UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
FORM 10-Q
______________
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period From             to             

Commission File Number: 001-33664
chtr-20210930_g1.jpg
Charter Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware84-1496755
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
400 Washington Blvd.StamfordConnecticut06902
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)(Zip Code)
(203) 905-7801
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock $.001 Par ValueCHTRNASDAQ Global Select Market

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have 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 registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer x    Accelerated filer o    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company ☐     Emerging growth company ☐ 

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

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

Number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021: 183,822,205179,291,073

Number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021: 1




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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. In this quarterly report, “Charter,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Charter Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

i


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial including, without limitation, the forward-looking statements set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations as reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the factors described under “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of our most recent Form 10-K filed with the SEC. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” “aim,” “on track,” “target,” “opportunity,” “tentative,” “positioning,” “designed,” “create,” “predict,” “project,” “initiatives,” “seek,” “would,” “could,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “upside,” “increases,” “grow,” “focused on” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this quarterly report are set forth in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, in our annual report on Form 10-K, and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:

our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flow from operations by offering Internet, video, voice, mobile, advertising and other services to residential and commercial customers, to adequately meet the customer experience demands in our service areas and to maintain and grow our customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly aggressive competition, the need for innovation and the related capital expenditures;
the impact of competition from other market participants, including but not limited to incumbent telephone companies, direct broadcast satellite ("DBS") operators, wireless broadband and telephone providers, digital subscriber line (“DSL”) providers, fiber to the home providers and providers of video content over broadband Internet connections;
general business conditions, unemployment levels and the level of activity in the housing sector and economic uncertainty or downturn, including the impacts of the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic to our customers, our vendors and local, state and federal governmental responses to the pandemic;
our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to raise prices to offset, in whole or in part, the effects of higher programming costs (including retransmission consents and distribution requirements);
our ability to develop and deploy new products and technologies including mobile products and any other consumer services and service platforms;
any events that disrupt our networks, information systems or properties and impair our operating activities or our reputation;
the effects of governmental regulation on our business including subsidies to consumers, subsidies and incentives for competitors, costs, disruptions and possible limitations on operating flexibility related to, and our ability to comply with, regulatory conditions applicable to us;
the ability to hire and retain key personnel;
our ability to procure necessary services and equipment from our vendors at reasonable costs;
the availability and access, in general, of funds to meet our debt obligations prior to or when they become due and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through (i) cash on hand, (ii) free cash flow, or (iii) access to the capital or credit markets; and
our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which, if not cured in a timely manner, could trigger a default of our other obligations under cross-default provisions.

All forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. We are under no duty or obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this quarterly report.

ii


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in millions, except share data)

June 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
September 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(unaudited)(unaudited)
ASSETSASSETSASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:CURRENT ASSETS:CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,711 $1,001 Cash and cash equivalents$466 $1,001 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $193 and $217, respectively2,583 2,539 
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $182 and $217, respectivelyAccounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $182 and $217, respectively2,645 2,539 
Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets388 369 Prepaid expenses and other current assets387 369 
Total current assetsTotal current assets4,682 3,909 Total current assets3,498 3,909 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $32,520 and $31,639, respectively34,206 34,357 
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $33,340 and $31,639, respectivelyProperty, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $33,340 and $31,639, respectively34,179 34,357 
Customer relationships, netCustomer relationships, net4,787 5,615 Customer relationships, net4,419 5,615 
FranchisesFranchises67,322 67,322 Franchises67,322 67,322 
GoodwillGoodwill29,554 29,554 Goodwill29,554 29,554 
Total investment in cable properties, netTotal investment in cable properties, net135,869 136,848 Total investment in cable properties, net135,474 136,848 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETSOTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS3,475 3,449 OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS3,523 3,449 
Total assetsTotal assets$144,026 $144,206 Total assets$142,495 $144,206 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:CURRENT LIABILITIES:CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesAccounts payable and accrued liabilities$9,036 $8,867 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$9,241 $8,867 
Current portion of long-term debtCurrent portion of long-term debt1,002 1,008 Current portion of long-term debt2,996 1,008 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities10,038 9,875 Total current liabilities12,237 9,875 
LONG-TERM DEBTLONG-TERM DEBT86,962 81,744 LONG-TERM DEBT85,376 81,744 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXESDEFERRED INCOME TAXES18,678 18,108 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES18,980 18,108 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIESOTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES4,262 4,198 OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES4,376 4,198 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Class A common stock; $0.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized;Class A common stock; $0.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized;Class A common stock; $0.001 par value; 900 million shares authorized;
195,489,213 and 193,730,992 shares issued, respectively
195,918,833 and 193,730,992 shares issued, respectively195,918,833 and 193,730,992 shares issued, respectively— — 
Class B common stock; $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized;Class B common stock; $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized;Class B common stock; $0.001 par value; 1,000 shares authorized;
1 share issued and outstanding1 share issued and outstanding1 share issued and outstanding— — 
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized;
0 shares issued and outstanding
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
Preferred stock; $0.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized;
no shares issued and outstanding
— — 
Additional paid-in capitalAdditional paid-in capital29,878 29,000 Additional paid-in capital30,015 29,000 
Retained earnings(3,368)(5,195)
Treasury stock at cost; 11,667,008 and 0 shares, respectively(7,168)
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(2,151)(5,195)
Treasury stock at cost; 16,627,760 and no shares, respectivelyTreasury stock at cost; 16,627,760 and no shares, respectively(10,834)— 
Total Charter shareholders’ equityTotal Charter shareholders’ equity19,342 23,805 Total Charter shareholders’ equity17,030 23,805 
Noncontrolling interestsNoncontrolling interests4,744 6,476 Noncontrolling interests4,496 6,476 
Total shareholders’ equityTotal shareholders’ equity24,086 30,281 Total shareholders’ equity21,526 30,281 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equityTotal liabilities and shareholders’ equity$144,026 $144,206 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$142,495 $144,206 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
1


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in millions, except per share data)
Unaudited

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
REVENUESREVENUES$12,802 $11,696 $25,324 $23,434 REVENUES$13,146 $12,039 $38,470 $35,473 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:COSTS AND EXPENSES:COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)7,882 7,297 15,593 14,729 Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)7,958 7,483 23,551 22,212 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization2,354 2,428 4,795 4,925 Depreciation and amortization2,270 2,370 7,065 7,295 
Other operating (income) expenses, netOther operating (income) expenses, net(9)293 Other operating (income) expenses, net(9)14 284 23 
10,227 9,727 20,681 19,663 10,219 9,867 30,900 29,530 
Income from operationsIncome from operations2,575 1,969 4,643 3,771 Income from operations2,927 2,172 7,570 5,943 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net(1,004)(957)(1,987)(1,937)Interest expense, net(1,016)(946)(3,003)(2,883)
Other income (expenses), net(132)30 (80)(296)
Other expenses, netOther expenses, net(157)(117)(237)(413)
(1,136)(927)(2,067)(2,233)(1,173)(1,063)(3,240)(3,296)
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes1,439 1,042 2,576 1,538 Income before income taxes1,754 1,109 4,330 2,647 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(281)(166)(497)(195)Income tax expense(347)(177)(844)(372)
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income1,158 876 2,079 1,343 Consolidated net income1,407 932 3,486 2,275 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(138)(110)(252)(181)Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(190)(118)(442)(299)
Net income attributable to Charter shareholdersNet income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,020 $766 $1,827 $1,162 Net income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,217 $814 $3,044 $1,976 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:
BasicBasic$5.48 $3.72 $9.69 $5.62 Basic$6.69 $4.01 $16.33 $9.62 
DilutedDiluted$5.29 $3.63 $9.37 $5.48 Diluted$6.50 $3.90 $15.78 $9.35 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basicWeighted average common shares outstanding, basic185,916,505 205,777,438 188,645,356 206,804,371 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic181,925,180 202,826,502 186,380,681 205,468,736 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding, diluted199,077,390 210,906,946 202,458,265 212,158,218 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted187,166,071 208,722,129 197,316,667 211,399,781 


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
2


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited

Class A Common StockClass B Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsTreasury StockTotal Charter Shareholders’ EquityNon-controlling InterestsTotal Shareholders’ EquityClass A Common StockClass B Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalAccumulated DeficitTreasury StockTotal Charter Shareholders’ EquityNon-controlling InterestsTotal Shareholders’ Equity
BALANCE, December 31, 2020BALANCE, December 31, 2020$$$29,000 $(5,195)$$23,805 $6,476 $30,281 BALANCE, December 31, 2020$— $— $29,000 $(5,195)$— $23,805 $6,476 $30,281 
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income807 807 114 921 Consolidated net income— — — 807 — 807 114 921 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense134 134 134 Stock compensation expense— — 134 — — 134 — 134 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options— — — — — 
Purchases of treasury stockPurchases of treasury stock(3,652)(3,652)(3,652)Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (3,652)(3,652)— (3,652)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of taxPurchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax(237)(237)(192)(429)Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (237)— — (237)(192)(429)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of taxChange in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax131 131 (175)(44)Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 131 — — 131 (175)(44)
Distributions to noncontrolling interestDistributions to noncontrolling interest(39)(39)Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — (39)(39)
BALANCE, March 31, 2021BALANCE, March 31, 202129,037 (4,388)(3,652)20,997 6,184 27,181 BALANCE, March 31, 2021— — 29,037 (4,388)(3,652)20,997 6,184 27,181 
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income1,020 1,020 138 1,158 Consolidated net income— — — 1,020 — 1,020 138 1,158 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense100 100 100 Stock compensation expense— — 100 — — 100 — 100 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options17 17 17 Exercise of stock options— — 17 — — 17 — 17 
Purchases of treasury stockPurchases of treasury stock(3,516)(3,516)(3,516)Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (3,516)(3,516)— (3,516)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of taxPurchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax(279)(279)(213)(492)Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (279)— — (279)(213)(492)
Preferred unit conversion and change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of taxPreferred unit conversion and change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax1,003 1,003 (1,333)(330)Preferred unit conversion and change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 1,003 — — 1,003 (1,333)(330)
Distributions to noncontrolling interestDistributions to noncontrolling interest(32)(32)Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — (32)(32)
BALANCE, June 30, 2021BALANCE, June 30, 2021$$$29,878 $(3,368)$(7,168)$19,342 $4,744 $24,086 BALANCE, June 30, 2021— — 29,878 (3,368)(7,168)19,342 4,744 24,086 
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income— — — 1,217 — 1,217 190 1,407 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense— — 98 — — 98 — 98 
Exercise of stock optionsExercise of stock options— — 17 — — 17 — 17 
Purchases of treasury stockPurchases of treasury stock— — — — (3,666)(3,666)— (3,666)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of taxPurchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (197)— — (197)(148)(345)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of taxChange in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 219 — — 219 (290)(71)
BALANCE, September 30, 2021BALANCE, September 30, 2021$— $— $30,015 $(2,151)$(10,834)$17,030 $4,496 $21,526 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
3



