customers. We ownour infrastructure mobile virtual network operator ("iMVNO") agreements with Sprint and other roaming partners, including AT&T. Our mobile wireless service is subject to most of the same FCC and consumer protection regulations as typical, network-based wireless carriers (such as E911 services, local number portability, privacy protection, and constraints on billing and advertising practices). The FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt new or different regulations that apply to our service vehicles.services or similarly situated providers, impose new taxes or fees, or modify the obligations of other network-based carriers to provide wholesale RAN access to providers like Altice USA.
We believe our properties, both owned and leased, are in good condition and are suitable and adequate for our operations.
Intellectual Property
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. We also rely on our access to the proprietary technology of Altice N.V.,Europe, including through Altice Labs.Labs, and licenses to the name “Altice” and derivatives from Next Alt. However, no single patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret or content license is material to our business. We believe we own or have the right to use all of the intellectual property that is necessary for the operation of our business as we currently conduct it.

Competition
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, video, mobile and fixed-line telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. We believe our leading market position in our footprint, technologically advanced network infrastructure, including our FTTH build-out, Altice One, our entertainment and connectivity platform, our new mobile service, and our focus on enhancing the customer experience favorably position us to compete in our industry. See also "Risk Factors—Risk Factors Relating to Our Business—We operate in a highly competitive business environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity."
Broadband Services Competition
Our broadband services face competition from broadband communications companies' digital subscriber line ("DSL"), FTTH/Fiber to the Premises ("FTTP") and wireless broadband offerings, as well as from a variety of companies that offer other forms of online services, including satellite-based broadband services. AT&T and Verizon Communications Inc.'s ("Verizon") Fios are our primary FTTH competitors. Current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 4G, LTE and 5G (and variants) wireless broadband services and WiFi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may also compete with our broadband services both for in premises broadband service and mobile broadband. All major wireless carriers offer unlimited data plans, which could, in some cases, become a substitute for the fixed broadband services we provide. The Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") is likely to continue to make additional radio spectrum available for these wireless Internet access services, which in time could expand the quality and reach of these services.
Video Services Competition
We face intense competition from broadband communications companies with fiber-based networks, primarily Verizon, which has constructed a FTTH network plant that passes a significant number of households in our Optimum service area, and AT&T, which has constructed an FTTP/Fiber to the Node ("FTTN") infrastructure in parts of our Suddenlink service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell a fiber-based video service, as well as broadband and VoIP services, to at least half of the households in our Optimum service area. Frontier Communications Corporation ("Frontier") offers video service in competition with us in most of our Connecticut service area.
We also compete with direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") providers, such as DirecTV (a subsidiary of AT&T) and DISH Network Corporation ("DISH"). DirecTV and DISH offer one-way satellite-delivered pre-packaged programming services that are received by relatively small and inexpensive receiving dishes. DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming that we cannot offer. In 2018 AT&T acquired Time Warner Inc. ("Time Warner"), which owns a number of cable networks, including TBS, CNN and HBO, as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. AT&T's and DirecTV's access to Time Warner programming and studio assets provides AT&T and DirecTV the ability to offer competitive promotional packages. We believe cable-delivered services, which include the ability to bundle
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additional services such as broadband, offer a competitive advantage to DBS service because cable headends can provide two-way communication to deliver a large volume of programming which customers can access and control independently.
Our video services also face competition from a number of other sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, AT&T TV, Locast and others. In addition, our programming partners continue to launch direct to consumer streaming products, delivering content to consumers that was formerly only available via video, such as HBO Max, Discovery+ and Disney+.
Telephony Services Competition
Our telephony service competes with wireline, wireless and VoIP phone service providers, such as Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack, as well as companies that sell phone cards at a cost per minute for both national and international service. We also compete with other forms of communication, such as text messaging on cellular phones, instant messaging, social networking services, video conferencing and email. The increased number of technologies capable of carrying telephony services and the number of alternative communication options available to customers have intensified the competitive environment in which we operate our telephony services.
Mobile Wireless Competition
Our mobile wireless service, launched in September 2019, faces competition from a number of national incumbent network-based mobile service providers (like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Inc. ("T-Mobile")) and smaller regional service providers, as well as a number of reseller or MVNO providers (such as Tracfone, Boost Mobile and Cricket Wireless, among others). We believe that our approach to the mobile wireless service offering, including the construction and operation of our own "mobile core" and the ability to bundle and promote the product to our existing customer base, gives us advantages over pure MVNO resellers, and differentiates us from incumbent network-based operators. Improvements by incumbent and reseller mobile service providers on price, features, speeds, and service enhancements will continue to impact the competitiveness and attractiveness of our mobile service, and we will need to continue to invest in our services, product and marketing to answer that competition. Our mobile wireless strategy depends on the availability of wholesale access to radio access networks ("RAN") from one or more network-based providers with whom we are likely to compete. Our mobile service is vulnerable to constraints on the availability of wholesale access or increases in price from the incumbents. Consolidation among wholesale RAN access providers could impair our ability to sustain our mobile service. In April 2020, Sprint and T-Mobile merged, subject to certain conditions imposed by the United States Department of Justice and the FCC. While the conditions attached to the combination may benefit our mobile service in the medium term, the reduction of competition among mobile wireless network-based providers likely will negatively impact the price and availability of wholesale RAN access to the Company generally, certain of the conditions imposed upon the merger parties by the U.S. Justice Department and the FCC have the potential to ameliorate those effects and to enhance the coverage, quality and cost structure for our mobile services while those conditions are in effect.
Business Services Competition
We operate in highly competitive business telecommunications market and compete primarily with local incumbent telephone companies, especially AT&T, CenturyLink, Inc. ("Centurylink"), Frontier and Verizon, as well as with a variety of other national and regional business services competitors.
Advertising Sales Competition
We provide advertising and advanced targeted digital advertising services on television and digital platforms, both directly and indirectly, within and outside our television service area. We face intense competition for advertising revenue across many different platforms and from a wide range of local and national competitors. Advertising competition has increased and will likely continue to increase as new formats seek to attract the same advertisers. We compete for advertising revenue against, among others, local broadcast stations, national cable and broadcast networks, radio stations, print media, social network platforms (such as Facebook and Instagram), and online advertising companies (such as Google) and content providers (such as Disney).

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Regulation
General Company Regulation
Our cable, related and other services are subject to a variety of federal, state and local law and regulations, as well as, in instances where we operate outside of the U.S., the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we operate. The Communications Act, and the rules, regulations and policies of the FCC, as well as other federal, state and other laws governing cable television, communications, consumer protection, privacy and related matters, affect significant aspects of the operations of our cable, related and other services.
The following paragraphs describe the existing legal and regulatory requirements we believe are most significant to our operations today. Our business can be dramatically impacted by changes to the existing regulatory framework, whether triggered by legislative, administrative or judicial rulings.
Cable Television
Franchising.    The Communications Act requires cable operators to obtain a non-exclusive franchise from state or local franchising authorities to provide cable service. Although the terms of franchise agreements differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, they typically require payment of franchise fees and contain regulatory provisions addressing, among other things, use of the right of way, service quality, cable service to schools and other public institutions, insurance, indemnity and sales of assets or changes in ownership. State and local franchising authority, however, must be exercised consistent with the Communications Act, which sets limits on franchising authorities' powers, including limiting franchise fees to no more than 5% of gross revenues from the provision of cable service, prohibiting franchising authorities from requiring us to carry specific programming services, and protecting the renewal expectation of franchisees by limiting the factors a franchising authority may consider and requiring a due process hearing before denying renewal. Even when franchises are renewed, however, the franchise authority may, except where prohibited by applicable law, seek to impose new and more onerous requirements as a condition of renewal. Similarly, if a franchising authority's consent is required for the purchase or sale of a cable system, the franchising authority may attempt to impose more burdensome requirements as a condition for providing its consent. Cable franchises generally are granted for fixed terms and, in many cases, include monetary penalties for noncompliance. They may also be terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with material provisions.
In recent years, the traditional local cable franchising regime has undergone significant change as a result of federal and state action. Several states have reduced or eliminated the role of local or municipal government in franchising in favor of state- or system-wide franchises, and the trend has been toward consolidation of franchising authority at the state level, in part to accommodate the interests of new broadband and cable entrants over the last decade. At the same time, the FCC has adopted rules that streamline entry for new competitors (such as those affiliated with broadband communications companies) and reduce certain franchising burdens for these new entrants. In 2019, the FCC also extended to existing cable providers relief from certain fees and other regulatory requirements imposed by franchising authorities, including subjecting certain fees for access to the right-of-way and certain in-kind payments obligations to the statutory cap on franchise fees, as well as preempting franchising authorities from regulating cable operators’ non-cable services. The FCC’s order is currently being challenged on appeal.
Pricing and Packaging.    The Communications Act and the FCC's rules limit the scope of price regulation for cable television services. Among other limitations, franchising authorities may regulate rates for only "basic" cable service. In 2015, the FCC adopted a rule establishing a presumption against rate regulation absent an affirmative showing by the franchising authority that there is an absence of effective competition. Based on the 2015 FCC rule, none of our video customers are currently subject to basic rate regulation.
There have been frequent calls to impose further rate regulation on the cable industry. It is possible that Congress or the FCC may adopt new constraints on the retail pricing or packaging of cable programming. As we attempt to respond to a changing marketplace with competitive marketing and pricing practices, we may face regulations that impede our ability to compete. In addition, a number of state and local regulatory authorities have imposed or seek to impose price- or price-related regulation that we believe is inconsistent with FCC direction, and these efforts if successful, will diminish the benefits of deregulation and hamper our ability to compete with our largely unregulated competitors. We brought a challenge in federal court against one such attempt to regulate our pricing by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and in January 2020 we won a preliminary injunction in federal court in the District of New Jersey enjoining that agency from enforcing its regulation.
Must-Carry/Retransmission Consent.    Cable operators are required to carry, without compensation, programming transmitted by most local commercial and noncommercial broadcast television stations that elect "must carry" status.
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Alternatively, local commercial broadcast television stations may elect "retransmission consent," giving up their must-carry right and instead negotiating with cable systems the terms on which the cable systems may carry the station's programming content. Cable systems generally may not carry a broadcast station that has elected retransmission consent without the station's consent. The terms of retransmission consent agreements frequently include the payment of compensation to the station.
Broadcast stations must elect either "must carry" or retransmission consent every three years. A substantial number of local broadcast stations currently carried by our cable systems have elected to negotiate for retransmission consent. In the most recent retransmission consent negotiations, popular television stations have demanded substantial compensation increases, thereby increasing our operating costs.
Ownership Limitations.    Federal regulation of the communications field traditionally included a host of ownership restrictions, which limited the size of certain media entities and restricted their ability to enter into competing enterprises. Through a series of legislative, regulatory, and judicial actions, most of these restrictions have been either eliminated or substantially relaxed. In 2017, the FCC relaxed some broadcast media ownership rules, and the broadcast industry subsequently experienced consolidation. The FCC’s order relaxing these rules was vacated by a federal appeals court, but the appeals court decision is currently being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. Depending on the outcome of that case or the FCC’s current quadrennial review of ownership rules, the broadcast industry could consolidate further, which could impact the fees we pay broadcasters to license their signals.
Set-Top Boxes.    The Communications Act includes a provision that requires the FCC to take certain steps to support the development of a retail market for "navigation devices," such as cable set-top boxes. Several years ago, the FCC began a proceeding to consider requiring cable operators to accommodate third-party navigation devices, which have imposed substantial development and operating requirements on the industry. Though there is currently no active effort to advance these proposals, the FCC may in the future consider implementing other measures to promote the competitive availability of retail set-top boxes or third-party navigation options that could impact our customers' experience, our ability to capture user interactions to refine and enhance our services, and our ability to provide a consistent customer support environment.
PEG and Leased Access.     Franchising authorities may require that we support the delivery and support for public, educational, or governmental ("PEG") channels on our cable systems. In addition to providing PEG channels, we must make a limited number of commercial leased access channels available to third parties (including parties with potentially competitive video services) at regulated rates. The FCC adopted revised rules several years ago mandating a significant reduction in the rates that operators can charge commercial leased access users. These rules were stayed, however, by a federal court, pending a cable industry appeal. This matter currently remains pending, and the revised rules are not yet in effect. Although commercial leased access activity historically has been relatively limited, increased activity in this area could further burden the channel capacity of our cable systems.
Pole Attachments.    The Company makes extensive use of utility poles and conduits owned by other utilities to attach and install the facilities that are integral to our network and services. The Communications Act requires most utilities to provide cable systems with access to poles and conduits to attach such facilities at regulated rates. The FCC (or a state, if it chooses to regulate) regulates utility company rates for the rental of pole and conduit space used by companies, including operators like us, to provide cable, telecommunications services, and Internet access services. Many states in which we operate have elected to set their own pole attachment rules. Adverse changes to the pole attachment rate structure, rates, classifications, and access could significantly increase our annual pole attachment costs.
Program Access.    The program access rules generally prohibit a cable operator from improperly influencing an affiliated satellite-delivered cable programming service to discriminate unfairly against an unaffiliated distributor where the purpose or effect of such influence is to significantly hinder or prevent the competitor from providing satellite-delivered cable programming. FCC rules also allow a competing distributor to bring a complaint against a cable-affiliated terrestrially-delivered programmer or its affiliated cable operator for alleged violations of this rule, and seek reformed terms of carriage as a remedy.
Program Carriage.    The FCC's program carriage rules prohibit us from requiring that an unaffiliated programmer grant us a financial interest or exclusive carriage rights as a condition of its carriage on our cable systems and prohibit us from unfairly discriminating against unaffiliated programmers in the terms and conditions of carriage on the basis of their nonaffiliation.
Exclusive Access to Multitenant Buildings.    The FCC has prohibited cable operators from entering into or enforcing exclusive agreements with owners of multitenant buildings under which the operator is the only multichannel video
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programming distributor ("MVPD") with access to the building. The FCC is currently considering whether to adopt additional rules regarding access to multitenant environments by providers of broadband service.
CALM Act.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that all commercials carried on our cable service comply with specified volume standards.
Privacy and Data Security.    In the course of providing our services, we collect certain information about our customers and their use of our services. We also collect certain information regarding potential customers and other individuals. Our collection, use, disclosure and other handling of information is subject to a variety of federal and state privacy requirements, including those imposed specifically on cable operators and telecommunications service providers by the Communications Act. We are also subject to data security obligations, as well as requirements to provide notice to individuals and governmental entities in the event of certain data security breaches, and such breaches, depending on their scope and consequences, may lead to litigation and enforcement actions with the potential of substantial monetary forfeitures or to adversely affect our brand.
As cable operators provide interactive and other advanced services, additional privacy and data security requirements may arise through legislation, regulation or judicial decisions. For example, the Video Privacy Protection Act of 1988 has been extended to cover online interactive services through which customers can buy or rent movies. In addition, Congress, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC"), and other lawmakers and regulators are all considering whether to adopt additional measures that could impact the collection, use, and disclosure of customer information in connection with the delivery of advertising and other services to consumers customized to their interests. See "Privacy Regulations" below.
Federal Copyright Regulation.    We are required to pay copyright royalty fees on a semi-annual basis to receive a statutory compulsory license to carry broadcast television content. These fees are subject to periodic audit by the content owners. The amount of a cable operator's royalty fee payments are determined by a statutory formula that takes into account various factors, including the amount of "gross receipts" received from customers for "basic" service, the number of "distant" broadcast signals carried and the characteristics of those distant signals (e.g., network, independent or noncommercial). Certain elements of the royalty formula are subject to adjustment from time to time, which can lead to increases in the amount of our semi-annual royalty payments. The U.S. Copyright Office, which administers the collection of royalty fees, has made recommendations to Congress for changes in or elimination of the statutory compulsory licenses for cable television carriage of broadcast signals and the U.S. Government Accountability Office is conducting a statutorily-mandated inquiry into whether the cable compulsory license should be phased out. Changes to copyright regulations could adversely affect the ability of our cable systems to obtain such programming and could increase the cost of such programming. Similarly, we must obtain music rights for locally originated programming and advertising from the major music performing rights organizations. These licensing fees have been the source of litigation in the past, and we cannot predict with certainty whether license fee disputes may arise in the future.
Access for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities can more fully access the programming we carry. We are required to provide closed captions and pass through video description to customers on some networks we carry, and to provide an easy means of activating closed captioning and to ensure the audio accessibility of emergency information and on-screen text menus and guides provided by our navigation devices.
Other Regulation.    We are subject to various other regulations, including those related to political broadcasting; home wiring; the blackout of certain network and syndicated programming; prohibitions on transmitting obscene programming; limitations on advertising in children's programming; and standards for emergency alerts, as well as telemarketing and general consumer protection laws and equal employment opportunity obligations. For example, the Television Viewer Protection Act of 2019 imposes obligations on cable and fixed broadband providers, including required disclosures at the point of sale and in electronic billing and prohibitions on certain equipment charges. The FCC also imposes various technical standards on our operations.In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the FCC and the states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks, potentially including cable networks. Further, following certain extreme weather events in 2020, several states have undertaken examinations of storm resiliency, recovery, and customer impacts, which investigations could lead to additional regulation of the industry. Each of these regulations restricts (or could restrict) our business practices to varying degrees. The FCC can aggressively enforce compliance with its regulations and consumer protection policies, including through the imposition of substantial monetary sanctions. It is possible that Congress or the FCC will expand or modify its regulations of cable systems in the future, and we cannot predict at this time how that might impact our business.
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Broadband
Regulatory Classification.    Broadband Internet access services were traditionally classified by the FCC as "information services" for regulatory purposes, a type of service that is subject to a lesser degree of regulation than "telecommunications services." In 2015, the FCC reversed this determination and classified broadband Internet access services as "telecommunications services." This reclassification had subjected our broadband Internet access service to greater regulation, although the FCC did not apply all telecommunications service obligations to broadband Internet access service. The 2015 Order (as defined below) could have had a material adverse impact on our business. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order that in large part reversed again the 2015 Order and reestablished the "information service" classification for broadband Internet access service. The 2017 Order (as defined below) was affirmed in part on appeal in October 2019 insofar as it classified broadband Internet access services as information services subject to lesser federal regulation. However, the 2017 Order was also vacated in part on appeal insofar as it preempted states from subjecting broadband Internet access services to any requirements more stringent than the federal requirements. As a result, the precise extent to which state rules may impose such requirements on broadband Internet access service providers is not fully settled. Additionally, the FCC is expected to revisit the appropriate regulatory classification of broadband in 2021.
Net Neutrality.   Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify “net neutrality” rules, which could include prohibitions on blocking, throttling and prioritizing Internet traffic. A number of states, including California and New York, have adopted legislation and/or executive orders that apply “net neutrality” rules to Internet service providers ("ISPs"). The California legislation is currently being challenged in court.
Access for Persons with Disabilities.    The FCC's rules require us to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to "advanced communications services", such as electronic messaging and interoperable video conferencing. They also require that certain video programming delivered via Internet Protocol include closed captioning and require entities distributing such programming to end users to pass through such captions and identify programming that should be captioned.
Other Regulation.    Providers of broadband Internet access services must comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act ("CALEA"), which requires providers to make their services and facilities accessible for law enforcement intercept requests. Various other federal and state laws apply to providers of services that are accessible through broadband Internet access service, including copyright laws, telemarketing laws, prohibitions on obscenity, a ban on unsolicited commercial e-mail, and privacy and data security laws. Online content we provide is also subject to some of these laws.
Other forms of regulation of broadband Internet access service currently being considered by the FCC, Congress or state legislatures include consumer protection requirements, billing and notifications requirements, cybersecurity requirements, consumer service standards, requirements to contribute to universal service programs and requirements to protect personally identifiable customer data from theft. Pending and future legislation in this area could adversely affect our operations as an ISP and our relationship with our Internet customers.
Additionally, from time to time the FCC and Congress have considered whether to subject broadband Internet access services to the federal Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution requirements. Any contribution requirements adopted for Internet access services would impose significant new costs on our broadband Internet service. At the same time, the FCC is changing the manner in which Universal Service funds are distributed. By focusing on broadband and wireless deployment, rather than traditional telephone service, the changes could assist some of our competitors in more effectively competing with our service offerings.
Telephony Services
We provide telephony services using VoIP technology ("interconnected VoIP") and traditional switched telephony via our CLEC subsidiaries.
The FCC has adopted several regulations for interconnected VoIP services, as have several states, especially as it relates to core customer and safety issues such as E911, local number portability, disability access, outage reporting, universal service contributions, and regulatory reporting requirements. The FCC has not, however, formally classified interconnected VoIP services as either information services or telecommunications services. In this vacuum, some states have asserted more expansive rights to regulate interconnected VoIP services, while others have adopted laws that bar the state commission from regulating VoIP service.
Universal Service.     Interconnected VoIP services must contribute to the USF used to subsidize communication services provided to low-income households, to customers in rural and high cost areas, and to schools, libraries, and
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rural health care providers. The amount of universal service contribution required of interconnected VoIP service providers is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on interconnected VoIP providers.
Local Number Portability.   The FCC requires interconnected VoIP service providers and their "numbering partners" to ensure that their customers have the ability to port their telephone numbers when changing providers. We also contribute to federal funds to meet the shared costs of local number portability and the costs of North American Numbering Plan Administration.
Other Regulation.     Interconnected VoIP service providers are required to provide enhanced 911 emergency services to their customers; protect customer proprietary network information from unauthorized disclosure to third parties; report to the FCC on service outages; comply with telemarketing regulations and other privacy and data security requirements; comply with disabilities access requirements and service discontinuance obligations; comply with call signaling requirements; and comply with CALEA standards. In August 2015, the FCC adopted new rules to improve the resiliency of the communications network. Under the new rules, providers of telephony services, including interconnected VoIP service providers, must make available eight hours of standby backup power for consumers to purchase at the point of sale. The rules also require that providers inform new and current customers about service limitations during power outages and steps that consumers can take to address those risks.
We provide traditional telecommunications services in various states through our operating subsidiaries, and those services are largely governed under rules established for CLECs under the Communications Act. The Communications Act entitles our CLEC subsidiaries to certain rights, but as telecommunications carriers, it also subjects them to regulation by the FCC and the states. Their designation as telecommunications carriers results in other regulations that may affect them and the services they offer.
Interconnection and Intercarrier Compensation.    The Communications Act requires telecommunications carriers to interconnect directly or indirectly with other telecommunications carriers and networks, including VoIP. Under the FCC's intercarrier compensation rules, we are entitled, in some cases, to compensation from carriers when they use our network to terminate or originate calls and in other cases are required to compensate another carrier for using its network to originate or terminate traffic. The FCC and state regulatory commissions, including those in the states in which we operate, have adopted limits on the amounts of compensation that may be charged for certain types of traffic. In an October 2011 Order, the FCC determined that intercarrier compensation for all terminating traffic, including VoIP traffic exchanged in time-division multiplexing ("TDM") format, would be phased down over several years to a "bill-and-keep" regime, with no compensation between carriers for most terminating traffic by 2018. The FCC is considering further reform that could reduce or eliminate compensation for originating traffic as well.
Universal Service.    Our CLEC subsidiaries are required to contribute to the USF. The amount of universal service contribution required of us is based on a percentage of revenues earned from interstate and international services provided to end users. We allocate our end user revenues and remit payments to the universal service fund in accordance with FCC rules. The FCC has ruled that states may impose state universal service fees on CLEC telecommunications services.
Other Regulation.    Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services are subject to other FCC requirements, including protecting the use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information; meeting certain notice requirements in the event of service termination; compliance with disabilities access requirements; compliance with CALEA standards; outage reporting; and the payment of fees to fund local number portability administration and the North American Numbering Plan. As noted above, the FCC and states are examining whether new requirements are necessary to improve the resiliency of communications networks, including heightened backup power requirements within the provider's network. Communications with our customers are also subject to FCC, FTC and state regulations on telemarketing and the sending of unsolicited commercial e-mail and fax messages, as well as additional privacy and data security requirements.
State Regulation.  Our CLEC subsidiaries' telecommunications services are subject to regulation by state commissions in each state where we provide services. In order to provide our services, we must seek approval from the state regulatory commission or be registered to provide services in each state where we operate and may at times require local approval to construct facilities. Regulatory obligations vary from state to state and include some or all of the following requirements: filing tariffs (rates, terms and conditions); filing operational, financial, and customer service reports; seeking approval to transfer the assets or capital stock of the broadband communications company; seeking approval to issue stocks, bonds and other forms of indebtedness of the broadband communications company;
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reporting customer service and quality of service requirements; outage reporting; making contributions to state universal service support programs; paying regulatory and state Telecommunications Relay Service and E911 fees; geographic build-out; and other matters relating to competition.
In September 2019, we launched Altice Mobile, our mobile service using our own core infrastructure and our infrastructure mobile virtual network operator ("iMVNO") agreements with Sprint and other roaming partners, including AT&T. Our mobile wireless service is subject to most of the same FCC and consumer protection regulations as typical, network-based wireless carriers (such as E911 services, local number portability, privacy protection, and constraints on billing and advertising practices). The FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt new or different regulations that apply to our services or similarly situated providers, impose new taxes or fees, or modify the obligations of other network-based carriers to provide wholesale RAN access to providers like Altice USA.
Other Services
We may provide other services and features over our cable system, such as games and interactive advertising, that may be subject to a range of federal, state and local laws, such as privacy and consumer protection regulations. We also maintain various websites that provide information and content regarding our businesses. The operation of these websites is also subject to a similar range of regulations.
Privacy Regulations
Our cable, Internet, voice, wireless and advertising services are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as, in instances where we operate outside of the U.S., the laws and regulations of the countries and regions where we operate, regarding subscriber privacy, data security, data protection, and data use. Our provision of Internet services subjects us to the limitations on use and disclosure of user communications and records contained in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986. Broadband Internet access service is also subject to various privacy laws applicable to electronic communications. We are subject to various state regulations and enforcement oversight related to our policies and practices covering the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. In 2018, California passed a comprehensive privacy act aimed at increasing disclosure requirements, privacy protections, and the rights of consumers to identify and delete stored private data, subject to some limited business exceptions. The California law became effective on January 1, 2020. We expect further scrutiny of privacy practices at all levels of government in the areas where we operate, and implementing systems to comply with new rules could impact our business opportunities and impose operating costs on the business.
Our i24 operation has employees and offices in the European Union ("EU") that are subject to the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"). Further, our a4 advertising business conducts limited business with customers that advertise in the EU. As such, we have certain compliance obligations with EU and member state (and UK) laws and regulations, including compliance obligations under the GDPR, and bear potential enforcement risks and fines if we fail to comply, even as the application of those regulations to some of our operations are unclear or are unknown.
Environmental Regulations
Our business operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations, including regulations governing the use, storage, disposal of, and exposure to hazardous materials, the release of pollutants into the environment and the remediation of contamination. In part as a result of the increasing public awareness concerning the importance of environmental regulations, these regulations have become more stringent over time. Amended or new regulations could impact our operations and costs.
Employees and Labor Relations
Human Capital
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 8,900 employees. Approximately 600 of our employees were represented by unions as of such date. Approximately 97% of our employees are U.S based. Our employees perform work in a variety of environments, including customers’ homes or businesses, in the field, and onsite in retail stores, centers or offices. In fiscal year 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on our workforce management approach. A majority of our workforce worked remotely for a significant part of the year, , and we instituted safety protocols and procedures for the essential employees who continued to work in customer locations and in the field.
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Diversity and Inclusion
Together has no limits is our cultural anthem. Together represents inclusion and opportunity for all types of people throughout our company.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is rooted in providing our employees and our customers with the best experience possible. Our approach is informed by best practices in recruitment, retention, community and culture, which will help us build a company that is welcoming, respectful and with equal opportunities for all.
To support this vision, we created employee Affinity Groups that foster communities with shared interests and backgrounds. Through professional development sessions, networking events, panels and community events, our Affinity Groups are helping to create a greater sense of belonging, improve understanding of differences, and inform businesses practices and policies.
Compensation and Benefits
We are committed to providing a competitive total rewards program that assists us in attracting and retaining our talent. Our compensation program targets market competitive pay and provides an opportunity for our full time non-union employees to earn performance based incentive compensation. Our market competitive and inclusive benefits program includes healthcare benefits, life and disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company matching contributions, paid time off, and other voluntary benefit programs.
Available Information and Website
We make available free of charge, through our investor relations section at our website, http://www.alticeusa.com, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and our Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Website references in this report are provided as a convenience and do not constitute, and should not be viewed as, incorporation by reference of the information contained on, or available through, the websites. Therefore, such information should not be considered part of this report.
Item 1A.    Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
Our business is subject to a number of risks that may impact our business and prospects. The following summary identifies certain risk factors that may prevent us from achieving our business objectives or may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These and other risks are discussed in detail in the section that follows.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
•We operate in a highly competitive business environment.
•We face significant risks as a result of rapid changes in technology, consumer expectations and behavior.
•Programming and retransmission costs are increasing and disputes with programmers and the inability to retain or obtain popular programming can adversely affect our relationship with customers.
•We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy.
•Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
•The financial markets are subject to volatility and disruptions, which may adversely affect our business.
•We are highly leveraged and have substantial indebtedness and may incur additional indebtedness.
•We have in past periods incurred substantial losses from continuing operations, and we may do so in the future.
•A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities by ratings agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
•Our subsidiaries' ability to meet obligations under their indebtedness may be restricted by limitations on our other subsidiaries' ability to send funds.
•We are subject to significant restrictive covenants under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
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•We will need to raise significant amounts of funding over the next several years to fund capital expenditures, repay existing obligations and meet other obligations; we may also engage in extraordinary transactions that involve the incurrence of large amounts of indebtedness.
•Changes or uncertainty in respect of LIBOR may affect our sources of funding.
•We rely on network and information systems for our operations and a disruption or failure of, or defects in, those systems may disrupt our operations or damage our reputation with customers.
•If we experience a significant data security breach, our results of operations and reputation could suffer.
•The terms of existing or new collective bargaining agreements with our represented workforce can increase our expense and labor disruptions could adversely affect us.
•A significant amount of our book value consists of intangible assets that may not generate cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale.
•We may engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect us.
•Significant unanticipated increases in the use of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services could increase our costs.
•Our business depends on intellectual property rights and on not infringing on others' intellectual property rights.
•We may be liable for the material that content providers distribute over our networks.
•If we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to manage our business could be adversely affected.
•Impairment of Altice Europe's or Mr. Drahi's reputation could adversely affect current and future customers' perception of Altice USA.
•Macroeconomic developments may adversely affect our business.
•Online piracy could result in reduced revenues and increased expenditures.
•Our mobile wireless service will be subject to startup risk, competition, and risks associated with the price and availability of wholesale access to RAN.
Risk Factors Relating to Regulatory and Legislative Matters
•Our business is subject to extensive governmental legislation and regulation.
•Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination.
•Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive.
•Local franchising authorities have the ability to impose additional regulatory constraints on our business.
•Further regulation of the cable industry could restrict our marketing options or impair our ability to raise rates.
•We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory changes related to pole attachments.
•Changes in channel carriage regulations could impose significant additional costs on us.
•Increasing regulation of our Internet-based products and services could adversely affect our ability to provide new products and services.
•Offering telephone services may subject us to additional regulatory burdens, causing us to incur additional costs.
•Our mobile service exposes us to regulatory risk.
•We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory, legal and economic changes relating to our physical plant.

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Risk Factors Relating to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
•An active, liquid trading market for our Class B common stock has not developed and we cannot assure you that an active, liquid trading market will develop in the future.
•Our stockholders' percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of capital stock.
•We have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock for the foreseeable future.
•Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public market could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
•The tri-class structure of Altice USA common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with Next Alt.
•Next Alt controls us and its interests may conflict with ours or our stockholders in the future.
•Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could prevent a change of control transaction.
•Holders of a single class of Altice USA common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that class of Altice USA common stock.
•We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE.
•If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline.
•We are subject to securities class action litigation related to our 2017 initial public offering and we may be subject to additional securities class action litigation in the future.
•Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders.
Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
We operate in a highly competitive business environment which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, video and telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite-delivered video signals, Internet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. Some of our competitors include AT&T and its DirecTV subsidiary, CenturyLink, DISH, Frontier and Verizon. In addition, our video services compete with all other sources of leisure, news, information and entertainment, including movies, sporting or other live events, radio broadcasts, home-video services, console games, print media and the Internet.
In some instances, our competitors have fewer regulatory burdens, easier access to financing, greater resources, greater operating capabilities and efficiencies of scale, stronger brand-name recognition, longstanding relationships with regulatory authorities and customers, more customers, more flexibility to offer promotional packages at prices lower than ours and greater access to programming or other services. This competition creates pressure on our pricing and has adversely affected, and may continue to affect, our ability to add and retain customers, which in turn adversely affects our business, financial condition and results of operations. The effects of competition may also adversely affect our liquidity and ability to service our debt. For example, we face intense competition from Verizon, which has constructed FTTH network infrastructure that passes a significant number of households in our New York metropolitan service area. We estimate that Verizon is currently able to sell a fiber-based triple play, including broadband, video and telephony services, to at least half of the households in our New York metropolitan service area and may expand these and other service offerings to more customers in the future. The extent of Verizon's build-out and sales activity in our New York metropolitan service area is difficult to assess because it is based on visual inspections and other limited estimating techniques and therefore serves only as an approximation.
Our competitive risks are heightened by the rapid technological change inherent in our business, evolving consumer preferences and the need to acquire, develop and adopt new technology to differentiate our products and services from those of our competitors, and to meet consumer demand. We may need to anticipate far in advance which technology we should use for the development of new products and services or the enhancement of existing products and services. The failure to accurately anticipate such changes may adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers, which in turn could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
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Consolidation and cooperation in our industry may allow our competitors to acquire service capabilities or offer products that are not available to us or offer similar products and services at prices lower than ours.
In addition, certain of our competitors own directly or are affiliated with companies that own programming content or have exclusive arrangements with content providers that may enable them to obtain lower programming costs or offer exclusive programming that may be attractive to prospective customers. For example, DirecTV has exclusive arrangements with the National Football League that give it access to programming we cannot offer. Further, in 2018 AT&T acquired Time Warner, which owns a number of cable networks, including TBS, CNN and HBO, as well as Warner Bros. Entertainment, which produces television, film and home-video content. AT&T's and DirecTV's access to Time Warner programming and studio assets provides AT&T and DirecTV the ability to offer competitive promotional packages that could negatively affect our ability to maintain or increase our existing customers and revenues. DBS operators such as DISH and DirecTV also have marketing arrangements with certain phone companies in which the DBS provider's video services are sold together with the phone company's broadband and mobile and traditional phone services.
Another source of competition for our video services is the delivery of video content over the Internet directly to customers, some of which is offered without charging a fee for access to the content. This competition comes from a number of different sources, including companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming, including extensive on demand, live content, serials, exclusive and original content, over broadband Internet connections to televisions, computers, tablets and mobile devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, iTunes, Apple TV, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, AT&T TV Now, Locast and others. It is possible that additional competitors will enter the market and begin providing video content over the Internet directly to customers. Increasingly, content owners, such as HBO, CBS, Disney and ESPN, are selling their programming directly to consumers over the Internet without requiring a video subscription. The availability of these services has and will continue to adversely affect customer demand for our video services, including premium and on-demand services. Further, due to consumer electronics innovations, consumers can watch such Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. Internet access services are also offered by providers of wireless services, including traditional cellular phone carriers and others focused solely on wireless data services.
Our video services also face competition from broadcast television stations, entities that make digital video recorded movies and programs available for home rental or sale, satellite master antenna television ("SMATV") systems, which generally serve large MDUs under an agreement with the landlord and service providers and open video system operators. Private cable systems can offer improved reception of local television stations and many of the same satellite-delivered program services that are offered by cable systems. SMATV systems currently benefit from operating advantages not available to franchised cable systems, including fewer regulatory burdens. Cable television has also long competed with broadcast television, which consists of television signals that the viewer is able to receive without charge using an "off-air" antenna. The extent of such competition is dependent upon the quality and quantity of broadcast signals available through "off-air" reception, compared to the services provided by the local cable system. The use of radio spectrum now provides traditional broadcasters with the ability to deliver HD television pictures and multiple digital-quality program streams. There can be no assurance that existing, proposed or as yet undeveloped technologies will not become dominant in the future and render our video service offering less profitable or even obsolete.
Our broadband service faces competition from wired and wireless providers.Most broadband communications companies, which already have wired networks, an existing customer base and other operational functions in place (such as billing and service personnel), offer DSL, cable or FTTH/FTTP services. We believe these services compete with our broadband service and are often offered at prices comparable to or lower than our Internet services and, despite sometimes being offered at speeds lower than the speeds we offer, are capable of serving as substitutes for some consumers. In addition, to the extent that these providers’ networks are more ubiquitously deployed, such as traditional telephone networks, they may be in a better position to offer Internet services to businesses passed by their networks on a more economic or timely basis than we can, even if the services they offer are arguably inferior. They may also increasingly have the ability to combine video services, mobile services and telephone and Internet services offered to their customers, either directly or through co-marketing agreements with other service providers.
Mobile broadband providers may be able to provide services that substitute for our fixed and mobile broadband service.Current and future fixed and wireless Internet services, such as 4G, LTE and 5G (and variants) wireless broadband services and WiFi networks, and devices such as wireless data cards, tablets and smartphones, and mobile wireless routers that connect to such devices, may also compete with our broadband services both for in premises broadband service and mobile broadband. All major wireless carriers have started to offer unlimited data plans,
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which could, in some cases, become a substitute for the fixed broadband services we provide. The FCC is likely to continue to make additional radio spectrum available for these wireless Internet access services, which in time could expand the quality and reach of these services.
Our telephony services, including the mobile wireless voice and data service that we launched in 2019, compete directly with established broadband communications companies and other carriers, including wireless providers, as increasing numbers of homes are replacing their traditional telephone service with wireless telephone service. We also compete against VoIP providers like Vonage, Skype, GoogleTalk, Facetime, WhatsApp and magicJack that do not own networks but can provide service to any person with a broadband connection, in some cases free of charge. Our telephony services also face competition from substitute services such as SMS, chat, Apple Messaging, WhatsApp and similar communications services.
In addition, we compete against ILECs, other CLECs and long-distance voice-service companies for large commercial and enterprise customers. While we compete with the ILECs, we also enter into interconnection agreements with ILECs so that our customers can make and receive calls to and from customers served by the ILECs and other telecommunications providers. Federal and state law and regulations require ILECs to enter into such agreements and provide facilities and services necessary for connection, at prices subject to regulation. The specific price, terms and conditions of each agreement, however, depend on the outcome of negotiations between us and each ILEC. Interconnection agreements are also subject to approval by the state regulatory commissions, which may arbitrate negotiation impasses. We have entered into interconnection agreements with Verizon for New York, New Jersey and portions of Connecticut, and with Frontier for portions of Connecticut, which have been approved by the respective state commissions. We have also entered into interconnection agreements with other ILECs in New York and New Jersey and in each of the other states where we offer VoIP and telecommunications services in the Suddenlink territories. These agreements, like all interconnection agreements, are for limited terms and upon expiration are subject to renegotiation, potential arbitration and approval under the laws in effect at that time.
Our advertising business faces competition from traditional and non-traditional media outlets, such as television and radio stations, traditional print media and the Internet, including Facebook, Google and others.
We face significant risks as a result of rapid changes in technology, consumer expectations and behavior.
The broadband communications industry has undergone significant technological development over time and these changes continue to affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Such changes have had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on consumer expectations and behavior. Our video business faces technological change risks as a result of the continuing development of new and changing methods for delivery of programming content such as Internet-based delivery of movies, shows and other content which can be viewed on televisions, wireless devices and other developing mobile devices. Consumers' video consumption patterns are also evolving, for example, with more content being downloaded for time-shifted consumption. A proliferation of delivery systems for video content can adversely affect our ability to attract and retain customers and the demand for our services and it can also decrease advertising demand on our delivery systems. Our broadband business faces technological challenges from rapidly evolving wireless Internet solutions. Our telephony service offerings face technological developments in the proliferation of telephony delivery systems including those based on Internet and wireless delivery. If we do not develop or acquire and successfully implement new technologies, we will limit our ability to compete effectively for customers, content and advertising.
Many of our video customers take delivery of their services through our set-top box and combined home communications hub, the Altice One. Increasingly, customers are able to enjoy our content or other content through other devices, such as Roku, Apple TV, or "smart" TVs, which eliminates or reduces the need to use our devices. Our Altice One communications hub allows our customers to aggregate many services in a manner that is similar to some of these devices. Nonetheless, we cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of our home communications hub, Altice One, or that it will be rolled out across our footprint in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to anticipate and to keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement with Sprint pursuant to which we currently utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and our broadband network is currently being utilized to accelerate the densification of Sprint's network. We believe this additional product offering will enable us to deliver greater value and more benefits to our customers, by offering mobile voice and data services, in addition to our broadband, video and telephony services. Some of our competitors
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already offer, or have announced plans to offer, their own "quad-play" offerings that bundle broadband, video, telephony and mobile voice and data services. If our customers do not view our quad-play offers as competitive with those offered by our competitors, we could experience increased customer churn. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction of our mobile voice and data services, or that they will be introduced to, or adopted by, customers to the extent or in the timeframe we anticipate. In addition, we may be required to make material capital and other investments to develop this business and to anticipate and keep up with technological change. These challenges could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Programming and retransmission costs are increasing and we may not have the ability to pass these increases on to our customers. Disputes with programmers and the inability to retain or obtain popular programming can adversely affect our relationship with customers and lead to customer losses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Programming costs are one of our largest categories of expenses. In recent years, the cost of programming in the cable and satellite video industries has increased significantly and is expected to continue to increase, particularly with respect to costs for sports programming and broadcast networks. We may not be able to pass programming cost increases on to our customers due to the increasingly competitive environment. If we are unable to pass these increased programming costs on to our customers, our results of operations would be adversely affected. Moreover, programming costs are related directly to the number of customers to whom the programming is provided. Our smaller customer base relative to our competitors may limit our ability to negotiate lower per-customer programming costs, which could result in reduced operating margins relative to our competitors with a larger customer base.
The expiration dates of our various programming contracts are staggered, which results in the expiration of a portion of our programming contracts throughout each year. We attempt to control our programming costs and, therefore, the cost of our video services to our customers, by negotiating favorable terms for the renewal of our affiliation agreements with programmers. On certain occasions in the past, such negotiations have led to disputes with programmers that have resulted in temporary periods during which we did not carry or decided to stop carrying a particular broadcast network or programming service or services. For example, in 2017, we were unable to reach an agreement with Starz on acceptable economic terms, and effective January 1, 2018, all Starz services were removed from our lineups, and we launched alternative networks offered by other programmers under new long-term contracts. On February 13, 2018, we and Starz reached a new carriage agreement and we restored the Starz services previously offered by Optimum and Suddenlink. To the extent we are unable to reach agreement with certain programmers on terms we believe are reasonable, we may be forced to, or determine for strategic or business reasons to, remove certain programming channels from our line-up and may decide to replace such programming channels with other programming channels, which may not be available on acceptable terms or be as attractive to customers. Such disputes, or the removal or replacement of programming, may inconvenience some of our customers and can lead to customer dissatisfaction and, in certain cases, the loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that our existing programming contracts will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all, or that the rights we negotiate will be adequate for us to execute our business strategy.
We may also be subject to increasing financial and other demands by broadcast stations. Federal law allows commercial television broadcast stations to make an election between "must-carry" rights and an alternative "retransmission consent" regime. Local stations that elect "must-carry" are entitled to mandatory carriage on our systems, but at no fee. When a station opts for retransmission consent, cable operators negotiate for the right to carry the station's signal, which typically requires payment of a per-customer fee. Our retransmission agreements with stations expire from time to time. Upon expiration of these agreements, we may carry some stations under short-term arrangements while we attempt to negotiate new long-term retransmission agreements. In connection with any negotiation of new retransmission agreements, we may become subject to increased or additional costs, which we may not be able to pass on to our customers. To the extent that we cannot pass on such increased or additional costs to customers or offset such increased or additional costs through the sale of additional services, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected. In addition, in the event contract negotiations with stations are unsuccessful, we could be required, or determine for strategic or business reasons, to cease carrying such stations' signals, possibly for an indefinite period. Any loss of stations could make our video service less attractive to our customers, which could result in a loss of customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. There can be no assurance that any expiring retransmission agreements will be renewed on favorable or comparable terms, or at all.
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We may not be able to successfully implement our growth strategy.
Our future growth, profitability and results of operations depend upon our ability to successfully implement our business strategy, which, in turn, is dependent upon a number of factors, including our ability to continue to:
•simplify and optimize our organization; 
•reinvest in infrastructure and content; 
•invest in sales, marketing and innovation; 
•enhance the customer experience; 
•drive revenue and cash flow growth; and 
•opportunistically grow through value-accretive acquisitions.
There can be no assurance that we can successfully achieve any or all of the above initiatives in the manner or time period that we expect. Furthermore, achieving these objectives will require investments which may result in short-term costs without generating any current revenues and therefore may be dilutive to our earnings. We cannot provide any assurance that we will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect our strategy will achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, if we are unable to continue improving our operational performance and customer experience we may face a decrease in new customers and an increase in customer churn, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In particular, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our plan to build a FTTH network within the anticipated timeline or at all or within the cost parameters we currently expect. Similarly, we may not be successful in deploying Altice One, or the mobile voice and data services we recently launched, on our current timeline or realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits we expect from the introduction thereof, and we may face technological, financial, legal, regulatory or other challenges in pursuing these or other initiatives.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"), and measures to prevent its spread, may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The severity and timing of the impact will depend on a number of factors, including the level and rapidity of infection, duration of containment measures, changes in consumer spending patterns, measures imposed or taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic, macroeconomic conditions in our markets, and negative effects on the financial condition of our customers.
Under difficult economic conditions, including prolonged unemployment and employment furloughs, demand for our products and services could decline and some customers may be unable or unwilling to pay for our products and services. Additionally, in order to prioritize the demands of the business, we may delay certain capital investments, such as FTTH or in other new initiatives, products or services, which may adversely affect our business in the future. If these events occur and were to continue, our revenue may be reduced materially which could result in reduced operating margins and a reduction in cash flows.
Governmental and non-governmental initiatives to reduce the transmission of COVID-19, such as the imposition of restrictions on work and public gatherings and the promotion of social distancing, along with new government service, collection, pricing or rebate mandates, such as New Jersey’s recent executive order to maintain broadband service for non-paying customers, have impacted and could continue to impact our operations and financial results. Our suppliers and vendors also may be affected by such measures in their ability to provide products and services to us and these measures could also make it more difficult for us to serve our customers.
In addition, the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our business, financial condition and results of operations could exacerbate the other risks identified in this section.
The financial markets are subject to volatility and disruptions, which have in the past, and may in the future, adversely affect our business, including by affecting the cost of new capital and our ability to fund acquisitions or other strategic transactions.
From time to time the capital markets experience volatility and disruption. Volatility in the capital markets may be impacted by a number of factors. Some of the main factors which contributed to capital markets volatility in recent months included, for example, uncertainty between the United States and other countries with respect to trade policies, treaties, and tariffs, the outlook for interest rates, and continued uncertainty surrounding the effects of the
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decision by the United Kingdom to exit the EU, which formally occurred on January 31, 2020. There can be no assurance that market conditions will not continue to be volatile or worsen in the future.
Historical market disruptions have typically been accompanied by a broader economic downturn, which has historically led to lower demand for our products, such as video services, as well as lower levels of television advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. A recurrence of these conditions may further adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on the capital markets, particularly for offerings of debt securities and borrowings under syndicated facilities, to meet our financial commitments and liquidity needs if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund such anticipated commitments and needs and to fund acquisitions or other strategic transactions. Disruptions or volatility in the capital markets could also adversely affect our ability to refinance on satisfactory terms, or at all, our scheduled debt maturities and could adversely affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit facilities.
Disruptions in the capital markets as well as the broader global financial market can also result in higher interest rates on any new debt securities we issue and increased costs under credit facilities which bear floating interest rates. Such disruptions could increase our interest expense, adversely affecting our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our access to funds under our revolving credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to those facilities to meet their funding commitments. Those financial institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Moreover, the obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facilities are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.
Longer term, volatility and disruptions in the capital markets and the broader global financial market as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation of financial institutions, reduced alternatives or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to the liquidity needed for our businesses. Such disruptions could require us to take measures to conserve cash or impede or delay potential acquisitions, strategic transactions and refinancing transactions until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged.
We are highly leveraged and have substantial indebtedness, which reduces our capability to withstand adverse developments or business conditions. If we incur additional indebtedness, such indebtedness could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
Our subsidiaries have incurred substantial amounts of indebtedness in connection with acquisitions and to finance the Cequel Acquisition, the Cablevision Acquisition, our operations, upgrades to our cable plant and acquisitions of other cable systems, sources of programming and other businesses. We have also incurred substantial indebtedness in order to offer new or upgraded services to our current and potential customers. At December 31, 2020, the carrying value of our total aggregate indebtedness, including collateralized indebtedness, was approximately $26.7 billion. Because we are highly leveraged, our payments on our indebtedness are significant in relation to our revenues and cash flow, which exposes us to significant risk in the event of downturns in our businesses (whether through competitive pressures or otherwise), our industry or the economy generally, since our cash flows would decrease, but our required payments under our indebtedness would not. Any decrease in our revenues or an increase in operating costs (and corresponding reduction in our cash flows) would therefore adversely affect our ability to make interest or principal payments on our indebtedness as they come due.
Economic downturns may also impact our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions in our indentures, credit facilities and other agreements governing our indebtedness and may impact our ability to pay or refinance our indebtedness as it comes due. If we do not repay or refinance our debt obligations when they become due and do not otherwise comply with the covenants and restrictions in our indentures, credit facilities and other agreements governing our indebtedness, we would be in default under those agreements and the underlying debt could be declared immediately due and payable. In addition, any default under any of our indentures, credit facilities or other agreements governing our indebtedness could lead to an acceleration of debt under any other debt instruments or agreements that contain cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. If the indebtedness incurred under our indentures, credit facilities and other agreements governing our indebtedness were accelerated, we would not have sufficient cash to repay amounts due thereunder. To avoid a default, we could be required to defer capital expenditures, sell assets, seek strategic investments from third parties or otherwise reduce or eliminate discretionary uses of cash. However, if such measures were to become necessary, there can be no assurance that we would be able
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to sell sufficient assets or raise strategic investment capital sufficient to meet our scheduled debt maturities as they come due. In addition, any significant reduction in necessary capital expenditures could adversely affect our ability to retain our existing customer base and obtain new customers, which would adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.
Our overall leverage and the terms of our financing arrangements could also:
•make it more difficult for us to satisfy obligations under our outstanding indebtedness; 
•limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing in the future, including for working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions, and increase the costs of such financing; 
•limit our ability to refinance our indebtedness on terms acceptable to us or at all; 
•limit our ability to adapt to changing market conditions; 
•restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures; 
•require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to paying the principal of and interest on our indebtedness, thereby limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future capital expenditures, working capital, research and development, and other corporate purposes; 
•increase our vulnerability to or limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the broadband communications industry generally as well as general economic conditions, including the risk of increased interest rates;  
•place us at a competitive disadvantage compared with competitors that have a less significant debt burden; and
•adversely affect public perception of us and our brands.
In addition, a substantial portion of our indebtedness bears interest at variable rates. If market interest rates increase, our variable-rate debt will have higher debt service requirements, which could adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition. For more information, see "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk—Interest Rate Risk." Although we have historically entered into, and may in the future enter into, hedging arrangements to limit our exposure to an increase in interest rates or to other risks, such arrangements may not offer complete protection from these risks. In addition, the nature of these hedges could prevent us from realizing benefits we would have received had the hedge not been put in place, such as if interest rates fall.
The terms of our existing indebtedness restrict, but do not prohibit, us from incurring additional indebtedness. We may increase our consolidated indebtedness for various business reasons, which might include, among others, financing acquisitions or other strategic transactions, funding prepayment premiums, if any, on the debt we refinance, funding distributions to our shareholders or general corporate purposes. If we incur additional indebtedness, such indebtedness will be added to our current debt levels and the above-described risks we currently face could be magnified.
We have in past periods incurred substantial losses from continuing operations, and we may do so in the future, which may reduce our ability to raise needed capital.
We have in the past incurred substantial losses from continuing operations and we may do so in the future. Significant losses from continuing operations could limit our ability to raise any needed financing, or to do so on favorable terms, as such losses could be taken into account by potential investors, lenders and the organizations that issue investment ratings on our indebtedness.
A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities by ratings agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.
Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for companies they follow. The condition of the financial and credit markets and prevailing interest rates have fluctuated in the past and are likely to fluctuate in the future. In addition, developments in our business and operations or the amount of indebtedness could lead to a ratings downgrade on our or our subsidiaries' indebtedness. The debt ratings for our subsidiaries' debt securities and credit facilities are currently below the "investment grade" category, which results in higher borrowing costs and more restrictive covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, as well as a reduced pool of potential investors of that debt as some investors will not purchase debt securities or become lenders under credit facilities that are not rated in an investment grade rating category. In addition, there can be no assurance that any rating assigned will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency, if in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Our
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credit rating (including the credit rating assigned to our subsidiaries’ debt securities and credit facilities) has in the past been and may continue to be impacted by a number of factors, including the effects of the U.S. economy experiencing an uneven recovery following a protracted slowdown, factors affecting the broadband communications and video service industry, our operating performance and our financing activities. Any such fluctuation in the rating of us or our subsidiaries may impact our ability to access debt markets in the future or increase our cost of future debt which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, which in return may adversely affect the market price of shares of our Class A common stock.
Our subsidiaries' ability to meet obligations under their indebtedness may be restricted by limitations on our other subsidiaries' ability to send funds.
Our primary debt obligations have been incurred by our subsidiaries, mainly CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings"). A portion of the indebtedness incurred by CSC Holdings is not guaranteed by any of its subsidiaries. CSC Holdings is primarily a holding company whose ability to pay interest and principal on such indebtedness is wholly or partially dependent upon the operations of its subsidiaries and the distributions or other payments of cash, in the form of distributions, loans or advances, those other subsidiaries deliver to our indebted subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and, unless any such subsidiaries has guaranteed the underlying indebtedness, have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due on our indebted subsidiaries' indebtedness or to make any funds available to our indebted subsidiaries to do so. These subsidiaries may not generate enough cash to make such funds available to our indebted subsidiaries and in certain circumstances legal and contractual restrictions may also limit their ability to do so.
Also, our subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors, in the event of a liquidation or reorganization of any subsidiary, would be entitled to a claim on the assets of such subsidiaries, including any assets transferred to those subsidiaries, prior to any of our claims as a stockholder and those creditors are likely to be paid in full before any distribution is made to us. To the extent that we are a creditor of a subsidiary, our claims could be subordinated to any security interest in the assets of that subsidiary and/or any indebtedness of that subsidiary senior to that held by us.
We are subject to significant restrictive covenants under the agreements governing our indebtedness.
The indentures, credit facilities and agreements governing the indebtedness of our subsidiaries contain various negative covenants that restrict our subsidiaries' (and their respective subsidiaries') ability to, among other things:
•incur additional indebtedness and guarantee indebtedness; 
•pay dividends or make other distributions, or repurchase or redeem capital stock; 
•prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated debt or equity; 
•issue certain preferred stock; 
•make loans and investments; 
•sell assets; 
•incur liens; 
•enter into transactions with affiliates; 
•create or permit any encumbrances or restrictions on the ability of their respective subsidiaries to pay dividends or make other distributions, make loans or advances or transfer assets, in each case to such subsidiary, or its other restricted subsidiaries; and 
•consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of their assets.
We are also subject to certain affirmative covenants under our subsidiary's revolving credit facility, which, among other things, require our operating subsidiaries to maintain a specified financial ratio if there are any outstanding loans thereunder. Our ability to meet these financial ratios may be affected by events beyond our control and, as a result, there can be no assurance that we will be able to meet these ratios.
Violation of these covenants could result in a default that would permit the relevant creditors to require the immediate repayment of the borrowings thereunder, which could result in a default under other debt instruments and agreements that contain cross-default provisions and, in the case of our revolving credit facility, permit the relevant lenders to restrict the relevant borrower's ability to borrow undrawn funds under such revolving credit facility. A default under any of the agreements governing our indebtedness could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
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As a result, we may be:
•limited in how we conduct our business; 
•unable to raise additional debt or equity financing to operate during general economic or business downturns; or 
•unable to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.
These restrictions could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow in accordance with our strategy and on the value of our debt and equity securities.
We will need to raise significant amounts of funding over the next several years to fund capital expenditures, repay existing obligations and meet other obligations and the failure to do so successfully could adversely affect our business. We may also engage in extraordinary transactions that involve the incurrence of large amounts of indebtedness.
Our business is capital intensive. Operating and maintaining our cable systems requires significant amounts of cash payments to third parties. Capital expenditures were $1,074.0 million, $1,355.4 million and $1,153.6 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and primarily included payments for customer premise equipment, network infrastructure, support and other costs.
We are building a FTTH network, and we continue to upgrade our existing HFC network. During the fourth quarter of 2017, we introduced an entertainment and connectivity hub, Altice One, and we continue to expand the availability of this device across our footprint, as well as its functionality. Also in the fourth quarter of 2017, we entered into a multi-year strategic agreement pursuant to which we currently utilize Sprint's network to provide mobile voice and data services to our customers throughout the nation, and our broadband network is currently being utilized to accelerate the densification of Sprint's network. We may not be able to execute these initiatives within the anticipated timelines, or at all, and we may incur greater than anticipated costs and capital expenditures, fail to realize anticipated benefits, experience business disruptions or encounter other challenges to executing these initiatives which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect these capital expenditures to continue to be significant as we further enhance our service offerings. We may have substantial future capital commitments in the form of long-term contracts that require substantial payments over a period of time. In the longer term, our ability to fund our operations, make planned capital expenditures, make scheduled payments on our indebtedness and repay our indebtedness depends on our future operating performance and cash flows and our ability to access the capital markets, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Competition, market disruptions or deterioration in economic conditions could lead to lower demand for our products, as well as lower levels of advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the services we provide. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. As such, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash internally to fund anticipated capital expenditures, make ongoing interest payments and repay our indebtedness at maturity. Accordingly, we may have to do one or more of the following:
•refinance existing obligations to extend maturities; 
•raise additional capital, through bank loans, debt or equity issuances or a combination thereof; 
•cancel or scale back current and future spending programs; or 
•sell assets or interests in one or more of our businesses.
However, we may not be able to refinance existing obligations or raise any required additional capital on terms acceptable to us or at all. Borrowing costs related to future capital raising activities may be significantly higher than our current borrowing costs and we may not be able to raise additional capital on favorable terms, or at all, if financial markets experience volatility. If we are unable to pursue our current and future spending programs, we may be forced to cancel or scale back those programs. Our choice of which spending programs to cancel or reduce may be limited. Failure to successfully pursue our capital expenditure and other spending plans could materially and adversely affect our ability to compete effectively. It is possible that in the future we may also engage in extraordinary transactions and such transactions could result in the incurrence of substantial additional indebtedness.
Changes or uncertainty in respect of LIBOR may affect our sources of funding.
The interest rates applicable to some of our sources of funding are linked to LIBOR. Various interest rate benchmarks (including LIBOR) are the subject of recent regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. Some reforms
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are already effective while others are still to be implemented, including the EU Benchmark Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2016/1011). In addition, the sustainability of LIBOR has been questioned by the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) as a result of the absence of relevant active underlying markets and possible disincentives (including possibly as a result of regulatory reforms) for market participants to continue contributing to such benchmarks. On November 29, 2017, the Bank of England and the FCA announced that the Working Group on Sterling Risk-Free Rates (the "Working Group") would have an extended mandate to catalyze a broad transition to the Sterling Overnight Index Average rate (“SONIA”) across sterling bond, loan and derivatives markets so that SONIA is established as the primary sterling interest rate benchmark by the end of 2021. In January 2020, the Working Group published their priorities and milestones on the LIBOR transition, which includes taking steps to promote and enable widespread use of SONIA compounded in arrears, enabling a further shift of volumes from GBP LIBOR to SONIA in derivative markets and establishing a clear framework to manage transition of legacy LIBOR products. Further, the Bank of England and FCA published a press release in support of the objectives of the Working Group and announcing the next steps for LIBOR transition in 2020. These reforms and other pressures may cause such benchmarks to disappear entirely, to perform differently than in the past (as a result of a change in methodology or otherwise), create disincentives for market participants to continue to administer or participate in certain benchmarks or have other consequences which cannot be predicted. Based on the foregoing, investors should in particular be aware that:
•any of the reforms or pressures described above or any other changes to a relevant interest rate benchmark (including LIBOR) could affect the level of the published rate, including to cause it to be lower and/or more volatile than it would otherwise be; and
•if LIBOR is discontinued, then the rate of interest applicable to our sources of funding may be determined for a period by applicable fallback provisions, although such provisions, often being dependent in part upon the provision by reference banks of offered quotations for the LIBOR rate, may not operate as intended (depending on market circumstances and the availability of rates information at the relevant time) and may in certain circumstances result in the effective application of a fixed rate based on the rate which applied in the previous period when LIBOR was available.
More generally, any of the above matters or any other significant change to the setting or existence of LIBOR could affect our ability to meet our obligations under our sources of funding and/or could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity of, and the amount payable under, our sources of funding. Changes in the manner of administration of LIBOR could result in adjustments to the conditions applicable to our sources of funding or other consequences relevant to our sources of funding. No assurance can be provided that changes will not be made to LIBOR or any other relevant benchmark rate and/or that such benchmarks will continue to exist.
We rely on network and information systems for our operations and a disruption or failure of, or defects in, those systems may disrupt our operations, damage our reputation with customers and adversely affect our results of operations.
Network and information systems are essential to our ability to conduct our business and deliver our services to our customers. While we have in place multiple security systems designed to protect against intentional or unintentional disruption, failure, misappropriation or corruption of our network and information systems, there can be no assurance that our efforts to protect our network and information systems will prevent any of the problems identified above. A problem of this type might be caused by events such as computer hacking, computer viruses, worms and other destructive or disruptive software, "cyber-attacks," phishing attacks and other malicious activity, defects in the hardware and software comprising our network and information systems, as well as natural disasters, power outages, terrorist attacks and similar events. Such events could have an adverse impact on us and our customers, including degradation of service, service disruption, excessive call volume to call centers, theft and damage to our plant, equipment and data, costs associated with remediation, notification, and potential damages to third parties affected by such malicious activities. Operational or business delays may result from the disruption of network or information systems and the subsequent remediation activities. Moreover, these events may create negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers and our results of operations could suffer.
We also use certain vendors to supply some of the hardware, software and support of our network, some of which have been customized or altered to fit our business needs. Certain of these vendors and suppliers may have leverage over us considering that there are limited suppliers of certain products and services, or that there is a long lead time and/or significant expense required to transition to another provider. In addition, some of these vendors and suppliers do not have a long operating history or may not be able to continue to supply the equipment and services we desire. Some of our hardware, software and operational support vendors and some of our service providers represent our sole
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source of supply or have, either through contract or as a result of intellectual property rights, a position of some exclusivity. In addition, because of the pace at which technological innovations occur in our industry, we may not be able to obtain access to the latest technology on reasonable terms. Any delays or the termination or disruption in these relationships as a result of contractual disagreements, operational or financial failures on the part of our vendors and suppliers, or other adverse events that prevent such vendors and suppliers from providing the equipment or services we need, with the level of quality we require, in a timely manner and at reasonable prices, could result in significant costs to us and have a negative effect on our ability to provide services and rollout advanced services. Our ability to replace such vendors and suppliers may be limited and, as a result, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially adversely affected.
If we experience a significant data security breach or fail to detect and appropriately respond to a significant data security breach, our results of operations and reputation could suffer.
The nature of our business involves the receipt and storage of information about our customers and employees. We have procedures in place to detect and respond to data security incidents. However, because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and may be difficult to detect for long periods of time, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures. In addition, hardware, software or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber intrusions and we commit substantial resources to continuously monitor and further develop our network and infrastructure to detect, protect and address the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events. Unauthorized parties may also attempt to gain access to our systems or facilities and to our proprietary business information. Our security programs and measures do not prevent all intrusions. Cyber intrusions require a significant amount of time and money to assess and remedy, and our incident response efforts may not be effective in all cases. If our efforts to protect the security of information about our customers and employees are unsuccessful, a significant data security breach may result in costly government enforcement actions, private litigation and negative publicity resulting in reputation or brand damage with customers, and our financial condition and results of operations could suffer. For example, in November 2019, a phishing attack against employee email accounts resulted in the exposure of certain employees' email credentials and, as a result, the exposure of information in those accounts including personal information of current and former employees as well as some customers. We took measures to secure against these attacks and responded by notifying affected persons, relevant state and federal agencies and law enforcement agencies. While the November 2019 attack appears to be contained both from an exposure and cost perspective, we have learned of at least one putative class action having been filed on February 13, 2020, and this and similar attacks could impose costs, liability and reputational harm that could adversely affect our operations and financial results. While we maintain insurance for cyber incidents, due to policy terms, limits and exclusions, it may not apply in all cases, and may not be adequate to cover all liabilities.
A portion of our workforce is represented by labor unions under established collective bargaining agreements or negotiating for a first contract. The terms of existing or new collective bargaining agreements can increase our expenses. Labor disruptions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of December 31, 2020, approximately 600 of the Company’s employees were represented by either the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). The Company has existing collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW that cover approximately 600 employees in New York and New Jersey and expire at various times beginning February 12, 2023 through April 25, 2024.
The collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW covering these groups of employees or any other agreements with other unions may increase the Company’s expenses or affect our ability to implement operational changes. Increased unionization of our workforce and any labor disputes we experience could create disruption or have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A significant amount of our book value consists of intangible assets that may not generate cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale.
At December 31, 2020, we reported approximately $33.4 billion of consolidated total assets, of which approximately $24.0 billion were intangible.Intangible assets primarily included franchises from city and county governments to operate cable systems, goodwill, customer relationships and trade names. While we believe the carrying values of our intangible assets are recoverable, we may not receive any cash in the event of a voluntary or involuntary sale of these intangible assets, particularly if we were not continuing as an operating business. We urge our stockholders to read
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carefully the notes to our consolidated financial statements contained herein, which provide more detailed information about these intangible assets.
We may engage in acquisitions, dispositions and other strategic transactions and the integration of such acquisitions, the sales of assets and other strategic transactions could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our business has grown significantly as a result of acquisitions, which entail numerous risks including:
•distraction of our management team in identifying potential acquisition targets, conducting due diligence and negotiating acquisition agreements; 
•difficulties in integrating the operations, personnel, products, technologies and systems of acquired businesses; 
•difficulties in enhancing our customer support resources to adequately service our existing customers and the customers of acquired businesses; 
•the potential loss of key employees or customers of the acquired businesses; 
•unanticipated liabilities or contingencies of acquired businesses; 
•unbudgeted costs which we may incur in connection with pursuing potential acquisitions which are not consummated; 
•failure to achieve projected cost savings or cash flow from acquired businesses, which are based on projections that are inherently uncertain; 
•fluctuations in our operating results caused by incurring considerable expenses to acquire and integrate businesses before receiving the anticipated revenues expected to result from the acquisitions; and 
•difficulties in obtaining regulatory approvals required to consummate acquisitions, or costs associated with obtaining such approvals in the form of additional expenses or ongoing conditions on the operation of the business.
We also participate in competitive bidding processes, some of which may involve significant cable systems. We also may sell all or portions of the businesses we own, including cable systems or business units. If we engage in acquisitions, dispositions or other strategic transactions in the future, we may incur additional debt, contingent liabilities and amortization expenses, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We could also issue substantial additional equity which could dilute existing stockholders.
If our acquisitions do not result in the anticipated operating efficiencies, are not effectively integrated, or result in costs which exceed our expectations, or if our dispositions fail to generate adequate consideration, result in contingent liabilities, adversely affect our ability to generate revenue or are disruptive to our other businesses, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Significant unanticipated increases in the use of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services could increase our costs.
The rising popularity of bandwidth-intensive Internet-based services poses risks for our broadband and wireless services. Examples of such services include peer-to-peer file sharing services, gaming services and the delivery of video via streaming technology and by download. If heavy usage of bandwidth-intensive broadband and wireless services grows beyond our current expectations or capacity, we may need to incur more expenses than currently anticipated to expand the bandwidth capacity of our systems or our customers could have a suboptimal experience when using our broadband or wireless services, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations. In order to provide quality services at attractive prices, we need the continued flexibility to develop and refine business models that respond to changing consumer uses and demands and to manage bandwidth usage efficiently. Our ability to undertake such actions could be restricted by regulatory and legislative efforts to impose so-called "net neutrality" requirements on broadband communication providers like us that provide broadband services. For more information, see "Regulation—Broadband."
Our business depends on intellectual property rights and on not infringing on the intellectual property rights of others.
We rely on our patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets, as well as licenses and other agreements with our vendors and other parties, to use our technologies, conduct our operations and sell our products and services. Our
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intellectual property rights may be challenged and invalidated by third parties and may not be strong enough to provide meaningful commercial competitive advantage. Third parties have in the past, and may in the future, assert claims or initiate litigation related to exclusive patent, copyright, trademark and other intellectual property rights to technologies and related standards that are relevant to us. These assertions have increased over time as a result of our growth and the general increase in the pace of patent claims assertions, particularly in the United States. Because of the existence of a large number of patents in the networking field, the secrecy of some pending patents and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, we believe it is not possible to determine in advance whether a product or any of its components infringes or will infringe on the patent rights of others. Asserted claims and/or initiated litigation can include claims against us or our manufacturers, suppliers or customers, alleging infringement of their proprietary rights with respect to our existing or future products and/or services or components of those products and/or services.
Regardless of the merit of these claims, they can be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and diversion of technical and management personnel, or require us to modify our business, develop a non-infringing technology, be enjoined from use of certain intellectual property, use alternate technology or enter into license and royalty agreements. There can be no assurance that licenses will be available on acceptable terms and conditions, if at all, or that our indemnification by our suppliers will be adequate to cover our costs if a claim were brought directly against us or our customers. Furthermore, because of the potential for high court awards that are not necessarily predictable, it is not unusual to find even arguably unmeritorious claims settled for significant amounts. If any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us by any third-party is successful, if we are required to indemnify a customer with respect to a claim against the customer, or if we fail to modify our business, develop non-infringing technology, use alternate technology or license the proprietary rights on commercially reasonable terms and conditions, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We may be liable for the material that content providers distribute over our networks.
The law in most cases limits the liability of private network operators for information carried on, stored on or disseminated through their networks. However, these limitations on liability are subject to certain exceptions and the contours of those exceptions are not fully settled. Among other things, the limitation of copyright liability for network operators with respect to materials transmitted over their networks is conditioned upon the network operators’ terminating the accounts of repeat infringers in certain circumstances, and the law is unsettled as to the circumstances in which such termination is required to maintain the operator’s limitation of liability. As such, we could be exposed to legal claims relating to content disseminated on our networks and/or asserting that we are not eligible for statutory limitations on liability for network operators with respect to such content. Claims could involve matters such as defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement. If we need to take costly measures to reduce our exposure to these risks or are required to defend ourselves against such claims, our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
If we are unable to retain key employees, our ability to manage our business could be adversely affected.
Our operational results have depended, and our future results will depend, upon the retention and continued performance of our management team. The competitive environment for management talent in the broadband communications industry could adversely impact our ability to retain and hire new key employees for management positions. The loss of the services of key members of management and the inability or delay in hiring new key employees could adversely affect our ability to manage our business and our future operational and financial results.
Impairment of Altice Europe's or Mr. Drahi's reputation could adversely affect current and future customers' perception of Altice USA.
Our ability to attract and retain customers depends, in part, upon the external perceptions of Altice USA, which in turn may be affected by Altice Europe's and Mr. Drahi's reputation and the quality of Altice Europe's products and its corporate and management integrity. The broadband communications and video services industry is by its nature more prone to reputational risks than other industries. This has been compounded in recent years by the free flow of unverified information on the Internet and on social media. Impairment of, including any loss of goodwill or reputational advantages, Altice Europe's or Mr. Drahi's reputation in markets in which we do not operate could adversely affect current and future customers', regulators', investors' and others' perception of Altice USA.
Macroeconomic developments may adversely affect our business.
Our performance is subject to global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending levels. Continued uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as consumers and businesses may postpone spending in response to tighter credit, unemployment, negative financial news, and/or declines in income or asset
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values, which could have a material negative effect on demand for our products and services. As our business depends on consumer discretionary spending, our results of operations are sensitive to changes in macroeconomic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases as a result of job losses, foreclosures, bankruptcies, increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes, reduced access to credit, and lower home values. These and other economic factors could adversely affect demand for our products, which in turn could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Online piracy of entertainment and media content could result in reduced revenues and increased expenditures which could materially harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Online entertainment and media content piracy is extensive in many parts of the world and is made easier by technological advances. This trend facilitates the creation, transmission and sharing of high quality unauthorized copies of entertainment and media content. The proliferation of unauthorized copies of this content will likely continue, and if it does, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations because these products could reduce the demand for and revenue we receive from our products. Additionally, in order to contain this problem, we may have to implement elaborate and costly security and antipiracy measures, which could result in significant expenses and losses of revenue. There can be no assurance that even the highest levels of security and anti-piracy measures will prevent piracy.
Our mobile wireless service will be subject to startup risk, competition, and risks associated with the price and availability of wholesale access to RAN.
In 2019, we launched a mobile wireless voice and data service. We are offering this service using wholesale RAN agreements we have entered into with Sprint and other RAN providers, as well as with our existing WiFi hotspot infrastructure in subscriber homes and at outdoor WiFi hotspots. We believe that our approach to the mobile wireless service offering, including the construction and operation of our own “mobile core” and the ability to bundle and promote the product to our existing customer base, will give us advantages over resellers and incumbent network-based operators alike. We nevertheless face competition from well-established incumbents like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. These incumbents have scale advantages over Altice USA and own their spectrum and RAN, affording them significant control over the quality and reach of their own wireless networks, the service quality, speed of improvement and investment, cost, and the handling of subscriber congestion, which our service cannot replicate because it relies in part on incumbent networks that we do not fully control.
Our mobile wireless strategy depends on the availability of wholesale RAN access from one or more network-based providers with whom we are likely to compete. Our mobile service is vulnerable to constraints on the availability of wholesale access or increases in price from the incumbents. We are also dependent on our ability to extend our agreement with Sprint or another wholesale RAN access provider after the initial term of our agreement with Sprint expires.
Consolidation among wholesale RAN access providers could impair our ability to sustain our mobile service. In 2018, Sprint and T-Mobile announced an intent to merge. The merger was approved by the U.S. Justice Department in July 2019, the FCC in November 2019 (which conditioned its approval on fulfillment of certain commitments, including certain conditions intended to benefit the Company) and a federal court in the Southern District of New York in February 2020. According to a joint press release issued by Sprint and T-Mobile on February 11, 2020, although the business combination remains subject to certain closing conditions, including possible additional court proceedings, the companies are taking final steps to complete the merger. While the reduction of competition among mobile wireless network-based providers likely will negatively impact the price and availability of wholesale RAN access to the Company generally, certain of the conditions imposed upon the merger parties by the U.S. Justice Department and the FCC have the potential to ameliorate those effects and to enhance the coverage, quality and cost structure for our mobile services while those conditions are in effect. We rely on the merger parties and the U.S. Justice Department's and FCC’s oversight of those conditions for enforcement. If we fail to obtain timely or fully the benefit of the conditions, or if enforcement is inadequate, the price, reach, quality and competitiveness of our mobile offering likely will be adversely affected.
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Risk Factors Relating to Regulatory and Legislative Matters
Our business is subject to extensive governmental legislation and regulation, which could adversely affect our business, increase our operational and administrative expenses and limit our revenues.
Regulation of the cable, telephone, mobile, and broadband industries imposes operational and administrative expenses and limits their revenues. The Company operates in all of these industries and is therefore subject to, among other things:
•rules governing the provisioning and marketing of cable equipment and compatibility with new digital technologies; 
•rules governing the manner in which we advertise, market or price our products and services in the marketplace, and how we position those products and services against competing products and services;
•rules and regulations relating to data protection and customer and employee privacy; 
•rules establishing limited rate regulation of video service; 
•rules governing the copyright royalties that must be paid for retransmitting broadcast signals; 
•rules governing when a cable system must carry a particular broadcast station and when it must first obtain retransmission consent to carry a broadcast station; 
•rules governing the provision of channel capacity to unaffiliated commercial leased access programmers; 
•rules limiting the ability to enter into exclusive agreements with MDUs and control inside wiring; 
•rules for cable franchise renewals and transfers; 
•other requirements covering a variety of operational areas such as equal employment opportunity, emergency alert systems, disability access, technical standards and customer service and consumer protection requirements; 
•rules, regulations and regulatory policies relating to the provision of broadband service, including "net neutrality" requirements; 
•rules, regulations and regulatory policies relating to the provision of telephony services; and
•rules, regulations and regulatory policies relating to licensed mobile network operators, wholesale access to mobile networks by resellers or MVNOs, and regulation of the prices, terms, or service provided by mobile operators.
Many aspects of these regulations are currently the subject of judicial proceedings and administrative or legislative proposals. There are also efforts to amend or expand the federal, state and local regulation of some of our cable systems, which may compound the regulatory risks we already face, and proposals that might make it easier for our employees to unionize. The Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act prohibits many taxes on Internet access service, but certain states and localities are considering new taxes and fees on our provision of cable, broadband, and telecommunications taxes that could increase operating expenses. Certain states are also considering adopting energy efficiency regulations governing the operation of equipment that we use, which could constrain innovation. Congress periodically considers whether to rewrite the entire Communications Act to account for changes in the communications marketplace or to adopt more focused changes. Congress has in the past considered, and continues to consider, additional regulations on cable providers and ISPs to address specific consumer or customer issues. In response to recent data breaches and increasing concerns regarding the protection of consumers' personal information, Congress, states, and regulatory agencies are considering the adoption of new privacy and data security laws and regulations that could result in additional privacy, as well as network and information security, requirements for our business. These new laws, as well as existing legal and regulatory obligations, could require significant expenditures.
Additionally, there have been statements by federal government officials indicating that some laws and regulations applicable to our industry may be repealed or modified in a way that could be favorable to us and our competitors. There can be no assurance that any such repeal or modification will be beneficial to us or will not be more beneficial to our current and future competitors.
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Our cable system franchises are subject to non-renewal or termination. The failure to renew a franchise in one or more key markets could adversely affect our business.
Our cable systems generally operate pursuant to franchises, permits and similar authorizations issued by a state or local governmental authority controlling the public rights-of-way. Some franchises establish comprehensive facilities and service requirements, as well as specific customer service standards and monetary penalties for non-compliance. In many cases, franchises are terminable if the franchisee fails to comply with significant provisions set forth in the franchise agreement governing system operations. Franchises are generally granted for fixed terms and must be periodically renewed. Franchising authorities may resist granting a renewal if either past performance or the prospective operating proposal is considered inadequate. Franchise authorities often demand concessions or other commitments as a condition to renewal. In some instances, local franchises have not been renewed at expiration, and we have operated and are operating under either temporary operating agreements or without a franchise while negotiating renewal terms with the local franchising authorities.
As of December 31, 2020, two of our largest franchises, the Town of Hempstead, New York, comprising an aggregate of approximately 76,000 video customers, and the New York City franchise, comprising of approximately 431,000 video customers were expired. We are currently lawfully operating in both these franchise areas under temporary authority recognized by the State of New York. Lightpath holds a franchise from New York City that expired on December 20, 2008 and the renewal process is pending. We believe New York City is treating the expiration date of this franchise as extended until a formal determination on renewal is made, but there can be no assurance that we will be successful in renewing this franchise on anticipated terms or at all. We expect to renew or continue to operate under all or substantially all of our franchises.
The traditional cable franchising regime has undergone significant change as a result of various federal and state actions. Some state franchising laws do not allow incumbent operators like us to immediately opt into favorable statewide franchising as quickly as new entrants, and often require us to retain certain franchise obligations that are more burdensome than those applied to new entrants.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with all significant provisions of our franchise agreements and certain of our franchisors have from time to time alleged that we have not complied with these agreements. Additionally, although historically we have renewed our franchises without incurring significant costs, there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew, or to renew on terms as favorable, our franchises in the future. A termination of or a sustained failure to renew a franchise in one or more key markets could adversely affect our business in the affected geographic area.
Our cable system franchises are non-exclusive. Accordingly, local and state franchising authorities can grant additional franchises and create competition in market areas where none existed previously, resulting in overbuilds, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Cable systems are operated under non-exclusive franchises historically granted by local authorities. More than one cable system may legally be built in the same area, which is referred to as an overbuild. It is possible that a franchising authority might grant a second franchise to another cable operator and that such franchise might contain terms and conditions more favorable than those afforded to us. Although entry into the cable industry involves significant cost barriers and risks, well-financed businesses from outside the cable industry, such as online service providers, or public utilities that already possess fiber optic and other transmission lines in the areas they serve, may over time become competitors. In addition, there are a few cities that have constructed their own cable systems, in a manner similar to city-provided utility services, and private cable companies not affiliated with established local exchange carriers have also demonstrated an interest in constructing overbuilds. We believe that for any potential competitor to be successful, such competitor's overbuild would need to be able to serve the homes and businesses in the overbuilt area with equal or better service quality, on a more cost-effective basis than we can.
In some cases, local government entities and municipal utilities may legally compete with us without securing a local franchise or on more favorable franchise terms. In recent years, federal legislative and regulatory proposals have sought to facilitate the ability of municipalities to construct and deploy broadband facilities that could compete with our cable systems. In addition, certain telephone companies have sought or are seeking authority to operate in communities without first obtaining a local franchise. As a result, competing operators may build systems in areas in which we hold franchises. The FCC has adopted rules that streamline entry for new competitors (including those affiliated with telephone companies) and reduce franchising burdens for these new entrants. The FCC subsequently extended more modest relief to incumbent cable operators like the Company, but a recent federal court decision curtailed a portion of this relief that relates to the cap on in-kind payments to franchising authorities. At the same
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time, a substantial number of states have adopted franchising laws designed to streamline entry for new competitors, and they often provide advantages for these new entrants that are not immediately available to existing operators.
We believe the markets we serve are not significantly overbuilt. However, the FCC and some state regulatory commissions direct certain subsidies to entities deploying broadband to areas deemed to be "unserved" or "underserved." Many other organizations have applied for and received these funds, including broadband services competitors and new entrants into such services. We have generally opposed such subsidies when directed to areas that we serve and have deployed broadband capable networks. Despite those efforts, we could be placed at a competitive disadvantage if recipients use these funds to subsidize services that compete with our broadband services.
Local franchising authorities have the ability to impose additional regulatory constraints on our business, which could reduce our revenues or increase our expenses.
In addition to the franchise agreement, local franchising authorities in some jurisdictions have adopted cable regulatory ordinances that further regulate the operation of cable systems. This additional regulation increases the cost of operating our business. For example, some local franchising authorities impose minimum customer service standards on our operations. There are no assurances that the local franchising authorities will not impose new and more restrictive requirements.
Further regulation of the cable industry could restrict our marketing options or impair our ability to raise rates to cover our increasing costs.
The cable industry has operated under a federal rate regulation regime for more than three decades. Currently, rate regulation by franchising authorities is strictly limited to the basic service tier and associated equipment and installation activities. A franchising authority that wishes to regulate basic cable service offered by a particular cable system must certify and demonstrate that the cable system is not subject to "effective competition" as defined by federal law. Our franchise authorities have not certified to exercise this limited rate regulation authority. If any of our local franchising authorities obtain certification to regulate rates, they would have the power to reduce rates and order refunds on the rates charged for basic service and equipment, which could reduce our revenues. The FCC and Congress also continue to be concerned that cable rate increases are exceeding inflation. It is possible that either the FCC or Congress will adopt more extensive rate regulation for our video services or regulate our other services, such as broadband and telephony services, which could impede our ability to raise rates, or require rate reductions. To the extent we are unable to raise our rates in response to increasing costs, or are required to reduce our rates, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity will be materially adversely affected. There has been legislative and regulatory interest in requiring cable operators to offer historically bundled programming services on an à la carte basis. It is possible that new marketing restrictions could be adopted in the future. These restrictions could affect how we provide, and limit, customer equipment used in connection with our services and how we provide access to video programming beyond conventional cable delivery. A number of state and local regulatory authorities have imposed or seek to impose price- or price-related regulation that we believe is inconsistent with FCC direction, and these efforts, if successful, will diminish the benefits of deregulation and hamper our ability to compete with our largely unregulated competitors. We have brought a challenge in federal court against one such attempt to regulate our pricing by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and in January 2020 we won a preliminary injunction in federal court in the District of New Jersey enjoining that agency from enforcing its regulation.
There also continues to be interest at the FCC and in Congress in proposals that would allow customers to receive cable service without having to rent a set-top box from their cable operator. These proposals could, if adopted, adversely affect our relationship with our customers and programmers and our operations. It is also possible that regulations will be adopted affecting the negotiations between MVPDs (like us) and programmers. While these regulations might provide us with additional rights and protections in our programming negotiations, they might also limit our flexibility in ways that adversely affect our operations.
We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory changes related to pole attachments.
Pole attachments are cable wires that are attached to utility poles. Cable system pole attachments to utility poles historically have been regulated at the federal or state level, generally resulting in favorable pole attachment rates and rights for attachments used to provide cable service. Any changes in the current pole attachment approach could result in a substantial increase in our pole attachment costs.
Changes in channel carriage regulations could impose significant additional costs on us.
Cable operators also face significant regulation affecting the carriage of broadcast and other programming channels. We can be required to devote substantial capacity to the carriage of programming that we might not otherwise carry
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voluntarily, including certain local broadcast signals; local public, educational and governmental access programming; and unaffiliated, commercial leased access programming (channel capacity designated for use by programmers unaffiliated with the cable operator). Regulatory changes in this area could disrupt existing programming commitments, interfere with our preferred use of limited channel capacity and limit our ability to offer services that would maximize our revenue potential. It is possible that other legal restraints will be adopted limiting our discretion over programming decisions.
Increasing regulation of our Internet-based products and services could adversely affect our ability to provide new products and services.
On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted a new "net neutrality" or Open Internet order (the "2015 Order") that: (1) reclassified broadband Internet access service from an information service to a Title II common carrier service, (2) applied certain existing Title II provisions and associated regulations; (3) forbore from applying a range of other existing Title II provisions and associated regulations, but to varying degrees indicated that this forbearance may be only temporary and (4) issued new rules expanding disclosure requirements and prohibiting blocking, throttling, paid prioritization and unreasonable interference with the ability of end users and edge providers to reach each other. The 2015 Order also subjected broadband providers' Internet traffic exchange rates and practices to potential FCC oversight and created a mechanism for third parties to file complaints regarding these matters. The 2015 Order could have had a material adverse impact on our business by limiting our ability to efficiently manage our cable systems and respond to operational and competitive challenges. In December 2017, the FCC adopted an order (the "2017 Order") that in large part reverses the 2015 Order and reestablishes the “information service” classification for broadband services. The 2017 Order was affirmed in part on appeal in October 2019 insofar as it classified broadband Internet access services as information services subject to lesser federal regulation. However, the 2017 Order was also vacated in part on appeal insofar as it preempted states from subjecting broadband Internet access services to any requirements more stringent than the federal requirements. As a result, the precise extent to which state rules may impose such requirements on broadband Internet access service providers is not fully settled. Additionally, Congress and some states are considering legislation that may codify "net neutrality" rules, which could include prohibitions on blocking, throttling and prioritizing Internet traffic. A number of states, including California, have adopted legislation and/or executive orders that apply “net neutrality” rules to ISPs. The California legislation is currently being challenged in court. Additionally, the FCC is expected to revisit the appropriate regulatory classification of broadband in 2021.
Offering telephone services may subject us to additional regulatory burdens, causing us to incur additional costs.
We offer telephone services over our broadband network and continue to develop and deploy interconnected VoIP services. The FCC has ruled that competitive telephone companies that support VoIP services, such as those that we offer to our customers, are entitled to interconnect with incumbent providers of traditional telecommunications services, which ensures that our VoIP services can operate in the market. However, the scope of these interconnection rights is being reviewed in a current FCC proceeding, which may affect our ability to compete in the provision of telephony services or result in additional costs. It remains unclear precisely to what extent federal and state regulators will subject VoIP services to traditional telephone service regulation. Expanding our offering of these services may require us to obtain certain authorizations, including federal and state licenses. We may not be able to obtain such authorizations in a timely manner, or conditions could be imposed upon such licenses or authorizations that may not be favorable to us. The FCC has already extended certain traditional telecommunications requirements, such as E911 capabilities, USF contribution, CALEA, measures to protect Customer Proprietary Network Information, customer privacy, disability access, number porting, battery back-up, network outage reporting, rural call completion reporting and other regulatory requirements to many VoIP providers such as us. If additional telecommunications regulations are applied to our VoIP service, it could cause us to incur additional costs and may otherwise materially adversely impact our operations. In 2011, the FCC released an order significantly changing the rules governing intercarrier compensation for the origination and termination of telephone traffic between interconnected carriers. These rules have resulted in a substantial decrease in interstate compensation payments over a multi-year period. The FCC is currently considering additional reforms that could further reduce interstate compensation payments. Further, although the FCC recently declined to impose additional regulatory burdens on certain point to point transport ("special access") services provided by cable companies, that FCC decision has been appealed by multiple parties. If those appeals are successfully, there could be additional regulatory burdens and additional costs placed on these services.
Our mobile service exposes us to regulatory risk.
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In September 2019, we launched Altice Mobile, our mobile service using our own core infrastructure and our iMVNO agreements with Sprint (now T-Mobile USA, Inc.) and other roaming partners, including AT&T. Our iMVNO service is subject to many of the same FCC regulations as traditional mobile service as well as some state and local regulations. The FCC or other regulatory authorities may adopt new or different regulations for iMVNOs or mobile carriers, or impose new fees, that could adversely affect our service or the business opportunity generally.
We may be materially adversely affected by regulatory, legal and economic changes relating to our physical plant.
Our systems depend on physical facilities, including transmission equipment and miles of fiber and coaxial cable. Significant portions of those physical facilities occupy public rights-of-way and are subject to local ordinances and governmental regulations. Other portions occupy private property under express or implied easements, and many miles of the cable are attached to utility poles governed by pole attachment agreements. No assurances can be given that we will be able to maintain and use our facilities in their current locations and at their current costs. Changes in governmental regulations or changes in these relationships could have a material adverse effect on our business and our results of operations.
Risk Factors Relating to Ownership of Our Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
An active, liquid trading market for our Class B common stock has not developed and we cannot assure you that an active, liquid trading market will develop in the future. Holders of shares of our Class B common stock may need to convert them into shares of our Class A common stock to realize their full potential value, which over time could further concentrate voting power with remaining holders of our Class B common stock.
Our Class B common stock is not listed on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") or any other stock exchange and we do not currently intend to list our Class B common stock on the NYSE or any other stock exchange. There is currently no active, liquid trading market for the Class B common stock and we cannot assure you that an active trading market will develop or be sustained at any time in the future. If an active market is not developed or sustained, the price and liquidity of the Class B common stock may be adversely affected. Because the Class B common stock is unlisted, holders of shares of Class B common stock may need to convert them into shares of our Class A common stock, which is listed on the NYSE, in order to realize their full potential value. Sellers of a significant number of shares of Class B common stock may be more likely to convert them into shares of Class A common stock and sell them on the NYSE. This could over time reduce the number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding and potentially further concentrate voting power with remaining holders of Class B common stock.
Our stockholders' percentage ownership in us may be diluted by future issuances of capital stock, which could reduce their influence over matters on which stockholders vote.
Pursuant to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our Board of Directors has the authority, without action or vote of our stockholders, to issue all or any part of our authorized but unissued shares of Class A common stock, including shares issuable upon the exercise of options, Class B common stock, Class C common stock or shares of our authorized but unissued preferred stock. We may issue such capital stock to meet a number of our business needs, including funding any potential acquisitions or other strategic transactions. Future issuances of Class A common stock, Class B common stock or voting preferred stock could reduce our stockholders' influence over matters on which our stockholders vote and, in the case of issuances of preferred stock, would likely result in their interest in us being subject to the prior rights of holders of that preferred stock.
Because we have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our Class A common stock or Class B common stock for the foreseeable future, our stockholders may not receive any return on investment unless they sell their Class A common stock or Class B common stock.
We intend to retain future earnings, if any, for future operations, expansion and debt repayment and have no current plans to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. The declaration, amount and payment of any future dividends on shares of Class A common stock and shares of Class B common stock will be at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may take into account general and economic conditions, our financial condition and results of operations, our available cash and current and anticipated cash needs, capital requirements, contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions and implications on the payment of dividends by us to our stockholders or by our subsidiaries to us and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by covenants contained in the agreements governing our existing indebtedness and may be limited by covenants contained in any future indebtedness we or our subsidiaries incur. As a result, our stockholders may not receive any return on an investment in our Class A common stock or Class B common stock unless our stockholders sell our Class A common stock or Class B common stock.
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Future sales, or the perception of future sales, by us or our existing stockholders in the public market could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to decline.
The sale of substantial amounts of shares of our Class A common stock (including shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of our Class B common stock), or the perception that such sales could occur, could cause the prevailing market price of shares of our Class A common stock to decline. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and at a price that we deem appropriate.
As of December 31, 2020, we had a total of 290.6 million shares of Class A common stock outstanding and 185.9 million shares of Class B common stock outstanding.
Any shares held by our affiliates, as that term is defined under Rule 144 ("Rule 144") of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), including Next Alt and its affiliates, may be sold only in compliance with certain limitations.
Pursuant to a stockholders and registration rights agreement between the Company and Next Alt, Altice Europe, BC Partners LLP ("BCP") and entities affiliated with the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB" and together with BCP, the "Sponsors"), the other parties thereto have the right, subject to certain conditions, to require us to register the sale of their shares of our Class A common stock, or shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of shares of our Class B common stock, under the Securities Act. By exercising their registration rights and selling a large number of shares, our existing owners could cause the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock to decline. Registration of any of these outstanding shares of capital stock would result in such shares becoming freely tradable without compliance with Rule 144 upon effectiveness of the registration statement, except for shares received by individuals who are our affiliates.
If these stockholders exercise their registration rights and sell shares of common stock, or if the market perceives that they intend to sell such shares, the market price of our Class A common stock could drop significantly. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock or other securities. In the future, we may also issue our securities in connection with investments or acquisitions. The number of shares of our Class A common stock, Class B common stock or Class C common stock issued in connection with an investment or acquisition could constitute a material portion of then-outstanding shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock. Any issuance of additional securities in connection with investments or acquisitions may result in additional dilution to our stockholders.
In addition, if Next Alt’s lenders foreclose on the shares of Class A and Class B common stock it has pledged in connection with certain transactions, such lenders may have the right to acquire and sell such shares, which could cause the market price of our Class A common stock to drop significantly.
The tri-class structure of Altice USA common stock has the effect of concentrating voting control with Next Alt. This will limit or preclude our stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. Shares of Class B common stock will not automatically convert to shares of Class A common stock upon transfer to a third-party.
Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to twenty-five votes per share and each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share. If we issue any shares of Class C common stock, they will be non-voting.
Because of the twenty-five-to-one voting ratio between our Class B common stock and Class A common stock, a majority of the combined voting power of our capital stock is controlled by Next Alt. This allows Next Alt to control all matters submitted to our stockholders for approval until such date as Next Alt ceases to own, or to have the right to vote, shares of our capital stock representing a majority of the outstanding votes. This concentrated control will limit or preclude our stockholders' ability to influence corporate matters for the foreseeable future, including the election of directors, amendments of our organizational documents and any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of our assets or other major corporate transaction requiring stockholder approval. The disparate voting rights of Altice USA common stock may also prevent or discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or offers for our capital stock that our stockholders may feel are in their best interest as one of our stockholders.
Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock at the option of the holder at any time. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for the automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock upon transfer under any circumstances. The holders of Class B common stock thus will be free to transfer them without converting them into shares of Class A common stock.
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Next Alt controls us and its interests may conflict with ours or our stockholders in the future.
As of February 6, 2020, Next Alt and other entities controlled by Patrick Drahi own or have the right to vote approximately 44% of our issued and outstanding Class A and Class B common stock, which represents approximately 92% of the voting power of our outstanding capital stock, in each case inclusive of voting agreements that Next Alt has entered into with certain current and former officers and directors of Altice USA and Altice Europe and its consolidated subsidiaries with respect to all shares of Altice USA common stock they own. So long as Next Alt continues to control a majority of the voting power of our capital stock, Next Alt and, through his control of Next Alt, Mr. Drahi, will be able to significantly influence the composition of our Board of Directors and thereby influence our policies and operations, including the appointment of management, future issuances of Altice USA common stock or other securities, the payment of dividends, if any, on Altice USA common stock, the incurrence or modification of debt by us, amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and the entering into extraordinary transactions, and their interests may not in all cases be aligned with our stockholders' interests. In addition, Next Alt may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its investment or improve its financial condition, even though such transactions might involve risks to our stockholders. For example, Next Alt could cause us to make acquisitions that increase our indebtedness or cause us to sell revenue-generating assets.
In addition, Next Alt is able to determine the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval and is able to cause or prevent a change of control of the Company or a change in the composition of our Board of Directors and could preclude any unsolicited acquisition of the Company. The concentration of ownership could deprive our stockholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock as part of a sale of the Company and ultimately might affect the market price of our Class A common stock.
If conflicts arise between us and Next Alt, these conflicts could be resolved in a manner that is unfavorable to us and as a result, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In addition, if Next Alt ceases to control us, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could delay or prevent a change of control transaction.
Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, defer or prevent a merger, acquisition, tender offer, takeover attempt or other change of control transaction that a stockholder might consider in its best interest, including those attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares held by our stockholders.
These provisions provide for, among other things:
•a tri-class common stock structure, as a result of which Next Alt generally will be able to control the outcome of all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets; 
•the ability of our Board of Directors to, without further action by our stockholders, fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of up to an aggregate of 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and authorize their issuance; and 
•the ability of stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of our capital stock to call a special meeting of stockholders.
These anti-takeover provisions could make it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us, even if the third-party's offer may be considered beneficial by many of our stockholders. As a result, our stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares of our Class A common stock. In addition, so long as Next Alt controls a majority of our combined voting power it will be able to prevent a change of control of the Company.
Holders of a single class of Altice USA common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that class of Altice USA common stock.
Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our stockholders, including the holders of all classes of Altice USA common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common stockholders regardless of class and does not have separate or additional duties to any group of stockholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our Board of Directors may be required to make a decision
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that could be viewed as adverse to the holders of one class of Altice USA common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule, holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one class of our stock if our Board of Directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.
We are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE. As a result, we qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements that would otherwise provide protection to stockholders of other companies.
Next Alt controls a majority of the voting power of our capital stock. As a result, we are a "controlled company" within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of the NYSE. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a "controlled company" and may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including:
•the requirement that a majority of our Board of Directors consists of "independent directors" as defined under the rules of the NYSE; and 
•the requirement that we have a governance and nominating committee.
Consistent with these exemptions, we will continue not to have a majority of independent directors on our Board of Directors or a nominating and governance committee. Accordingly, our stockholders will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of the NYSE.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our Class A common stock, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline.
The trading market for our Class A common stock will be influenced by the research and reports that industry or securities analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline. Moreover, if one or more of the analysts who cover our company downgrades our Class A common stock, or if our operating results do not meet their expectations, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline.
We are subject to securities class action litigation related to our 2017 initial public offering and we may be subject to additional securities class action litigation in the future.
We are subject to securities class action litigation related to our 2017 initial public offering (“IPO Litigation”) and we may be subject to additional securities class action litigation in the future.In the past, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies whose securities have experienced periods of volatility in market price. Securities litigation brought against us following volatility in the price of our Class A common stock, regardless of the merit or ultimate results of such litigation, could result in substantial costs, which would hurt our financial condition and results of operations and divert management's attention and resources from our business. While we believe the IPO Litigation is without merit, there can be no assurance that the outcome will not materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other stockholders.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware (or, if the Court of Chancery does not have jurisdiction, another state or federal court located in the State of Delaware) is the exclusive forum for: (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought in our name or on our behalf; (ii) any action asserting a breach of fiduciary duty; (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware ("DGCL"); (iv) any action regarding our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws; or (v) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Our amended and restated bylaws permit our Board of Directors to approve the selection of an alternative forum. Unless waived, this exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other stockholders, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other stockholders. Alternatively, if a court were to
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find this provision in our amended and restated bylaws to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2.        Properties
Our headquarters are located in Long Island City, New York, where we currently lease office space pursuant to a lease agreement which will expire in 2032. We also own a building located in Bethpage, New York, where we maintain administrative offices. In addition, we own or lease real estate throughout our operating areas where certain of our call centers, corporate facilities, business offices, earth stations, transponders, microwave towers, warehouses, headend equipment, hub sites, access studios, and microwave receiving antennae are located.
Our principal physical assets consist of cable operating plant and equipment, including signal receiving, encoding and decoding devices, headend facilities, fiber optic transport networks, coaxial and distribution systems and equipment at or near customers' homes or places of business for each of the systems. The signal receiving apparatus typically includes a tower, antenna, ancillary electronic equipment and earth stations for reception of satellite signals. Headend facilities are located near the receiving devices. Our distribution system consists primarily of coaxial and fiber optic cables and related electronic equipment. Customer premise equipment consists of set-top devices, cable modems, Internet routers, wireless devices and media terminal adapters for telephone. Our cable plant and related equipment generally are attached to utility poles under pole rental agreements with local public utilities; although in some areas the distribution cable is buried in underground ducts or directly in trenches. The physical components of the cable systems require maintenance and periodic upgrading to improve system performance and capacity. In addition, we operate a network operations center that monitors our network 24 hours a day, seven days a week, helping to ensure a high quality of service and reliability for both our residential and commercial customers. We own most of our service vehicles.
We believe our properties, both owned and leased, are in good condition and are suitable and adequate for our operations.
Item 3.        Legal Proceedings
Refer to Note 1517 to our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of our legal proceedings.
Item 4.        Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.