Class A Common StockClass B Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsTreasury StockTotal Charter Shareholders’ EquityNon-controlling InterestsTotal Shareholders’ Equity
BALANCE, December 31, 2019$$$31,405 $40 $$31,445 $7,366 $38,811 
Consolidated net income396 396 71 467 
Stock compensation expense90 90 90 
Exercise of stock options93 93 93 
Issuance of equity23 23 23 
Purchases of treasury stock(2,352)(2,352)(2,352)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax(149)(149)(195)(344)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax82 82 (109)(27)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest(39)(39)
BALANCE, March 31, 202031,544 436 (2,352)29,628 7,094 36,722 
Consolidated net income766 766 110 876 
Stock compensation expense90 90 90 
Exercise of stock options28 28 28 
Purchases of treasury stock(1,155)(1,155)(1,155)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax(42)(42)(69)(111)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax41 41 (52)(11)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest(38)(38)
BALANCE, June 30, 2020$$$31,661 $1,202 $(3,507)$29,356 $7,045 $36,401 
CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited

Class A Common StockClass B Common StockAdditional Paid-in CapitalRetained EarningsTreasury StockTotal Charter Shareholders’ EquityNon-controlling InterestsTotal Shareholders’ Equity
BALANCE, December 31, 2019$— $— $31,405 $40 $— $31,445 $7,366 $38,811 
Consolidated net income— — — 396 — 396 71 467 
Stock compensation expense— — 90 — — 90 — 90 
Exercise of stock options— — 93 — — 93 — 93 
Issuance of equity— — 23 — — 23 — 23 
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (2,352)(2,352)— (2,352)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (149)— — (149)(195)(344)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 82 — — 82 (109)(27)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — (39)(39)
BALANCE, March 31, 2020— — 31,544 436 (2,352)29,628 7,094 36,722 
Consolidated net income— — — 766 — 766 110 876 
Stock compensation expense— — 90 — — 90 — 90 
Exercise of stock options— — 28 — — 28 — 28 
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (1,155)(1,155)— (1,155)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (42)— — (42)(69)(111)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 41 — — 41 (52)(11)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — (38)(38)
BALANCE, June 30, 2020— — 31,661 1,202 (3,507)29,356 7,045 36,401 
Consolidated net income— — — 814 — 814 118 932 
Stock compensation expense— — 83 — — 83 — 83 
Exercise of stock options— — 50 — — 50 — 50 
Purchases of treasury stock— — — — (3,361)(3,361)— (3,361)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, net of tax— — (154)— — (154)(163)(317)
Change in noncontrolling interest ownership, net of tax— — 118 — — 118 (157)(39)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest— — — — — — (37)(37)
BALANCE, September 30, 2020$— $— $31,758 $2,016 $(6,868)$26,906 $6,806 $33,712 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
34


CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(dollars in millions)
Unaudited
Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income$2,079 $1,343 Consolidated net income$3,486 $2,275 
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization4,795 4,925 Depreciation and amortization7,065 7,295 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense234 180 Stock compensation expense332 263 
Noncash interest income, netNoncash interest income, net(15)(21)Noncash interest income, net(20)(31)
Deferred income taxesDeferred income taxes371 101 Deferred income taxes668 252 
Other, netOther, net124 279 Other, net279 379 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositions:
Accounts receivableAccounts receivable(44)170 Accounts receivable(106)75 
Prepaid expenses and other assetsPrepaid expenses and other assets(113)(101)Prepaid expenses and other assets(127)(156)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and otherAccounts payable, accrued liabilities and other319 (127)Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other436 61 
Net cash flows from operating activitiesNet cash flows from operating activities7,750 6,749 Net cash flows from operating activities12,013 10,413 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property, plant and equipmentPurchases of property, plant and equipment(3,702)(3,338)Purchases of property, plant and equipment(5,563)(5,352)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expendituresChange in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures(125)(174)Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures(51)(70)
Real estate investments through variable interest entitiesReal estate investments through variable interest entities(123)(81)Real estate investments through variable interest entities(128)(122)
Other, netOther, net(22)(8)Other, net(20)(43)
Net cash flows from investing activitiesNet cash flows from investing activities(3,972)(3,601)Net cash flows from investing activities(5,762)(5,587)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings of long-term debtBorrowings of long-term debt10,958 7,322 Borrowings of long-term debt15,263 10,352 
Repayments of long-term debtRepayments of long-term debt(5,759)(7,892)Repayments of long-term debt(9,651)(9,711)
Payments for debt issuance costsPayments for debt issuance costs(58)(62)Payments for debt issuance costs(76)(91)
Issuance of equityIssuance of equity23 Issuance of equity— 23 
Purchase of treasury stockPurchase of treasury stock(7,168)(3,507)Purchase of treasury stock(10,834)(6,868)
Proceeds from exercise of stock optionsProceeds from exercise of stock options26 121 Proceeds from exercise of stock options43 171 
Purchase of noncontrolling interestPurchase of noncontrolling interest(1,090)(518)Purchase of noncontrolling interest(1,500)(884)
Distributions to noncontrolling interestDistributions to noncontrolling interest(71)(77)Distributions to noncontrolling interest(71)(114)
Borrowings for real estate investments through variable interest entitiesBorrowings for real estate investments through variable interest entities123 20 Borrowings for real estate investments through variable interest entities128 59 
Other, netOther, net(29)(25)Other, net(88)(26)
Net cash flows from financing activitiesNet cash flows from financing activities(3,068)(4,595)Net cash flows from financing activities(6,786)(7,089)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS710 (1,447)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTSNET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS(535)(2,263)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of periodCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period1,001 3,549 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period1,001 3,549 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of periodCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period$1,711 $2,102 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period$466 $1,286 
CASH PAID FOR INTERESTCASH PAID FOR INTEREST$1,996 $1,985 CASH PAID FOR INTEREST$3,038 $3,023 
CASH PAID FOR TAXESCASH PAID FOR TAXES$69 $50 CASH PAID FOR TAXES$99 $84 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
45


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


1.    Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

Charter Communications, Inc. (together with its controlled subsidiaries, “Charter,” or the “Company”) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator. Over an advanced high-capacity, two-way telecommunications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.

Charter is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”), an indirect owner of Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) under which substantially all of the operations reside. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated.

The Company’s operations are managed and reported to its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Company’s chief operating decision maker, on a consolidated basis. The CEO assesses performance and allocates resources based on the consolidated results of operations. Under this organizational and reporting structure, the Company has 1 reportable segment.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures typically included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K have been condensed or omitted for this quarterly report. The accompanying consolidated financial statements are unaudited and are subject to review by regulatory authorities. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments, which consist of only normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs, impairments of franchises and goodwill, pension benefits and income taxes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2021 presentation.


56


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

2.    Franchises, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets consist of the following as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying AmountGross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Carrying Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:Indefinite-lived intangible assets:Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
FranchisesFranchises$67,322 $— $67,322 $67,322 $— $67,322 Franchises$67,322 $— $67,322 $67,322 $— $67,322 
GoodwillGoodwill29,554 — 29,554 29,554 — 29,554 Goodwill29,554 — 29,554 29,554 — 29,554 
Wireless spectrum licensesWireless spectrum licenses464 — 464 464 — 464 Wireless spectrum licenses464 — 464 464 — 464 
TrademarksTrademarks159 — 159 159 — 159 Trademarks159 — 159 159 — 159 
$97,499 $— $97,499 $97,499 $— $97,499 $97,499 $— $97,499 $97,499 $— $97,499 
Finite-lived intangible assets:Finite-lived intangible assets:Finite-lived intangible assets:
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships$18,232 $(13,445)$4,787 $18,230 $(12,615)$5,615 Customer relationships$18,232 $(13,813)$4,419 $18,230 $(12,615)$5,615 
Other intangible assetsOther intangible assets420 (178)242 420 (159)261 Other intangible assets420 (187)233 420 (159)261 
$18,652 $(13,623)$5,029 $18,650 $(12,774)$5,876 $18,652 $(14,000)$4,652 $18,650 $(12,774)$5,876 

Amortization expense related to customer relationships and other intangible assets for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 was $410$377 million and $850 million,$1.2 billion, respectively, and $478$445 million and $986 million$1.4 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.

The Company expects amortization expense on its finite-lived intangible assets will be as follows:

Six months ended December 31, 2021$753 
Three months ended December 31, 2021Three months ended December 31, 2021$375 
202220221,332 20221,332 
202320231,075 20231,075 
20242024824 2024824 
20252025576 2025576 
ThereafterThereafter469 Thereafter470 
$5,029 $4,652 

Actual amortization expense in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives, impairments, adoption of new accounting standards and other relevant factors.

3.    Investments

Real Estate Investments through Variable Interest Entities

In July 2018, the Company entered into a build-to-suit lease arrangement with a single-asset special purpose entity ("SPE Building 1") to build the first building in the building complex for the new Charter headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. The SPE Building 1 obtained a first-lien mortgage note to finance the construction with fixed monthly payments through July 15, 2035 with a 5.612% coupon interest rate. All payments of the mortgage note are guaranteed by Charter. The initial term of the lease is 15 years commencingwhich commenced on August 1, 2020, with no termination options. At the end of the lease term there is a mirrored put option for the SPE to sell the property to Charter and call option for Charter to purchase the property for a fixed purchase price.

In April 2020, the Company entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement with a second special purpose entity (“SPE Building 2”) to build the adjoining building and atrium, in the building complex for the new Charter headquarters. As of June 30, 2021, Charter does not guarantee the financing for SPE Building 2. The initial term of the lease is 15 years commencing February 26, 2022, with no termination options. At the end of the lease term, there is a put option for the SPE Building 2 to sell the property to Charter for

67


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

to Charter for a fixed price. If SPE Building 2 does not exercise the put option and the Company exercises its first renewal term, there is a call option for Charter to purchase the property for a fixed purchase price in year 3 of the first renewal term.

As the Company has determined that SPE Building 1 and SPE Building 2 (collectively, the "SPEs") are variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which the Company became the primary beneficiary upon the effectiveness of the arrangements in July 2018 and April 2020, respectively, the Company has consolidated the assets and liabilities of the SPEs in its consolidated balance sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 as follows.

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
AssetsAssetsAssets
Current assetsCurrent assets$$Current assets$$
Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment$633 $490 Property, plant and equipment$639 $490 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilities$48 $28 Current liabilities$52 $28 
Other long-term liabilitiesOther long-term liabilities$597 $470 Other long-term liabilities$600 $470 

Property, plant and equipment includes land, a parking garage and building construction costs, including the capitalization of qualifying interest. Other long-term liabilities includes mortgage note liabilities and liability-classified noncontrolling interests for the SPEs recorded at amortized cost with accretion towards settlement of the put/call option in the leases. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, other long-term liabilities include $515$509 million and $400 million in SPE mortgage note liability, respectively.     

Equity-MethodEquity Investments

During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, the Company recorded impairments on equity investments of approximately $165 million which was recorded in other income (expenses),expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

4.    Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the following as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Accounts payable – tradeAccounts payable – trade$704 $763 Accounts payable – trade$686 $763 
Deferred revenueDeferred revenue501 436 Deferred revenue501 436 
Accrued liabilities:Accrued liabilities:Accrued liabilities:
Programming costsProgramming costs2,123 1,940 Programming costs2,106 1,940 
LaborLabor1,166 1,374 Labor1,235 1,374 
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures1,059 1,227 Capital expenditures1,123 1,227 
InterestInterest1,090 1,083 Interest1,067 1,083 
Taxes and regulatory feesTaxes and regulatory fees614 555 Taxes and regulatory fees638 555 
Property and casualtyProperty and casualty486 462 Property and casualty491 462 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities258 235 Operating lease liabilities262 235 
OtherOther1,035 792 Other1,132 792 
$9,036 $8,867 $9,241 $8,867 

5.    Leases

Operating lease expenses were $115 million and $230$345 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $108$110 million and $216$326 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, inclusive of $35$34 million and $70$104 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $32$34 million and $67$101 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, of both short-term lease costs and variable lease costs that were not included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities.


78


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

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities, recorded as operating cash flows in the statements of cash flows, were $162$244 million and $147$221 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations were $209$271 million and $164$253 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is as follows.

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Operating lease right-of-use assets:Operating lease right-of-use assets:Operating lease right-of-use assets:
Included within other noncurrent assetsIncluded within other noncurrent assets$1,288 $1,214 Included within other noncurrent assets$1,279 $1,214 
Operating lease liabilities:Operating lease liabilities:Operating lease liabilities:
Current portion included within accounts payable and accrued liabilitiesCurrent portion included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities$258 $235 Current portion included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities$262 $235 
Long-term portion included within other long-term liabilitiesLong-term portion included within other long-term liabilities1,166 1,110 Long-term portion included within other long-term liabilities1,159 1,110 
$1,424 $1,345 $1,421 $1,345 
Weighted average remaining lease term for operating leasesWeighted average remaining lease term for operating leases6.0 years6.4 yearsWeighted average remaining lease term for operating leases5.9 years6.4 years
Weighted average discount rate for operating leasesWeighted average discount rate for operating leases3.6 %3.9 %Weighted average discount rate for operating leases3.5 %3.9 %

Maturities of operating lease liabilities as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 are as follows.

Six months ended December 31, 2021$165 
Three months ended December 31, 2021Three months ended December 31, 2021$83 
20222022320 2022327 
20232023299 2023310 
20242024250 2024261 
20252025199 2025209 
ThereafterThereafter421 Thereafter443 
Undiscounted lease cash flow commitmentsUndiscounted lease cash flow commitments1,654 Undiscounted lease cash flow commitments1,633 
Reconciling impact from discountingReconciling impact from discounting(230)Reconciling impact from discounting(212)
Lease liabilities on consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021$1,424 
Lease liabilities on consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021Lease liabilities on consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2021$1,421 

The Company has $64 million andhad $63 million of finance lease liabilities recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 respectively, included within accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities. The related finance lease right-of-use assets are recorded in property, plant and equipment, net. The Company’s finance leases were not considered material for further supplemental lease disclosures.

6.    Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020:

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Principal AmountAccreted ValuePrincipal AmountAccreted Value
CCO Holdings, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due March 1, 2023$500 $498 $500 $498 
5.750% senior notes due February 15, 20261,250 1,239 2,500 2,475 
5.500% senior notes due May 1, 20261,500 1,493 1,500 1,492 
5.875% senior notes due May 1, 2027800 796 
5.125% senior notes due May 1, 20273,250 3,227 3,250 3,225 

8


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

5.000% senior notes due February 1, 20282,500 2,474 2,500 2,472 
5.375% senior notes due June 1, 20291,500 1,501 1,500 1,501 
4.750% senior notes due March 1, 20303,050 3,042 3,050 3,042 
4.500% senior notes due August 15, 20302,750 2,750 2,750 2,750 
4.250% senior notes due February 1, 20313,000 3,002 3,000 3,001 
4.500% senior notes due May 1, 20322,900 2,927 2,900 2,928 
4.500% senior notes due June 1, 20331,750 1,728 
Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
4.464% senior notes due July 23, 20223,000 2,994 3,000 2,992 
Senior floating rate notes due February 1, 2024900 901 900 902 
4.500% senior notes due February 1, 20241,100 1,095 1,100 1,094 
4.908% senior notes due July 23, 20254,500 4,478 4,500 4,475 
3.750% senior notes due February 15, 20281,000 989 1,000 989 
4.200% senior notes due March 15, 20281,250 1,242 1,250 1,241 
5.050% senior notes due March 30, 20291,250 1,242 1,250 1,242 
2.800% senior notes due April 1, 20311,600 1,584 1,600 1,583 
2.300% senior notes due February 1, 20321,000 991 1,000 991 
6.384% senior notes due October 23, 20352,000 1,984 2,000 1,983 
5.375% senior notes due April 1, 2038800 787 800 786 
3.500% senior notes due June 1, 20411,500 1,482 
6.484% senior notes due October 23, 20453,500 3,468 3,500 3,468 
5.375% senior notes due May 1, 20472,500 2,506 2,500 2,506 
5.750% senior notes due April 1, 20482,450 2,392 2,450 2,392 
5.125% senior notes due July 1, 20491,250 1,240 1,250 1,240 
4.800% senior notes due March 1, 20502,800 2,797 2,800 2,797 
3.700% senior notes due April 1, 20512,050 2,031 2,050 2,030 
3.900% senior notes due June 1, 20522,400 2,321 
6.834% senior notes due October 23, 2055500 495 500 495 
3.850% senior notes due April 1, 20611,850 1,809 1,350 1,339 
4.400% senior notes due December 1, 20611,400 1,389 
Credit facilities10,012 9,949 10,150 10,081 
Time Warner Cable, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due September 1, 20211,000 1,002 1,000 1,008 
5.750% sterling senior notes due June 2, 2031 (a)
865 919 854 911 
6.550% senior debentures due May 1, 20371,500 1,665 1,500 1,668 
7.300% senior debentures due July 1, 20381,500 1,759 1,500 1,763 
6.750% senior debentures due June 15, 20391,500 1,703 1,500 1,706 
5.875% senior debentures due November 15, 20401,200 1,253 1,200 1,254 
5.500% senior debentures due September 1, 20411,250 1,258 1,250 1,258 
5.250% sterling senior notes due July 15, 2042 (b)
899 869 889 859 
4.500% senior debentures due September 15, 20421,250 1,146 1,250 1,145 
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC:
8.375% senior debentures due March 15, 20231,000 1,081 1,000 1,104 
8.375% senior debentures due July 15, 20331,000 1,262 1,000 1,270 
Total debt87,526 87,964 82,143 82,752 
Less current portion:
September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Principal AmountAccreted ValuePrincipal AmountAccreted Value
CCO Holdings, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due March 1, 2023$500 $499 $500 $498 
5.750% senior notes due February 15, 2026— — 2,500 2,475 
5.500% senior notes due May 1, 2026750 747 1,500 1,492 
5.875% senior notes due May 1, 2027— — 800 796 
5.125% senior notes due May 1, 20273,250 3,228 3,250 3,225 