PART II
Item 5.Market for the Registrants' Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Item 5.    Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Altice USA Class A common stock is tradedlisted for trading on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE")NYSE under the symbol "ATUS".
Price Range of Altice USA, Inc. Class A Common Stock
The following tables set forth for the periods indicated the intra-day high and low sales prices per share of the"ATUS." Altice USA Class AB common stock as reportedis not listed for trading on the NYSE:
 High Low
Year Ended December 31, 2017:   
Second Quarter (June 22 (date of IPO) through June 30)$35.29
 $31.52
Third Quarter34.86
 26.11
Fourth Quarter28.45
 17.80
any stock exchange.
As of February 16, 2018,5, 2021, there were 7four holders of record of Altice USA Class A common stock and 2two holders of record of ATUS Class B common stock.
Stockholder Dividends and Distributions
The Company may pay dividends on its capital stock only from net profits and surplus as determined under Delaware law.  If dividends are paid on the Altice USA common stock, holders of the Altice USA Class A common stock and Altice USA Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, and other distributions in cash, stock or property, equally on a per share basis, except that, subject to certain exceptions, stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class A common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class B common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class B common stock.
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The Company's indentures restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
In the second quarter of 2017, prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions aggregating $839,700 to stockholders. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176, of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The Equity Compensation Plan information under which the Company's equity securities are authorized for issuance required under Item 5 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders or, if such definitive proxy statement is not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to 120 days after the close of its fiscal year, an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K filed under cover of Form 10-K/A.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
(c)    Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Set forth below is information related to transactions under the Company's share repurchase program for the quarter ended December 31, 2020.
 (a)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased		(b)
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)		(c)
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)(2)		(d)
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
October 1- October 316,201,273 $27.32 180,824,027 $2,813,640,302 
November 1- November 3016,476,539 29.77 197,300,566 4,323,179,352 
December 1 - December 3164,613,479 36.01 261,914,045 1,996,230,356 
(a)Sales of Unregistered Securities
We had no unregistered sales of equity securities during the period covered by this report.

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(b)Use of Proceeds
(1)On June 22, 2017, we completed our IPO,8, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $2.0 billion of Altice USA Class A common stock. On July 30, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a new incremental three-year share repurchase program of $5.0 billion, to take effect following the completion of the June 2018 repurchase program. Under these repurchase programs, shares of Altice USA Class A common stock may be purchased from time to time in which we sold 12,068,966the open market and may include trading plans entered into with one or more brokerage firms in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The programs do not have an expiration date and may be suspended at any time at the discretion of the Board of Directors. In November 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2.0 billion of Altice USA Class A common stock pursuant to the Tender Offer discussed below.
(2)This column reflects the cumulative number of shares acquired pursuant to the repurchase program at the end of the respective period.
On November 23, 2020, the Company commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $2.5 billion in value of shares of its Class A Common Stock, and selling stockholders sold 51,874,063at a price not greater than $36.00 per share nor less than $32.25 per share. The Tender Offer expired on December 21, 2020. On December 21, 2020, the Company accepted for purchase 64,613,479 shares ofits Class A Common Stock, at a price of $30.00$36.00 per share. Additionally, on June 22, 2017, the selling stockholders sold 7,781,110 shares of Class A Common Stock at ashare, plus related fees, for an aggregate purchase price of $30.00 per share pursuant$2.3 billion. The aggregate purchase price of these shares (including the fees relating to the exercise of an overallotment option granted to the underwritersTender Offer), is reflected in connection with the offering. The offer and sale of all of the shares of our Class A Common Stock were registered under the Securities Act, pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-217240), which was declared effective by the SEC on June 21, 2017.
The managing underwriters of our IPO, which has now been completed, were J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs & Co. The aggregate offering price for shares soldstockholders' equity (deficiency) in the offering was approximately $2,151.7 million (including shares sold pursuant to the exerciseconsolidated balance sheet as of the overallotment option). We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. We received approximately $349.1 million in net proceeds from the offering, after deducting underwriter discounts and commissions of approximately $11.9 million and other offering expenses of approximately $1.1 million.December 31, 2020.
There has been no material change in the use of proceeds from our IPO as described in Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on June 12, 2016. On July 10, 2017, the Company used approximately $350.1 million of the proceeds to fund the redemption of $315.8 million principal amount of 2025 senior notes issued by CSC Holdings and the related call premium of approximately $34.3 million. Prior to the redemption of the notes and the payment of the premium and interest, we invested the net proceeds in money market funds.
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Altice USA Stock Performance Graph
The chart below compares the performance of our Class A common stock with the performance of the S&P 500 Index and a Peer Group Index by measuring the changes in our Class A common stock prices from June 22, 2017 through December 31, 2017.2020.  As required by the SEC, the values shown assume the reinvestment of all dividends.  Because no published index of comparable media companies currently reports values on a dividends-reinvested basis, the Company has created a Peer Group Index for purposes of this graph in accordance with the requirements of the SEC.  The Peer Group Index is made up of companies that deliver broadband, video and telephony services as a significant element of their business, although not all of the companies included in the Peer Group Index participate in all of the lines of business in which we are engaged and some of the companies included in the Peer Group Index also engage in lines of business in which we do not participate.  Additionally, the market capitalizations of many of the companies included in the Peer Group are quite different from ours.  The common stocks of the following companies have been included in the Peer Group Index: AT&T, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Frontier, DISH, Network, Sprint (through April 2020), T-Mobile, US, Inc., Verizon, and Windstream Holdings, Inc. (through March 2019). The chart assumes $100 was invested on June 22, 2017 in each of the Company's Class A common stock, the S&P 500 Index and in a Peer Group Index and reflects reinvestment of dividends on a quarterly basis and market capitalization weighting.

atus-20201231_g2.jpg
June 22, 2017Dec 31, 2017Dec. 31, 2018Dec. 31, 2019Dec. 31, 2020
ALTICE USA CLASS A$100.00 $64.90 $56.30 $93.17 $129.06 
S&P 500 INDEX$100.00 $109.82 $102.97 $132.71 $154.29 
PEER GROUP INDEX$100.00 $104.17 $94.78 $124.33 $135.44 








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Item 6.    Selected Historical Financial Data
 June 22, June 30, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2017 2017 2017
ALTICE USA CLASS A$100.00 $98.75 $83.49 $64.90
S&P 500 INDEX$100.00 $99.54 $103.49 $109.82
PEER GROUP INDEX$100.00 $99.44 $89.84 $84.04
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATAAltice USA
The summary consolidated historical balance sheets and operating data of Altice USA as of December 31, 20172020 and 20162019 and for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019, 2018 and 20162017 presented below have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Altice USA included elsewhere herein. The operating data of Altice USA for the year ended December 31, 2016 include the operating results of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the operating results of Cablevision for the period from the date of acquisition, June 21, 2016, through December 31, 2016.
The summary consolidated historical balance sheet and operating data of Cablevision has been presented for the periods priorbelow also give effect to the Cablevision Acquisition as Cablevision is deemed to beATS acquisition since its formation, the predecessor entity. The summary consolidated historical operating datai24 acquisition from April 1, 2018, the Cheddar acquisition from June 1, 2019 and the acquisition of Cablevision presented below have been derivedcertain cable assets in New Jersey from the audited consolidated financial statements of Cablevision.July 2020.
The selected historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of Altice USA and the notes thereto, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Altice USA.Operations.

 Altice USACablevision (a)
Years ended December 31,January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
20202019201820172016
(unaudited)
(in thousands) 
Revenue$9,894,642 $9,760,859 $9,566,608 $9,306,950 $6,017,212 $3,137,604 
Operating expenses7,779,353 7,937,048 7,884,229 8,465,942 5,554,403 2,658,667 
Operating income2,115,289 1,823,811 1,682,379 841,008 462,809 478,937 
Other income (expense):  
Interest expense, net(1,350,341)(1,530,850)(1,545,426)(1,601,211)(1,442,730)(285,508)
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net320,061 473,406 (250,877)237,354 142,102 129,990 
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net(178,264)(282,713)218,848 (236,330)(53,696)(36,283)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts(78,606)(53,902)(61,697)5,482 (72,961)— 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(250,489)(243,806)(48,804)(600,240)(127,649)— 
Other income (expense), net5,577 1,183 (12,484)(13,651)980 1,224 
Income (loss) before income taxes583,227 187,129 (18,061)(1,367,588)(1,091,145)288,360 
Income tax benefit (expense) (b)(139,748)(47,190)38,655 2,862,352 259,666 (124,848)
Net income (loss)443,479 139,939 20,594 1,494,764 (831,479)163,512 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)(1,587)(551)236 
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA / Cablevision stockholders$436,183 $138,936 $18,833 $1,493,177 $(832,030)$163,748 

INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:
Basic income (loss) per share$0.75 $0.21 $0.03 $2.15 $(1.28)$0.60 
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)581,057 660,384 730,088 696,055 649,525 272,035 
Diluted income (loss) per share$0.75 $0.21 $0.03 $2.15 $(1.28)$0.58 
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)583,689 662,541 730,088 696,055 649,525 280,199 
Cash dividends declared per common share (c)$— $— $2.035 $1.29 $0.69 $— 
46
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 Altice USA Cablevision (a)
   January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016  
 Years ended December 31, Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016  2015 2014 2013
   (dollars in thousands)
Revenue$9,326,570
 $6,017,212
 $3,137,604
 $6,545,545
 $6,508,557
 $6,287,383
Operating expenses8,461,186
 5,557,546
 2,662,298
 5,697,074
 5,587,299
 5,588,159
Operating income865,384
 459,666
 475,306
 848,471
 921,258
 699,224
Other income (expense):   
    
  
  
Interest expense, net(1,601,211) (1,442,730) (285,508) (584,839) (575,580) (600,637)
Gain (loss) on investments, net237,354
 141,896
 129,990
 (30,208) 129,659
 313,167
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net(236,330) (53,696) (36,283) 104,927
 (45,055) (198,688)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, net5,482
 (72,961) —
 —
 —
 —
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(600,240) (127,649) —
 (1,735) (10,120) (22,542)
Other income (expense), net(1,788) 4,329
 4,855
 6,045
 4,988
 2,436
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(1,331,349) (1,091,145) 288,360
 342,661
 425,150
 192,960
Income tax benefit (expense) (b)2,852,967
 259,666
 (124,848) (154,872) (115,768) (65,635)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes1,521,618
 (831,479) 163,512
 187,789
 309,382
 127,325
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (c)—
 —
 —
 (12,541) 2,822
 338,316
Net income (loss)1,521,618
 (831,479) 163,512
 175,248
 312,204
 465,641
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,587) (551) 236
 201
 (765) 20
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA / Cablevision stockholders$1,520,031
 $(832,030) $163,748
 $175,449
 $311,439
 $465,661
INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE:           
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA / Cablevision stockholders:           
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes$2.18
 $(1.28) $0.60
 $0.70
 $1.17
 $0.49
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (c)$—
 $—
 $—
 $(0.05) $0.01
 $1.30
Net income (loss)$2.18
 $(1.28) $0.60
 $0.65
 $1.18
 $1.79
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)696,055
 649,525
 272,035
 269,388
 264,623
 260,763
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA / Cablevision stockholders:           
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes$2.18
 $(1.28) $0.58
 $0.68
 $1.14
 $0.48
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (c)$—
 $—
 $—
 $(0.05) $0.01
 $1.27
Net income (loss)$2.18
 $(1.28) $0.58
 $0.63
 $1.15
 $1.75
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)696,055
 649,525
 280,199
 276,339
 270,703
 265,935
Cash dividends declared per common share (d)$1.29
 $0.69
 $—
 $0.45
 $0.60
 $0.60
Amounts attributable to Altice USA / Cablevision stockholders:           
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes$1,520,031
 $(832,030) $163,748
 $187,990
 $308,617
 $127,345
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (c)—
 —
 —
 (12,541) 2,822
 338,316
Net income (loss)$1,520,031
 $(832,030) $163,748
 $175,449
 $311,439
 $465,661

(a)Represents the operating results of Cablevision for the period prior to the Cablevision Acquisition (Predecessor periods).
(b)Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,337,900 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.

(a)Represents the operating results of Cablevision for the period prior to the Cablevision Acquisition (Predecessor period).
47(b)Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a non-cash deferred tax benefit of $2,332,677 in 2017 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% which was effective on January 1, 2018. In 2018, the Company recorded a non-cash deferred tax benefit of $52,915 based on a remeasurement of the Company's net deferred tax liability.

(c)The 2017 and 2016 amounts represent distributions declared prior to the Company's IPO of $839,700 and $445,176, respectively, divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions that occurred prior to the IPO.


Balance Sheet Data:
 Altice USA
 December 31,
 20202019201820172016
(dollars in thousands)
Total assets$33,376,660 $34,108,122 $33,613,808 $34,812,082 $36,498,578 
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties— — — — 1,750,000 
Credit facility debt8,288,000 7,148,287 5,915,559 4,643,523 3,444,790 
Collateralized indebtedness1,617,506 1,585,088 1,406,182 1,349,474 1,286,069 
Senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures16,482,398 15,476,496 15,359,561 15,860,432 17,507,325 
Notes payable and other obligations174,801 140,994 106,108 65,902 13,726 
Finance lease obligations159,637 69,420 25,190 21,980 28,155 
Total debt26,722,342 24,420,285 22,812,600 21,941,311 24,030,065 
Redeemable equity25,763 108,551 130,007 231,290 68,147 
Stockholders' equity (deficiency)(1,141,030)2,269,964 3,670,941 5,503,214 2,042,221 
Noncontrolling interests(62,109)9,298 9,295 1,539 287 
Total equity (deficiency)(1,203,139)2,279,262 3,680,236 5,504,753 2,042,508 


(c)Loss from discontinued operations for 2015 primarily reflects an expense related to the decision in a case relating to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, a business whose operations were previously discontinued. Income from discontinued operations for 2014 resulted primarily from the settlement of a contingency related to Montana property taxes related to Bresnan Cable. Income from discontinued operations for 2013 primarily relates to (i) the operating results and related gain on the sale of Bresnan Cable of $259,692, (ii) the operating results and related loss on the sale of Clearview Cinemas of $(25,012), and (iii) the proceeds and costs related to the settlement of litigation with DISH Network, LLC of $103,636.
(d)Represent distributions declared prior to the Company's IPO of $839,700 and $445,176 in 2017 and 2016, respectively, divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding adjusted to reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions, discussed in Note 1, that occurred prior to the IPO.
Balance Sheet Data:         
 Altice USA Cablevision Systems Corporation
 December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
   (dollars in thousands)
Total assets (a)$34,775,225
 $36,474,249
 $6,800,174
 $6,682,021
 $6,500,967
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties—
 1,750,000
 —
 —
 —
Credit facility debt (a)4,643,523
 3,444,790
 2,514,454
 2,769,153
 3,745,625
Collateralized indebtedness1,349,474
 1,286,069
 1,191,324
 986,183
 817,950
Senior guaranteed notes2,291,185
 2,289,494
 —
 —
 —
Senior notes and debentures (a)13,569,247
 15,217,831
 5,801,011
 5,784,213
 5,068,926
Notes payable65,902
 13,726
 14,544
 23,911
 5,334
Capital leases and other obligations21,980
 28,155
 45,966
 46,412
 31,290
Total debt (a)21,941,311
 24,030,065
 9,567,299
 9,609,872
 9,669,125
Redeemable equity231,290
 68,147
 —
 8,676
 9,294
Stockholders' equity (deficiency)5,494,301
 2,029,555
 (4,911,316) (5,041,469) (5,284,330)
Noncontrolling interest1,539
 287
 (268) 779
 786
Total equity (deficiency)5,495,840
 2,029,842
 (4,911,584) (5,040,690) (5,283,544)
(a)
Amounts for years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been restated to reflect the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
The following table sets forth certain customer metrics by segmentfor the Company (unaudited):
December 31,
2020 (f)(g)2019 (f)2018
 (in thousands, except per customer amounts)
Homes passed (a)9,034.1 8,818.6 8,699.6 
Total customers relationships (b)(c)5,024.6 4,916.3 4,899.5 
Residential4,648.4 4,533.3 4,518.1 
SMB376.1 383.1 381.4 
Residential customers:
Broadband4,359.2 4,187.3 4,115.4 
Video2,961.0 3,179.2 3,286.1 
Telephony2,214.0 2,398.8 2,530.1 
Penetration of homes passed (d)55.6 %55.7 %56.3 %
ARPU (e)(h)$140.09 $142.65 $143.22 
 Cablevision Cequel
 December 31, December 31,
 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015
 (in thousands, except per customer amounts)
Homes passed (a)5,164
 5,116
 5,076
 3,457
 3,407
 3,352
Total customers relationships (b)(c)3,156
 3,141
 3,115
 1,750
 1,751
 1,712
Residential2,893
 2,879
 2,858
 1,642
 1,649
 1,618
SMB263
 262
 258
 109
 102
 94
Residential customers:           
Pay TV2,363
 2,428
 2,487
 1,042
 1,107
 1,154
Broadband2,670
 2,619
 2,562
 1,376
 1,344
 1,276
Telephony1,965
 1,962
 2,007
 592
 597
 581
Residential triple product customers penetration (d)64.2% 64.8% 67.6% 25.7% 25.5% 25.4%
Penetration of homes passed (e):61.1% 61.4% 61.4% 50.6% 51.4% 51.1%
ARPU (f)$155.82
 $154.49
 $150.61
 $112.57
 $109.30
 $104.04

48






(a)Represents the estimated number of single residence homes, apartments and condominium units passed by the broadband network in areas serviceable without further extending the transmission lines. In addition, it includes commercial establishments that have connected to our broadband network. Broadband services were not available to approximately 30 thousand homes passed and telephony services were not available to approximately 500 thousand homes passed.
(b)Represents number of households/businesses that receive at least one of the Company's fixed-line services.
46




(c)Customers represent each customer account (set up and segregated by customer name and address), weighted equally and counted as one customer, regardless of size, revenue generated, or number of boxes, units, or outlets.  Free accounts are included in the customer counts along with all active accounts, but they are limited to a prescribed group.  Most of these accounts are also not entirely free, as they typically generate revenue through pay-per-view or other pay services and certain equipment fees.  Free status is not granted to regular customers as a promotion.  In counting bulk residential customers, such as an apartment building, we count each subscribing family unit within the building as one customer, but do not count the master account for the entire building as a customer. We count a bulk commercial customer, such as a hotel, as one customer, and do not count individual room units at that hotel.
(d)Represents the number of total customer relationships divided by homes passed.
(e)Calculated by dividing the average monthly revenue for the respective quarter (fourth quarter for annual periods) derived from the sale of broadband, video and telephony services to residential customers for the quarter by the average number of total residential customers for the same period.
(f)Customer metrics do not include Altice Mobile customers.
(g)Pursuant to the Keep Americans Connected pledge ("Pledge") that the Company made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to the New Jersey Executive Order No. 126 ("NJ Order") enacted in April 2020, the Company did not disconnect certain internet and voice services to customers for non-payment. Customer metrics include the retention of certain of these previously non-paying customers who had current account balances as of December 31, 2020 due to the Company forgiving their past due balances or placing them on a payment plan. Customer metrics as of December 31, 2020 also include approximately 10 thousand customer relationships impacted by storms in Louisiana that have not been disconnected for non-payment (see table below).
(a)Total customer relationshipsRepresents the estimated number of single residence homes, apartments and condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in areas serviceable without further extending the transmission lines. In addition, it includes commercial establishments that have connected to our cable distribution network. For Cequel, broadband services were not available to approximately 100 homes passed and telephony services were not available to approximately 500 homes passed. 10.3 
(b)ResidentialRepresents number of households/businesses that receive at least one of the Company's services. 9.2 
(c)SMBCustomers represent each customer account (set up and segregated by customer name and address), weighted equally and counted as one customer, regardless of size, revenue generated, or number of boxes, units, or outlets. In calculating the number of customers, we count all customers other than inactive/disconnected customers. Free accounts are included in the customer counts along with all active accounts, but they are limited to a prescribed group. Most of these accounts are also not entirely free, as they typically generate revenue through pay-per-view or other pay services. Free status is not granted to regular customers as a promotion. In counting bulk residential customers, such as an apartment building, we count each subscribing family unit within the building as one customer, but do not count the master account for the entire building as a customer. We count a bulk commercial customer, such as a hotel, as one customer, and do not count individual room units at that hotel.1.1 
(d)Residential customers:Represents the number of customers that subscribe to three of our services divided by total residential customer relationships. 
(e)BroadbandRepresents the number of total customer relationships divided by homes passed. 8.7 
(f)VideoCalculated by dividing the average monthly revenue for the respective quarter (fourth quarter for annual periods) presented derived from the sale of broadband, pay television and telephony services to residential customers for the respective quarter by the average number of total residential customers for the same period. 4.8 
Telephony2.0 


(h)    ARPU for the December 31, 2020 period reflects a reduction of $1.26 due to credits that we currently anticipate will be issued to video customers as a result of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees.
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47









Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Form 10-K contains statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended.  In this Form 10-K there are statements concerning our future operating results and future financial performance.  Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "may", "will", "should", "could", "potential", "continue", "intends", "plans" and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating results, future financial performance and future events identify forward-looking statements.  Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, results or events and involve risks and uncertainties and that actual results or developments may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. 
We operate in a highly competitive, consumer and technology driven and rapidly changing business that is affected by government regulation and economic, strategic, technological, political and social conditions. Various factors could adversely affect our operations, business or financial results in the future and cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward‑lookingforward-looking statements. In addition, important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in our forward‑lookingforward-looking statements include:
•competition for broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony customers from existing competitors (such as broadband communications companies, DBSdirect broadcast satellite ("DBS") providers, wireless data and telephony providers, and Internet‑basedInternet-based providers) and new competitors entering our footprint;
•changes in consumer preferences, laws and regulations or technology that may cause us to change our operational strategies;
•increased difficulty negotiating programming agreements on favorable terms, if at all, resulting in increased costs to us and/or the loss of popular programming;
•increasing programming costs and delivery expenses related to our products and services;
•our ability to achieve anticipated customer and revenue growth, to successfully introduce new products and services and to implement our growth strategy;
•our ability to complete our capital investment plans on time and on budget, including our plan to build a FTTHfiber-to-the-home ("FTTH") network, and deploy Altice One, our new home communications hub;
•our ability to develop and deploy mobile voice and data services pursuantand our ability to the agreement we entered into with Sprint in the fourth quarter of 2017;attract customers to these services;
•the effects of economic conditions or other factors which may negatively affect our customers’ demand for our current and future products and services;
•the effects of industry conditions;
•demand for digital and linear advertising on our cable systems;products and services;
•our substantial indebtedness and debt service obligations;
•adverse changes in the credit market;
•changes as a result of any tax reforms that may affect our business;
•financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which we operate;
•the restrictions contained in our financing agreements;
•our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations;
•fluctuations in interest rates which may cause our interest expense to vary from quarter to quarter;
•technical failures, equipment defects, physical or electronic break‑insbreak-ins to our services, computer viruses and similar problems;

50





•the disruption or failure of our network, information systems or technologies as a result of computer hacking, computer viruses, “cyber‑attacks,”"cyber-attacks," misappropriation of data, outages, natural disasters, and other material events;
•the impact from the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic;
•our ability to obtain necessary hardware, software, communications equipment and services and other items from our vendors at reasonable costs;
48




•our ability to effectively integrate acquisitions and to maximize expected operating efficiencies from our acquisitions or as a result of the transactions, if any;
•significant unanticipated increases in the use of bandwidth‑intensive Internet‑basedbandwidth-intensive Internet-based services;
•the outcome of litigation, government investigations and other proceedings; and
our ability to successfully operate our business following the completion of our separation from Altice N.V., and
•other risks and uncertainties inherent in our cable and other broadband communications businesses and our other businesses, including those listed under the caption “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained herein.
We disclaimThese factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements.
Given these uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this Annual Report. Except to the extent required by law, we do not undertake, and specifically decline any obligation, to update or revise theany forward-looking statements contained herein, exceptor to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments. Comparisons of results for current and any prior periods are not intended to express any future trends or indications of future performance, unless expressed as otherwise requiredsuch, and should only be viewed as historical data.
You should read this Annual Report with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect. We qualify all forward-looking statements by applicable federal securities laws.these cautionary statements.
Certain numerical figures included in this annual reportAnnual Report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, such numerical figures shown as totals in various tables may not be arithmetic aggregations of the figures that precede them.
Overview
All dollar amounts, except per customer and per share data, included in the following discussion, are presented in thousands.
Our Business
We principally provide broadband communications and video services in the United States and market our services primarily under two brands: Optimum, in the New York metropolitan area, and Suddenlink, principally in markets in the south-central United States. We deliver broadband, pay television,video, telephony, services, Wi‑Fi hotspot access, proprietary content and advertisingmobile services to approximately 4.9more than five million residential and business customers. Our footprint extends across 21 states through a fiber‑richfiber-rich hybrid-fiber coaxial ("HFC") broadband network and a fiber-to-the-home ("FTTH") network with approximately 8.6more than nine million homes passed as of December 31, 2017. We have two reportable segments: Cablevision2020. Additionally, we offer news programming and Cequel. Cablevision provides broadband, pay televisioncontent, and telephony servicesadvertising services. The Company launched Altice Mobile, our full service mobile offering, to residential and business customersconsumers across our footprint in and around the New York metropolitan area. Cequel provides broadband, pay television and telephony services to residential and business customers in the south‑central United States, with the majority of its customers located in the ten states of Texas, West Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Arizona, California, Missouri and Ohio.September 2019.
Key Factors Impacting Operating Results and Financial Condition
Our future performance is dependent, to a large extent, on the impact of direct competition, general economic conditions (including capital and credit market conditions), our ability to manage our businesses effectively, and our relative strength and leverage in the marketplace, both with suppliers and customers. For more information, see “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" and “Business-Competition”"Business-Competition" included herein.
In March 2020, the United States declared a national emergency concerning the outbreak of the coronavirus ("COVID-19"). There have also been extraordinary and wide-ranging actions taken by federal, state and local governmental authorities to contain and combat the outbreak and spread of the virus. We have continued to provide our telecommunications services to our customers during this pandemic. We expect that our future results may be impacted, including if residential or business customers discontinue their service or are unable to pay for our products and services, or if advertising revenue declines. Additionally, in order to prioritize the demands of the business, we may continue to delay certain capital investments. Due to the uncertainty surrounding the magnitude and duration of business and economic impacts relating to COVID-19, including the effort to contain and combat the spread of the virus, and business impacts of government actions, we currently cannot reasonably estimate the ultimate impact of
49




COVID-19 on our business. See "Risk Factors - Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by the recent COVID-19 pandemic."
We derive revenue principally through monthly charges to residential customers of our pay television, broadband, video, and telephony services. We also derive revenue from equipment rental, DVR, VOD, pay‑per‑view,pay-per-view, installation and home shopping commissions. Our residential pay television, broadband, video, and telephony services accounted for approximately 45%37%, 27%37%, and 9%5%, respectively, of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. We also derive revenue from the sale of a wide and growing variety of products and services to both large enterprise and SMB customers, including broadband, telephony, networking and pay televisionvideo services. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 14%2020, 15% of our consolidated revenue was derived from these business services. In addition, we derive revenues from the sale of advertising time available on the programming carried on our cable television systems, digital advertising and data analytics, and affiliation fees for news programming, which accounted for approximately 4%5% of our consolidated revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017.2020. Our mobile and other revenue for the year ended December 31, 20172020 accounted for less than 1% of our consolidated revenue.

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Revenue increases are derived fromis impacted by rate increases, increaseschanges in the number of customers to our services, including additional services sold to our existing customers, programming package upgradeschanges by our pay televisionvideo customers, speed tier upgradeschanges by our broadband customers, and acquisitions and construction of cable systems that result in the addition of new customers.
Our ability to increase the number of customers to our services is significantly related to our penetration rates.
We operate in a highly competitive consumer‑drivenconsumer-driven industry and we compete against a variety of broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony providers and delivery systems, including broadband communications companies, wireless data and telephony providers, satellite‑deliveredsatellite-delivered video signals, Internet‑deliveredInternet-delivered video content and broadcast television signals available to residential and business customers in our service areas. Our competitors include AT&T and its DirecTV subsidiary, CenturyLink, DISH, Network, Frontier and Verizon. Consumers’Verizon. Consumers' selection of an alternate source of service, whether due to economic constraints, technological advances or preference, negatively impacts the demand for our services. For more information on our competitive landscape, see “Risk Factors”"Risk Factors" and “Business-Competition”"Business-Competition" included herein.
Our programming costs, which are the most significant component of our operating expenses, have increased and are expected to continue to increase primarily as a result of contractual rate increases and new channel launches.increases. See “-Results"Results of Operations”Operations" below for more information regarding our key factors impacting our revenues and operating expenses.
Historically, we have made substantial investments in our network and the development of new and innovative products and other service offerings for our customers as a way of differentiating ourselves from our competitors and we may continue to do so in the future. We have commenced a five‑year plan to build aOur FTTH network build, which willwould enable us to deliver more than 10 Gbps broadband speeds to meet the growing data needs of residential and business customers, is underway. In addition, we launched Altice Mobile to consumers across our entire Optimum footprint and part of our Suddenlink footprint.in September 2019. We may incur greater than anticipated capital expenditures in connection with this initiative,these initiatives, fail to realize anticipated benefits, experience delays and business disruptions or encounter other challenges to executing itthem as planned. See “-Liquidity"Liquidity and Capital Resources-Capital Expenditures”Expenditures" for additional information regarding our capital expenditures.
Certain Transactions
The following transactions occurred during the periods covered by this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations:
On June 21, 2016, Altice USA acquired Cablevision for a total purchase price of approximately $9,958,323. The Altice USA operating results includeIn December 2020, the operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition.
In July 2016, weCompany completed the sale of a 75%49.99% interest in Newsdayits Lightpath fiber enterprise business (the "Lightpath Transaction") based on an implied enterprise value of $3.2 billion. The Company retained a 50.01% interest in the Lightpath business and maintained control of Cablevision Lightpath LLC, and retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016,entity holding the interest in the Lightpath business. Accordingly, the Company continues to consolidate the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with our resultsthe Lightpath business.
On July 14, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain cable assets in New Jersey and our 25% interest in the operating results of Newsdaythe acquired business were consolidated as of the acquisition date.
In June 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Cheddar Inc., a digital-first news company and the operating results of Cheddar were consolidated as of June 1, 2019.
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As discussed in Note 1 of the Company's consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the ATS Acquisition in January 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice Europe and a member of ATS's former management through a holding company. As the acquisition is recorded ona combination of businesses under common control, the equity basis.Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods since the formation of ATS.
In April 2018, Altice Europe transferred its ownership of i24NEWS, a 24/7 international news and current affairs channels, to the Company for minimal consideration. As the acquisition was a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of i24NEWS as of April 1, 2018. Operating results for periods prior to April 1, 2018 have not been revised to reflect the combination of i24NEWS as the impact was deemed immaterial.
In April 2018, the Company redeemed a 24% interest in Newsday.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We define Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, income (loss) from discontinued operations, other non-operating income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, interest expense, (including cash interest expense), interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credits, and transaction expenses.
We believe Adjusted EBITDA is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the Company. Adjusted EBITDA and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in our industry. Internally, we use revenue and Adjusted EBITDA measures as important indicators of our business performance and evaluate management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. We believe Adjusted EBITDA provides management and investors a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business and operating results by excluding items that are not comparable across reporting periods or that do not otherwise relate to the Company’s ongoing operating results. Adjusted EBITDA should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), and other measures of performance presented in accordance with GAAP. Since Adjusted EBITDA is not

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a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies.

We also use Operating Free Cash Flow (defined as Adjusted EBITDA less cash capital expenditures), and Free Cash Flow (defined as net cash flows from operating activities less cash capital expenditures) as indicators of the Company’s financial performance. We believe these measures are two of several benchmarks used by investors, analysts and peers for comparison of performance in the Company’s industry, although they may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies.
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Results of Operations - Altice USA
Altice USAAltice USA
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
2017 2016202020192018
Revenue:   Revenue:
Residential:   Residential:
Pay TV$4,214,745
 $2,759,216
Broadband2,563,772
 1,617,029
Broadband$3,689,159 $3,222,605 $2,887,455 
VideoVideo3,670,859 3,997,873 4,156,428 
Telephony823,981
 529,973
Telephony468,777 598,694 652,895 
Business services and wholesale1,298,817
 819,541
Business services and wholesale1,454,532 1,428,532 1,362,758 
Advertising391,866
 252,049
News and advertisingNews and advertising519,205 475,904 487,264 
MobileMobile78,127 21,264 — 
Other33,389
 39,404
Other13,983 15,987 19,808 
Total revenue9,326,570
 6,017,212
Total revenue9,894,642 9,760,859 9,566,608 
Operating expenses:   Operating expenses:
Programming and other direct costs3,035,655
 1,911,230
Programming and other direct costs3,340,442 3,300,528 3,173,076 
Other operating expenses2,342,655
 1,705,615
Other operating expenses2,264,473 2,300,398 2,290,266 
Restructuring and other expense152,401
 240,395
Restructuring and other expense91,073 72,978 38,548 
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,930,475
 1,700,306
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
Operating income865,384
 459,666
Operating income2,115,289 1,823,811 1,682,379 
Other income (expense):   Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net(1,601,211) (1,442,730)Interest expense, net(1,350,341)(1,530,850)(1,545,426)
Gain on investments, net237,354
 141,896
Loss on derivative contracts, net(236,330) (53,696)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts5,482
 (72,961)
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, netGain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net320,061 473,406 (250,877)
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, netGain (loss) on derivative contracts, net(178,264)(282,713)218,848 
Loss on interest rate swap contractsLoss on interest rate swap contracts(78,606)(53,902)(61,697)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(600,240) (127,649)Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(250,489)(243,806)(48,804)
Other income (loss), net(1,788) 4,329
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes(1,331,349) (1,091,145)
Income tax benefit2,852,967
 259,666
Net income (loss)1,521,618
 (831,479)
Other income (expense), netOther income (expense), net5,577 1,183 (12,484)
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes583,227 187,129 (18,061)
Income tax benefit (expense)Income tax benefit (expense)(139,748)(47,190)38,655 
Net incomeNet income443,479 139,939 20,594 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,587) (551)Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders$1,520,031
 $(832,030)
Net income attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholdersNet income attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$436,183 $138,936 $18,833 
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The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:EBITDA and Operating Free Cash Flow:
Altice USA
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$443,479 $139,939 $20,594 
Income tax expense (benefit)139,748 47,190 (38,655)
Other expense (income), net(5,577)(1,183)12,484 
Loss on interest rate swap contracts78,606 53,902 61,697 
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net178,264 282,713 (218,848)
Loss (gain) on investments and sales of affiliate interests, net(320,061)(473,406)250,877 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs250,489 243,806 48,804 
Interest expense, net1,350,341 1,530,850 1,545,426 
Depreciation and amortization2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
Restructuring and other expense91,073 72,978 38,548 
Share-based compensation125,087 105,538 59,812 
Adjusted EBITDA4,414,814 4,265,471 4,163,078 
Capital Expenditures (cash)1,073,955 1,355,350 1,153,589 
Operating Free Cash Flow$3,340,859 $2,910,121 $3,009,489 
The following is a reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities to Free Cash Flow:
 Altice USA
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Net income (loss)$1,521,618
 $(831,479)
Income tax benefit(2,852,967) (259,666)
Other expense (income), net (a)1,788
 (4,329)
Loss (gain) on interest rate swap contracts(5,482) 72,961
Loss on derivative contracts, net (b)236,330
 53,696
Gain on investments, net(237,354) (141,896)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs600,240
 127,649
Interest expense, net1,601,211
 1,442,730
Depreciation and amortization2,930,475
 1,700,306
Restructuring and other expense152,401
 240,395
Share-based compensation57,430
 14,368
Adjusted EBITDA$4,005,690
 $2,414,735
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Net cash flows from operating activities$2,980,164 $2,554,169 $2,508,317 
Capital Expenditures (cash)1,073,955 1,355,350 1,153,589 
Free Cash Flow$1,906,209 $1,198,819 $1,354,728 
(a)Includes primarily dividends received on Comcast common stock owned by the Company.
(b)Consists of unrealized and realized losses (gains) due to the change in the fair value of derivative contracts.
The following table sets forth certain customer metrics by segmentfor the Company (unaudited):
December 31,Increase
(Decrease) 2020		December 31, 2018Increase
(Decrease) 2019
2020 (f)(g)2019 (f)
Homes passed (a)9,034.1 8,818.6 215.5 8,699.6 119.0 
Total customer relationships (b)(c)5,024.6 4,916.3 108.3 4,899.5 16.8 
Residential4,648.4 4,533.3 115.1 4,518.1 15.2 
SMB376.1 383.1 (7.0)381.4 1.7 
Residential customers:
Broadband4,359.2 4,187.3 171.9 4,115.4 71.9 
Video2,961.0 3,179.2 (218.2)3,286.1 (106.9)
Telephony2,214.0 2,398.8 (184.8)2,530.1 (131.3)
Penetration of homes passed (d)55.6 %55.7 %56.3 %
ARPU(e)(h)$140.09 $142.65 $143.22 
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016 Increase
 CablevisionCequelTotal CablevisionCequelTotal (Decrease)
 (in thousands, except per customer amounts)
Homes passed (a)5,164
3,457
8,621
 5,116
3,407
8,524
 97
Total customer relationships (b)(c)3,156
1,750
4,906
 3,141
1,751
4,892
 14
Residential2,893
1,642
4,535
 2,879
1,649
4,528
 7
SMB263
109
371
 262
102
364
 7
Residential customers:

       
Pay TV2,363
1,042
3,406
 2,428
1,107
3,535
 (129)
Broadband2,670
1,376
4,046
 2,619
1,344
3,963
 83
Telephony1,965
592
2,557
 1,962
597
2,559
 (2)
Residential triple product customer penetration (d):64.2%25.7%50.2% 64.8%25.5%50.5% 

Penetration of homes passed (e):61.1%50.6%56.9% 61.4%51.4%57.4% 

ARPU(f)$155.82
$112.57
$140.15
 $154.49
$109.30
$138.07
 

(a)Represents the estimated number of single residence homes, apartments and condominium units passed by the broadband network in areas serviceable without further extending the transmission lines. In addition, it includes commercial establishments that have connected to our broadband network. Broadband services were not available to approximately 30 thousand homes passed and telephony services were not available to approximately 500 thousand homes passed.
(a)
Represents the estimated number of single residence homes, apartments and condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in areas serviceable without further extending the transmission lines. In addition, it includes commercial establishments that have connected to our cable distribution network. For Cequel, broadband services were not available to approximately 100 homes passed and telephony services were not available to approximately 500 homes passed.
(b)
Represents number of households/businesses that receive at least one of the Company's services.
(c)Customers represent each customer account (set up and segregated by customer name and address), weighted equally and counted as one customer, regardless of size, revenue generated, or number of boxes, units, or outlets.  In calculating the number of customers, we count all customers other than inactive/disconnected customers.  Free accounts are included in the customer counts along with all active accounts, but they are limited to a prescribed group.  Most of these accounts are also not entirely free, as they typically generate revenue through pay-per-view or other pay services and certain equipment fees.  Free status is not granted to regular customers as a promotion.  In counting bulk residential customers, such as an

(b)Represents number of households/businesses that receive at least one of the Company's fixed-line services.
(c)Customers represent each customer account (set up and segregated by customer name and address), weighted equally and counted as one customer, regardless of size, revenue generated, or number of boxes, units, or outlets.  Free accounts
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are included in the customer counts along with all active accounts, but they are limited to a prescribed group.  Most of these accounts are also not entirely free, as they typically generate revenue through pay-per-view or other pay services and certain equipment fees.  Free status is not granted to regular customers as a promotion.  In counting bulk residential customers, such as an apartment building, we count each subscribing family unit within the building as one customer, but do not count the master account for the entire building as a customer. We count a bulk commercial customer, such as a hotel, as one customer, and do not count individual room units at that hotel.
(d)Represents the number of total customer relationships divided by homes passed.
(e)Calculated by dividing the average monthly revenue for the respective quarter (fourth quarter for annual periods) derived from the sale of broadband, video and telephony services to residential customers for the quarter by the average number of total residential customers for the same period.
(f)Customer metrics do not include Altice Mobile customers.
(g)Pursuant to the Keep Americans Connected pledge ("Pledge") that the Company made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to the New Jersey Executive Order No. 126 ("NJ Order") enacted in April 2020, the Company did not disconnect certain internet and voice services to customers for non-payment. Customer metrics include the retention of certain of these previously non-paying customers who had current account balances as of December 31, 2020 due to the Company forgiving their past due balances or placing them on a payment plan. Customer metrics as of December 31, 2020 also include approximately 10 thousand customer relationships impacted by storms in Louisiana that have not been disconnected for non-payment (see table below).
(d)Total customer relationships
Represents the number of customers that subscribe to three of our services divided by total residential customer relationships.
10.3 
(e)Residential
Represents the number of total customer relationships divided by homes passed.
9.2 
(f)SMB
Calculated by dividing the average monthly revenue for the respective quarter (fourth quarter for annual periods) derived from the sale of broadband, pay television and telephony services to residential customers for the respective quarter by the average number of total residential customers for the same period.
1.1 
Residential customers:
Broadband8.7 
Video4.8 
Telephony2.0 

(h)    ARPU for the December 31, 2020 period reflects a reduction of $1.26 due to credits that we currently anticipate will be issued to video customers as a result of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees.
 Segment Results January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 
 Cablevision Cequel Eliminations Total Cablevision Cequel Total Cablevision
Revenue:               
Residential:               
Pay TV$3,113,238
 $1,101,507
 $—
 $4,214,745
 $1,638,691
 $1,120,525
 $2,759,216
 $1,468,006
Broadband1,603,015
 960,757
 —
 2,563,772
 782,615
 834,414
 1,617,029
 673,010
Telephony693,478
 130,503
 —
 823,981
 376,034
 153,939
 529,973
 342,142
Business services and wholesale923,161
 375,656
 —
 1,298,817
 468,632
 350,909
 819,541
 411,102
Advertising321,149
 73,509
 (2,792) 391,866
 163,678
 88,371
 252,049
 125,419
Other10,747
 22,642
 —
 33,389
 14,402
 25,002
 39,404
 117,925
Total revenue6,664,788
 2,664,574
 (2,792) 9,326,570
 3,444,052
 2,573,160
 6,017,212
 3,137,604
Operating expenses:               
Programming and other direct costs2,280,062
 758,190
 (2,597) 3,035,655
 1,164,925
 746,305
 1,911,230
 1,088,555
Other operating expenses1,675,665
 667,185
 (195) 2,342,655
 1,028,447
 677,168
 1,705,615
 1,136,970
Restructuring and other expense112,384
 40,017
 —
 152,401
 212,150
 28,245
 240,395
 22,223
Depreciation and amortization2,251,614
 678,861
 —
 2,930,475
 963,665
 736,641
 1,700,306
 414,550
Operating income$345,063
 $520,321
 $—
 $865,384
 $74,865
 $384,801
 $459,666
 $475,306

Altice USA - Comparison of Results for the Year Ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Pay Television Revenue
Pay television revenue2019 and for the years endedYear Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $4,214,745 and $2,759,216, respectively, of which $3,113,238 and $1,638,691 was derived from the Cablevision segment and $1,101,507 and $1,120,525 relates to our Cequel segment, respectively. Pay television is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers of our pay television services. Revenue increases are derived primarily from rate increases, increases in the number of customers, including additional services sold to our existing customers, and programming package upgrades.
Pay television revenue for our Cablevision segment increased $1,474,547 for the year ended December 31, 20172019 compared to the year endedYear Ended December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include pay television revenue2018

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of $1,468,006 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. Pay television revenue was also impacted by rate increases for certain video services implemented in the fourth quarter of 2016 and 2017, an increase in late fees and an increase in pay-per-view revenue. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease in revenue as compared to the prior year due to a decline in pay television customers.
Pay television revenue for our Cequel segment decreased $19,018 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was due primarily to a decline in the number of pay television customers and a decrease in premium video services revenue, partially offset by certain rate increases, and an increase in late fees.
We believe our pay television customer declines noted in the table above are largely attributable to competition, particularly from Verizon in our Cablevision footprint and DBS providers in our Cequel footprint, as well as competition from companies that deliver video content over the Internet directly to customers. These factors are expected to continue to impact our ability to maintain or increase our existing customers and revenue in the future.
Broadband Revenue
Broadband revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was $2,563,772$3,689,159, $3,222,605, and $1,617,029, respectively,$2,887,455, respectively. Broadband revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential subscribers of which $1,603,015our broadband services. Revenue is impacted by rate increases, changes in the number of customers, including additional services sold to our existing subscribers, and $782,615changes in speed tiers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Broadband revenue increased $466,554 (14%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was derived from our Cablevision segmentdue primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and $960,757service level changes, and $834,414an increase in broadband customers, partially offset by customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Broadband revenue increased $335,150 (12%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was derived from our Cequel segment. Broadbanddue primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes, and an increase in broadband customers.
Video Revenue
Video revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $3,670,859, $3,997,873 and $4,156,428, respectively. Video revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers of our broadbandvideo services. Revenue increases are derived primarily fromis impacted by rate increases, increaseschanges in the number of customers, including additional services sold to our existing customers, and speed tier upgrades.changes in programming packages. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Broadband
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Video revenue for our Cablevision segment increased $820,400decreased $327,014 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include broadband2019. Video revenue of $673,010 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. Broadband revenue also increased $147,390year ended December 31, 2020 includes estimated credits of approximately $94,300 that we currently anticipate will be issued to customers as a result of higher average recurring broadband$90,100 of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods. The remaining decrease was due primarily to a decline in video customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Video revenue per broadband customer (driven by rate increases, the impact of service level changes, and an increase in late fees) and an increase in broadband customers.
Broadband revenue for our Cequel segment increased $126,343 (15%decreased $158,555 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 20172019 compared to the same period in the prior year.year ended December 31, 2018. The increasedecrease was due primarily to highera decline in video customers and lower average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer (driven by rate increases, the impact of service level changes, and an increase in late fees) and an increase in broadband customers.video customer.
Telephony Revenue
Telephony revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was $823,981$468,777, $598,694 and $529,973 of which $693,478 and $376,034 was derived from the Cablevision segment and $130,503 and $153,939 was derived from our Cequel segment.$652,895, respectively. Telephony revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers offor our telephony services. Revenue increases are derived primarily from rate increases, increasesis impacted by changes in rates for services, changes in the number of customers, and additional services sold to our existing customers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Telephony revenue for our Cablevision segment increased $317,444decreased $129,917 (22%) for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2019. The increase is primarilydecrease was due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include telephony revenue of $342,142 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. Offsetting this increase was a net decrease of $24,698 due primarily to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in international calling.telephony customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Telephony revenue for our Cequel segment decreased $23,436 (15%$54,201 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 20172019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The decrease was due primarily to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in telephony customers.
Business Services and Wholesale Revenue
Business services and wholesale revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was $1,298,817$1,454,532, $1,428,532, and $819,541, respectively of which $923,161 and $468,632 was derived from the Cablevision segment and $375,656 and $350,909 was derived from our Cequel segment.$1,362,758, respectively. Business services and wholesale revenue is derived primarily from the sale of fiber based telecommunications services to the business market, and the sale of broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services to SMB customers.
Business services and wholesale revenue for our Cablevision segment increased $454,529$26,000 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2019. The increase is primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include revenue of $411,102 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. Business services revenue also increased $43,427was primarily due to higher average recurring telephony and broadband revenue per SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes and an increase in

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Ethernet revenue resulting from a larger numberrelated to an indefeasible right of services installed,use contract recorded in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by reduced traditional voicea decrease in SMB customers, customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms and data servicescustomer credits of approximately $2,900 that we currently anticipate will be issued to SMB customers as a result of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for commercial customers.the periods.
Business services and wholesale revenue for our Cequel segment increased $24,747 (7%$65,774 (5%) for the year ended December 31, 2017 as2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The increase was primarily due to higher commercial ratesaverage recurring broadband revenue per SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and customers for broadband services,service level changes, an increase in certain pay television ratesrevenue from the backhaul of carrier data and increasesan increase in commercial carrier services.installation revenue.
News and Advertising Revenue
AdvertisingNews and advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016, net of inter-segment revenue,2018, was $391,866$519,205, $475,904, and $252,049, respectively, of which $321,149$487,264, respectively. News and $163,678 was derived from our Cablevision segment and $73,509 and $88,371 was derived from our Cequel segment. Advertisingadvertising revenue is primarily derived from the sale of (i) advertising timeinventory available on the programming carried on our cable television systems.systems, (ii) advertising on over the top ("OTT") platforms, (iii) digital advertising, and (iv) data analytics. News and advertising revenue also includes affiliation fees for news programming.
AdvertisingNews and advertising revenue for our Cablevision segment increased $157,471$43,301 (9%) for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2019. The increase iswas primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not includehigher political revenue and affiliate fees.
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News and advertising revenue of $125,419 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. The remaining increase in advertising revenue of $32,052 was due primarily to an increase in digital advertising revenue and an increase in data and analytics revenue, partially offset by a decrease in political advertising.
Advertising revenue for our Cequel segment decreased $14,862 (17%$11,360 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2017 as2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.2018. The decrease iswas primarily due to declineslower political revenue, partially offset by an increase in political, auto, retail,digital advertising, and restaurant advertising.strong national sales.
Mobile Revenue
Mobile revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $78,127 and $21,264, respectively, and relates to sales of devices and mobile services that were launched to consumers in September 2019. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 169 thousand mobile lines.
Other Revenue
Other revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 was $33,389$13,983, $15,987, and $39,404, respectively, of which $10,747 and $14,402 was derived from our Cablevision segment and $22,642 and $25,002 was derived from our Cequel segment.$19,808, respectively. Other revenue includes revenue from other miscellaneous revenue streams.
Programming and Other Direct Costs
Programming and other direct costs net of intersegment eliminations, for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 amounted to $3,035,655$3,340,442, $3,300,528 and $1,911,230, respectively, of which $2,280,062 and $1,164,925 relate to our Cablevision segment and $758,190 and $746,305 relate to our Cequel segment.$3,173,076, respectively. Programming and other direct costs include cable programming costs, which are costs paid to programmers (net of amortization of any incentives received from programmers for carriage) for cable content (including costs of VOD and pay‑per‑view)pay-per-view) and are generally paid on a per‑customerper-customer basis. These costs typically rise due to increases in contractual rates and new channel launches and are also impacted by changes in the number of customers receiving certain programming services. These costs also include interconnection, call completion, circuit and transport fees paid to other telecommunication companies for the transport and termination of voice and data services, which typically vary based on rate changes and the level of usage by our customers. These costs also include franchise fees which are payable to the state governments and local municipalities where we operate and are primarily based on a percentage of certain categories of revenue derived from the provision of pay televisionvideo service over our cable systems, which vary by state and municipality. These costs change in relation to changes in such categories of revenues or rate changes. Additionally, these costs include the costs of mobile devices sold to our customers and direct costs of providing mobile services.
The increase of $1,115,137 related to our Cablevision segment$39,914 (1%) for the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, as compared to the prior year iswas primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include $1,088,555 of programming and other direct costs recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. The remaining increase of $26,582 is attributable to the following:
Cablevision segment: 
Increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases and an increase in pay-per-view costs primarily from an event in August 2017, partially offset by lower pay television customers and lower video-on-demand costs$61,623
Increase in costs of digital media advertising spots for resale23,601
Decrease in costs primarily related to the sale of Newsday in July 2016(33,888)
Decrease in call completion and transport costs primarily due to lower level of activity(17,881)
Decrease in cost of sales (which includes the bulk sale of handset inventory of $5,445 during the first quarter of 2016)(9,945)
Other net increases3,072
 $26,582

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Increase in call completion and transfer costs primarily related to our mobile business ($30,240)$33,126 
Costs of mobile devices24,359 
Increase primarily relating to costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale17,160 
Decrease in programming costs which includes estimated credits expected to be received (see discussion below) and a decrease in costs due to lower video customers, partially offset by an increase in costs due to net contractual rate increases(21,511)
Decrease in costs due to certain tax refunds(11,033)
Other net decreases(2,187)
$39,914 
The increase of $11,885 related to our Cequel segment$127,452 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2017,2019, as compared to the prior year period isDecember 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to the following:
Increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases, partially offset by lower video customers and lower video-on-demand and pay-per-view costs$102,071 
Costs of mobile devices22,379 
Increase in costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale9,488 
Decrease in call completion and transfer costs primarily due to lower level of activity related to our telephony service, partially offset by an increase in costs related to our mobile service of $3,890(9,975)
Other net increases3,489 
$127,452 
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Cequel segment: 
Increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases and an increase in pay-per-view costs primarily from an event in August 2017, partially offset by lower pay television customers and lower video-on-demand costs$20,141
Decrease in franchise costs due to lower pay television customers(5,159)
Decrease in media cost of sales(1,634)
Net decrease in call completion and interconnection costs due to lower level of activity(1,803)
Other net increases340
 $11,885


Programming costs
Programming costs aggregated $2,533,244$2,701,145, $2,722,656, and $1,567,688$2,620,585 for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively. The 2016 amount does not include programmingProgramming costs of $883,792 recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016.year ended December 31, 2020 include estimated credits of approximately $93,000 that the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods as we reduced video revenue for a corresponding amount as it is currently anticipated that these credits will be issued to customers. Our programming costs in 20182021 will continue to be impacted by changes in programming rates, which we expect to increase, by high single digits, and by changes in the number of pay televisionvideo customers.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 amounted to $2,342,655$2,264,473, $2,300,398, and $1,705,615, respectively, of which $1,675,665 and $1,028,447 relate to our Cablevision segment and $667,185 and $677,168 relate to our Cequel segment.$2,290,266, respectively. Other operating expenses include staff costs and employee benefits including salaries of company employees and related taxes, benefits and other employee related expenses.expenses, as well as third-party labor costs. Other operating expenses also include network management and field service costs, which represent costs associated with the maintenance of our broadband network, including costs of certain customer connections and other costs associated with providing and maintaining services to our customers.
Customer installation and network repair and maintenance costs may fluctuate as a result of changes in the level of activities and the utilization of contractors as compared to employees. Also, customer installation costs fluctuate as the portion of our expenses that we are able to capitalize changes. Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to provide broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services are capitalized (asset-based). In circumstances whereThe redeployment of customer premise equipment tracking is not available, the Company estimates the amount of capitalized installation costs based on whether or not the business or residence had been previously connected to the network, (premise-based). Network repair and maintenance and utility costs also fluctuateexpensed as capitalizable network upgrade and enhancement activity changes.
In connection with the execution of an agreement with ATS in the second quarter of 2017 (see Note 14 of our consolidated financial statements), the Cablevision segment's operating results reflect a reduction in employee related expenses due to certain employees becoming employed by ATS and an increase in contractor costs for services provided by ATS. See further details in the table below. A substantial portion of the Cequel segment technical workforce became employees of ATS in December 2017.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in ATS and the Company expects to become the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS prior to the Distribution (see Note 1 of our consolidated financial statements).incurred.
Other operating expenses also include costs related to the operation and maintenance of our call center facilities that handle customer inquiries and billing and collection activities and sales and marketing costs, which include advertising production and placement costs associated with acquiring and retaining customers. These costs vary period to period and certain of these costs, such as sales and marketing, may increase with intense competition. Additionally, other operating expenses include various other administrative costs, including legal fees, and product development costs.
The decrease in other operating expenses of $35,925, net of an increase of $647,218 related$35,318 relating to our Cablevision segmentmobile service, for the year ended December 31, 2017, net of inter-segment eliminations,2020 as compared to the prior year is primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include $1,136,970 of other operating expenses recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. The remaining decrease of $489,752 iswas attributable to the following:

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Cablevision segment: 
Decrease primarily in employee related costs related to the elimination of certain positions (including the impact of the decline in headcount resulting from the ATS agreement), and lower net benefits, partially offset by merit increases$(457,528)
Decrease in costs primarily related to the sale of Newsday in July 2016(95,262)
Decrease primarily related to maintenance agreements for equipment, as well as lower repairs and maintenance costs relating to our operations(69,053)
Decrease in rent and insurance (including the impact of the ATS agreement)(24,138)
Increase in contractor costs due primarily to the execution of the ATS agreement114,519
Increase in sales and marketing costs18,033
Increase in bad debt expense10,325
Increase in fees for certain executive services provided by our parent entity (twelve months in 2017 compared to approximately six months in 2016)9,444
Other net increases3,908
 $(489,752)
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (offset by an increase in costs related to Cheddar of $10,548, which was acquired in June 2019), partially offset by a decrease in capitalizable activity$(43,837)
Decrease in bad debt expense(25,555)
Decrease in sales and marketing costs (including third-party commissions)(15,862)
Increase in share-based compensation19,550 
Increase in rent and property taxes13,506 
Increase in legal costs9,008 
Other net increases (including a decrease of $5,598 due to a favorable resolution of a tax matter)7,265 
$(35,925)
The decreaseincrease in other operating expenses of $9,983 related$10,132, including an increase of $32,458 relating to our Cequel segmentmobile service, for the year ended December 31, 2017, net of inter-segment eliminations,2019 as compared to the prior year period iswas attributable to the following:
Increase in share-based compensation, including charges related to modifications of awards$45,725 
Increase in bad debt20,095 
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (partially offset by an increase in costs related to i24NEWS of $6,425 and an increase of $14,720 related to Cheddar) and an increase in capitalizable activity(33,431)
Decrease in management fee relating to certain executive, administrative and managerial services provided to the Company from Altice Europe prior to separation in June 2018(13,250)
Net decrease in marketing costs(7,457)
Other net decreases (partially offset by an increase in costs of $2,380 relating to Cheddar and $3,027 related to i24NEWS)(1,550)
$10,132 
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Cequel segment: 
Decrease primarily in salaries and benefits related to the elimination of certain positions in connection with the initiatives to simplify the Company's organizational structure, partially offset by a decrease in capitalizable activity$(56,381)
Decrease in insurance costs(6,255)
Decrease in contract labor costs(2,171)
Increase in consulting and professional fees22,023
Increase in share-based compensation and long-term incentive plan awards expense18,754
Increase in sales and marketing costs8,426
Increase in worker's compensation expenses2,082
Net increase in property, general and sales and use taxes1,539
Other net increases2,000
 $(9,983)


Restructuring and Other Expense
Restructuring and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $152,401 ($112,384 for our Cablevision segment and $40,017 for our Cequel segment)2020 amounted to $91,073, as compared to $240,395$72,978 for the year ended December 31, 2016 ($212,1502019 and $38,548 for our Cablevision segment and $28,245 for our Cequel segment).the year ended December 31, 2018. These amounts primarily relaterelated to severance and other employee related costs resulting from headcount reductions, facility realignment costs and impairments of certain ROU assets, related to initiatives which commenced in 2016 and 2019 that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure. The expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 also included $47,631 related to contractual payments for terminated employees and $4,068 related to the facility realignment costs. We currently anticipate thatmay incur additional restructuring expenses will be recognizedin the future as we continue to analyze our organizational structure.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018 amounted to $2,930,475$2,083,365, $2,263,144 and $1,700,306, respectively, of which $2,251,614 and $963,665 relates to our Cablevision segment and $678,861 and $736,641 relates to our Cequel segment.
The increase in depreciation and amortization related to our Cablevision segment of $1,287,949 is primarily due to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. Our 2016 results do not include $414,550 of depreciation and amortization recognized by Cablevision for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. The remaining increase of $873,399 is primarily attributable to the acceleration of amortization of its trade name intangible assets in connection with the announcement, on May 23, 2017, of the adoption of a global brand to replace the Optimum brand in the future, as well as depreciation on new asset additions. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years, which will reduce the future annual amortization expense related to the Optimum trade name.