9


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

5.000% senior notes due February 1, 20285.000% senior notes due February 1, 20282,500 2,474 2,500 2,472 
5.375% senior notes due June 1, 20295.375% senior notes due June 1, 20291,500 1,501 1,500 1,501 
4.750% senior notes due March 1, 20304.750% senior notes due March 1, 20303,050 3,042 3,050 3,042 
4.500% senior notes due August 15, 20304.500% senior notes due August 15, 20302,750 2,750 2,750 2,750 
4.250% senior notes due February 1, 20314.250% senior notes due February 1, 20313,000 3,002 3,000 3,001 
4.500% senior notes due May 1, 20324.500% senior notes due May 1, 20322,900 2,927 2,900 2,928 
4.500% senior notes due June 1, 20334.500% senior notes due June 1, 20331,750 1,728 — — 
4.250% senior notes due January 15, 20344.250% senior notes due January 15, 20342,000 1,981 — — 
Charter Communications Operating, LLC:Charter Communications Operating, LLC:
4.464% senior notes due July 23, 20224.464% senior notes due July 23, 20223,000 2,996 3,000 2,992 
Senior floating rate notes due February 1, 2024Senior floating rate notes due February 1, 2024900 901 900 902 
4.500% senior notes due February 1, 20244.500% senior notes due February 1, 20241,100 1,096 1,100 1,094 
4.908% senior notes due July 23, 20254.908% senior notes due July 23, 20254,500 4,479 4,500 4,475 
3.750% senior notes due February 15, 20283.750% senior notes due February 15, 20281,000 990 1,000 989 
4.200% senior notes due March 15, 20284.200% senior notes due March 15, 20281,250 1,242 1,250 1,241 
5.050% senior notes due March 30, 20295.050% senior notes due March 30, 20291,250 1,242 1,250 1,242 
2.800% senior notes due April 1, 20312.800% senior notes due April 1, 20311,600 1,584 1,600 1,583 
2.300% senior notes due February 1, 20322.300% senior notes due February 1, 20321,000 992 1,000 991 
6.384% senior notes due October 23, 20356.384% senior notes due October 23, 20352,000 1,984 2,000 1,983 
5.375% senior notes due April 1, 20385.375% senior notes due April 1, 2038800 787 800 786 
3.500% senior notes due June 1, 20413.500% senior notes due June 1, 20411,500 1,483 — — 
6.484% senior notes due October 23, 20456.484% senior notes due October 23, 20453,500 3,468 3,500 3,468 
5.375% senior notes due May 1, 20475.375% senior notes due May 1, 20472,500 2,506 2,500 2,506 
5.750% senior notes due April 1, 20485.750% senior notes due April 1, 20482,450 2,392 2,450 2,392 
5.125% senior notes due July 1, 20495.125% senior notes due July 1, 20491,250 1,240 1,250 1,240 
4.800% senior notes due March 1, 20504.800% senior notes due March 1, 20502,800 2,797 2,800 2,797 
3.700% senior notes due April 1, 20513.700% senior notes due April 1, 20512,050 2,031 2,050 2,030 
3.900% senior notes due June 1, 20523.900% senior notes due June 1, 20522,400 2,321 — — 
6.834% senior notes due October 23, 20556.834% senior notes due October 23, 2055500 495 500 495 
3.850% senior notes due April 1, 20613.850% senior notes due April 1, 20611,850 1,809 1,350 1,339 
4.400% senior notes due December 1, 20614.400% senior notes due December 1, 20611,400 1,389 — — 
Credit facilitiesCredit facilities11,480 11,422 10,150 10,081 
Time Warner Cable, LLC:Time Warner Cable, LLC:
4.000% senior notes due September 1, 20214.000% senior notes due September 1, 2021(1,000)(1,002)(1,000)(1,008)4.000% senior notes due September 1, 2021— — 1,000 1,008 
Long-term debt$86,526 $86,962 $81,143 $81,744 
5.750% sterling senior notes due June 2, 2031 (a)
5.750% sterling senior notes due June 2, 2031 (a)
842 894 854 911 
6.550% senior debentures due May 1, 20376.550% senior debentures due May 1, 20371,500 1,664 1,500 1,668 
7.300% senior debentures due July 1, 20387.300% senior debentures due July 1, 20381,500 1,757 1,500 1,763 
6.750% senior debentures due June 15, 20396.750% senior debentures due June 15, 20391,500 1,701 1,500 1,706 
5.875% senior debentures due November 15, 20405.875% senior debentures due November 15, 20401,200 1,252 1,200 1,254 
5.500% senior debentures due September 1, 20415.500% senior debentures due September 1, 20411,250 1,258 1,250 1,258 
5.250% sterling senior notes due July 15, 2042 (b)
5.250% sterling senior notes due July 15, 2042 (b)
876 847 889 859 
4.500% senior debentures due September 15, 20424.500% senior debentures due September 15, 20421,250 1,147 1,250 1,145 
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC:Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC:
8.375% senior debentures due March 15, 20238.375% senior debentures due March 15, 20231,000 1,069 1,000 1,104 
8.375% senior debentures due July 15, 20338.375% senior debentures due July 15, 20331,000 1,258 1,000 1,270 
Total debtTotal debt87,948 88,372 82,143 82,752 

10


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

Less current portion:
4.000% senior notes due September 1, 2021— — (1,000)(1,008)
4.464% senior notes due July 23, 2022(3,000)(2,996)— — 
Long-term debt$84,948 $85,376 $81,143 $81,744 

(a)Principal amount includes £625 million remeasured at $865$842 million and $854 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, using the exchange rate at the respective dates.
(b)Principal amount includes £650 million remeasured at $899$876 million and $889 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, using the exchange rate at the respective dates.

The accreted values presented in the table above represent the principal amount of the debt adjusted for original issue discount or premium at the time of sale, deferred financing costs, and, in regards to debt assumed in acquisitions, fair value premium adjustments as a result of applying acquisition accounting plus the accretion of those amounts to the balance sheet date. However, the amount that is currently payable if the debt becomes immediately due is equal to the principal amount of the debt. In regards to the fixed-rate British pound sterling denominated notes (the “Sterling Notes”), the principal amount of the debt and any premium or discount is remeasured into US dollars as of each balance sheet date. See Note 9. The Company has availability under the Charter Operating credit facilities of approximately $4.7$3.2 billion as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021.

In March 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.500% senior secured notes due June 2041 at a price of 99.544% of the aggregate principal amount, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.900% senior secured notes due June 2052 at a price of 99.951% of the aggregate principal amount and an additional $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.850% senior secured notes due April 2061 at a price of 94.668% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness, including $750 million of CCO Holdings, LLC's ("CCO Holdings") 5.750% notes due February 2026.

In June 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. issued an additional $1.4 billion of 3.900% senior secured notes due June 2052 priced at 95.578% of the aggregate principal amount and $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.400% senior secured notes due December 2061 at a price of 99.906% of the aggregate principal amount. Net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness, including $500 million of CCO Holdings' 5.750% notes due February 2026, all of CCO Holdings' 5.875% notes due May 2027, and in July 2021, $1.0 billion of Time Warner Cable, LLC's 4.000% notes due September 2021.

In October 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. issued an $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.250% senior secured notes due January 2029 priced at 99.835% of the aggregate principal amount, $1.35 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.500% senior secured notes due March 2042 at a price of 99.253% of the aggregate principal amount and $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.950% senior secured notes due June 2062 at a price of 99.186% of the aggregate principal amount. Net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness.

The Charter Operating notes are guaranteed by CCO Holdings and substantially all of the subsidiaries of Charter Operating. In addition, the Charter Operating notes are secured by a perfected first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of Charter Operating and substantially all of its subsidiaries to the extent such liens can be perfected under the Uniform Commercial Code by the filing of a financing statement and the liens rank equally with the liens on the collateral securing obligations under the Charter Operating credit facilities. Charter Operating may redeem some or all of the Charter Operating notes at any time at a premium.

The Charter Operating notes are subject to the terms and conditions of the indenture governing the Charter Operating notes. The Charter Operating notes contain customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants with limited negative covenants. The Charter Operating indenture also contains customary events of default.


11


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

In April 2021, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior unsecured notes due June 2033 at par, and in June 2021, an additional $750 million of the same series of notes was issued at a price of 99.250% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including to fund potential buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units, to repay certain indebtedness and to pay related fees and expenses.

In August 2021, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $2.0 billion of 4.250% senior unsecured notes due January 2034 at par. The net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including repaying $1.25 billion of CCO Holdings' 5.750% notes due February 2026 and $750 million of CCO Holdings' 5.500% notes due May 2026, as well as funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units.

The CCO Holdings notes are senior debt obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. and rank equally with all other current and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations of CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. They are structurally subordinated to all obligations of subsidiaries of CCO Holdings.


10


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

CCO Holdings may redeem some or all of the notes at any time at a premium. Beginning in 2030, theThe optional redemption price declines to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.any, on or after varying dates in 2030 through 2031.

In addition, at any time prior to varying dates in 2024 through 2025, CCO Holdings may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes at a premium plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings (as defined in the indenture); provided that certain conditions are met. In the event of specified change of control events, CCO Holdings must offer to purchase the outstanding notes from the holders at a purchase price equal to 101% of the total principal amount of the notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.

Losses on extinguishment of debt are recorded in other income (expenses),expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2021202020212020
CCO Holdings notes redemption$(46)$(36)$(75)$(63)
Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
CCO Holdings notes redemption$(71)$(58)$(146)$(121)
Time Warner Cable, LLC notes redemption— — 
$(69)$(58)$(144)$(121)

7.    Common Stock

The following represents the Company's purchase of Charter Class A common stock and the effect on the consolidated statements of cash flows during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Shares$Shares$Shares$Shares$Shares$Shares$Shares$Shares$
Share buybacksShare buybacks5,147,257 $3,392 2,028,234 $1,026 10,703,575 $6,866 6,480,783 $3,202 Share buybacks4,738,842 $3,584 5,466,295 $3,250 15,442,417 $10,450 11,947,078 $6,452 
Income tax withholdingIncome tax withholding183,357 124 247,651 129 467,920 302 583,305 305 Income tax withholding104,949 82 186,548 111 572,869 384 769,853 416 
Exercise costExercise cost185,698 188,923 495,513 430,675 Exercise cost116,961 180,824 612,474 611,499 
5,516,312 $3,516 2,464,808 $1,155 11,667,008 $7,168 7,494,763 $3,507 4,960,752 $3,666 5,833,667 $3,361 16,627,760 $10,834 13,328,430 $6,868 


12


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

Share buybacks above include shares of Charter Class A common stock purchased from Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) pursuant to the LBB Letter Agreement as follows (see Note 19).

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021Six Months Ended June 30, 2021Three Months Ended September 30, 2021Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Number of shares purchasedNumber of shares purchased1,927,032 2,761,608 Number of shares purchased1,200,547 3,962,155 
Amount of shares purchasedAmount of shares purchased$1,244 $1,762 Amount of shares purchased$880 $2,642 

In JulyOctober 2021, the Company purchased from Liberty Broadband an additional 0.40.7 million shares of Charter Class A common stock for approximately $279$561 million.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter had remaining board authority to purchase an additional $1.7$1.5 billion of Charter’s Class A common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units, excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband. The Company also withholds shares of its Class A common stock in payment of income tax withholding owed by employees upon vesting of equity awards as well as exercise costs owed by employees upon exercise of stock options.

In 2020, Charter’s board of directors approved the retirement of the then currently held treasury stock and those shares were retired as of December 31, 2020. The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of total shareholders’ equity.

In March 2020, pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement with Liberty Broadband, Advance/Newhouse Partnership (“A/N”) and Charter, dated May 23, 2015 (the "Stockholders Agreement"), Charter, Liberty Broadband and A/N

11


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

closed on transactions in which Liberty Broadband and A/N exercised their preemptive right to purchase 35,112 and 20,182 shares, respectively, of Charter Class A common stock for a total purchase price of approximately $23 million.

8.    Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests represents consolidated subsidiaries of which the Company owns less than 100%. The Company is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Charter Holdings, the indirect owner of the Company’s cable systems. Noncontrolling interests on the Company’s balance sheet consist primarily of A/N's equity interests in Charter Holdings, which is comprised of a common ownership interest and prior to June 18, 2021, a convertible preferred ownership interest.

On June 18, 2021, the Company caused the conversion of all of A/N's 25 million Charter Holdings convertible preferred units into Charter Holdings common units. Each preferred unit was converted into 0.37334 Charter Holdings common units, representing a conversion price of $267.85 per unit, based on a conversion feature as defined in the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Charter Holdings, resulting in the issuance of a total of 9.3 million common units to A/N.