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$2,382,339, respectively.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $179,779 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year is due to certain fixed assets and intangible assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized, partially offset by the acceleration of amortization expense related to our Cequel segmentcertain customer relationship intangible assets and an increase in depreciation as a result of $57,780 (8%asset additions.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $119,195 (5%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the prior year is due primarily to lower amortization expense for certain fixed assets and intangible assets that are beingbecoming fully depreciated or amortized, using an accelerated method, partially offset by an increase resulting from revisions made to the fair valuein depreciation as a result of assets acquired resulting from the finalization in the fourth quarter of 2016 of the purchase price allocation in connection with the Cequel Acquisition.asset additions.
Adjusted EBITDABroadband Revenue
Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $4,005,690 and $2,414,735Broadband revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018 was $3,689,159, $3,222,605, and $2,887,455, respectively. Broadband revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential subscribers of which $2,751,121 and $1,259,844 relatesour broadband services. Revenue is impacted by rate increases, changes in the number of customers, including additional services sold to our Cablevision segmentexisting subscribers, and $1,254,569 and $1,154,891 relates tochanges in speed tiers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our Cequel segment.promotional bundled offers.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as net loss excluding income taxes, loss from discontinued operations, other non-operating income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments, interest expense (including cash interest expense), interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense, restructuring expense or credits and transaction expenses. See reconciliation of net loss to adjusted EBITDA above.
The increase in adjusted EBITDABroadband revenue increased $466,554 (14%) for the year ended December 31, 2017 as compare2020 compared to the prior year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes, and an increase in broadband customers, partially offset by customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Broadband revenue increased $335,150 (12%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the consolidation of the Cablevision results as of June 21, 2016, the date of the Cablevision Acquisitionyear ended December 31, 2018. The increase was due primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and the increasesservice level changes, and an increase in revenue and decreases in operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization, restructuring and other expense and share‑based compensation), as discussed above.broadband customers.
Interest Expense, netVideo Revenue
Interest expense, net was $1,601,211 and $1,442,730,Video revenue for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016, respectively,2018 was $3,670,859, $3,997,873 and includes interest on debt issued$4,156,428, respectively. Video revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to financeresidential customers of our video services. Revenue is impacted by rate increases, changes in the Cablevision Acquisitionnumber of customers, including additional services sold to our existing customers, and Cequel Acquisition, as well as interest on debt assumedchanges in connection with these acquisitions. The increaseprogramming packages. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of $158,481each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
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Video revenue decreased $327,014 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 20172020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. Video revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes estimated credits of approximately $94,300 that we currently anticipate will be issued to customers as a result of $90,100 of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods. The remaining decrease was due primarily to a decline in video customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Video revenue decreased $158,555 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due primarily to a decline in video customers and lower average revenue per video customer.
Telephony Revenue
Telephony revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $468,777, $598,694 and $652,895, respectively. Telephony revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers for our telephony services. Revenue is impacted by changes in rates for services, changes in the number of customers, and additional services sold to our existing customers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Telephony revenue decreased $129,917 (22%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in telephony customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Telephony revenue decreased $54,201 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in telephony customers.
Business Services and Wholesale Revenue
Business services and wholesale revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $1,454,532, $1,428,532, and $1,362,758, respectively. Business services and wholesale revenue is derived primarily from the sale of fiber based telecommunications services to the business market, and the sale of broadband, video and telephony services to SMB customers.
Business services and wholesale revenue increased $26,000 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher average recurring broadband revenue per SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes and an increase in revenue related to an indefeasible right of use contract recorded in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by a decrease in SMB customers, customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms and customer credits of approximately $2,900 that we currently anticipate will be issued to SMB customers as a result of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods.
Business services and wholesale revenue increased $65,774 (5%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher average recurring broadband revenue per SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes, an increase in revenue from the backhaul of carrier data and an increase in installation revenue.
News and Advertising Revenue
News and advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $519,205, $475,904, and $487,264, respectively. News and advertising revenue is primarily derived from the sale of (i) advertising inventory available on the programming carried on our cable television systems, (ii) advertising on over the top ("OTT") platforms, (iii) digital advertising, and (iv) data analytics. News and advertising revenue also includes affiliation fees for news programming.
News and advertising revenue increased $43,301 (9%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher political revenue and affiliate fees.
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News and advertising revenue decreased $11,360 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to lower political revenue, partially offset by an increase in digital advertising, and strong national sales.
Mobile Revenue
Mobile revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $78,127 and $21,264, respectively, and relates to sales of devices and mobile services that were launched to consumers in September 2019. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 169 thousand mobile lines.
Other Revenue
Other revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $13,983, $15,987, and $19,808, respectively. Other revenue includes revenue from other miscellaneous revenue streams.
Programming and Other Direct Costs
Programming and other direct costs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $3,340,442, $3,300,528 and $3,173,076, respectively. Programming and other direct costs include cable programming costs, which are costs paid to programmers (net of amortization of any incentives received from programmers for carriage) for cable content (including costs of VOD and pay-per-view) and are generally paid on a per-customer basis. These costs typically rise due to increases in contractual rates and new channel launches and are also impacted by changes in the number of customers receiving certain programming services. These costs also include interconnection, call completion, circuit and transport fees paid to other telecommunication companies for the transport and termination of voice and data services, which typically vary based on rate changes and the level of usage by our customers. These costs also include franchise fees which are payable to the state governments and local municipalities where we operate and are primarily based on a percentage of certain categories of revenue derived from the provision of video service over our cable systems, which vary by state and municipality. These costs change in relation to changes in such categories of revenues or rate changes. Additionally, these costs include the costs of mobile devices sold to our customers and direct costs of providing mobile services.
The increase of $39,914 (1%) for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the prior year was primarily attributable to the following:
Increase in call completion and transfer costs primarily related to our mobile business ($30,240)$33,126 
Costs of mobile devices24,359 
Increase primarily relating to costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale17,160 
Decrease in programming costs which includes estimated credits expected to be received (see discussion below) and a decrease in costs due to lower video customers, partially offset by an increase in costs due to net contractual rate increases(21,511)
Decrease in costs due to certain tax refunds(11,033)
Other net decreases(2,187)
$39,914 
The increase of $127,452 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to the following:
Increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases, partially offset by lower video customers and lower video-on-demand and pay-per-view costs$102,071 
Costs of mobile devices22,379 
Increase in costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale9,488 
Decrease in call completion and transfer costs primarily due to lower level of activity related to our telephony service, partially offset by an increase in costs related to our mobile service of $3,890(9,975)
Other net increases3,489 
$127,452 
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Programming costs
Programming costs aggregated $2,701,145, $2,722,656, and $2,620,585 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Programming costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 include estimated credits of approximately $93,000 that the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods as we reduced video revenue for a corresponding amount as it is currently anticipated that these credits will be issued to customers. Our programming costs in 2021 will continue to be impacted by changes in programming rates, which we expect to increase, and by changes in the number of video customers.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $2,264,473, $2,300,398, and $2,290,266, respectively. Other operating expenses include staff costs and employee benefits including salaries of company employees and related taxes, benefits and other employee related expenses, as well as third-party labor costs. Other operating expenses also include network management and field service costs, which represent costs associated with the maintenance of our broadband network, including costs of certain customer connections and other costs associated with providing and maintaining services to our customers.
Customer installation and network repair and maintenance costs may fluctuate as a result of changes in the level of activities and the utilization of contractors as compared to employees. Also, customer installation costs fluctuate as the portion of our expenses that we are able to capitalize changes. Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to provide broadband, video and telephony services are capitalized (asset-based). The redeployment of customer premise equipment is expensed as incurred.
Other operating expenses also include costs related to the operation and maintenance of our call center facilities that handle customer inquiries and billing and collection activities and sales and marketing costs, which include advertising production and placement costs associated with acquiring and retaining customers. These costs vary period to period and certain of these costs, such as sales and marketing, may increase with intense competition. Additionally, other operating expenses include various other administrative costs, including legal fees, and product development costs.
The decrease in other operating expenses of $35,925, net of an increase of $35,318 relating to our mobile service, for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year was attributable to the following:
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (offset by an increase in costs related to Cheddar of $10,548, which was acquired in June 2019), partially offset by a decrease in capitalizable activity$(43,837)
Decrease in bad debt expense(25,555)
Decrease in sales and marketing costs (including third-party commissions)(15,862)
Increase in share-based compensation19,550 
Increase in rent and property taxes13,506 
Increase in legal costs9,008 
Other net increases (including a decrease of $5,598 due to a favorable resolution of a tax matter)7,265 
$(35,925)
The increase in other operating expenses of $10,132, including an increase of $32,458 relating to our mobile service, for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the prior year was attributable to the following:
Increase in share-based compensation, including charges related to modifications of awards$45,725 
Increase in bad debt20,095 
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (partially offset by an increase in costs related to i24NEWS of $6,425 and an increase of $14,720 related to Cheddar) and an increase in capitalizable activity(33,431)
Decrease in management fee relating to certain executive, administrative and managerial services provided to the Company from Altice Europe prior to separation in June 2018(13,250)
Net decrease in marketing costs(7,457)
Other net decreases (partially offset by an increase in costs of $2,380 relating to Cheddar and $3,027 related to i24NEWS)(1,550)
$10,132 
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Restructuring and Other Expense
Restructuring and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 amounted to $91,073, as compared to $72,978 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and $38,548 for the year ended December 31, 2018. These amounts primarily related to severance and other employee related costs resulting from headcount reductions, facility realignment costs and impairments of certain ROU assets, related to initiatives which commenced in 2016 and 2019 that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure. The expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 also included $47,631 related to contractual payments for terminated employees and $4,068 related to the facility realignment costs. We may incur additional restructuring expenses in the future as we continue to analyze our organizational structure.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $2,083,365, $2,263,144 and $2,382,339, respectively.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $179,779 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to the prior year is attributabledue to the following:
Increase due to changes in average debt balances and interest rates on our indebtedness and collateralized debt$142,236
Lower interest income11,890
Other net increases, primarily amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts4,355
 $158,481
See "Liquiditycertain fixed assets and Capital Resources" discussion below for a detail of our borrower groups.
Gain on Investments, net
Gain on investments, net for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, of $237,354 and $141,896 consists primarily of the increase in the fair value of Comcast common stock owned by the Company for the periods. For 2016, the gain is for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The effects of these gains areintangible assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized, partially offset by the losses on theacceleration of amortization expense related equity derivative contracts, net described below.to certain customer relationship intangible assets and an increase in depreciation as a result of asset additions.
Loss on Derivative Contracts, net
Loss on derivative contracts, netThe decrease in depreciation and amortization of $119,195 (5%) for the year ended December 31, 2017 amounted to $236,3302019 as compared to $53,696 for the prior year ended December 31, 2016, and includes realized and unrealized lossesis due to the change in fair value of equity derivative contracts relating to the Comcast common stock owned by the Company.  For 2016, the loss is for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016. The effects of these losses are offset by gains on investment securities pledged as collateral, which are included in gain on investments, net discussed above. The loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 also includes the realized loss on the settlement of certain put-call options of $97,410.
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts was $5,482 and $(72,961) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. These amounts represent the increase or decrease in fair value of the fixed to floating interest rate swaps entered into by our Cequel segment in September 2016. The objective of these swaps is to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to fixed and variable interest rates. These swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs amounted to $600,240 and $127,649 for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The 2017 amount includes the premium of $513,723 related to the notes payable to affiliates and related parties that were converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, $18,976 related to the Cablevision Extension Amendment and the redemption of senior notes, $28,684 related to the Cequel Extension

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Amendment and the redemption of senior notes and $38,858 related to premiums paid upon the early repayment of certain senior notes outstanding.
Loss on extinguishment of debt amounted to $127,649 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and includes primarily the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount relating to the prepayment of $1,290,500 outstanding under the term credit facility at Cablevision.
Income Tax Benefit
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $2,852,967 for the year ended December 31, 2017. Pursuant to the enactment of Tax Reform on December 22, 2017,  the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of  $2,337,900 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018. Nondeductible share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 reduced income tax benefit by $22,938. 
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $259,666 for the year ended December 31, 2016. Nondeductible share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 reduced income tax benefit by $5,747. 
On June 9, 2016 the common stock of Cequel was contributed to the Company.  On June 21, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Cablevision.  Accordingly, Cequel and Cablevision joined the federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns of the Company. As a result, the applicate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities increased, resulting in a non-cash deferred income tax charge of $153,660 in the second quarter of 2016. In addition, there was no state income tax benefit on the pre-merger accrued interest at Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. formed to complete the financing for the Cablevision Acquisition and the merger with CSC Holdings, resulting in additional deferred tax expense of $18,542 for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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Results of Operations - Cablevision Systems Corporation
 Cablevision Systems Corporation
 Successor Predecessor
 June 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
Revenue (a):     
Residential:     
Pay TV$1,638,691
 $1,468,006
 $3,142,991
Broadband782,615
 673,010
 1,303,918
Telephony376,034
 342,142
 748,181
Business services and wholesale468,632
 411,102
 834,154
Advertising163,678
 125,419
 263,839
Other14,402
 117,925
 252,462
Total revenue3,444,052
 3,137,604
 6,545,545
Operating expenses:     
Programming and other direct costs1,164,925
 1,088,555
 2,269,290
Other operating expenses1,028,447
 1,136,970
 2,546,319
Restructuring and other expense212,150
 22,223
 16,213
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)963,665
 414,550
 865,252
Operating income74,865
 475,306
 848,471
Other income (expense):     
Interest expense, net(606,347) (285,508) (584,839)
Gain (loss) on investments, net141,896
 129,990
 (30,208)
Gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net(53,696) (36,283) 104,927
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(102,894) —
 (1,735)
Other income (expense), net4,329
 4,855
 6,045
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(541,847) 288,360
 342,661
Income tax benefit (expense)213,065
 (124,848) (154,872)
Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes(328,782) 163,512
 187,789
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 —
 (12,541)
Net income (loss)(328,782) 163,512
 175,248
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(551) 236
 201
Net income (loss) attributable to Cablevision stockholder(s)$(329,333) $163,748
 $175,449
___________________
(a)Certain reclassifications have been made to previously reported amounts by product to reflect the current presentation.
(a)Includes primarily dividends received on Comcast common stock owned by the Company.
(b)Consists of unrealized and realized losses (gains) due to the change in fair value of equity derivative contracts relating to the Comcast common stock owned by the Company.


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The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA:
 Cablevision
 Successor Predecessor
 June 21, 2016 to December 31, 2016January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
Net income (loss)$(328,782) $163,512
 $175,248
(Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 —
 12,541
Income tax (benefit) expense(213,065) 124,848
 154,872
Other income (a)(4,329) (4,855) (6,045)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs102,894
 —
 1,735
Loss (gain) on equity derivative contracts, net (b)53,696
 36,283
 (104,927)
Loss (gain) on investments, net(141,896) (129,990) 30,208
Interest expense, net606,347
 285,508
 584,839
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)963,665
 414,550
 865,252
Restructuring and other expenses212,150
 22,223
 16,213
Share-based compensation9,164
 25,231
 65,286
Adjusted EBITDA$1,259,844
 $937,310
 $1,795,222
 Cablevision Systems Corporation
 Years Ended December 31, Net Increase (Decrease)
 2016 2015 2016
 (in thousands, except per customer amounts)
Homes passed (a)5,116
 5,076
 40
Total customers relationships (b)3,141
 3,115
 26
Residential2,879
 2,858
 21
SMB262
 258
 4
Residential customers (c):     
Pay TV2,428
 2,487
 (59)
Broadband2,619
 2,562
 57
Telephony1,962
 2,007
 (45)
Residential triple product customer penetration (d):64.8% 67.6% 

Penetration of homes passed (e):61.4% 61.4% 

ARPU (f)$154.49
 $150.61
 

____________________
(a)Represents the estimated number of single residence homes, apartments and condominium units passed by the cable distribution network in areas serviceable without further extending the transmission lines. In addition, it includes commercial establishments that have connected to our cable distribution network.
(b)Represents number of households/businesses that receive at least one of the Company’s services.
(c)Customers represent each customer account (set up and segregated by customer name and address), weighted equally and counted as one customer, regardless of size, revenue generated, or number of boxes, units, or outlets. In calculating the number of customers, we count all customers other than inactive/disconnected customers. Free accounts are included in the customer counts along with all active accounts, but they are limited to a prescribed group. Most of these accounts are also not entirely free, as they typically generate revenue through pay-per-view or other pay services and certain equipment fees. Free status is not granted to regular customers as a promotion. In counting bulk residential customers, such as an apartment building, we count each subscribing family unit within the building as one customer, but do not count the master account for the entire building as

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a customer. We count a bulk commercial customer, such as a hotel, as one customer, and do not count individual room units at that hotel. 
(d)Represents the number of customers that subscribe to three of our services divided by total residential customer relationships.
(e)Represents the number of total customer relationships divided by homes passed.
(f)Calculated by dividing the average monthly revenue for the respective quarter (fourth quarter for annual periods) presented derived from the sale of broadband, pay television and telephony services to residential customers for the respective quarter by the average number of total residential customers for the same period.
Cablevision - Comparison of Results for the Periods June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 to Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Pay Television Revenue
Pay television revenue amounted to $1,638,691 and $1,468,006 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to$3,142,991 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Pay television revenue for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2016 was impacted by a decline in pay television customers, a decrease due to a pay-per-view boxing event that took place in 2015,intangible assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized, partially offset by increases in revenue due primarily to rate increases for certain pay television services implemented during the first quarter of 2016 and an increase in fees charged to restore suspended services.
We believe our pay television customer declines noted in the table above are largely attributable to intense competition, particularly from Verizon,depreciation as well as competition from companies that deliver video content over the Internet directly to customers. Also, the declines are attributable to our disciplined pricing and credit policies. These factors are expected to continue to impact our ability to maintain or increase our existing customers and revenue in the future.a result of asset additions.
Broadband Revenue
Broadband revenue amounted to $782,615 and $673,010 for the period June 21, 2016 throughyears ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and January 1, 20162018 was $3,689,159, $3,222,605, and $2,887,455, respectively. Broadband revenue is derived principally through June 20, 2016, respectively, comparedmonthly charges to $1,303,918residential subscribers of our broadband services. Revenue is impacted by rate increases, changes in the number of customers, including additional services sold to our existing subscribers, and changes in speed tiers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Broadband revenue increased $466,554 (14%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Broadband2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2016 was impactedper broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases for certain broadband services implemented during the first quarter of 2016,and service level changes, and an increase in broadband customers, and an increase in fees charged to restore suspended services.partially offset by customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Telephony Revenue
TelephonyBroadband revenue amounted to $376,034 and $342,142 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $748,181increased $335,150 (12%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Telephony2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was due primarily to higher average recurring broadband revenue per broadband customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes, and an increase in broadband customers.
Video Revenue
Video revenue for the Successoryears ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and Predecessor periods in 20162018 was $3,670,859, $3,997,873 and $4,156,428, respectively. Video revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers of our video services. Revenue is impacted by a declinerate increases, changes in telephonythe number of customers, including additional services sold to our existing customers, and a declinechanges in international calling.programming packages. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Business Services Revenue
54
Business services and wholesale



Video revenue amounted to $468,632 and $411,102 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $834,154decreased $327,014 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. Video revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes estimated credits of approximately $94,300 that we currently anticipate will be issued to customers as a result of $90,100 of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks and related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods. The remaining decrease was due primarily to a decline in video customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Video revenue decreased $158,555 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due primarily to a decline in video customers and lower average revenue per video customer.
Telephony Revenue
Telephony revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $468,777, $598,694 and $652,895, respectively. Telephony revenue is derived principally through monthly charges to residential customers for our telephony services. Revenue is impacted by changes in rates for services, changes in the number of customers, and additional services sold to our existing customers. Additionally, revenue is impacted by changes in the standalone selling price of each performance obligation within our promotional bundled offers.
Telephony revenue decreased $129,917 (22%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in telephony customers, as well as customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms.
Telephony revenue decreased $54,201 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due to lower average revenue per telephony customer and a decline in telephony customers.
Business Services and Wholesale Revenue
Business services and wholesale revenue for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2016 was impacted by rate increases for certain broadband services implemented during the first quarter of 2016, an increase in broadband customers and an increase in Ethernet revenue from an increase in services installed, partially offset by reduced traditional voice and data services.
Advertising Revenue
Advertising revenue amounted to $163,678 and $125,419 for the period June 21, 2016 throughyears ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared2018 was $1,454,532, $1,428,532, and $1,362,758, respectively. Business services and wholesale revenue is derived primarily from the sale of fiber based telecommunications services to $263,839the business market, and the sale of broadband, video and telephony services to SMB customers.
Business services and wholesale revenue increased $26,000 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Advertising2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher average recurring broadband revenue for the Successorper SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and Predecessor periods in 2016 was impacted byservice level changes and an increase in advertising salesrevenue related to an indefeasible right of use contract recorded in the second quarter of 2020, partially offset by a decrease in SMB customers, customer credits issued for service outages following certain storms and customer credits of approximately $2,900 that we currently anticipate will be issued to SMB customers as a result of credits the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the political sector.
Other Revenue
Other revenue amounted to $14,402contractual agreements with the networks and $117,925related franchise fees. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016periods.
Business services and

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January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $252,462 wholesale revenue increased $65,774 (5%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher average recurring broadband revenue per SMB customer, primarily driven by certain rate increases and service level changes, an increase in revenue from the backhaul of carrier data and an increase in installation revenue.
News and Advertising Revenue
News and advertising revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $519,205, $475,904, and $487,264, respectively. News and advertising revenue is primarily derived from the sale of (i) advertising inventory available on the programming carried on our cable television systems, (ii) advertising on over the top ("OTT") platforms, (iii) digital advertising, and (iv) data analytics. News and advertising revenue also includes affiliation fees for news programming.
News and advertising revenue increased $43,301 (9%) for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to higher political revenue and affiliate fees.
55




News and advertising revenue decreased $11,360 (2%) for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to lower political revenue, partially offset by an increase in digital advertising, and strong national sales.
Mobile Revenue
Mobile revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $78,127 and $21,264, respectively, and relates to sales of devices and mobile services that were launched to consumers in September 2019. As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 169 thousand mobile lines.
Other Revenue
Other revenue for the Successoryears ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and Predecessor periods in 20162018 was $13,983, $15,987, and $19,808, respectively. Other revenue includes revenue recognized by Newsday through July 7, 2016, affiliation fees paid by cable operators for carriage of our News 12 Networks andfrom other miscellaneous revenue sources. On July 7, 2016, the Company sold a 75% interest in Newsday and as a result no longer consolidates its operating results. As of July 7, 2016, the Company’s 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity basis.streams.
Programming and Other Direct Costs
Programming and other direct costs for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $3,340,442, $3,300,528 and $3,173,076, respectively. Programming and other direct costs include cable programming costs, which are costs paid to programmers (net of amortization of any incentives received from programmers for carriage) for cable content (including costs of VOD and pay-per-view) and are generally paid on a per-customer basis.
These costs typically rise due to increases in contractual rates and new channel launches and are also impacted by changes in the number of customers receiving certain programming services. These costs also include interconnection, call completion, circuit and transport fees paid to other telecommunication companies for the transport and termination of voice and data services, which typically vary based on rate changes and the level of usage by our customers. These costs also include franchise fees which are payable to the state governments and local municipalities where we operate and are primarily based on a percentage of certain categories of revenue derived from the provision of pay televisionvideo service over our cable systems, which vary by state and municipality. These costs change in relation to changes in such categories of revenues or rate changes. TheseAdditionally, these costs also included content, production and distributioninclude the costs of the Newsday business.
Programmingmobile devices sold to our customers and other direct costs amounted to $1,164,925 and $1,088,555 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $2,269,290of providing mobile services.
The increase of $39,914 (1%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Programming and other direct costs for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2016 were impacted by an increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases, partially offset by lower video customers. These costs were also impacted by the lower costs related to Newsday (due2020, as compared to the saleprior year was primarily attributable to the following:
Increase in call completion and transfer costs primarily related to our mobile business ($30,240)$33,126 
Costs of mobile devices24,359 
Increase primarily relating to costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale17,160 
Decrease in programming costs which includes estimated credits expected to be received (see discussion below) and a decrease in costs due to lower video customers, partially offset by an increase in costs due to net contractual rate increases(21,511)
Decrease in costs due to certain tax refunds(11,033)
Other net decreases(2,187)
$39,914 
The increase of our 75% interest in Newsday in July 2016), lower call completion and transport costs primarily due to lower level of activity, lower cost of sales related to wireless handset inventory and higher franchise and other fees due primarily to increases in rates in certain areas, partially offset by lower pay television customers.
Programming costs aggregated $978,120 and $883,792 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $1,796,021$127,452 (4%) for the year ended December 31, 2015.2019, as compared to December 31, 2018 was primarily attributable to the following:
Increase in programming costs due primarily to contractual rate increases, partially offset by lower video customers and lower video-on-demand and pay-per-view costs$102,071 
Costs of mobile devices22,379 
Increase in costs of digital media and linear advertising spots for resale9,488 
Decrease in call completion and transfer costs primarily due to lower level of activity related to our telephony service, partially offset by an increase in costs related to our mobile service of $3,890(9,975)
Other net increases3,489 
$127,452 
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Programming costs
Programming costs aggregated $2,701,145, $2,722,656, and $2,620,585 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Programming costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 include estimated credits of approximately $93,000 that the Company expects to receive from certain sports programming networks whereby the minimum number of events were not delivered pursuant to the contractual agreements with the networks. These credits did not impact Adjusted EBITDA for the periods as we reduced video revenue for a corresponding amount as it is currently anticipated that these credits will be issued to customers. Our programming costs increased 4% for the 2016 periods due primarilyin 2021 will continue to an increasebe impacted by changes in contractual programming rates, which we expect to increase, and a pay-per-view boxing eventby changes in 2015, partially offset by a decrease in telephonythe number of video customers.
Other Operating Expenses
Other operating expenses for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $2,264,473, $2,300,398, and $2,290,266, respectively. Other operating expenses include staff costs and employee benefits including salaries of company employees and related taxes, benefits and other employee-related expenses.employee related expenses, as well as third-party labor costs. Other operating expenses also include network management and field service costs, which represent costs associated with the maintenance of our broadband network, including costs of certain customer connections and other costs associated with providing and maintaining services to our customers which are impacted by general cost increases for contractors, insurance and other various expenses.customers.
Customer installation and network repair and maintenance costs may fluctuate as a result of changes in the level of activities and the utilization of contractors as compared to employees. Also, customer installation costs fluctuate as the portion of our expenses that we are able to capitalize changes. Network repairCosts associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to provide broadband, video and maintenance and utility costs also fluctuatetelephony services are capitalized (asset-based). The redeployment of customer premise equipment is expensed as capitalizable network upgrade and enhancement activity changes.incurred.
Other operating expenses also include costs related to the operation and maintenance of our call center facilities that handle customer inquiries and billing and collection activities and sales and marketing costs, which include advertising production and placement costs associated with acquiring and retaining customers. These costs vary period to period and certain of these costs, such as sales and marketing, may increase with intense competition. Additionally, other operating expenses include various other administrative costs, including legal fees, and product development costs.
OtherThe decrease in other operating expenses amountedof $35,925, net of an increase of $35,318 relating to $1,028,447 and $1,136,970 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $2,546,319our mobile service, for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2020 as compared to the prior year was attributable to the following:
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (offset by an increase in costs related to Cheddar of $10,548, which was acquired in June 2019), partially offset by a decrease in capitalizable activity$(43,837)
Decrease in bad debt expense(25,555)
Decrease in sales and marketing costs (including third-party commissions)(15,862)
Increase in share-based compensation19,550 
Increase in rent and property taxes13,506 
Increase in legal costs9,008 
Other net increases (including a decrease of $5,598 due to a favorable resolution of a tax matter)7,265 
$(35,925)
The increase in other operating expenses of $10,132, including an increase of $32,458 relating to our mobile service, for the Successor and Predecessor periods in 2016 were impacted by a decrease in employee-related costs relatedyear ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the elimination of certain positions, lower benefits and an increase in capitalizable activity, partially offset by merit increases. These costs were also impacted by the lower costs related to Newsday (dueprior year was attributable to the sale of our 75% interest in Newsday in July 2016), a decrease in share based compensation, a decrease in long-term incentive plan awards, lower legal costs, lower sales and marketing costs, lower repair and maintenance expenses, lower contractor costs, a settlement of a class action legal matter in 2015, partially offset by an increase in the management fee to Altice N.V.following:

Increase in share-based compensation, including charges related to modifications of awards$45,725 
Increase in bad debt20,095 
Net decrease in labor costs and benefits (partially offset by an increase in costs related to i24NEWS of $6,425 and an increase of $14,720 related to Cheddar) and an increase in capitalizable activity(33,431)
Decrease in management fee relating to certain executive, administrative and managerial services provided to the Company from Altice Europe prior to separation in June 2018(13,250)
Net decrease in marketing costs(7,457)
Other net decreases (partially offset by an increase in costs of $2,380 relating to Cheddar and $3,027 related to i24NEWS)(1,550)
$10,132 
65
57









Restructuring and Other Expense
Restructuring and other expense amounted to $212,150 and $22,223 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $16,213 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Restructuring and other expense2020 amounted to $91,073, as compared to $72,978 for the Successor 2016 period isyear ended December 31, 2019 and $38,548 for the year ended December 31, 2018. These amounts primarily related to severance and other employee related costs resulting from headcount reductions, facility realignment costs and impairments of certain ROU assets, related to initiatives which commenced in the Successor period2016 and 2019 that are intended to simplify the Company’sCompany's organizational structure.
The restructuring and other expense for the Predecessor 2016 period is primarilyyear ended December 31, 2020 also included $47,631 related to transaction costs of $19,924 incurred in connection with the Cablevision Acquisitioncontractual payments for terminated employees and adjustments$4,068 related to priorthe facility realignment costs. We may incur additional restructuring plans of $2,299. Restructuring and other expense for 2015 includes transaction costs incurredexpenses in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition of $17,862, net of adjustments relatedfuture as we continue to prior restructuring plans of $1,649.analyze our organizational structure.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $963,665$2,083,365, $2,263,144 and $414,550 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016$2,382,339, respectively.
The decrease in depreciation and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $865,252amortization of $179,779 (8%) for the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation2020 as compared to the prior year is due to certain fixed assets and intangible assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized, partially offset by the acceleration of amortization expense related to certain customer relationship intangible assets and an increase in depreciation as a result of asset additions.
The decrease in depreciation and amortization of $119,195 (5%) for the Successor period in 2016 was impactedyear ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the prior year is due to certain fixed assets and intangible assets becoming fully depreciated or amortized, partially offset by an increase in related to the step-up in the carrying valuedepreciation as a result of property, plant and equipment and amortizable intangible assets recorded in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition on June 21, 2016, partially offset by certain assets being retired or becoming fully depreciated.asset additions.
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $1,259,844$4,414,814, $4,265,471, and $937,310$4,163,078 for the periods June 21, 2016 throughyears ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared2018, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure that is defined as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, non-operating income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, interest expense, interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credits and transaction expenses. See reconciliation of net income (loss) to $1,795,222adjusted EBITDA above.
The increases in adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015. Adjusted EBITDA for2020 as compared to the 2016 periodsprior year was impacted by an increasedue to the increases in revenue and a decrease in operating expenses for 2020 (excluding depreciation and amortization, restructuring and other expense and share-based compensation), as discussed above.
The increases in adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the prior year was due to the increases in revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization, restructuring and other expense and share-based compensation), as discussed above.
Operating Free Cash Flow
Operating free cash flow was $3,340,859, $2,910,121 and $3,009,489 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in operating free cash flow for 2020 as compared to 2019 is due to a decrease in cash capital expenditures and an increase in adjusted EBITDA. The decrease in operating free cash flow in 2019 as compared to 2018 was due to an increase in cash capital expenditures, partially offset by an increase in adjusted EBITDA.
Free Cash Flow
Free cash flow was $1,906,209, $1,198,819 and $1,354,728 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in free cash flow in 2020 as compared to 2019 is primarily due to an increase in cash from operating activities and a decrease in cash capital expenditures. The decrease in free cash flow in 2019 as compared to 2018 is primarily due to an increase in cash capital expenditures.
Interest Expense, netexpense
Interest expense, amounted to $606,347net was $1,350,341, $1,530,850, and $285,508$1,545,426 for the period June 21, 2016 throughyears ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, compared to $584,8392018, respectively. The decrease of $180,509 for the year ended December 31, 2015. Interest expense2020 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 and the decrease of $14,576 for the Successor 2016 period includes additional interest relatedyear ended December 31, 2019 as compared to the debt incurredyear
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ended December 31, 2018 were attributable to finance the Cablevision Acquisition.following:
20202019
Decrease due to changes in average debt balances and interest rates on our indebtedness and collateralized debt$(173,121)$(44,492)
Lower interest income3,515 5,147 
Other net increases (decreases) due to amortization of deferred financing costs, premiums and original issue discounts(10,903)24,769 
$(180,509)$(14,576)
Gain (Loss) on Investments and Sale of Affiliate Interests, net
Gain (loss) on investments, net amounted to $141,896 and $129,990 for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, and $(30,208) for the yearyears ended December 31, 20152020, 2019 and reflect2018, of $320,061, $473,406 and $(250,877) consists primarily of the increase or decrease(decrease) in the fair value of the Comcast common stock owned by the Company. The effects of these gains (losses) are partially offset by the (losses)losses and gains on the related equity derivative contracts, net described below.
Gain (Loss) on Equity Derivative Contracts, net
Gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net amounted to $(53,696)$(178,264), $(282,713) and $(36,283)$218,848 for the periods June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, respectively, and $104,927 for the yearyears ended December 31, 2015.
Gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net consists of2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and includes realized and unrealized and realized gains (losses)or losses due to the change in fair value of the Company’s equity derivative contracts relating to the Comcast common stock owned by the Company. The effects of these gains (losses) are offset by the (losses) gainslosses (gains) on investment securities pledged as collateral, which are included in gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interest, net discussed above.
Loss on Interest Rate Swap Contracts
Loss on interest rate swap contracts amounted to $78,606, $53,902 and $61,697 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts represent the decrease in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts. These swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs amounted to $102,894$250,489, $243,806 and $48,804 for the period June 21, 2016 throughyears ended December 31, 20162020, 2019 and $1,7352018, respectively.
The following table provides a summary of the loss on extinguishment of debt and the write-off of deferred financing costs recorded by the Company upon the redemption of senior guaranteed, senior secured and senior notes and the refinancing of credit facilities:
Years ended December 31,
202020192018
CSC Holdings 5.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2023$26,721 $— $— 
CSC Holdings 7.75% Senior Notes due 202535,375 — — 
CSC Holdings 10.875% Senior Notes due 2025136,249 — — 
CSC Holdings 6.625% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 202552,144 — — 
Cablevision 8.000% Senior Notes due 2020— 15,176 — 
Cablevision 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021— 500 — 
CSC Holdings 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021— 65,151 — 
CSC Holdings 10.125% Senior Notes due 2023— 154,666 — 
Refinancing and subsequent amendment to CSC Holdings credit facility— 8,313 — 
Cablevision 7.75% Senior Notes due 2018— — 4,706 
Cequel 6.375% Senior Notes due 2020— — 36,910 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to an exchange offer— — (545)
Cequel Term Loan Facility— — 7,733 
$250,489 $243,806 $48,804 

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Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net amounted to $5,577, $1,183, and $(12,484), for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts include the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense of $1,012, $8,274 and $9,529, net of dividends received on Comcast common stock owned by the Company. The 2018 amounts also include the equity in the net losses of Newsday through April 2018 and i24NEWS through March 31, 2018.
Income Tax Benefit (Expense)
The Company recorded income tax expense of $139,748 for the year ended December 31, 2015. 2020, resulting in an effective tax rate of 24% which is higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21%.The Successor 2016 amount includes the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the prepayment of $1,290,500 outstanding under the CSC Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, term credit facility. The 2015 amount includes the write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the $200,000 repayment of CSC Holdings term B loan facility.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax benefit (expense) amounted to $213,065 for the periods from June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016

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and $(124,848) for the period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016. In the Successor period, excluding the impact of the nondeductible share-based compensation of $3,208,primary difference between the effective tax rate would have been 40%. Inand the Predecessor period,statutory tax rate is due to nondeductible officer’s and share-based compensation expense, state income taxes, net of the federal benefit, a revaluation of state deferred taxes primarily due to certain acquisition-related costs were determinedchanges to be nondeductible,the state tax rates used to measure the Company’s deferred tax liabilities, a tax benefit associated with claiming additional current year and prior year research and development tax credits, and certain other non-deductible expenses. Due to the taxable gain resulting from the Lightpath Transaction discussed in additional deferredNote 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company recognized the benefit of fully utilizing its federal NOLs, capital loss carryover, research and development tax credits, and general business credits in 2020.
The Company recorded income tax expense of $9,392. Absent this item, the effective tax rate would have been 40%.
Income tax expense of $154,872$47,190 for the year ended December 31, 2015, reflected2019, resulting in an effective tax rate of 45%25% which was higher than the U.S. federal statutory tax rate of 21%. In April 2015, corporate incomeThe primary difference between the effective tax changes were enacted for both New York Staterate and the Citystatutory tax rate was due to nondeductible share-based compensation expense, a revaluation of New York. Thosestate deferred taxes primarily due to certain changes included a provision whereby investment income will be subject to higher taxes. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2015, Cablevision recordedstate tax rates used to measure the Company’s deferred tax expense of $16,334 to remeasure the deferred tax liability for the investment in Comcast common stockliabilities and associated derivative securities. Also in 2015, Cablevisioncertain other non-deductible expenses.
The Company recorded income tax benefit of $2,630 related to research credits. Absent these items, the effective tax rate$38,655 for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have been 41%.
Loss From Discontinued Operations
Loss from discontinued operations2018. During 2018, the Company determined that it met the definition of a Qualified Technology Company for New York State tax purposes and thereby was eligible for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $12,541,reduced tax rate. Additionally, during 2018, the state of New Jersey enacted significant tax law changes imposing a 2.5% surtax for tax years beginning January 1, 2018 and mandating combined return filing requirements for unitary corporations for tax years beginning January 1, 2019. Accordingly, the Company recorded a net deferred tax benefit of income taxes, and primarily reflects an expense related$52,915 based on a remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability.
CSC HOLDINGS, LLC
The consolidated statements of operations of CSC Holdings are essentially identical to the settlementconsolidated statements of operations of Altice USA, except for the following:
CSC Holdings
 Years ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Net income attributable to Altice USA stockholders$436,183 $138,936 $18,833 
Less: items included in Altice USA's consolidated statements of operations:
Income tax expense (benefit)12,905 (24,053)(96,218)
Interest expense relating to Cablevision senior notes— 81,257 303,106 
Loss on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net(546)— (10,659)
Interest income related to cash held by Cablevision and Altice USA— — 2,372 
Other expense (income)— (2)210 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs— 15,676 40,921 
Net income attributable to CSC Holdings' sole member$448,542 $211,814 $258,565 

Refer to Altice USA's Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations herein.
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The following is a legal matter relatingreconciliation of CSC Holdings' net income to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC,Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Free Cash Flow:
CSC Holdings
Years ended December 31,
202020192018
Net income$455,838 $212,817 $260,326 
Income tax expense126,843 71,243 57,563 
Other expense (income), net(5,577)(1,181)12,274 
Loss on interest rate swap contracts, net78,606 53,902 61,697 
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net178,264 282,713 (218,848)
Gain on investments and sales of affiliate interests, net(319,515)(473,406)261,536 
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs250,489 228,130 7,883 
Interest expense, net1,350,341 1,449,593 1,239,948 
Depreciation and amortization2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
Restructuring and other expense91,073 72,978 38,548 
Share-based compensation125,087 105,538 59,812 
Adjusted EBITDA4,414,814 4,265,471 4,163,078 
Capital expenditures (cash)1,073,955 1,355,350 1,153,589 
Operating Free Cash Flow$3,340,859 $2,910,121 $3,009,489 
The following is a business whose operations were previously discontinued.reconciliation of net cash flow from operating activities to Free Cash Flow:
CSC Holdings
Years ended December 31,
202020192018
Net cash flows from operating activities$2,980,422 $2,623,742 $2,766,075 
Capital expenditures (cash)1,073,955 1,355,350 1,153,589 
Free Cash Flow$1,906,467 $1,268,392 $1,612,486 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Altice USA has no operations independent of its subsidiaries, Cablevision and Cequel.subsidiaries. Funding for our subsidiaries has generally been provided by cash flow from their respective operations, cash on hand and borrowings under theirthe revolving credit facilitiesfacility and the proceeds from the issuance of securities and borrowings under syndicated term loans in the capital markets.  Our decision as to the use of cash generated from operating activities, cash on hand, borrowings under the revolving credit facilitiesfacility or accessing the capital markets has been based upon an ongoing review of the funding needs of the business, the optimal allocation of cash resources, the timing of cash flow generation and the cost of borrowing under the revolving credit facilities,facility, debt securities and syndicated term loans. We manage our business totarget a long-term netyear-end leverage ratio target of 4.5x to 5.0x.5.0x for our CSC Holdings debt silo. We calculate our consolidated net leverage ratio as net debt to L2QA EBITDA (Adjusted EBITDA for the two most recent consecutive fiscal quarters multiplied by 2.0).
We expect to utilize free cash flow and availability under the CSC Holdings revolving credit facilities,facility, as well as future refinancing transactions, to further extend the maturities of, or reduce the principal on, our debt obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to, among other factors, market conditions. Additionally, we may, from time to time, depending on market conditions and other factors, use cash on hand and the proceeds from other borrowings to repay the outstanding debt securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, tender offers, or redemptions.
We believe existing cash balances, operating cash flows and availability under ourthe CSC Holdings revolving credit facilitiesfacility will provide adequate funds to support our current operating plan, make planned capital expenditures and fulfill our debt service requirements for the next twelve months. However, our ability to fund our operations, make planned capital expenditures, make scheduled payments on our indebtedness and repay our indebtedness depends on our future operating performance and cash flows and our ability to access the capital markets, which, in turn, are subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. Our collateralized debt maturing in the next 12 months will be settled with proceeds from monetization contracts entered into pursuant to the Synthetic Monetization Closeout discussed below. However, competition,Competition, market disruptions or a deterioration in economic conditions could lead to lower demand for our products, as well as lower levels of advertising, and increased incidence of customers' inability to pay for the
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services we provide.  These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.  Although we currently believe that amounts available under the CSC Holdings revolving credit facilitiesfacility will be available when, and if, needed, we can provide no assurance that access to such funds will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets or other conditions.  The obligations of the financial institutions under the revolving credit facilitiesfacility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others.
In the longer term, we domay not expect to be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to fund anticipated capital expenditures, meet all existing future contractual payment obligations and repay our debt at maturity.  As a result, we willcould be dependent upon our continued access to the capital and credit markets to issue additional debt or equity or refinance existing debt obligations.  We will needintend to raise significant amounts of funding over the next several years to fund capital expenditures, repay existing obligations and meet other obligations, and the failure to do so successfully could adversely affect our business.  If we are unable to do so, we will need totake other actions including deferring capital expenditures, selling assets, seeking strategic investments from third parties or reducing or eliminating stock repurchases and discretionary uses of cash.

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Initial Public OfferingLightpath Transaction
In June 2017,December 2020, the Company completed its IPO of 71,724,139 shares of its Class A common stock (12,068,966 shares sold by the Company and 59,655,173 shares sold by existing stockholders) at a price to the public of $30.00 per share, including the underwriters full exercise of their option to purchase 7,781,110 shares to cover overallotments. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ATUS”.
In connection with the sale of a 49.99% interest in its Class A common stock, theLightpath fiber enterprise business (the "Lightpath Transaction") based on an implied enterprise value of $3,200,000. The Company received total gross cash proceeds of approximately $362,069, before deducting$2,355,000 ($890,000 from the underwritingsale and $1,465,000 from the related financing activity, excluding the discount on the term loan of $3,000). The excess of the cash received from the sale, net of related expenses, over the book value of the interest sold of $741,471, net of taxes of $228,489, was recorded in stockholders' equity (deficiency) by Altice USA. The Company retained a 50.01% interest in the Lightpath business and expenses directlymaintained control of Cablevision Lightpath LLC, the entity holding the interest in the Lightpath business. Accordingly, the Company will continue to consolidate the operating results of the Lightpath business.
Cablevision Lightpath LLC was financed independently outside of the CSC Holdings restricted group. Cablevision Lightpath LLC issued $450,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes and $415,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes. Also, Cablevision Lightpath LLC entered into a credit agreement which provides a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $600,000 and revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000. As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility. Net proceeds from this transaction were used to fund the Tender Offer discussed below. See Note 11 and discussion below for additional information regarding the debt financing related to the issuance of the securities of $12,998. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of 10.875%senior notes that mature in 2025 issued by CSC Holdings, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and the related call premium of approximately $34,341.Lightpath Transaction.
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Debt Outstanding
The following tables summarizetable summarizes the carrying value of our outstanding debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs, discounts and premiums (excluding accrued interest),as of December 31, 2020, as well as interest expense.expense for the year ended December 31, 2020.
CSC Holdings Restricted GroupLightpathOther Unrestricted EntitiesAltice USA/CSC Holdings
Debt outstanding:
Credit facility debt$7,705,192 $582,808 $— $8,288,000 
Senior guaranteed notes7,626,309 — — 7,626,309 
Senior secured notes— 440,487 — 440,487 
Senior notes8,009,426 406,176 — 8,415,602 
Subtotal23,340,927 1,429,471 — 24,770,398 
Finance lease obligations159,637 — — 159,637 
Notes payable and supply chain financing174,801 — — 174,801 
Subtotal23,675,365 1,429,471 — 25,104,836 
Collateralized indebtedness relating to stock monetizations (a)— — 1,617,506 1,617,506 
Total debt$23,675,365 $1,429,471 1,617,506 $26,722,342 
Interest expense:
Credit facility debt, senior notes, finance leases, notes payable and supply chain financing (b)$1,265,585 $13,772 $— $1,279,357 
Collateralized indebtedness relating to stock monetizations (a)— — 73,178 73,178 
Total interest expense$1,265,585 $13,772 $73,178 $1,352,535 
 As of December 31, 2017
 Cablevision Cequel Altice USA Eliminations Total
Debt outstanding:         
Credit facility debt$3,393,306
 $1,250,217
 $—
 $—
 $4,643,523
Senior guaranteed notes2,291,185
 —
 —
 —
 2,291,185
Senior secured notes—
 2,570,506
 —
 —
 2,570,506
Senior notes and debentures8,228,004
 2,770,737
 —
 —
 10,998,741
Subtotal13,912,495
 6,591,460
 —
 —
 20,503,955
Capital lease obligations20,333
 1,647
 —
 —
 21,980
Notes payable (includes $21,091 related to collateralized debt)56,956
 8,946
 —
 —
 65,902
Subtotal13,989,784
 6,602,053
 —
 —
 20,591,837
Collateralized indebtedness relating to stock monetizations (a)1,349,474
 —
 —
 —
 1,349,474
Total debt$15,339,258
 $6,602,053
 $—
 $—
 $21,941,311
Interest expense:         
Credit facility debt, senior notes, capital leases and notes payable$1,031,736
 $410,480
 $6,502
 $(6,496) $1,442,222
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties—
 —
 90,405
 —
 90,405
Collateralized indebtedness and notes payable relating to stock monetizations (a)70,505
 —
 —
 —
 70,505
Total interest expense$1,102,241
 $410,480
 $96,907
 $(6,496) $1,603,132
(a)This indebtedness is collateralized by shares of Comcast common stock. We intend to settle this debt by (i) delivering shares of Comcast common stock and the related equity contracts, (ii) delivering cash from the net proceeds on new monetization contracts, or (iii) delivering cash from the proceeds of monetization contracts entered into pursuant to the Synthetic Monetization Closeout discussed below.

(a)This indebtedness is collateralized by shares of Comcast common stock. We intend to settle this debt by (i) delivering shares of Comcast common stock and the related equity contracts, or (ii) delivering cash from the net proceeds from new monetization contracts.
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(b)Lightpath interest expense excludes interest on intercompany debt that was eliminated in consolidation.
The following table provides details of our outstanding credit facility debt, net of unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs as of December 31, 2017:2020: 
Maturity DateInterest RatePrincipalCarrying Value
CSC Holdings
Revolving Credit Facility (a)(b)2.48%$625,000 $616,027 
Term Loan BJuly 17, 20252.41%2,895,000 2,884,065 
Incremental Term Loan B-3January 15, 20262.41%1,252,688 1,248,293 
Incremental Term Loan B-5April 15, 20272.66%2,977,500 2,956,807 
7,750,188 7,705,192 
Lightpath
Revolving Credit Facility (c)November 30, 2025—%— — 
Term LoanNovember 30, 20273.75%600,000 582,808 
$8,350,188 $8,288,000 
 Maturity Date Interest Rate Principal Carrying Value (a)
Cablevision:       
CSC Holdings Revolving Credit Facility (b)$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021 4.75% $450,000
 $425,488
CSC Holdings Term Loan FacilityJuly 17, 2025 3.74% 2,985,000
 2,967,818
Cequel:       
Revolving Credit Facility (c)November 30, 2021 — —
 —
Term Loan FacilityJuly 28, 2025 3.82% 1,258,675
 1,250,217
     $4,693,675
 $4,643,523
(a)Carrying amounts are net of unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs.
(b)At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(a)At December 31, 2020, $137,920 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,712,080 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(b)The revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $2,275,000 matures in January 2024 and is priced at LIBOR plus 2.25%. The remaining revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $200,000 matures in November 2021 and is priced at LIBOR plus 3.25%.
(c)There were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility which provides for commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000.
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Payment Obligations Related to Debt
As of December 31, 2017,2020, total amounts payable by us in connection with our outstanding obligations, including related interest, as well as capital lease obligations, notes payable and supply chain financing, and the value deliverable at maturity under monetization contracts, but excluding finance lease obligations (see Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements) are as follows:
CSC Holdings Restricted GroupLightpathOther Unrestricted Entities (a)Altice USA/
CSC Holdings
2021$2,303,195 $64,934 $33,886 $2,402,015 
20221,776,105 68,973 33,886 1,878,964 
20231,088,832 69,358 1,776,378 2,934,568 
20242,425,818 68,884 — 2,494,702 
20253,736,486 68,596 — 3,805,082 
Thereafter19,870,578 1,572,171 — 21,442,749 
Total$31,201,014 $1,912,916 $1,844,150 $34,958,080 
 Cablevision (a) Cequel Total
      
2018$2,600,461
 $386,068
 $2,986,529
20191,443,852
 387,356
 1,831,208
20201,387,607
 1,431,215
 2,818,822
20213,719,148
 1,563,658
 5,282,806
20221,368,770
 249,104
 1,617,874
Thereafter10,851,356
 5,026,217
 15,877,573
Total$21,371,194
 $9,043,618
 $30,414,812
(a)Includes $1,575,136 related
(a)Relates to the Company's collateralized indebtedness (including related interest).  This indebtedness is collateralized by shares of Comcast common stock. We intend to settle this debt by (i) delivering shares of Comcast common stock and the related equity contracts, (ii) delivering cash from the net proceeds on new monetization contracts, or (iii) delivering cash from the proceeds of monetization contracts entered into pursuant to the Synthetic Monetization Closeout discussed below.
The amounts in the table above do not includeCompany's collateralized indebtedness and related interest.  This indebtedness is collateralized by shares of Comcast common stock. We intend to settle this debt by (i) delivering shares of Comcast common stock and the effects ofrelated equity contracts or (ii) delivering cash from the debt transactions discussed in Note 20.net proceeds on new monetization contracts.
CSC Holdings Restricted Group
For financing purposes, the Company is structured as a restricted group (the "Restricted Group") and an unrestricted group, which includes certain designated subsidiaries and investments (the "Unrestricted Group"). The Restricted Group is comprised of CSC Holdings and thosesubstantially all of its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. These subsidiaries which conduct our broadband, pay television and telephony services operations, as well as Lightpath, which provides Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice and video transport and managed services to the business market, comprise the "Restricted Group" as they are subject to the covenants and restrictions of the credit facility and indentures governing the notes and debentures issued by CSC Holdings. In addition, the Restricted Group is also subjectCablevision Lightpath LLC became an unrestricted subsidiary prior to the covenantsissuance of its senior notes and senior secured notes in September 2020. See discussion below regarding the Lightpath debt issued by Cablevision.financing.
Sources of cash for the Restricted Group include primarily cash flow from the operations of the businesses in the Restricted Group, borrowings under its credit facility and issuance of securities in the capital markets, contributions

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from its parent, and, from time to time, distributions or loans from its subsidiaries.  The Restricted Group's principal uses of cash include:  capital spending, in particular, the capital requirements associated with the upgrade of its digital broadband, pay televisionvideo and telephony services, including costs to build aour FTTH network and enhancements to its service offerings such as Wi-Fi;network; debt service, includingservice; distributions made to Cablevisionits parent to service interest expense and principal repayments on its debt securities;fund share repurchases; other corporate expenses and changes in working capital; and investments that it may fund from time to time.
CablevisionCSC Holdings Credit FacilitiesFacility
OnIn October 9, 2015, Finco,a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which currently provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,985,0002,895,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017)2020) (the “CVC"CSC Term Loan Facility”Facility", and the term loans extended under the CVCCSC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC"CSC Term Loans”Loans") and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,300,000$2,475,000 ($625,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the “CVC"CSC Revolving Credit Facility”Facility" and, together with the CVCCSC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC"CSC Credit Facilities”Facilities"), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios,, CSC Holdings certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016, and March 15, 2017, January 12, 2018, October 15, 2018, January 24, 2019, February 7, 2019, May 14, 2019, and October 3, 2019, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “CVC"CSC Credit Facilities Agreement”Agreement").
During the year ended December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings borrowed $1,350,000 under its revolving credit facility ($500,000 was used to make cash distributions to its stockholders) and made voluntary repayments aggregating $1,075,256 with cash on hand.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings borrowed $150,000 under its revolving credit facility and entered into a new $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan"Loan B-2") under its existing CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.credit facilities agreement. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was priced at 99.50%99.5% and willwas due to mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan isB-2 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bearsbore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOLIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base
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rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In October 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,275,000 ($1,252,688 outstanding at December 31, 2020) incremental term loan facility (the “Incremental Term Loan B-3”) under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-3 were used to repay the entire principal amount of loans under Cequel’s then existing Term Loan Facility and certain transaction costs. The Incremental Term Loan B-3 is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,188) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-3, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 15, 2026.
In February 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,000,000 incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-4") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-4 were used to redeem $894,700 in aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings’ 10.125% senior notes due 2023, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and paying related fees, costs and expenses. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was due to mature on April 15, 2027 and was issued with an original issue discount of 1.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.00% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $3,000,000 ($2,977,500 outstanding at December 31, 2020), incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-5") under its existing credit facilities agreement, out of which $500,000 was available on a delayed draw basis. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 matures on April 15, 2027 and was issued at par. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 may be comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. See discussion below regarding useThe Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of proceeds fromthe principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan.Loan B-5, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.
The initial proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to repay approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans (Incremental Term Loan B-2 and Incremental Term Loan B-4) under the credit agreement, and the proceeds of the delayed draw tranche of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to distribute $500,000 in cash to Cablevision, the proceeds of which were used to redeem Cablevision’s 8.00% senior notes due 2020, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and in each case, paying related fees, costs and expenses in connection with such transactions, with the remainder being used to fund cash on the balance sheet.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, CSC Holdings borrowed $2,075,000 under its revolving credit facility and repaid $1,450,000 of amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities Agreement as of December 31, 2017.2020.
See Note 911 to our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the CVCCSC Credit Facilities Agreement.
Cequel Credit FacilitiesSenior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes
OnIn June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cequel, entered into a senior secured credit facility which currently provides U.S. dollar term loans2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,100,000 in an aggregate principal amount of $1,265,000 ($1,258,675 outstandingsenior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.125% and mature on December 31, 2017) (the “Cequel Term Loan Facility”1, 2030, and the term loans extended under the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Term Loans”) and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments$625,000 in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 which are governed bysenior notes that bear interest at a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, Altice US Finance I Corporation, certain lenders party theretorate of 4.625% and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agentmature on December 1, 2030. The net proceeds from the sale of the these notes was used in July 2020 to early redeem the $1,095,825 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 5.375% senior notes due July 15, 2023, the $617,881 and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modifiedthe $1,740 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 7.750% senior notes due July 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on October 25, 2016, December 9, 2016the extinguishment of debt aggregating $62,096, reflecting the early redemption premiums and Marchthe write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
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In August 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of new senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.375% and mature on February 15, 2017,2031 and as further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The Company wasan additional $1,700,000 in compliance with allaggregate principal amount of its financial covenants under4.625% senior notes that mature on December 1, 2030 at a price of 103.25% of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement asaggregate principal amount. The net proceeds from the sale of December 31, 2017.the notes was used to early redeem the $1,684,221 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 10.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025, the $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due October 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $188,393, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
See Note 9 to11 of our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.

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Senior Notes
Cablevision Notes
On September 23, 2009, Cablevision issued $900,000 aggregate principal amount of its 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2017 and 8 5/8% Series B Senior Notes due 2017 (together, the "Cablevision 2017 Senior Notes"). In April 2017, Cablevision redeemed $500,000 aggregate principal amount of its Cablevision 2017 Senior Notes with certaindetails of the proceeds of the term loans incurred under the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement,Company’s outstanding senior guaranteed notes and in September 2017, Cablevision repaid the remaining $400,000 from borrowings under its revolving credit facility.
On April 15, 2010, Cablevision issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2018 and $500,000 aggregate principal amount of its 8% Senior Notes due 2020. On September 27, 2012, Cablevision issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5 7/8% Senior Notes due 2022 ($649,024 outstanding at December 31, 2017).senior notes.
As of December 31, 2017, Cablevision2020, the Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the Cablevision Notesour senior guaranteed notes and senior notes were issued.
CSC Holdings Notes
CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed NotesLightpath Debt Financing
On October 9, 2015, FincoSeptember 29, 2020, in connection with the Lightpath Transaction, Cablevision Lightpath LLC ("Lightpath") issued $1,000,000$450,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 6 5/8% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (the "CSC 2025 Senior Guaranteed Notes"). CSC Holdings assumed the obligations as issuersenior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of the CSC 2025 Senior Guaranteed Notes upon the merger of Finco3.875% and CSC Holdingsmature on June 21, 2016. On September 23, 2016, CSC Holdings issued $1,310,00015, 2027 and $415,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 5 1/2% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027.senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 5.625% and mature on September 15, 2028. Prior to the issuance of these notes, Lightpath became an unrestricted subsidiary under the terms of CSC Holdings' debt.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000addition, on September 29, 2020, Lightpath entered into a credit agreement between, inter alios, certain lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral agent, (the "Lightpath Credit Agreement") which provides for, among other things, (i) a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of 5 3/8% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028$600,000 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"“Lightpath Term Loan Facility”). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right at a price of payment with all99.5% of the existingaggregate principal amount, which was drawn on November 30, 2020, and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the Credit Facilities and rank senior(ii) revolving loan commitments in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness. The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan, borrowings under CSC Holdings' revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay certain senior notes ($300,000an aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000$100,000 (the “Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $1,500) of the principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018) and will be used to fund a dividend of $1,500,000the Lightpath Term Loan Facility, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021.
The loans made pursuant to the Company's stockholders immediately priorLightpath Credit Agreement are comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and in connection(ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum. The maturity date of the Distribution.(i) Lightpath Term Loan Facility is November 30, 2027 and (ii) Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility is November 30, 2025.
As of December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings2020, Lightpath was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under its credit agreement and the indentures under which the CSC HoldingsLightpath senior guaranteedsecured notes were issued.
CSC Holdings Senior Notes
On February 6, 1998, CSC Holdings issued $300,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7 7/8% Senior Debentures which matured and were repaid on February 15, 2018. On July 21, 1998, CSC Holdings issued $500,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7 5/8% Senior Debentures due 2018. On February 12, 2009, CSC Holdings issued $526,000 aggregate principal amount of its 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2019 and 8 5/8% Series B Senior Notes due 2019. On November 15, 2011, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2021 and 6 3/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2021. On May 23, 2014, CSC Holdings issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5 1/4% Senior Notes due 2024 and 5 1/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2024.
On October 9, 2015, Finco issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of its 10 1/8% Senior Notes due 2023 (the "CSC 2023 Senior Notes") and $2,000,000 10 7/8% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "CSC 2025 Senior Notes). CSC Holdings assumed the obligations as issuer of the CSC 2023 Senior Notes and the CSC 2025 Senior Notes upon the merger of Finco and CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016. In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the Company's IPO discussed above to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of the CSC 2025 Senior Notes and the related call premium of approximately $34,341. See Note 9 of our consolidated financial statements for further details.
As of December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the CSC Holdings senior notes were issued.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts
In March 2020, the Company terminated two swap agreements whereby the Company was paying a floating rate of interest and receiving a fixed rate of interest on an aggregate notional value of $1,500,000. These contracts were due to mature in May 2026. In connection with the early termination, the Company received cash of $74,835 which has been recorded in gain (loss) on interest swap contracts in our consolidated statement of operations and presented in operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
In addition, in March 2020, the Company executed amendments to two interest swap contracts that reduced the fixed rate of interest that the Company was paying on an aggregate notional value of $1,000,000 and extended the maturity date of the contracts to January 15, 2025 from January 15, 2022. The difference in the fair value of the amended contracts and the original contracts on the date of the transaction of $5,689 (an increase in the liability) is being amortized to loss on derivative contracts over the remaining term of the contracts.
During the year ended December 31,2020, the Company entered into new interest rate swap contracts on an aggregate notional value of $3,850,000.
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Cequel Notes
Cequel Senior Secured Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation issued $1,100,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5 3/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2023. On April 26, 2016, Altice US Finance I Corporation issued $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of its 5 1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2026.
As of December 31, 2017, Cequel was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the Cequel senior secured notes were issued.
Cequel Senior Notes
On October 25, 2012, Cequel Capital Corporation and Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC (collectively, the "Cequel Senior Notes Co-Issuers") issued $500,000 aggregate principal amount of their 6 3/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the "Cequel 2020 Senior Notes"). On December 28, 2012, the Cequel Senior Notes Issuers issued an additional $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their Cequel 2020 Senior Notes. In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the Cequel 2020 Senior Notes from proceeds of the Cequel Term Loan pursuant to the March 15, 2017 amendment.
On May 16, 2013, the Cequel Senior Notes Co-Issuers issued $750,000 aggregate principal amount of their 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021. On September 9, 2014, the Cequel Senior Notes Co-Issuers issued $500,000 aggregate principal amount of their 5 1/8% Senior Notes due 2021.
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance II Corporation issued $300,000 aggregate principal amount of its 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Cequel 2025 Senior Notes"). Following the Cequel Acquisition, Altice US Finance II Corporation was merged into Cequel and the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes became the obligation of the Cequel Senior Notes Co-Issuers.
Also on June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance S.A., an indirect subsidiary of Altice, issued $320,000 principal amount of 7 3/4% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Cequel Holdco Notes"), the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel Holdco Notes were automatically exchanged into an equal aggregate principal amount of Cequel 2025 Senior Notes during the second quarter of 2016.
As of December 31, 2017, Cequel was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the indentures under which the Cequel senior notes were issued.
Capital Expenditures
The following table presents the Company's capital expenditures:
Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016Years Ended December 31,
Cablevision Cequel Total Cablevision Cequel Total202020192018
Customer premise equipment$187,765
 $119,702
 $307,467
 $77,536
 $154,718
 $232,254
Customer premise equipment$177,049 $309,413 $369,236��
Network infrastructure263,080
 90,548
 353,628
 91,952
 76,926
 168,878
Network infrastructure573,842 619,525 395,074 
Support and other156,716
 31,643
 188,359
 83,153
 45,336
 128,489
Support and other204,212 259,997 226,409 
Business services103,871
 38,039
 141,910
 45,716
 50,204
 95,920
Business services118,852 166,415 162,870 
Capital purchases (cash basis)$711,432
 $279,932
 $991,364
 $298,357
 $327,184
 $625,541
Capital purchases (cash basis)1,073,955 1,355,350 1,153,589 
Capital purchases (including accrued not paid) (a)$724,130
 $320,175
 $1,044,305
 $348,852
 $351,827
 $700,679
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligationsRight-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligations133,300 54,532 13,548 
Notes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assetsNotes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assets106,925 16,224 95,394 
Change in accrued and unpaid purchases and otherChange in accrued and unpaid purchases and other31,304 (28,129)42,573 
Capital purchases (accrual basis)Capital purchases (accrual basis)$1,345,484  $1,397,977  $1,305,104 
(a)The Cablevision 2017 amount excludes advance payments aggregating $16,363 made to ATS for the FTTH project.
Customer premise equipment includes expenditures for set-top boxes, cable modems, routers and other equipment that is placed in a customer's home, as well as equipment installation costs.costs for placing assets into service. Network infrastructure includes: (i) scalable infrastructure, such as headend equipment, (ii) line extensions, such as FTTH and fiber/coaxial cable, amplifiers, electronic equipment, make-ready and design engineering, and (iii) upgrade and rebuild, including costs to modify or replace

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existing fiber/coaxial cable networks, including enhancements. Support and other capital expenditures includes costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of non-network assets, such as software systems, vehicles, facilities and office equipment, buildings and vehicles.equipment. Business services capital expenditures include primarily equipment, installation, support, and other costs related to our fiber based telecommunications business.business serving, primary enterprise customers.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, network infrastructure includes the costs of rebuilding certain systems damaged by storms aggregating $160,975 on a cash basis and $163,142, including accrued and unpaid capital.
Other Transactions
On July 14, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain cable assets in New Jersey for approximately $150,000.
Cash Flow Discussion
Altice USA
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $2,001,743$2,980,164, $2,554,169 and $2,508,317 for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017 compared to $1,184,455 for the year ended December 31, 2016.  2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 
The 20172020 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $2,354,709$3,073,301 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, increases in liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts of $104,051, a decrease in prepaid expenses and an increaseother current assets of $8,330, and a net decrease in deferred revenueamounts due from affiliates of $12,310,$3,594, partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expensesliabilities of $195,943, a net$118,388, an increase in current and other assetsaccounts receivable of $135,442, a net decrease in amounts due to affiliates of $32,970,$50,747, and a decrease in liabilities related to interest rate swap contractsdeferred revenue of $921.$39,977.
The 20162019 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $746,341$2,839,538 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, $310,892 as a result of an increase in accounts payable, deferred revenue and other liabilities, $78,823 resulting from an increase in liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts of $30,338, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and $48,399 resulting fromaccrued liabilities of $144,894, an increase in accounts receivable of $91,718, an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets of $60,854, a decrease in deferred revenue of $10,384, and a net decrease in currentamounts due to affiliates of $7,857.
The 2018 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $2,644,639 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, an increase in deferred revenue of $72,426, an increase in liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts of $53,101, and a net increase in amounts due to affiliates of $11,049, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $144,079, a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $118,176, and an increase in prepaid expenses and other assets.assets of $10,643.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the yearyears ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2018 was $1,132,214 compared to $9,599,319 for the year ended December 31, 2016.  $1,220,426, $1,525,469 and $1,148,357, respectively. 
The 20172020 investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $991,364, payments$1,073,955, and payment for acquisitions, net of $97,410 related to the settlementcash acquired of put-call options,$149,973.
The 2019 investing activities consisted primarily of primarily of capital expenditures of $1,355,350 and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $46,703, partially offset by $3,263 in other net cash proceeds.$172,269.
The 20162018 investing activities consisted primarily of $8,988,774 payment for the Cablevision Acquisition, net of cash acquired, $625,541 of capital expenditures net payments related to other investments of $4,608, and additions to other intangible assets of $106,$1,153,589, partially offset by other net cash receipts of $19,710, including $13,825 from the sale of an affiliate interest.$5,232.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $1,099,041$2,181,045, $624,412, and $1,390,996 for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $131,421 for the year ended December 31, 2016. 2020, 2019 and 2018.
In 2017,2020, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of the repayment of senior notes, including premiumslong-term debt of $6,194,804, the purchase of common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program and fees,Tender Offer of $1,729,400, cash distributions paid to stockholders of $919,317, principal payments on capital lease obligations of $15,157,$4,816,379, additions to deferred financing costs of $8,600$48,523, principal payments on finance lease obligations of $43,083, and distributions to noncontrolling interestsother net cash payments of $335,$4,947, partially offset by net proceeds from credit facilitylong-term debt of $1,182,094,$8,019,648, proceeds from the sale of a minority interest in Lightpath, net of expenses, of $880,197, proceeds from stock option exercises of $14,348, and contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of $12,498.
In 2019, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of the repayment of long-term debt of $8,159,914, the purchase of common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program of $1,686,873, additions to deferred financing costs of $23,583, principal payments on finance lease obligations of $8,980, and other net cash payments of $1,500, partially offset by net proceeds from long-term debt of $9,160,229, proceeds from collateralized indebtedness of $93,000, and proceeds from stock option exercises of $3,209.
In 2018, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of the repayment of long-term debt of $4,882,769, dividend to stockholders of $1,499,935, proceeds from collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contractsderivatives of $7,735,$516,513, the purchase of common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program of $500,000, additions to deferred financing costs of $28,468, principal payments on finance lease obligations of $10,228, and other net cash payments of $30,859, partially offset by net proceeds from the Company's IPOlong-term debt of $349,071,$5,555,268, proceeds from notes payablecollateralized indebtedness and related derivatives of $33,733,$516,513, and contributions from stockholdersnoncontrolling interests, net of $1,135.$5,995.
CSC Holdings
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $2,980,422, $2,623,742 and $2,766,075 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The 2020 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $3,111,911 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, a net decrease in amounts due from affiliates of $180,911, an increase in liabilities related to interest rate swaps of $104,051, and a decrease in prepaid and other current assets of $8,328, partially offset by a decrease in accrued liabilities and accounts payable of $334,055, an increase in accounts receivable of $50,747, and a decrease in deferred revenue of $39,977.
The 2019 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $2,627,592 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, a net increase in amounts due to affiliates of $247,917 and an increase in liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts of $30,338, partially offset by increases in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $51,611, increases in accounts receivable of $91,718, and decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $128,392, and deferred revenue of $10,384.
The 2018 cash provided by operating activities resulted from $2,628,133 of income before depreciation and amortization and non-cash items, an increase in deferred revenue of $72,426, an increase in liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts of $53,101, a net increase in amounts due from affiliates of $175,159, and an increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $5,273, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $144,079 and an increase in current and other assets of $23,938.
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Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $1,224,634, $1,525,469, and $1,160,184, respectively.
The 2020 investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $1,073,955 and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $149,973.
The 2019 investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $1,355,350 and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $172,269.
The 2018 investing activities consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $1,153,589 and other net cash receipts of $6,595.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $2,173,422, $697,888 and $1,625,199 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
In 2016,2020, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of the repayment of long-term debt of $6,194,804, distribution to parent of $4,794,408, additions to deferred financing costs of $48,523, principal payments on finance lease obligations of $43,083, and other net cash payments of $4,947, partially offset by net proceeds from long-term debt of $1,750,000$8,019,648, proceeds from the issuancesale of notesa minority interest in Lightpath, net of expenses, of $880,197, and contributions from noncontrolling interests of $12,498.
In 2019, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of the repayment of long-term debt of $7,637,582, distributions to affiliatesparent of $2,279,472, additions to deferred financing costs of $23,583, principal payments on finance lease obligations of $8,980, and related parties, $1,310,000other net cash payments of $1,500, partially offset by net proceeds from the issuancelong-term debt of senior notes, contribution from stockholders of $1,246,499, net$9,160,229, and proceeds from collateralized indebtedness and related derivatives of $36,286, and an excess tax benefit related to share-based awards$93,000.
In 2018, the Company's financing activities consisted primarily of $31. Partially offsetting these increases were net repaymentsthe repayment of credit facilitylong-term debt of $3,623,287, distributions$3,059,013, distribution to stockholdersparent of $365,559, payments$3,058,750, proceeds from collateralized indebtedness and related derivatives of $516,513, additions to deferred financing costs of $203,712, and$28,471, principal payments on capitalfinance lease obligations of $18,837.

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Settlements$10,228, and other net cash payments of Collateralized Indebtedness
The following table summarizes the settlement$30,000, partially offset by net proceeds from long-term debt of the Company's$4,505,268, proceeds from collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that was settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value,and related derivatives of $516,513, contribution from parent of $50,000, and contributions from noncontrolling interests, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017: $5,995.
Number of shares (a)26,815,368
Collateralized indebtedness settled$(774,703)
Derivative contracts settled(56,356)
 (831,059)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts838,794
Net cash received$7,735
______________________
(a)Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cash to settle the collateralized indebtedness was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price. 
In April 2017, the Company entered into new monetization contracts related to 32,153,118 shares of Comcast common stock held by Cablevision, which synthetically reversed the existing contracts related to these shares (the "Synthetic Monetization Closeout"). As the existing collateralized debt matures, the Company will settle the contracts with proceeds received from the new monetization contracts. The new monetization contracts mature on April 28, 2021. The new monetization contracts provide the Company with downside protection below the hedge price of $35.47 and upside benefit of stock price appreciation up to $44.72 per share. In connection with the execution of these contracts, the Company recorded (i) the fair value of the equity derivative contracts of $53,316 (in a net asset position), (ii) notes payable of $111,657, representing the fair value of the existing equity derivative contracts, in a liability position, and (iii) a discount on debt of $58,341.
Contractual Obligations and Off Balance Sheet Commitments
Our contractual obligations to affiliates and non-affiliates as of December 31, 2017,2020, which consist primarily of our debt obligations and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods, are summarized in the following table:

 Payments Due by Period
 TotalYear
1		Years
2-3		Years
4-5		More than
5 years		Other
Off balance sheet arrangements:
Purchase obligations (a)$6,583,268 $3,357,292 $2,421,140 $752,193 $52,643 $— 
Guarantees (b)59,252 59,192 60 — — — 
Letters of credit (c)137,920 7,460 1,990 128,470 — — 
 6,780,440 3,423,944 2,423,190 880,663 52,643 — 
Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet:      
Debt obligations (d)34,958,080 2,402,015 4,813,532 6,299,784 21,442,749 — 
Finance lease obligations (e)170,378 70,074 96,529 3,775 — — 
Operating lease obligations (e)385,364 42,832 97,322 73,972 171,238 — 
Taxes (f)1,784 — — — — 1,784 
 35,515,606 2,514,921 5,007,383 6,377,531 21,613,987 1,784 
Total$42,296,046 $5,938,865 $7,430,573 $7,258,194 $21,666,630 $1,784 
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 Payments Due by Period
 Total 
Year
1
 
Years
2-3
 
Years
4-5
 
More than
5 years
 Other
Off balance sheet arrangements:           
Purchase obligations (a)$8,423,735
 $3,071,514
 $4,179,616
 $1,092,786
 $79,819
 $—
Operating lease obligations (b)475,712
 74,992
 141,345
 118,969
 140,406
 —
Guarantees (c)36,224
 34,716
 1,508
 —
 —
 —
Letters of credit (d)129,473
 200
 120
 129,153
 —
 —
 9,065,144
 3,181,422
 4,322,589
 1,340,908
 220,225
 —
Contractual obligations reflected on the balance sheet: 
  
  
  
  
  
Debt obligations (e)30,390,463
 2,976,207
 4,642,299
 6,896,733
 15,875,224
 —
Capital lease obligations (f)24,349
 10,322
 7,731
 3,947
 2,349
 —
Taxes (g)8,479
 —
 —
 —
 —
 8,479
 30,423,291
 2,986,529
 4,650,030
 6,900,680
 15,877,573
 8,479
Total$39,488,435
 $6,167,951
 $8,972,619
 $8,241,588
 $16,097,798
 $8,479
(a)Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to our customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2017.  See Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our program rights obligations.
(b)Operating lease obligations represent primarily future minimum payment commitments on various long-term, noncancelable leases, at rates now in force, for office, production and storage space, and rental space on utility poles.  See Note 7 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our operating leases.
(c)Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for our cable television systems.   Also includes outstanding guarantees primarily by CSC Holdings in favor of certain financial institutions in respect of ongoing interest expense obligations in connection with the monetization of our holdings of shares of Comcast common stock.  Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires.
(d)Consists primarily of letters of credit obtained by CSC Holdings and Cequel in favor of insurance providers and certain governmental authorities.  Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires.
(e)Includes interest and principal payments due on our (i) credit facility debt, (ii) senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes, and senior notes and debentures, (iii) notes payable and (iv) collateralized indebtedness.  See Notes 9 and 10 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our long-term debt. These amounts do not include the effects of the debt transactions discussed in Note 20.
(f)Reflects the principal amount of capital lease obligations, including related interest.
(g)Represents tax liabilities, including accrued interest, relating to uncertain tax positions.  See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our income taxes.
(a)Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to our customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services, including contracts to acquire handsets and other equipment.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2020 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2020.  See Note 17 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our program rights obligations.
(b)Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for our cable television systems.   Also includes outstanding guarantees primarily by CSC Holdings in favor of certain financial institutions in respect of ongoing interest expense obligations in connection with the monetization of our holdings of shares of Comcast common stock.  Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires.
(c)Consists primarily of letters of credit issued by the Company in favor of insurance providers and certain governmental authorities.  Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires.
(d)Includes interest and principal payments due on our (i) credit facility debt, (ii) senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes, and senior notes, (iii) notes payable and supply chain financing and (iv) collateralized indebtedness.  See Notes 11 and 12 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our long-term debt.
(e)Reflects the principal amount of operating and finance lease obligations, including related interest. Lease obligations presented in the table above do not include rent related to utility poles used in our operations. The Company's pole rental agreements are for varying terms, and management anticipates renewals as they expire. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $36,364, $31,903 and $33,082, respectively. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our operating and finance leases.
(f)Represents tax liabilities, including accrued interest, relating to uncertain tax positions.  See Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our income taxes.
The table above does not include obligations for payments required to be made under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from pay televisionvideo services per year. For the years ended December 31,

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2017 2020, 2019 and 2016,2018, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $259,075$257,405, $254,227 and $154,732,$257,467, respectively.
Dividends and Distributions
Prior to Altice Europe's announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved the payment of a $2.035 per share dividend to all shareholders of record on May 22, 2018. The payment of the dividend, aggregating $1,499,935, was made on June 6, 2018, and wasfunded with cash at CSC Holdings from financings completed in January 2018, and cash generated from operations.
Share Repurchase Program
In June 2018, the second quarterBoard of 2017, priorDirectors of Altice USA authorized a share repurchase program of $2,000,000, and on July 30, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a new incremental three-year share repurchase program of $5,000,000 that took effect following the completion in August 2019 of the $2,000,000 repurchase program. Under these repurchase programs, shares of Altice USA Class A common stock may be purchased from time to time in the open market and may include trading plans entered into with one or more brokerage firms in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Size and timing of these purchases will be determined based on market conditions and other factors.  
In November 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2.0 billion of Altice USA Class A common stock pursuant to a tender offer. On November 23, 2020, the Company commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $2,500,000 in value of shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price not greater than $36.00 per share nor less than $32.25 per share . The Tender Offer expired on December 21, 2020. On December 21, 2020, the Company accepted for purchase 64,613,479 shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price of $36.00 per share, plus related fees, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,326,949. The aggregate purchase price of these shares (including the fees relating to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions aggregating $839,700, $500,000 of which were funded with proceeds from borrowings under CSC Holdings' revolving credit facility. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176, of which $365,559 were paidTender Offer), is reflected in 2016 and $79,617 were paidstockholders' equity (deficiency) in the first quarterconsolidated balance sheet of 2017.Altice USA as of December 31, 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Altice USA repurchased an aggregate of 161,216,653, 72,668,712, and 28,028,680 shares, respectively, for a total purchase price of approximately $4,816,895, $1,686,873 and $500,000, respectively. These acquired shares were retired and the cost of these shares was recorded in stockholders' equity (deficiency) in the consolidated balance sheet of Altice USA.  As of December 31, 2020, Altice
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USA had approximately $1,996,230 of availability remaining under the incremental share repurchase program and had 476,469,575 combined Class A and Class B shares outstanding.
Managing our Interest Rate and Equity Price Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is primarily a result of exposures to changes in the level, slope and curvature of the yield curve, the volatility of interest rates and credit spreads. Our exposure to interest rate risk results from changes in short-term interest rates. Interest rate risk exists primarily with respect to our credit facility debt, which bears interest at variable rates. The carrying value of our outstanding credit facility debt at December 31, 2017 amounted to $4,643,523.
To manage interest rate risk, we have from time to time entered into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to provide an economic hedge against the risk of rising rates and/or effectively convert fixed rate borrowings to variable rates to permit the Company to realize lower interest expense in a declining interest rate environment. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and we only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that are rated investment grade. All such contracts are carried at their fair market values on our consolidated balance sheet,sheets, with changes in fair value reflected in the consolidated statementstatements of operations.
In June 2016,See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a subsidiarysummary of Cequel entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swaps. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 fromcontracts outstanding at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, our outstanding interest rate swap contracts in a fixed rateliability position had an aggregate fair value and carrying value of 1.6655% to six-month LIBOR and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBOR. The objective of these swaps is to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to fixed and variable interest rates.
$275,297 reflected in “Liabilities under derivative contracts, long term” on our consolidated balance sheet. These outstanding swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, the Company recorded a gainloss on interest rate swap contracts of $5,48278,606.
As of December 31, 2017, our outstanding interest rate swap contracts had an aggregate fair value and carrying value of $77,902 reflected in ‘‘liabilities under derivative contracts’’ in our consolidated balance sheet.
We do2020, we did not hold or issue and have not issued derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
See discussion above for further details of our credit facility debt and See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" below for a discussion regarding the fair value of our debt.
Equity Price Risk
We have entered into derivative contracts to hedge our equity price risk and monetize the value of our shares of common stock of Comcast. These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing us to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price. If any one of these contracts is terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date due to the occurrence of an event specified in the contract, we would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date. As of December 31, 20172020 we did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts. The underlying stock and the equity collars are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and the collateralized indebtedness is carried at its principal value, net of discounts and the unamortized fair value adjustment for contracts that existed at the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for information on how we participate in changes in the market price of the stocks underlying these derivative contracts.

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All of our monetization transactions are obligations of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings provides guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements). The guarantee exposure approximates the net sum of the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and the equity collar. All of our equity derivative contracts are carried at their current fair value in our consolidated balance sheets with changes in value reflected in our consolidated statements of operations, and all of the counterparties to such transactions currently carry investment grade credit ratings.

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Critical Accounting Policies
In preparing its financial statements, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
The significant accounting policies,policy, which we believe areis the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, includeis the following:
Business Combinations
The Company applied business combination accounting for the Cablevision Acquisition and the Cequel Acquisition. Business combination accounting requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recorded at their respective estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The excess purchase price over fair value of the net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. In determining estimated fair values, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the recorded amounts, including, but not limited to, expected future cash flows, discount rates, remaining useful lives of long-lived assets, useful lives of identified intangible assets, replacement or reproduction costs of property and equipment and the amounts to be recovered in future periods from acquired net operating losses and other deferred tax assets. Our estimates in this area impact, among other items, the amount of depreciation and amortization, impairment charges in certain instances if the asset becomes impaired, and income tax expense or benefit that we report. Our estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain. See Note 3 for a summary of the application of business combination accounting.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Assets
The Company's long-lived and indefinite-lived assets at December 31, 2017 include goodwill of $7,996,760, other intangible assets of $18,086,535 ($13,020,081 of which are indefinite-lived intangible assets), and $6,063,829 of property, plant and equipment. Such assets accounted for approximately 92% of the Company's consolidated total assets. Goodwill and identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, which primarily represent the Company's cable television franchises are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter ("annual impairment test date") and upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances.
The Company is operated as three reporting units for the goodwill impairment test and two units of accounting for the indefinite-lived asset impairment test. We assess qualitative factors and other relevant events and circumstances that affect the fair value of the reporting unit and its identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as:
macroeconomic conditions; 
industry and market conditions; 
cost factors; 
overall financial performance; 
changes in management, strategy or customers; 
relevant specific events such as a change in the carrying amount of net assets, a more-likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion, of a reporting unit or unit of accounting; and 
sustained decrease in share price, as applicable.
The Company assesses these qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount.

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When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the Company is required to determine goodwill impairment using a two-step process. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill that would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses the qualitative factors discussed above to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test. This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting's fair value is less than its carrying amount. When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets requires a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. At December 31, 2017 the Company had indefinite-lived cable television franchises of $13,020,081 ($8,113,575 at Cablevision and $4,906,506 at Cequel), reflecting agreements we have with state and local governments that allow us to construct and operate a cable business within a specified geographic area and allow us to solicit and service potential customers in the service areas defined by the franchise rights currently held by the Company.
For other long-lived assets, including intangible assets that are amortized such as customer relationships and trade names, the Company evaluates assets for recoverability when there is an indication of potential impairment. If the undiscounted cash flows from a group of assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of that group of assets, the fair value of the asset group is determined and the carrying value of the asset group is written down to fair value.
In assessing the recoverability of the Company's goodwill and other long-lived assets, the Company must make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and also the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Estimates of fair value are primarily determined using discounted cash flows and comparable market transactions. These valuations are based on estimates and assumptions including projected future cash flows, discount rate, determination of appropriate market comparables and determination of whether a premium or discount should be applied to comparables. These valuations also include assumptions for average annual revenue per customer, number of homes passed, operating margin and market penetration as a percentage of homes passed, among other assumptions. Further, the projected cash flow assumptions consider contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record impairment charges related to its long-lived assets.
During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company assessed the qualitative factors described above to determine whether it was necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the reporting unit's fair value was less than its carrying amount. The Company also assessed these qualitative factors to determine whether it was necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test and concluded that it was not more likely than not that the unit of accounting's fair value was less than its carrying amount.
Plant and EquipmentInterest Rate Risk
Costs incurredInterest rate risk is primarily a result of exposures to changes in the constructionlevel, slope and curvature of the Company's cable systems, including line extensionsyield curve, the volatility of interest rates and credit spreads. Our exposure to interest rate risk results from changes in short-term interest rates. Interest rate risk exists primarily with respect to our credit facility debt, which bears interest at variable rates.
To manage interest rate risk, we have from time to time entered into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and upgradefixed interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to provide an economic hedge against the risk of rising rates and/or effectively convert fixed rate borrowings to variable rates to permit the Company's HFC infrastructure, initial placement ofCompany to realize lower interest expense in a declining interest rate environment. We monitor the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized. These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities. The internal costsfinancial institutions that are capitalized

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consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities. These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4 to 25 years). Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment necessary to provide broadband, pay television and telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities. The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity. These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide broadband, pay television and telephony services. In circumstances where CPE tracking is not available, the Company estimates the amount of capitalized installation costs based on whether or not the business or residence had been previously connected to the network. These installation costs are depreciated over their estimated useful life of 3-5 years. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
The estimated useful lives assignedcounterparties to our property, plantinterest rate swap contracts and equipmentwe only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant andrated investment grade. All such livescontracts are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances. Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our accounting policies.
Equity Awards
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for carry units based on thecarried at their fair value of the award at grant date. In addition these units are presented as temporary equitymarket values on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For carry unit awards granted in 2016, an option pricing model was used which requires subjective assumptions for whichsheets, with changes in these assumptions could materially affect the fair value of the carry units outstanding. The time to liquidity event assumption was based on management’s judgment. The equity volatility assumption was estimated using the historical weekly volatility of publicly traded comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumed was based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury Rates for a period matching the expected time to liquidity event. The discount for lack of marketability was based on Finnerty's (2012) average-strike put option model.
For carry unit awards grantedreflected in the first and second quarter of 2017, the Company estimated the grant date fair value based on the value established in the Company's IPO.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 is

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effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, the Company will reclassify the non-service cost components of the Company's pension expense from primarily "Other operating expenses" to "Miscellaneous income (expense), net" on its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient which allows it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously
See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a summary of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, our outstanding interest rate swap contracts in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requiresa liability position had an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing theaggregate fair value and carrying value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has$275,297 reflected in “Liabilities under derivative contracts, long term” on our consolidated balance sheet. These outstanding swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured underthese interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a loss on interest rate swap contracts of $78,606. As of December 31, 2020, we did not hold and have not issued derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
See discussion above for further details of our credit facility debt and See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" below for a discussion regarding the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 that approved deferring the effective date by one year so that ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 and will transition to the standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The adoption will, however, result in the deferral of certain installation revenue and the deferral of certain commission expenses. Additionally, the Company anticipates changes in the composition of revenue resulting from the allocation of value related to bundled services sold at a discount to residential customers.

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Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
All dollar amounts, except per share data, included in the following discussion are presented in thousands.our debt.
Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to market risks from changes in certain equity security prices.  Our exposure to changes in equity security prices stems primarily from the shares of Comcast common stock we hold.  We have entered into equity derivative contracts consisting of a collateralized loan and an equity collar to hedge our equity price risk and to monetize the value of these securities.our shares of common stock of Comcast. These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing us to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  The contracts' actual hedge prices per share vary depending on average stock prices in effect at the time the contracts were executed.  The contracts' actual cap prices vary depending on the maturity and terms of each contract, among other factors. If any one of these contracts is terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date due to the occurrence of an event specified in the contract, we would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date. As of December 31, 2017,2020 we did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The underlying stock and the equity collars are carried at fair value onin our consolidated balance sheetsheets and the collateralized indebtedness is carried at its principal value, net of discounts and the unamortized fair value adjustment for contracts that existed at the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. The fair value adjustment is being amortized overSee "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for information on how we participate in changes in the termmarket price of the related indebtedness.  The carrying valuestocks underlying these derivative contracts.
All of our collateralized indebtedness amounted to $1,349,474 at December 31, 2017.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast common stock, with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.
As of December 31, 2017, the fair value and the carrying valuemonetization transactions are obligations of our holdingswholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of Comcast common stock aggregated $1,720,357.  Assumingthe Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings provides guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a 10% changeresult of an early termination event (as defined in price, the potential change inagreements). The guarantee exposure approximates the net sum of the fair value of these investments would be approximately $172,036.  Asthe collateralized indebtedness less the sum of December 31, 2017, the net fair valuevalues of the underlying stock and the carrying valueequity collar. All of the equity collar component of theour equity derivative contracts entered intoare carried at their current fair value in our consolidated balance sheets with changes in value reflected in our consolidated statements of operations, and all of the counterparties to partially hedge the equity price risk of our holdings of Comcast common stock aggregated $109,504, a net liability position.  For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded a net loss of $138,920 related to our outstanding equity derivative contracts and recorded an unrealized gain of $237,328 related to the Comcast common stock that we held.such transactions currently carry investment grade credit ratings.

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Fair Value of Equity Derivative Contracts 
  
Fair value as of December 31, 2016, net liability position$(2,202)
Fair value of new equity derivative contracts31,618
Change in fair value, net(138,920)
Fair value as of December 31, 2017, net liability position$(109,504)

The maturity, number of shares deliverable at the relevant maturity, hedge price per share, and the lowest and highest cap prices received for the Comcast common stock monetized via an equity derivative prepaid forward contract are summarized in the following table:
    Hedge Price Cap Price (b)
# of Shares Deliverable (a) Maturity per Share (a) Low High
         
16,139,868 2018 $30.84-$33.61 $37.00
 $40.33
26,815,368 2021 $29.25- $35.47 $43.88
 $44.80
(a)Represents the price below which we are provided with downside protection and above which we retain upside appreciation.  Also represents the price used in determining the cash proceeds payable to us at inception of the contracts.
(b)Represents the price up to which we receive the benefit of stock price appreciation.

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Critical Accounting Policies
Fair ValueIn preparing its financial statements, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of Debtassets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
At December 31, 2017,The significant accounting policy, which we believe is the fair value ofmost critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our fixed rate debt of $18,585,796 was higher than its carrying value of $17,275,808 by $1,309,988.  The fair value of thesereported financial instrumentsresults, is estimated based on reference to quoted market prices for these or comparable securities.  Our floating rate borrowings bear interest in reference to current LIBOR-based market rates and thus their principal values approximate fair value.  The effect of a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates prevailing at December 31, 2017 would increase the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt by $542,063 to $19,127,859.  This estimate is based on the assumption of an immediate and parallel shift in interest rates across all maturities.following:
Interest Rate Risk
In June 2016, Interest rate risk is primarily a subsidiaryresult of Cequelexposures to changes in the level, slope and curvature of the yield curve, the volatility of interest rates and credit spreads. Our exposure to interest rate risk results from changes in short-term interest rates. Interest rate risk exists primarily with respect to our credit facility debt, which bears interest at variable rates.
To manage interest rate risk, we have from time to time entered into two fixed to floating interest rate swaps. One fixed to floating interest rate swap is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBOR and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBOR. The objective of these swaps iscontracts to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to provide an economic hedge against the risk of rising rates and/or effectively convert fixed rate borrowings to variable rates to permit the Company to realize lower interest expense in a declining interest rate environment. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and variablewe only enter into interest rates.rate swap contracts with financial institutions that are rated investment grade. All such contracts are carried at their fair market values on our consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair value reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for a summary of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, our outstanding interest rate swap contracts in a liability position had an aggregate fair value and carrying value of $275,297 reflected in “Liabilities under derivative contracts, long term” on our consolidated balance sheet. These outstanding swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, the Company recorded a gainloss on interest rate swap contracts of $5,482.$78,606. As of December 31, 2020, we did not hold and have not issued derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
See discussion above for further details of our credit facility debt and See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" below for a discussion regarding the fair value of our debt.
Equity Price Risk
We have entered into derivative contracts to hedge our equity price risk and monetize the value of our shares of common stock of Comcast. These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing us to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price. If any one of these contracts is terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date due to the occurrence of an event specified in the contract, we would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date. As of December 31, 2020 we did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts. The underlying stock and the equity collars are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and the collateralized indebtedness is carried at its principal value, net of discounts and the unamortized fair value adjustment for contracts that existed at the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. See "Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" for information on how we participate in changes in the market price of the stocks underlying these derivative contracts.
All of our monetization transactions are obligations of our wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings provides guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements). The guarantee exposure approximates the net sum of the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and the equity collar. All of our equity derivative contracts are carried at their current fair value in our consolidated balance sheets with changes in value reflected in our consolidated statements of operations, and all of the counterparties to such transactions currently carry investment grade credit ratings.

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Critical Accounting Policies
In preparing its financial statements, the Company is required to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions that it believes are reasonable based upon the information available. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.
The significant accounting policy, which we believe is the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results, is the following:
Plant and Equipment
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's HFC infrastructure and construction of the parallel FTTH infrastructure, are capitalized. This includes headend facilities and initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected. These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities. The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities. These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (5 to 25 years). Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment ("CPE") necessary to provide broadband, video and telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities. The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity. These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide broadband, video and telephony services. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of our accounting policies.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 3 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.

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Item 7A.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
All dollar amounts, except per share data, included in the following discussion are presented in thousands.
Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to market risks from changes in certain equity security prices.  Our exposure to changes in equity security prices stems primarily from the shares of Comcast common stock we hold.  We have entered into equity derivative contracts consisting of a collateralized loan and an equity collar to hedge our equity price risk and to monetize the value of these securities.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing us to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  The contracts' actual hedge prices per share vary depending on average stock prices in effect at the time the contracts were executed.  The contracts' actual cap prices vary depending on the maturity and terms of each contract, among other factors.  If any one of these contracts is terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date due to the occurrence of an event specified in the contract, we would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The underlying stock and the equity collars are carried at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets and the collateralized indebtedness is carried at its principal value, net of discounts and the unamortized fair value adjustment for contracts that existed at the date of the Cablevision Acquisition. The fair value adjustment is being amortized over the term of the related indebtedness.  The carrying value of our collateralized indebtedness amounted to $1,617,506 at December 31, 2020.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast common stock, with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.
As of December 31, 2017,2020, the fair value and the carrying value of our holdings of Comcast common stock aggregated $2,250,854.  Assuming a 10% change in price, the potential change in the fair value of these investments would be approximately $225,085.  As of December 31, 2020, the net fair value and the carrying value of the equity collar component of the equity derivative contracts entered into to partially hedge the equity price risk of our holdings of Comcast common stock aggregated $247,853, a net liability position.  For the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a net loss of $178,264 related to our outstanding equity derivative contracts and recorded an unrealized gain of $319,157 related to the Comcast common stock that we held.
Fair Value of Equity Derivative Contracts
Fair value as of December 31, 2019, net liability position$(69,588)
Change in fair value, net(178,265)
Fair value as of December 31, 2020, net liability position$(247,853)
The maturity, number of shares deliverable at the relevant maturity, hedge price per share, and the lowest and highest cap prices received for the Comcast common stock monetized via an equity derivative prepaid forward contract are summarized in the following table:
# of Shares DeliverableMaturityHedge Price per Share (a)Cap Price (b)
42,955,2362023$40.95$49.55 
(a)Represents the price below which we are provided with downside protection and above which we retain upside appreciation.  Also represents the price used in determining the cash proceeds payable to us at inception of the contracts.
(b)Represents the price up to which we receive the benefit of stock price appreciation.
Interest Rate Risk
To manage interest rate risk, we have from time to time entered into interest rate swap contracts hadto adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to provide an aggregateeconomic hedge against the risk of rising rates and/or effectively convert fixed rate borrowings to variable rates to permit the Company to realize lower interest expense in a declining interest rate environment. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and we only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that are rated investment grade. All such
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contracts are carried at their fair value and carrying value of $77,902 reflected in “Liabilities under derivative contracts”market values on our consolidated balance sheet.sheets, with changes in fair values reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.
We doThe following is a summary of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at December 31, 2020:
Trade DateMaturity DateNotional AmountCompany PaysCompany Receives
December 2018January 2025$500,000 Fixed rate of 1.53%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018January 2022500,000 Fixed rate of 2.733%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018January 2025500,000 Fixed rate of 1.625%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018December 2026750,000 Fixed rate of 2.9155%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018December 2026750,000 Fixed rate of 2.9025%Three-month LIBOR
March 2020January 2025500,000 Fixed rate of 1.458%Three-month LIBOR
March 2020January 2022500,000 Three-month LIBORFixed rate of 2.733%
April 2020April 20212,850,000 Six-month LIBOR minus 0.5185%One-month LIBOR
These swap contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded in the consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a loss on interest rate swap contracts of $78,606.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's equity derivative contracts and interest rate swap contracts within the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet LocationFair Value at December 31, 2020
Asset Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contractsDerivative contracts, short-term$5,132 
Prepaid forward contractsDerivative contracts, short-term45,653 
Interest rate swap contractsDerivative contracts, long-term4,774 
$55,559 
Liability Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contractsOther current liabilities— 
Prepaid forward contractsOther current liabilities(45,653)
Prepaid forward contractsLiabilities under derivative contracts, long-term(247,853)
Interest rate swap contractsLiabilities under derivative contracts, long-term(275,297)
$(568,803)
As of December 31, 2020, we did not hold or issueand have not issued derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Fair Value of Debt
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
At December 31, 2020, the fair value of our fixed rate debt of $19,460,823 was higher than its carrying value of $18,274,705 by $1,186,118.  The fair value of these financial instruments is estimated based on reference to quoted market prices for these or comparable securities.  Our floating rate borrowings bear interest in reference to current LIBOR-based market rates and thus their principal values approximate fair value.  The effect of a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates prevailing at December 31, 2020 would increase the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt by $677,783 to $20,138,606.  This estimate is based on the assumption of an immediate and parallel shift in interest rates across all maturities.
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
For information required by Item 8, refer to the Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
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Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Altice USA's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under SEC rules). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include a report on management's assessment regardingCompany's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting or an attestation reportas defined in Rules 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company's external financial statements, including estimates and judgments, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Therefore, even those internal controls determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, the evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting was made as of a specific date, and continued effectiveness in future periods is subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may decline.
The Company's management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) (2013 framework).  Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.
Audit Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, due to a transition period provided by SEC rules for newly public companies.as stated in their audit report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting appearing on page F-2.
Changes in Internal Control
During the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The Company plans to migrate Cequel’s customer billing system to the Cablevision billing system platform in 2018.
Item 9B.     Other Information
Item 9B.
Other Information
None.


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PART III
Information required under Item 10, Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance, Item 11, Executive Compensation, Item 12, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters, Item 13, Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence and Item 14, Principal Accountant Fees and Services, is hereby incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders or, if such definitive proxy statement is not filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission prior to April 30, 2018,within 120 days after the close of the Company’s fiscal year, an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K filed under cover of Form 10-K/A.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company is required to identify, based solely on a review of reports filed under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each person who, at any time during its fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, was a director, officer or beneficial owner of more than 10% of the Company's Class A common stock that failed to file on a timely basis any such reports. Based on such review, the Company is aware of no such failure.
PART IV
Item 15.        Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a)The following documents are filed as part of this report:
i.The financial statements as indicated in the index set forth on page F-1.
ii.Financial statement schedules have been omitted, since they are either not applicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere herein.
iii.The Index to Exhibits is on page 77.
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EXHIBIT INDEX

(a)Exhibit No.The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1.The financial statements as indicated in the index set forth on page F-1.
2.Financial statement schedules have been omitted, since they are either not applicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere herein.
3.The Index to Exhibits is on page 84.



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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Description
Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Form of Underwriting AgreementThird Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to Altice USA's prospectus report3.3 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222475) filed on June 12, 2016)
May 21, 2018)
4.1 +
3.2
Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on June 12, 2016)
4.1Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate
4.2 +Specimen Class B Common Stock Certificate
Form of
Amended and Restated Stockholders and Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 7, 2018, by and among Altice USA, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on June 12, 2016)
13, 2018)
Indenture,Stockholders’ Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2009, relating to Cablevision's 85/8% Senior Notes due 2017June 7, 2018, by and 85/8% Series B Senior Notes due 2017among Altice USA, Inc., Next Alt S.à.r.l. and A4 S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Altice USA's prospectus report10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)June 13, 2018)
Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2010, relating to Cablevision's 73/4% Senior Notes due 2018 and 8% Senior Notes due 2020Cablevision’s senior debt securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 15, 2010, to the Indenture, dated as of April 2, 2010, relating to Cablevision's 73/4% Senior Notes due 2018 and 8% Senior Notes due 2020 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.6
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2012, to the Indenture dated as of April 2, 2010, relating to Cablevision's 57/8% Senior Notes due 2022 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1997, relating to CSC Holdings' 77/8% Senior Debentures due 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.8
Indenture, dated as of July 1, 1998, relating to CSC Holdings' 75/8% Senior Debentures due 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.9
Indenture, dated as of February 12, 2009, relating to CSC Holdings' 85/8% Senior Notes due 2019 and 85/8% Series B Senior Notes due 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.10
Indenture, dated as of November 15, 2011, relating to CSC Holdings' 63/4% Senior Notes due 2021 and 63/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2021 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, relating to CSC Holdings' 51/4% Senior Notes due 2024 and 51/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2024 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, relating to CSC Holdings' 101/8% Senior Notes due 2023 and 107/8% Senior Notes due 2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.13
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 21, 2016, to Indenture dated as of October 9, 2015, relating to CSC Holdings' 101/8% Senior Notes due 2023 and 107/8% Senior Notes due 2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)

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Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
4.14
Indenture, dated as of October 9, 2015, relating to CSC Holdings' 65/8% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.15
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 21, 2016, to the Indenture dated as of October 9, 2015, relating to CSC Holdings' 65/8% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2025 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.15 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.16
Indenture, dated as of September 23, 2016, relating to CSC Holdings' 51/2% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.16 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2015,January 29, 2018, relating to Altice US Finance I Corporation's 53/8%CSC Holdings, LLC's 5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 20232028 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.17 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)February 2, 2018)
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2015, to the Indenture, dated as of June 12, 2015, relating to Altice US Finance I Corporation's 53/8% Senior Secured Notes due 2023 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.18 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.19
Notes Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and between Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.19 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.20
Notes Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.20 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.21
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.22
Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.23
Indenture, dated as of April 26, 2016, relating to Altice US Finance I Corporation's 5,1/2% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.24
Notes Pledge and Security Agreement, dated May 20, 2016, by and between Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.25
Notes Pledge and Security Agreement, dated May 20, 2016, by and among each of the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.25 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.26
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2016, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.26 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.27
Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of May 20, 2016, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.27 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
4.28
Indenture, dated as of October 25, 2012 2018, relating to Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC's and Cequel Capital Corporation's 63/8%7.500% Senior Notes due 20202028 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.28 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)April 6, 2018)
2028 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 2018, between Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC and Cequel Capital Corporation, as Co-Issuers and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on October 19, 2018)

Senior Guaranteed Notes Indenture, dated as of November 27, 2018, between, inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC, as Issuer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on November 28, 2018)

Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of November 27, 2018, between, inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC, as Issuer and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on November 28, 2018)
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 27, 2018, between, inter alios, CSC, as issuer, the guarantors (named therein) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, to the 2016 Senior Guaranteed Notes Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on November 28, 2018)

85
77










Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 16, 2013, relatingNovember 27, 2018, between, inter alios, CSC, as issuer, the guarantors (named therein) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee, to Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC's and Cequel Capital Corporation's 51/8%the 2018 Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2021Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.29 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.5 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)November 28, 2018)
Indenture,Joinder Agreement dated as of September 9, 2014, relatingNovember 27, 2018, between, inter alios, the additional guarantors (named therein) to Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC's and Cequel Capital Corporation's 51/8% Senior Notes due 2021the Facility Guaranty (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.30 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.6 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)November 28, 2018)
Indenture,Joinder Agreement dated as of June 12, 2015, relatingNovember 27, 2018, between, inter alios, the additional pledgors (named therein) to Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC's and Cequel Capital Corporation's 73/4% Senior Notes due 2025the Pledge Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.31 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.7 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)November 28, 2018)
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 21, 2015, to the Indenture, datedJanuary 31, 2019 between CSC Holdings, LLC, as of June 12, 2015, relating to Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC'sIssuer, and Cequel Capital Corporation's 73/4% Senior Notes due 2025Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.32 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 16, 2016)February 5, 2019)
Opinion
Indenture, dated as of Shearman & Sterling LLPJuly 10, 2019 between CSC Holdings, LLC, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Altice USA's prospectus report4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form S-1/A,8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on July 12, 2019)
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 1, 2019, between, inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC as successor issuer, Cablevision Systems Corporation as original issuer and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, to the Cablevision 2022 Notes Indenture (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on November 4, 2019)
Description of common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.43 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on February 14, 2020)
Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2020 between CSC Holdings, LLC as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on June 21, 2016)
16, 2020)
Senior Guaranteed Notes Indenture, dated as of June 16, 2020 between, inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC as Issuer, the Guarantors set forth therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on June 16, 2020)
Senior Guaranteed Notes Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2020 between inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC, as Issuer, the Guarantors set forth therein and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001- 38126) filed on October 30, 2020.
Senior Notes Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2020 between Cablevision Lightpath LLC as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on October 1, 2020)
Senior Secured Notes Indenture, dated as of September 29, 2020 between Cablevision Lightpath LLC, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on October 1, 2020)
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 9, 2015, by and among CSC Holdings, LLC (as successor by merger to Neptune Finco Corp.), as borrower, certain lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and security agent, Barclays Bank plc and BNP Paribas Securities Corp., as co-syndication agents, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Societe Generale, TD Securities (USA) LLC and the Bank of Nova Scotia, as co-documentation agents, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Barclays Bank plc, BNP Paribas Securities Corp., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Societe Generale, TD Securities (USA) LLC and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 20, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)2017)
78




Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Incremental Loan Assumption Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Incremental Loan Assumption Agreement, dated as of July 21, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (Extension Amendment), dated as of September 9, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement (Extension Amendment, Incremental Loan Assumption Agreement & Assignment and Acceptance), dated as of December 9, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement (Incremental Loan Assumption Agreement & Refinancing Amendment), dated as of March 15, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Facility Guaranty, dated as of June 21, 2016, by and among the guarantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017)
Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 21, 2016, by and among CSC Holdings, LLC, certain pledgors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Altice USA's prospectus reportof the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on May 16, 2016)
2017


86





Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, by and among Altice US Finance I Corporation, as borrower, certain lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and security agent, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BNP Paribas, as joint bookrunners and lead arrangers (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.11
First Amendment to Credit Agreement (Refinancing Amendment), dated as of October 25, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.12
Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (Extension Amendment), dated as of December 9, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.13
Third Amendment to Credit Agreement (Incremental Loan Assumption Agreement & Refinancing Amendment), dated as of March 15, 2017 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.14
Loans Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and between Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.15
Loans Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among the grantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.16
Facility Guaranty, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among the guarantors party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.17
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and among certain grantors thereunder and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.18
Copyright Security Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2015, by and between Cequel Communications, LLC and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on May 16, 2016)
10.19
Form of Stockholders' Agreement by and among Altice USA, Inc., Altice N.V. and A4 S.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on June 12, 2016)
10.20
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on June 12, 2016)
10.21
Altice USA Short Term Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Altice USA's prospectus report on Form S-1/A, filed on June 12, 2016)
10.22
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 on Form 8-K, filed on January 3, 2018)
10.23
Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 12, 2018, by and among the Borrower, the Additional Lenders and Lead Arrangers party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent.Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on January 16, 2018)
Indenture,
Sixth Amendment, dated as of October 15, 2018, between, inter alios, CSC Holdings, LLC as Borrower, Goldman Sachs Bank USA as Additional Lender and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.11 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on October 19, 2018)
Seventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2019, by and among the Borrower, each of the other Loan Parties, the Lenders and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on January 30, 2019)
Eighth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 7, 2019, by and among the Borrower, each of the other Loan Parties, the February 2019 Incremental Term Loan Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on February 8, 2019)
Eleventh Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2019, by and among the Borrower, each of the other Loan Parties, the Additional Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the Administrative Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on October 7, 2019)
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2018,2020 between CSC Holdings,Cablevision Lightpath LLC, as Issuer,Borrower, the Lenders party thereto, Goldman Sachs Bank USA as administrative agent and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as Trustee.collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14.3 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on February 2, 2018)
October 1, 2020)
Altice USA Short Term Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-217240) filed on June 12, 2017)
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-228907) filed on December 19, 2018)
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on January 3, 2018)
79




Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form of Performance-Based Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on March 6, 2018)
Master Separation Agreement, dated as of May 18, 2018, by and between Altice USA, Inc. and Altice N.V.(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (File No. 333-222475) filed on May 21, 2018)
Transition Agreement and Separation Agreement, dated April 8, 2019, by and between Altice USA, Inc. and David Connolly (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38126) filed on July 31, 2019)
Separation Agreement, dated October 28, 2019, by and between Altice USA, Inc. and Charles Stewart (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on February 14, 2020)
Restriction Agreement, dated December 31, 2019, by and between Altice USA, Inc. and Dexter Goei (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 001-38126) filed on February 14, 2020)
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 1, 2020)
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, Form of Performance-Based Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company’s Form 10-Q (File No. 001-38126) filed on May 1, 2020)
Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Form S-8 (File No. 333-239085) filed on June 10, 2020)
List of subsidiaries of the Registrant

87





Exhibit No.Exhibit Description
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Section 302 Certification of the CEO.
Section 302 Certification of the CFO.
Section 906 Certifications of the CEO and CFO.
101
101The following financial statements of Altice USA, Cablevision Systems Corporation and CSC Holdings, LLC asInc.as included in the Altice USA Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017,2020, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 6, 2018February 11, 2021, formatted in XBRL (eXtensibleiXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income;Income (Loss); (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency); (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; (v) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; and (vi) the Combined Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
104*The cover page from this annual report on Form 10-K formatted in Inline XBRL

+    Shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of the Company are issued in uncertificated form. Therefore, the Company has not filed specimen Class A common stock or Class B common stock certificates. Reference is made to Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 hereto.
*    Filed herewith.

88
80









SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on the 6th11th day of March, 2018.
February, 2021.
Altice USA, Inc.
By:/s/ Charles StewartMichael J. Grau
Name:Charles StewartMichael J. Grau
Title:
Co-President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)


POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Charles StewartMichael J. Grau and David Connolly,Michael E. Olsen, and each of them, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign this report, and file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated on behalf of the Registrant.
SignatureTitleDate
/s/  Dexter GoeiChief Executive Officer and DirectorFebruary 11, 2021
Dexter Goei(Principal Executive Officer)
SignatureTitleDate
/s/  Dexter GoeiMichael J. GrauChief Executive Officer and DirectorMarch 6, 2018
Dexter Goei(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/  Charles StewartCo-President and Chief Financial OfficerMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Charles StewartMichael J. Grau(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/  Victoria M. MinkSenior Vice President and Chief Accounting OfficerMarch 6, 2018
Victoria M. Mink(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/  Jérémie BonninLayth TakiDirectorSenior Vice President and Chief Accounting OfficerMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Jérémie Bonnin

Layth Taki		(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/  Patrick DrahiChairman and DirectorFebruary 11, 2021
Patrick Drahi
/s/ Gerrit Jan BakkerDirectorFebruary 11, 2021
Gerrit Jan Bakker
/s/  Manon BrouilletteDirectorMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Manon Brouillette

/s/  David DrahiDirectorFebruary 11, 2021
David Drahi
/s/  Mark MullenDirectorMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Mark Mullen

/s/  Dennis OkhuijsenDirectorMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Dennis Okhuijsen

/s/  Charles StewartDirectorFebruary 11, 2021
Charles Stewart
/s/  Raymond SviderDirectorMarch 6, 2018February 11, 2021
Raymond Svider




89
81









INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page
Page
Report
F-2F-2
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
F-3F-7
F-5F-9
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018
F-6F-10
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency) - years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 20162018
F-7F-11
F-9F-14
F-11F-25
Supplemental Financial Statements Furnished:
CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONCSC HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-16
Consolidated Balance Sheet-December 31, 20152020, 2019 and 2018
F-54F-18
Consolidated Statements of Operations-period ended January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and year ended December 31, 2015
F-56
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income-period ended January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and yearIncome - years ended December 31, 20152020, 2019 and 2018
F-57F-19
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficiency-period ended January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and yearMember's Equity (Deficiency) - years ended December 31, 20152020, 2019 and 2018
F-58F-20
F-60F-23
F-62F-25



F-1







Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Altice USA, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Altice USA, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, based on our audit, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity (deficiency), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 11, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of 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 generally accepted accounting principles. 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 generally accepted accounting principles, 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.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, NY
February 11, 2021
F-2


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Altice USA, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Altice USA, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficiency), and cash flows for each of the years in the two‑three‑year period ended December 31, 2017,2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20172020 and 2016,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two‑three‑year period ended December 31, 2017,2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
ATS AcquisitionWe also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and Company Formationour report dated February 11, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
•As discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, a substantial portionthe Company changed its method of the Company’s technical workforce at the Cablevision and Cequel segments became employeesaccounting for leases as of Altice Technical Services (“ATSUS”) in the second and fourth quarters of 2017, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company's operating results reflect a reduction in employee related expensesJanuary 1, 2019 due to certain employees becoming employed by ATSUS and an increase in contractor costs for services provided by ATSUS. Subsequent to December 31, 2017 the Company acquired the majorityadoption of the equity interests in ATSUS. As a result of the acquisition of ATS, an entity under common control, the Company will retroactively consolidate the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATSUS for all periods in the first quarter of 2018.
The Company was incorporated on September 14, 2015 and had no operations of its own other than the issuance of debt prior to the contribution of Cequel Corporation on June 9, 2016 by Altice N.V. The results of operations of Cequel Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been included in the results of operations of the Company for the same period as Cequel Corporation was under common control with the Company throughout 2016.Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB)PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgment. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of residential and SMB revenue
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company earns revenue from both residential and small and medium-sized business (“SMB”) customers. This revenue is derived primarily from monthly charges of its broadband, video, and telephony services. Revenue is recognized as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
We identified the evaluation of residential and SMB revenue as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the processes and the related internal controls over residential and SMB revenue, including the number of related IT applications, required a high degree of auditor judgment. Specifically, obtaining an understanding of the systems,

F-3


databases, and processes used in the Company’s recognition of residential and SMB revenue and evaluating the related internal controls required especially challenging auditor judgment and required significant auditor effort, including specialized knowledge related to IT.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s residential and SMB revenue recognition processes, including general and application IT controls. We involved IT professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in testing certain IT applications that are used by the Company in its recognition of residential and SMB revenue. We evaluated the Company’s residential and SMB revenue recognition policies by examining the Company’s published terms and conditions and by analyzing customer invoices to understand the contractual terms and conditions. We assessed recorded residential and SMB revenue by comparing the total cash received related to residential and SMB revenue transactions during the year to the revenue recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We assessed customer credits, including those issued subsequent to December 31, 2020, and evaluated the impact to revenue recognition.

/s/ KPMG LLP


We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.

New York, NY
February 11, 2021

F-4


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
CSC Holdings, LLC:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CSC Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in total member’s equity (deficiency), and cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three‑year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Change in Accounting Principle
•As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Accounting Standard Codification Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Evaluation of residential and SMB revenue
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company earns revenue from both residential and small and medium-sized business (“SMB”) customers. This revenue is derived primarily from monthly charges of its broadband, video, and telephony services. Revenue is recognized as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
We identified the evaluation of residential and SMB revenue as a critical audit matter. Evaluating the processes and the related internal controls over residential and SMB revenue, including the number of related IT applications, required a high degree of auditor judgment. Specifically, obtaining an understanding of the systems, databases, and processes used in the Company’s recognition of residential and SMB revenue and evaluating the related internal controls required especially challenging auditor judgment and required significant auditor effort, including specialized knowledge related to IT.

F-5


The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls over the Company’s residential and SMB revenue recognition processes, including general and application IT controls. We involved IT professionals with specialized skills and knowledge, who assisted in testing certain IT applications that are used by the Company in its recognition of residential and SMB revenue. We evaluated the Company’s residential and SMB revenue recognition policies by examining the Company’s published terms and conditions and by analyzing customer invoices to understand the contractual terms and conditions. We assessed recorded residential and SMB revenue by comparing the total cash received related to residential and SMB revenue transactions during the year to the revenue recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We assessed customer credits, including those issued subsequent to December 31, 2020, and evaluated the impact to revenue recognition.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2016.
New York, NY
March 6, 2018


February 11, 2021
F-2


F-6







ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$278,422 $701,898 
Restricted cash264 262 
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,198 and $14,683)442,581 457,118 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets200,252 215,304 
Amounts due from affiliates4,262 6,774 
Derivative contracts50,785 0 
Total current assets976,566 1,381,356 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,431,843 and $5,276,9215,805,996 5,753,401 
Right-of-use operating lease assets241,342 280,340 
Investment securities pledged as collateral2,250,854 1,931,697 
Derivative contracts4,774 25,207 
Other assets87,429 92,622 
Amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $4,409,312 and $3,670,6792,781,116 3,481,109 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises13,068,017 13,020,081 
Goodwill8,160,566 8,142,309 
Total assets$33,376,660 $34,108,122 
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
    
ASSETS   
    
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
    
Current Assets:   
Cash and cash equivalents$273,329
 $486,792
Restricted cash252
 16,301
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $13,420 and $11,677)370,765
 349,626
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $19,563 in 2017) (See Note 14)135,313
 88,151
Amounts due from affiliates21,356
 22,182
Investment securities pledged as collateral—
 741,515
Derivative contracts52,545
 352
Total current assets853,560
 1,704,919
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2,599,579 and $1,039,2976,063,829
 6,597,635
Investment in affiliates930
 5,606
Investment securities pledged as collateral1,720,357
 741,515
Derivative contracts—
 10,604
Other assets (including a prepayment to an affiliate of $6,539 in 2017) (See Note 14)53,254
 48,545
Amortizable customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $1,409,021 and $580,2764,561,863
 5,345,608
Amortizable trade names, net of accumulated amortization of $588,574 and $83,397478,509
 983,386
Other amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $10,978 and $3,09326,082
 23,650
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises13,020,081
 13,020,081
Goodwill7,996,760
 7,992,700
Total assets$34,775,225
 $36,474,249

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-3F-7







ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
     
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYDecember 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Current Liabilities:   
Accounts payable$790,220
 $705,672
Accrued liabilities:   
Interest397,422
 576,778
Employee related costs132,641
 232,864
Other accrued expenses408,632
 352,315
Amounts due to affiliates13,946
 127,363
Deferred revenue104,220
 94,816
Liabilities under derivative contracts52,545
 13,158
Collateralized indebtedness—
 622,332
Credit facility debt42,650
 33,150
Senior notes and debentures507,744
 926,045
Capital lease obligations9,539
 15,013
Notes payable33,424
 5,427
Total current liabilities2,492,983
 3,704,933
Defined benefit plan obligations103,163
 84,106
Notes payable to affiliates and related parties—
 1,750,000
Other liabilities137,895
 113,485
Deferred tax liability4,775,115
 7,966,815
Liabilities under derivative contracts187,406
 78,823
Collateralized indebtedness1,349,474
 663,737
Credit facility debt4,600,873
 3,411,640
Senior guaranteed notes2,291,185
 2,289,494
Senior notes and debentures13,061,503
 14,291,786
Capital lease obligations12,441
 13,142
Notes payable32,478
 8,299
Deficit investments in affiliates3,579
 —
Total liabilities29,048,095
 34,376,260
Commitments and contingencies

 

Redeemable equity231,290
 68,147
Stockholders' Equity:   
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017—
 —
Class A common stock: $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 246,982,292 issued and outstanding at December 31, 20172,470
 —
Class B common stock: $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 490,086,674 issued and outstanding at December 31, 20174,901
 —
Class C common stock: $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017—
 —
Common stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016—
 —
Paid-in capital4,642,128
 3,003,554
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)854,824
 (975,978)
 5,504,323
 2,027,576
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(10,022) 1,979
Total stockholders' equity5,494,301
 2,029,555
Noncontrolling interest1,539
 287
Total stockholders' equity5,495,840
 2,029,842
 $34,775,225
 $36,474,249
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
F-4December 31, 2020 and 2019

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)





LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable$795,576 $799,618 
Interest payable252,060 385,655 
Accrued employee related costs142,116 111,337 
Amounts due to affiliates8,538 7,456 
Deferred revenue109,798 124,777 
Debt1,245,713 170,682 
Other current liabilities544,302 378,954 
Total current liabilities3,098,103 1,978,479 
Defined benefit plan obligations30,700 57,190 
Other liabilities161,863 147,714 
Deferred tax liability5,006,167 4,762,595 
Liabilities under derivative contracts523,150 255,666 
Right-of-use operating lease liability257,424 269,062 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities25,476,629 24,249,603 
Total liabilities34,554,036 31,720,309 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)00
Redeemable equity25,763 108,551 
Stockholders' Equity (Deficiency):
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and
outstanding
0 0 
Class A common stock: $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, 297,203,087 and 290,573,672 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 457,207,079 and 446,749,307 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 20192,972 4,572 
Class B common stock: $0.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares authorized, 490,086,674 issued, 185,895,903 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 186,245,832 shares outstanding as of December 31, 20191,859 1,862 
Class C common stock: $0.01 par value, 4,000,000,000 shares authorized, no shares
issued and outstanding
0 0 
Paid-in capital0 2,039,918 
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(985,641)390,766 
(980,810)2,437,118 
Treasury stock, at cost (6,629,415 and 10,457,772 Class A common shares at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively)(163,866)(163,904)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)3,646 (3,250)
Total Altice USA stockholders' equity (deficiency)(1,141,030)2,269,964 
Noncontrolling interests(62,109)9,298 
Total stockholders' equity (deficiency)(1,203,139)2,279,262 
Total liabilities and equity$33,376,660 $34,108,122 
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 2017 2016
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $2,205 and $1,086, respectively) (See Note 14)$9,326,570
 $6,017,212
Operating expenses:   
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $4,176 and $1,947, respectively) (See Note 14)3,035,655
 1,911,230
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $106,084 and $18,854, respectively) (See Note 14)2,342,655
 1,705,615
Restructuring and other expense152,401
 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,930,475
 1,700,306
 8,461,186
 5,557,546
Operating income865,384
 459,666
Other income (expense):   
Interest expense (including interest expense to affiliates and related parties of $90,405 and $112,712, respectively) (See Note 14)(1,603,132) (1,456,541)
Interest income1,921
 13,811
Gain on investments, net237,354
 141,896
Loss on derivative contracts, net(236,330) (53,696)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts5,482
 (72,961)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (including $513,723 related to affiliates and related parties in 2017) (See Note 14)(600,240) (127,649)
Other income (expense), net(1,788) 4,329
 (2,196,733) (1,550,811)
Loss before income taxes(1,331,349) (1,091,145)
Income tax benefit2,852,967
 259,666
Net income (loss)1,521,618
 (831,479)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,587) (551)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$1,520,031
 $(832,030)
Income (loss) per share:   
Basic income (loss) per share$2.18
 $(1.28)
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)696,055
 649,525
    
Diluted income (loss) per share:$2.18
 $(1.28)
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)696,055
 649,525
Cash dividends declared per common share$1.29
 $0.69


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-5F-8







ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)


 2017 2016
    
Net income (loss)$1,521,618
 $(831,479)
Other comprehensive income (loss):   
Defined benefit pension plans:   
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)(18,632) 3,452
Applicable income taxes7,441
 (1,381)
Unrecognized gain (loss) arising during period, net of income taxes(11,191) 2,071
Curtailment loss, net of settlement losses of $1,845 for 2017 included in net periodic benefit cost(1,350) (154)
Applicable income taxes540
 62
Curtailment loss, net of settlement losses included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes(810) (92)
Other comprehensive gain (loss)(12,001) 1,979
Comprehensive income (loss)1,509,617
 (829,500)
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(1,587) (551)
Comprehensive Income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$1,508,030
 $(830,051)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

202020192018
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $14,729, $3,974 and $2,575 respectively) (See Note 16)$9,894,642 $9,760,859 $9,566,608 
Operating expenses:
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $13,346, $11,580 and $7,261 respectively) (See Note 16)3,340,442 3,300,528 3,173,076 
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $11,869, $8,355 and $16,307 respectively) (See Note 16)2,264,473 2,300,398 2,290,266 
Restructuring and other expense91,073 72,978 38,548 
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
 7,779,353 7,937,048 7,884,229 
Operating income2,115,289 1,823,811 1,682,379 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (including interest expense to affiliates and related parties of $600 in 2018) (See Note 16)(1,352,535)(1,536,559)(1,556,282)
  Interest income2,194 5,709 10,856 
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net320,061 473,406 (250,877)
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net(178,264)(282,713)218,848 
Loss on interest rate swap contracts(78,606)(53,902)(61,697)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(250,489)(243,806)(48,804)
Other income (expense), net5,577 1,183 (12,484)
(1,532,062)(1,636,682)(1,700,440)
Income (loss) before income taxes583,227 187,129 (18,061)
Income tax benefit (expense)(139,748)(47,190)38,655 
Net income443,479 139,939 20,594 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)
Net income attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$436,183 $138,936 $18,833 
Income per share:
Basic income per share$0.75 $0.21 $0.03 
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)581,057 660,384 730,088 
Diluted income per share$0.75 $0.21 $0.03 
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)583,689 662,541 730,088 
Cash dividends declared per common share$0 $0 $2.035 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



F-9
F-6




ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
 

Class A
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
Total
Equity
              
Balance at January 1, 2016$—
 $2,252,028
 $(143,948) $—
 $2,108,080
 $—
 $2,108,080
Net loss attributable to stockholders—
 —
 (832,030) —
 (832,030) —
 (832,030)
Noncontrolling interests acquired—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 (264) (264)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 551
 551
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes—
 —
 —
 1,979
 1,979
 —
 1,979
Share-based compensation expense—
 14,368
 —
 —
 14,368
 —
 14,368
Change in fair value of redeemable equity—
 (68,148) —
 —
 (68,148) —
 (68,148)
Contributions from stockholders—
 1,246,499
 —
 —
 1,246,499
 —
 1,246,499
Distributions to stockholders—
 (445,176) —
 —
 (445,176) —
 (445,176)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards—
 31
 —
 —
 31
 —
 31
Tax impact related to the Newsday Holdings, LLC transactions—
 3,952
 —
 —
 3,952
 —
 3,952
Balance at December 31, 2016$—
 $3,003,554
 $(975,978) $1,979
 $2,029,555
 $287
 $2,029,842


F-7







ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
 

Class A
Common
Stock
 

Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained Earnings (Accumulated
Deficit)
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
Total
Equity
                
Balance at January 1, 2017$—
 $—
 $3,003,554
 $(975,978) $1,979
 $2,029,555
 $287
 $2,029,842
Net income attributable to stockholders—
 —
 —
 1,520,031
 —
 1,520,031
 —
 1,520,031
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,587
 1,587
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes—
 —
 —
 —
 (12,001) (12,001) —
 (12,001)
Share-based compensation expense—
 —
 57,430
 —
 —
 57,430
 —
 57,430
Change in redeemable equity—
 —
 (163,142) —
 —
 (163,142) —
 (163,142)
Contributions from stockholders—
 —
 1,135
 —
 —
 1,135
 —
 1,135
Distributions to stockholders/non-controlling interest—
 —
 (839,700) —
 —
 (839,700) (335) (840,035)
Transfer of goodwill—
 —
 (23,101) —
 —
 (23,101) —
 (23,101)
Recognition of previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based awards in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-09—
 —
 —
 310,771
 —
 310,771
 —
 310,771
Issuance of common stock pursuant to organizational transactions prior to IPO2,349
 4,901
 2,257,002
 —
 —
 2,264,252
 —
 2,264,252
Issuance of common stock pursuant to IPO121
 —
 348,950
 —
 —
 349,071
 —
 349,071
Balance at December 31, 2017$2,470
 $4,901
 $4,642,128
 $854,824
 $(10,022) $5,494,301
 $1,539
 $5,495,840
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

202020192018
Net income$443,479 $139,939 $20,594 
Other comprehensive income:
Defined benefit pension plans:
Unrecognized actuarial gain11,710 12,074 830 
Applicable income taxes(3,096)(3,644)(220)
Unrecognized gain arising during period, net of income taxes8,614 8,430 610 
Amortization of actuarial losses0 89 0 
Applicable income taxes0 (24)0 
Amortization of actuarial losses included in other expense, net of tax0 65 0 
Settlement loss included in other expense, net623 1,643 1,268 
Applicable income taxes(174)(441)(342)
Settlement loss included in other expense, net, net of income taxes449 1,202 926 
Foreign currency translation adjustment(2,167)(1,164)967 
Applicable income taxes0 0 (261)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net(2,167)(1,164)706 
Other comprehensive income6,896 8,533 2,242 
Comprehensive income450,375 148,472 22,836 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)
Comprehensive income attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$443,079 $147,469 $21,075 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-8


F-10



ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)
 2017 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income (loss)$1,521,618
 $(831,479)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,930,475
 1,700,306
Impairment of assets included in restructuring charges—
 2,445
Gain on sale of affiliate interests—
 (206)
Equity in net loss of affiliates10,040
 1,132
Gain on investments, net(237,354) (141,896)
Loss on derivative contracts, net236,330
 53,696
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs600,240
 127,649
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts (premiums) on indebtedness31,046
 27,799
Settlement loss related to pension plan1,845
 3,298
Share-based compensation expense57,430
 14,368
Deferred income taxes(2,871,144) (263,989)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards—
 (31)
Provision for doubtful accounts74,183
 53,249
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:   
Accounts receivable, trade(89,683) (58,760)
Other receivables(12,832) 9,413
Prepaid expenses and other assets(32,927) 56,395
Amounts due from and due to affiliates(32,970) 41,351
Accounts payable69,088
 (11,814)
Accrued liabilities(265,031) 312,871
Deferred revenue12,310
 9,835
Liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts(921) 78,823
Net cash provided by operating activities2,001,743
 1,184,455
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Payment for acquisition, net of cash acquired(46,703) (8,988,774)
Net proceeds from sale of affiliate interests—
 13,825
Capital expenditures(991,364) (625,541)
Proceeds related to sale of equipment, including costs of disposal9,743
 5,885
Increase in other investments(4,773) (4,608)
Settlement of put-call options(97,410) —
Additions to other intangible assets(1,707) (106)
Net cash used in investing activities(1,132,214) (9,599,319)
    

F-9







ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock		Paid-in
Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated
Deficit)		Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)		Total
Altice USA
Stockholders'
Equity		Non-controlling
Interests		Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2018$2,470 $4,901 $4,665,229 $840,636 $(10,022)$5,503,214 $1,539 $5,504,753 
Net income attributable to stockholders— — — 18,833 — 18,833 — 18,833 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — 1,761 1,761 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — 0 — — 0 5,995 5,995 
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— — — — 1,536 1,536 — 1,536 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— — — — 706 706 — 706 
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)— — 59,812 — — 59,812 — 59,812 
Redeemable equity vested— — 169,452 — — 169,452 — 169,452 
Change in redeemable equity— — (68,169)— — (68,169)— (68,169)
Dividend payment— — (963,711)(536,224)— (1,499,935)— (1,499,935)
Class A shares acquired through share repurchase program and retired(280)— (499,720)— — (500,000)— (500,000)
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares, including $2,424 in connection with the Distribution2,771 (2,771)— — — — — — 
Impact of i24 Acquisition— — 61,769 (73,578)(1,840)(13,649)— (13,649)
Other changes to equity— — (859)— — (859)— (859)
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-02— — — 2,163 (2,163)— — — 
Balance at December 31, 2018$4,961 $2,130 $3,423,803 $251,830 $(11,783)$3,670,941 $9,295 $3,680,236 
ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
(In thousands)

 2017 2016
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Proceeds from credit facility debt$5,593,675
 $5,510,256
Repayment of credit facility debt(4,411,581) (9,133,543)
Proceeds from notes payable to affiliates and related parties—
 1,750,000
Issuance of senior notes—
 1,310,000
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness838,794
 179,388
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts(831,059) (143,102)
Distributions to stockholders(919,317) (365,559)
Repayment of senior notes, including premiums and fees(1,729,400) —
Proceeds from notes payable33,733
 —
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards—
 31
Principal payments on capital lease obligations(15,157) (18,837)
Additions to deferred financing costs(8,600) (203,712)
Proceeds from IPO, net of fees349,071
 —
Contributions from stockholders1,135
 1,246,499
Distributions to noncontrolling interests, net(335) —
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(1,099,041) 131,421
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(229,512) (8,283,443)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year503,093
 8,786,536
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year$273,581
 $503,093


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



F-10


F-11


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock		Paid-in
Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Treasury StockAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total
Altice USA
Stockholders'
Equity		Non-controlling
Interests		Total
Equity
Balance at January 1, 2019$4,961 $2,130 $3,423,803 $251,830 $— $(11,783)$3,670,941 $9,295 $3,680,236 
Net income attributable to stockholders— — — 138,936 — — 138,936 — 138,936 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — 1,003 1,003 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — (1,000)(1,000)
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— — — — — 9,697 9,697 — 9,697 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— — — — — (1,164)(1,164)— (1,164)
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)— — 99,077 — — — 99,077 — 99,077 
Redeemable equity vested— — 187,966 — — — 187,966 — 187,966 
Change in redeemable equity— — (166,511)— — — (166,511)— (166,511)
Class A shares acquired through share repurchase program and retired(727)— (1,686,146)— — — (1,686,873)— (1,686,873)
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares268 (268)— — — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares pursuant to employee long term incentive plan65 — 7,099 — (42)— 7,122 — 7,122 
Issuance of common shares to acquire partnership interests in Neptune LP— — 163,862 — (163,862)— — — — 
Class A shares issued in connection with acquisition5 — 10,768 — — — 10,773 — 10,773 
Balance at December 31, 2019$4,572 $1,862 $2,039,918 $390,766 $(163,904)$(3,250)$2,269,964 $9,298 $2,279,262 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-12


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (In thousands)

Class A
Common
Stock
Class B
Common
Stock		Paid-in
Capital		Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)Treasury StockAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)		Total
Altice USA
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficiency)		Non-controlling InterestsTotal
Equity (Deficiency)
Balance at January 1, 2020$4,572 $1,862 $2,039,918 $390,766 $(163,904)$(3,250)$2,269,964 $9,298 $2,279,262 
Net income attributable to stockholders— — — 436,183 — — 436,183 — 436,183 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — — — — — 7,296 7,296 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — — — — —  12,498 12,498 
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— — — — — 9,063 9,063 — 9,063 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— — — — — (2,167)(2,167)— (2,167)
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)— — 122,811 — — — 122,811 — 122,811 
Redeemable equity vested96,918 — 96,918 — 96,918 
Change in redeemable equity— — (14,130)— — — (14,130)— (14,130)
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares3 (3)— — — — — — — 
Issuance of common shares pursuant to employee long term incentive plan9 — 15,705 — 38 — 15,752 — 15,752 
Impact of the Lightpath Transaction (See Note 1)— — 741,471 — — — 741,471 (91,201)650,270 
Class A shares acquired through share repurchase program and retired(1,612)— (3,002,693)(1,812,590)— — (4,816,895)— (4,816,895)
Balance at December 31, 2020$2,972 $1,859 $0 $(985,641)$(163,866)$3,646 $(1,141,030)$(62,109)$(1,203,139)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-13


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

 202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$443,479 $139,939 $20,594 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
Loss (gain) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net(320,061)(473,406)250,877 
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net178,264 282,713 (218,848)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs250,489 243,806 48,804 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts (premiums) on indebtedness91,127 106,214 85,121 
Share-based compensation expense125,087 105,538 59,812 
Deferred income taxes75,512 14,931 (67,603)
Decrease in right-of-use asset45,995 46,581 0 
Provision for doubtful accounts65,965 91,520 71,426 
Other34,079 18,558 12,117 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable, trade(50,747)(91,718)(144,079)
Prepaid expenses and other assets8,330 (60,854)(10,643)
Amounts due from and due to affiliates3,594 (7,857)11,049 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(118,388)(144,894)(118,176)
Deferred revenue(39,977)(10,384)72,426 
Liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts104,051 30,338 53,101 
Net cash provided by operating activities2,980,164 2,554,169 2,508,317 
Cash flows from investing activities: 
Capital expenditures(1,073,955)(1,355,350)(1,153,589)
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(149,973)(172,269)(10,753)
Other, net3,502 2,150 15,985 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,220,426)(1,525,469)(1,148,357)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-14


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)
202020192018
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt8,019,648 9,160,229 5,555,268 
Repayment of long-term debt(6,194,804)(8,159,914)(4,882,769)
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness, net0 93,000 516,513 
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts, net0 0 (516,513)
Principal payments on finance lease obligations(43,083)(8,980)(10,228)
Purchase of shares of Altice USA, Inc. Class A common stock, pursuant to a share repurchase program and Tender Offer(4,816,379)(1,686,873)(500,000)
Dividends to stockholders0 0 (1,499,935)
Proceeds from the sale of a noncontrolling interest in Lightpath, net of expenses880,197 0 0 
Additions to deferred financing costs(48,523)(23,583)(28,468)
Proceeds from stock option exercises14,348 3,209 0 
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net12,498 (1,000)5,995 
Other(4,947)(500)(30,859)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,181,045)(624,412)(1,390,996)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents excluding effect of exchange rate changes(421,307)404,288 (31,036)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(2,167)(1,166)(26)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(423,474)403,122 (31,062)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year702,160 299,038 330,100 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year$278,686 $702,160 $299,038 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-15



CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands)
ASSETS
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$277,938 $697,741 
Restricted cash264 262 
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $25,198 and $14,683)442,581 457,118 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets200,252 211,642 
Amounts due from affiliates4,262 6,774 
Derivative contracts50,785 0 
Total current assets976,082 1,373,537 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,431,843 and $5,276,9215,805,996 5,753,401 
Right-of-use operating lease assets241,342 280,340 
Investment securities pledged as collateral2,250,854 1,931,697 
Derivative contracts4,774 25,207 
Other assets87,429 92,622 
Amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $4,409,312 and $3,670,6792,781,116 3,481,109 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises13,068,017 13,020,081 
Goodwill8,160,566 8,142,309 
Total assets$33,376,176 $34,100,303 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-16



CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(In thousands, except per membership unit amounts)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable$795,576 $799,618 
Interest payable252,060 385,655 
Accrued employee related costs142,116 111,337 
Amounts due to affiliates8,538 7,456 
Deferred revenue109,798 124,777 
Debt1,245,713 170,682 
Other current liabilities543,834 378,948 
Total current liabilities3,097,635 1,978,473 
Defined benefit plan obligations30,700 57,190 
Other liabilities161,863 147,714 
Deferred tax liability5,033,980 4,980,599 
Liabilities under derivative contracts523,150 255,666 
Right-of-use operating lease liability257,424 269,062 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities25,476,629 24,249,603 
Total liabilities34,581,381 31,938,307 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Redeemable equity25,763 108,551 
Member's equity (deficiency) (100 membership units issued and outstanding)(1,172,505)2,047,397 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)3,646 (3,250)
Total member's equity (deficiency)(1,168,859)2,044,147 
Noncontrolling interests(62,109)9,298 
Total equity (deficiency)(1,230,968)2,053,445 
Total liabilities and member's equity$33,376,176 $34,100,303 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-17



CSC HOLDINGS LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

202020192018
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $14,729, $3,974 and $2,575 respectively) (See Note 16)$9,894,642 $9,760,859 $9,566,608 
Operating expenses:
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $13,346, $11,580 and $7,261 respectively) (See Note 16)3,340,442 3,300,528 3,173,076 
Other operating expenses (including charges from affiliates of $11,869, $8,355 and $16,307 respectively) (See Note 16)2,264,473 2,300,398 2,290,266 
Restructuring and other expense91,073 72,978 38,548 
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
 7,779,353 7,937,048 7,884,229 
Operating income2,115,289 1,823,811 1,682,379 
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (including interest expense to affiliates and related parties of $600 in 2018) (See Note 16)(1,352,535)(1,455,302)(1,253,176)
Interest income (including interest income to affiliates and related parties of $2,429 in 2018) (See Note 16)2,194 5,709 13,228 
Gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net319,515 473,406 (261,536)
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net(178,264)(282,713)218,848 
Loss on interest rate swap contracts(78,606)(53,902)(61,697)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(250,489)(228,130)(7,883)
Other income (expense), net5,577 1,181 (12,274)
(1,532,608)(1,539,751)(1,364,490)
Income before income taxes582,681 284,060 317,889 
Income tax expense(126,843)(71,243)(57,563)
Net income455,838 212,817 260,326 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)
Net income attributable to CSC Holdings, LLC sole member$448,542 $211,814 $258,565 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-18



CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(In thousands)

202020192018
Net income$455,838 $212,817 $260,326 
Other comprehensive income:
Defined benefit pension plans:
Unrecognized actuarial gain11,710 12,074 830 
Applicable income taxes(3,096)(3,644)(220)
Unrecognized gain arising during period, net of income taxes8,614 8,430 610 
Amortization of actuarial losses0 89  0 
Applicable income taxes0 (24)0 
 Amortization of actuarial losses included in other expense, net of tax0 65 0 
Settlement loss included in other expense, net623  1,643 1,268 
Applicable income taxes(174)(441)(342)
Settlement loss included in other expense, net, net of income taxes449 1,202 926 
Foreign currency translation adjustment(2,167)(1,164)967 
Applicable income taxes0 0 (261)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net(2,167)(1,164)706 
Other comprehensive income6,896 8,533 2,242 
Comprehensive income462,734 221,350 262,568 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,296)(1,003)(1,761)
Comprehensive income attributable to CSC Holdings, LLC's sole member$455,438 $220,347 $260,807 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-19





CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIENCY)
(In thousands)

Member's EquityAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total Member's EquityNoncontrolling InterestsTotal Equity
Balance at January 1, 2018$9,454,753 $(10,022)$9,444,731 $1,539 $9,446,270 
Net income attributable to CSC Holdings' sole member258,565 — 258,565 — 258,565 
Net income attributable to interests— — — 1,761 1,761 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — — 5,995 5,995 
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— 1,536 1,536 — 1,536 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— 706 706 — 706 
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)59,812 — 59,812 — 59,812 
Redeemable equity vested169,452 — 169,452 — 169,452 
Change in redeemable equity(68,169)— (68,169)— (68,169)
Cash distributions to parent(3,058,747)— (3,058,747)— (3,058,747)
Cash contributions from parent50,000 — 50,000 — 50,000 
Impact of i24 Acquisition(11,809)(1,840)(13,649)— (13,649)
Adoption of ASU No. 2018-022,163 (2,163)— — — 
Cequel debt exchanged for CSC Holdings debt(2,854,392)— (2,854,392)— (2,854,392)
Balance at December 31, 2018$4,001,628 $(11,783)$3,989,845 $9,295 $3,999,140 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-20




CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) (continued)
(In thousands)

Member's EquityAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total Member's EquityNoncontrolling InterestsTotal Equity
Balance at January 1, 2019$4,001,628 $(11,783)$3,989,845 $9,295 $3,999,140 
Net income attributable to CSC Holdings' sole member211,814 — 211,814 — 211,814 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — 1,003 1,003 
Distributions to noncontrolling interests— — — (1,000)(1,000)
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— 9,697 9,697 — 9,697 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— (1,164)(1,164)— (1,164)
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)99,077 — 99,077 — 99,077 
Redeemable equity vested187,967 — 187,967 — 187,967 
Change in redeemable equity(166,511)— (166,511)— (166,511)
Cash distributions to parent(2,279,472)— (2,279,472)— (2,279,472)
Non-cash contributions from parent, net151,455 — 151,455 — 151,455 
Impact of Cheddar acquisition10,773 — 10,773 — 10,773 
Assumption of Cablevision debt and acquisition of Cablevision assets(169,334)— (169,334)— (169,334)
Balance at December 31, 2019$2,047,397 $(3,250)$2,044,147 $9,298 $2,053,445 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.