Net income of Charter Holdings attributable to A/N’s common noncontrolling interest for financial reporting purposes is based on the weighted average effective common ownership interest of approximately 7% prior to conversion of the preferred units and 11% after conversion during 2021 and 8% during 2020, and was $105$190 million and $181$371 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $72$81 million and $105$186 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. Net income of Charter Holdings attributable to A/N's preferred noncontrolling interest for financial reporting purposes is based on the preferred dividend which was $32$70 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and $37 million and $70$112 million for the three and sixnine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $37 million and $75 million for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.


13


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

The following table represents Charter Holdings' purchase of Charter Holdings common units from A/N pursuant to the A/N Letter Agreement (see Note 19) and the effect on total shareholders' equity during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Number of units purchasedNumber of units purchased912,034 280,069 1,704,688 1,075,676 Number of units purchased565,972 644,806 2,270,660 1,720,482 
Average price per unitAverage price per unit$639.28 $445.15 $639.28 $481.68 Average price per unit$724.50 $568.19 $660.52 $514.10 
Amount of units purchasedAmount of units purchased$583 $125 $1,090 $518 Amount of units purchased$410 $366 $1,500 $884 
Decrease in noncontrolling interest based on carrying valueDecrease in noncontrolling interest based on carrying value$(213)$(69)$(405)$(264)Decrease in noncontrolling interest based on carrying value$(148)$(163)$(553)$(427)
Decrease in additional paid-in-capital, net of taxDecrease in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax$(279)$(42)$(516)$(191)Decrease in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax$(197)$(154)$(713)$(345)

Total shareholders' equity was also adjusted during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020 due to the changes in Charter Holdings' ownership including the impact of the preferred unit conversion discussed above as follows.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Decrease in noncontrolling interestDecrease in noncontrolling interest$(1,333)$(52)$(1,508)$(161)Decrease in noncontrolling interest$(290)$(157)$(1,798)$(318)
Increase in additional paid-in-capital, net of taxIncrease in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax$1,003 $41 $1,134 $123 Increase in additional paid-in-capital, net of tax$219 $118 $1,353 $241 

As a result of the preferred unit conversion, the preferred noncontrolling interest carrying amount of $3.2 billion was reclassified to common noncontrolling interest and remeasured to $2.0 billion representing the relative effective Charter Holdings common ownership amount in all Charter Holdings partnership capital account balances resulting in a $1.2 billion reclass from noncontrolling interest to additional paid-in capital. A deferred tax liability of $300 million was recorded with the offset to additional paid-in capital as part of the Charter Holdings ownership change equity adjustments.


12


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

9.     Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company uses derivative instruments to manage foreign exchange risk on the Sterling Notes, and does not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Cross-currency derivative instruments are used to effectively convert £1.275 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate British pound sterling denominated debt, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-rate U.S. dollar denominated debt. The cross-currency swaps have maturities of June 2031 and July 2042. The Company is required to post collateral on the cross-currency derivative instruments when the derivative contracts are in a liability position. In April 2019, the Company entered into a collateral holiday agreement for 60% of both the 2031 and 2042 cross-currency swaps, which eliminates the requirement to post collateral for three years, as well as a ten year collateral cap on the remaining 40% of the cross-currency swaps which limits the required collateral posting on that 40% of the cross-currency swaps to $150 million. In March 2021, the collateral holiday for 20% of the swaps was extended to November 2022 in consideration for the Company's agreement to post collateral over a threshold amount on that 20% portion of the swaps from March 2021 through October 2021. The fair value of the Company's cross-currency derivatives was $206$317 million and $184 million and is included in other long-term liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The Company’s derivative instruments are not designated as hedges and are marked to fair value each period, with the impact recorded as a gain or loss on financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations in other income (expenses),expenses, net. While these derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, management continues to believe such instruments are closely correlated with the respective debt, thus managing associated risk.

14


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


The effect of financial instruments are recorded in other income (expenses),expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following.
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Change in fair value of cross-currency derivative instrumentsChange in fair value of cross-currency derivative instruments$(85)$61 $(22)$(365)Change in fair value of cross-currency derivative instruments$(111)$135 $(133)$(230)
Foreign currency remeasurement of Sterling Notes to U.S. dollarsForeign currency remeasurement of Sterling Notes to U.S. dollars(6)(21)111 Foreign currency remeasurement of Sterling Notes to U.S. dollars47 (66)26 45 
Gain (loss) on financial instruments, netGain (loss) on financial instruments, net$(91)$64 $(43)$(254)Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net$(64)$69 $(107)$(185)

10.    Fair Value Measurements

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

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

Financial Assets and Liabilities

The Company has estimated the fair value of its financial instruments as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 using available market information or other appropriate valuation methodologies. Considerable judgment, however, is required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company would realize in a current market exchange.

13


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


The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other current assets and liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets includes approximately $363$377 million and $338 million of current equipment installment plan receivables, respectively, and other noncurrent assets includes approximately $173$170 million and $134 million of noncurrent equipment installment plan receivables, respectively.

Financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis and classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy include the Company's cross-currency derivative instruments which are recorded in other-long term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and were valued at $206$317 million and $184 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The estimated fair value of the Company’s senior notes and debentures as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is based on quoted market prices in active markets and is classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy, while the estimated fair value of the Company’s credit facilities is based on quoted market prices in inactive markets and is classified within Level 2. The carrying amount of the consolidated variable interest entity's mortgage note liability approximates fair value.


15


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

A summary of the carrying value and fair value of debt as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 is as follows:

June 30, 2021December 31, 2020September 30, 2021December 31, 2020
Carrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair Value
Senior notes and debenturesSenior notes and debentures$78,015 $87,958 $72,671 $84,163 Senior notes and debentures$76,950 $85,880 $72,671 $84,163 
Credit facilitiesCredit facilities$9,949 $9,963 $10,081 $10,063 Credit facilities$11,422 $11,428 $10,081 $10,063 

Nonfinancial Assets and Liabilities

The Company’s nonfinancial assets such as equity-method investments, franchises, property, plant, and equipment, and other intangible assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis; however, they are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence that an impairment may exist.  When such impairments are recorded, fair values are generally classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

11.    Revenues

The Company’s revenues by product line are as follows:

Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021202020212020
Internet$5,363 $4,722 $15,670 $13,659 
Video4,502 4,221 13,224 13,014 
Voice409 449 1,202 1,357 
Residential revenue10,274 9,392 30,096 28,030 
Small and medium business1,062 988 3,116 2,967 
Enterprise656 617 1,930 1,845 
Commercial revenue1,718 1,605 5,046 4,812 
Advertising sales391 460 1,146 1,074 
Mobile535 368 1,546 936 
Other228 214 636 621 
$13,146 $12,039 $38,470 $35,473 


1416


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

11.    Revenues

The Company’s revenues by product line are as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2021202020212020
Internet$5,221 $4,530 $10,307 $8,937 
Video4,378 4,371 8,722 8,793 
Voice394 451 793 908 
Residential revenue9,993 9,352 19,822 18,638 
Small and medium business1,042 983 2,054 1,979 
Enterprise636 606 1,274 1,228 
Commercial revenue1,678 1,589 3,328 3,207 
Advertising sales411 249 755 614 
Mobile519 310 1,011 568 
Other201 196 408 407 
$12,802 $11,696 $25,324 $23,434 

12.     Operating Costs and Expenses

Operating costs and expenses, exclusive of items shown separately in the consolidated statements of operations, consist of the following for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
ProgrammingProgramming$2,978 $2,873 $5,966 $5,765 Programming$2,983 $2,727 $8,949 $8,492 
Regulatory, connectivity and produced contentRegulatory, connectivity and produced content668 488 1,268 1,039 Regulatory, connectivity and produced content634 612 1,902 1,651 
Costs to service customersCosts to service customers1,827 1,848 3,631 3,696 Costs to service customers1,899 1,902 5,530 5,598 
MarketingMarketing741 719 1,492 1,485 Marketing788 788 2,280 2,273 
MobileMobile586 413 1,158 787 Mobile607 456 1,765 1,243 
OtherOther1,082 956 2,078 1,957 Other1,047 998 3,125 2,955 
$7,882 $7,297 $15,593 $14,729 $7,958 $7,483 $23,551 $22,212 

Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, premium, digital, video on demand and pay-per-view programming. Regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs represent payments to franchise and regulatory authorities, costs directly related to providing video, Internet and voice services as well as payments for sports, local and news content produced by the Company. Included in regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs is content acquisition costs for the Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball games and Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball games, which are recorded as games are exhibited over the contract period. Costs to service customers include costs related to field operations, network operations and customer care for the Company’s residential and SMB customers, including internal and third-party labor for the non-capitalizable portion of installations, service and repairs, maintenance, bad debt expense, billing and collection, occupancy and vehicle costs. Marketing costs represent the costs of marketing to current and potential commercial and residential customers including labor costs. Mobile costs represent costs associated with the Company's mobile service such as device and service costs, marketing, sales and commissions, retail stores, personnel costs, taxes, among others. Other includes corporate overhead, advertising sales expenses, indirect costs associated with the Company’s enterprise business customers and regional sports and news networks, property tax and insurance expense and stock compensation expense, among others.


15


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

13.     Other Operating (Income) Expenses, Net

Other operating (income) expenses, net consist of the following for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Special charges, netSpecial charges, net$(6)$$249 $22 Special charges, net$(7)$28 $242 $50 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(3)(4)44 (13)(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(2)(14)42 (27)
$(9)$$293 $$(9)$14 $284 $23 

Special charges, net

Special charges, net primarily includes net amounts of litigation settlements, including the $220 million tentative settlement with Sprint Communications Company L.P. (“Sprint”) and T-Mobile USA, Inc. ("T-Mobile") for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 discussed in Note 20, and employee termination costs.

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net represents the net (gain) loss recognized on the sales and disposals of fixed assets and cable systems.


17


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

14.     Other Income (Expenses),Expenses, Net

Other income (expenses),expenses, net consist of the following for the periods presented:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)$(46)$(36)$(75)$(63)Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)$(69)$(58)$(144)$(121)
Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)(91)64 (43)(254)Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)(64)69 (107)(185)
Other pension benefits, net (see Note 21)173 11 191 21 
Net periodic pension benefits (costs) (see Note 21)Net periodic pension benefits (costs) (see Note 21)(15)(115)176 (94)
Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)(168)(9)(153)Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)(9)(13)(162)(13)
$(132)$30 $(80)$(296)$(157)$(117)$(237)$(413)

15.     Stock Compensation Plans

Charter’s stock incentive plans provide for grants of nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalent rights, performance units and performance shares, share awards, phantom stock, restricted stock units and restricted stock.  Directors, officers and other employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting services for the Company, are eligible for grants under the stock incentive plans.