F-21



CSC HOLDINGS, LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN TOTAL MEMBER'S EQUITY (DEFICIENCY) (continued)
(In thousands)

Member's Equity (Deficiency)Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Total Member's Equity (Deficiency)Noncontrolling InterestsTotal Equity (Deficiency)
Balance at January 1, 2020$2,047,397 $(3,250)$2,044,147 $9,298 $2,053,445 
Net income attributable to CSC Holdings' sole member448,542 — 448,542 — 448,542 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests— — — 7,296 7,296 
Contributions from noncontrolling interests— — — 12,498 12,498 
Pension liability adjustments, net of income taxes— 9,063 9,063 — 9,063 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income taxes— (2,167)(2,167)— (2,167)
Share-based compensation expense (equity classified)122,811 — 122,811 — 122,811 
Redeemable equity vested96,918 — 96,918 — 96,918 
Change in redeemable equity(14,130)— (14,130)— (14,130)
Impact of the Lightpath Transaction (See Note 1)741,645 — 741,645 (91,201)650,444 
Non-cash contributions from parent, net178,720 — 178,720 — 178,720 
Cash distributions to parent(4,794,408)— (4,794,408)— (4,794,408)
Balance at December 31, 2020$(1,172,505)$3,646 $(1,168,859)$(62,109)$(1,230,968)


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



F-22




CSC HOLDINGS LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
 202020192018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income$455,838 $212,817 $260,326 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,083,365 2,263,144 2,382,339 
Loss (gain) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net(319,515)(473,406)261,536 
Loss (gain) on derivative contracts, net178,264 282,713 (218,848)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs250,489 228,130 7,883 
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts (premiums) on indebtedness91,127 90,706 43,135 
Share-based compensation expense125,087 105,538 59,812 
Deferred income taxes101,217 (238,709)(251,593)
Decrease in right-of-use asset45,995 46,581 0 
Provision for doubtful accounts65,965 91,520 71,426 
Other34,079 18,558 12,117 
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivable, trade(50,747)(91,718)(144,079)
Prepaid expenses and other assets8,328 (51,611)(23,938)
Amounts due from and due to affiliates180,911 247,917 175,159 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(334,055)(128,392)5,273 
Deferred revenue(39,977)(10,384)72,426 
Liabilities related to interest rate swap contracts104,051 30,338 53,101 
Net cash provided by operating activities2,980,422  2,623,742 2,766,075 
Cash flows from investing activities: 
Capital expenditures(1,073,955)(1,355,350)(1,153,589)
Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired(149,973)(172,269)(10,753)
Other, net(706)2,150 4,158 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,224,634)(1,525,469)(1,160,184)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-23


CSC HOLDINGS LLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
Years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
202020192018
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt8,019,648 9,160,229 4,505,268 
Repayment of long-term debt(6,194,804)(7,637,582)(3,059,013)
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness, net0 93,000 516,513 
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts, net0 0 (516,513)
Distributions to parent(4,794,408)(2,279,472)(3,058,750)
Contributions from parent0 0 50,000 
Proceeds from the sale of a noncontrolling interest in Lightpath, net of expenses880,197 0 0 
Principal payments on finance lease obligations(43,083)(8,980)(10,228)
Additions to deferred financing costs(48,523)(23,583)(28,471)
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net12,498 (1,000)5,995 
Other(4,947)(500)(30,000)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,173,422)(697,888)(1,625,199)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents excluding effect of exchange rate changes(417,634)400,385 (19,308)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(2,167)(1,166)(26)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents(419,801)399,219 (19,334)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year698,003 298,784 318,118 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of year$278,202 $698,003 $298,784 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-24

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)






NOTE 1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND RELATED MATTERS
The Company and Related Matters
Altice USA, Inc. ("Altice USA" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware on September 14, 2015. As of December 31, 2017,Through June 8, 2018, Altice USA is majority‑ownedwas majority-owned by Altice Europe N.V. ("Altice Europe"), a public company with limited liability (naamloze vennootshcap) under Dutch law. Upon the completionOn June 8, 2018, Altice Europe distributed substantially all of the Altice N.V. distribution discussed below,its equity interest in the Company will no longer bethrough a distribution in kind to holders of Altice Europe's common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Altice USA is now majority-owned by Altice N.V.
The Company provides broadband communications and video services in the United States. It delivers broadband, pay television, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers.Patrick Drahi through Next Alt. S.a.r.l. ("Next Alt").
Altice N.V.,USA is a holding company that does not conduct any business operations of its own. Altice Europe, through a subsidiary, acquired Cequel Corporation ("Cequel" or "Suddenlink") on December 21, 2015 and Cequel was contributed to Altice USA on June 9, 2016. Altice USA had no operations of its own other than the issuance of debt prior to the contribution of Cequel on June 9, 2016 by Altice N.V. The results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2016 have been included in the results of operations of Altice USA for the same periods, as Cequel was under common control with Altice USA.
Altice USA acquired Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision" or "Optimum") on June 21, 2016 (see discussion below)2016.
Altice USA, through CSC Holdings, LLC (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision) and its consolidated subsidiaries ("CSC Holdings," and collectively with Altice USA, the results of operations of Cablevision are included with"Company"), principally provides broadband communications and video services in the results of operations of Cequel for the year ended December 31, 2017. The year ended December 31, 2016 operating results include the operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition, June 21, 2016.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all subsidiaries in which the Company has a controlling interest. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company classifiesUnited States. It markets its operations intoresidential services primarily under two reportable segments: Cablevision, which operatesbrands: Optimum, in the New York metropolitan area, and Cequel, whichSuddenlink, principally operates in markets in the south‑centralsouth-central United States.
Initial Public Offering
It operates enterprise services under the brands Lightpath and Altice Business. It delivers broadband, video, telephony services, proprietary content and advertising services to residential and business customers. In June 2017,September 2019, the Company completedlaunched Altice Mobile, a full service voice and data offering, to consumers across its initial public offeringfootprint. As these brands are managed on a consolidated basis, the Company classifies its operations in one segment.
The accompanying combined consolidated financial statements ("IPO"consolidated financial statements") of 71,724,139 sharesAltice USA include the accounts of Altice USA and its Class A common stock (12,068,966 shares sold bymajority-owned subsidiaries and the Companyaccompanying consolidated financial statements of CSC Holdings include the accounts of CSC Holdings and 59,655,173 shares sold by existing stockholders) at a priceits majority-owned subsidiaries and gives effect to the publicATS Acquisition and the i24 Acquisition discussed below. The consolidated balance sheets and statements of $30.00 per share, includingoperations of Altice USA are essentially identical to the underwriters full exerciseconsolidated balance sheets and statements of their option to purchase 7,781,110 shares to cover overallotments. At the dateoperations of the IPO, Altice N.V. owned approximately 70.2% of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock, which represented approximately 98.2% of the voting power of the Company's outstanding common stock. The Company’s Class A common stock began trading on June 22, 2017, on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "ATUS".
In connectionCSC Holdings, with the salefollowing exceptions: Altice USA has additional cash and deferred taxes on its consolidated balance sheet. In addition, CSC Holdings and its subsidiaries have certain intercompany receivables from and payables to Altice USA. Differences between Altice USA's results of its Class A common stock, the Company received proceedsoperations and those of approximately $362,069, before deducting the underwriting discount and expenses directly relatedCSC Holdings primarily include incremental interest expense for periods prior to the issuanceassumption of the securities of $12,998. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholders. In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of 10.875%Cablevision senior notes that mature in 2025 issued by CSC Holdings an indirect wholly-owned subsidiaryin November 2019, interest income, loss on extinguishment of debt, the write-off of deferred financing costs, and income tax benefit (expense).
The combined notes to the consolidated financial statements relate to the Company, which, except as noted, are essentially identical for Altice USA and CSC Holdings. All significant intercompany transactions and balances between Altice USA and CSC Holdings and their respective consolidated subsidiaries are eliminated in both sets of consolidated financial statements. Intercompany transactions between Altice USA and CSC Holdings are not eliminated in the related call premium of approximately $34,341.CSC Holdings consolidated financial statements, but are eliminated in the Altice USA consolidated financial statements.
The following organizational transactions were consummated prior to the IPO:financial statements of CSC Holdings are included herein as supplemental information as CSC Holdings is not an SEC registrant.
the Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation to, among other things, provide for Class A common stock, Class B common stock and Class C common stock;
BC Partners LLP ("BCP") and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘‘CPPIB and together with BCP, the‘‘Co-Investors’’) and Uppernext S.C.S.p. ("Uppernext"), an entity controlled by Mr. Patrick Drahi (founder and controlling stockholder of Altice N.V.), exchanged their indirect ownership interest in the Company for shares of the Company’s common stock;
Neptune Management LP (‘‘Management LP’’) redeemed its Class B units for shares of the Company’s common stock that it received from the redemption of its Class B units in Neptune Holding US LP;


F-11


F-25


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Lightpath Transaction
In December 2020, the Company converted $525,000 aggregate principal amountcompleted the sale of notes issueda 49.99% interest in its Lightpath fiber enterprise business (the "Lightpath Transaction") based on an implied enterprise value of $3,200,000. The Company received total gross cash proceeds of approximately $2,355,000 ($890,000 from the sale and $1,465,000 from the related financing activity, excluding the discount on the term loan of $3,000). The excess of the cash received from the sale, net of related expenses, over the book value of the interest sold of $741,471, net of taxes of $228,489, was recorded in stockholders' equity (deficiency) by Altice USA. The Company retained a 50.01% interest in the Lightpath business and maintained control of Cablevision Lightpath LLC, the entity holding the interest in the Lightpath business. Accordingly, the Company will continue to consolidate the operating results of the Lightpath business. Cablevision Lightpath LLC was financed independently outside of the CSC Holdings restricted group. Proceeds from this transaction were used to fund the Tender Offer (see discussion below). See Note 11 for additional information regarding the debt financing related to the Co-Investors (togetherLightpath Transaction.
Acquisition of Neptune Holding US Limited Partnership
In December 2019, Altice USA entered into an agreement with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) into shares of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
$1,225,000 aggregate principal amount of notes issued by the Company to a subsidiary of Altice N.V. (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) was transferred to CVC 3 B.V., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V.Europe ("CVC 3") and then the Company converted such notes into shares, whereby CVC 3 assigned all of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price (see Note 9 for further details);
the Co-Investors,its interest (the "Partnership Interest") in Neptune Holding US LP, A4 S.A. (an entity controlled by the family of Mr. Drahi), and former Class B unitholders of Management LP (including Uppernext) exchangedLimited Partnership (“Neptune LP”) to Altice USA in exchange for 6,290,292 shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class A common stock; and
CVC 3 and A4 S.A. exchanged shares of the Company’s common stock for new shares of the Company’s Class B common stock.
Acquisition of Cablevision Systems Corporation
On June 21, 2016 (the "Cablevision Acquisition Date"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among Cablevision, Altice N.V., Neptune Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub merged with and into Cablevision, with Cablevision surviving the merger (the "Cablevision Acquisition").
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, each outstanding share of the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock parof Altice USA with an aggregate value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class A Shares"), and Cablevision NY Group Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class B Shares", and together withof $163,862. At the CNYG Class A Shares,time of the "Shares"), and together withassignment, the Cablevision NY GroupPartnership Interest represented 6,290,292 shares of Class A common stock the "Shares" other than Shares owned by Cablevision, Altice N.V. or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, in each case not held on behalf of third parties in a fiduciary capacity, received $34.90 in cash without interest, less applicable tax withholdings (the "Cablevision Acquisition Consideration").
Pursuant to an agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among CVC 2 B.V., CIE Management IX Limited, for and on behalf of the limited partnerships BC European Capital IX-1 through 11 and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, certain affiliates of BCP and CPPIB (the "Co-Investors") funded approximately $1,000,000 toward the payment of the aggregate Per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration, and indirectly acquired approximately 30% of the Shares of Cablevision.
Also in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, outstanding equity-based awards granted under Cablevision’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into cash based upon the $34.90 per Share Cablevision Acquisition Consideration in accordance with the original terms of the awards. The total consideration for the outstanding CNYG Class A Shares, the outstanding CNYG Class B Shares, and the equity-based awards amounted to $9,958,323.
In connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, in October 2015, Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice N.V. formed to complete the financing described herein and the merger with CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision, borrowed an aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 under a term loan facility (the "Term Credit Facility") and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the Term Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").
Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.125% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 10.875% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2025 (the "2025 Guaranteed Notes") (collectively the "Cablevision Acquisition Notes").
On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Cablevision Acquisition, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Cablevision Acquisition Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings.

F-12


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and $875,000 bore interest at 11%. See Note 9 for a discussion regarding the conversion of these notes payable to shares of the Company's common stock prior to the consummation of the IPO.
The Cablevision Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company stepped up 100% of the assets and liabilities assumed to their fair value at the Cablevision Acquisition Date. See Note 3 for further details.
Acquisition of Cequel Corporation
On December 21, 2015, Altice N.V., though a subsidiary, acquired approximately 70% of the total outstanding equity interests in Cequel (the "Cequel Acquisition") from the direct and indirect stockholders of Cequel Corporation (the "Sellers"). The consideration for the acquired equity interests, which was based on a total equity valuation for 100% of the capital and voting rights of Cequel, was $3,973,528, including $2,797,928 of cash consideration, $675,600 of retained equity held by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB and $500,000 funded by the issuance by an affiliate of Altice N.V. of a senior vendor note that was subscribed by entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB. Following the closing of the Cequel Acquisition, entities affiliated with BC Partners and CPPIB retained a 30% equity interest in a parent entity of the Company. In addition, the carried interest plans of the stockholders were cashed out whereby payments were made to participants in such carried interest plans, including certain officers and directors of Cequel.
Altice N.V. Distribution
On January 8, 2018, Altice N.V. announced plans for the separation of the Company from Altice N.V. Altice N.V. will distribute substantially all of its equity interest in the Company through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice N.V.'s common shares A and common shares B (the “Distribution”). Following the Distribution, Altice N.V. will no longer own a controlling equity interest in the Company, and the Company will operate independently from Altice N.V.
The implementation of the Distribution is expected to be subject to certain conditions precedent being satisfied or waived. Although Altice N.V. and the Company have not yet negotiated the final terms of the Distribution and related transactions, the Company expects that the following will be conditions to the Distribution:
Approval of Altice N.V. shareholders of (i) the distribution in kind and (ii) the board resolution approving the change in identity and character of the business of Altice N.V. resulting from the Distribution;
Receipt of certain U.S. regulatory approvals, which could take up to 180 days;
This Registration Statement filed on January 8, 2018 being declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘Commission’’);
The entry into the Master Separation Agreement and the entry into, amendments to or termination of various arrangements between Altice N.V. and the Company, such as a license to use the Altice brand, the stockholders’ agreement among Altice USA, Altice N.V. and certain other parties and the management agreement pursuant to which the Company pays a quarterly management fee to Altice N.V.; and
The declaration and payment of a one-time $1.5 billion dividend to Altice USA stockholders as of a record date prior to the Distribution (the ‘‘Pre-Distribution Dividend’’).
Prior to Altice N.V.'s announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA acting through its independent directors, approved in principleheld by Neptune LP. As a result of this transaction, Altice USA obtained control of Neptune LP and accordingly, Neptune LP is consolidated within the paymentAltice USA financial statements. The assets of the Pre-Distribution Dividend to all shareholders immediately prior to completionNeptune LP which consisted solely of the separation. Formal approvalshares of the Pre-Distribution Dividend and setting of a record date are expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018. The payment of the Pre-Distribution Dividend will be funded with available Cablevision revolving facility capacity and available cash from new financings, completed in January 2018, at CSC Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision. In addition, the Board of Directorsclass A common stock of Altice USA has authorized a share repurchase programare presented as treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheets of $2.0 billion, effective following completion of the separation.
In connection with the Distribution, it is expected that the Management AdvisoryAltice USA at December 31, 2020 and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice N.V. which provides certain consulting, advisory and other services will be terminated. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 paid by the Company.2019.

F-13


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp
Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS") was formed to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. During the second quarter of 2017, a portion of the Company's technical workforce became employees of ATS and ATS commenced operations and began to perform services for the Company. Another portion of the Company's technical workforce became employees of ATS in December 2017. Additionally, in the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into an Independent Contractor Agreement with ATS that governed the terms of the services provided to the Company and entered into a Transition Services Agreement for the use of the Company's resources to provide various overhead functions to ATS, including accounting, legal and human resources and for the use of certain facilities, vehicles and technician tools during a transitional period. The Transition Services Agreement required ATS to reimburse the Company for its cost to provide such services.
In January 2018, the Company acquired 70% of the equity interests in Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS")ATS for $1.00 (the "ATS Acquisition") and the Company expects to becomebecame the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS prior to the Distribution.in March 2018. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V.Europe and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As a result of the ATS Acquisition, the operations of ATS will be combined with the Company's operations in 2018. As the acquisition is a combination of businesses under common control, the Company will retroactively combinecombined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of ATS for all periods. The following reflects the retroactive combination of ATS’s revenue, operating expenses and operating income for the period indicated:
 Year Ended December 31, 2017
 
Revenue$9,325,465
Operating expenses8,482,728
Operating income$842,737
periods since its formation. In connection with the ATS Acquisition, the Company will recordrecorded goodwill of $23,101, representing the amount previously transferred to ATS.
Acquisition of i24NEWS
In April 2018, Altice Europe transferred its ownership of i24 US and i24 Europe ("i24NEWS"), Altice Europe's 24/7 international news and current affairs channels to the Company for minimal consideration (the "i24 Acquisition"). As the acquisition was a combination of businesses under common control, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of i24NEWS as of April 1, 2018. Operating results for periods prior to April 1, 2018 have not been revised to reflect the i24 Acquisition as the impact was deemed immaterial.
Altice Europe Distribution
On June 8, 2018, Altice Europe distributed substantially all of its equity interest in Altice USA through a distribution in kind to holders of Altice Europe's common shares A and common shares B (the "Distribution'). The Distribution took place by way of a special distribution in kind by Altice Europe of its 67.2% interest in Altice USA to Altice Europe shareholders. Each shareholder of Altice Europe on May 23, 2018, the Distribution record date, received 0.4163 shares of Altice USA's common stock for every share held by such shareholder in Altice Europe.

F-26

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Prior to Altice Europe's announcement of the Distribution, the Board of Directors of Altice USA, acting through its independent directors, approved the payment of a $2.035 per share dividend to all shareholders of record on May 22, 2018. The payment of the dividend, aggregating $1,499,935, was made on June 6, 2018, and was funded with cash at CSC Holdings from financings completed in January 2018, and cash generated from operations. In connection with the payment of the dividend, Altice USA recorded a decrease in retained earnings of $536,224, representing the cumulative earnings through the payment date, and a decrease in paid in capital of $963,711.
Immediately following the Distribution, there were 489,384,523 shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and 247,684,443 shares of Altice USA Class B common stock outstanding.
In connection with the Distribution, the Management Advisory and Consulting Services Agreement with Altice Europe which provided certain consulting, advisory and other services was terminated. See Note 14 regarding16 for further details.
Share Repurchase Program
In June 2018, the Board of Directors of Altice USA authorized a share repurchase program of $2,000,000, and on July 30, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a new incremental three-year share repurchase program of $5,000,000 that took effect following the completion in August 2019 of the $2,000,000 repurchase program. Under these repurchase programs, shares of Altice USA Class A common stock may be purchased from time to time in the open market and may include trading plans entered into with one or more brokerage firms in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Size and timing of these purchases will be determined based on market conditions and other factors.  
In November 2020, the Company's activities with ATSBoard of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $2,000,000 of Altice USA Class A common stock pursuant to a tender offer. On November 23, 2020, the Company commenced a modified "Dutch auction" tender offer (the "Tender Offer") to purchase up to $2,500,000 in 2017.value of shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price not greater than $36.00 per share nor less than $32.25 per share . The Tender Offer expired on December 21, 2020. On December 21, 2020, the Company accepted for purchase 64,613,479 shares of its Class A Common Stock, at a price of $36.00 per share, plus related fees, for an aggregate purchase price of $2,326,949. The aggregate purchase price of these shares (including the fees relating to the Tender Offer), is reflected in stockholders' equity (deficiency) in the consolidated balance sheet of Altice USA as of December 31, 2020.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, Altice USA repurchased an aggregate of 161,216,653, 72,668,712, and 28,028,680 shares, respectively, for a total purchase price of approximately $4,816,895, $1,686,873 and $500,000 respectively. These acquired shares were retired and the cost of these shares was recorded in stockholders' equity (deficiency) in the consolidated balance sheet of Altice USA. As of December 31, 2020, Altice USA had approximately $1,996,230 of availability remaining under the incremental share repurchase program and had 476,469,575 combined Class A and Class B shares outstanding.
NOTE 2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
Residential Services
The Company derives revenue through monthly charges to residential customers of its broadband, video, and telephony services, including installation services. In addition, the Company derives revenue from digital video recorder ("DVR"), video-on-demand ("VOD"), pay-per-view, and home shopping commissions which are reflected in "Residential video" revenues. The Company recognizes pay television, broadband, video, and telephony services revenues as the services are provided to customers.a customer on a monthly basis. Revenue received from customers who purchasethe sale of bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product in a pro-rata manner based on the individual product’sstandalone selling price (generally,of each performance obligation within the bundled offer. The standalone selling price requires judgment and is typically determined based on the current prices at which the product is regularlyseparate services are sold on a standalone basis).by the Company. Installation revenue for the Company's pay television,residential services is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is estimated to be less than one year. The estimated benefit period takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.

F-27

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  In instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customers are recorded as revenue. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $257,405, $254,227 and $257,467, respectively.
Business and Wholesale Revenue
The Company derives revenue from the sale of products and services to both large enterprise and small and medium-sized business ("SMB") customers, including broadband, telephony, networking, and video services reflected in "Business services and wholesale" revenues. The Company's business services also include Ethernet, data transport, and IP-based virtual private networks. The Company also provides managed services to businesses, including hosted telephony services (cloud based SIP-based private branch exchange), managed WiFi, managed desktop and server backup and managed collaboration services including audio and web conferencing. The Company also offers fiber-to-the-tower services to wireless carriers for cell tower backhaul, which enables wireline communications service providers to connect to customers that their own networks do not reach. The Company recognizes revenues for these services as the services are provided to a customer on a monthly basis.
Substantially all of our SMB customers are billed monthly and large enterprise customers are billed in accordance with the terms of their contracts which is typically also on a monthly basis. Contracts with large enterprise customers typically range from three years to five years. Installation revenue related to our large enterprise customers is deferred and recognized over the average contract term. Installation revenue related to SMB customers is deferred and recognized over the benefit period, which is less than one year. The estimated benefit period for SMB customers takes into account both quantitative and qualitative factors including the significance of average installation fees to total recurring revenue per customer.
News and Advertising Revenue
As part of the agreements under which the Company acquires video programming, the Company typically receives an allocation of scheduled advertising time during such programming into which the Company's cable systems can insert commercials. In several of the markets in which the Company operates, it has entered into agreements commonly referred to as installations are completed, as direct selling costs have exceeded this revenueinterconnects with other cable operators to jointly sell local advertising. In some of these markets, the Company represents the advertising sales efforts of other cable operators; in all periods reported.other markets, other cable operators represent the Company. The Company also offers customers the opportunity to advertise on digital platforms. Advertising revenues are recognized when commercialsthe advertising is distributed. For arrangements in which the Company controls the sale of advertising and acts as the principal to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue earned from the advertising customer on a gross basis and the amount remitted to the distributor as an operating expense. For arrangements in which the Company does not control the sale of advertising and acts as an agent to the transaction, the Company recognizes revenue net of any fee remitted to the distributor. The Company's advanced advertising businesses provide data-driven, audience-based advertising solutions using advanced analytics tools that provide granular measurement of consumer groups, accurate hyper-local ratings and other insights into target audience behavior not available through traditional sample-based measurement services. Revenue earned from the Company's advanced advertising businesses is recognized when services are aired.provided.
Affiliation fee revenue derived by our news business is recognized as the programming services are provided.
Mobile Revenue
In September 2019, the Company commercially launched Altice Mobile, a mobile service providing data, talk and text to consumers in or near our service areas. Customers can purchase or finance a variety of mobile devices. Revenue is recognized from the sale of equipment upon delivery and acceptance by the customer. Customers are billed monthly, in advance, for access to and usage of our mobile services. The Company recognizes mobile service revenue as the services are provided to the customers.
Other Revenue
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.

F-28

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Customer Contract Costs
Incremental costs incurred in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. Sales commissions for enterprise customers are deferred and amortized over the average contract term. For sales commission expenses related to residential and SMB customers with a term of one year or less, the Company is utilizing the practical expedient and is recognizing the costs when incurred.  The costs of fulfilling a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if they generate or enhance resources of the Company that will be used in satisfying future performance obligations and are expected to be recovered. Installation costs related to residential and SMB customers that are not capitalized as part of the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment are expensed as incurred pursuant to industry-specific guidance.
Deferred enterprise commission costs are included in other noncurrent assets in the consolidated balance sheet and totaled $19,959 and $30,758 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
A significant portion of our revenue is derived from residential and SMB customer contracts which are month-to month. As such, the amount of revenue related to unsatisfied performance obligations is not necessarily indicative of the future revenue to be recognized from our existing customer base. Contracts with enterprise customers generally range from three years to five years, and services may only be terminated in accordance with the contractual terms.
The following table presents the composition of revenue:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Residential:
Broadband$3,689,159 $3,222,605 $2,887,455 
Video3,670,859 3,997,873 4,156,428 
Telephony468,777 598,694 652,895 
Business services and wholesale1,454,532 1,428,532 1,362,758 
News and advertising519,205 475,904 487,264 
Mobile78,127 21,264 0 
Other13,983 15,987 19,808 
Total revenue$9,894,642 $9,760,859 $9,566,608 
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneously with the purchase of a product or service, from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilizeutilizes historical transactions, quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition
In the normal course of business, the Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  The Company's policy is that, in instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities and amounts received from the customers are recorded on a gross basis.  That is, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customer are recorded as revenue.  For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $259,075 and $154,732, respectively.

F-14


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services and goods are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's pay televisionvideo service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to customers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of customers that receive the programming.  If there are periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of

F-29

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Advertising costs amounted to $224,120$213,474, $233,326 and $135,513$240,273 for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. Share-based compensation costwhich primarily relates to awards of units in a carried unit plan, stock options, and options.
For carried interestperformance stock units is based on the fair value of share-based payment awards at the date of grant. The Company measuresrecognizes share-based compensation cost at the grant date fair value and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period or when it is probable any related performance condition will be met. For carried interest unitsawards with graded vesting, requirement, compensation cost is recognized on an accelerated method under the graded vesting method over the requisite service period for the carried interest unit. Carried interest unitsperiod. Share-based compensation expense related to awards that vest entirely at the end of the vesting requirementperiod are expensed on a straight-line basis.
The Company estimated the fair value of carried interest units using an option pricing model. Key inputs that were used in applying the option pricing method were total equity value, equity volatility, risk free rate and time to liquidity event. The estimate of total equity value was determined using a combination of the income approach, which incorporated cash flow projections that were discounted at an appropriate rate, and the market approach, which involved applying a market multiple to the Company’s projected operating results. The Company estimated volatility based on the historical equity volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies. Subsequent to the IPO, such subjective valuations and estimates were no longer necessary as the Company relied on the market price of the Company’s common stock to determine the fair value of share-based compensation awards. See Note 1315 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our share-based compensation.
For stock option awards, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model. For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, the Company recognizes the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability. The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships. 

F-15


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor'sS&P Global Ratings and Moody's Investors Service. The Company selects money market funds that predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacymeasurement of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluatingexpected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.reported amount. 
InvestmentsInvestment Securities
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are statedcarried at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.the consolidated statements of operations.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capitalfinance leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leasesfinance lease obligations and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.

F-30

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization.
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors forthe recoverability of its goodwill annually, or more frequently whenever events or substantive changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of its reporting units that carry goodwill.  Ifmay exceed their fair value. The Company firsts considers qualitative factors to determine whether the qualitative assessment results inexistence of events or circumstances leads to a conclusiondetermination that it is more likely than notmore-likely- than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds theis less than its carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When theamount. If, after this qualitative assessment, the Company determines that it is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculatemore-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit withless than its carrying amount including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-

F-16


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollarsthen no further testing is performed. A quantitative assessment is performed if the qualitative assessment results in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


value based premise approach.  Ifa more-likely-than-not determination or if a qualitative assessment is not performed. The quantitative assessment considers whether the carrying amount of thea reporting unit exceeds its fair value, in which case an impairment charge is recorded to the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value ofextent the reporting unit's goodwill with theunit’s carrying amount of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwillvalue exceeds the impliedits fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.value.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs, which are beingpresented as a reduction of debt, are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as gains (losses)gain (loss) on derivative contracts or gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncement

In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2017. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value were applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term were applied prospectively. The Company elected to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using the prospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.F-31
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The primary provision of ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ASU 2018-02 also requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU No. 2018‑02 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted and will be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period (or periods) in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized.

F-17



ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Foreign Currency
In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑09, Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718). ASU No. 2017‑09 provides clarity and guidance on which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. ASU No. 2017‑09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715). ASU No. 2017‑07 requires that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. It also provides guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and what component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization. ASU No. 2017‑07 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. In connection with the adoption of ASU 2017-07, the Company will reclassify the non-service cost componentsCertain of the Company's pension expensei24NEWS subsidiaries are located outside the United States. The functional currency for these subsidiaries is determined based on the primary economic environment in which the subsidiary operates. Revenues and expenses for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars using rates that approximate those in effect during the period while the assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the end of each period. The resulting gains and losses from primarily "Other operating expenses" to "Miscellaneousthese translations are recognized in cumulative translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income (expense), net"(loss) in stockholders’/member's equity (deficiency) on its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has elected to apply the practical expedient which allows it to reclassify amounts disclosed previously in the benefits plan note (Note 17 of the consolidated financial statements) as the basis for applying retrospective presentation for comparative periods, as the Company determined it was impracticable to disaggregate the cost components for amounts capitalized and amortized in those periods.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350). ASU No. 2017‑04 simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two‑step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU No. 2017‑04 becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted and will be applied prospectively.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017‑01, Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which amends Topic 805 to interpret the definition of a business by adding guidance to assist in evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied prospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively. The Company does not believe that the adoption of ASU No. 2016-15 will have a material effect on its consolidated statements of cash flows.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.sheets.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.  ASU No. 2016-01 modifies how entities measure certain equity investments and also modifies the recognition of changes in the fair value of financial liabilities measured under the fair value option. Entities will be required to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income. For financial liabilities measured using the fair value option, entities will be required to record changes in fair value caused by a change in instrument-specific credit risk (own credit risk) separately in other comprehensive income. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.  The Company does expect the adoption of ASU No. 2016-01 to have any effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 that approved deferring the effective date by one year so that ASU No. 2014-09 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018.

F-18


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2014-09 on January 1, 2018 and will transition to the standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will not have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. The adoption will, however, result in the deferral of certain installation revenue and the deferral of certain commission expenses. Additionally, the Company anticipates changes in the composition of revenue resulting from the allocation of value related to bundled services sold at a discount to residential customers.
Common Stock of Altice USA
At December 31, 2017, the Company had 246,982,292 shares of Class A common stock and 490,086,674 shares of Class B common stock, with a par value of $0.01, issued and outstanding. Each holder of Class A common stock has one1 vote per share while holders of Class B common stock have twenty-fiveNaN votes per share. Class B shares can be converted to Class A common stock at anytime with a conversion ratio of one1 Class A common share for one Class B common share.
At December 31, 2016, the Company had 100The following table provides details of Altice USA's shares of common stock with a par valueoutstanding:
 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 Class A
Common Stock		Class B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2017246,982,292 490,086,674 
Altice Europe Distribution on June 8, 2018 (see Note 1)242,402,231 (242,402,231)
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock34,708,184 (34,708,184)
Retirement of Class A common shares in connection with the Company's stock repurchase plan (see Note 1)(28,028,680)0 
Balance at December 31, 2018496,064,027  212,976,259 
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock26,730,427 (26,730,427)
Issuance of common shares6,897,190 0 
Option exercises184,147 0 
Repurchase and retirement of Class A common shares in connection with the Company's stock repurchase plan (see Note 1)(72,668,712)0 
Treasury shares acquired (a)(10,457,772)0 
Balance at December 31, 2019446,749,307 186,245,832 
Conversion of Class B common stock to Class A common stock349,929 (349,929)
Issuance of common shares40,000 0 
Option exercises822,732 0 
Repurchase and retirement of Class A common shares in connection with the Company's stock repurchase plan (see Note 1)(161,216,653)0 
Treasury shares reissued3,828,357 0 
Balance at December 31, 2020290,573,672  185,895,903 
(a)Primarily represent Altice USA shares held by Neptune LP which are presented as treasury stock in the consolidated balance sheets of $0.01,Altice USA as of December 31, 2019.
CSC Holdings Membership Interests
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, CSC Holdings had 100 membership units issued and outstanding.outstanding, which are all indirectly owned by Altice USA.
Dividends and Distributions
The CompanyAltice USA
Altice USA may pay dividends on its capital stock only from net profits and surplus as determined under Delaware law.  If dividends are paid on the Altice USA common stock, holders of the Altice USA Class A common stock and

F-32

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Altice USA Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends, and other distributions in cash, stock or property, equally on a per share basis, except that stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class A common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class A common stock and stock dividends with respect to Altice USA Class B common stock may be paid only with shares of Altice USA Class B common stock.
The Company's indentures restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
PriorDuring 2020 and 2019, there were no dividends paid to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions to stockholders aggregating $839,700 in the second quarter of 2017.shareholders by Altice USA. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176 of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to2018, Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributablepaid dividends of $1,499,935 (see discussion in Note 1).
CSC Holdings
CSC Holdings may make distributions on its membership interests only if sufficient funds exist as determined under Delaware law.
CSC Holdings made cash equity distribution payments to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstandingits parent aggregating $4,794,408, $2,279,472, and $3,058,747, respectively, during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive. The weighted average number of shares used to compute basic and diluted net income (loss) per share reflect the retroactive impact of the organizational transactions, discussed in Note 1, that occurred prior to the Company's IPO.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculation of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders for the yearyears ended December 31, 2017:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding696,055,000
Effect of dilution:
Stock options—
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding696,055,000
Anti-dilutive shares totaling approximately 14,000 shares, have been excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

F-19


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share2020, 2019, and per share amounts)


2018.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.
The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and 2016,2018 or 10% or more of its consolidated net trade receivables at December 31, 20172020, and 2016,2019, respectively.
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 1113 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 20162019 and 2018 financial statements to conform to the 20172020 presentation.
NOTE 3.    BUSINESS COMBINATIONSACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Cablevision AcquisitionRecently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
As discussed in Note 1, the Company completed the Cablevision Acquisition on June 21, 2016. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. Accordingly, the Company recorded the fair valueASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the assets and liabilities assumed atEffects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04")
In March 2020, the date of acquisition.
The following table provides the allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance related to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilitieseffects of Cablevision basedreference rate reform on their respective fair values.financial reporting. The remaining useful lives represent the period over which acquired tangible and intangible assetsguidance, effective for reporting periods through December 31, 2022, provides accounting relief for contract modifications that replace an interest rate impacted by reference rate reform (e.g., LIBOR) with a finite life are being depreciated or amortized.new alternative reference rate. The Company adopted the guidance as of
 Fair Values Estimated Useful Lives
    
Current assets$1,923,071
  
Accounts receivable271,305
  
Property, plant and equipment4,864,621
 2-18 years
Goodwill5,842,172
  
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises8,113,575
 Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships4,850,000
 8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)1,010,000
 12 years
Amortizable intangible assets23,296
 1-15 years
Other non-current assets748,998
  
Current liabilities(2,311,201)  
Long-term debt(8,355,386)  
Deferred income taxes.(6,832,773)  
Other non-current liabilities(189,355)  
Total$9,958,323
  

F-33

F-20



ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



(a)See Note 8 for additional information regarding a change in the remaining estimated useful lives of the Company's trade names.
March 31, 2020. The fair valueadoption of customer relationshipsthis guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12")
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and cable television franchises were valued using derivationsinterim calculations. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the "income" approach.accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The future expected earnings from these assets were discounted to their present value equivalent.
Trade names were valued usingamendments did not create new accounting requirements. The Company adopted the relief from royalty method, which is basedstandard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the present valueCompany's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15")
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 which requires upfront implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (or hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to be amortized to hosting expense over the term of the royalty payments avoided as a resultarrangement, beginning when the module or component of the company owninghosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. The Company adopted the intangible asset.
standard as of January 1, 2020. The basis for the valuation methods was the Company’s projections. These projections were based on management’s assumptions including among others, penetration rates for pay television, broadband, and telephony; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived basedadoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible asset. The value is highly dependent on the achievement of the futureCompany's consolidated financial results contemplated in the projections. The estimates and assumptions made in the valuation are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would have significantly affected the value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized.statements.
In establishing fair value for the vast majority of the acquired property, plant and equipment, the cost approach was utilized. The cost approach considers the amount required to replace an asset by constructing or purchasing a new asset with similar utility, then adjusts the value in consideration of physical depreciation, and functional and economic obsolescence as of the appraisal date. The cost approach relies on management’s assumptions regarding current material and labor costs required to rebuild and repurchase significant components of property, plant and equipment along with assumptions regarding the age and estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment.
The estimates of expected useful lives take into consideration the effects of contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition.
Long-term debt assumed was valued using quoted market prices (Level 2). The carrying value of most other assets and liabilities approximated fair value as of the acquisition date.
As a result of applying business combination accounting, the Company recorded goodwill, which represented the excess of organization value over amounts assignedASU No. 2018-14, Changes to the other identifiable tangible and intangible assets arising from expectations of future operational performance and cash generation.Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans ("ASU 2018-14")
The following table presentsIn August 2018, the unaudited pro forma revenue and net loss for the period presented as if the Cablevision Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2016:
 Year Ended December 31, 2016
Revenue$9,154,816
Net loss$(721,257)
The pro forma results presented above include the impact of additional amortization expenseFASB issued ASU 2018-14 which amends ASC 715 to clarify certain disclosure requirements related to the identifiable intangible assets recordeddefined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. See Note 18 for additional disclosures provided in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, additional depreciation expense relatedadoption of the standard.
ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) ("ASU 2017-04")
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value adjustmentof a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to property, plantperform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13")
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost to be assessed for impairment under the current expected credit loss model rather than an incurred loss model. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and equipmentreasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.  ASU 2016-13 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and the incremental interest resulting fromadoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the issuance of debtCompany's consolidated financial statements. The Company will continue to fundactively monitor the Cablevision Acquisition, netimpact of the reversal of interest and amortization of deferred financing costs related torecent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on expected credit facilities that were repaid on the date of the Cablevision Acquisition and the accretion/amortization of fair value adjustments associated with the long-term debt acquired.
Other Acquisitions
In connection with certain acquisitions completed in the first and fourth quarters of 2017, the Company recorded amortizable intangibles of $45,000 relating to customer relationships and $9,400 relating to other amortizable intangibles.

losses.
F-21


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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



The Company recorded goodwill of $23,948, which represents the excess of the estimated purchase price of approximately $80,000 (based on current probability of contingent consideration) over the net book value of assets acquired. These values are based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date). The acquired entities are included in the Cablevision segment.
NOTE 4.    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATIONNET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock. For such awards that are performance based, the diluted effect is reflected upon the achievement of the performance criteria. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive.
The Company's non-cash investingfollowing table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and financing activitiesdiluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding581,057 660,384 730,088 
Effect of dilution:
Stock options2,617 1,348 0 
Restricted stock15 809 0 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding583,689 662,541 730,088 
Weighted average shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Anti-dilutive shares25,768 4,245 6,292 
Performance stock units and restricted stock whose performance metrics have not been achieved.8,308  0 74 
Net income (loss) per membership unit for CSC Holdings is not presented since CSC Holdings is a limited liability company and other supplemental data were as follows:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:   
Continuing Operations:   
Conversion of notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 (together with accrued and unpaid interest and applicable premium) to common stock (See Note 9)$2,264,252
 $—
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid171,604
 155,653
Distributions declared but not paid—
 79,617
Leasehold improvements paid by landlord3,998
 —
Notes payable to vendor40,131
 12,449
Capital lease obligations9,385
 —
Deferred financing costs accrued but unpaid—
 2,570
Supplemental Data:   
Cash interest paid1,765,126
 1,192,370
Income taxes paid, net29,006
 1,538
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA.
NOTE 5.    RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSEALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Restructuring
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure.
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:  
 Severance and Other Employee Related Costs Facility Realignment and Other Costs Total
Restructuring charges incurred in 2016$215,420
 $11,157
 $226,577
Payments and other(113,301) (2,760) (116,061)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2016102,119
 8,397
 110,516
Restructuring charges142,679
 7,243
 149,922
Payments and other(131,324) (6,014) (137,338)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017$113,474
 $9,626
 $123,100
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $309,297 and $67,202 for our Cablevision segment and Cequel segment, respectively.
Transaction Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company incurred transaction costs of $2,479Activity related to the acquisition of a business during the first quarter of 2017 and other transactions. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company incurred transaction costs of $13,845, related to the acquisitions of Cablevision and Cequel.Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:

 Balance at Beginning of PeriodProvision for Bad DebtDeductions/ Write-Offs and Other ChargesBalance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts$14,683 $65,965 $(55,450)$25,198 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,520 $91,520 $(90,357)$14,683 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,420 $71,426 $(71,326)$13,520 

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



NOTE 6.    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Altice USA and CSC Holdings:
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid$206,680 $188,067 $213,936 
Notes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assets106,925 35,124 95,394 
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligations133,300 54,532 13,548 
Other non-cash investing and financing transactions3,973 1,563 7,550 
Altice USA:
Receivable related to the sale of an investment0 0 4,015 
CSC Holdings:
Assumption of Cablevision debt, net of the acquisition of Cablevision assets0 169,334 0 
Contributions from parent178,720 151,455 0 
Supplemental Data:
Altice USA:
Cash interest paid1,406,825 1,436,332 1,481,468 
Income taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 
CSC Holdings:
Cash interest paid1,406,825 1,350,756 1,163,942 
Income taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 
NOTE 7.    RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced restructuring initiatives that were intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure ("2016 Restructuring Plan").

The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related CostsFacility Realignment and Other CostsTotal
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017$113,474 $9,626 $123,100 
Restructuring charges15,580 15,447 31,027 
Payments and other(107,600)(11,458)(119,058)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201821,454 13,615 35,069 
Restructuring charges6,606 6,317 12,923 
Payments and other(26,384)(3,751)(30,135)
Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (a)0 (13,849)(13,849)
Accrual balance at December 31, 20191,676 2,332 4,008 
Restructuring charges0 3,399 3,399 
Payments and other(1,676)(3,366)(5,042)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$0  $2,365 $2,365 

F-36

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


(a)Certain accrued restructuring liabilities were netted against right-of-use operating assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 in connection with the Company's adoption of ASC 842 (see Note 9).
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $436,008.
In May 2019, the Company commenced another restructuring initiative to further simplify the Company's organization structure ("2019 Restructuring Plan").
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2019 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
Restructuring charges$42,715 
Payments and other(4,769)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201937,946 
Restructuring charges3,221 
Payments and other(34,459)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$6,708 
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2019 Restructuring Plan amounted to $45,936.
In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $30,429 and $12,160, respectively, related primarily to the impairment of right-of-use operating lease assets, included in the Company's restructuring initiatives. The Company also recorded restructuring charges of $4,068 related to the facility realignment costs of which $3,689 is outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and is reflected in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
Restructuring and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 also includes $47,631 related to contractual payments for terminated employees. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding amount due to terminated employees amounted to $14,366 and is reflected in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company incurred transaction costs of $2,325 and $5,180, respectively, primarily related to certain transactions not related to the Company's operations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred transaction costs of $7,521 relating to the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
NOTE 8.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure and construction of the parallel fiber to the home ("FTTH") infrastructure, are capitalized. This includes headend facilities and initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized.connected. These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities. The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities. These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4(5 to 25 years). Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Installation costsCosts associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment (“CPE”("CPE") necessary to provide pay television, broadband, orvideo and telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities. The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity. These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide pay television, broadband, orvideo and telephony services.  In circumstances where CPE tracking is not available, the Company estimates the amount of capitalized installation costs based on whether or not the business or residence had been previously connected to the network. These installation costs are depreciated over their estimated useful life of 3-5 years. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

F-37

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances. Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capitalfinance leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 
Estimated
Useful Lives
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment$1,093,726
 $871,049
 3 to 5 yearsCustomer premise equipment$1,845,830 $1,563,729 3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment1,626,293
 1,482,631
 4 to 25 yearsHeadends and related equipment2,158,704 2,023,684 5 to 25 years
Infrastructure3,998,503
 3,740,494
 3 to 25 yearsInfrastructure5,964,419 5,314,322 5 to 25 years
Equipment and software917,698
 735,012
 3 to 10 yearsEquipment and software1,237,057 1,111,577 3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)286,702
 84,321
  Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)174,610 192,571  
Furniture and fixtures52,545
 45,576
 5 to 12 yearsFurniture and fixtures65,724 63,478 5 to 8 years
Transportation equipment137,886
 135,488
 5 to 10 yearsTransportation equipment150,974 151,627 5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements394,421
 390,337
 10 to 40 yearsBuildings and building improvements481,693 457,174 10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements108,071
 104,309
 Term of leaseLeasehold improvements110,037 103,734 Term of lease
Land47,563
 47,715
  Land48,791 48,426  
8,663,408
 7,636,932
   12,237,839 11,030,322  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(2,599,579) (1,039,297)  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(6,431,843)(5,276,921) 
$6,063,829
 $6,597,635
   $5,805,996 $5,753,401  
For the years ended December 31, 20172020, 2019 and December 31, 2016,2018, the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $151,646$134,857, $132,966 and $75,804,$134,265, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including finance leases) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $1,344,732, $1,475,251 and $1,508,125, respectively.
NOTE 9.    LEASES
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance requires the recognition of the right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related operating and finance lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2019.
The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of $274,292 and lease liabilities for operating leases of $299,900 on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019, with no material impact to its consolidated statements of operations. The difference between the ROU assets and the operating lease liability represents the reclassification of (i) deferred rent balances, resulting from the historical operating leases, and (ii) certain accrued restructuring liabilities (See Note 7). The Company's accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged from its accounting for capital leases in prior periods.
The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which allow an entity to forgo reassessing (i) whether a contract contains a lease, (ii) classification of leases, and (iii) whether capitalized costs associated with a lease meet the definition of initial direct costs. Also, the Company elected the expedient allowing an entity to use hindsight to determine the lease term and impairment of ROU assets and the expedient related to land easements which allows the Company not to retrospectively treat land easements as leases; however, the Company must apply lease accounting prospectively to land easements if they meet the definition of a lease.
For contracts entered into on or after the effective date, at the inception of a contract the Company will assess whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The Company's assessment is based on: (i) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (ii) whether the Company obtained the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period, and (iii) whether the Company has the right to direct the use of the
F-23


F-38


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



asset. Leases entered into prior to January 1, 2019, are accounted for under ASC 840 and were not reassessed for classification.
Depreciation expense on property, plantFor operating leases, the lease liability is initially and equipment (including capital leases)subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases, and is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 amounted to $1,588,668 and $1,046,896, respectively.
The gross amount of buildings and equipment and related accumulated depreciation recorded under capital leases is presented below:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Buildings and equipment$48,936
 $53,833
Less accumulated depreciation(12,972) (6,306)
 $35,964
 $47,527
NOTE 7.    OPERATING LEASES
effective interest method. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for leases, certain office, production, and transmission facilities, as well as office equipment, under termsunless an interest rate is implicitly stated in the lease. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases expiring at various dates through 2100.  The leases generally provide for escalating rentals overincludes the termnoncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend the lease that the Company is reasonably certain real estate taxes and other coststo exercise, or credits.  Costs associated with suchan option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. All ROU assets are reviewed for impairment.
Lease expense for operating leases areconsists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the amortization of the asset on a straight-line basis over the earlier of the lease term or its useful life and interest expense determined on an amortized cost basis. The differencelease payments are allocated between rent expensea reduction of the lease liability and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent.  In addition, the Company rents space on utility poles for its operations.  interest expense.
The Company's pole rental agreementsoperating leases are for varying terms,comprised primarily of facility leases and management anticipates renewals as they expire.  Rent expense, including pole rentals, forfinance leases are comprised primarily of vehicle and equipment leases.
Balance sheet information related to our leases is presented below:
Balance Sheet locationDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsRight-of-use operating lease assets$241,342 $280,340 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentOther current liabilities38,296 38,836 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termRight-of-use operating lease liability257,424 269,062 
Finance leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsProperty, plant and equipment170,155 70,339 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentCurrent portion of long-term debt63,454 22,017 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termLong-term debt96,183 47,403 

The following provides details of the years ended December 31, 2017Company's lease expense:
Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease expense, net$58,923 $60,364 
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets30,123 9,347 
Interest on lease liabilities6,324 2,106 
Total finance lease expense36,447 11,453 
$95,370 $71,817 


F-39

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and 2016 amountedper share amounts)

Other information related to $95,017 and $65,881, respectively.leases is presented below:
As of December 31,
20202019
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for operating lease obligations$35,383 $61,244 
Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement of Liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases6,324 2,106 
Operating cash flows from operating leases64,391 65,352 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases9.0 years9.4 years
Finance leases2.5 years3.4 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases5.66 %5.96 %
Finance leases5.38 %5.49 %
The minimum future annual payments for all operatingunder non-cancellable leases (with initial or remaining terms in excess of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022, at rates now in force, are as follows:
Finance leasesOperating leases
2021$70,074 $42,832 
202265,828 52,508 
202330,701 44,814 
20243,456 40,986 
2025319 32,986 
Thereafter0 171,238 
Total future minimum lease payments, undiscounted170,378 385,364 
Less: Imputed interest(10,741)(89,644)
Present value of future minimum lease payments$159,637 $295,720 
2018$74,992
201972,142
202069,203
202163,735
202255,234
Thereafter140,406

NOTE 8.10.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountEstimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships$6,052,598 $(3,478,742)$2,573,856 $6,017,524 $(2,843,561)$3,173,963 3 to 18 years
Trade names1,081,083 (894,189)186,894 1,081,083 (798,484)282,599 2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles56,747 (36,381)20,366 53,181 (28,634)24,547 1 to 15 years
$7,190,428 $(4,409,312)$2,781,116 $7,151,788 $(3,670,679)$3,481,109 
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016  
 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount Estimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships$5,970,884
 $(1,409,021) $4,561,863
 $5,925,884
 $(580,276) $5,345,608
 8 to 18 years
Trade names (a)1,067,083
 (588,574) 478,509
 1,066,783
 (83,397) 983,386
 2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles37,060
 (10,978) 26,082
 26,743
 (3,093) 23,650
 1 to 15 years
 $7,075,027
 $(2,008,573) $5,066,454
 $7,019,410
 $(666,766) $6,352,644
  
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 aggregated $738,633, $787,893, and $874,214, respectively.

F-40
(a)On May 23, 2017, Altice N.V. announced the adoption of a global brand to replace the Company's brands in the future, reducing the remaining useful lives of these trade name intangibles to three years from the date of the adoption, which reflected one year as an in-use asset and two years as a defensive asset. In December 2017, the Company made a decision to postpone the adoption of a global brand that would have replaced the Optimum brand, increasing the useful life of the Optimum trade name intangible asset to 5 years.

F-24



ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 and aggregated $1,341,807 and $653,410, respectively.
The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense 
Year Ending December 31, 2018$873,133
Year Ending December 31, 2019777,846
Year Ending December 31, 2020696,240
Year Ending December 31, 2021616,718
Year Ending December 31, 2022537,100
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets as of December 31, 2017: 
 As of December 31, 2017 As of December 31, 2016
 Cablevision Cequel Total Cablevision Cequel Total
Cable television franchises$8,113,575
 $4,906,506
 $13,020,081
 $8,113,575
 $4,906,506
 $13,020,081
Goodwill5,843,019
 2,153,741
 7,996,760
 5,838,959
 2,153,741
 7,992,700
Total$13,956,594
 $7,060,247
 $21,016,841
 $13,952,534
 $7,060,247
 $21,012,781
Estimated amortization expense
Year Ending December 31, 2021$629,513 
Year Ending December 31, 2022545,826 
Year Ending December 31, 2023380,300 
Year Ending December 31, 2024301,035 
Year Ending December 31, 2025255,439 
The carrying amount of indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill is presented below:
Indefinite-lived Cable Television FranchisesGoodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2018$13,020,081 $8,012,416 
Goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition of Cheddar Inc. ("Cheddar")— 130,039 
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to business acquired— (146)
Balance as of December 31, 201913,020,081 $8,142,309 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition (see discussion below)47,936 18,257 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$13,068,017 $8,160,566 
On July 14, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain cable assets in New Jersey for approximately $150,000. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded indefinite-lived cable television franchise rights of approximately $47,936, customer relationships of approximately $35,074 and goodwill of approximately $18,257 based on an allocation of the purchase price. In addition, the Company recorded property, plant and equipment of approximately $52,362.
In June 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Cheddar, a digital-first news company, for approximately $198,754 in cash and stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. The purchase price was allocated to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cheddar based on their fair values. The Company recorded goodwill of $130,039, customer relationships of $46,640, trade names of $14,000 and other amortizable intangible assets of $11,780.

Gross goodwill as of January 1, 2016$2,040,402
Goodwill recorded in connection with Cablevision Acquisition5,838,959
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cequel Acquisition113,339
Gross goodwill as of January 1, 20177,992,700
Goodwill recorded in connection with acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 (Cablevision Segment)23,948
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to Cablevision Acquisition3,213
Transfer of Cablevision goodwill related to Altice Technical Services US Corp. (See Note 14 for further details)(23,101)
Net goodwill as of December 31, 2017$7,996,760

F-41

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 9.11.    DEBT
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding debt:
Interest RateDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Date IssuedMaturity DatePrincipal AmountCarrying Amount (a)Principal AmountCarrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
November 15, 2011November 15, 20216.750 %$1,000,000 $989,917 $1,000,000 $979,178 
September 27, 2012September 15, 20225.875 %649,024 617,333 649,024 600,849 
May 23, 2014June 1, 20245.250 %750,000 697,041 750,000 683,940 
October 18, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 1,740 1,695 
October 9, 2015October 15, 202510.875 %(f)0 0 1,684,221 1,665,237 
October 18, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %4,118 4,112 4,118 4,112 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 617,881 605,583 
November 27, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %1,045,882 1,044,424 1,045,882 1,044,278 
July 10 and October 7, 2019January 15, 20305.750 %2,250,000 2,286,097 2,250,000 2,289,168 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.625 %2,325,000 2,370,502 0 0 
8,024,024 8,009,426 8,002,866 7,874,040 
CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
October 9, 2015October 15, 20256.625 %(f)0 0 1,000,000 989,483 
September 23, 2016April 15, 20275.500 %1,310,000 1,305,955 1,310,000 1,305,430 
January 29, 2018February 1, 20285.375 %1,000,000 993,490 1,000,000 992,757 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20235.375 %(e)0 0 1,095,825 1,081,879 
November 27, 2018May 15, 20265.500 %1,498,806 1,487,644 1,498,806 1,485,911 
January 24, 2019February 1, 20296.500 %1,750,000 1,747,245 1,750,000 1,746,996 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.125 %1,100,000 1,095,283 0 0 
August 17, 2020February 15, 20313.375 %1,000,000 996,692 0 0 
7,658,806 7,626,309 7,654,631 7,602,456 
CSC Holdings Restricted Group Credit Facility:
Revolving Credit Facility(c)2.479%(b)625,000 616,027 0 0 
Term Loan BJuly 17, 20252.409%2,895,000 2,884,065 2,925,000 2,911,729 
Incremental Term Loan B-3January 15, 20262.409%1,252,688 1,248,293 1,265,438 1,260,200 
Incremental Term Loan B-5April 15, 20272.659%2,977,500 2,956,807 3,000,000 2,976,358 
7,750,188 7,705,192 7,190,438 7,148,287 
Lightpath Senior Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20285.625 % 415,000 406,176 0 0 
Lightpath Senior Secured Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20273.875 % 450,000 440,487 0 0 
Lightpath Term LoanNovember 30, 20273.750 %600,000 582,808 0 0 
Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility(g)0 0 0 0 
1,465,000 1,429,471 0 0 
Collateralized indebtedness (see Note 12)1,699,566 1,617,506 1,699,566 1,585,088 
Finance lease obligations (see Note 9)159,637 159,637 69,420 69,420 
Notes payable and supply chain financing (d)183,690 174,801 156,519 140,994 
26,940,911 26,722,342 24,773,440 24,420,285 
Less: current portion of credit facility debt(78,750)(78,750)(65,250)(65,250)
Less: current portion of senior notes(1,000,000)(989,917)— — 

F-42

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Less: current portion of finance lease obligations(63,454)(63,454)(22,017)(22,017)
Less: current portion of notes payable and supply chain financing(113,592)(113,592)(83,415)(83,415)
(1,255,796)(1,245,713)(170,682)(170,682)
Long-term debt$25,685,115 $25,476,629 $24,602,758 $24,249,603 
__________________________________
(a)The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums and with respect to certain notes, a fair value adjustment resulting from the Cequel and Cablevision acquisitions.
(b)At December 31, 2020, $137,920 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,712,080 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)The revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $2,275,000 matures in January 2024 and priced at LIBOR plus 2.25%. The remaining revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $200,000 matures in November 2021 and is priced at LIBOR plus 3.25%.
(d)Includes $99,941 related to supply chain financing agreements that is required to be repaid within one year from the date of the respective agreement. The principal amounts include $59,451 of notes payable that will be reclassified to collateralized indebtedness upon the maturity, in January 2021, of a monetization contract related to the synthetic monetization closeout transaction in November 2019. See Note 12.
(e)These notes were repaid in July 2020 with proceeds from the issuance of new notes in June 2020. See discussion below.
(f)These notes were repaid in August 2020 with proceeds from the issuance of new notes. See discussion below.
(g)There were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility which provides for commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000. See discussion below.
In October 2018, the Company combined its Suddenlink and Optimum businesses under a single credit silo (the "Combination"). The integration of the Suddenlink and Optimum businesses was aimed at aligning Altice USA’s debt capital structure and to simplify Altice USA’s financing strategy and financial reporting requirements. The Combination was effected mainly by the following transactions:
•In October 2018, Altice US Finance, Cequel Capital Corporation and Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC ("CCHI") commenced an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding senior notes and senior secured notes issued by them (the "Original Cequel Notes") for up to $5,520,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes (the "New Cequel Notes") and, in the case of the 5.375% senior secured notes due 2023 and 5.500% senior secured notes due 2026, and cash of $6,500.Approximately $5,500,050 of the outstanding notes subject to the Exchange Offer were exchanged into corresponding series of New Cequel Notes.
•In October 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a Sixth Amendment to the CSC Credit Facilities Agreement (the "Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement"). The Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement provided for, among other things, new incremental term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $1,275,000.
On or following the Combination Date the following transactions were completed:
•The Company redeemed $5,206 principal amount of the Original Cequel Notes that were outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer.
•New Cequel Notes with an aggregate principal balance of $5,500,050 were converted into $5,499,156 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior note (see detail below).
•Pursuant to the Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement, on the Combination Date, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,275,000 ($1,252,688 outstanding at December 31, 2020) incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan B-3") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-3 were used to repay the entire principal amount of loans under Cequel’s then existing term loan facility and other transaction costs related to the Combination. The Incremental Term Loan B-3 is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,188) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-3, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 15, 2026.

F-43

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

•The Combination was implemented by a series of corporate transactions, including: (i) CCHI merging into Cablevision, with Cablevision as the surviving entity (the "Holdco Merger"), and (ii) Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC (the direct parent of Cequel) merging into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings as the surviving entity. In connection with the Holdco Merger, Cablevision assumed all of the obligations of CCHI that remained outstanding after giving effect to the Exchange Offer under the indentures governing the outstanding Original Cequel Notes. In July 2019, the Company redeemed in full the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5.125% senior notes due 2021 that were not exchanged in connection with the Exchange Offer. Pursuant to the Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes in November 2019, as described below, the remaining original Cequel Notes that were assumed by Cablevision under the Combination became obligations of CSC Holdings.
The following is a summary of the results of the Exchange Offer:
Original Cequel NotesRemaining Original Cequel NotesNotes Redeemed in CashPrincipal of New CSC Holdings Notes
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023$1,100,000 $— $4,157 $1,095,825 
5.5% Senior Secured Notes due 20261,500,000 — 1,049 1,498,806 
5.125% Senior Notes due 20211,250,000 8,886 — 1,240,762 
7.75% Senior Notes due 2025620,000 1,740 — 617,881 
7.5% Senior Notes due 20281,050,000 4,118 — 1,045,882 
$5,520,000 $14,744 $5,206 $5,499,156 
CSC Holdings Credit Facilities
In connection withFor financing purposes, the Company is structured as a restricted group (the “Restricted Group”) and an unrestricted group, which includes certain designated subsidiaries and investments (the “Unrestricted Group”). The Restricted Group is comprised of CSC Holdings and substantially all of its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are subject to the covenants and restrictions of the credit facility and indentures governing the notes issued by CSC Holdings. Cablevision Acquisition,Lightpath LLC became an unrestricted subsidiary prior to the issuance of its senior notes and senior secured notes in September 2020. See discussion below regarding the Lightpath debt financing.
In October 2015, Finco, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,Altice USA, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which currently provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,985,000 ($2,895,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017)2020) (the “CVC"CSC Term Loan Facility”Facility", and the term loans extended under the CVCCSC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC"CSC Term Loans”Loans") and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,300,000$2,475,000 ($625,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the “CVC"CSC Revolving Credit Facility”Facility" and, together with the CSC Term Loan Facility, the “CVC"CSC Credit Facilities”Facilities"), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios,, CSC Holdings certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016, and March 15, 2017, January 12, 2018, October 15, 2018, January 24, 2019, February 7, 2019, May 14, 2019 and October 3, 2019, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “CVC"CSC Credit Facilities Agreement”Agreement").
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on September 9, 2016, extended the maturity date of the CVC Term Loan Facility to October 11, 2024. In October 2016, CSC Holdings used the net proceeds from the saleB is comprised of $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior guaranteed notes due 2027 (the ‘‘2027 Guaranteed Notes’’) (after the deduction of fees and expenses) to prepay outstanding loans under the CSC Holdings Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to this amendment. In connection with the prepayment of the Term Credit Facility,

F-25


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


the Company wrote-off the deferred financing costs and the unamortized discount related to the existing term loan aggregating $102,894. Additionally, the Company recorded deferred financing costs and an original issue discount of $7,249 and $6,250, respectively, which are both being amortized to interest expense over the term of the Term Loan Facility.
The amendment to the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Extension Amendment”) increased the Term Loan by $500,000 to $3,000,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 17, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $2,493,750 principal amount of existing Term Loans and redeem $500,000 of the 8.625% Senior Notes due September 2017 issued by Cablevision. In connection with the Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs aggregating $18,976.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, CSC Holdings borrowed $1,350,000 under its revolving credit facility ($500,000 was used to make cash distributions to its stockholders) and made voluntary repayments aggregating $1,075,256 with cash on hand.
Under the Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
The CVC Credit Facilities permit CSC Holdings to request revolving loans, swing line loans or letters of credit from the revolving lenders, swingline lenders or issuing banks, as applicable, thereunder, from time to time prior to November 30, 2021, unless the commitments under the CVC Revolving Credit Facility have been previously terminated.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowingborrowings or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bearborrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rateLIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the CVC Term Loans,is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, and
in respectannum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the CVC Revolving Credit Facility loansprincipal amount of the Term Loan B, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan B-2") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was priced at 99.5% and was due to mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base

F-44

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

rate loan, 2.25%1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25%2.50% per annum. The Company was required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,750) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-2, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In February 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,000,000 incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-4") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-4 were used to redeem $894,700 in aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings’ 10.125% senior notes due 2023, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and paying related fees, costs and expenses. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was due to mature on April 15, 2027 and was issued with an original issue discount of 1.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings and bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.00% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $3,000,000 ($2,977,500 outstanding at December 31, 2020), incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-5") under its existing credit facilities agreement, out of which $500,000 was available on a delayed draw basis. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 matures on April 15, 2027 and was issued at par. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 may be comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-5, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.
The CVCinitial proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to repay approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans (Incremental Term Loan B-2 and Incremental Term Loan B-4) under the credit agreement, and the proceeds of the delayed draw tranche of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to distribute $500,000 in cash to Cablevision, the proceeds of which were used to redeem Cablevision’s 8.00% senior notes due 2020, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and in each case, paying related fees, costs and expenses in connection with such transactions, with the remainder being used to fund cash on the balance sheet. In connection with the repayment of approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans, a portion of the unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs was written-off and recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see table below).
During the year ended December 31, 2020, CSC Holdings borrowed $2,075,000 under its revolving credit facility and repaid $1,450,000 of amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The CSC Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding CVCCSC Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) commencing with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017,on a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.
The obligations under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries) (the “Initial Guarantors”"Initial Guarantors") and, subject to certain limitations, will be guaranteed by each future material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings.  The obligations under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities (including any guarantees thereof) are secured on a first priority basis, subject to any liens permitted by the Credit Facilities, by capital stock held by CSC Holdings or any guarantor in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
The CVCCSC Credit Facilities Agreement includes certain negative covenants which, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions and qualifications, limit CSC Holdings' ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the

F-45

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances; and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the CVCCSC Revolving Credit Facility includes a financial maintenance covenant solely for the benefit of the lenders under the CVCCSC Revolving Credit Facility consisting of a maximum consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries of 5.0 to 1.0. The financial covenant will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter, but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the CVCCSC Revolving Credit Facility

F-26


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


(including (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed $15,000)the letter of credit sublimit).
The CVCCSC Credit Facilities Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CVCCSC Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2017.2020.
Cequel Credit Facilities
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiaryIn October 2018, in connection with the Combination described above, amounts outstanding pursuant to Cequel's term loan facility aggregating $1,249,188 were repaid from the proceeds of Cequel, entered into a senior secured credit facility which currently provides term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,265,000 ($1,258,675 outstanding at December 31, 2017) (the “Cequelthe Incremental Term Loan Facility”B-3 described above and the term loans extended under the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Term Loans”) and revolving loanall commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $350,000 (the “Cequel Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Cequel Term Loan Facility, the “Cequel Credit Facilities”) which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, Altice US Finance I Corporation, certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on October 25, 2016, December 9, 2016 and March 15, 2017, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement”).
The amendmentpursuant to the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement entered into on March 15, 2017 (“Cequel Extension Amendment”) increased thecredit facilities were cancelled. Term Loan by $450,000 to $1,265,000 and the maturity date for this facility was extended to July 28, 2025. The closing of the Extension Amendment occurred in April 2017 and the proceeds were used to refinance the entire $812,963 principal amount of loans under the Term Loan and redeem $450,000 of the 6.375% Senior Notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the Cequel Extension Amendment and the redemption of the senior notes, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financings costs aggregating $28,684.
Under the Cequel Extension Amendment, the Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,163) of the principal amount of the Cequel Term Loan, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 28, 2025.
Loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bearbore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBO rateLIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is:
in respect of the Cequel Term Loans, (i)was 1.25% per annum with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25%loans and 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum, andloan.
in respect of Cequel Revolving Credit Facility loans (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum.
The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Cequel Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Cequel Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio is less than or equal to 4.5:1.
The debt under the Cequel Credit Facility is secured by a first priority security interest in the capital stock of Cequel Communications, LLC and substantially all of the present and future assets of Cequel Communications, LLC and its restricted subsidiaries, and is guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Cequel (the "Parent Guarantor"), as well as all of Cequel Communications, LLC's existing and future direct and indirect subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. In addition, the Cequel Credit

F-27


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Facilities Agreement contains restrictive covenants that limit, among other things, the ability of Cequel Communications, LLC and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, create liens, engage in mergers, consolidations and other fundamental changes, make investments or loans, engage in transactions with affiliates, pay dividends, and make acquisitions and dispose of assets. The Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement also contains a maximum senior secured leverage maintenance covenant of 5.0 to 1.0. Additionally, the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement contains customary events of default, including failure to make payments, breaches of covenants and representations, cross defaults to other indebtedness, unpaid judgments, changes of control and bankruptcy events. The lenders’ commitments to fund amounts under the revolving credit facility are subject to certain customary conditions.
As of December 31, 2017, Cequel was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding credit facility debt:
       Carrying Amount (a)
 Maturity Date Interest Rate Principal December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
CSC Holdings Restricted Group:         
Revolving Credit Facility (b)$20,000 on October 9, 2020, remaining balance on November 30, 2021 4.75% $450,000
 $425,488
 $145,013
Term Loan FacilityJuly 17, 2025 3.74% 2,985,000
 2,967,818
 2,486,874
Cequel:         
Revolving Credit Facility (c)November 30, 2021 — —
 —
 —
Term Loan FacilityJuly 28, 2025 3.82% 1,258,675
 1,250,217
 812,903
     $4,693,675
 4,643,523
 3,444,790
Less: Current portion42,650
 33,150
Long-term debt$4,600,873
 $3,411,640

(a)The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts.
(b)At December 31, 2017, $115,973 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,734,027 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)At December 31, 2017, $13,500 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $336,500 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes, and Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizes the Company's senior guaranteed notes, senior secured notes and senior notes and debentures:

F-28


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


     Interest Rate Principal Amount Carrying Amount (a)
IssuerDate Issued Maturity Date   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Senior notes:           
CSC Holdings (b)(f)(n)February 6, 1998 February 15, 2018 7.875% $300,000
 $301,184
 $310,334
CSC Holdings (b)(f)July 21, 1998 July 15, 2018 7.625% 500,000
 507,744
 521,654
CSC Holdings (c)(f)February 12, 2009 February 15, 2019 8.625% 526,000
 541,165
 553,804
CSC Holdings (c)(f)November 15, 2011 November 15, 2021 6.750% 1,000,000
 960,146
 951,702
CSC Holdings (c)(f)May 23, 2014 June 1, 2024 5.250% 750,000
 660,601
 650,193
CSC Holdings (e)October 9, 2015 January 15, 2023 10.125% 1,800,000
 1,777,914
 1,774,750
CSC Holdings (e)(l)October 9, 2015 October 15, 2025 10.875% 1,684,221
 1,661,135
 1,970,379
Senior guaranteed notes:           
CSC Holdings (e)October 9, 2015 October 15, 2025 6.625% 1,000,000
 986,717
 985,469
CSC Holdings (g)September 23, 2016 April 15, 2027 5.500% 1,310,000
 1,304,468
 1,304,025
Senior notes:           
Cablevision (k)(o)September 23, 2009 September 15, 2017 8.625% —
 —
 926,045
Cablevision (c)(f)(n)(o)April 15, 2010 April 15, 2018 7.750% 750,000
 754,035
 767,545
Cablevision (c)(f)(o)April 15, 2010 April 15, 2020 8.000% 500,000
 492,009
 488,992
Cablevision (c)(f)(o)September 27, 2012 September 15, 2022 5.875% 649,024
 572,071
 559,500
Senior notes:           
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(m)(p)Oct. 25, 2012 Dec. 28, 2012 September 15, 2020 6.375% 1,050,000
 1,027,493
 1,457,439
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (d)(p)May 16, 2013 Sept. 9, 2014 December 15, 2021 5.125% 1,250,000
 1,138,870
 1,115,767
Cequel Communications Holdings I and Cequel Capital (i)(p)June 12, 2015 July 15, 2025 7.750% 620,000
 604,374
 602,925
Senior secured notes:           
Altice US Finance I Corporation (h)(p)June 12, 2015 July 15, 2023 5.375% 1,100,000
 1,082,482
 1,079,869
Altice US Finance I Corporation (j)(p)April 26, 2016 May 15, 2026 5.500% 1,500,000
 1,488,024
 1,486,933
       $16,289,245
 15,860,432
 17,507,325
Less: Current portion 507,744
 926,045
Long-term debt $15,352,688
 $16,581,280

F-29


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


(a)
The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
(b)
The debentures are not redeemable by CSC Holdings prior to maturity.
(c)
Notes are redeemable at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.
(d)
The Company may redeem some or more of all the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(e)The Company may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes at any time on or after January 15, 2019, and some or all of the 2025 Notes and 2025 Guaranteed Notes at any time on or after October 15, 2020, at the redemption prices set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  The Company may also redeem up to 40% of each series of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 110.125% for the 2023 Notes, 110.875% for the 2025 Notes and 106.625% for the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, at any time prior to January 15, 2019, CSC Holdings may redeem some or all of the 2023 Notes, and at any time prior to October 15, 2020, the Company may redeem some or all of the 2025 Notes and the 2025 Guaranteed Notes, at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus a “make whole” premium specified in the relevant indenture plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(f)
The carrying value of the notes was adjusted to reflect their fair value on the Cablevision Acquisition Date (aggregate reduction of $52,788).
(g)The 2027 Guaranteed Notes are redeemable at any time on or after April 15, 2022 at the redemption prices set forth in the indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.  In addition, up to 40% may be redeemed for each series of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before October 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%, plus accrued and unpaid interest.
(h)Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2018, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 105.375%.
(i)Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after July 15, 2020, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before July 15, 2018, at a redemption price equal to 107.750%.
(j)Some or all of these notes may be redeemed at any time on or after May 15, 2021, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. Up to 40% of the notes may be redeemed using the proceeds of certain equity offerings before May 15, 2019, at a redemption price equal to 105.500%.
(k)In April 2017, the Company redeemed $500,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the CVC Term Loan facility. In September 2017, these senior notes matured and the Company repaid the remaining principal balance of $400,000.
(l)In July 2017, the Company used approximately $350,120 of the proceeds from the IPO to fund the redemption of $315,779 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior notes due October 2025 and the related call premium of approximately $34,341which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt. The Company also recorded a write-off of deferred financings costs in connection with this redemption aggregating $4,516.
(m)In April 2017, the Company redeemed $450,000 of the senior notes from proceeds from the Cequel Term Loan facility.
(n)As a result of the repayment of these notes in February 2018, discussed in Note 20, the carrying amount of these Notes has been classified as long-term indebtedness.
(o)The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any dividends or distributions received from CSC Holdings. CSC Holdings is restricted, in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.
(p)The issuers of these notes have no ability to service interest or principal on the notes, other than through any contributions/distributions from Cequel Communications, LLC (an indirect subsidiary of Cequel and the parent of Altice US Finance I). Cequel Communications, LLC is restricted in certain circumstances, from paying dividends or distributions to the issuers by the terms of the Cequel Credit Facilities Agreement.
The indentures under which the senior notes and debentures were issued contain various covenants.  The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of December 31, 2017.
CSC Holdings 5.5% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2027
In September 2016,January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,310,000$1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.50%5.375% senior guaranteed notes due April 15, 2027.February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 20272028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CSC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.

The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-2 (discussed above), borrowings under the CSC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay $300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018 and a portion was used to fund the dividend of $1,499,935 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1. In connection with the redemption of Cablevision senior notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $7,019, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of the unamortized premium of $2,314.
In April 2018, CCHI and Cequel Capital Corporation each an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior notes due April 1, 2028 (the "2028 Senior Notes"). The proceeds of these notes were used in April 2018 to redeem the $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount 6.375% senior notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the redemption of these notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $16,737, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of deferred financing costs aggregating $20,173. See discussion above regarding the exchange of these notes as a result of the Combination.
In January 2019, CSC Holdings issued $1,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior guaranteed notes due 2029 ("CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes"). The notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% and will mature on February 1, 2029. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay certain indebtedness, including to repay at maturity $526,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 8.625% senior notes due February 2019 plus accrued interest, redeem approximately $905,300 of the aggregate outstanding amount of CSC Holdings' 10.125% senior notes due 2023 at a redemption price of 107.594% plus accrued interest, and paid fees and expenses associated with the transactions.
F-30


F-46


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



As discussed above , in October 2016,In February 2019, CSC Holdings used the proceeds from the issuanceissued an additional $250,000 CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes at a price of 101.75% of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes (after the deductionprincipal amount, plus accrued interest from January 31, 2019. The proceeds of fees and expenses)these notes were used to prepayrepay the outstanding loansbalance under the CVC TermCSC Revolving Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant to the extension amendment on September 9,2016. Facility.
In connection with the issuance of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of approximately $5,575, which are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes.
Cablevision Acquisition Notes
TheJuly 2019, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Guaranteed Notessenior notes which bear interest at a rate of 6.625% per annum5.75% and will mature on January 15, 2030 ("2030 Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $622,857, along with accrued interest and pay fees associated with the transactions. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings issued an additional $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2030 Senior Notes at a price of 100.00%. Interest on104.00% of the 2025 Guaranteed Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 andprincipal amount plus accrued interest from July 15, commencing on July 15, 2016. These 2025 Guaranteed Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by the Initial Guarantors.
10, 2019 until October 7, 2019. The $1,800,000proceeds of these notes were used to redeem $1,240,762 aggregate outstanding principal amount of CSC Holdings 5.125% senior notes due 2021 in full and to pay accrued interest, fees, costs and expenses associated with these transactions. In connection with the 2023 Notesredemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $65,151, representing the unamortized discount and $2,000,000deferred financing costs as of the redemption date.
In June 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,100,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes,senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 10.125%4.125% and 10.875%, respectively, per annummature on December 1, 2030 and were issued$625,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes that bear interest at pricesa rate of 100.00%. Interest4.625% and mature on December 1, 2030. The net proceeds from the 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 andsale of the these notes was used in July 2020 to early redeem the $1,095,825 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 5.375% senior secured notes due July 15, which began on2023, the $617,881 and the $1,740 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 7.750% senior notes due July 15, 2016.
Deferred financing costs2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of approximately $76,579 incurred inthese notes. In connection with the issuanceearly redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $62,096, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
In August 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of new senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.375% and mature on February 15, 2031 and an additional $1,700,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.625% senior notes that mature on December 1, 2030 at a price of 103.25% of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes are being amortized to interest expense overaggregate principal amount. The net proceeds from the termsale of the Cablevision Acquisition Notes.notes was used to early redeem the $1,684,221 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 10.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025, the $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due October 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $188,393, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
The indentures under which the Cablevision and CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes and Debentures were issued contain certain customary covenants and agreements, with respect to investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the ability of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments or other restricted payments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances, and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The indentures also contain certain customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the Cablevision Acquisition Notesnotes may be accelerated.
AsSubject to customary conditions, the Company may redeem some or all of December 31, 2017, Cablevisionthe notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and CSC Holdings wereunpaid interest, plus a specified "make-whole" premium (in the event the notes are redeemed prior to a certain specified time set forth in the indentures).
The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under thethese indentures under which the senior notes and debentures and senior guaranteed notes were issued.as of December 31, 2020.
Cequel Senior Secured NotesLightpath Debt Financing
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance I Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V.,September 29, 2020, in connection with the Lightpath Transaction, Cablevision Lightpath LLC ("Lightpath") issued $1,100,000 principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes’’), the proceeds from which were placed$450,000 in escrow to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per annum and were issued at a price of 100.00%. Interest on the Cequel 2023 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. Following the consummation of the Cequel Acquisition and related transactions the equity interests in Altice US Finance I Corporation were contributed through one or more intermediary steps to Suddenlink, and the Senior Secured Notes were guaranteed by Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and certain of the subsidiaries of Suddenlink and are secured by certain assets of Cequel Communications Holdings II LLC, Suddenlink and its subsidiaries.
On April 26, 2016, Altice US Finance I Corporation issued $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes (the ‘‘Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes’’). The proceeds from the sale were used to repay the $1,477,200 remaining balance under the previous credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. The Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes mature on May 15, 2026 andthat bear interest at a rate of 5.50% annually. Interest3.875% and mature on the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes is payable semi-annually on MaySeptember 15, 2027 and November 15 of each year, commencing on November 15, 2016. Deferred financing costs recorded$415,000 in connection with the issuance of these notes amounted to $13,773 and are being amortized over the term of the notes.
Cequel Senior Notes
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance II Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V., issued $300,000aggregate principal amount of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes, the proceeds from which were placed in escrow, to finance a portion of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Cequel 2025 Senior Notes were issued by the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer, an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V.,senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum5.625% and were issued at a pricemature on September 15, 2028. Prior to the issuance of

these notes, Lightpath became an unrestricted subsidiary under the terms of CSC Holdings' debt.
F-31


F-47


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



100.00%. InterestIn addition, on the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15September 29, 2020, Lightpath entered into a credit agreement between, inter alios, certain lenders party thereto and July 15Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral agent, (the "Lightpath Credit Agreement") which provides for, among other things, (i) a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of each year. Following the consummation$600,000 (the “Lightpath Term Loan Facility”) at a price of 99.5% of the Cequel Acquisitionaggregate principal amount, which was drawn on November 30, 2020, and related transactions,(ii) revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000 (the “Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes Issuer merged into Cequel, the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes became the obligations of Cequel and Cequel Capital Corporation became the co-issuerLightpath Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $1,500) of the Cequel 2025 Senior Notes.
On June 12, 2015, Altice US Finance S.A., an indirect subsidiary of Altice N.V. issued $320,000 principal amount of the 7.75% Senior Notes due 2025 (the ‘‘Holdco Notes’’),Lightpath Term Loan Facility, beginning with the proceeds from which were placed in escrow,fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021.
The loans made pursuant to finance a portionthe Lightpath Credit Agreement are comprised of the purchase price for the Cequel Acquisition. The Holdco Noteseurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at a rate of 7.75%per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and were issued at a price(ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum. The maturity date of 98.275%. Interest on the Holdco(i) Lightpath Term Loan Facility is November 30, 2027 and (ii) Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility is November 30, 2025.
Lightpath was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Lightpath Credit Facility and notes indentures as of December 31, 2020.
Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15
In November 2019, pursuant to an asset contribution agreement (the "Asset Contribution"), Cablevision contributed to CSC Holdings substantially all of its assets and July 15CSC Holdings assumed all of each year. The Holdco Notes were automatically exchanged intoCablevision’s liabilities, including Cablevision’s 5.875% senior notes due September 2022 with an equal aggregate outstanding principal amount of Cequel$649,024, Cablevision’s 7.750% senior notes due July 2025 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1,740, and Cablevision's 7.500% senior notes due April 2028 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $4,118 (the "Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes at Cequel duringNotes").
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and the second quarterWrite-off of 2016.Deferred Financing Costs
The Cequel Indentures contain certain covenants, agreements and events of default which are customary with respect to non-investment grade debt securities, including limitations on the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends on or make other distributions or repurchase the Company’s capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, create liens and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies.
Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Cablevision Acquisition, the Company issued notes payable to affiliates and related parties aggregating $1,750,000, of which $875,000 bore interest at 10.75% and matured on December 20, 2023 and $875,000 bore interest at 11% and matured on December 20, 2024.
As discussed in Note 1, in connection with the Company's IPO, the Company converted the notes payable to affiliates and related parties (together with accrued and unpaid interest of $529 and applicable premium of $513,723) into sharesfollowing table provides a summary of the Company’s common stock at the IPO price. The premium was recorded as a loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt onand the Company's statementwrite-off of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. In connection with the conversion of the notes,deferred financing costs recorded by the Company recorded aupon the redemption of senior notes and the refinancing of credit to paidfacilities:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020:
CSC Holdings 5.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2023$26,721 
CSC Holdings 7.75% Senior Notes due 202535,375 
CSC Holdings 10.875% Senior Notes due 2025136,249 
CSC Holdings 6.625% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 202552,144 
$250,489 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019:
CSC Holdings 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021$65,151 
CSC Holdings 10.125% Senior Notes due 2023154,666 
Refinancing and subsequent amendment to CSC Holdings credit facility8,313 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings228,130 
Cablevision 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021500 
Cablevision 8.000% Senior Notes due 202015,176 
$243,806 

F-48

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in capital of $2,264,252.thousands, except share and per share amounts)
For the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized interest expense of $90,405 and $102,557 related to these notes prior to their conversion.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2018:
Cequel Credit Facility$7,733 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above150 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings7,883 
Cequel 6.375% Senior Notes due 202036,910 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above(695)
Cablevision 7.75% Senior Notes due 20184,706 
$48,804 
SummaryUse of Debt MaturitiesEstimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The future maturitiespreparation of debt payable byfinancial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding asreported amounts of December 31, 2017, including notes payable, collateralized indebtedness (seeassets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 10),13 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2019 and capital leases, are as follows:2018 financial statements to conform to the 2020 presentation.
Years Ending December 31,Cablevision Cequel Total
2018$1,619,094
 $16,518
 $1,635,612
2019565,604
 18,310
 583,914
2020552,902
 1,062,713
 1,615,615
20212,921,269
 1,262,723
 4,183,992
2022680,700
 12,734
 693,434
Thereafter9,380,513
 4,416,270
 13,796,783
NOTE 3.    ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The amounts inRecently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the table above do not includeEffects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04")
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance related to the effects of the debt transactions discussed in Note 20.
NOTE 10.    DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
reference rate reform on financial reporting. The guidance, effective for reporting periods through December 31, 2022, provides accounting relief for contract modifications that replace an interest rate impacted by reference rate reform (e.g., LIBOR) with a new alternative reference rate. The Company has entered into various transactions to limitadopted the exposure against equity price risk on its sharesguidance as of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock.  At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the

F-32


F-33


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



March 31, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
fair valueASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12")
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowingaccounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates, and clarifies the Company to retain upside appreciation fromaccounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.  
tax basis of goodwill. The amendments did not create new accounting requirements. The Company received cash proceeds upon executionadopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15")
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 which requires upfront implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (or hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to be amortized to hosting expense over the term of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness inarrangement, beginning when the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivativemodule or component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivativeshosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have not been designated as hedgesa significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2018-14, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for accounting purposes.  Therefore,Defined Benefit Plans ("ASU 2018-14")
In August 2018, the net fair valuesFASB issued ASU 2018-14 which amends ASC 715 to clarify certain disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. See Note 18 for additional disclosures provided in connection with the adoption of the equity derivatives have been reflected instandard.
ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) ("ASU 2017-04")
In January 2017, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets asFASB issued ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an assetentity to perform its annual, or liability and the net increases or decreases ininterim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the equity derivative componentoption to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company adopted the standard as of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying consolidated statementsJanuary 1, 2020. The adoption of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of CSC Holdings' Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts were terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of December 31, 2017, the Companythis standard did not have an early termination shortfall relating to anyimpact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of December 31, 2017.
Put/Call Options
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company entered into a put-call contract that expired in the third quarter of 2018 whereby the Company sold a put option and purchased a call option with the same strike price. These put-call options were settled as of December 31, 2017 and the Company recorded a loss of $97,410 for the year ended December 31, 2017, which represents the difference between the strike price and the closing price of the underlying shares.
Interest Rate Swap ContractsCredit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13")
In June 2016, the Company entered into two fixedFASB issued ASU 2016-13 which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost to floating interest rate swap contracts. One fixed to floating interest rate swapbe assessed for impairment under the current expected credit loss model rather than an incurred loss model. The measurement of expected credit losses is converting $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.6655% to six-month LIBO ratebased on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and a second tranche of $750,000 from a fixed rate of 1.68% to six-month LIBO rate. The objective of these swaps is to coverreasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the exposurecollectability of the Cequel 2026 Senior Secured Notes issued by Cequel to changes inreported amount.  ASU 2016-13 became effective for the market interest rate. These swap contracts wereCompany on January 1, 2020 and the adoption of this standard did not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Accordingly,have a significant impact on the changes in the fair value of these interest rate swap contracts are recorded through the statements of operations.
Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company does not hold or issue derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

will continue to actively monitor the impact of the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on expected credit losses.
F-33


F-34


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



NOTE 4.    NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following representsBasic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the locationweighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock. For such awards that are performance based, the diluted effect is reflected upon the achievement of the assets and liabilities associated withperformance criteria. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
    Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments 
Balance Sheet
Location
 Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Fair Value at December 31, 2016 Fair Value at December 31, 2017 Fair Value at December 31, 2016
           
Prepaid forward contracts Derivative contracts, current $52,545
 $352
 $(52,545) $(13,158)
Prepaid forward contracts Derivative contracts, long-term —
 10,604
 (109,504) —
Interest rate swap contracts Liabilities under derivative contracts, long-term —
 —
 (77,902) (78,823)
    $52,545
 $10,956
 $(239,951) $(91,981)
Loss related to the Company's derivative contracts related to the Comcasteffects of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 of $(138,920) and $(53,696), respectively,equivalents as they are reflected in gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations.
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain on investments of $237,354 and $141,896, respectively, primarily representing the net increase in the fair values of the investment securities pledged as collateral. 
For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded a gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts of $5,482 and $(72,961), respectively.
Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relating to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal to the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts during the year ended December 31, 2017: 
Number of shares (a)26,815,368
Collateralized indebtedness settled$(774,703)
Derivatives contracts settled(56,356)
 (831,059)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts838,794
Net cash proceeds$7,735
(a)Share amounts are adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cash to settle the collateralized indebtedness was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price. 
In April 2017, the Company entered into new monetization contracts related to 32,153,118 shares of Comcast common stock held by Cablevision, which synthetically reversed the existing contracts related to these shares (the "Synthetic Monetization Closeout"). As the existing collateralized debt matures, the Company will settle the contracts with proceeds received from the new monetization contracts. The new monetization contracts mature on April 28, 2021. The new monetization contracts provide the Company with downside protection below the hedge price of $35.47 and upside benefit of stock price appreciation up to $44.72 per share. In connection with the execution of these contracts, the Company recorded (i) the fair value of the equity derivative contracts of $53,316 (in a net asset position), (ii) notes payable of $111,657, representing the fair value of the existing equity derivative contracts, in a liability position, and

F-34


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


(iii) a discount on notes payable of $58,341.
NOTE 11.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.anti-dilutive.
The following table presents for eacha reconciliation of these hierarchy levels,weighted average shares used in the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
Assets:     
Money market funds (of which $14,700 is classified as restricted cash as of December 31, 2016)Level I $5,949
 $100,139
Investment securities pledged as collateralLevel I 1,720,357
 1,483,030
Prepaid forward contractsLevel II 52,545
 10,956
Liabilities:     
Prepaid forward contractsLevel II 162,049
 13,158
Interest rate swap contractsLevel II 77,902
 78,823
Contingent consideration related to 2017 acquisitionsLevel III 32,233
 —
The Company's cash equivalents, investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level Icalculations of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's derivative contractsbasic and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence.  Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of the contingent consideration related to acquisitions in the first and fourth quarters of 2017 of $30,000 and $2,233, respectively, was estimated based on a probability assessment of attaining the targets. The estimated amount recorded as of December 31, 2017 is the full contractual amount for the first quarter acquisition and approximately 51% of the contractual amount for the acquisition that occurred in the fourth quarter.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes and Debentures, Senior Secured Notes, Senior Guaranteed Notes, Notes Payable to Affiliates and Related Parties and Notes Payable
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost.

F-35


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share anddiluted net income per share amounts)


The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
   December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount (a)
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Altice USA debt instruments:         
Notes payable to affiliates and related partiesLevel II $—
 $—
 $1,750,000
 $1,837,876
CSC Holdings debt instruments:         
Credit facility debtLevel II 3,393,306
 3,435,000
 2,631,887
 2,675,256
Collateralized indebtednessLevel II 1,349,474
 1,305,932
 1,286,069
 1,280,048
Senior guaranteed notesLevel II 2,291,185
 2,420,000
 2,289,494
 2,416,375
Senior notes and debenturesLevel II 6,409,889
 7,221,846
 6,732,816
 7,731,150
Notes payableLevel II 56,956
 55,289
 13,726
 13,260
Cablevision senior notesLevel II 1,818,115
 1,931,239
 2,742,082
 2,920,056
Cequel debt instruments:  

 

 

 

Cequel credit facilityLevel II 1,250,217
 1,258,675
 812,903
 815,000
Senior secured notesLevel II 2,570,506
 2,658,930
 2,566,802
 2,689,750
Senior notesLevel II 2,770,737
 2,983,615
 3,176,131
 3,517,275
Notes payableLevel II 8,946
 8,945
 —
 —
   $21,919,331
 $23,279,471
 $24,001,910
 $25,896,046
(a)Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
NOTE 12.    INCOME TAXES
The Company files a federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries.
Income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of the following components:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Current expense (benefit):   
Federal$5,657
 $(981)
State12,509
 5,310
 18,166
 4,329
Deferred benefit:   
Federal(2,088,652) (223,159)
State(782,492) (40,830)
 (2,871,144) (263,989)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions11
 (6)
Income tax benefit$(2,852,967) $(259,666)

F-36


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The income tax benefit attributable to the Company's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Federal tax benefit at statutory rate$(465,972) $(381,901)
State income taxes, net of federal impact(59,719) (39,336)
Changes in the valuation allowance(111) 297
Impact of Federal Tax Reform(2,337,900) —
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact(12,896) 153,239
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions(253) (120)
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan20,101
 5,029
Non-deductible Cablevision Acquisition transaction costs—
 4,457
Other non-deductible expenses3,349
 1,551
Other, net434
 (2,882)
Income tax benefit$(2,852,967) $(259,666)
Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act ("Tax Reform") on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,337,900 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018. This adjustment results primarily from a decrease in the deferred tax liabilities with regard to fixed assets and intangibles, partially offset by a decrease in the deferred tax asset for the federal net operating loss carry forward (‘‘NOL’’). The noncash deferred tax benefit is provisional. Revised estimates and additional guidance regarding application of Tax Reform may require adjustments during the allowable measurement period.
Overall, Tax Reform will have a favorable impact on the Company’s income tax profile. Additional first-year depreciation deductions represent a significant timing benefit. Since Tax Reform only limits the deduction for NOLs arising in years beginning after December 31, 2017, the timing of the Company’s deductions with regard to its existing NOLs is largely unaffected. The Company will be subject to Tax Reform’s limitation on interest deductibility which is based on a limit calculated without regard to depreciation or amortization through 2021. The resulting interest deduction that is deferred, and can be carried forward indefinitely, is expected to fully reverse. However, as is the case with any future deductible temporary difference, management will evaluate realizability to determine whether a valuation allowance is required. Management does not expect that a valuation allowance will be required based on its preliminary estimate of the current facts and circumstances. Repeal of the alternative minimum tax will reduce projected tax payments in the short term while also providing for the refund of alternative minimum tax credits.
As described in Note 1, in June, 2016, (i) Cequel was contributed to Altice USA stockholders:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding581,057 660,384 730,088 
Effect of dilution:
Stock options2,617 1,348 0 
Restricted stock15 809 0 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding583,689 662,541 730,088 
Weighted average shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Anti-dilutive shares25,768 4,245 6,292 
Performance stock units and restricted stock whose performance metrics have not been achieved.8,308  0 74 
Net income (loss) per membership unit for CSC Holdings is not presented since CSC Holdings is a limited liability company and (ii) Altice USA completed the Cablevision Acquisition. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2016, Cequel and Cablevision joined the federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returnsa wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA. As a result, the applicate tax rate used to measure deferred tax assets and liabilities of Cequel increased, resulting in a noncash deferred income tax charge of $153,660.

F-37


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance are as follows.
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Noncurrent   
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards$784,334
 $971,728
Compensation and benefit plans48,280
 93,939
Partnership investments68,054
 113,473
Restructuring liability33,247
 37,393
Other liabilities38,140
 45,561
Liabilities under derivative contracts21,034
 31,529
Interest deferred for tax purposes128,516
 39,633
Other7,182
 6,615
Deferred tax asset1,128,787
 1,339,871
Valuation allowance(3,000) (3,125)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent1,125,787
 1,336,746
Fixed assets and intangibles(5,733,319) (9,065,635)
Investments(113,628) (187,795)
Prepaid expenses(8,007) (10,172)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs(40,215) (30,535)
Other(5,733) (9,424)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent(5,900,902) (9,303,561)
Total net deferred tax liability$(4,775,115) $(7,966,815)
On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-09 using the prospective transition method with respect to the presentation of excess tax benefits in the statement of cash flows. In connection with the adoption, a deferred tax asset of $310,771 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits related to share-based payment awards was recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company's federal NOLs were approximately $2,670,000.  The utilization of certain pre-merger NOLs of Cablevision and Cequel are limited pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 382. The Company does not expect such limitations to impact the ability to utilize the NOLs prior to their expiration.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company has $48,995 of alternative minimum tax credits which do not expire and $17,806 of research credits, expiring in varying amounts from 2023 through 2035.
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, management takes into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. Pursuant to the Cablevision Acquisition and Cequel Acquisition, deferred tax liabilities resulting from the book fair value adjustment increased significantly and future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized is sufficient to conclude it is more likely than not that the Company will realize all of its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income

F-38


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained.
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associated deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at January 1, 2016$4,025
Increases related to prior year tax positions11
Balance at December 31, 2017$4,036
As of December 31, 2017, if all uncertain tax positions were sustained at the amounts reported or expected to be reported in the Company's tax returns, the elimination of the Company's unrecognized tax benefits, net of the deferred tax impact, would decrease income tax expense by $5,585.
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, $659 of interest expense relating to uncertain tax position was recorded to interest expense.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, the City of New York, Texas and West Virginia. The State of New York is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2009 through 2011. The State of New Jersey is presently auditing income tax returns for years 2013 through 2015.
Management does not believe that the resolution of the ongoing income tax examination described above will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions will be recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
NOTE 13.    SHARE BASED COMPENSATION
Carry Unit Plan
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company. The awards generally vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 for Cablevision employees or December 21, 2015 for Cequel employees ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period. The carry unit plan has 259,442,785 units authorized for issuance, of which 211,670,834 have been issued to employees of the Company and 11,300,000 have been issued to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies as of December 31, 2017.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty day period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in paid-in capital.
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a

F-39


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Company's Class A common stock upon vesting.
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for carry units based on the fair value of the award at grant date. In addition these units are presented as temporary equity on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For carry unit awards granted in 2016, an option pricing model was used which requires subjective assumptions for which changes in these assumptions could materially affect the fair value of the carry units outstanding. The time to liquidity event assumption was based on management’s judgment. The equity volatility assumption was estimated using the historical weekly volatility of publicly traded comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumed was based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury Rates for a period matching the expected time to liquidity event. The discount for lack of marketability was based on Finnerty's (2012) average-strike put option model.
For carry unit awards granted in the first and second quarter of 2017, the Company estimated the grant date fair value based on the value established in the Company's IPO.
The following table summarizes activity relating to carry units:
 
Number of Time
Vesting Awards
 
Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2016192,800,000
 10,000,000
 $0.37
Granted28,025,000
 —
 3.14
Forfeited(7,854,166) —
 0.37
Vested(44,420,833) —
 0.41
Balance, December 31, 2017168,550,001
 10,000,000
 0.71
The weighted average fair value per unit was $1.76 and $2.50 as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recognized an expense of $57,430 and $14,368, respectively, related to the push down of share-based compensation related to the carry unit plan of which approximately $55,258 and $9,849 related to units granted to employees of the Company and $2,172 and $4,519 related to employees of Altice N.V. and affiliated companies allocated to the Company.
Stock Option Plan
In connection with the Company's IPO, the Company adopted the Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "2017 LTIP"). Under the 2017 LTIP, the Company may grant awards of options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance stock units and other awards. Under the 2017 LTIP, awards may be granted to officers, employees and consultants of the Company or any of its affiliates. The 2017 LTIP will be administered by the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board"), subject to the provision of the stockholders' agreement. The Board has delegated its authority to the Company's Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the full power and authority to, among other things, select eligible participants, to grant awards in accordance with the 2017 LTIP, to determine the number of shares subject to each award or the cash amount payable in connection with an award and determine the terms and conditions of each award. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued under the 2017 LTIP is 9,879,291. The Board has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the 2017 LTIP. No amendment, suspension or termination will be effective without the approval of the Company's stockholders if such approval is required under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
On December 30, 2017, the Company granted 5,110,747 nonqualified stock options under the 2017 LTIP. The stock options were granted with an exercise price of $19.48, equal to the 30 day volume weighted average of the closing price of Class A common stock as of the grant date. Certain nonqualified stock options (2,730,949 awards) will vest 100% on December 21, 2020 and 2,379,798 awards will vest 50% on the second anniversary, 25% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, generally subject to continued employment with the Company or any of its affiliates, and expire ten years from the date of grant.

F-40


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) due to the Company's lack of recent historical data for similar awards.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.  The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock and the expected volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies who granted options that had similar expected lives.
The following aggregate assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted on December 30, 2017:
Risk-free interest rate2.30%
Expected life (in years)6.44
Dividend yield—%
Volatility33.95%
Grant date fair value$8.77

NOTE 14.    AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") to an employee of the Company. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity method.
At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's 25% investment in Newsday and its 25% interest in i24NEWS, Altice N.V.'s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel aggregated $(2,649) and $5,606, respectively, and is included in investments in affiliates on our consolidated balance sheets. The operating results of Newsday and i24NEWS are recorded on the equity basis. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded equity in net loss of Newsday of $7,219 and $1,132, respectively, and equity in net loss of i24NEWS of $2,821 and $0, respectively.
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries of Altice N.V. under common control and equity method investees, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
Altice Technical Services US Corp. ("ATS")
As discussed in Note 1, in January 2018, the Company completed the ATS Acquisition and the Company expects to become the owner of 100% of the equity interests in ATS prior to the Distribution. ATS was previously owned by Altice N.V. and a member of ATS's management through a holding company. As a result of the ATS Acquisition, the Company will combine the operations of ATS with Altice USA in 2018. See Note 1 for a summary of the impact that the ATS Acquisition will have on the Company's previously reported revenue, operating expenses and operating income.
ATS was formed to provide network construction and maintenance services and commercial and residential installations, disconnections, and maintenance. In the second quarter of 2017, the Company entered into an Independent Contractor Agreement with ATS that governs the terms of the services described above. The Company believes the services it receives from ATS will be of higher quality and at a lower cost than the Company could achieve without ATS, including for the construction of our new fiber-to-the home ("FTTH") network. The Company also entered into a Transition Services Agreement for the use of the Company's resources to provide various overhead functions to ATS, including accounting, legal and human resources and for the use of certain facilities, vehicles and technician tools during a transitional period that generally ended on December 31, 2017, although the term can be extended on a service-by-service basis. The Transition Services Agreement requires ATS to reimburse the Company for its cost to provide such services.
During the second quarter of 2017, a substantial portion of the Company's technical workforce at the Cablevision segment either accepted employment with ATS or became employees of ATS and ATS commenced operations and began to

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


perform services for the Company. A substantial portion of the Cequel segment technical workforce became employees of ATS in December 2017. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company's operating results reflect a reduction in employee related expenses due to certain employees becoming employed by ATS and an increase in contractor costs for services provided by ATS.
From the formation of ATS and up until an equity contribution was made by its parent in June 2017, ATS met the definition of a variable interest entity in accordance with ASC 810-10-15-14. The Company evaluated whether its arrangement under the terms of the Independent Contractor Agreement is a variable interest, whether the Company is the primary beneficiary and whether the Company should consolidate ATS. The Company concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary of ATS because ATS is controlled by its parent, which in turn is controlled by Altice N.V. who has the power to direct the most significant activities of ATS.
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had a prepayment balance of $19,563 to ATS which is reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets and $6,539 which is reflected in other long-term assets on the Company's balance sheet.
The Company reduced goodwill to reflect the preliminary estimate of the historical value of the goodwill associated with the transfer to ATS described above of $23,101, that has been recorded as a reduction to stockholders' equity.
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges related to services provided to or received from subsidiaries of Altice N.V. and Newsday:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Revenue$2,205
 $1,086
Operating expenses:   
Programming and other direct costs$(4,176) $(1,947)
Other operating expenses, net(106,084) (18,854)
Operating expenses, net(110,260) (20,801)
    
Interest expense (see Note 9)(a)(90,405) (112,712)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs (see Note 9)(513,723) —
Net charges$(712,183) $(132,427)
Capital Expenditures$133,918
 $45,886
(a)The 2016 amount includes $10,155 related to Holdco Notes prior to the exchange in addition to the interest related to notes payable to affiliates and related parties discussed in Note 9.
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue in connection with the sale of pay television, broadband and telephony services to ATS and the sale of advertising to Newsday.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for the transport and termination of voice and data services provided by a subsidiary of Altice N.V.
Other operating expenses
Other operating expenses include charges of $72,944 from ATS for the year ended December 31, 2017, pursuant to the Independent Contractor Agreement, net of charges to ATS pursuant to the TSA, discussed above.
Altice N.V. provides certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services, including, prior to the IPO, CEO, CFO and COO services, to the Company. Compensation under the terms of the agreement is an annual fee of $30,000 to be paid by the Company. Fees associated with this agreement recorded by the Company amounted to approximately $30,000 and $20,556, for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of June 20,

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


2017, the CEO, CFO and COO became employees of the Company and the agreement was assigned to Altice N.V. by a subsidiary of Altice N.V. This agreement will be terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Other operating expenses also include charges for services provided by other subsidiaries of Altice N.V. aggregating $4,057 and $887, respectively, net of a credit of $917 and $2,589 related to transition services provided to Newsday for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2017 include $111,906 (including advance payments related to the FTTH project of $16,363) for installation and construction activities performed by ATS, $17,434 of equipment purchased from Altice Labs S.A., $4,578 of software development services, that were capitalized, from Altice Management International and other Altice N.V. subsidiaries.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 include $44,121 of equipment purchased from Altice Management International and $1,025 from another Altice N.V. subsidiary. In addition, the Company acquired certain software development services that were capitalized from Altice Labs S.A. aggregating $740.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to related parties are summarized below:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Due from:   
Altice US Finance S.A. (a)$12,951
 $12,951
Newsday (b)2,713
 6,114
Altice Management Americas (b)33
 3,117
i24NEWS (b)4,036
 —
Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (b)1,623
 —
 $21,356
 $22,182
Due to:   
CVC 3BV (c)$—
 $71,655
Neptune Holdings US LP (c)—
 7,962
Altice Management International (d)—
 44,121
ATS (b)(e)2,948
 —
Newsday (b)33
 275
Altice Labs S.A. (d)7,354
 866
Other Altice N.V. subsidiaries (f)3,611
 2,484
 $13,946
 $127,363
(a)Represents interest on senior notes paid by the Company on behalf of the affiliate.
(b)Represents amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the respective related party and for Newsday and ATS, the net amounts due from the related party also include charges for certain transition services provided.
(c)Represents distributions payable to stockholders.
(d)Amounts payable as of December 31, 2016 primarily represent amounts due for equipment purchases and/or software development services discussed above.
(e)Represents amounts due to ATS for construction, maintenance, and installation services, net of charges to ATS pursuant to the TSA. See discussion above.
(f)Represents amounts due to affiliates for services provided to the Company.

F-43


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The table above does not include notes payable to affiliates and related parties of $1,750,000 and the related accrued interest of $102,557 as of December 31, 2016, respectively, which is reflected in accrued interest in the Company's balance sheet. See discussion in Note 9.
In the second quarter of 2017, prior to the Company's IPO, the Company declared and paid cash distributions aggregating $839,700 to stockholders, $500,000 of which were funded with proceeds from borrowings under CSC Holdings' revolving credit facility. In 2016, the Company declared cash distributions of $445,176, of which $365,559 were paid in 2016 and $79,617 were paid in the first quarter of 2017.
NOTE 15.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Future cash payments and commitments required under arrangements pursuant to contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2017 are as follows:
 Payments Due by Period
 Total Year 1 Years 2-3 Years 4-5 
More than
5 years
Off balance sheet arrangements:         
Purchase obligations (a)$8,423,735
 $3,071,514
 $4,179,616
 $1,092,786
 $79,819
Guarantees (b)36,224
 34,716
 1,508
 —
 —
Letters of credit (c)129,473
 200
 120
 129,153
 —
Total$8,589,432
 $3,106,430
 $4,181,244
 $1,221,939
 $79,819
(a)Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2017 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2017. 
(b)Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for the Company's cable television systems. 
(c)Represent letters of credit guaranteeing performance to municipalities and public utilities and payment of insurance premiums. Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the commitment expires although payments under these arrangements are required only in the event of nonperformance.
The table above does not include obligations for payments required to be made under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from video service per year.
Many of the Company's franchise agreements and utility pole leases require the Company to remove its cable wires and other equipment upon termination of the respective agreements.  The Company has concluded that the fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably estimated since the range of potential settlement dates is not determinable.
Legal Matters
Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to Cablevision, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on Cablevision's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, Cablevision and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits alleging breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud and seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees were subsequently filed on behalf of Cablevision's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. On March 28, 2012, in ruling on Cablevision's motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed

F-44


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


all of plaintiffs’ claims, except for breach of contract.  On March 30, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for class certification. The parties have entered into a settlement agreement. The Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement agreement on January 8, 2018, and set a hearing for final approval on May 17, 2018. As of December 31, 2016, the Company had an estimated liability associated with a potential settlement totaling $5,200. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded an additional liability of $800. The amount ultimately paid in connection with the proposed settlement could exceed the amount recorded.
In October 2015, the New York Attorney General began an investigation into whether the major Internet Service Providers in New York State deliver advertised Internet speeds. The Company is cooperating with this investigation and is currently in discussions with the New York Attorney General about resolving the investigation as to the Company, which resolution may involve operational and/or financial components. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of the investigation or these discussions, at this time it does not expect that the outcome will have a material adverse effect on its operations, financial conditions or cash flows.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
NOTE 16.    SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company classifies its operations into two reportable segments: Cablevision and Cequel. The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that are managed separately. The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is business segment Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure.  The Company defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) excluding income taxes, income (loss) from discontinued operations, non-operating other income or expenses, loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs, gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts, gain (loss) on derivative contracts, gain (loss) on investments, interest expense (including cash interest expense), interest income, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credits and transaction expenses.  The Company has presented the components that reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure:
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016
 Cablevision Cequel Total Cablevision (a) Cequel Total
Operating income$345,063
 $520,321
 $865,384
 $74,865
 $384,801
 $459,666
Share-based compensation42,060
 15,370
 57,430
 9,164
 5,204
 14,368
Restructuring and other expense112,384
 40,017
 152,401
 212,150
 28,245
 240,395
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)2,251,614
 678,861
 2,930,475
 963,665
 736,641
 1,700,306
Adjusted EBITDA$2,751,121
 $1,254,569
 $4,005,690
 $1,259,844
 $1,154,891
 $2,414,735
(a)Reflects operating results of Cablevision from the date of acquisition.

F-45


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


A reconciliation of reportable segment amounts to the Company's consolidated balances are as follows:
 Year Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
Operating income for reportable segments$865,384
 $459,666
Items excluded from operating income:   
Interest expense(1,603,132) (1,456,541)
Interest income1,921
 13,811
Gain on investments, net237,354
 141,896
Loss on derivative contracts, net(236,330) (53,696)
Gain (loss) on interest rate swap contracts5,482
 (72,961)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs(600,240) (127,649)
Other income (expense), net(1,788) 4,329
Loss before income taxes$(1,331,349) $(1,091,145)
The following table presents the composition of revenue by segment:
 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016
 Cablevision (a) Cequel Eliminations Total Cablevision (a) Cequel Total
Residential:             
Pay TV$3,113,238
 $1,101,507
 $—
 $4,214,745
 $1,638,691
 $1,120,525
 $2,759,216
Broadband1,603,015
 960,757
 —
 2,563,772
 782,615
 834,414
 1,617,029
Telephony693,478
 130,503
 —
 823,981
 376,034
 153,939
 529,973
Business services and wholesale923,161
 375,656
 —
 1,298,817
 468,632
 350,909
 819,541
Advertising321,149
 73,509
 (2,792) 391,866
 163,678
 88,371
 252,049
Other10,747
 22,642
 —
 33,389
 14,402
 25,002
 39,404
Total Revenue$6,664,788
 $2,664,574
 $(2,792) $9,326,570
 $3,444,052
 $2,573,160
 $6,017,212
(a)Reflects revenue from the Cablevision Acquisition Date.
Capital expenditures (cash basis) by reportable segment are presented below:
 Years Ended December 31,
 2017 2016
    
Cablevision$711,432
 $298,357
Cequel279,932
 327,184
 $991,364
 $625,541
All revenues and assets of the Company's reportable segments are attributed to or located in the United States.
Total assets by segment are not provided as such amounts are not regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker for purposes of decision making regarding resource allocations.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 17.    BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified and Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Retirement Plans (collectively, the "Defined Benefit Plans")
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan (the "Pension Plan") for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision, as well as certain employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.
The Company maintains an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan ("Excess Cash Balance Plan") covering certain current and former employees of Cablevision who participate in the Pension Plan. The Company also maintained an additional unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit plan ("CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan") for the benefit of certain former officers and employees of Cablevision which provided that, upon retiring on or after normal retirement age, a participant receives a benefit equal to a specified percentage of the participant's average compensation, as defined.  All participants were 100% vested in the CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan.  The benefits related to the CSC Supplemental Plan were paid to participants in January 2017 and the plan was terminated.   
Cablevision's Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan are frozen and no employee of Cablevision who was not already a participant could participate in the plans and no further annual Pay Credits (a certain percentage of employees' eligible pay) are made.  Existing account balances under the plans continue to be credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plans.
Plan Results for Defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:   
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$382,517
 $403,963
Interest cost11,786
 14,077
Actuarial loss (gain)13,171
 (11,429)
Curtailments6,332
 3,968
Settlements6,910
 —
Benefits paid(121,650) (28,062)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year299,066
 382,517
    
Change in plan assets:   
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year284,118
 297,846
Actual return on plan assets, net6,356
 5,829
Employer contributions26,944
 8,505
Benefits paid(121,650) (28,062)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year195,768
 284,118
Unfunded status at end of year$(103,298) $(98,399)
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company's Defined Benefit Plans aggregated $299,066 and $382,517 at December 31, 2017 and 2016.

F-47


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 December 31,
 2017 2016
Defined Benefit Plans$(103,298) $(98,399)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans135
 14,293
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations$(103,163) $(84,106)
Components of the net periodic benefit cost, recorded in other operating expenses, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows:
 Years Ended December 31, 
 2017 2016
Interest cost$11,786
 $6,946
Expected return on plan assets, net(4,907) (4,022)
Curtailment loss3,137
 231
Settlement loss (income) (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)1,845
 (154)
Net periodic benefit cost$11,861
 $3,001
(a)As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the year ended December 31, 2017 and during the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet relating to these plans.
Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic cost (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:
 Net Periodic Benefit Cost Benefit Obligations at December 31,
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 
For the Period June 21, 2016 to
December 31, 2016
 2017 2016
Discount rate (a)3.69% 3.53% 3.50% 3.81%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels—% —% —% —%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)3.90% 3.97% N/A
 N/A
(a)The discount rate of 3.53% for the period June 21, 2016 through December 31, 2016, represents the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
The discount rate used by the Company in calculating the net periodic benefit cost for the Cash Balance Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan was determined based on the expected future benefit payments for the plans and from the Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model. The model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds.
The Company's expected long-term return on Pension Plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan's asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns and risk for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return was chosen as a best estimate and was determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes

F-48


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. 
Pension Plan Assets and Investment Policy
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
 Plan Assets at December 31,
 2017 2016
Asset Class:   
Mutual funds32% 43%
Fixed income securities66
 55
Cash equivalents and other2
 2
 100% 100%
The Pension Plan's investment objectives reflect an overall low risk tolerance to stock market volatility.  This strategy allows for the Pension Plan to invest in portfolios that would obtain a rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the Pension Plan. The investments held in the Pension Plan are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plan as they become payable.
Investment allocation decisions are formally made by the Company's Benefit Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by its external investment consultant.  The investment consultant takes into account expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to the Company's Benefit Committee. The major categories of the Pension Plan assets are cash equivalents and bonds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis.  Due to the Pension Plan's significant holdings in long-term government and non-government fixed income securities, the Pension Plan's assets are subjected to interest rate risk; specifically, a rising interest rate environment. Consequently, an increase in interest rates may cause a decrease to the overall liability of the Pension Plan thus creating a hedge against rising interest rates. In addition, a portion of the Pension Plan's bond portfolio is invested in foreign debt securities where there could be foreign currency risks associated with them, as well as in non-government securities which are subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments. 
Investments at Estimated Fair Value
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2017 by asset class are as follows:
Asset ClassLevel I Level II Level III Total
        
Mutual funds$61,833
 $—
 $—
 $61,833
Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:       
Foreign issued corporate debt—
 10,721
 —
 10,721
U.S. corporate debt—
 39,992
 —
 39,992
Government debt—
 4,645
 —
 4,645
U.S. Treasury securities—
 62,601
 —
 62,601
Asset-backed securities—
 10,978
 —
 10,978
Other—
 —
 —
 —
Cash equivalents (a)6,691
 2,782
 —
 9,473
Total (b)$68,524
 $131,719
 $—
 $200,243
(a)A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2017.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2016 by asset class are as follows:

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Asset ClassLevel I Level II Level III Total
        
Mutual funds$121,356
 $—
 $—
 $121,356
Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
      
Foreign issued corporate debt—
 13,583
 —
 13,583
U.S. corporate debt—
 48,046
 —
 48,046
Government debt—
 4,810
 —
 4,810
U.S. Treasury securities—
 77,285
 —
 77,285
Asset-backed securities—
 14,065
 —
 14,065
Other—
 247
 —
 247
Cash equivalents (a)2,593
 3,089
 —
 5,682
Total (b)$123,949
 $161,125
 $—
 $285,074
(a)A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2016.
The fair values of mutual funds and cash equivalents were derived from quoted market prices that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
The fair values of corporate and government debt, treasury securities and asset-back securities were derived from bids received from a vendor or broker not available in an active market that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
Benefit Payments and Contributions for Defined Benefit Plans
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the periods indicated:
2018$96,482
201918,960
202014,052
202113,282
202213,792
2023-202769,369
The Company currently expects to contribute approximately $18,000 to the Pension Plan in 2018. 
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Company maintains the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan, a contributory qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of non-union employees of Cablevision.  Participants can contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company will make a matching cash contribution or discretionary contribution, as defined in the plan.  In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded non-qualified excess savings plan which was frozen on January 1, 2017 for which the Company provided a matching contribution similar to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan.  Applicable employees of the Company were eligible for an enhanced employer matching contribution, as well as a year-end employer discretionary contribution to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.
Through September 30, 2017, the Company also maintained a 401(k) plan for employees of Cequel. Cequel employees that qualified for participation were able to contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company would make a matching cash contribution, as defined in the plan. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Suddenlink 401(k) plan assets were transferred to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the plan was renamed the Altice USA 401(k) Savings Plan.
The cost associated with these plans (including the enhanced employer matching and discretionary contributions on 2016) was $27,577 and $28,501 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

F-50


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


NOTE 18.5.    ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is presented below:
 Balance at Beginning of PeriodProvision for Bad DebtDeductions/ Write-Offs and Other ChargesBalance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts$14,683 $65,965 $(55,450)$25,198 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,520 $91,520 $(90,357)$14,683 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,420 $71,426 $(71,326)$13,520 


F-35
 Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Bad Debt Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges Balance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2017       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$11,677
 $74,183
 $(72,440) $13,420
        
Year Ended December 31, 2016       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$1,051
 $53,249
 $(42,623) $11,677
NOTE 19.    INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
March 31,
2017
 
June 30,
2017
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2017 (a)
 
Total
2017
Revenues, net$2,305,676
 $2,328,341
 $2,327,175
 $2,365,378
 $9,326,570
Operating expenses(2,057,442) (2,071,559) (2,192,311) (2,139,874) (8,461,186)
Operating income$248,234
 $256,782
 $134,864
 $225,504
 $865,384
Net income (loss)$(76,188) $(474,790) $(182,086) $2,254,682
 $1,521,618
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(237) (365) (135) (850) (1,587)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$(76,425) $(475,155) $(182,221) $2,253,832
 $1,520,031
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$(0.12) $(0.72) $(0.25) $3.06
 $2.18
(a)Pursuant to the enactment of the Tax Reform on December 22, 2017, the Company recorded a noncash deferred tax benefit of $2,337,900 to remeasure the net deferred tax liability to adjust for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate 35% to 21% which is effective on January 1, 2018.
 
March 31,
2016
 
June 30,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
 
December 31,
2016
 
Total
2016
Revenues, net$627,589
 $823,501
 $2,260,221
 $2,305,901
 $6,017,212
Operating expenses(573,329) (778,098) (2,117,442) (2,088,677) (5,557,546)
Operating income$54,260
 $45,403
 $142,779
 $217,224
 $459,666
Net loss$(140,748) $(282,129) $(172,553) $(236,049) $(831,479)
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 364
 (256) (659) (551)
Net loss attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$(140,748) $(281,765) $(172,809) $(236,708) $(832,030)
Basic and diluted net loss per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$(0.22) $(0.43) $(0.27) $(0.36) $(1.28)
The Company’s previously reported statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017, the six months ended June 30, 2017 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 reflected distributions to stockholders of $79,617 in cash provided by operating activities. These distributions should have been reflected in financing activities.

F-51



ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



NOTE 20.    SUBSEQUENT EVENT6.    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Altice USA and CSC Holdings:
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid$206,680 $188,067 $213,936 
Notes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assets106,925 35,124 95,394 
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligations133,300 54,532 13,548 
Other non-cash investing and financing transactions3,973 1,563 7,550 
Altice USA:
Receivable related to the sale of an investment0 0 4,015 
CSC Holdings:
Assumption of Cablevision debt, net of the acquisition of Cablevision assets0 169,334 0 
Contributions from parent178,720 151,455 0 
Supplemental Data:
Altice USA:
Cash interest paid1,406,825 1,436,332 1,481,468 
Income taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 
CSC Holdings:
Cash interest paid1,406,825 1,350,756 1,163,942 
Income taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 
NOTE 7.    RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced restructuring initiatives that were intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure ("2016 Restructuring Plan").

The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related CostsFacility Realignment and Other CostsTotal
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017$113,474 $9,626 $123,100 
Restructuring charges15,580 15,447 31,027 
Payments and other(107,600)(11,458)(119,058)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201821,454 13,615 35,069 
Restructuring charges6,606 6,317 12,923 
Payments and other(26,384)(3,751)(30,135)
Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (a)0 (13,849)(13,849)
Accrual balance at December 31, 20191,676 2,332 4,008 
Restructuring charges0 3,399 3,399 
Payments and other(1,676)(3,366)(5,042)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$0  $2,365 $2,365 

F-36

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


(a)Certain accrued restructuring liabilities were netted against right-of-use operating assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 in connection with the Company's adoption of ASC 842 (see Note 9).
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $436,008.
In May 2019, the Company commenced another restructuring initiative to further simplify the Company's organization structure ("2019 Restructuring Plan").
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2019 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
Restructuring charges$42,715 
Payments and other(4,769)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201937,946 
Restructuring charges3,221 
Payments and other(34,459)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$6,708 
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2019 Restructuring Plan amounted to $45,936.
In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded restructuring charges of $30,429 and $12,160, respectively, related primarily to the impairment of right-of-use operating lease assets, included in the Company's restructuring initiatives. The Company also recorded restructuring charges of $4,068 related to the facility realignment costs of which $3,689 is outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and is reflected in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
Restructuring and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2020 also includes $47,631 related to contractual payments for terminated employees. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding amount due to terminated employees amounted to $14,366 and is reflected in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company incurred transaction costs of $2,325 and $5,180, respectively, primarily related to certain transactions not related to the Company's operations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company incurred transaction costs of $7,521 relating to the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
NOTE 8.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure and construction of the parallel fiber to the home ("FTTH") infrastructure, are capitalized. This includes headend facilities and initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected. These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities. The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities. These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (5 to 25 years). Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer premise equipment ("CPE") necessary to provide broadband, video and telephony services are also capitalized. These costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities. The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and the portion of departmental costs that is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred based on time studies used to estimate the average time spent on each activity. These installation costs are amortized over the estimated useful lives of the CPE necessary to provide broadband, video and telephony services. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services and removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

F-37

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances. Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.
Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under finance leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment$1,845,830 $1,563,729 3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment2,158,704 2,023,684 5 to 25 years
Infrastructure5,964,419 5,314,322 5 to 25 years
Equipment and software1,237,057 1,111,577 3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)174,610 192,571  
Furniture and fixtures65,724 63,478 5 to 8 years
Transportation equipment150,974 151,627 5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements481,693 457,174 10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements110,037 103,734 Term of lease
Land48,791 48,426  
 12,237,839 11,030,322  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(6,431,843)(5,276,921) 
 $5,805,996 $5,753,401  
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $134,857, $132,966 and $134,265, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including finance leases) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $1,344,732, $1,475,251 and $1,508,125, respectively.
NOTE 9.    LEASES
On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 842 which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance requires the recognition of the right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related operating and finance lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded on January 1, 2019.
The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of $274,292 and lease liabilities for operating leases of $299,900 on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019, with no material impact to its consolidated statements of operations. The difference between the ROU assets and the operating lease liability represents the reclassification of (i) deferred rent balances, resulting from the historical operating leases, and (ii) certain accrued restructuring liabilities (See Note 7). The Company's accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged from its accounting for capital leases in prior periods.
The Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which allow an entity to forgo reassessing (i) whether a contract contains a lease, (ii) classification of leases, and (iii) whether capitalized costs associated with a lease meet the definition of initial direct costs. Also, the Company elected the expedient allowing an entity to use hindsight to determine the lease term and impairment of ROU assets and the expedient related to land easements which allows the Company not to retrospectively treat land easements as leases; however, the Company must apply lease accounting prospectively to land easements if they meet the definition of a lease.
For contracts entered into on or after the effective date, at the inception of a contract the Company will assess whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The Company's assessment is based on: (i) whether the contract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (ii) whether the Company obtained the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the asset throughout the period, and (iii) whether the Company has the right to direct the use of the

F-38

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

asset. Leases entered into prior to January 1, 2019, are accounted for under ASC 840 and were not reassessed for classification.
For operating leases, the lease liability is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases, and is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for leases, unless an interest rate is implicitly stated in the lease. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the noncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend the lease that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, or an option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. All ROU assets are reviewed for impairment.
Lease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the amortization of the asset on a straight-line basis over the earlier of the lease term or its useful life and interest expense determined on an amortized cost basis. The lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense.
The Company's operating leases are comprised primarily of facility leases and finance leases are comprised primarily of vehicle and equipment leases.
Balance sheet information related to our leases is presented below:
Balance Sheet locationDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsRight-of-use operating lease assets$241,342 $280,340 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentOther current liabilities38,296 38,836 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termRight-of-use operating lease liability257,424 269,062 
Finance leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsProperty, plant and equipment170,155 70,339 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentCurrent portion of long-term debt63,454 22,017 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termLong-term debt96,183 47,403 

The following provides details of the Company's lease expense:
Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease expense, net$58,923 $60,364 
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets30,123 9,347 
Interest on lease liabilities6,324 2,106 
Total finance lease expense36,447 11,453 
$95,370 $71,817 


F-39

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Other information related to leases is presented below:
As of December 31,
20202019
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for operating lease obligations$35,383 $61,244 
Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement of Liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases6,324 2,106 
Operating cash flows from operating leases64,391 65,352 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases9.0 years9.4 years
Finance leases2.5 years3.4 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases5.66 %5.96 %
Finance leases5.38 %5.49 %
The minimum future annual payments under non-cancellable leases during the next five years and thereafter, at rates now in force, are as follows:
Finance leasesOperating leases
2021$70,074 $42,832 
202265,828 52,508 
202330,701 44,814 
20243,456 40,986 
2025319 32,986 
Thereafter0 171,238 
Total future minimum lease payments, undiscounted170,378 385,364 
Less: Imputed interest(10,741)(89,644)
Present value of future minimum lease payments$159,637 $295,720 

NOTE 10.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired amortizable intangible assets: 
As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountEstimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships$6,052,598 $(3,478,742)$2,573,856 $6,017,524 $(2,843,561)$3,173,963 3 to 18 years
Trade names1,081,083 (894,189)186,894 1,081,083 (798,484)282,599 2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles56,747 (36,381)20,366 53,181 (28,634)24,547 1 to 15 years
$7,190,428 $(4,409,312)$2,781,116 $7,151,788 $(3,670,679)$3,481,109 
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 aggregated $738,633, $787,893, and $874,214, respectively.

F-40

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
Estimated amortization expense
Year Ending December 31, 2021$629,513 
Year Ending December 31, 2022545,826 
Year Ending December 31, 2023380,300 
Year Ending December 31, 2024301,035 
Year Ending December 31, 2025255,439 
The carrying amount of indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill is presented below:
Indefinite-lived Cable Television FranchisesGoodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2018$13,020,081 $8,012,416 
Goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition of Cheddar Inc. ("Cheddar")— 130,039 
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to business acquired— (146)
Balance as of December 31, 201913,020,081 $8,142,309 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition (see discussion below)47,936 18,257 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$13,068,017 $8,160,566 
On July 14, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of certain cable assets in New Jersey for approximately $150,000. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded indefinite-lived cable television franchise rights of approximately $47,936, customer relationships of approximately $35,074 and goodwill of approximately $18,257 based on an allocation of the purchase price. In addition, the Company recorded property, plant and equipment of approximately $52,362.
In June 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Cheddar, a digital-first news company, for approximately $198,754 in cash and stock. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. The purchase price was allocated to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cheddar based on their fair values. The Company recorded goodwill of $130,039, customer relationships of $46,640, trade names of $14,000 and other amortizable intangible assets of $11,780.


F-41

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 11.    DEBT
The following table provides details of the Company's outstanding debt:
Interest RateDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Date IssuedMaturity DatePrincipal AmountCarrying Amount (a)Principal AmountCarrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
November 15, 2011November 15, 20216.750 %$1,000,000 $989,917 $1,000,000 $979,178 
September 27, 2012September 15, 20225.875 %649,024 617,333 649,024 600,849 
May 23, 2014June 1, 20245.250 %750,000 697,041 750,000 683,940 
October 18, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 1,740 1,695 
October 9, 2015October 15, 202510.875 %(f)0 0 1,684,221 1,665,237 
October 18, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %4,118 4,112 4,118 4,112 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 617,881 605,583 
November 27, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %1,045,882 1,044,424 1,045,882 1,044,278 
July 10 and October 7, 2019January 15, 20305.750 %2,250,000 2,286,097 2,250,000 2,289,168 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.625 %2,325,000 2,370,502 0 0 
8,024,024 8,009,426 8,002,866 7,874,040 
CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
October 9, 2015October 15, 20256.625 %(f)0 0 1,000,000 989,483 
September 23, 2016April 15, 20275.500 %1,310,000 1,305,955 1,310,000 1,305,430 
January 29, 2018February 1, 20285.375 %1,000,000 993,490 1,000,000 992,757 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20235.375 %(e)0 0 1,095,825 1,081,879 
November 27, 2018May 15, 20265.500 %1,498,806 1,487,644 1,498,806 1,485,911 
January 24, 2019February 1, 20296.500 %1,750,000 1,747,245 1,750,000 1,746,996 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.125 %1,100,000 1,095,283 0 0 
August 17, 2020February 15, 20313.375 %1,000,000 996,692 0 0 
7,658,806 7,626,309 7,654,631 7,602,456 
CSC Holdings Restricted Group Credit Facility:
Revolving Credit Facility(c)2.479%(b)625,000 616,027 0 0 
Term Loan BJuly 17, 20252.409%2,895,000 2,884,065 2,925,000 2,911,729 
Incremental Term Loan B-3January 15, 20262.409%1,252,688 1,248,293 1,265,438 1,260,200 
Incremental Term Loan B-5April 15, 20272.659%2,977,500 2,956,807 3,000,000 2,976,358 
7,750,188 7,705,192 7,190,438 7,148,287 
Lightpath Senior Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20285.625 % 415,000 406,176 0 0 
Lightpath Senior Secured Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20273.875 % 450,000 440,487 0 0 
Lightpath Term LoanNovember 30, 20273.750 %600,000 582,808 0 0 
Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility(g)0 0 0 0 
1,465,000 1,429,471 0 0 
Collateralized indebtedness (see Note 12)1,699,566 1,617,506 1,699,566 1,585,088 
Finance lease obligations (see Note 9)159,637 159,637 69,420 69,420 
Notes payable and supply chain financing (d)183,690 174,801 156,519 140,994 
26,940,911 26,722,342 24,773,440 24,420,285 
Less: current portion of credit facility debt(78,750)(78,750)(65,250)(65,250)
Less: current portion of senior notes(1,000,000)(989,917)— — 

F-42

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Less: current portion of finance lease obligations(63,454)(63,454)(22,017)(22,017)
Less: current portion of notes payable and supply chain financing(113,592)(113,592)(83,415)(83,415)
(1,255,796)(1,245,713)(170,682)(170,682)
Long-term debt$25,685,115 $25,476,629 $24,602,758 $24,249,603 
__________________________________
(a)The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums and with respect to certain notes, a fair value adjustment resulting from the Cequel and Cablevision acquisitions.
(b)At December 31, 2020, $137,920 of the revolving credit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,712,080 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)The revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $2,275,000 matures in January 2024 and priced at LIBOR plus 2.25%. The remaining revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $200,000 matures in November 2021 and is priced at LIBOR plus 3.25%.
(d)Includes $99,941 related to supply chain financing agreements that is required to be repaid within one year from the date of the respective agreement. The principal amounts include $59,451 of notes payable that will be reclassified to collateralized indebtedness upon the maturity, in January 2021, of a monetization contract related to the synthetic monetization closeout transaction in November 2019. See Note 12.
(e)These notes were repaid in July 2020 with proceeds from the issuance of new notes in June 2020. See discussion below.
(f)These notes were repaid in August 2020 with proceeds from the issuance of new notes. See discussion below.
(g)There were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility which provides for commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000. See discussion below.
In October 2018, the Company combined its Suddenlink and Optimum businesses under a single credit silo (the "Combination"). The integration of the Suddenlink and Optimum businesses was aimed at aligning Altice USA’s debt capital structure and to simplify Altice USA’s financing strategy and financial reporting requirements. The Combination was effected mainly by the following transactions:
•In October 2018, Altice US Finance, Cequel Capital Corporation and Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC ("CCHI") commenced an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding senior notes and senior secured notes issued by them (the "Original Cequel Notes") for up to $5,520,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes (the "New Cequel Notes") and, in the case of the 5.375% senior secured notes due 2023 and 5.500% senior secured notes due 2026, and cash of $6,500.Approximately $5,500,050 of the outstanding notes subject to the Exchange Offer were exchanged into corresponding series of New Cequel Notes.
•In October 2018, CSC Holdings borrowed $150,000 under its revolving credit facility and entered into a Sixth Amendment to the CSC Credit Facilities Agreement (the "Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement"). The Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement provided for, among other things, new $1,500,000incremental term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $1,275,000.
On or following the Combination Date the following transactions were completed:
•The Company redeemed $5,206 principal amount of the Original Cequel Notes that were outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer.
•New Cequel Notes with an aggregate principal balance of $5,500,050 were converted into $5,499,156 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior note (see detail below).
•Pursuant to the Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement, on the Combination Date, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,275,000 ($1,252,688 outstanding at December 31, 2020) incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan"Loan B-3") under its existing CVC Credit Facilities Agreement.credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-3 were used to repay the entire principal amount of loans under Cequel’s then existing term loan facility and other transaction costs related to the Combination. The Incremental Term Loan was pricedB-3 is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at 99.5%a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and will mature(ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,188) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-3, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 25,15, 2026.

F-43

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

•The IncrementalCombination was implemented by a series of corporate transactions, including: (i) CCHI merging into Cablevision, with Cablevision as the surviving entity (the "Holdco Merger"), and (ii) Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC (the direct parent of Cequel) merging into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings as the surviving entity. In connection with the Holdco Merger, Cablevision assumed all of the obligations of CCHI that remained outstanding after giving effect to the Exchange Offer under the indentures governing the outstanding Original Cequel Notes. In July 2019, the Company redeemed in full the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 5.125% senior notes due 2021 that were not exchanged in connection with the Exchange Offer. Pursuant to the Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes in November 2019, as described below, the remaining original Cequel Notes that were assumed by Cablevision under the Combination became obligations of CSC Holdings.
The following is a summary of the results of the Exchange Offer:
Original Cequel NotesRemaining Original Cequel NotesNotes Redeemed in CashPrincipal of New CSC Holdings Notes
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023$1,100,000 $— $4,157 $1,095,825 
5.5% Senior Secured Notes due 20261,500,000 — 1,049 1,498,806 
5.125% Senior Notes due 20211,250,000 8,886 — 1,240,762 
7.75% Senior Notes due 2025620,000 1,740 — 617,881 
7.5% Senior Notes due 20281,050,000 4,118 — 1,045,882 
$5,520,000 $14,744 $5,206 $5,499,156 
CSC Holdings Credit Facilities
For financing purposes, the Company is structured as a restricted group (the “Restricted Group”) and an unrestricted group, which includes certain designated subsidiaries and investments (the “Unrestricted Group”). The Restricted Group is comprised of CSC Holdings and substantially all of its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are subject to the covenants and restrictions of the credit facility and indentures governing the notes issued by CSC Holdings. Cablevision Lightpath LLC became an unrestricted subsidiary prior to the issuance of its senior notes and senior secured notes in September 2020. See discussion below regarding the Lightpath debt financing.
In October 2015, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which currently provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,895,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the "CSC Term Loan Facility", and the term loans extended under the CSC Term Loan Facility, the "CSC Term Loans") and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,475,000 ($625,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the "CSC Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the CSC Term Loan Facility, the "CSC Credit Facilities"), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, CSC Holdings certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016, March 15, 2017, January 12, 2018, October 15, 2018, January 24, 2019, February 7, 2019, May 14, 2019 and October 3, 2019, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "CSC Credit Facilities Agreement").
The Term Loan B is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOLIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Term Loan B, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan B-2") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was priced at 99.5% and was due to mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base

F-44

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Company was required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,750) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-2, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In February 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,000,000 incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-4") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-4 were used to redeem $894,700 in aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings’ 10.125% senior notes due 2023, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and paying related fees, costs and expenses. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was due to mature on April 15, 2027 and was issued with an original issue discount of 1.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings and bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.00% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $3,000,000 ($2,977,500 outstanding at December 31, 2020), incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-5") under its existing credit facilities agreement, out of which $500,000 was available on a delayed draw basis. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 matures on April 15, 2027 and was issued at par. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 may be comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-5, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.
The initial proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to repay approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans (Incremental Term Loan B-2 and Incremental Term Loan B-4) under the credit agreement, and the proceeds of the delayed draw tranche of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to distribute $500,000 in cash to Cablevision, the proceeds of which were used to redeem Cablevision’s 8.00% senior notes due 2020, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and in each case, paying related fees, costs and expenses in connection with such transactions, with the remainder being used to fund cash on the balance sheet. In connection with the repayment of approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans, a portion of the unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs was written-off and recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see table below).
During the year ended December 31, 2020, CSC Holdings borrowed $2,075,000 under its revolving credit facility and repaid $1,450,000 of amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The CSC Credit Facilities Agreement requires the prepayment of outstanding CSC Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions; and (ii) on a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Term Loans) of 50% of annual excess cash flow, which will be reduced to 0% if the consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.
The obligations under the CSC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries) (the "Initial Guarantors") and, subject to certain limitations, will be guaranteed by each future material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings.  The obligations under the CSC Credit Facilities (including any guarantees thereof) are secured on a first priority basis, subject to any liens permitted by the Credit Facilities, by capital stock held by CSC Holdings or any guarantor in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
The CSC Credit Facilities Agreement includes certain negative covenants which, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions and qualifications, limit CSC Holdings' ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the

F-45

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances; and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the CSC Revolving Credit Facility includes a financial maintenance covenant solely for the benefit of the lenders under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility consisting of a maximum consolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries of 5.0 to 1.0. The financial covenant will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter, but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed the letter of credit sublimit).
The CSC Credit Facilities Agreement also contains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSC Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the CSC Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CSC Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2020.
Cequel Credit Facilities
In October 2018, in connection with the Combination described above, amounts outstanding pursuant to Cequel's term loan facility aggregating $1,249,188 were repaid from the proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-3 described above and all commitments pursuant to the Cequel credit facilities were cancelled. Term loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was 1.25% per annum with respect to any alternate base rate loans and 2.25% per annum with respect to any eurodollar loan.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes, and Senior Notes
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CVCCSC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-2 (discussed above), borrowings under the CVCCSC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay certain senior notes ($300,000$300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018)2018 and will bea portion was used to fund athe dividend of $1,500,000$1,499,935 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1.