Charter granted the following equity awards for the periods presented.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Stock optionsStock options16,800 11,600 1,241,800 1,265,300 Stock options36,900 17,100 1,278,700 1,282,400 
Restricted stockRestricted stock4,600 6,000 4,600 6,000 Restricted stock— — 4,600 6,000 
Restricted stock unitsRestricted stock units9,100 7,600 354,200 415,900 Restricted stock units8,900 5,000 363,100 420,900 

Charter stockStock options and restricted stock units generally cliff vest three years from the date of grant. Stock options generally expire ten years from the grant date and restricted stock units have no voting rights. Restricted stock generally vests one year from the date of grant.

16


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


As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, total unrecognized compensation remaining to be recognized in future periods totaled $319$272 million for stock options, $2 million for restricted stock and $305$257 million for restricted stock units and the weighted average period over which they are expected to be recognized is two years for stock options, tenseven months for restricted stock and two years for restricted stock units.

The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $100$98 million and $234$332 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $90$83 million and $180$263 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, which is included in operating costs and expenses.

16.    Income Taxes

Substantially all of the Company’s operations are held through Charter Holdings and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Charter Holdings and the majority of its subsidiaries are limited liability companies that are generally not subject to income tax. However, certain of these limited liability companies are subject to state income tax. In addition, the subsidiaries that are corporations are subject to income tax. Generally, the taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits of Charter Holdings are passed through to its members, Charter and A/N. Charter is responsible for its share of taxable income or loss of Charter Holdings allocated to it in accordance with the Charter Holdings Limited Liability Company Agreement (“LLC Agreement”) and partnership tax rules and regulations. As a result, Charter's primary deferred tax component recorded in the consolidated

18


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

balance sheets relates to its excess financial reporting outside basis, excluding amounts attributable to nondeductible goodwill, over Charter's tax basis in the investment in Charter Holdings.

The Company recorded income tax expense of $281$347 million and $497$844 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $166$177 million and $195$372 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. Income tax expense increased during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 primarily as a result of higher pretax income.

Charter Holdings, the indirect owner of the Company’s cable systems, generally allocates its taxable income, gains, losses, deductions and credits proportionately according to the members’ respective ownership interests, except for special allocations required under Section 704(c) of the Internal Revenue Code and the Treasury Regulations (“Section 704(c)”).  Pursuant to Section 704(c) and the LLC Agreement, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the capital of the partnership shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the members so as to take into account any variation between the adjusted basis of such property to the partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its initial gross asset value using the “traditional method” as described in the Treasury Regulations.

In determining the Company’s tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions unless such positions are determined to be “more likely than not” of being sustained upon examination, based on their technical merits. There is considerable judgment involved in making such a determination. The Company has recorded unrecognized tax benefits totaling approximately $333$353 million and $298 million, excluding interest and penalties, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company does not currently anticipate that its reserve for uncertain tax positions will significantly increase or decrease during 2021; however, various events could cause the Company’s current expectations to change in the future. These uncertain tax positions, if ever recognized in the financial statements, would be recorded in the consolidated statements of operations as part of the income tax provision.

No tax years for Charter are currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") for income tax purposes. Charter's 2016 through 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment. Charter’s short period return dated May 17, 2016 (prior to the merger with Time Warner Cable Inc. ("TWC") and acquisition of Bright House Networks, LLC ("Bright House")) and prior years remain open solely for purposes of examination of Charter’s loss and credit carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining Charter Holdings’ income tax return for 2016. Charter Holdings’ 20172018 through 2020 tax years remain open for examination and assessment.assessment, while 2017 remains open solely for purposes of credit carryforwards. The IRS is currently examining TWC’s income tax returns for 2011 through 2014. TWC’s tax year 2015 remains subject to examination and assessment. Prior to TWC’s separation from Time Warner Inc. (“Time Warner”) in March 2009, TWC was included in the consolidated U.S. federal and certain state income tax returns of Time Warner. The IRS has examined Time Warner’s 2008 through 2010 income tax returns and the results are under appeal. The Company does not anticipate that these examinations will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. In addition, the Company is also subject to ongoing

17


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

examinations of the Company’s tax returns by state and local tax authorities for various periods. Activity related to these state and local examinations did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, nor does the Company anticipate a material impact in the future.

17.    Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Charter shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share considers the impact of potentially dilutive securities using the treasury stock and if-converted methods and is based on the weighted average number of shares used for the basic earnings per share calculation, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, equity awards with market conditions and Charter Holdings convertible preferred units and common units. Charter Holdings common units of 1523 million and 18 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and Charter Holdings common and convertible preferred units of 26 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would

19


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

have been antidilutive. The following is the computation of diluted earnings per common share for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020.

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Numerator:Numerator:Numerator:
Net income attributable to Charter shareholdersNet income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,020 $766 $1,827 $1,162 Net income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,217 $814 $3,044 $1,976 
Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:
Charter Holdings convertible preferred unitsCharter Holdings convertible preferred units32 70 Charter Holdings convertible preferred units— — 70 — 
Net income attributable to Charter shareholders after assumed conversionsNet income attributable to Charter shareholders after assumed conversions$1,052 $766 $1,897 $1,162 Net income attributable to Charter shareholders after assumed conversions$1,217 $814 $3,114 $1,976 
Denominator:Denominator:Denominator:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basicWeighted average common shares outstanding, basic185,916,505 205,777,438 188,645,356 206,804,371 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic181,925,180 202,826,502 186,380,681 205,468,736 
Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:
Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plansAssumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans5,058,176 5,129,508 5,098,205 5,353,847 Assumed exercise or issuance of shares relating to stock plans5,240,891 5,895,627 5,158,105 5,931,045 
Weighted average Charter Holdings convertible preferred unitsWeighted average Charter Holdings convertible preferred units8,102,709 8,714,704 Weighted average Charter Holdings convertible preferred units— — 5,777,881 — 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding, diluted199,077,390 210,906,946 202,458,265 212,158,218 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted187,166,071 208,722,129 197,316,667 211,399,781 
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholdersBasic earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders$5.48 $3.72 $9.69 $5.62 Basic earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders$6.69 $4.01 $16.33 $9.62 
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholdersDiluted earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders$5.29 $3.63 $9.37 $5.48 Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Charter shareholders$6.50 $3.90 $15.78 $9.35 

18.     Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income equaled net income attributable to Charter shareholders for each of the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020.

19.     Related Party Transactions

The following sets forth certain transactions in which the Company and the directors, executive officers, and affiliates of the Company are involved.

Liberty Broadband and A/N

Under the terms of the Stockholders Agreement, the number of Charter’s directors is fixed at 13, and includes its CEO. Two designees selected by A/N are members of the board of directors of Charter and three designees selected by Liberty Broadband

18


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

are members of the board of directors of Charter. The remaining eight directors are not affiliated with either A/N or Liberty Broadband. Each of A/N and Liberty Broadband is entitled to nominate at least one director to each of the committees of Charter’s board of directors, subject to applicable stock exchange listing rules and certain specified voting or equity ownership thresholds for each of A/N and Liberty Broadband, and provided that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Benefit Committee each have at least a majority of directors independent from A/N, Liberty Broadband and Charter (referred to as the “unaffiliated directors”). Each of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation and Benefits Committee is currently comprised of three unaffiliated directors and one designee of each of A/N and Liberty Broadband. A/N and Liberty Broadband also have certain other committee designations and other governance rights. Mr. Thomas Rutledge, the Company’s CEO, is the chairman of the board of Charter.

In December 2016, Charter and A/N entered into a letter agreement, as amended in December 2017 (the “A/N Letter Agreement”), that requires A/N to sell to Charter or to Charter Holdings, on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter

20


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

Class A common stock or Charter Holdings common units that represents a pro rata participation by A/N and its affiliates in any repurchases of shares of Charter Class A common stock from persons other than A/N effected by Charter during the immediately preceding calendar month, at a purchase price equal to the average price paid by Charter for the shares repurchased from persons other than A/N during such immediately preceding calendar month. A/N and Charter both have the right to terminate or suspend the pro rata repurchase arrangement on a prospective basis.

In February 2021, Charter and Liberty Broadband entered into a letter agreement (the “LBB Letter Agreement”). The LBB Letter Agreement implements Liberty Broadband’s obligations under the Stockholders Agreement to participate in share repurchases by Charter. Under the LBB Letter Agreement, Liberty Broadband will sell to Charter, generally on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter Class A common stock representing an amount sufficient for Liberty Broadband’s ownership of Charter to be reduced such that it does not exceed the ownership cap then applicable to Liberty Broadband under the Stockholders Agreement at a purchase price per share equal to the volume weighted average price per share paid by Charter for shares repurchased during such immediately preceding calendar month other than (i) purchases from A/N, (ii) purchases in privately negotiated transactions or (iii) purchases for the withholding of shares of Charter Class A common stock pursuant to equity compensation programs of Charter.

Gregory Maffei, a director of Charter and President and CEO and director and holder of 12.6% voting interest in Liberty Broadband, is Chairman of the board of directors of Qurate Retail, Inc. ("Qurate") and Dr. John Malone, a director emeritus of Charter and Chairman of the board of directors and holder of 45.8% of voting interest in Liberty Broadband, also serves on the Qurate board of directors. As reported in SEC filings of Qurate, Mr. Maffei and Dr. Malone, Mr. Maffei has ownership of an approximate 6.3% voting interest in Quarate and Dr. Malone has ownership of an approximate 41.2% voting interest in Qurate. Qurate wholly owns HSN, Inc. (“HSN”) and QVC, Inc. (“QVC”). The Company has programming relationships with HSN and QVC. For the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, the Company recorded revenue in aggregate of approximately $12$10 million and $23$33 million, respectively, from HSN and QVC as part of channel carriage fees and revenue sharing arrangements for home shopping sales made to customers in the Company’s footprint, and approximately $12 million and $24$36 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.

Dr. Malone and Mr. Steven Miron, a member of Charter’s board of directors, also serve on the board of directors of Discovery, Inc. (“Discovery”). As reported in Discovery's SEC filings, Dr. Malone owns less than 1.0% of the series A common stock, 95.0% of the series B common stock and 3.7% of the series C common stock of Discovery and has a 26.5% voting interest in Discovery for the election of directors. As reported in Discovery's SEC filings, Advance/Newhouse Programming Partnership (“A/N PP”), an affiliate of A/N and in which Mr. Miron is the CEO, owns 100% of the Series A-1 preferred stock of Discovery and 100% of the Series C-1 preferred stock of Discovery and has a 23.2% voting interest for matters other than the election of directors. A/N PP also has the right to appoint three directors out of a total of twelve directors to Discovery’s board. The Company purchases programming from Discovery. Based on publicly available information, the Company does not believe that Discovery would currently be considered a related party. The amount paid in the aggregate to Discovery represents less than 2% of total operating costs and expenses for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020.