F-52



REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
Cablevision Systems Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Cablevision Systems Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity (deficiency), and cash flows for the period from January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2015. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cablevision Systems Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
New York, New York
April 10, 2017

F-53


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2015
(In thousands)

ASSETS 
  
Current Assets:December 31, 2015
  
Cash and cash equivalents$1,003,279
Restricted cash1,600
Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,039)266,383
Prepaid expenses and other current assets123,242
Amounts due from affiliates767
Deferred tax asset14,596
Investment securities pledged as collateral455,386
Derivative contracts10,333
Total current assets1,875,586
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,625,3483,017,015
Investment in affiliates—
Investment securities pledged as collateral756,596
Derivative contracts72,075
Other assets32,920
Amortizable customer relationships, net of accumulated amortization of $27,77811,636
Other amortizable intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $32,53225,315
Trademarks and other indefinite-lived intangible assets7,250
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises731,848
Goodwill262,345
Deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization of $8,1507,588
 $6,800,174

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-54


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (continued)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCYDecember 31, 2015
Current Liabilities: 
Accounts payable$453,653
Accrued liabilities: 
Interest119,005
Employee related costs344,091
Other accrued expenses169,899
Amounts due to affiliates29,729
Deferred revenue55,545
Liabilities under derivative contracts2,706
Credit facility debt562,898
Collateralized indebtedness416,621
Senior notes and debentures—
Capital lease obligations20,350
Notes payable13,267
Total current liabilities2,187,764
Defined benefit plan obligations99,228
Other liabilities165,768
Deferred tax liability704,835
Credit facility debt1,951,556
Collateralized indebtedness774,703
Senior guaranteed notes—
Senior notes and debentures5,801,011
Capital lease obligations25,616
Notes payable1,277
Total liabilities11,711,758
Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders' Deficiency: 
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized, none issued—
CNYG Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 800,000,000 shares authorized, 304,196,703 shares issued and 222,572,210 shares outstanding3,042
CNYG Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 320,000,000 shares authorized, 54,137,673 shares issued and outstanding541
RMG Class A common stock, $.01 par value, 600,000,000 shares authorized, none issued—
RMG Class B common stock, $.01 par value, 160,000,000 shares authorized, none issued—
Paid-in capital792,351
Accumulated deficit(4,059,411)
 (3,263,477)
Treasury stock, at cost (81,624,493 CNYG Class A common shares)(1,610,167)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(37,672)
Total stockholders' deficiency(4,911,316)
Noncontrolling interest(268)
Total deficiency(4,911,584)
 $6,800,174
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-55


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 
 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015
Revenue (including revenue from affiliates of $2,088 and $5,343, respectively) (See Note 16)$3,137,604
 $6,545,545
Operating expenses: 
  
Programming and other direct costs (including charges from affiliates of $84,636 and $176,909, respectively) (See Note 16)1,088,555
 2,269,290
Other operating expenses (including charges (credits) from affiliates of $2,182 and $5,372, respectively) (See Note 16)1,136,970
 2,546,319
Restructuring and other expense22,223
 16,213
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)414,550
 865,252
 2,662,298
 5,697,074
Operating income475,306
 848,471
Other income (expense): 
  
Interest expense(287,098) (585,764)
Interest income1,590
 925
Gain (loss) on investments, net129,990
 (30,208)
Gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net(36,283) 104,927
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs—
 (1,735)
Other expense, net4,855
 6,045
 (186,946) (505,810)
Income from continuing operations before income taxes288,360
 342,661
Income tax expense(124,848) (154,872)
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes163,512
 187,789
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 (12,541)
Net income163,512
 175,248
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests236
 201
Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders$163,748
 $175,449
INCOME PER SHARE:   
Basic income (loss) per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):   
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.60
 $0.70
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$—
 $(0.05)
Net income$0.60
 $0.65
Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)272,035
 269,388
Diluted income (loss) per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s):   
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.58
 $0.68
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$—
 $(0.05)
Net income$0.58
 $0.63
Diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands)280,199
 276,339
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s): 
  
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$163,748
 $187,990
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 (12,541)
Net income$163,748
 $175,449
Cash dividends declared and paid per share of common stock$—
 $0.45
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-56


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015
    
Net income$163,512
 $175,248
Other comprehensive income (loss):   
Defined benefit pension and postretirement plans (see Note 14):   
Unrecognized actuarial gain68
 2,694
Applicable income taxes(28) (1,106)
Unrecognized income arising during period, net of income taxes40
 1,588
Amortization of actuarial losses, net included in net periodic benefit cost929
 1,224
Applicable income taxes(388) (502)
Amortization of actuarial losses, net included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes541
 722
Settlement loss included in net periodic benefit cost1,655
 3,822
Applicable income taxes(679) (1,569)
Settlement loss included in net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes976
 2,253
Other comprehensive income1,557
 4,563
Comprehensive income165,069
 179,811
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests236
 201
Comprehensive income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholder(s)$165,305
 $180,012

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-57


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY
(In thousands)

 
CNYG
Class A
Common
Stock
 
CNYG
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficiency)
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
Total
Equity (Deficiency)
                  
Balance at January 1, 2015$3,003
 $541
 $823,103
 $(4,234,860) $(1,591,021) $(42,235) $(5,041,469) $779
 $(5,040,690)
Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders—
 —
 —
 175,449
 —
 —
 175,449
 —
 175,449
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 (146) (146)
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of income taxes—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 4,563
 4,563
 —
 4,563
Proceeds from exercise of options and issuance of restricted shares39
 —
 18,648
 —
 —
 —
 18,687
 —
 18,687
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements—
 —
 60,817
 —
 —
 —
 60,817
 —
 60,817
Treasury stock acquired from forfeiture and acquisition of restricted shares—
 —
 5
 —
 (19,146) —
 (19,141) —
 (19,141)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards—
 —
 5,694
 —
 —
 —
 5,694
 —
 5,694
Dividends on CNYG Class A and CNYG Class B common stock—
 —
 (124,752) —
 —
 —
 (124,752) —
 (124,752)
Adjustments to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 8,836
 —
 —
 —
 8,836
 (901) 7,935
Balance at December 31, 2015$3,042
 $541
 $792,351
 $(4,059,411) $(1,610,167) $(37,672) $(4,911,316) $(268) $(4,911,584)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-58


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIENCY (continued)
(In thousands)

 
CNYG
Class A
Common
Stock
 
CNYG
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Stockholders'
Equity (Deficiency)
 
Non-controlling
Interest
 
Total
Equity (Deficiency)
                  
Balance at January 1, 2016$3,042
 $541
 $792,351
 $(4,059,411) $(1,610,167) $(37,672) $(4,911,316) $(268) $(4,911,584)
Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders—
 —
 —
 163,748
 —
 —
 163,748
 —
 163,748
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 (236) (236)
Pension and postretirement plan liability adjustments, net of income taxes—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,557
 1,557
 —
 1,557
Proceeds from exercise of options and issuance of restricted shares15
 —
 14,544
 —
 —
 —
 14,559
 —
 14,559
Recognition of equity-based stock compensation arrangements—
 —
 24,997
 —
 —
 —
 24,997
 —
 24,997
Treasury stock acquired from forfeiture and acquisition of restricted shares—
 —
 1
 —
 (41,470) —
 (41,469) —
 (41,469)
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for equity-based compensation(4) —
 (6,030) —
 —
 —
 (6,034) —
 (6,034)
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards—
 —
 82
 —
 —
 —
 82
 —
 82
Contributions from noncontrolling interests—
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 240
 240
Balance at June 20, 2016$3,053
 $541
 $825,945
 $(3,895,663) $(1,651,637) $(36,115) $(4,753,876) $(264) $(4,754,140)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-59


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net income$163,512
 $175,248
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:   
Loss (income) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 12,541
Depreciation and amortization (including impairments)414,550
 865,252
Loss (gain) on investments, net(129,990) 30,208
Loss (gain) on equity derivative contracts, net36,283
 (104,927)
Loss on extinguishment of debt and write-off of deferred financing costs—
 1,735
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness11,673
 23,764
Share-based compensation expense24,778
 60,321
Settlement loss and amortization of actuarial losses related to pension and postretirement plans2,584
 5,046
Deferred income taxes116,150
 133,396
Provision for doubtful accounts13,240
 35,802
Excess tax benefits related to share-based awards(82) (5,694)
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisitions and dispositions:   
Accounts receivable, trade(18,162) (24,760)
Prepaid expenses and other assets(844) 38,860
Amounts due from and due to affiliates, net(5,082) 1,043
Accounts payable36,147
 6,896
Accrued liabilities(160,937) 1,200
Deferred revenue(9,726) 2,156
Net cash provided by operating activities494,094
 1,258,087
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Capital expenditures(330,131) (816,396)
Proceeds related to sale of equipment, including costs of disposal1,106
 4,407
Decrease (increase) in other investments610
 (7,779)
Additions to other intangible assets(1,709) (8,035)
Net cash used in investing activities(330,124) (827,803)

F-60


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(In thousands)

 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2015
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Repayment of credit facility debt$(14,953) $(260,321)
Proceeds from issuance of senior notes—
 —
Proceeds from collateralized indebtedness337,149
 774,703
Repayment of collateralized indebtedness and related derivative contracts(281,594) (639,237)
Redemption and repurchase of senior notes, including premiums and fees—
 —
Repayment of notes payable(1,291) (2,458)
Proceeds from stock option exercises14,411
 18,727
Tax withholding associated with shares issued for equity-based awards(6,034) —
Dividend distributions to common stockholders(4,066) (125,170)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations(11,552) (20,250)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock(41,469) (19,141)
Additions to deferred financing costs—
 (250)
Payment for purchase of noncontrolling interest—
 (8,300)
Contributions from (distributions to) noncontrolling interests, net240
 (901)
Excess tax benefit related to share-based awards82
 5,694
Net cash used in financing activities(9,077) (276,904)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations154,893
 153,380
Cash flows of discontinued operations:   
Net cash used in operating activities(21,000) (484)
Net cash used in investing activities—
 (30)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations(21,000) (514)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period1,003,279
 850,413
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$1,137,172
 $1,003,279

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


F-61


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)




NOTE 1.    DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS, RELATED MATTERS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The Company and Related Matters
Cablevision Systems Corporation ("Cablevision"), through its wholly-owned subsidiary CSC Holdings, LLC ("CSC Holdings,") and collectively with Cablevision, the "Company"), owns and operates cable systems and owns companies that provide regional news, local programming and advertising sales services for the cable television industry and Ethernet-based data, Internet, voice and video transport and managed services to the business market. The Company operates and reports financial information in one segment. Prior to the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC on July 7, 2016, the Company consolidating the operating results of Newsday. Effective July 7, 2016, the operating results of Newsday are no longer consolidated with those of the Company and the Company's 25% interest in the operating results of Newsday is recorded on the equity basis (see Note 16).
Altice Merger
On June 21, 2016 (the "Merger Date"), pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of September 16, 2015, by and among Cablevision, Altice N.V. ("Altice"), Neptune Merger Sub Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice ("Merger Sub"), Merger Sub merged with and into Cablevision, with Cablevision surviving the merger (the "Merger").
In connection with the Merger, each outstanding shareredemption of Cablevision senior notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $7,019, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of the Cablevision NY Group Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class A Shares"),unamortized premium of $2,314.
In April 2018, CCHI and Cablevision NY Group Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share ("CNYG Class B Shares", and together with the CNYG Class A Shares, the "Shares") other than (i) SharesCequel Capital Corporation each an indirect, wholly owned by Cablevision, Altice or any of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries, in each case not held on behalf of third parties in a fiduciary capacity, received $34.90 in cash without interest, less applicable tax withholdings (the "Merger Consideration").
Pursuant to an agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among CVC 2B.V., CIE Management IX Limited, for and on behalfsubsidiary of the limited partnerships BC European Capital IX-1through 11 and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, certain affiliatesCompany, issued $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount of BCP and CPPIB7.50% senior notes due April 1, 2028 (the "Co-Investors""2028 Senior Notes") funded approximately $1,000,000 toward. The proceeds of these notes were used in April 2018 to redeem the payment of the$1,050,000 aggregate Merger Consideration, and indirectly acquired approximately 30% of the Shares of Cablevision.
Also in connection with the Merger, outstanding equity-based awards granted under Cablevision’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into cash based upon the $34.90 per Share merger price in accordance with the original terms of the awards. The total consideration for the outstanding CNYG Class A Shares, the outstanding CNYG Class B Shares, and the equity-based awards amounted to $9,958,323.
principal amount 6.375% senior notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the Merger, in October 2015, Neptune Finco Corp. ("Finco"), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiaryredemption of Altice formed to completethese notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $16,737, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of deferred financing described herein andcosts aggregating $20,173. See discussion above regarding the merger withexchange of these notes as a result of the Combination.
In January 2019, CSC Holdings borrowed anissued $1,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of $3,800,000 undersenior guaranteed notes due 2029 ("CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes"). The notes bear interest at a term loan facility (the "Term Credit Facility")rate of 6.50% and entered into revolving loan commitments in anwill mature on February 1, 2029. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay certain indebtedness, including to repay at maturity $526,000 aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000 (the "Revolving Credit Facility" and, together withCSC Holdings' 8.625% senior notes due February 2019 plus accrued interest, redeem approximately $905,300 of the Term Credit Facility, the "Credit Facilities").

Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principaloutstanding amount of CSC Holdings' 10.125% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes"), $2,000,000 aggregate principal amountat a redemption price of 10.875% senior notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"),107.594% plus accrued interest, and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due 2025 (the "2025 Guaranteed Notes") (collectivelypaid fees and expenses associated with the "Merger Notes").

On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Merger, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Merger Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings.




transactions.
F-62


F-46


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



The accompanying financial statements represent the operating results and cash flowsIn February 2019, CSC Holdings issued an additional $250,000 CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes at a price of 101.75% of the Company forprincipal amount, plus accrued interest from January 31, 2019. The proceeds of these notes were used to repay the periodoutstanding balance under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility.
In July 2019, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes which bear interest at a rate of 5.75% and will mature on January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 (Predecessor) and for15, 2030 ("2030 Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the year ended December 31, 2015. The operating resultssale of the Companynotes were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $622,857, along with accrued interest and pay fees associated with the transactions. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings issued an additional $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2030 Senior Notes at a price of 104.00% of the period June 21, 2016principal amount plus accrued interest from July 10, 2019 until October 7, 2019. The proceeds of these notes were used to December 31, 2016 (Successor) are incorporated in the consolidated financial statements of Altice USA, Inc.
Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Cablevision include the accounts of Cablevision and its majority-owned subsidiaries. Cablevision has no business operations independentredeem $1,240,762 aggregate outstanding principal amount of CSC Holdings whose operating results5.125% senior notes due 2021 in full and to pay accrued interest, fees, costs and expenses associated with these transactions. In connection with the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $65,151, representing the unamortized discount and deferred financing costs as of the redemption date.
In June 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,100,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.125% and mature on December 1, 2030 and $625,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.625% and mature on December 1, 2030. The net proceeds from the sale of the these notes was used in July 2020 to early redeem the $1,095,825 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 5.375% senior secured notes due July 15, 2023, the $617,881 and the $1,740 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 7.750% senior notes due July 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $62,096, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
In August 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of new senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.375% and mature on February 15, 2031 and an additional $1,700,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.625% senior notes that mature on December 1, 2030 at a price of 103.25% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes was used to early redeem the $1,684,221 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 10.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025, the $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due October 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $188,393, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
The indentures under which the Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes were issued contain certain customary covenants and agreements, including limitations on the ability of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments or other restricted payments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances, and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The indentures also contain certain customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the notes may be accelerated.
Subject to customary conditions, the Company may redeem some or all of the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a specified "make-whole" premium (in the event the notes are redeemed prior to a certain specified time set forth in the indentures).
The Company was in compliance with all of its financial positioncovenants under these indentures as of December 31, 2020.
Lightpath Debt Financing
On September 29, 2020, in connection with the Lightpath Transaction, Cablevision Lightpath LLC ("Lightpath") issued $450,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.875% and mature on September 15, 2027 and $415,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 5.625% and mature on September 15, 2028. Prior to the issuance of these notes, Lightpath became an unrestricted subsidiary under the terms of CSC Holdings' debt.

F-47

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In addition, on September 29, 2020, Lightpath entered into a credit agreement between, inter alios, certain lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral agent, (the "Lightpath Credit Agreement") which provides for, among other things, (i) a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $600,000 (the “Lightpath Term Loan Facility”) at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount, which was drawn on November 30, 2020, and (ii) revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000 (the “Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $1,500) of the principal amount of the Lightpath Term Loan Facility, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021.
The loans made pursuant to the Lightpath Credit Agreement are consolidated into Cablevision. All significant intercompany transactionscomprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and balances betweenbear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum. The maturity date of the (i) Lightpath Term Loan Facility is November 30, 2027 and (ii) Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility is November 30, 2025.
Lightpath was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Lightpath Credit Facility and notes indentures as of December 31, 2020.
Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes
In November 2019, pursuant to an asset contribution agreement (the "Asset Contribution"), Cablevision contributed to CSC Holdings substantially all of its assets and CSC Holdings assumed all of Cablevision’s liabilities, including Cablevision’s 5.875% senior notes due September 2022 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $649,024, Cablevision’s 7.750% senior notes due July 2025 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1,740, and their respective consolidated subsidiaries are eliminatedCablevision's 7.500% senior notes due April 2028 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $4,118 (the "Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes").
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and the Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs
The following table provides a summary of the loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt and the write-off of deferred financing costs recorded by the Company upon the redemption of senior notes and the refinancing of credit facilities:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020:
CSC Holdings 5.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2023$26,721 
CSC Holdings 7.75% Senior Notes due 202535,375 
CSC Holdings 10.875% Senior Notes due 2025136,249 
CSC Holdings 6.625% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 202552,144 
$250,489 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019:
CSC Holdings 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021$65,151 
CSC Holdings 10.125% Senior Notes due 2023154,666 
Refinancing and subsequent amendment to CSC Holdings credit facility8,313 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings228,130 
Cablevision 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021500 
Cablevision 8.000% Senior Notes due 202015,176 
$243,806 

F-48

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in consolidation. thousands, except share and per share amounts)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018:
Cequel Credit Facility$7,733 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above150 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings7,883 
Cequel 6.375% Senior Notes due 202036,910 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above(695)
Cablevision 7.75% Senior Notes due 20184,706 
$48,804 
Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 1213 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made into the consolidated financial statements in the 20152019 and 2018 financial statements to conform to the 20162020 presentation.
NOTE 2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT3.    ACCOUNTING POLICIESPRONOUNCEMENTS
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes video, high-speed data, and voice services revenues as the services are provided to customers.  Revenue received from customers who purchase bundled services at a discounted rate is allocated to each product in a pro-rata manner based on the individual product’s selling price (generally, the price at which the product is regularly sold on a standalone basis). Installation revenue for the Company's video, consumer high-speed data and VoIP services is recognized as installations are completed, as direct selling costs have exceeded this revenue in all periods reported.  Advertising revenues are recognized when commercials are aired.
Revenues derived from other sources are recognized when services are provided or events occur.
Multiple-Element Transactions
In the normal course of business, the Company may enter into multiple-element transactions where it is simultaneously both a customer and a vendor with the same counterparty or in which it purchases multiple products and/or services, or settles outstanding items contemporaneous with the purchase of a product or service from a single counterparty. The Company's policy for accounting for each transaction negotiated contemporaneously is to record each deliverable of the transaction based on its best estimate of selling price in a manner consistent with that used to determine the price to sell each deliverable on a standalone basis.  In determining the fair value of the respective deliverable, the Company will utilize quoted market prices (as available), historical transactions or comparable transactions.
Gross Versus Net Revenue Recognition
In the normal course of business, the Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  The Company's policy is that, in instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities and amounts received from the customers are recorded on a gross basis.  That is, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as programming and other direct costs and amounts received from the customer are recorded as revenue.  For the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015 , the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of revenue aggregated $95,432 and $199,701, respectively.

F-63


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Technical and Operating Expenses
Costs of revenue related to sales of services are classified as "programming and other direct costs" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Programming Costs
Programming expenses related to the Company's video service represent fees paid to programming distributors to license the programming distributed to subscribers.  This programming is acquired generally under multi-year distribution agreements, with rates usually based on the number of subscribers that receive the programming.  There have been periods when an existing distribution agreement has expired and the parties have not finalized negotiations of either a renewal of that agreement or a new agreement for certain periods of time.  In substantially all these instances, the Company continues to carry and pay for these services until execution of definitive replacement agreements or renewals.  The amount of programming expense recorded during the interim period is based on the Company's estimates of the ultimate contractual agreement expected to be reached, which is based on several factors, including previous contractual rates, customary rate increases and the current status of negotiations.  Such estimates are adjusted as negotiations progress until new programming terms are finalized.
In addition, the Company has received, or may receive, incentives from programming distributors for carriage of the distributors' programming.  The Company generally recognizes these incentives as a reduction of programming costs in "programming and other direct costs", generally over the term of the distribution agreement.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred and are reflected in "other operating expenses" in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  Advertising costs amounted to $62,760 and $160,671, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense is based on the fair value of the portion of share-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest. For share-based compensation awards that can be settled in cash, the Company recognizes compensation expense based on the estimated fair value of the award at each reporting period.
For options and performance based option awards, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  For options not subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized the compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method.  For options subject to performance based vesting conditions, Cablevision recognized compensation expense based on the probable outcome of the performance criteria over the requisite service period for each tranche of awards.
For restricted shares, Cablevision recognized compensation expense using a straight-line amortization method based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock over the vesting period. For restricted stock units granted to non-employee director which vested 100% on the date of grant, compensation expense was recognized on the date of grant based on the grant date price of CNYG Class A common stock.
For performance based restricted stock units ("PSUs") which cliff vested in three years, Cablevision recognized compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period based on the estimated number of shares of CNYG Class A common stock expected to be issued.
Income Taxes
The Company's provision for income taxes is based on current period income, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities and changes in estimates with regard to uncertain tax positions.  Deferred tax assets are subject to an ongoing assessment of realizability.  The Company provides deferred taxes for the outside basis difference of its investment in partnerships.  In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax position as additional interest expense.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company's cash investments are placed with money market funds and financial institutions that are investment grade as rated by Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service.  The Company selects money market funds that

F-64


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


predominantly invest in marketable, direct obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States government or its agencies, commercial paper, fully collateralized repurchase agreements, certificates of deposit, and time deposits.
The Company considers the balance of its investment in funds that substantially hold securities that mature within three months or less from the date the fund purchases these securities to be cash equivalents.  The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents either approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments or are at fair value.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable are recorded at net realizable value. The Company periodically assesses the adequacy of valuation allowances for uncollectible accounts receivable by evaluating the collectability of outstanding receivables and general factors such as historical collection experience, length of time individual receivables are past due, and the economic and competitive environment.
Investments
Investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified as trading securities and are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized holding gains and losses included in net income.
Long-Lived Assets and Amortizable Intangible Assets
Property, plant and equipment, including construction materials, are carried at cost, and include all direct costs and certain indirect costs associated with the construction of cable systems, and the costs of new equipment installations.  Equipment under capital leases is recorded at the present value of the total minimum lease payments.  Depreciation on equipment is calculated on the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or, with respect to equipment under capital leases and leasehold improvements, amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the assets' useful lives and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments) in the consolidated statements of operations.
The Company capitalizes certain internal and external costs incurred to acquire or develop internal-use software.  Capitalized software costs are amortized over the estimated useful life of the software and reported in depreciation and amortization (including impairments).
Customer relationships, trade names and other intangibles established in connection with acquisitions that are finite-lived are amortized in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the projected net cash inflows to the Company are expected to occur, such as the sum of the years' digits method, or when such pattern does not exist, using the straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets (property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets subject to amortization that arose from acquisitions) for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  If the sum of the expected cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its fair value.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and the value of franchises, trademarks, and certain other intangibles acquired in purchase business combinations which have indefinite useful lives are not amortized.  Rather, such assets are tested for impairment annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event.
The Company assesses qualitative factors for its reporting units that carry goodwill.  If the qualitative assessment results in a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, then no further testing is performed for that reporting unit.
When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive and it is necessary to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit, then the impairment analysis for goodwill is performed at the reporting unit level using a two-step approach.  The first step of the goodwill impairment test is used to identify potential impairment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill utilizing an enterprise-value based premise approach.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the second step of the goodwill impairment test is performed to measure the amount of goodwill impairment loss, if any.  The second step of the goodwill impairment test compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit's goodwill with the carrying amount

F-65


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


of that goodwill.  If the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.  The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as the amount of goodwill which would be recognized in a business combination.
The Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the one-step quantitative identifiable indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment test.  This quantitative test is required only if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that a unit of accounting’s fair value is less than its carrying amount.  When the qualitative assessment is not used, or if the qualitative assessment is not conclusive, the impairment test for other intangible assets not subject to amortization requires a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value.  If the carrying value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value.  The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to market risks from changes in certain equity prices and interest rates and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes.  These derivative instruments are not designated as hedges, and changes in the fair values of these derivatives are recognized in the statements of income as gains (losses) on derivative contracts. 
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when the Company believes it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the contingency can be reasonably estimated.
Recently Adopted Accounting PronouncementsConcentrations of Credit Risk
In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-17 (Topic 740), Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This ASU amends existing guidance to require the presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent within a classified statement of financial position. ASU No. 2015-17 was adopted byinstruments that may potentially subject the Company asto a concentration of June 30, 2016credit risk consist primarily of cash and was applied prospectivelycash equivalents and trade account receivables. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to all deferred tax liabilitiesmitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and assets.
In September 2015,liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments, which requiresyield on its investments. Management believes that an acquirer recognize adjustmentsno significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Prior to the issuanceits cash and cash equivalents because of its assessment of the standard, entities were required to retrospectively apply adjustments made to provisional amounts recognized in a business combination. ASU No. 2015-16 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwillcreditworthiness and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement. ASU No. 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license elementfinancial viability of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. ASU No. 2015-05 was adopted by therespective financial institutions.
The Company on January 1, 2016 and did not have a material impact on the Company'ssingle customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements, which clarifies the treatment of debt issuance costs from line-of-credit arrangements after adoption of ASU No. 2015-03. ASU No. 2015-15 clarifies that the Securities and Exchange Commission staff would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over

F-66


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. ASU No. 2015-03 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 representing a change in accounting principle and was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. Debt issuance costs, netrevenues for the Company of $67,119, as ofyears ended December 31, 2015 were reclassified from deferred financing costs2020, 2019 and presented as a reduction to debt in the2018 or 10% or more of its consolidated balance sheets.
Debt issuance costs, net for the Company of $7,588 as oftrade receivables at December 31, 2015 relating to its revolving credit facility were not impacted by the adoption2020, and 2019, respectively.
Use of ASU No. 2015-03 and are reflected as long-term assetsEstimates in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.Preparation of Financial Statements
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, DisclosuresThe preparation of Uncertainties about an Entity's Ability to Continue as a Going Concern, whichfinancial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or eventsmake estimates and assumptions that raise substantial doubt aboutaffect the entity's ability to continue as a going concern,reported amounts of assets and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year afterliabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU No. 2014-15 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016.
In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved After the Requisite Service Period. ASU No. 2014-12 requires that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. Entities may apply the amendments in this ASU either: (a) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after the effective date; or (b) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards thereafter. ASU No. 2014-12 was adopted by the Company on January 1, 2016 onreported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 13 for a prospective basis and did notdiscussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have any impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Recently Issued But Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. ASU No. 2014-09 will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective and allows the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 that approved deferring the effective date by one year so that ASU No. 2014-09 would become effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The FASB also approved, in July 2015, permitting the early adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, but not before the original effective date for the Company of January 1, 2017.
In December 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-20, Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in order to clarify the Codification and to correct any unintended application of the guidance. These items are not expected to have a significant effect on the current accounting standard. The amendments in this update affect the guidance in ASU No. 2014-09, which is not yet effective. ASU No. 2014-09 will be effective, reflecting the one-year deferral, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (January 1, 2018 for the Company).  Early adoption of the standard is permitted but not before the original effective date. Companies can transitionbeen made to the standard either retrospectively or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU No. 2014-09 will have on its consolidated2019 and 2018 financial statements and selecting the method of transitionto conform to the new standard. We currently expect the adoption to impact the timing of the recognition of residential installation revenue and the recognition of commission expenses.2020 presentation.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows disclose the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Restricted cash should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 provides specific guidance on the presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments which clarifies how entities should classify certain cash receipts and cash payments on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-15 also clarifies how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The new guidance becomes effectiveNOTE 3.    ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


for the Company on January 1, 2018 with early adoption permitted and will be applied retrospectively. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-15 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which provides simplification of income tax accounting for share-based payment awards. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2017 with early adoption permitted. Amendments related to the timing of when excess tax benefits are recognized, minimum statutory withholding requirements, forfeitures, and intrinsic value will be applied using the modified retrospective transition method. Amendments requiring recognition of excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement and the practical expedient for estimating expected term will be applied prospectively. The Company may elect to apply the amendments related to the presentation of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows using either a prospective transition method or a retrospective transition method. In connection with the adoption on January 1, 2017, a deferred tax asset of approximately $309,000 for previously unrealized excess tax benefits will be recognized with the offset recorded to accumulated deficit.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance becomes effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted and will be applied using the modified retrospective method. The Company has not yet completed the evaluation of the effect that ASU No. 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Common Stock of Cablevision
Prior to the Merger, each holder of CNYG Class A common stock had one vote per share while holders of CNYG Class B common stock had ten votes per share.  CNYG Class B shares could be converted to CNYG Class A common stock at anytime with a conversion ratio of one CNYG Class A common share for one CNYG Class B common share.  CNYG Class A stockholders were entitled to elect 25% of Cablevision's Board of Directors.  CNYG Class B stockholders had the right to elect the remaining members of Cablevision's Board of Directors.  In addition, CNYG Class B stockholders were parties to an agreement which had the effect of causing the voting power of these CNYG Class B stockholders to be cast as a block.
The following table provides details of Cablevision's shares of common stock through the Merger Date:
 Shares of Common Stock Outstanding
 
Class A
Common Stock
 
Class B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2014220,219,935
 54,137,673
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)2,352,275
 —
Balance at December 31, 2015222,572,210
 54,137,673
Employee and non-employee director stock transactions (a)(185,276) —
Balance at June 20, 2016222,386,934
 54,137,673
(a)Primarily included issuances of common stock in connection with employee and non-employee director exercises of stock options and restricted shares granted to employees, offset by shares acquired by the Company in connection with the fulfillment of employees' statutory tax withholding obligation for applicable income and other employment taxes and forfeited employee restricted shares.


F-68


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Dividends
Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Cablevision was not permitted to declare and pay dividends or repurchase stock, in each case, without the prior written consent of Altice. In accordance with these terms, Cablevision did not declare dividends during the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016.
During the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, Cablevision paid $4,066 related to restricted shares that vested in respect of dividends declared and accrued on the CNYG common stock in prior periods. 
Prior to the Merger, the Board of Directors of Cablevision had declared and paid the following cash dividends to stockholders of record on both its CNYG Class A common stock and CNYG Class B common stock:
Declaration DateDividend per ShareRecord DatePayment Date
August 6, 2015$0.15August 21, 2015September 10, 2015
May 1, 2015$0.15May 22, 2015June 12, 2015
February 24, 2015$0.15March 16, 2015April 3, 2015
Cablevision paid dividends aggregating $125,170 during the year ended December 31, 2015, including accrued dividends on vested restricted shares of $3,935. 
Cablevision's and CSC Holdings' indentures and CSC Holdings' credit agreement restrict the amount of dividends and distributions in respect of any equity interest that can be made.
Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic income per common share attributable to Cablevision stockholders was computed by dividing net income attributable to Cablevision stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Cablevision stockholders reflected the dilutive effects of stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units. For such awards that were performance based, the diluted effect was reflected upon the achievement of the performance criteria.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Cablevision stockholders:
 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Years Ended December 31,
  2015
    
Basic weighted average shares outstanding272,035
 269,388
    
Effect of dilution:   
Stock options4,444
 3,532
Restricted stock3,720
 3,419
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding280,199
 276,339
Anti-dilutive shares (options whose exercise price exceeds the average market price of Cablevision's common stock during the period and certain restricted shares) totaling approximately 1,160,000 shares were excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended 2015.  There were no anti-dilutive shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016. In addition, approximately 1,772,000 performance based restricted stock units for the year ended December 31, 2015 issued pursuant to the Company's former employee stock plan were also excluded from the diluted weighted average shares outstanding as the performance criteria on these awards had not yet been satisfied for the respective period.
Net income (loss) per share for Cablevision subsequent to the merger is not presented since Cablevision's common stock is no longer publicly traded.


F-69


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that may potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and trade account receivables. The Company monitors the financial institutions and money market funds where it invests its cash and cash equivalents with diversification among counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. The Company's emphasis is primarily on safety of principal and liquidity and secondarily on maximizing the yield on its investments. Management believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to its cash and cash equivalents balances because of its assessment of the creditworthiness and financial viability of the respective financial institutions.

The Company did not have a single customer that represented 10% or more of its consolidated revenues for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the yearyears ended December 31, 2015,2020, 2019 and 2018 or 10% or more of its consolidated net trade receivables at December 31, 2015.2020, and 2019, respectively.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  See Note 13 for a discussion of fair value estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2019 and 2018 financial statements to conform to the 2020 presentation.
NOTE 3.    ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
ASU No. 2020-04, Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting ("ASU 2020-04")
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting guidance related to the effects of reference rate reform on financial reporting. The guidance, effective for reporting periods through December 31, 2022, provides accounting relief for contract modifications that replace an interest rate impacted by reference rate reform (e.g., LIBOR) with a new alternative reference rate. The Company adopted the guidance as of

F-33

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

March 31, 2020. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12")
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740). ASU 2019-12 simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions for investments, intraperiod allocations and interim calculations. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes, enacted changes in tax laws or rates, and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. The amendments did not create new accounting requirements. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15")
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15 which requires upfront implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement (or hosting arrangement) that is a service contract to be amortized to hosting expense over the term of the arrangement, beginning when the module or component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2018-14, Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans ("ASU 2018-14")
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14 which amends ASC 715 to clarify certain disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. See Note 18 for additional disclosures provided in connection with the adoption of the standard.
ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) ("ASU 2017-04")
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by removing the second step of the two-step impairment test. The amendment requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The Company adopted the standard as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13")
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 which requires a financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost to be assessed for impairment under the current expected credit loss model rather than an incurred loss model. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.  ASU 2016-13 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 and the adoption of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company will continue to actively monitor the impact of the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on expected credit losses.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 4.    NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic net income (loss) per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders is computed by dividing net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Diluted income per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders reflects the dilutive effects of stock options and restricted stock. For such awards that are performance based, the diluted effect is reflected upon the achievement of the performance criteria. Diluted net loss per common share attributable to Altice USA stockholders excludes the effects of common stock equivalents as they are anti-dilutive.
The following table presents a reconciliation of weighted average shares used in the calculations of the basic and diluted net income per share attributable to Altice USA stockholders:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
(in thousands)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding581,057 660,384 730,088 
Effect of dilution:
Stock options2,617 1,348 0 
Restricted stock15 809 0 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding583,689 662,541 730,088 
Weighted average shares excluded from diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
Anti-dilutive shares25,768 4,245 6,292 
Performance stock units and restricted stock whose performance metrics have not been achieved.8,308  0 74 
Net income (loss) per membership unit for CSC Holdings is not presented since CSC Holdings is a limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA.
NOTE 5.    ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
Activity related to the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts:accounts is presented below:
 Balance at Beginning of PeriodProvision for Bad DebtDeductions/ Write-Offs and Other ChargesBalance at End of Period
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts$14,683 $65,965 $(55,450)$25,198 
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,520 $91,520 $(90,357)$14,683 
Year Ended December 31, 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts$13,420 $71,426 $(71,326)$13,520 


F-35
 Balance at Beginning of Period Provision for Bad Debt Deductions/ Write-Offs and Other Charges Balance at End of Period
        
Period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016       
Allowance for doubtful accounts$6,039
 $13,240
 $(12,378) $6,901
        
Year Ended December 31, 2015 
  
  
  
Allowance for doubtful accounts$12,112
 $35,802
 $(41,875) $6,039


ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 4.6.    SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data were as follows:
January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 
Years Ended December 31,
2015
Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:   Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
Continuing Operations:   
Altice USA and CSC Holdings:Altice USA and CSC Holdings:
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid$68,356
 $63,843
Property and equipment accrued but unpaid$206,680 $188,067 $213,936 
Notes payable to vendor—
 8,318
Capital lease obligations—
 19,987
Intangible asset obligations290
 1,121
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:   
Dividends payable on unvested restricted share awards—
 3,517
Notes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assetsNotes payable issued to vendor for the purchase of equipment and other assets106,925 35,124 95,394 
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligationsRight-of-use assets acquired in exchange for finance lease obligations133,300 54,532 13,548 
Other non-cash investing and financing transactionsOther non-cash investing and financing transactions3,973 1,563 7,550 
Altice USA:Altice USA:
Receivable related to the sale of an investmentReceivable related to the sale of an investment0 0 4,015 
CSC Holdings:CSC Holdings:
Assumption of Cablevision debt, net of the acquisition of Cablevision assetsAssumption of Cablevision debt, net of the acquisition of Cablevision assets0 169,334 0 
Contributions from parentContributions from parent178,720 151,455 0 
Supplemental Data:   Supplemental Data:
Continuing Operations:   
Altice USA:Altice USA:
Cash interest paid258,940
 560,361
Cash interest paid1,406,825 1,436,332 1,481,468 
Income taxes paid, net7,082
 3,849
Income taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 
CSC Holdings:CSC Holdings:
Cash interest paidCash interest paid1,406,825 1,350,756 1,163,942 
Income taxes paid, netIncome taxes paid, net80,415 10,263 13,667 

NOTE 7.    RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
Beginning in the first quarter of 2016, the Company commenced restructuring initiatives that were intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure ("2016 Restructuring Plan").

The following table summarizes the activity for the 2016 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related CostsFacility Realignment and Other CostsTotal
Accrual balance at December 31, 2017$113,474 $9,626 $123,100 
Restructuring charges15,580 15,447 31,027 
Payments and other(107,600)(11,458)(119,058)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201821,454 13,615 35,069 
Restructuring charges6,606 6,317 12,923 
Payments and other(26,384)(3,751)(30,135)
Impact of the adoption of ASC 842 (a)0 (13,849)(13,849)
Accrual balance at December 31, 20191,676 2,332 4,008 
Restructuring charges0 3,399 3,399 
Payments and other(1,676)(3,366)(5,042)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$0  $2,365 $2,365 
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F-36


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)




NOTE 5.    RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER EXPENSE
(a)Certain accrued restructuring liabilities were netted against right-of-use operating assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 in connection with the Company's adoption of ASC 842 (see Note 9).
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2016 Restructuring Plan amounted to $436,008.
In May 2019, the Company commenced another restructuring initiative to further simplify the Company's organization structure ("2019 Restructuring Plan").
The following table summarizes the activity for the 2019 Restructuring Plan:
Severance and Other Employee Related Costs
Restructuring charges$42,715 
Payments and other(4,769)
Accrual balance at December 31, 201937,946 
Restructuring charges3,221 
Payments and other(34,459)
Accrual balance at December 31, 2020$6,708 
Cumulative costs to date relating to the 2019 Restructuring Plan amounted to $45,936.
In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded net restructuring charges (credits) of $2,299$30,429 and $(1,649), for$12,160, respectively, related primarily to the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016impairment of right-of-use operating lease assets, included in the Company's restructuring initiatives. The Company also recorded restructuring charges of $4,068 related to the facility realignment costs of which $3,689 is outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and is reflected in other current and other long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
Restructuring and other expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. The 2016 and 2015 restructuring expense (credit) primarily2020 also includes $47,631 related to changescontractual payments for terminated employees. As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding amount due to the Company's previous estimates recordedterminated employees amounted to $14,366 and is reflected in connection with the Company's prior restructuring plans.
Subsequent to the Altice Merger, the Company commenced its restructuring initiatives (the "2016 Restructuring Plan") that are intended to simplify the Company's organizational structure. The 2016 Restructuring Plan resulted in charges of $188,847 associated with the elimination of positions primarily in corporate, administrative and infrastructure functions across the Company and estimated charges of $10,410 associated with facility realignmentother current and other costs.long-term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet.
Other Expense
In connection withFor the Altice Merger,years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the Company incurred transaction costs of $19,924$2,325 and $17,862 for$5,180, respectively, primarily related to certain transactions not related to the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and forCompany's operations. For the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, which are reflected in restructuring and other expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Subsequent to the Altice Merger,2018, the Company incurred transaction costs of $12,920.$7,521 relating to the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
NOTE 6.    DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Loss from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $21,272 ($12,541, net of income taxes) and primarily reflects an expense of $21,000 ($12,380, net of income taxes) related to the settlement of a legal matter relating to Rainbow Media Holdings LLC, a business whose operations were previously discontinued (see Note 17).
NOTE 7.8.    PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Costs incurred in the construction of the Company's cable systems, including line extensions to, and upgrade of, the Company's hybrid fiber/coaxial infrastructure and construction of the parallel fiber to the home ("FTTH") infrastructure, are capitalized. This includes headend facilities and initial placement of the feeder cable to connect a customer that had not been previously connected, and headend facilities are capitalized.connected. These costs consist of materials, subcontractor labor, direct consulting fees, and internal labor and related costs associated with the construction activities. The internal costs that are capitalized consist of salaries and benefits of the Company's employees and the portion of facility costs, including rent, taxes, insurance and utilities, that supports the construction activities. These costs are depreciated over the estimated life of the plant (10 to 25 years) and headend facilities (4(5 to 25 years). Costs of operating the plant and the technical facilities, including repairs and maintenance, are expensed as incurred.
Costs associated with the initial deployment of new customer installations and the additions of networkpremise equipment ("CPE") necessary to enable advancedprovide broadband, video and telephony services are also capitalized. Costs capitalized as part of new customer installationsThese costs include materials, subcontractor labor, internal labor, and other related costs associated with the connection activities. The departmental activities supporting the connection process are tracked through specific metrics, and internal direct laborthe portion of departmental costs including service technicians and internal overheadthat is capitalized is determined through a time weighted activity allocation of costs incurred to connect the customer to the plant from the time of installation scheduling through the time service is activated and functioning. The internal direct labor cost capitalized is based on a combination oftime studies used to estimate the actual and estimatedaverage time to complete the installation. Overhead capitalized consists mainly of employee benefits, such as payroll taxes and health insurance, directly associated with that portion of the capitalized labor and vehicle operatingspent on each activity. These installation costs related to capitalizable activities. New connections are amortized over the estimated useful lifelives of 5 years for customer wiringthe CPE necessary to provide broadband, video and feeder cable to the home.telephony services. The portion of departmental costs related to disconnecting services reconnection ofand removing CPE from a customer, costs related to connecting CPE that has been previously connected to the network, and repair and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

F-37

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The estimated useful lives assigned to our property, plant and equipment are reviewed on an annual basis or more frequently if circumstances warrant and such lives are revised to the extent necessary due to changing facts and circumstances. Any changes in estimated useful lives are reflected prospectively.

F-71


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Property, plant and equipment (including equipment under capitalfinance leases) consist of the following assets, which are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives shown below:
 December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer premise equipment$1,845,830 $1,563,729 3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment2,158,704 2,023,684 5 to 25 years
Infrastructure5,964,419 5,314,322 5 to 25 years
Equipment and software1,237,057 1,111,577 3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)174,610 192,571  
Furniture and fixtures65,724 63,478 5 to 8 years
Transportation equipment150,974 151,627 5 to 10 years
Buildings and building improvements481,693 457,174 10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements110,037 103,734 Term of lease
Land48,791 48,426  
 12,237,839 11,030,322  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(6,431,843)(5,276,921) 
 $5,805,996 $5,753,401  
 December 31, 2015 
Estimated
Useful Lives
Customer equipment$1,952,336
 3 to 5 years
Headends and related equipment2,388,289
 4 to 25 years
Infrastructure5,639,226
 3 to 25 years
Equipment and software1,577,616
 3 to 10 years
Construction in progress (including materials and supplies)87,412
  
Furniture and fixtures96,561
 5 to 12 years
Transportation equipment210,013
 5 to 18 years
Buildings and building improvements322,267
 10 to 40 years
Leasehold improvements354,136
 Term of lease
Land14,507
  
 12,642,363
  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization(9,625,348)  
 $3,017,015
  
DuringFor the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the yearyears ended December 31, 2015 ,2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company capitalized certain costs aggregating $58,409$134,857, $132,966 and $144,349,$134,265, respectively, related to the acquisition and development of internal use software, which are included in the table above. 
Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment (including capitalfinance leases) for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the yearyears ended December 31, 20152020, 2019 and 2018 amounted to $404,234$1,344,732, $1,475,251 and $857,440,$1,508,125, respectively.
At December 31, 2015,
NOTE 9.    LEASES
On January 1, 2019, the gross amountCompany adopted ASC 842 which increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new guidance requires the recognition of equipmentthe right-of-use ("ROU") assets and related accumulated amortizationoperating and finance lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company adopted the new guidance using the modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded underon January 1, 2019.
The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recognition of ROU assets of $274,292 and lease liabilities for operating leases of $299,900 on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019, with no material impact to its consolidated statements of operations. The difference between the ROU assets and the operating lease liability represents the reclassification of (i) deferred rent balances, resulting from the historical operating leases, and (ii) certain accrued restructuring liabilities (See Note 7). The Company's accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged from its accounting for capital leases was as follows:
 December 31, 2015
Equipment$90,099
Less accumulated amortization(28,119)
 $61,980
NOTE 8.    OPERATING LEASESin prior periods.
The Company leases certain office, production, and transmission facilities under termselected the package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which allow an entity to forgo reassessing (i) whether a contract contains a lease, (ii) classification of leases, expiringand (iii) whether capitalized costs associated with a lease meet the definition of initial direct costs. Also, the Company elected the expedient allowing an entity to use hindsight to determine the lease term and impairment of ROU assets and the expedient related to land easements which allows the Company not to retrospectively treat land easements as leases; however, the Company must apply lease accounting prospectively to land easements if they meet the definition of a lease.
For contracts entered into on or after the effective date, at various dates through 2035.the inception of a contract the Company will assess whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The leases generally provide for escalating rentals overCompany's assessment is based on: (i) whether the termcontract involves the use of a distinct identified asset, (ii) whether the Company obtained the right to substantially all the economic benefit from the use of the lease plus certain real estate taxesasset throughout the period, and other costs or credits.  Costs associated with such operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term.  The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent.  In addition,(iii) whether the Company rents space on utility poles for its operations.  The Company's pole rental agreements are for varying terms, and management anticipates renewals as they expire.  Rent expense, including pole rentals, forhas the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 andright to direct the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $41,573 and $82,704, respectively.
The minimum future annual payments for all operating leases (with initial or remaining terms in excessuse of one year) during the next five years and thereafter, including pole rentals from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2021, are as follows:

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COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



asset. Leases entered into prior to January 1, 2019, are accounted for under ASC 840 and were not reassessed for classification.
For operating leases, the lease liability is initially and subsequently measured at the present value of the unpaid lease payments. For finance leases, the lease liability is initially measured in the same manner and date as for operating leases, and is subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The Company generally uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for leases, unless an interest rate is implicitly stated in the lease. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the noncancellable period of the lease plus any additional periods covered by either a Company option to extend the lease that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise, or an option to extend the lease controlled by the lessor. All ROU assets are reviewed for impairment.
2017$57,853
201852,206
201944,908
202041,221
202138,697
Thereafter141,063
NOTE 9.    INTANGIBLE ASSETSLease expense for operating leases consists of the lease payments plus any initial direct costs and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Lease expense for finance leases consists of the amortization of the asset on a straight-line basis over the earlier of the lease term or its useful life and interest expense determined on an amortized cost basis. The lease payments are allocated between a reduction of the lease liability and interest expense.
The following table summarizesCompany's operating leases are comprised primarily of facility leases and finance leases are comprised primarily of vehicle and equipment leases.
Balance sheet information relatingrelated to the Company's acquired intangible assets: 
 December 31, 2015
 Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountEstimated Useful Lives
       
Customer relationships$39,414
$(27,778)$11,636
10 to 18 years
Trade names—
—
—
 
Other amortizable intangibles57,847
(32,532)25,315
3 to 28 years
 $97,261
$(60,310)$36,951
 
Amortization expense for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 amounted to $10,316 and $7,812, respectively.
The following table summarizes information relating to the Company's acquired indefinite-lived intangible assets: 
 December 31, 2015
Cable television franchises$731,848
Trademarks and other assets7,250
Goodwill262,345
Total$1,001,443
The carrying amount of goodwillour leases is presented below:
Balance Sheet locationDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Operating leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsRight-of-use operating lease assets$241,342 $280,340 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentOther current liabilities38,296 38,836 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termRight-of-use operating lease liability257,424 269,062 
Finance leases:
Right-of-use lease assetsProperty, plant and equipment170,155 70,339 
Right-of-use lease liability, currentCurrent portion of long-term debt63,454 22,017 
Right-of-use lease liability, long-termLong-term debt96,183 47,403 
Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2015 (Predecessor)$596,403
Accumulated impairment losses(334,058)
Net goodwill as of June 20, 2016$262,345

Impairment ChargesThe following provides details of the Company's lease expense:
Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually for impairment or earlier upon the occurrence of certain events or substantive changes in circumstances. 
Years Ended December 31,
20202019
Operating lease expense, net$58,923 $60,364 
Finance lease expense:
Amortization of assets30,123 9,347 
Interest on lease liabilities6,324 2,106 
Total finance lease expense36,447 11,453 
$95,370 $71,817 
No goodwill impairments were recorded for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. 
NOTE 10.    DEBT
Restricted Group Credit Facility
Prior to the Merger, CSC Holdings and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Restricted Subsidiaries") had a credit agreement (the "Previous Credit Facility") that provided for (1) a revolving credit facility of $1,500,000, (2) a Term A facility of $958,510, and (3) a Term B facility of $1,200,000.  


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COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Other information related to leases is presented below:
Loans
As of December 31,
20202019
Right-of-use assets acquired in exchange for operating lease obligations$35,383 $61,244 
Cash Paid For Amounts Included In Measurement of Liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases6,324 2,106 
Operating cash flows from operating leases64,391 65,352 
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term:
Operating leases9.0 years9.4 years
Finance leases2.5 years3.4 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate:
Operating leases5.66 %5.96 %
Finance leases5.38 %5.49 %
The minimum future annual payments under non-cancellable leases during the Previous Credit Facility bore interestnext five years and thereafter, at rates now in force, are as follows:
Revolving credit loans and Term A loans, either (i) the Eurodollar rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 1.50% to 2.25% based on the cash flow ratio (as defined), or (ii) the base rate (as defined) plus a spread ranging from 0.50% to 1.25% based on the cash flow ratio;
Finance leasesOperating leases
2021$70,074 $42,832 
202265,828 52,508 
202330,701 44,814 
20243,456 40,986 
2025319 32,986 
Thereafter0 171,238 
Total future minimum lease payments, undiscounted170,378 385,364 
Less: Imputed interest(10,741)(89,644)
Present value of future minimum lease payments$159,637 $295,720 
Term B loans, either (i) the Eurodollar rate plus a spread of 2.50% or (ii) the base rate plus a spread of 1.50%.
There was a commitment fee of 0.30% on undrawn amounts under the revolving credit facility in connection with the Previous Credit Facility.
Repayment of Restricted Group Credit Facility Debt
In April 2015, CSC Holdings made a repayment of $200,000 on its outstanding Term B loan facility with cash on hand. In connection with the repayment, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $731 and wrote-off unamortized deferred financing costs related to this loan facility of $1,004 for the year ended December 31, 2015.
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Merger, the Previous Credit Facility was repaid.
Newsday LLC Credit Facility
Newsday LLC ("Newsday") had a senior secured credit agreement (the "Newsday Credit Agreement"), which consisted of a $480,000 floating rate term loan.  Interest under the Newsday Credit Agreement was calculated, at the election of Newsday, at either the Eurodollar rate or the base rate, plus 3.50% or 2.50%, respectively, as specified in the Newsday Credit Agreement.  Borrowings under the Newsday Credit Agreement were guaranteed by CSC Holdings on a senior unsecured basis and certain of its subsidiaries that own interests in Newsday on a senior secured basis.  The Newsday Credit Agreement was secured by a lien on the assets of Newsday and Cablevision senior notes with an aggregate principal amount of $611,455 owned by Newsday Holdings. 
On June 21, 2016, in connection with the Merger, Newsday LLC repaid its outstanding indebtedness under the Newsday Credit Agreement.NOTE 10.    INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table provides details ofsummarizes information relating to the Company's outstanding credit facility debt (net of unamortized financing costsacquired amortizable intangible assets: 
As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2019
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountEstimated Useful Lives
Customer relationships$6,052,598 $(3,478,742)$2,573,856 $6,017,524 $(2,843,561)$3,173,963 3 to 18 years
Trade names1,081,083 (894,189)186,894 1,081,083 (798,484)282,599 2 to 5 years
Other amortizable intangibles56,747 (36,381)20,366 53,181 (28,634)24,547 1 to 15 years
$7,190,428 $(4,409,312)$2,781,116 $7,151,788 $(3,670,679)$3,481,109 
Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and unamortized discounts):2018 aggregated $738,633, $787,893, and $874,214, respectively.
 Maturity
Date		 Interest Rate Principal December 31, 2015 (a)
Restricted Group:       
Term A loan facility (b)April 17, 2018 2.17% $886,621
 $885,105
Term B loan facility (b)April 17, 2020 2.92% 1,159,031
 1,150,227
Restricted Group Credit Facilities debt$2,035,332

F-40
(a)The unamortized discounts and deferred financing costs amounted to $11,200 at December 31, 2015.
(b)In connection with the Merger, the Company repaid the then outstanding Term A and Term B loan facilities (see discussion above).

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CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Senior Notes and Debentures
The following table summarizessets forth the Company's senior notes and debentures as of December 31, 2015:
     Interest Principal Carrying
IssuerDate Issued Maturity Date Rate Amount Amount (c)
CSC Holdings (a)February 6, 1998 February 15, 2018 7.875% $300,000
 $299,091
CSC Holdings (a)July 21, 1998 July 15, 2018 7.625% 500,000
 498,942
CSC Holdings (b)February 12, 2009 February 15, 2019 8.625% 526,000
 511,079
CSC Holdings (b)November 15, 2011 November 15, 2021 6.750% 1,000,000
 985,640
CSC Holdings (b)May 23, 2014 June 1, 2024 5.250% 750,000
 737,500
Cablevision (b)September 23, 2009 September 15, 2017 8.625% 900,000
 891,238
Cablevision (b)April 15, 2010 April 15, 2018 7.750% 750,000
 744,402
Cablevision (b)April 15, 2010 April 15, 2020 8.000% 500,000
 494,410
Cablevision (b)September 27, 2012 September 15, 2022 5.875% 649,024
 638,709
Total$5,801,011
estimated amortization expense on intangible assets for the periods presented:
(a)The debentures are not redeemable by the Company prior to maturity.
Estimated amortization expense
(b)Year Ending December 31, 2021The Company may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at a specified "make-whole" price plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.$
629,513 
(c)Year Ending December 31, 2022545,826 
Year Ending December 31, 2023380,300 
Year Ending December 31, 2024301,035 
Year Ending December 31, 2025255,439 
The carrying amount of the notes is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums.
The table above excludes (i) the principal amount of Cablevision 7.75% senior notes due 2018indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill is presented below:
Indefinite-lived Cable Television FranchisesGoodwill
Balance as of December 31, 2018$13,020,081 $8,012,416 
Goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition of Cheddar Inc. ("Cheddar")— 130,039 
Adjustments to purchase accounting relating to business acquired— (146)
Balance as of December 31, 201913,020,081 $8,142,309 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises and goodwill recorded in connection with an acquisition (see discussion below)47,936 18,257 
Balance as of December 31, 2020$13,068,017 $8,160,566 
On July 14, 2020, the Company completed its acquisition of $345,238 and the principal amount of Cablevision 8.00% senior notes due 2020 of $266,217 held by Newsday at December 31, 2015 which are eliminatedcertain cable assets in the consolidated balance sheets of Cablevision.
Debt Transaction Subsequent to Merger
New Jersey for approximately $150,000. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. In connection with the Merger, in October 2015, Finco borrowedacquisition, the Company recorded indefinite-lived cable television franchise rights of approximately $47,936, customer relationships of approximately $35,074 and goodwill of approximately $18,257 based on an aggregate principal amountallocation of $3,800,000 under the Term Credit Facility and entered into revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,000,000. The Term Credit Facility was to mature on October 9, 2022 and the Revolving Credit Facility was to mature on October 9, 2020 (see discussion below regarding the extension amendments).purchase price. In addition, on June 21, 2016 and July 21, 2016, the Company entered into incremental loan assumption agreements wherebyrecorded property, plant and equipment of approximately $52,362.
In June 2019, the Revolving Credit FacilityCompany completed the acquisition of Cheddar, a digital-first news company, for approximately $198,754 in cash and stock. The acquisition was increased by $70,000accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. The purchase price was allocated to the identifiable tangible and $35,000, respectively, to $2,105,000.intangible assets and liabilities of Cheddar based on their fair values. The Company recorded goodwill of $130,039, customer relationships of $46,640, trade names of $14,000 and other amortizable intangible assets of $11,780.

Finco also issued $1,800,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, $2,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, and $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Guaranteed Notes.

On June 21, 2016, immediately following the Merger, Finco merged with and into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings surviving the merger (the "CSC Holdings Merger"), and the Merger Notes and the Credit Facilities became obligations of CSC Holdings. The 2025 Guaranteed Notes are guaranteed on a senior basis by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries, which own and operate the New Jersey cable television systems, Cablevision Lightpath, Inc. and any subsidiaries of CSC Holdings that are "Excluded Subsidiaries" under the indenture governing the 2025 Guaranteed Notes) (such subsidiaries, the "Initial Guarantors") and the obligations under the Credit Facilities are (i) guaranteed on a senior basis by each Initial Guarantor and (ii) secured on a first priority basis by capital stock held by CSC Holdings and the guarantors in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.

Altice used the proceeds from the Term Credit Facility and the Merger Notes, together with an equity contribution from Altice and its Co-Investors and existing cash at Cablevision, to (a) finance the Merger, (b) refinance the credit agreement, dated as of April 17, 2013 (the "Previous Credit Facility"), among CSC Holdings, certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings and the lenders party thereto ($2,030,699 outstanding at Merger Date), (c) repay the senior secured credit agreement,


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CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



dated as of October 12, 2012, among Newsday LLC, CSC Holdings, and the lenders party thereto (the "Previous Newsday Credit Facility") of $480,000 at Merger Debt, and (d) pay related fees and expenses.

NOTE 11.    DEBT
The Credit Facilities permit CSC Holdingsfollowing table provides details of the Company's outstanding debt:
Interest RateDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Date IssuedMaturity DatePrincipal AmountCarrying Amount (a)Principal AmountCarrying Amount (a)
CSC Holdings Senior Notes:
November 15, 2011November 15, 20216.750 %$1,000,000 $989,917 $1,000,000 $979,178 
September 27, 2012September 15, 20225.875 %649,024 617,333 649,024 600,849 
May 23, 2014June 1, 20245.250 %750,000 697,041 750,000 683,940 
October 18, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 1,740 1,695 
October 9, 2015October 15, 202510.875 %(f)0 0 1,684,221 1,665,237 
October 18, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %4,118 4,112 4,118 4,112 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20257.750 %(e)0 0 617,881 605,583 
November 27, 2018April 1, 20287.500 %1,045,882 1,044,424 1,045,882 1,044,278 
July 10 and October 7, 2019January 15, 20305.750 %2,250,000 2,286,097 2,250,000 2,289,168 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.625 %2,325,000 2,370,502 0 0 
8,024,024 8,009,426 8,002,866 7,874,040 
CSC Holdings Senior Guaranteed Notes:
October 9, 2015October 15, 20256.625 %(f)0 0 1,000,000 989,483 
September 23, 2016April 15, 20275.500 %1,310,000 1,305,955 1,310,000 1,305,430 
January 29, 2018February 1, 20285.375 %1,000,000 993,490 1,000,000 992,757 
November 27, 2018July 15, 20235.375 %(e)0 0 1,095,825 1,081,879 
November 27, 2018May 15, 20265.500 %1,498,806 1,487,644 1,498,806 1,485,911 
January 24, 2019February 1, 20296.500 %1,750,000 1,747,245 1,750,000 1,746,996 
June 16, 2020December 1, 20304.125 %1,100,000 1,095,283 0 0 
August 17, 2020February 15, 20313.375 %1,000,000 996,692 0 0 
7,658,806 7,626,309 7,654,631 7,602,456 
CSC Holdings Restricted Group Credit Facility:
Revolving Credit Facility(c)2.479%(b)625,000 616,027 0 0 
Term Loan BJuly 17, 20252.409%2,895,000 2,884,065 2,925,000 2,911,729 
Incremental Term Loan B-3January 15, 20262.409%1,252,688 1,248,293 1,265,438 1,260,200 
Incremental Term Loan B-5April 15, 20272.659%2,977,500 2,956,807 3,000,000 2,976,358 
7,750,188 7,705,192 7,190,438 7,148,287 
Lightpath Senior Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20285.625 % 415,000 406,176 0 0 
Lightpath Senior Secured Notes:
September 29, 2020September 15, 20273.875 % 450,000 440,487 0 0 
Lightpath Term LoanNovember 30, 20273.750 %600,000 582,808 0 0 
Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility(g)0 0 0 0 
1,465,000 1,429,471 0 0 
Collateralized indebtedness (see Note 12)1,699,566 1,617,506 1,699,566 1,585,088 
Finance lease obligations (see Note 9)159,637 159,637 69,420 69,420 
Notes payable and supply chain financing (d)183,690 174,801 156,519 140,994 
26,940,911 26,722,342 24,773,440 24,420,285 
Less: current portion of credit facility debt(78,750)(78,750)(65,250)(65,250)
Less: current portion of senior notes(1,000,000)(989,917)— — 

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Less: current portion of finance lease obligations(63,454)(63,454)(22,017)(22,017)
Less: current portion of notes payable and supply chain financing(113,592)(113,592)(83,415)(83,415)
(1,255,796)(1,245,713)(170,682)(170,682)
Long-term debt$25,685,115 $25,476,629 $24,602,758 $24,249,603 
__________________________________
(a)The carrying amount is net of the unamortized deferred financing costs and/or discounts/premiums and with respect to requestcertain notes, a fair value adjustment resulting from the Cequel and Cablevision acquisitions.
(b)At December 31, 2020, $137,920 of the revolving loans, swing line loans orcredit facility was restricted for certain letters of credit issued on behalf of the Company and $1,712,080 of the facility was undrawn and available, subject to covenant limitations.
(c)The revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $2,275,000 matures in January 2024 and priced at LIBOR plus 2.25%. The remaining revolving credit facility of an aggregate principal amount of $200,000 matures in November 2021 and is priced at LIBOR plus 3.25%.
(d)Includes $99,941 related to supply chain financing agreements that is required to be repaid within one year from the revolving lenders, swingline lenders or issuing banks, as applicable, thereunder,date of the respective agreement. The principal amounts include $59,451 of notes payable that will be reclassified to collateralized indebtedness upon the maturity, in January 2021, of a monetization contract related to the synthetic monetization closeout transaction in November 2019. See Note 12.
(e)These notes were repaid in July 2020 with proceeds from time to time prior to October 9,the issuance of new notes in June 2020. See discussion below.
(f)These notes were repaid in August 2020 unlesswith proceeds from the commitmentsissuance of new notes. See discussion below.
(g)There were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility have been previously terminated.which provides for commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000. See discussion below.

In October 2018, the Company combined its Suddenlink and Optimum businesses under a single credit silo (the "Combination"). The integration of the Suddenlink and Optimum businesses was aimed at aligning Altice USA’s debt capital structure and to simplify Altice USA’s financing strategy and financial reporting requirements. The Combination was effected mainly by the following transactions:
Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing•In October 2018, Altice US Finance, Cequel Capital Corporation and Cequel Communications Holdings I, LLC ("CCHI") commenced an offer to exchange (the "Exchange Offer") any and all outstanding senior notes and senior secured notes issued by them (the "Original Cequel Notes") for up to $5,520,000 aggregate principal amount of new notes (the "New Cequel Notes") and, in the case of the 5.375% senior secured notes due 2023 and 5.500% senior secured notes due 2026, and cash of $6,500.Approximately $5,500,050 of the outstanding notes subject to the Exchange Offer were exchanged into corresponding series of New Cequel Notes.
•In October 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a Sixth Amendment to the CSC Credit Facilities Agreement (the "Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement"). The Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement provided for, among other things, new incremental term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $1,275,000.
On or ABR Borrowing, as applicable,following the Combination Date the following transactions were completed:
•The Company redeemed $5,206 principal amount of the Original Cequel Notes that were outstanding after the consummation of the Exchange Offer.
•New Cequel Notes with an aggregate principal balance of $5,500,050 were converted into $5,499,156 principal amount of CSC Holdings senior note (see detail below).
•Pursuant to the Combination Incremental Term Loan Agreement, on the Combination Date, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,275,000 ($1,252,688 outstanding at December 31, 2020) incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan B-3") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-3 were used to repay the entire principal amount of loans under Cequel’s then existing term loan facility and other transaction costs related to the Combination. The Incremental Term Loan B-3 is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Adjusted LIBO RateLIBOR or the Alternate Base Rate,alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the Applicable Margin,applicable margin, where the Applicable Margin means: in respect of revolving credit loansapplicable margin is (i) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, 3.25%alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any ABR Loan,eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum.

On September 9, 2016, CSC Holdings entered into an amendment (the "Extension Amendment") The Company is required to the Credit Facilities and the incremental loan assumption agreements dated June 21, 2016 and July 21, 2016 between CSC Holdings and certain lenders party thereto (the "Extending Lenders") pursuantmake scheduled quarterly payments equal to which each Extending Lender agreed to extend0.25% (or $3,188) of the maturity of its Term Credit Facility under the Credit Facilities to October 11, 2024 and to certain other amendments to the Credit Facilities. In October 2016, CSC Holdings used the net proceeds from the sale of $1,310,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.5% senior guaranteed notes due 2027the Incremental Term Loan B-3, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2019, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 15, 2026.

F-43

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

•The Combination was implemented by a series of corporate transactions, including: (i) CCHI merging into Cablevision, with Cablevision as the surviving entity (the "2027 Guaranteed Notes""Holdco Merger") (after, and (ii) Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC (the direct parent of Cequel) merging into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings as the deductionsurviving entity. In connection with the Holdco Merger, Cablevision assumed all of fees
and expenses)the obligations of CCHI that remained outstanding after giving effect to prepay outstanding loansthe Exchange Offer under the Term Credit Facility that were not extended pursuant toindentures governing the Extension Amendment. The totaloutstanding Original Cequel Notes. In July 2019, the Company redeemed in full the aggregate principal amount of the Term Credit Facility, after giving effect to the use of proceeds of the 2027 Guaranteed Notes, is $2,500,000 (the "Extended Term Loan"). The Extended Term Loan was effective on October 11, 2016. Inoutstanding 5.125% senior notes due 2021 that were not exchanged in connection with the prepaymentExchange Offer. Pursuant to the Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes in November 2019, as described below, the remaining original Cequel Notes that were assumed by Cablevision under the Combination became obligations of CSC Holdings.
The following is a summary of the results of the Exchange Offer:
Original Cequel NotesRemaining Original Cequel NotesNotes Redeemed in CashPrincipal of New CSC Holdings Notes
5.375% Senior Secured Notes due 2023$1,100,000 $— $4,157 $1,095,825 
5.5% Senior Secured Notes due 20261,500,000 — 1,049 1,498,806 
5.125% Senior Notes due 20211,250,000 8,886 — 1,240,762 
7.75% Senior Notes due 2025620,000 1,740 — 617,881 
7.5% Senior Notes due 20281,050,000 4,118 — 1,045,882 
$5,520,000 $14,744 $5,206 $5,499,156 
CSC Holdings Credit Facilities
For financing purposes, the Company is structured as a restricted group (the “Restricted Group”) and an unrestricted group, which includes certain designated subsidiaries and investments (the “Unrestricted Group”). The Restricted Group is comprised of CSC Holdings and substantially all of its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries. These subsidiaries are subject to the covenants and restrictions of the credit facility and indentures governing the notes issued by CSC Holdings. Cablevision Lightpath LLC became an unrestricted subsidiary prior to the issuance of its senior notes and senior secured notes in September 2020. See discussion below regarding the Lightpath debt financing.
In October 2015, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altice USA, which merged with and into CSC Holdings on June 21, 2016, entered into a senior secured credit facility, which currently provides U.S. dollar term loans currently in an aggregate principal amount of $3,000,000 ($2,895,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the "CSC Term Loan Facility", and the term loans extended under the CSC Term Loan Facility, the "CSC Term Loans") and U.S. dollar revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $2,475,000 ($625,000 outstanding at December 31, 2020) (the "CSC Revolving Credit Facility" and, together with the CSC Term Loan Facility, the "CSC Credit Facilities"), which are governed by a credit facilities agreement entered into by, inter alios, CSC Holdings certain lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as administrative agent and security agent (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified on June 20, 2016, June 21, 2016, July 21, 2016, September 9, 2016, December 9, 2016, March 15, 2017, January 12, 2018, October 15, 2018, January 24, 2019, February 7, 2019, May 14, 2019 and October 3, 2019, respectively, and as further amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the "CSC Credit Facilities Agreement").
The Term Loan B is comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.25% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the principal amount of the Term Credit Facility,Loan B, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2017, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on July 17, 2025.
In January 2018, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,500,000 incremental term loan facility (the "Incremental Term Loan B-2") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was priced at 99.5% and was due to mature on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternate base rate borrowings, and bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base

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COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Company wrote-offwas required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $3,750) of the deferred financingprincipal amount of the Incremental Term Loan B-2, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2018, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on January 25, 2026. The Incremental Term Loan B-2 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In February 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $1,000,000 incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-4") under its existing credit facilities agreement. The proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-4 were used to redeem $894,700 in aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings’ 10.125% senior notes due 2023, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and paying related fees, costs and the unamortized discount relatedexpenses. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was due to the existing term loan aggregating $102,894. Additionally, the
Company recorded deferred financing costsmature on April 15, 2027 and was issued with an original issue discount of $7,2491.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings and $6,250, respectively,bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.00% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.0%. The Incremental Term Loan B-4 was repaid in full in October 2019 with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-5 discussed below.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings entered into a $3,000,000 ($2,977,500 outstanding at December 31, 2020), incremental term loan facility ("Incremental Term Loan B-5") under its existing credit facilities agreement, out of which are both being amortized$500,000 was available on a delayed draw basis. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 matures on April 15, 2027 and was issued at par. The Incremental Term Loan B-5 may be comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to interest expense over the termAdjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 1.50% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 2.50% per annum. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $7,500) of the Extendedprincipal amount of the Incremental Term Loan.Loan B-5, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2020.

The initial proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to repay approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans (Incremental Term Loan B-2 and Incremental Term Loan B-4) under the credit agreement, and the proceeds of the delayed draw tranche of the Incremental Term Loan B-5 were used to distribute $500,000 in cash to Cablevision, the proceeds of which were used to redeem Cablevision’s 8.00% senior notes due 2020, representing the entire aggregate principal amount outstanding, and in each case, paying related fees, costs and expenses in connection with such transactions, with the remainder being used to fund cash on the balance sheet. In connection with the repayment of approximately $2,500,000 of the outstanding term loans, a portion of the unamortized discount and unamortized deferred financing costs was written-off and recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see table below).
OnDuring the year ended December 9, 2016,31, 2020, CSC Holdings borrowed $2,075,000 under its revolving credit facility and repaid $1,450,000 of amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
The CSC Credit Facilities were amended to increaseAgreement requires the availability under the Revolving Credit Facility from $2,105,000 to $2,300,000 and extend the maturity on $2,280,000prepayment of this facility to November 30, 2021. The remaining $20,000 will mature on October 9, 2020. The Credit Facilities requireoutstanding CSC Holdings to prepay outstanding term loans,Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions and deductions, with (i) 100%of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, subject to reinvestment rights and certain other exceptions,exceptions; and (ii) commencing with the first full fiscal year after the consummation of the Merger,on a pari ratable share (based on the outstanding principal amount of the Extended Term LoanLoans divided by the sum of the outstanding principal amount of all pari passu indebtedness and the Extended Term Loan)Loans) of 50% of the annual excess cash flow, of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries, which will be reduced to 0% if the Consolidated Net Senior Secured Leverage Ratioconsolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings is less than or equal to 4.5 to 1.

The obligations under the CSC Credit Facilities are guaranteed by each restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings (other than CSC TKR, LLC and its subsidiaries and certain excluded subsidiaries) (the "Initial Guarantors") and, subject to certain limitations, will be guaranteed by each future material wholly-owned restricted subsidiary of CSC Holdings.  The obligations under the CSC Credit Facilities (including any guarantees thereof) are secured on a first priority basis, subject to any liens permitted by the Credit Facilities, by capital stock held by CSC Holdings or any guarantor in certain subsidiaries of CSC Holdings, subject to certain exclusions and limitations.
UnderThe CSC Credit Facilities Agreement includes certain negative covenants which, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions and qualifications, limit CSC Holdings' ability and the Termability of its restricted subsidiaries to: (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the

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COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances; and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations. In addition, the CSC Revolving Credit Facility CSC Holdings was required to make and made scheduled quarterly payment of $9,500 beginning with the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2016. Under the Extended Term Loan, CSC Holdings is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% of the principal amount of the Extended Term Loan, with the remaining balance scheduled to be paid on October 11, 2024, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2017.

Interest will be calculated under the Extended Term Loan subject toincludes a "floor" applicable to the Adjusted LIBO Rate of 0.75% per annum, and the Applicable Margin is (1) with respect to any ABR Loan, 2.00% per annum and (2) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, 3.00% per annum. If the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Extended Term Loan is less than 0.75% for any given period, the interest rate is fixed at 3.75% per annum.

The Credit Facilities include negative covenants that are substantially similar to the negative covenants contained in the indentures under which the Merger Notes were issued (see discussion below). The Credit Facilities include one financial maintenance covenant (solelysolely for the benefit of the lenders under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility),Facility consisting of a maximum Consolidated Net Senior Secured Leverage Ratioconsolidated net senior secured leverage ratio of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries of 5.0 to 1, which1.0. The financial covenant will be tested on the last day of any fiscal quarter, but only if on such day there are outstanding borrowings under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility (including swingline loans but excluding any cash collateralized letters of credit and undrawn letters of credit not to exceed $15,000)the letter of credit sublimit).
The CSC Credit Facilities Agreement also containcontains certain customary representations and warranties, affirmative covenants and events of default (including, among

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


others, an event of default upon a change of control). If an event of default occurs, the lenders under the CSC Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the CSC Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
CSC Holdings was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the CSC Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2020.
Cequel Credit Facilities
In October 2018, in connection with the Combination described above, amounts outstanding pursuant to Cequel's term loan facility aggregating $1,249,188 were repaid from the proceeds of the Incremental Term Loan B-3 described above and all commitments pursuant to the Cequel credit facilities were cancelled. Term loans comprising each eurodollar borrowing or alternate base rate borrowing, as applicable, bore interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin was 1.25% per annum with respect to any alternate base rate loans and 2.25% per annum with respect to any eurodollar loan.
Senior Guaranteed Notes, Senior Secured Notes, and Senior Notes
In January 2018, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior guaranteed notes due February 1, 2028 (the "2028 Guaranteed Notes"). The 2028 Guaranteed Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank pari passu in right of payment with all of the existing and future senior indebtedness, including the existing senior notes and the CSC Credit Facilities and rank senior in right of payment to all of existing and future subordinated indebtedness.
The proceeds from the 2028 Guaranteed Notes, together with proceeds from the Incremental Term Loan B-2 (discussed above), borrowings under the CSC revolving credit facility and cash on hand, were used in February 2018 to repay $300,000 principal amount of CSC Holdings' senior notes due in February 2018 and $750,000 principal amount of Cablevision senior notes due in April 2018 and a portion was used to fund the dividend of $1,499,935 to the Company's stockholders immediately prior to and in connection with the Distribution discussed in Note 1. In connection with the redemption of Cablevision senior notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $7,019, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of the unamortized premium of $2,314.
In April 2018, CCHI and Cequel Capital Corporation each an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.50% senior notes due April 1, 2028 (the "2028 Senior Notes"). The proceeds of these notes were used in April 2018 to redeem the $1,050,000 aggregate principal amount 6.375% senior notes due September 15, 2020. In connection with the redemption of these notes, the Company paid a call premium of approximately $16,737, which was recorded as a loss on extinguishment of debt and also recorded a write-off of deferred financing costs aggregating $20,173. See discussion above regarding the exchange of these notes as a result of the Combination.
In January 2019, CSC Holdings issued $1,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior guaranteed notes due 2029 ("CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes"). The notes bear interest at a rate of 6.50% and will mature on February 1, 2029. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay certain indebtedness, including to repay at maturity $526,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 8.625% senior notes due February 2019 plus accrued interest, redeem approximately $905,300 of the aggregate outstanding amount of CSC Holdings' 10.125% senior notes due 2023 at a redemption price of 107.594% plus accrued interest, and paid fees and expenses associated with the transactions.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In February 2019, CSC Holdings issued an additional $250,000 CSC Holdings 2029 Guaranteed Notes at a price of 101.75% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest from January 31, 2019. The proceeds of these notes were used to repay the outstanding balance under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility.
In July 2019, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes which bear interest at a rate of 5.75% and will mature on January 15, 2030 ("2030 Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the sale of the notes were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the CSC Revolving Credit Facility of approximately $622,857, along with accrued interest and pay fees associated with the transactions. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes.
In October 2019, CSC Holdings issued an additional $1,250,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2030 Senior Notes at a price of 104.00% of the principal amount plus accrued interest from July 10, 2019 until October 7, 2019. The proceeds of these notes were used to redeem $1,240,762 aggregate outstanding principal amount of CSC Holdings 5.125% senior notes due 2021 in full and to pay accrued interest, fees, costs and expenses associated with these transactions. In connection with the redemption, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $65,151, representing the unamortized discount and deferred financing costs as of the redemption date.
In June 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,100,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.125% and mature on December 1, 2030 and $625,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 4.625% and mature on December 1, 2030. The net proceeds from the sale of the these notes was used in July 2020 to early redeem the $1,095,825 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 5.375% senior secured notes due July 15, 2023, the $617,881 and the $1,740 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 7.750% senior notes due July 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $62,096, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
In August 2020, CSC Holdings issued $1,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of new senior guaranteed notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.375% and mature on February 15, 2031 and an additional $1,700,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 4.625% senior notes that mature on December 1, 2030 at a price of 103.25% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds from the sale of the notes was used to early redeem the $1,684,221 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 10.875% senior notes due October 15, 2025, the $1,000,000 aggregate principal amount of CSC Holdings' 6.625% senior guaranteed notes due October 15, 2025, plus pay accrued interest and the associated premiums related to the early redemption of these notes. In connection with the early redemptions, the Company recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt aggregating $188,393, reflecting the early redemption premiums and the write-off of outstanding deferred financing costs on these notes.
The indentures under which the Senior Guaranteed Notes and Senior Notes were issued contain certain customary covenants and agreements, including limitations on the ability of CSC Holdings and its restricted subsidiaries to (i) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, (ii) make investments or other restricted payments, (iii) create liens, (iv) sell assets and subsidiary stock, (v) pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase or redeem our capital stock or subordinated debt, (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates, (vii) enter into agreements that restrict the payment of dividends by subsidiaries or the repayment of intercompany loans and advances, and (viii) engage in mergers or consolidations, in each case subject to certain exceptions. The indentures also contain certain customary events of default. If an event of default occurs, the obligations under the Credit Facilitiesnotes may be accelerated.

Subject to customary conditions, the Company may redeem some or all of the notes at the redemption price set forth in the relevant indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, plus a specified "make-whole" premium (in the event the notes are redeemed prior to a certain specified time set forth in the indentures).
Total amountsThe Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under these indentures as of December 31, 2020.
Lightpath Debt Financing
On September 29, 2020, in connection with the Lightpath Transaction, Cablevision Lightpath LLC ("Lightpath") issued $450,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes that bear interest at a rate of 3.875% and mature on September 15, 2027 and $415,000 in aggregate principal amount of senior notes that bear interest at a rate of 5.625% and mature on September 15, 2028. Prior to the issuance of these notes, Lightpath became an unrestricted subsidiary under the terms of CSC Holdings' debt.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In addition, on September 29, 2020, Lightpath entered into a credit agreement between, inter alios, certain lenders party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as collateral agent, (the "Lightpath Credit Agreement") which provides for, among other things, (i) a term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $600,000 (the “Lightpath Term Loan Facility”) at a price of 99.5% of the aggregate principal amount, which was drawn on November 30, 2020, and (ii) revolving loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $100,000 (the “Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility"). As of December 31, 2020, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility. The Company is required to make scheduled quarterly payments equal to 0.25% (or $1,500) of the principal amount of the Lightpath Term Loan Facility, beginning with the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2021.
The loans made pursuant to the Lightpath Credit Agreement are comprised of eurodollar borrowings or alternative base rate borrowings, and bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate or the alternate base rate, as applicable, plus the applicable margin, where the applicable margin is (i) with respect to any alternate base rate loan, 2.25% per annum and (ii) with respect to any eurodollar loan, 3.25% per annum. The maturity date of the (i) Lightpath Term Loan Facility is November 30, 2027 and (ii) Lightpath Revolving Credit Facility is November 30, 2025.
Lightpath was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Lightpath Credit Facility and notes indentures as of December 31, 2020.
Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes
In November 2019, pursuant to an asset contribution agreement (the "Asset Contribution"), Cablevision contributed to CSC Holdings substantially all of its assets and CSC Holdings assumed all of Cablevision’s liabilities, including Cablevision’s 5.875% senior notes due September 2022 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $649,024, Cablevision’s 7.750% senior notes due July 2025 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $1,740, and Cablevision's 7.500% senior notes due April 2028 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount of $4,118 (the "Assumption of Cablevision Senior Notes").
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt and the Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs
The following table provides a summary of the loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt and the write-off of deferred financing costs recorded by the Company upon the redemption of senior notes and the refinancing of credit facilities:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020:
CSC Holdings 5.375% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 2023$26,721 
CSC Holdings 7.75% Senior Notes due 202535,375 
CSC Holdings 10.875% Senior Notes due 2025136,249 
CSC Holdings 6.625% Senior Guaranteed Notes due 202552,144 
$250,489 
For the Year Ended December 31, 2019:
CSC Holdings 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021$65,151 
CSC Holdings 10.125% Senior Notes due 2023154,666 
Refinancing and subsequent amendment to CSC Holdings credit facility8,313 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings228,130 
Cablevision 5.125% Senior Notes due 2021500 
Cablevision 8.000% Senior Notes due 202015,176 
$243,806 

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

For the Year Ended December 31, 2018:
Cequel Credit Facility$7,733 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above150 
Subtotal - CSC Holdings7,883 
Cequel 6.375% Senior Notes due 202036,910 
Cequel senior and senior secured notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer discussed above(695)
Cablevision 7.75% Senior Notes due 20184,706 
$48,804 
Summary of Debt Maturities
The future maturities of debt payable by the Company under its various debt obligations outstanding including the debt transaction subsequent to the merger discussed above andas of December 31, 2020, including notes payable and collateralized indebtedness and capital leases, during the periods shown below,(see Note 12), but excluding finance lease obligations (see Note 9), are as follows:
Years Ending December 31,
2021$1,192,342 
2022734,667 
20231,841,383 
20241,453,889 
20252,823,750 
Thereafter18,735,243 
Years Ending December 31, 
2017$1,719,180
20182,103,441
2019557,348
2020526,340
20211,200,256
Thereafter9,884,024

NOTE 11.12.    DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AND COLLATERALIZED INDEBTEDNESS
Prepaid Forward Contracts
The Company has entered into various transactions to limit the exposure against equity price risk on its shares of Comcast Corporation ("Comcast") common stock.  The Company has monetized all of its stock holdings in Comcast through the execution of prepaid forward contracts, collateralized by an equivalent amount of the respective underlying stock. At maturity, the contracts provide for the option to deliver cash or shares of Comcast stock with a value determined by reference to the applicable stock price at maturity.  These contracts, at maturity, are expected to offset declines in the fair value of these securities below the hedge price per share while allowing the Company to retain upside appreciation from the hedge price per share to the relevant cap price.
The Company received cash proceeds upon execution of the prepaid forward contracts discussed above which has been reflected as collateralized indebtedness in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  In addition, the Company separately accounts for the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts.  These equity derivatives have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes.  Therefore, the net fair values of the equity derivatives have been reflected in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as an asset or liability and the net increases or decreases in the fair value of the equity derivative component of the prepaid forward contracts are included in gain (loss) on derivative contracts in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
All of the Company's monetization transactions are obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not part of the Restricted Group; however, CSC Holdings has provided guarantees of the subsidiaries' ongoing contract payment expense obligations and potential payments that could be due as a result of an early termination event (as defined in the agreements).  If any one of these contracts werewas terminated prior to its scheduled maturity date, the Company would be obligated to repay the fair value of the collateralized indebtedness less the sum of the fair values of the underlying stock and equity collar, calculated at the termination date.  As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not have an early termination shortfall relating to any of these contracts.
The Company monitors the financial institutions that are counterparties to its equity derivative contracts.  All of the counterparties to such transactions carry investment grade credit ratings as of December 31, 2020.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Interest Rate Swap Contracts
To manage interest rate risk, we have from time to time entered into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the proportion of total debt that is subject to variable and fixed interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to provide an economic hedge against the risk of rising rates and/or effectively convert fixed rate borrowings to variable rates to permit the Company to realize lower interest expense in a declining interest rate environment. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and it diversifies its equitywe only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that are rated investment grade. All such contracts are carried at their fair market values on our consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair value reflected in the consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2020, the Company did not hold and has not issued derivative contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution. instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
The following represents the location of the assets and liabilities associated with the Company's derivative instruments within the consolidated balance sheets:
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging InstrumentsBalance Sheet LocationFair Value at December 31,
20202019
Asset Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contractsDerivative contracts, short-term$5,132 $— 
Prepaid forward contractsDerivative contracts, short-term45,653 — 
Interest rate swap contractsDerivative contracts, long-term4,774 0 
Prepaid forward contractsDerivative contracts, long-term— 25,207 
55,559 25,207 
Liability Derivatives:
Interest rate swap contractsOther current liabilities0 (469)
Prepaid forward contractsOther current liabilities(45,653)— 
Prepaid forward contractsLiabilities under derivative contracts, long-term(247,853)(94,795)
Interest rate swap contractsLiabilities under derivative contracts, long-term(275,297)(160,871)
 $(568,803)$(256,135)
Derivatives Not
Designated as
 Hedging
Instruments
 
Balance
Sheet
Location
 Asset Derivatives Liability Derivatives
   
  Fair Value at December 31, 2015
Prepaid forward contracts Current derivative contracts $10,333
 $2,706
Prepaid forward contracts Long-term derivative contracts 72,075
 —
    $82,408
 $2,706
The following table presents certain consolidated statement of operations data related to our derivative contracts and the underlying common stock:

Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Gain (loss) on derivative contracts related to change in the value of
 equity derivative contracts related to Comcast common stock
$(178,264)$(282,713)$218,848 
Change in fair value of Comcast common stock included in gain (loss) on investments319,157 469,071 (261,993)
Loss on interest rate swap contracts, net of a gain of $74,835 recorded in 2020 in connection with the early termination of the swap agreements discussed below(78,606)(53,902)(61,697)
In March 2020, the Company terminated two swap agreements whereby the Company was paying a floating rate of interest and receiving a fixed rate of interest on an aggregate notional value of $1,500,000. These contracts were due to mature in May 2026. In connection with the early termination, the Company received cash of $74,835 which has been recorded in gain (loss) on interest swap contracts, net in our consolidated statement of operations and presented in operating activities in our consolidated statement of cash flows.
In addition, in March 2020, the Company executed amendments to two interest swap contracts that reduced the fixed rate of interest that the Company was paying on an aggregate notional value of $1,000,000 and extended the maturity date of the contracts to January 15, 2025 from January 15, 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company entered into new interest rate swap contracts on an aggregate notional value of $3,850,000. See table below.
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COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



The following is a summary of interest rate swap contracts outstanding at December 31, 2020:
Unrealized and realized gains (losses)
Trade DateMaturity DateNotional AmountCompany PaysCompany Receives
December 2018January 2025$500,000 Fixed rate of 1.53%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018January 2022500,000 Fixed rate of 2.733%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018January 2025500,000 Fixed rate of 1.625%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018December 2026750,000 Fixed rate of 2.9155%Three-month LIBOR
December 2018December 2026750,000 Fixed rate of 2.9025%Three-month LIBOR
March 2020January 2025500,000 Fixed rate of 1.458%Three-month LIBOR
March 2020January 2022500,000 Three-month LIBORFixed rate of 2.733%
April 2020April 20212,850,000 Six-month LIBOR minus 0.5185%One-month LIBOR
In November 2019, the Company entered into a new monetization contract related to Company's5,337,750 shares of Comcast common stock held by us, which synthetically reversed the existing contract related to these shares. In addition, the Company entered into amendments to monetization contracts related to 37,617,486 shares of Comcast common stock held by us. The new and amended monetization contracts extended the maturity date to April 28, 2023 and provide the Company with downside protection below the hedge price of $40.95 per share and upside benefit of stock price appreciation up to $49.55 per share. In connection with the execution of these contracts, the Company received cash of $93,000 and recorded (i) an increase in the fair value of the equity derivative contracts related to the Comcast common stock for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016of $103,781, ii) an increase in notes payable, net of discount, of $36,587, and the year ended December 31, 2015(iii) an increase in collateralized debt, net of $(36,283) and $104,927, respectively, are reflected in gain (loss) on equity derivative contracts, net in the Company's consolidated statementsdiscount of operations.
For the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015 and , the Company recorded a gain (loss) on investments of $129,510 and $(33,935), respectively, representing the net increase (decrease) in the fair values of all investment securities pledged as collateral. 
Settlements of Collateralized Indebtedness$160,194.
The following table summarizes the settlement of the Company's collateralized indebtedness relatingcash to Comcast shares that were settled by delivering cash equal tosettle the collateralized loan value, net of the value of the related equity derivative contracts. 
 January 1 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
    
Number of shares (a)10,802,118
 26,815,368
Collateralized indebtedness settled$(273,519) $(569,562)
Derivative contracts settled(8,075) (69,675)
 (281,594) (639,237)
Proceeds from new monetization contracts337,149
 774,703
Net cash receipt$55,555
 $135,466
______________________
(a)Share amounts adjusted for the 2 for 1 stock split in February 2017.
The cashindebtedness was obtained from the proceeds of new monetization contracts covering an equivalent number of Comcast shares.  The terms of the new contracts allow the Company to retain upside participation in Comcast shares up to each respective contract's upside appreciation limit with downside exposure limited to the respective hedge price. 
NOTE 12.13.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions.  The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
•Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
•Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
•Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

The following table presents the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and their classification under the fair value hierarchy:
Fair Value
Hierarchy		December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Assets:
Money market fundsLevel I$50,236 $563,704 
Investment securities pledged as collateralLevel I2,250,854 1,931,697 
Prepaid forward contractsLevel II45,653 25,207 
Interest rate swap contractsLevel II9,906 0 
Liabilities:
Prepaid forward contractsLevel II293,506 94,795 
Interest rate swap contractsLevel II275,297 161,340 
Contingent consideration related to 2017 and 2018 acquisitionsLevel III0 7,250 
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F-51


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 At December 31, 2015
 Level I Level II Level III Total
Assets:       
Money market funds$922,765
 $—
 $—
 $922,765
Investment securities130
 —
 —
 130
Investment securities pledged as collateral1,211,982
 —
 —
 1,211,982
Prepaid forward contracts—
 82,408
 —
 82,408
Liabilities:       
Prepaid forward contracts—
 2,706
 —
 2,706
The Company's money market funds which are classified as cash equivalents investment securities and investment securities pledged as collateral are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's prepaid forward contracts reflected as derivative contracts and liabilities under derivative contracts on the Company's consolidated balance sheets are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models.  These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility.  When appropriate, valuations are adjusted for various factors such as liquidity, bid/offer spreads and credit risk considerations.  Such adjustments are generally based on available market evidence. Since model inputs can generally be verified and do not involve significant management judgment, the Company has concluded that these instruments should be classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy.
In addition, see Note 9 for a discussion of impairment charges related to nonfinancial assets not measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate:
Credit Facility Debt, Collateralized Indebtedness, Senior Notes, and Debentures, Senior Guaranteed Notes, andSenior Secured Notes, Notes Payable and Supply Chain Financing
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities. The fair value of notes payable is based primarily on the present value of the remaining payments discounted at the borrowing cost. The carrying value of outstanding amounts related to supply chain financing agreements approximates the fair value due to their short-term maturity (less than one year).
The carrying values, estimated fair values, and classification under the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:below:
December 31, 2020December 31, 2019
Fair Value
Hierarchy		Carrying
Amount (a)		Estimated
Fair Value		Carrying
Amount (a)		Estimated
Fair Value
Credit facility debtLevel II$8,288,000 $8,350,188 $7,148,287 $7,190,438 
Collateralized indebtednessLevel II1,617,506 1,692,724 1,585,088 1,611,095 
Senior guaranteed and senior secured notesLevel II8,066,796 8,567,858 7,602,456 8,220,518 
Senior notesLevel II8,415,602 9,024,990 7,874,040 8,728,870 
Notes payable and supply chain financingLevel II174,801 175,251 140,994 141,713 
$26,562,705 $27,811,011 $24,350,865 $25,892,634 
    December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Hierarchy
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
      
Debt instruments:   
  
Credit facility debtLevel II $2,514,454
 $2,525,654
Collateralized indebtednessLevel II 1,191,324
 1,176,396
Senior notes and debenturesLevel II 5,801,011
 5,756,608
Notes payableLevel II 14,544
 14,483
Total debt instruments  $9,521,333
 $9,473,141
(a)Amounts are net of unamortized deferred financing costs and discounts/premiums.
The fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments and senior notes receivable presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument.  These

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CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision.  Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

F-52

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

NOTE 13.14.    INCOME TAXES
Altice USA files a federal consolidated and certain state combined income tax returns with its 80% or more owned subsidiaries. CSC Holdings and its subsidiaries are included in the consolidated federal income tax returns of Altice USA.  The income tax provision for CSC Holdings is determined on a stand-alone basis for all periods presented as if CSC Holdings filed separate consolidated income tax returns. In accordance with a tax sharing agreement between CSC Holdings and Altice USA, CSC Holdings has an obligation to Altice USA for its stand-alone current tax liability as if it filed separate income tax returns.
Income tax expense attributable to(benefit) for the Company's continuing operations consistsyears ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 consist of the following components:
Altice USACSC Holdings
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
 202020192018202020192018
Current expense (benefit):
Federal$0 $0 $(1,865)$(55,044)$240,229 $186,035 
State65,804 33,103 32,347 82,238 70,567 124,106 
 65,804 33,103 30,482 27,194 310,796 310,141 
Deferred expense (benefit):
Federal113,871 43,105 26,141 156,338 (176,591)(102,872)
State(38,359)(28,174)(93,744)(55,121)(62,118)(148,721)
 75,512 14,931 (67,603)101,217 (238,709)(251,593)
141,316 48,034 (37,121)128,411 72,087 58,548 
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions(1,568)(844)(1,534)(1,568)(844)(985)
Income tax expense (benefit)$139,748 $47,190 $(38,655)$126,843 $71,243 $57,563 
The income tax expense (benefit) attributable to Altice USA's operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax loss principally due to the effect of the following items:
Altice USACSC Holdings
Years Ended December 31,Years Ended December 31,
202020192018202020192018
Federal tax expense (benefit) at statutory rate$122,478 $39,297 $(3,793)$122,363 $59,653 $66,757 
State income taxes, net of federal impact59,383 (6,256)(8,103)58,802 (9,060)33,249 
Changes in the valuation allowance10,333 4,079 15,987 10,598 4,307 0 
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact(46,768)(1,046)(52,915)(46,768)6,532 (53,493)
Tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions(1,568)(847)(514)(1,568)(847)(514)
Tax credits(17,205)— — (17,205)— — 
Non-deductible share-based compensation related to the carried unit plan2,108 15,642 8,677 2,108 15,642 8,677 
Non-deductible officers compensation6,715 — — 6,715 — — 
Other non-deductible expenses(883)1,334 2,200 (886)1,334 2,011 
Other, net5,155 (5,013)(194)(7,316)(6,318)876 
Income tax expense (benefit)$139,748 $47,190 $(38,655)$126,843 $71,243 $57,563 

F-53

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 January 1 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
Current expense:   
Federal$6,473
 $4,844
State1,917
 15,869
 8,390
 20,713
Deferred (benefit) expense: 
  
Federal93,253
 97,927
State22,897
 35,469
 116,150
 133,396
Tax (benefit) expense relating to uncertain tax positions308
 763
Income tax expense$124,848
 $154,872
In March, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law.Included in the CARES Act, was a revision to IRC Sec 163(j) increasing the ATI (adjusted taxable income) limit of deductible interest from 30% to 50% for tax years 2019 and 2020. The additional deductible interest on the 2019 federal return was $176,539, tax-effected; as a result, the previously reported federal net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) were increased by $176,539, resulting in a net zero tax impact for CSC Holdings and Altice USA.
IncomeIn 2020, Altice USA and CSC Holdings recorded a net deferred tax benefit attributable to discontinued operationsof $46,768 based on a remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability for the year ended December 31, 20152020 as a result of $8,731 is compriseda decrease in the blended state tax rate utilized to tax-effect the gross temporary differences. In addition, the Company recorded a $17,205 benefit resulting from research and development tax credits for the years 2016-2019 that will be fully utilized in 2020 after the full utilization of currentthe federal NOLs.
During 2018, the Company determined that it met the definition of a Qualified Technology Company for New York State tax purposes and thereby was eligible for a reduced tax rate. Additionally, during 2018, the state of New Jersey enacted significant tax law changes imposing a 2.5% surtax for tax years beginning January 1, 2018 and mandating combined return filing requirements for unitary corporations for tax years beginning January 1, 2019. Accordingly, Altice USA and CSC Holdings recorded a net deferred income tax benefit of $111$52,915 and $8,620, respectively.
The income tax (benefit) expense attributable to the Company's continuing operations differs from the amount derived by applying the statutory federal rate to pretax income principally due to the effect of the following items:
 January 1 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
Federal tax expense at statutory rate$100,926
 $119,931
State income taxes, net of federal impact14,825
 18,874
Changes in the valuation allowance86
 (902)
Changes in the state rates used to measure deferred taxes, net of federal impact—
 (1,006)
Tax expense (benefit) relating to uncertain tax positions178
 574
New York tax reform—
 16,334
Non-deductible officers' compensation462
 846
Non-deductible merger transaction costs9,392
 —
Other non-deductible expenses1,337
 3,099
Research credit(850) (2,630)
Adjustment to prior year tax expense—
 (515)
Other, net(1,508) 267
Income tax expense$124,848
 $154,872
$53,493, respectively, based on a remeasurement of the net deferred tax liability for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The tax effects of temporary differences which give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets or liabilities and the corresponding valuation allowance atare as follows:
Altice USACSC Holdings
 December 31,December 31,
 2020201920202019
Noncurrent
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards$75,912 $309,924 $30,745 $74,300 
Compensation and benefit plans29,159 25,227 29,159 25,227 
Partnership investments(118,150)49,956 (118,150)49,956 
Restructuring liability7,169 11,280 7,169 11,280 
Other liabilities49,363 42,339 49,363 42,339 
Liabilities under derivative contracts510,519 432,415 510,519 432,415 
Interest deferred for tax purposes0 333,856 0 333,856 
Operating lease liability70,648 82,393 70,648 82,393 
Other28,238 12,428 28,237 12,428 
Deferred tax assets652,858 1,299,818 607,690 1,064,194 
Less: Valuation allowance(39,812)(29,479)(22,457)(11,859)
Net deferred tax assets, noncurrent613,046 1,270,339 585,233 1,052,335 
Deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets and intangibles(4,941,232)(5,384,320)(4,941,232)(5,384,320)
Operating lease asset(56,363)(75,019)(56,363)(75,019)
Investments(587,184)(505,942)(587,184)(505,942)
Prepaid expenses(12,755)(10,978)(12,755)(10,978)
Fair value adjustments related to debt and deferred financing costs(21,679)(56,675)(21,679)(56,675)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent(5,619,213)(6,032,934)(5,619,213)(6,032,934)
Total net deferred tax liabilities$(5,006,167)$(4,762,595)$(5,033,980)$(4,980,599)
The tax impact on the Lightpath Transaction discussed in Note 1 of $228,489 is reflected in stockholders' equity (deficiency) of Altice USA. Due to the taxable gain resulting from the Lightpath Transaction, the Company will utilize its federal NOLs, capital loss carryover, research and development tax credits, and general business credits in 2020. In addition, as of December 31, 2015 are as follows.

2020, the Company has a receivable of $48,645 relating to a refund request for
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F-54


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Deferred Tax Asset (Liability) 
Current 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards$76,007
Compensation and benefit plans80,831
Allowance for doubtful accounts2,196
Merger transaction costs7,332
Inventory7,135
Other26,216
Deferred tax asset199,717
Valuation allowance(2,098)
Net deferred tax asset, current197,619
Investments(163,396)
Prepaid expenses(19,627)
Deferred tax liability, current(183,023)
Net deferred tax asset, current$14,596
Noncurrent 
NOLs and tax credit carry forwards36,866
Compensation and benefit plans97,005
Partnership investments123,529
Investments9,798
Other9,201
Deferred tax asset276,399
Valuation allowance(2,816)
Net deferred tax asset, noncurrent273,583
Fixed assets and intangibles(978,418)
Deferred tax liability, noncurrent(978,418)
Net deferred tax liability, noncurrent(704,835)
Total net deferred tax liability$(690,239)
The Company usedprior year AMT credits, including $12,161 claimed in 2020 due to the 'with-and-without' approachCARES Act acceleration of credits, which is expected to determine the recognition and measurement of excess tax benefits.  Cash flows resulting from excess tax benefits were classified as cash flows from financing activities.  Excess tax benefits are realized tax benefits from tax deductions for options exercised and restricted shares issuedbe collected in excess of the deferred tax asset attributable to share-based compensation expense for such awards. The Company realized excess tax benefit of $82 and $5,694 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, resulting in an increase to paid-in-capital. 2021.
Deferred tax assets have resulted primarily from the Company's future deductible temporary differences and NOLs. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company's ability to realize its deferred tax assets depends uponIn evaluating the generationneed for a valuation allowance, management takes into account various factors, including the expected level of sufficient future taxable income, andavailable tax planning strategies to allow for the utilizationand reversals of its NOLs and deductibleexisting taxable temporary differences. If such estimates and related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record additional valuation allowances against its deferred tax assets, resulting in additional income tax expense in the Company's consolidated statements of income.operations. Management evaluates the realizability of the deferred tax assets and the need for additional valuation allowances quarterly. At this time, based on current factsPursuant to the Cablevision Acquisition and circumstances, management believesCequel Acquisition, deferred tax liabilities resulting from the book fair value adjustment increased significantly and future taxable income that will result from the reversal of existing taxable temporary differences for which deferred tax liabilities are recognized is sufficient to conclude it is more likely than not that the Company will realize benefit forall of its gross deferred tax assets, except those deferred tax assets against which a valuation allowance has been recorded which relate to certain state NOLs.

F-81


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(DollarsNOLs and the foreign NOLs in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


i24NEWS.
In the normal course of business, the Company engages in transactions in which the income tax consequences may be uncertain. The Company's income tax returns are filed based on interpretation of tax laws and regulations. Such income tax returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities. For financial statement purposes, the Company only recognizes tax positions that it believes are more likely than not of being sustained. There is considerable judgment involved in determining whether positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return are more likely than not of being sustained. Changes in the liabilities for uncertain tax positions are recognized in the interim period in which the positions are effectively settled or there is a change in factual circumstances.
A reconciliationAs of December 31, 2020, if all uncertain tax positions were sustained at the amounts reported or expected to be reported in the Company's tax returns, the elimination of the beginning and ending amount ofCompany's unrecognized tax benefits, associated with uncertain tax positions, excluding associatednet of the deferred tax benefits and accrued interest, is as follows:
Balance at December 31, 2015$4,022
Increases related to prior year tax positions3
Increases related to current year tax positions6
Balance at June 20, 2016$4,031
In the second quarter of 2016, the Company changed its accounting policy on a prospective basis to present interest expense relating to uncertain tax positions as additional interest expense. During the period ended June 20, 2016 and December 31, 2015, interest expense of $209 and $314 was included inimpact, would decrease income tax expense respectively.by $1,784.
The most significant jurisdictions in which the Company is required to file income tax returns include the states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and the City of New York. The State and City of New York isare presently auditing income tax returns for tax years 20092012 through 2011. 
2016 and 2015 and 2016 respectively. The States of New Jersey and Connecticut are presently auditing income tax returns for tax years 2014 through 2017 and 2016 and 2017, respectively. Management does not believe that the resolution of thethese ongoing income tax examination described aboveexaminations will have a material adverse impact on the financial position of the Company.  Changes
NOTE 15.    SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Carry Unit Plan
Certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a carry unit plan of Neptune Management LP, an entity which has an ownership interest in Neptune LP. The awards generally vested as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 or December 21, 2015 ("Base Date"), 25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date.  Neptune Holding US GP LLC, the general partner of Neptune Management LP, has the right to repurchase (or to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase) vested awards held by employees for sixty days following their termination.  For performance-based awards under the plan, vesting occurs upon achievement or satisfaction of a specified performance condition. The Company considered the probability of achieving the established performance targets in determining the share-based compensation with respect to these awards at the end of each reporting period.
Beginning on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, the holders of carry units have an annual opportunity (a sixty days period determined by the administrator of the plan) to sell their units back to Neptune Holding US GP LLC (or affiliate, including the Company, designated by Neptune Holding US GP LLC). Accordingly, the carry units are presented as temporary equity on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Adjustments to fair value at each reporting period are recorded in stockholders' equity (deficiency).
The right of Neptune Holding US GP LLC to assign to an affiliate, including the Company, the right to repurchase an employee’s vested units during the sixty-day period following termination, or to satisfy its obligation to repurchase an employee’s vested units during annual 60 day periods following the fourth anniversary of the Base Date, may be

F-55

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

exercised by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time a repurchase right or obligation arises. The carry unit plan requires the purchase price payable to the employee or former employee, as the case may be, to be paid in cash, a promissory note (with a term of not more than 3 years and bearing interest at the long-term applicable federal rate under Section 1274(d) of the Internal Revenue Code) or combination thereof, in each case as determined by Neptune Holding US GP LLC in its discretion at the time of the repurchase. Neptune Holding US GP LLC expects that vested units will be redeemed for shares of the Altice USA Class A common stock upon vesting.
The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for carry units based on the fair value of the award at grant date. In addition, these units are presented as temporary equity in our consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For carry unit awards granted in 2016, an option pricing model was used which requires subjective assumptions for which changes in these assumptions could materially affect the fair value of the carry units outstanding. The time to liquidity event assumption was based on management’s judgment. The equity volatility assumption was estimated using the historical weekly volatility of publicly traded comparable companies. The risk-free rate assumed was based on the U.S. Constant Maturity Treasury Rates for a period matching the expected time to liquidity event. The discount for lack of marketability was based on Finnerty's (2012) average-strike put option model. For carry unit awards granted in the liabilitiesfirst and second quarter of 2017, the Company estimated the grant date fair value based on the value established in Altice USA's IPO.
The following table summarizes activity relating to these carry units:
Number of Time
Vesting Awards		Number of Performance
Based Vesting Awards		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance, December 31, 2017168,550,001 10,000,000 $0.71
Vested(68,037,500)— 0.37 
Forfeited(16,937,501)— 0.62 
Balance, December 31, 201883,575,000 10,000,000 1.14 
Vested(42,618,750)— 0.83 
Converted to restricted shares— (10,000,000)0.37 
Forfeited(3,437,500)— 0.84 
Balance, December 31, 201937,518,750 0 2.35 
Vested(30,431,250)— 2.20 
Forfeited(212,500)— 0.56 
Balance, December 31, 20206,875,000 0 3.41 
The weighted average fair value per unit was $3.89, $3.25, and $1.95 as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 the Company recognized share-based compensation expense of $10,036, $54,614 and $41,321, respectively, related to the carry unit plan. As of December 31, 2020, there was $804 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the carry unit plan which is expected to be recognized by April 2021.
Long Term Incentive Plan
In connection with Altice USA's IPO, the Company adopted the Altice USA 2017 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "2017 LTIP"). Under the 2017 LTIP, the Company may grant awards of options, restricted shares, restricted share units, stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance stock units and other awards. Under the 2017 LTIP, awards may be granted to officers, employees and consultants of the Company or any of its affiliates. The 2017 LTIP is administered by Altice USA's Board of Directors (the "Board"), subject to the provision of the stockholders' agreement. The Board has delegated its authority to the Company's Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee has the full power and authority to, among other things, select eligible participants, to grant awards in accordance with the 2017 LTIP, to determine the number of shares subject to each award or the cash amount payable in connection with an award and determine the terms and conditions of each award.
In November 2018, the Board and the Company's stockholders holding a majority of the voting power of its capital stock approved an amendment to the 2017 LTIP, which increased the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be issued for uncertain tax positionsall purposes under the Plan to 19,879,291. In June 2020, stockholders of the Company approved an

F-56

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

increase to the number of shares authorized for issuance under the LTIP by 35,000,000 shares to 54,879,291 and approved the extension of the term to June 10, 2030. The Board has the authority to amend, suspend, or terminate the 2017 LTIP. No amendment, suspension or termination will be effective without the approval of the Company's stockholders if such approval is required under applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Stock Option Awards
Options outstanding under the 2017 LTIP Plan either cliff vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant or vest over 4 years, where 50% vest on the second anniversary, 25% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The option awards generally are subject to continued employment with the Company, and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Performance based option awards vest upon achievement of performance criteria.
The following table summarizes activity related to stock options granted to Company employees:
 Shares Under OptionWeighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share		Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
 Time
Vesting		Performance
Based Vesting		Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance at December 31, 20175,110,747 0 $17.45 9.97$8,331 
Granted6,753,659 95,953 17.58 
Forfeited(634,238)(22,314)17.92 
Balance at December 31, 201811,230,168 73,639 17.50 9.47— 
Granted3,677,076 0 23.88 
Exercised(184,147)0 17.43 
Forfeited(639,356)(73,639)18.42 
Balance at December 31, 201914,083,741 0 19.12 8.74112,915 
Granted26,569,892 0 28.41 
Exercised(824,227)0 17.46 
Forfeited(2,767,260)0 23.05 
Balance at December 31, 202037,062,146 0 25.52 8.69457,608 
Options exercisable at December 31, 20203,206,272 0 17.54 7.0665,197 
(a)The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and the closing price of Altice USA's Class A common stock at the respective date.
The Company recognized share-based compensation expense related to employee stock options for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 of $98,380, $44,464 and $18,491. As of December 31, 2020, there was $146,231 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.75 years.
The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term) due to the Company's lack of recent historical data for similar awards.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.  The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock and the expected volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies who granted options that had similar expected lives.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31,
202020192018
Risk-free interest rate1.43%2.05%2.74%
Expected life (in years)6.386.476.49
Dividend yield0%0%0%
Volatility28.53%28.22%35.72%
Grant date fair value$7.82$7.93$6.91
Performance Stock Unit Awards
In January 2020, certain employees of the Company were granted performance stock units ("PSUs"). Each PSU gives the employee the right to receive one share of Altice USA class A common stock, upon achievement of a specified stock price hurdle. The PSUs will be forfeited if the applicable performance measure is not achieved prior to January 29, 2026 or if the employee does not continue to provide services to the Company through the achievement date of the applicable performance measure.
As of December 31, 2020, the Company had 7,315,360 PSUs outstanding. The PSUs have a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.65 per unit. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized share based compensation expense of $14,395 related to these PSUs. As of December 31, 2020 there was $63,499 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding PSUs which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 5.1 years.
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of the PSUs granted during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Risk-free interest rate1.46%
Expected life (in years)4 and 6
Dividend yield0%
Volatility34.22%
Restricted Awards
In June 2019, the Company granted restricted awards to certain employees pursuant to the 2017 LTIP. The majority of these awards vest over 4 years, where 50% vest on the second anniversary, 25% on the third anniversary and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The remaining awards vest monthly over a four year period. The grant date fair value of these awards aggregated $27,013. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recorded share based compensation expense of $2,277 related to these awards. As of December 31, 2020, there was $855 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to these outstanding restricted awards.
NOTE 16.    AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Affiliate and Related Party Transactions
Altice USA is controlled by Patrick Drahi who is also the controlling stockholder of Altice Europe and its subsidiaries and other entities.
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between entities under common control by Mr. Drahi, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
The following table summarizes the revenue and expenses related to services provided to or received from affiliates and related parties:

F-58

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Revenue$14,729 $3,974 $2,575 
Operating expenses:
Programming and other direct costs$(13,346)$(11,580)$(7,261)
Other operating expenses, net(11,869)(8,355)(16,307)
Operating expenses, net(25,215)(19,935)(23,568)
Interest expense0 0 (600)
Interest income0 0 2,429 
Net charges - CSC Holdings(10,486)(15,961)(19,164)
Interest expense0 0 (2,429)
Other income, net0 0 149 
Net charges - Altice USA$(10,486)$(15,961)$(21,444)
Capital Expenditures$17,216 $12,167 $14,951 
Revenue
The Company recognized revenue primarily from the sale of advertising to a subsidiary of Altice Europe and a foundation controlled by Patrick Drahi.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs include costs incurred by the Company for advertising services provided by a subsidiary of Altice Europe.
Other operating expenses, net
Other operating expenses primarily include charges for services provided by certain subsidiaries of Altice Europe and other related parties. The expense in 2018 includes $13,250 related to certain executive services, as well as consulting, advisory and other services provided by Altice Europe pursuant to an agreement that was terminated upon the completion of the Distribution discussed in Note 1.
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures primarily include costs for equipment purchased and software development services provided by subsidiaries of Altice Europe.
Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to affiliates and related parties are summarized below:
December 31,
20202019
Due from:
Altice Europe$0 $4,076 
Other affiliates and related parties4,262 2,698 
$4,262 $6,774 
Due to:
Altice Europe$7,938 $7,456 
Other affiliates and related parties600 0 
$8,538 $7,456 
Amounts due from affiliates in the interimtable above represent amounts paid by the Company on behalf of or for services provided to the respective related party. Amounts due to affiliates relate to the purchase of equipment and advertising services, as well as reimbursement for payments made on our behalf.

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ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In June 2020, pursuant to the Company's share repurchase program, the Company purchased 3,582,525 Altice USA Class A common stock held by Altice Europe for a total consideration of $84,906. See further information regarding the Company's share repurchase program in Note 1.
Pursuant to our share repurchase program, Altice USA purchased 14,948,869 Altice USA Class A shares for total consideration of approximately $350,000 during the year ended December 31, 2019 from Suddenvision S.A.R.L., an entity controlled by BC Partners LLP.
In addition, see Note 1 for a discussion of the acquisition of Neptune LP, the acquisition of Altice Technical Services US Corp, and the acquisition of i24NEWS.
Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC Merger into CSC Holdings
In November 2018, in connection with the credit silo combination described in Note 11, Cequel Communications Holdings II, LLC ("CCHII") merged into CSC Holdings, with CSC Holdings as the surviving entity (the "CCHII Merger"). As these entities were under common control, the balance sheet and operating results of CCHII have been combined with the balance sheet and operating results of CSC Holdings for all periods presented.
Equity Method Investments
The Company's equity in the net loss of i24NEWS prior to April 1, 2018 of $1,130 was recorded using the equity method and reflected in other expense, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. As discussed in Note 1, the Company combined the results of operations and related assets and liabilities of i24NEWS as of April 1, 2018.
In April 2018, the Company redeemed a 24% interest in Newsday LLC ("Newsday") and recognized a gain of $13,298, reflected in gain (loss) on investments and sale of affiliate interests, net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded equity in the net loss of Newsday of $9,719, reflected in other expense, net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. From July 7, 2016 through April 2018, the Company held a 25% ownership interest in Newsday and prior to July 7, 2016, Newsday was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cablevision.
CSC Holdings
CSC Holdings made cash equity distribution payments to its parent aggregating $4,794,408, $2,279,472, and $3,058,747 during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. CSC Holdings recorded net non-cash equity contributions of $178,720 and $151,455 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, which represent the non-cash settlement of intercompany balances with Altice USA and recorded $50,000 of cash contributions for the year ended December 31, 2018. These balances primarily include amounts due to/due from Altice USA pursuant to a tax sharing agreement between the entities.
NOTE 17.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
Future cash payments and commitments required under arrangements pursuant to contracts entered into by the Company in the normal course of business as of December 31, 2020 are as follows:
 Payments Due by Period
 TotalYear 1Years 2-3Years 4-5More than
5 years
Off balance sheet arrangements:
Purchase obligations (a)$6,583,268 $3,357,292 $2,421,140 $752,193 $52,643 
Guarantees (b)59,252 59,192 60 0 0 
Letters of credit (c)137,920 7,460 1,990 128,470 0 
Total$6,780,440 $3,423,944 $2,423,190 $880,663 $52,643 
(a)Purchase obligations primarily include contractual commitments with various programming vendors to provide video services to customers and minimum purchase obligations to purchase goods or services, including contracts to acquire handsets and other equipment.  Future fees payable under contracts with programming vendors are based on numerous

F-60

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

factors, including the number of customers receiving the programming.  Amounts reflected above related to programming agreements are based on the number of customers receiving the programming as of December 31, 2020 multiplied by the per customer rates or the stated annual fee, as applicable, contained in the executed agreements in effect as of December 31, 2020. 
(b)Includes franchise and performance surety bonds primarily for the Company's cable television systems. 
(c)Represent letters of credit guaranteeing performance to municipalities and public utilities and payment of insurance premiums. Payments due by period for these arrangements represent the year in which the positionscommitment expires although payments under these arrangements are effectively settledrequired only in the event of nonperformance.
The table above does not include obligations for payments required to be made under multi-year franchise agreements based on a percentage of revenues generated from video service per year.
Many of the Company's franchise agreements and utility pole leases require the Company to remove its cable wires and other equipment upon termination of the respective agreements.  The Company has concluded that the fair value of these asset retirement obligations cannot be reasonably estimated since the range of potential settlement dates is not determinable.
The table above does not include obligations for rent related to utility poles used in our operations. The Company's pole rental agreements are for varying terms, and management anticipates renewals as they expire. Rent expense incurred for pole rental attachments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $36,364, $31,903, and $33,082, respectively.
Legal Matters
In the latter half of 2018, eight named plaintiffs, each on behalf of a putative class of stockholders who purchased Company common stock in Altice USA's IPO pursuant to the Registration Statement and Prospectus, filed complaints (seven in New York State Supreme Court, one in United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York). The lawsuits name as defendants Altice USA, Altice Europe, and Altice USA's directors, among others, and assert that all defendants violated Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and that the individual defendants violated Section 15 of the Securities Act as control persons. In a consolidated amended complaint filed in the lawsuit in the Eastern District of New York, plaintiff also asserts violations of Section 10(b) of the Securities Act of 1934 ("34 Act"), Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, and Section 20 of the 34 Act against Altice USA, Altice Europe, and certain individual directors. The facts underlying each case are substantively similar, with plaintiffs alleging that the Registration Statement and Prospectus misrepresented or thereomitted material facts relating to the negative performance of Altice France and Altice Portugal, the disclosure of which in November 2017 negatively impacted the value of Altice USA’s stock. In June of 2019, plaintiffs in the New York State action filed a consolidated amended complaint, which the Company moved to dismiss in July of 2019. The Company moved to dismiss the complaint in the Eastern District of New York in October 2019. On June 26, 2020, the state Court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss. Plaintiffs in the New York State action filed a notice of appeal on July 21, 2020 and moved for leave to file an amended complaint on September 4, 2020. On September 23, 2020, the federal district court granted the Company’s motion to dismiss with leave for plaintiff to refile. On October 7, 2020, plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint in the Eastern District of New York.
On June 23, 2020, a purported stockholder of the Company filed a complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, derivatively on behalf of the Company, against Patrick Drahi, Next Alt S.A.R.L., and those directors of the Company who are members of the Compensation Committee (collectively, the “Director Defendants”). The Company is also named as a changenominal defendant in factual circumstances.the complaint. The complaint alleges that the Director Defendants breached their fiduciary duties to the Company’s stockholders, and wasted corporate assets, by approving certain equity grants for Patrick Drahi. The complaint seeks rescission of the equity awards, monetary damages, and costs and disbursements for the plaintiff. On October 15, 2020, the Director Defendants answered the complaint and the Company filed a general denial of liability.
The Company intends to vigorously defend these lawsuits. Although the outcome of the matter cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company’s results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period is not known at this time, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the operations or financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
On November 6, 2018, Sprint Communications Company L.P ("Sprint") filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware alleging that the Company infringes Sprint’s patents purportedly by providing Voice over

F-61

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Internet Protocol ("VoIP") services. On December 3, 2018, Sprint filed a second complaint alleging that the Company infringes Sprint’s patents purportedly by providing certain VOD related services. The lawsuits are part of a pattern of litigation that was initiated as far back as 2005 by Sprint against numerous broadband and telecommunications providers, which has resulted in judgments and settlements of significant value for Sprint. The Company intends to vigorously defend the lawsuits. Although the outcome of the matter cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of this matter on the Company’s results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period is not known at this time, management does not believe that the ultimate resolution of the matter will have a material adverse effect on the operations or financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due, but it could be material to the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows for any one period.
The Company receives notices from third parties and, in some cases, is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses. In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants. In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.
In the event that the Company is found to infringe on any patent rights, the Company may be subject to substantial damages and/or an injunction that could require the Company or its vendors to modify certain products and services the Company offers to its subscribers, as well as enter into royalty or license agreements with respect to the patents at issue. The Company believes that the claims are without merit, but is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, disputes and investigations, some of which may involve claims for substantial damages, fines or penalties. Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
NOTE 14.18.    BENEFIT PLANS
Qualified and Non-qualified Defined Benefit Plans
Cablevision Retirement Plans (collectively, the "Defined Benefit Plans")
The Company sponsors a non-contributory qualified defined benefit cash balance retirement plan (the "Pension Plan") for the benefit of certain non-union employees, other than those of Newsday, as well as certain employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.
The Company maintains an unfunded non-contributory non-qualified defined benefit excess cash balance plan ("Excess Cash Balance Plan") covering certain current and former employees of the Company who participate in the Pension Plan, as well as an additional unfunded non-contributory, non-qualified defined benefit plan ("CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan") for the benefit of certain former officers and employees of the Company which provided that, upon retiring on or after normal retirement age, a participant receives a benefit equal to a specified percentage of the participant's average compensation, as defined.  All participants were 100% vested in the CSC Supplemental Benefit Plan.  The benefits related to the CSC Supplemental Plan were paid to participants in January 2017 and the plan was terminated.   
The Company amended theCablevision's Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan to freeze participation and future benefit accruals effective December 31, 2013 for all Company employees except those covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn.  Effective April 1, 2015, participation wasare frozen and future benefit accruals ceased for employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement in Brooklyn. Therefore, after April 1, 2015, no employee of the Company who was not already a participant could participate in the plans and no further annual Pay Creditspay credits (a certain percentage of employees' eligible pay) wereare made.  Existing account balances under the plans continue to be credited with monthly interest in accordance with the terms of the plans.
Plan Results for Defined Benefit Plans
Summarized below is the funded status and the amounts recorded on the Company's consolidated balance sheets for all of the Company's Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015:

2020 and 2019:
F-82


F-62


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



December 31,
20202019
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$247,762 $264,515 
Interest cost6,214 9,227 
Actuarial loss (gain) (a)2,654 (743)
Settlements/curtailments2,341 1,875 
Benefits paid(25,970)(27,112)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year233,001 247,762 
Change in plan assets: 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year190,397 167,510 
Actual gain (loss) on plan assets, net22,529 15,892 
Employer contributions15,266 34,107 
Benefits paid(25,970)(27,112)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year202,222 190,397 
Unfunded status at end of year$(30,779)$(57,365)

Change in projected benefit obligation: 
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year$430,846
Service cost344
Interest cost15,523
Actuarial (gain) loss(14,912)
Curtailments—
Benefits paid(27,838)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year403,963
  
Change in plan assets: 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year303,676
Actual return (loss) on plan assets, net(3,921)
Employer contributions25,929
Benefits paid(27,838)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year297,846
  
Unfunded status at end of year$(106,117)
(a)The actuarial loss for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decline in the discount rate, partially offset by a decline in the interest crediting rate and favorable demographic experience. The actuarial gain for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily due to favorable demographic experience and a decline in the interest crediting rate, partially offset by a decline in the discount rate.
The accumulated benefit obligation for the Company'sCompany’s Defined Benefit Plans aggregated $403,963 atwith accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $233,001 and $247,762 as of December 31, 2015.2020 and 2019, respectively.
The Company's net funded status relating to its Defined Benefit Plans at December 31, 2015 are2020 and 2019, is as follows:
December 31,
20202019
Defined Benefit Plans$(106,117)Defined Benefit Plans$(30,779)$(57,365)
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans6,889
Less: Current portion related to nonqualified plans79 175 
Long-term defined benefit plan obligations$(99,228)Long-term defined benefit plan obligations$(30,700)$(57,190)
Components of the net periodic benefit cost,costs, recorded in other operating expenses,income (expense), net, for the Defined Benefit Plans for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the yearyears ended December 31, 2015,2020, 2019 and 2018, are as follows:
Years Ended December 31,
202020192018
Interest cost$6,214 $9,227 $9,248 
Expected return on plan assets, net(5,957)(2,685)(987)
Curtailment loss132 0 0 
Amortization of actuarial loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss)0 89 — 
Settlement loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)623 1,643 1,268 
Non-operating pension costs$1,012 $8,274 $9,529 
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 Year ended December 31, 2015
    
Service cost$—
 $344
Interest cost7,130
 15,523
Expected return on plan assets, net(3,565) (8,297)
Recognized actuarial loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss)(1,446) 1,294
Settlement (income) loss (reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss) (a)1,655
 3,822
Net periodic benefit cost$3,774
 $12,686
(a)As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized a non-cash settlement loss that represented the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets relating to these plans.
(a)As a result of benefit payments to terminated or retired individuals exceeding the service and interest costs for the Pension Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Pension Plan during the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized non-cash settlement losses that represent the acceleration of the recognition of a portion of the previously unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets relating to these plans.

F-63

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Plan Assumptions for Defined Benefit Plans
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic costpension costs (made at the beginning of the year) and benefit obligations (made at the end of the year) for the Defined Benefit Plans are as follows:

 Benefit CostsBenefit Obligations at December 31,
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2020For the Year Ended December 31, 2019For the Year Ended December 31, 201820202019
Discount rate (a)2.76 %3.70 %3.87 %2.40 %3.10 %
Weighted-average interest crediting rate (b)2.21 %3.28 %2.82 %N/AN/A
Rate of increase in future compensation levels0 %0 %0 %0 %0 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)4.91 %3.97 %3.67 %N/AN/A
F-83


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


 Weighted-Average Assumptions
 Net Periodic Benefit Cost Benefit Obligations
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 Year ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015
Discount rate (a)3.76% 3.83% 3.94%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels—% —% —%
Expected rate of return on plan assets (Pension Plan only)3.97% 4.03% N/A
(a)The discount rates of 3.76% and 3.83%, for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, represent the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
(a)The discount rates of 2.76%, 3.70% and 3.87% for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, represent the average of the quarterly discount rates used to remeasure the Company's projected benefit obligation and benefit costs in connection with the recognition of settlement losses discussed above.
(b)This weighted-average interest crediting rate is the average of the daily yields on 30-year Treasury Securities as determined and published by the Internal Revenue Service for the months of September, October, and November.
The discount rate used by the Company in calculating the net periodic benefit costcosts for the Cash Balance Plan and the Excess Cash Balance Plan was determined based on the expected future benefit payments for the plans and from the Willis Towers Watson U.S. Rate Link: 40-90 Discount Rate Model. The model was developed by examining the yields on selected highly rated corporate bonds.
The Company's expected long-term return on Pension Plan assets is based on a periodic review and modeling of the plan's asset allocation structure over a long-term horizon.  Expectations of returns and risk for each asset class are the most important of the assumptions used in the review and modeling and are based on comprehensive reviews of historical data, forward looking economic outlook, and economic/financial market theory.  The expected long-term rate of return was chosen as a best estimate and was determined by (a) historical real returns, net of inflation, for the asset classes covered by the investment policy, and (b) projections of inflation over the long-term period during which benefits are payable to plan participants. 
Pension Plan Assets and Investment Policy
The weighted average asset allocations of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2015 are2020 and 2019 were as follows:
Plan Assets at
December 31,
2015
Asset Class:
Mutual funds39%
Fixed income securities61
Cash equivalents and other—
100%
Plan Assets at December 31,
20202019
Asset Class:
Mutual funds- fixed income0 %28 %
Common collective trust- fixed income57 0 
Common collective trust- equities41 27 
Fixed income securities0 44 
Cash equivalents and other2 1 
100 %100 %
The Pension Plan's investment objectives reflectinclude an overall low risk toleranceallocation to stock market volatility.stocks and bonds. This strategyallocation allows for the Pension Plan to invest in portfoliosasset classes that would obtainare expected to provide a rate of return throughout economic cycles, commensurate with the investment risk and cash flow needs of the Pension Plan. The investments held in the Pension Plan are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations of the plan as they become payable.
Investment allocation decisions are formally made by the Altice USA BenefitsCompany's Benefit Committee, which takes into account investment advice provided by its external investment consultant. The investment consultant takes into account

F-64

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

expected long-term risk, return, correlation, and other prudent investment assumptions when recommending asset classes and investment managers to the Company's Investment and Benefit Committee. The major categories of the Pension Plan assets are cash equivalentsbonds and bondsequity funds which are marked-to-market on a daily basis. Due to the Pension Plan's significant holdings in long-termintermediate term government and non-government fixed income securities, the Pension Plan's assets are subjected to interest rate risk; specifically, during a rising interest rate environment. Consequently, anenvironment the prices of bond holdings will decline. An increase in interest rates may cause a decrease to the overall liability of the Pension Plan thus creating a partial hedge against rising interest rates. In addition, a portion of the Pension Plan's equity and bond portfolio isare invested in foreign equity and debt securities in developed and emerging markets where there could be foreign currency

F-84


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


risks associated with them, as well as inthem; non-government debt securities which aremay be subject to credit risk of the bond issuer defaulting on interest and/or principal payments. payments as well.
Investments at Estimated Fair Value
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 20152020 by asset class are as follows:
Asset ClassLevel ILevel IILevel IIITotal
Common collective trust- fixed income$0 $114,824 $0 $114,824 
Common collective trust- equities0 83,564 0 83,564 
Cash equivalents (a)3,834 0 0 3,834 
Total$3,834 $198,388 $0 $202,222 
Asset ClassLevel I Level II Level III Total
        
Mutual funds$117,174
 $—
 $—
 $117,174
Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:       
Foreign issued corporate debt—
 12,825
 —
 12,825
U.S. corporate debt—
 54,005
 —
 54,005
Government debt—
 8,273
 —
 8,273
U.S. Treasury securities—
 90,414
 —
 90,414
Asset-backed securities—
 18,563
 —
 18,563
Cash equivalents (a)893
 —
 —
 893
Total (b)$118,067
 $184,080
 $—
 $302,147
(a)Represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
The fair values of the assets of the Pension Plan at December 31, 2019 by asset class are as follows:
Asset ClassLevel ILevel IILevel IIITotal
Mutual funds- fixed income$52,976 $0 $0 $52,976 
Common collective trust- equities0 52,214 0 52,214 
Fixed income securities held in a portfolio:
Foreign issued corporate debt0 7,472 0 7,472 
U.S. corporate debt0 30,267 0 30,267 
Government debt0 2,836 0 2,836 
U.S. Treasury securities0 32,902 0 32,902 
Asset-backed securities0 9,375 0 9,375 
Other0 840 0 840 
Cash equivalents (a)2,188 3,278 0 5,466 
Total (b)$55,164 $139,184 $0 $194,348 
(a)Represents an investment in a money market fund.
(b)Excludes cash and net payables relating to the sale of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2015.
(a)A significant portion represents an investment in a short-term investment fund that invests primarily in securities of high quality and low risk.
(b)Excludes cash and net payables relating to the purchase of securities that were not settled as of December 31, 2019.
The fair values of mutual funds and cash equivalents were derived from quoted market prices that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.
The fair values of corporate and government debt, treasury securities and asset-back securities were derived from bids received from a vendor or broker not available in an active market that the Pension Plan administrator has the ability to access.

F-65

ALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Benefit Payments and Contributions for Defined Benefit Plans
The following benefit payments are expected to be paid during the periods indicated:
2021$16,196 
202214,789 
202316,350 
202415,140 
202516,730 
2026-203075,489 
The Company currently expects to contribute approximately $8,800 to the Pension Plan in 2021. 
Defined Contribution Plans 
The Company also maintains the CablevisionAltice USA 401(k) Savings Plan, a contributory qualified defined contribution plan for the benefit of certain non-union employees of the Company.  Employeesemployees.  Participants can contribute a percentage of eligible annual compensation and the Company will make a matching cash contribution or discretionary contribution, as defined in the plan.  In addition, the Company maintains an unfunded non-qualified excess savings planExcess Savings Plan which was frozen on January 1, 2017 for which the Company providesprovided a matching contribution similar to the CablevisionAltice USA 401(k) Savings Plan. 
ApplicableCertain employees of the Company are also eligible for an enhanced employer matching contribution as well as a year-end employer discretionary contribution to the Cablevision 401(k) Savings Plan and the Cablevision Excess Savings Plan.
The cost associated with these plans, (including the enhanced employer matchingwas $25,276, $28,540 and discretionary contributions) was $26,964 and $61,343$28,232 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and yearyears ended December 31, 2015,2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
NOTE 15.    EQUITY AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS19.    INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
Equity PlansThe following tables present Altice USA's selected quarterly financial data:
In connection with the Merger, outstanding equity-based awards granted under the Company’s equity plans were cancelled and converted into a right to receive cash based upon the $34.90 per Share merger price in accordance with the original terms of the awards. On the Merger Date, the Company had 11,880,700 stock options, 3,769,485 restricted shares, 1,724,940 restricted stock units issued to employees and 466,283 restricted stock units issued to non-employee directors outstanding. The aggregate payment was $439,167 and represents a portion of the merger consideration. Approximately $63,484 of compensation costs related to the acceleration of the vesting of these awards in connection with the Merger and the related employer payroll taxes of $7,929 were recorded on the black line and therefore are not reflected in either the Predecessor or Successor periods.
Three Months Ended
March 31,
2020		June 30,
2020		September 30,
2020		December 31,
2020		Total
2020
Residential:
Broadband$885,529 $920,363 $941,237 $942,030 $3,689,159 
Video947,061 952,526 867,021 904,251 3,670,859 
Telephony125,030 117,322 115,995 110,430 468,777 
Business services and wholesale364,530 365,564 362,215 362,223 1,454,532 
News and advertising105,540 96,631 124,177 192,857 519,205 
Mobile18,356 19,866 19,722 20,183 78,127 
Other4,210 2,707 3,619 3,447 13,983 
Revenue2,450,256 2,474,979 2,433,986 2,535,421 9,894,642 
Operating expenses(2,001,686)(1,966,272)(1,884,693)(1,926,702)(7,779,353)
Operating income$448,570 $508,707 $549,293 $608,719 $2,115,289 
Net income (loss)$(1,538)$111,477 $(2,729)$336,269 $443,479 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests680 (213)(1,966)(5,797)(7,296)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$(858)$111,264 $(4,695)$330,472 $436,183 
Basic net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$0 $0.19 $(0.01)$0.61 $0.75 
Diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$0 $0.19 $(0.01)$0.60 $0.75 

F-85


F-66


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATIONALTICE USA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)



Three Months Ended
March 31,
2019		June 30,
2019		September 30,
2019		December 31,
2019		Total
2019
Residential:
Broadband$775,573 $806,250 $814,328 $826,454 $3,222,605 
Video1,017,330 1,018,426 993,158 968,959 3,997,873 
Telephony154,464 150,232 148,231 145,767 598,694 
Business services and wholesale350,689 357,806 357,628 362,409 1,428,532 
News and advertising94,738 114,450 118,067 148,649 475,904 
Mobile0 0 3,174 18,090 21,264 
Other3,773 3,917 4,076 4,221 15,987 
Revenue2,396,567 2,451,081 2,438,662 2,474,549 9,760,859 
Operating expenses(1,954,089)(1,968,538)(1,967,147)(2,047,274)(7,937,048)
Operating income$442,478 $482,543 $471,515 $427,275 $1,823,811 
Net income (loss)$(25,198)$86,410 $77,396 $1,331 $139,939 
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests199 (43)(157)(1,002)(1,003)
Net income (loss) attributable to Altice USA, Inc. stockholders$(24,999)$86,367 $77,239 $329 $138,936 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Altice USA Inc.'s stockholders$(0.04)$0.13 $0.12 $0 $0.21 
In March 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2015 Employee Stock Plan ("2015 Plan"), which was approved by Cablevision's stockholders at its annual stockholders meeting on May 21, 2015. Under the 2015 Plan, the Company was authorized to grant stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, and other equity-based awards. As of December 31, 2015, 79,780 equity based awards had been granted under the 2015 Plan.
The Company also had an employee stock plan ("2006 Plan") under which it was authorized to grant incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights and other equity-based awards and a 2006 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, whereby the Company was authorized to grant nonqualified stock options, restricted stock units and other equity-based awards. In 2015, the Company granted its non-employee directors an aggregate of 73,056 restricted stock units.  Total non-employee director restricted stock units outstanding as of December 31, 2015 were 466,283. 
Since share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest, such compensation expense was reduced for estimated forfeitures.  Forfeitures were estimated based primarily on historical experience.
The following table presents the share-based compensation expense recognized by the Company as other operating expenses:

F-67
 
January 1, 2016 to
June 20, 2016
 Year ended December 31, 2015
Stock options$3,848
 $9,159
Restricted shares and restricted stock units20,930
 51,162
Share-based compensation related to equity classified awards24,778
 60,321
Other share-based compensation453
 4,965
Total share-based compensation$25,231
 $65,286
An income tax benefit of $10,357 and $26,718 was recognized in continuing operations resulting from share-based compensation expense for the period from January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016 and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.
Cash received from stock option exercises for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively was $14,411 and $18,727, respectively.
Valuation Assumptions - Stock Options
The Company calculated the fair value of each option award on the date of grant.  The Company's computation of expected life was determined based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms of the share-based awards and vesting schedules, or by using the simplified method (the average of the vesting period and option term), if applicable.  The interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on interest yields for U.S. Treasury instruments in effect at the time of grant.   The Company's computation of expected volatility was based on historical volatility of its common stock.
The following assumptions were used to calculate the fair values of stock option awards granted in the first quarter of 2015:
 2015
  
Risk-free interest rate1.82%
Expected life (in years)8
Dividend yield3.63%
Volatility39.98%
Grant date fair value$5.45

F-86


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Share-Based Payment Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision stock options for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 
Shares
Under Option
 
Weighted Average
Exercise
Price Per Share
 
Weighted Average Remaining
Contractual Term
(in years)
  
 
Time
Vesting Options
 
Performance
Based Vesting Options
   
Aggregate Intrinsic
Value (a)
Balance, December 31, 20145,097,666
 7,633,500
 $14.41
 7.17 $79,347
Granted2,000,000
 —
 19.17
    
Exercised(353,666) (1,024,283) 12.84
    
Balance, December 31, 20156,744,000
 6,609,217
 15.28
 6.80 221,900
Exercised(744,000) (728,517) 13.97
    
Balance, June 20, 20166,000,000
 5,880,700
 $15.45
    
(a)The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between (i) the exercise price of the underlying award and (ii) the quoted price of CNYG Class A common stock on December 31, 2015, as indicated.
Restricted Stock Award Activity
The following table summarizes activity relating to Company employees who held Cablevision restricted shares and restricted stock units for the period January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015:
 Number of Restricted Shares Number of Performance Restricted Shares Number of Performance Based Restricted Stock Units ("PSU") (a) Weighted Average Fair Value Per Share at Date of Grant
Unvested award balance, December 31, 20145,314,870
 2,035,300
 —
 $15.46
Granted1,747,870
 584,400
 1,851,700
 19.43
Vested(1,598,363) (739,600) —
 14.48
Awards forfeited(496,629) —
 (79,270) 17.28
Unvested award balance, December 31, 20154,967,748
 1,880,100
 1,772,430
 17.53
Vested(2,239,167) (753,296) —
 15.35
Awards forfeited(85,900) —
 (47,490) 18.38
Unvested award balance, June 20, 20162,642,681
 1,126,804
 1,724,940
  
(a)The PSUs entitled the employee to shares of CNYG common stock up to 150% of the number of PSUs granted depending on the level of achievement of the specified performance criteria. If the minimum performance threshold was not met, no shares were issued. Accrued dividends were paid to the extent that a PSU vested and the related stock was issued.
During the first quarter of 2016, 2,992,463 Cablevision restricted shares issued to employees of the Company vested.  To fulfill the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 1,248,875 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $41,469, were surrendered to the Company.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, 2,337,963 Cablevision restricted shares issued to employees of the Company vested.  To fulfill the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment taxes, 1,004,950 of these shares, with an aggregate value of $19,141 were surrendered to the Company.  These acquired shares had been classified as treasury stock.

F-87


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards
In March 2011, the Company's Board of Directors approved the Cablevision Systems Corporation 2011 Cash Incentive Plan, which was approved by the Company's stockholders at its annual stockholders meeting in May 2011. The Company recorded expenses of $9,169 and $27,170 for the period January 1, 2016 through June 20, 2016, and year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, related to this plan. 
Carried Unit Plan

Subsequent to the merger, in July 2016, certain employees of the Company and its affiliates received awards of units in a Carry Unit Plan of an entity which has an ownership interest in the Company’s parent, Neptune Holding. The awards generally will vest as follows: 50% on the second anniversary of June 21, 2016 (“Base Date”),25% on the third anniversary of the Base Date, and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the Base Date. Prior to the fourth anniversary, the Company has the right to repurchase vested awards held by employees upon their termination. The Carry Unit Plan has 259,442,785 units authorized for issuance, of which 102,500,000 have been issued to employees of the Company and 100,300,000 have been issued to employees of Altice and affiliated companies.
NOTE 16.    AFFILIATE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Equity Method Investments
In September 2015, the Company purchased the minority interest in Newsday Holdings LLC ("Newsday Holdings") held by Tribune Media Company ("Tribune") for approximately $8,300. As a result of this transaction, Newsday Holdings became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In addition, the indemnity provided by the Company to Tribune for certain taxes incurred by Tribune if Newsday Holdings or its subsidiary sold or otherwise disposed of Newsday assets in a taxable transaction or failed to maintain specified minimum outstanding indebtedness, was amended so that the restriction period lapsed on September 2, 2015.
Subsequent to the Merger, in July 2016, the Company completed the sale of a 75% interest in Newsday LLC. The Company retained the remaining 25% ownership interest.

In December 2016, the Company made an investment of $1,966 in i24NEWS, Altice’s 24/7 international news and current affairs channel, representing a 25% ownership interest and the 75% interest is owned by a subsidiary of Altice.

Related Party Transactions
As the transactions discussed below were conducted between subsidiaries under common control, amounts charged for certain services may not have represented amounts that might have been received or incurred if the transactions were based upon arm's length negotiations.
Cablevision is controlled by Charles F. Dolan, certain members of his immediate family and certain family related entities (collectively the “Dolan Family”).  Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of AMC Networks, The Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks Inc. ("MSG Networks").
The following table summarizes the revenue and charges (credits) related to services provided to or received from AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden Company and MSG Networks for the Predecessor periods:
 January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015
  
    
Revenue$2,088
 $5,343
Operating expenses: 
  
Programming and other direct costs, net of credits$84,636
 $176,909
Other operating expenses, net of credits2,182
 5,372
Operating expenses, net86,818
 182,281
Net charges$84,730
 $176,938

F-88


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Revenue
The Company recognized revenue in connection with television advertisements and print advertising, as well as certain telecommunication services charged by its subsidiaries to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks.  The Company and its subsidiaries, together with AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks may have entered into agreements with third parties in which the amounts paid/received by AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks, their subsidiaries, or the Company may have differed from the amounts that would have been paid/received if such arrangements were negotiated separately.  Where subsidiaries of the Company have incurred a cost incremental to fair value and AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks have received a benefit incremental to fair value from these negotiations, the Company and its subsidiaries charged AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks for the incremental amount.
Programming and other direct costs
Programming and other direct costs included costs incurred by the Company for the carriage of the MSG Networks, as well as for AMC, WE tv, IFC, Sundance Channel and BBC America (2015 period only) on the Company's cable systems.  The Company also purchased certain programming signal transmission and production services from AMC Networks.
Other operating expenses (credits)
The Company, AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks routinely entered into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business.  Such transactions included, but were not limited to, sponsorship agreements and cross-promotion arrangements. Additionally, amounts reflected in the tables were net of allocations to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks for services performed by the Company on their behalf.  Amounts also included charges to the Company for services performed or paid by the affiliate on the Company's behalf.
Subsequent to the Merger, the Company continues to receive or provide services to these entities, but these entities are no longer related parties.
Transactions with Other Affiliates
During the period ended January 1, 2016 to June 20, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company provided services to or incurred costs on behalf of certain related parties, including from time to time, the Dolan Family.  All costs incurred on behalf of these related parties were reimbursed to the Company. Aggregate amounts that were due from and due to AMC Networks, Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks and other affiliates at December 31, 2015 (Predecessor) is summarized below:
 December 31,
 2015
Amounts due from affiliates$767
Amounts due to affiliates29,729
NOTE 17.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Legal Matters
Cable Operations Litigation
Marchese, et al. v. Cablevision Systems Corporation and CSC Holdings, LLC:
The Company is a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey by several present and former Cablevision subscribers, purportedly on behalf of a class of iO video subscribers in New Jersey, Connecticut and New York.  After three versions of the complaint were dismissed without prejudice by the District Court, plaintiffs filed their third amended complaint on August 22, 2011, alleging that the Company violated Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by allegedly tying the sale of interactive services offered as part of iO television packages to the rental and use of set-top boxes distributed by Cablevision, and violated Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act by allegedly seeking to monopolize the distribution of Cablevision compatible set-top boxes.  Plaintiffs seek unspecified treble monetary damages, attorney's fees, as well as injunctive and declaratory relief.  On September 23, 2011, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the third amended complaint.  On January 10, 2012, the District Court issued a decision dismissing

F-89


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


with prejudice the Section 2 monopolization claim, but allowing the Section 1 tying claim and related state common law claims to proceed.  Cablevision's answer to the third amended complaint was filed on February 13, 2012.  On December 7, 2015, the parties entered into a settlement agreement, which is subject to approval by the Court. On December 11, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement, conditional certification of the settlement class, and approval of a class notice distribution plan. On March 10, 2016 the Court granted preliminary approval of the settlement and approved the class notice distribution plan.
Subsequent to the Merger, the class notice distribution and the claims submission process have now concluded. The Court granted final approval of the settlement on September 12, 2016 in the amount of $15,600, and the effective date of the settlement was October 24, 2016.

In re Cablevision Consumer Litigation:

Following expiration of the affiliation agreements for carriage of certain Fox broadcast stations and cable networks on October 16, 2010, News Corporation terminated delivery of the programming feeds to the Company, and as a result, those stations and networks were unavailable on the Company's cable television systems. On October 30, 2010, the Company and Fox reached an agreement on new affiliation agreements for these stations and networks, and carriage was restored. Several purported class action lawsuits were subsequently filed on behalf of the Company's customers seeking recovery for the lack of Fox programming. Those lawsuits were consolidated in an action before the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and a consolidated complaint was filed in that court on February 22, 2011. Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and consumer fraud, seeking unspecified compensatory damages, punitive damages and attorneys' fees. On March 28, 2012, the Court ruled on the Company's motion to dismiss, denying the motion with regard to plaintiffs' breach of contract claim, but granting it with regard to the remaining claims, which were dismissed. On April 16, 2012, plaintiffs filed a second consolidated amended complaint, which asserts a claim only for breach of contract. The Company's answer was filed on May 2, 2012. On October 10, 2012, plaintiffs filed a motion for class certification and on December 13, 2012, a motion for partial summary judgment. On March 31, 2014, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion for class certification, and denied without prejudice plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment. On May 30, 2014, the Court approved the form of class notice, and on October 7, 2014, approved the class notice distribution plan. The class notice distribution has been completed, and the opt-out period expired on February 27, 2015. Expert discovery commenced on May 5, 2014, and concluded on December 8 and 28, 2015, when the Court ruled on the pending expert discovery motions. On January 26, 2016, the Court approved a schedule for filing of summary judgment motions. Plaintiffs filed a motion for summary judgment on March 31, 2016. The Company filed its own summary judgment motion on June 13, 2016. The parties are actively engaged in settlement discussions although financial terms have not yet been finalized.
Patent Litigation
Cablevision is named as a defendant in certain lawsuits claiming infringement of various patents relating to various aspects of the Company's businesses.  In certain of these cases other industry participants are also defendants.  In certain of these cases the Company expects that any potential liability would be the responsibility of the Company's equipment vendors pursuant to applicable contractual indemnification provisions.  The Company believes that the claims are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, but is unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits or reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.
In addition to the matters discussed above, the Company is party to various lawsuits, some involving claims for substantial damages.  Although the outcome of these other matters cannot be predicted and the impact of the final resolution of these other matters on the Company's results of operations in a particular subsequent reporting period is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these other lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
Other Litigation
In April 2011, Thomas C. Dolan, a director and Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, in the Office of the Chairman at Cablevision, filed a lawsuit against Cablevision and Rainbow Media Holdings LLC (which was subsequently dismissed as a party) in New York State Supreme Court.  The lawsuit raised compensation-related claims related to events largely from 2005 to 2008.  The matter was handled under the direction of an independent committee of the Board of Directors of Cablevision. In April 2015, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of the plaintiff

F-90


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


on liability, with damages to be determined.  On June 18, 2015, the Company filed a notice of appeal. On February 8, 2016, Cablevision and Thomas C. Dolan entered into a settlement pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay plaintiff $21,000 and plaintiff released all claims.  A stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was approved and entered by the Court on February 8, 2016, and payment was made the same day.  The appeal has also been withdrawn. The Company recorded an expense of $21,000 which is reflected in discontinued operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2015 (see Note 6).
NOTE 18.    INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the Company's selected quarterly financial data:
 Predecessor
2016:
March 31,
2016
 April 1 to June 20, 2016
    
Revenue$1,645,890
 $1,491,714
Operating expenses(1,394,635) (1,267,663)
Operating income$251,255
 $224,051
Net income$94,311
 $69,201
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests66
 170
Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders$94,377
 $69,371
Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.35
 $0.25
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$—
 $—
Net income$0.35
 $0.25
Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.34
 $0.25
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$—
 $—
Net income$0.34
 $0.25
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$94,377
 $69,371
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes—
 —
Net income$94,377
 $69,371
 Predecessor
2015:
March 31,
2015
 
June 30,
2015
 
September 30,
2015
 
December 31,
2015
 
Total
2015
Revenue$1,622,352
 $1,661,940
 $1,624,828
 $1,636,425
 $6,545,545
Operating expenses(1,398,601) (1,417,476) (1,441,712) (1,439,285) (5,697,074)
Operating income$223,751
 $244,464
 $183,116
 $197,140
 $848,471
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$54,901
 $75,676
 $23,431
 $33,781
 $187,789
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(10,502) —
 (406) (1,633) (12,541)
Net income44,399
 75,676
 23,025
 32,148
 175,248
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests234
 (81) 78
 (30) 201
Net income attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders$44,633
 $75,595
 $23,103
 $32,118
 $175,449

F-91


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


Basic income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:         
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.21
 $0.28
 $0.09
 $0.12
 $0.70
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$(0.04) $—
 $—
 $(0.01) $(0.05)
Net income$0.17
 $0.28
 $0.09
 $0.12
 $0.65
Diluted income per share attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:         
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$0.20
 $0.27
 $0.08
 $0.12
 $0.68
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes$(0.04) $—
 $—
 $(0.01) $(0.05)
Net income$0.16
 $0.27
 $0.08
 $0.12
 $0.63
Amounts attributable to Cablevision Systems Corporation stockholders:         
Income from continuing operations, net of income taxes$55,135
 $75,595
 $23,509
 $33,751
 $187,990
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes(10,502) —
 (406) (1,633) (12,541)
Net income$44,633
 $75,595
 $23,103
 $32,118
 $175,449

NOTE 19.    BUSINESS COMBINATION
As discussed in Note 1, Cablevision completed the Merger on June 21, 2016. The Merger was accounted for as a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 805. The following table provides the preliminary allocation of the total purchase price of $9,958,323 to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Cablevision based on preliminary fair value information currently available, which is subject to change within the measurement period (up to one year from the acquisition date).
 Estimates of Fair Values (As of December 31, 2016)Estimated Useful Lives
   
Current assets$1,923,071
 
Accounts receivable271,305
 
Property, plant and equipment4,864,621
2-18 years
Goodwill5,838,959
 
Indefinite-lived cable television franchises8,113,575
Indefinite-lived
Customer relationships4,850,000
8 to 18 years
Trade names1,010,000
12 years
Amortizable intangible assets23,296
1-15 years
Other non-current assets748,998
 
Current liabilities(2,305,954) 
Long-term debt(8,355,386) 
Deferred income taxes.(6,834,807) 
Other non-current liabilities(189,355) 
Total$9,958,323
 

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CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The fair value of identified intangible assets was estimated using derivations of the "income" approach. Customer relationships and cable television franchises were valued using the multiple period excess earnings method (“MPEEM”) approach. The MPEEM approach quantifies the expected earnings of an asset by isolating earnings attributable to the asset from the overall business enterprise earnings and then removing a charge for those assets that contribute to the generation of the isolated earnings. The future expected earnings are discounted to their present value equivalent.

Trade names were valued using the relief from royalty method, which is based on the present value of the royalty payments avoided as a result of the company owning the intangible asset.

The basis for the valuation methods was the Company’s projections. These projections were based on management’s assumptions including among others, penetration rates for video, high speed data, and voice; revenue growth rates; operating margins; and capital expenditures. The assumptions are derived based on the Company’s and its peers’ historical operating performance adjusted for current and expected competitive and economic factors surrounding the cable industry. The discount rates used in the analysis are intended to reflect the risk inherent in the projected future cash flows generated by the respective intangible asset. The value is highly dependent on the achievement of the future financial results contemplated in the projections. The estimates and assumptions made in the valuation are inherently subject to significant uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and there is no assurance that these results can be achieved. The primary assumptions for which there is a reasonable possibility of the occurrence of a variation that would have significantly affected the value include the assumptions regarding revenue growth, programming expense growth rates, the amount and timing of capital expenditures and the discount rate utilized.

In establishing fair value for the vast majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment, the cost approach was utilized. The cost approach considers the amount required to replace an asset by constructing or purchasing a new asset with similar utility, then adjusts the value in consideration of physical depreciation, and functional and economic obsolescence as of the appraisal date. The cost approach relies on management’s assumptions regarding current material and labor costs required to rebuild and repurchase significant components of our property, plant and equipment along with assumptions regarding the age and estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment.

The estimates of expected useful lives take into consideration the effects of contractual relationships, customer attrition, eventual development of new technologies and market competition.

As a result of applying business combination accounting, the Company recorded goodwill, which represented the excess of organization value over amounts assigned to the other identifiable tangible and intangible assets arising from expectations of future operational performance and cash generation.

The following table sets forth the estimated amortization expense on the intangible assets recorded in the connection with the Merger for the years ending December 31:
Estimated amortization expense 
Year Ending December 31, 2017$701,908
Year Ending December 31, 2018655,409
Year Ending December 31, 2019609,245
Year Ending December 31, 2020562,613
Year Ending December 31, 2021515,430

The unaudited pro forma revenue, loss from continuing operations and net loss for the years ended December 31, 2015, as if the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2015, are as follows:
Revenue$6,545,545
Loss from continuing operations$(740,115)
Net loss$(752,656)

F-93


CABLEVISION SYSTEMS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


The pro forma results presented above include the impact of additional interest expense related to the debt issued to finance the Merger. The pro forma results also reflect additional amortization expense related to the identifiable intangible assets recorded in connection with the Merger and additional depreciation expense related to the fair value adjustment to property, plant and equipment.


F-94