Equity Investments

The Company has agreements with certain equity investees pursuant to which the Company has made or received related party transaction payments. The Company recorded payments to equity investees totaling $59$52 million and $117 million during the

19


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

three and six months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $54 million and $117$169 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $50 million and $167 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively.

20.     Contingencies

In August 2015, a purported stockholder of Charter, Matthew Sciabacucchi, filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery, on behalf of a putative class of Charter stockholders, challenging the transactions involving Charter, TWC, A/N, and Liberty Broadband announced by Charter on May 26, 2015. The lawsuit, which named as defendants Charter and its board of directors, alleged that the transactions resulted from breaches of fiduciary duty by Charter’s directors and that Liberty Broadband improperly benefited from the challenged transactions at the expense of other Charter stockholders. Charter denies any liability, believes that it has substantial defenses, and is vigorously defending this lawsuit. Although Charter is unable to predict the outcome of this lawsuit, it does not expect the outcome will have a material effect on its operations, financial condition or cash flows.

21


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


The California Attorney General and the Alameda County, California District Attorney are investigating whether certain of Charter’s waste disposal policies, procedures and practices are in violation of the California Business and Professions Code and the California Health and Safety Code. That investigation was commenced in January 2014. A similar investigation involving TWC was initiated in February 2012. Charter is cooperating with these investigations. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these investigations, it does not expect that the outcome will have a material effect on its operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Sprint filed a patent suit against Charter and Bright House on December 2, 2017 in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware. This suit alleges infringement of 9 patents related to the Company's provision of Voice over Internet Protocol (“VoIP”) services. Sprint previously sued TWC with respect to eight of these patents and obtained a final judgment of $151 million inclusive of interest and costs, which the Company paid in November 2019. The Company has also brought a patent suit against Sprint (TC Tech, LLC v. Sprint) in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware implicating Sprint's LTE technology and a similar suit against T-Mobile in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas.

Sprint filed a subsequent patent suit against Charter on May 17, 2018 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. This suit alleges infringement of two patents related to the Company's video on demand services. The court transferred this case to the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on December 20, 2018 pursuant to an agreement between the parties.

On February 18, 2020, Sprint filed a lawsuit against Charter, Bright House and TWC. Sprint alleges that Charter misappropriated trade secrets from Sprint years ago through employees hired by Bright House. Sprint asserts that the alleged trade secrets relate to the VoIP business of Charter, TWC and Bright House. The case is now pending in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas.

Charter, T-Mobile and Sprint have tentatively reached a settlement of all of the foregoing suits that would result in a payment of $220 million by Charter to T-Mobile. The Company can give no assurance that this tentative settlement will be finalized. Pending finalization of the settlement and in the event the settlement is not finalized, the Company will vigorously defend these Sprint suits and prosecute the suits it has brought against T-Mobile and Sprint. While the Company is unable to predict the outcome of these lawsuits, it does not expect that the litigation will have a material effect on its operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

In addition to the Sprint litigation described above, the Company is a defendant or co-defendant in several additional lawsuits involving alleged infringement of various intellectual property relating to various aspects of its businesses. Other industry participants are also defendants in certain of these cases or related cases. In the event that a court ultimately determines that the Company infringes on any intellectual property, 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 negotiate royalty or license agreements with respect to the intellectual property at issue. While the Company believes the lawsuits are without merit and intends to defend the actions vigorously, no assurance can be given that any adverse outcome would not be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. The Company cannot predict the outcome of any such claims nor can it reasonably estimate a range of possible loss.

20


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


The Company is party to other lawsuits, claims and regulatory inquiries that arise in the ordinary course of conducting its business. The ultimate outcome of these other legal matters pending against the Company cannot be predicted, and although such lawsuits and claims are not expected individually to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, such lawsuits could have, in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Whether or not the Company ultimately prevails in any particular lawsuit or claim, litigation can be time consuming and costly and injure the Company’s reputation.


22


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

21.     Employee Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors qualified defined and nonqualified defined benefit pension plans that provide pension benefits to a majority of employees who were employed by TWC before the merger with TWC.

Pension benefits are based on formulas that reflect the employees’ years of service and compensation during their employment period. Actuarial gains or losses are changes in the amount of either the benefit obligation or the fair value of plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed or from changes in assumptions. The Company has elected to follow a mark-to-market pension accounting policy for recording the actuarial gains or losses annually during the fourth quarter, or earlier if a remeasurement event occurs during an interim period. No future compensation increases or future service will be credited to participants of the pension plans given the frozen nature of the plans.

The components of net periodic pension benefit (costs) for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020 are recorded in in other income (expenses),expenses, net in the consolidated statements of operations and consisted of the following:

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Interest costInterest cost$(24)$(28)$(48)$(56)Interest cost$(24)$(29)$(72)$(85)
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets42 39 84 77 Expected return on plan assets40 39 124 116 
Remeasurement gain, net155 155 
Net periodic pension benefits$173 $11 $191 $21 
Remeasurement gain (loss), netRemeasurement gain (loss), net(31)(125)124 (125)
Net periodic pension benefits (costs)Net periodic pension benefits (costs)$(15)$(115)$176 $(94)

During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, settlements for lump-sum distributions to pension plan participants exceeded the estimated annual interest cost of the plans. As a result, the pension liability and pension asset values were reassessed as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 utilizing remeasurement date assumptions in accordance with the Company's mark-to-market pension accounting policy to record gains and losses in the period in which a remeasurement event occurs. The $155$31 million remeasurement loss during the three months ended September 30, 2021 was primarily driven by losses to record assets to fair value and the $124 million remeasurement gain recorded during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 was primarily driven by changes in the discount rate.

The Company made no cash contributions to the qualified pension plans during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020; however, the Company may make discretionary cash contributions to the qualified pension plans in the future. Such contributions will be dependent on a variety of factors, including current and expected interest rates, asset performance, the funded status of the qualified pension plans and management’s judgment. For the nonqualified unfunded pension plan, the Company will continue to make contributions during 2021 to the extent benefits are paid.

22.     Recently Issued Accounting Standards

ASU No. 2020-06, Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity's Own Equity (“ASU 2020-06”)

In August 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, which reduces the number of accounting models for convertible instruments, amends diluted earnings per share calculations for convertible instruments and allows more contracts to qualify for equity classification. ASU 2020-06 will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2020-06 on January 1, 2021. The adoption of ASU 2020-06 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

2123


Item 2.     Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

Charter Communications, Inc. (together with its controlled subsidiaries, “Charter”) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states through our Spectrum brand. Over an advanced high-capacity, two-way telecommunications network, we offer a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice. For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. We also distribute award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to our customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals.

Charter is a holding company whose principal asset is a controlling equity interest in Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”), an indirect owner of Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) under which substantially all of the operations reside. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated.

Overview

In the first half of both 2021 and 2020, the Novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic has significantly impacted how our customers use our products and services, how they interact with us, and how our employees work and provide services to our customers. During the first half of 2021, customerCustomer activity levels remainedremain below normal which contributed to lower operating expense from reduced service transactions and significantly lower bad debt in the first nine months of 2021, however, thosewe expect trends are slowly returningto return to pre-COVID-19 levels and we expect that to continue throughout 2021 as the economy reopenscontinues to reopen and normal activities resume.

In May 2021, the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") introduced the Emergency Broadband Benefit ("EBB") program to help households pay for Internet service. The EBB program provides eligible low-income households with up to $50 per month towardtowards Internet service. We estimate thatAlthough Congress may extend the EBB program favorably impactedfunding as currently proposed in an infrastructure bill, we expect the FCC to run out of funding under the current EBB program allocation sometime in early 2022. If funding is not extended by Congress, our net increasecustomers in customer relationships by approximately 60,000the current EBB program will generally roll out of that program, continue to be our customers and be serviced consistent with our business practices regarding collections, disconnect process and bad debt. Many of these customers were serviced prior to the EBB program consistent with our normal business practices. However, we cannot predict how such an expiration of the EBB program would ultimately impact our experience with disconnects and bad debt for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. Additional new and existingour customers also enrolledcurrently in the EBB program.

Although the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be predicted, we remain focused on driving customer relationship growth by deploying superior products and services packaged with attractive pricing. In October 2021, we announced and implemented new Spectrum Mobile multi-line pricing designed to drive more mobile line sales per customer, and in turn, drive more broadband sales and the associated retention benefits. Further, we expect to continue to drive customer relationship growth through sales of bundled services and improving customer retention despite the expectation for continued losses of video and wireline voice customers.

Our Spectrum Mobile service is offered to customers subscribing to our Internet service and runs on Verizon Communications Inc.'s ("Verizon") mobile network combined with Spectrum WiFi. We continue to explore ways to drive even more mobile traffic to our network. We intend to use Citizens Broadband Radio Service (“CBRS”) Priority Access Licenses (“PALs”) we purchased in 2020, along with unlicensed CBRS spectrum, to build our own 5G mobile network which we plan to useon our existing infrastructure in targeted geographies where there is high outdoor cellular traffic volume. This effort, in combination with our expanding WiFi network and continued 5G enhancements within the Verizon mobile virtual network operator (“MVNO”) resellerpartnership agreement, with Verizon and WiFi network to enhance the customer’sshould position our mobile product for continued customer experience and improve our cost structure.structure improvements.

We believe Spectrum-branded mobile services will drive higher sales of our core products, create longer customer lives and increase profitability and cash flow over time. As a result of growth costs associated with our new mobile product line, we cannot be certain that we will be able to grow revenues or maintain our margins at recent historical rates. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, our mobile product line increased revenues by $519$535 million and $1.0$1.5 billion, respectively, reduced Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $67 million and $147 million, respectively, and reduced free cash flow by approximately $277 million and $461 million, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, our mobile product line increased revenues by $310 million and $568 million, respectively, reduced Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $103$72 million and $219 million, respectively, and reduced free cash flow by approximately $233$145 million and $493$606 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, our mobile product line increased revenues by $368 million and $936 million, respectively, reduced Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $88 million and $307 million, respectively, and reduced free cash flow by approximately $265 million and

24


$758 million, respectively. Primarily as a result of growth-related sales and marketing and other customer acquisition costs for mobile services, and depending on the pace of that growth, we expect mobile Adjusted EBITDA will continue to be negative. We also expect to continue to see negative free cash flow from the timing of device-related cash flows when we sell devices to customers pursuant to equipment installment plans and capital expenditures related to retail store and CBRS build-out.

22



We realized revenue, Adjusted EBITDA and income from operations during the periods presented as follows (in millions; all percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding):

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020% Change20212020% Change20212020% Change20212020% Change
RevenuesRevenues$12,802 $11,696 9.5 %$25,324 $23,434 8.1 %Revenues$13,146 $12,039 9.2 %$38,470 $35,473 8.4 %
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA$5,020 $4,489 11.8 %$9,965 $8,885 12.2 %Adjusted EBITDA$5,286 $4,639 13.9 %$15,251 $13,524 12.8 %
Income from operationsIncome from operations$2,575 $1,969 30.7 %$4,643 $3,771 23.1 %Income from operations$2,927 $2,172 34.8 %$7,570 $5,943 27.4 %

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Charter shareholders plus net income attributable to noncontrolling interest, net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock compensation expense, other (income) expenses, net and other operating (income) expenses, net, such as special charges and (gain) loss on sale or retirement of assets. See “—Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow” for further information on Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow. 

Growth in total revenue was primarily due to growth in our residential Internet, mobile and mobilecommercial customers and price adjustments and an increase in advertising sales.adjustments. Adjusted EBITDA and income from operations growth was impacted by growth in revenue and increases in operating costs and expenses, primarily programming and mobile as well as regulatory, connectivity and produced content costs as well as mobile and programming.costs.

2325


The following table summarizes our customer statistics for Internet, video, voice and mobile as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands except per customer data and footnotes).

Approximate as ofApproximate as of
June 30,September 30,
2021 (a)
2020 (a)
2021 (a)
2020 (a)
Customer Relationships (b)
Customer Relationships (b)
Customer Relationships (b)
ResidentialResidential29,660 28,496 Residential29,823 28,912 
Small and Medium Business ("SMB")Small and Medium Business ("SMB")2,104 1,980 Small and Medium Business ("SMB")2,126 2,021 
Total Customer RelationshipsTotal Customer Relationships31,764 30,476 Total Customer Relationships31,949 30,933 
Monthly Residential Revenue per Residential Customer (c)
Monthly Residential Revenue per Residential Customer (c)
$112.85 $110.82 
Monthly Residential Revenue per Residential Customer (c)
$115.15 $109.03 
Monthly SMB Revenue per SMB Customer (d)
Monthly SMB Revenue per SMB Customer (d)
$166.28 $166.06 
Monthly SMB Revenue per SMB Customer (d)
$167.29 $164.77 
InternetInternetInternet
ResidentialResidential27,722 26,313 Residential27,965 26,807 
SMBSMB1,912 1,783 SMB1,934 1,826 
Total Internet CustomersTotal Internet Customers29,634 28,096 Total Internet Customers29,899 28,633 
VideoVideoVideo
ResidentialResidential15,420 15,652 Residential15,287 15,705 
SMBSMB592 516 SMB604 530 
Total Video CustomersTotal Video Customers16,012 16,168 Total Video Customers15,891 16,235 
VoiceVoiceVoice
ResidentialResidential9,014 9,398 Residential8,784 9,335 
SMBSMB1,259 1,169 SMB1,273 1,207 
Total Voice CustomersTotal Voice Customers10,273 10,567 Total Voice Customers10,057 10,542 
Mobile Lines (e)
Mobile Lines (e)
Mobile Lines (e)
ResidentialResidential2,855 1,672 Residential3,085 2,020 
SMBSMB85 25 SMB99 40 
Total Mobile LinesTotal Mobile Lines2,940 1,697 Total Mobile Lines3,184 2,060 
Enterprise Primary Service Units ("PSUs") (f)
Enterprise Primary Service Units ("PSUs") (f)
280270 
Enterprise Primary Service Units ("PSUs") (f)
284272 

(a)We calculate the aging of customer accounts based on the monthly billing cycle for each account. On that basis, as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, customers include approximately 201,100160,700 and 124,500181,700 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 60 days past due, approximately 37,70042,000 and 18,40052,300 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 90 days past due and approximately 30,90032,600 and 10,40026,000 customers, respectively, whose accounts were over 120 days past due. Included in the June 30, 2021 aging statistics are approximately 73,500 residential customers that would have been disconnected under our normal collection policies, but were not due to certain state mandates in place.
(b)Customer relationships include the number of customers that receive one or more levels of service, encompassing Internet, video and voice services, without regard to which service(s) such customers receive. Customers who reside in residential multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) and that are billed under bulk contracts are counted based on the number of billed units within each bulk MDU. Total customer relationships exclude enterprise and mobile-only customer relationships.
(c)Monthly residential revenue per residential customer is calculated as total residential quarterly revenue divided by three divided by average residential customer relationships during the respective quarter and excludes mobile revenue and customers.
(d)Monthly SMB revenue per SMB customer is calculated as total SMB quarterly revenue divided by three divided by average SMB customer relationships during the respective quarter and excludes mobile revenue and customers.
(e)Mobile lines include phones and tablets which require one of our standard rate plans (e.g., "Unlimited" or "By the Gig"). Mobile lines exclude wearables and other devices that do not require standard phone rate plans.
(f)Enterprise PSUs represent the aggregate number of fiber service offerings counting each separate service offering at each customer location as an individual PSU.


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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and the means by which we develop estimates therefore, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes from the critical accounting policies described in our Form 10-K.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of operations for the periods presented (dollars in millions, except per share data):

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
RevenuesRevenues$12,802 $11,696 $25,324 $23,434 Revenues$13,146 $12,039 $38,470 $35,473 
Costs and Expenses:Costs and Expenses:Costs and Expenses:
Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)7,882 7,297 15,593 14,729 Operating costs and expenses (exclusive of items shown separately below)7,958 7,483 23,551 22,212 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization2,354��2,428 4,795 4,925 Depreciation and amortization2,270 2,370 7,065 7,295 
Other operating (income) expenses, netOther operating (income) expenses, net(9)293 Other operating (income) expenses, net(9)14 284 23 
10,227 9,727 20,681 19,663 10,219 9,867 30,900 29,530 
Income from operationsIncome from operations2,575 1,969 4,643 3,771 Income from operations2,927 2,172 7,570 5,943 
Other Income (Expenses):Other Income (Expenses):Other Income (Expenses):
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net(1,004)(957)(1,987)(1,937)Interest expense, net(1,016)(946)(3,003)(2,883)
Other income (expenses), net(132)30 (80)(296)
Other expenses, netOther expenses, net(157)(117)(237)(413)
(1,136)(927)(2,067)(2,233)(1,173)(1,063)(3,240)(3,296)
Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes1,439 1,042 2,576 1,538 Income before income taxes1,754 1,109 4,330 2,647 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense(281)(166)(497)(195)Income tax expense(347)(177)(844)(372)
Consolidated net incomeConsolidated net income1,158 876 2,079 1,343 Consolidated net income1,407 932 3,486 2,275 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestsLess: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(138)(110)(252)(181)Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(190)(118)(442)(299)
Net income attributable to Charter shareholdersNet income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,020 $766 $1,827 $1,162 Net income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,217 $814 $3,044 $1,976 
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHARTER SHAREHOLDERS:
BasicBasic$5.48 $3.72 $9.69 $5.62 Basic$6.69 $4.01 $16.33 $9.62 
DilutedDiluted$5.29 $3.63 $9.37 $5.48 Diluted$6.50 $3.90 $15.78 $9.35 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basicWeighted average common shares outstanding, basic185,916,505 205,777,438 188,645,356 206,804,371 Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic181,925,180 202,826,502 186,380,681 205,468,736 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, dilutedWeighted average common shares outstanding, diluted199,077,390 210,906,946 202,458,265 212,158,218 Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted187,166,071 208,722,129 197,316,667 211,399,781 

Revenues. Total revenues grew $1.1 billion and $1.9$3.0 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020 primarily due to increases in the number of residential Internet, mobile and mobilecommercial customers and price adjustments and an increase in advertising sales.adjustments.

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Revenues by service offering were as follows (dollars in millions; all percentages are calculated using whole numbers. Minor differences may exist due to rounding):

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020% Change20212020% Change20212020% Change20212020% Change
InternetInternet$5,221 $4,530 15.2 %$10,307 $8,937 15.3 %Internet$5,363 $4,722 13.6 %$15,670 $13,659 14.7 %
VideoVideo4,378 4,371 0.2 %8,722 8,793 (0.8)%Video4,502 4,221 6.7 %13,224 13,014 1.6 %
VoiceVoice394 451 (12.7)%793 908 (12.7)%Voice409 449 (8.8)%1,202 1,357 (11.4)%
Residential revenueResidential revenue9,993 9,352 6.8 %19,822 18,638 6.3 %Residential revenue10,274 9,392 9.4 %30,096 28,030 7.4 %
Small and medium businessSmall and medium business1,042 983 6.0 %2,054 1,979 3.8 %Small and medium business1,062 988 7.5 %3,116 2,967 5.0 %
EnterpriseEnterprise636 606 5.1 %1,274 1,228 3.8 %Enterprise656 617 6.4 %1,930 1,845 4.7 %
Commercial revenueCommercial revenue1,678 1,589 5.6 %3,328 3,207 3.8 %Commercial revenue1,718 1,605 7.1 %5,046 4,812 4.9 %
Advertising salesAdvertising sales411 249 65.1 %755 614 23.0 %Advertising sales391 460 (15.1)%1,146 1,074 6.6 %
MobileMobile519 310 67.5 %1,011 568 78.0 %Mobile535 368 45.4 %1,546 936 65.2 %
OtherOther201 196 2.8 %408 407 0.3 %Other228 214 6.5 %636 621 2.4 %
$12,802 $11,696 9.5 %$25,324 $23,434 8.1 %$13,146 $12,039 9.2 %$38,470 $35,473 8.4 %

The increase in Internet revenues from our residential customers is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changesIncrease related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes$404 $728 Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes$415 $1,139 
Increase in average residential Internet customersIncrease in average residential Internet customers287 642 Increase in average residential Internet customers226 872 
$691 $1,370 $641 $2,011 

The increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes was primarily due to price adjustments, promotional roll-off and higher bundled revenue allocation as well as $29 million of credits related to prior year's Keep Americans Connected ("KAC") Pledge which reduced revenue during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020. Residential Internet customers grew by 1,409,0001,158,000 customers from JuneSeptember 30, 2020 to JuneSeptember 30, 2021.

Video revenues consist primarily of revenues from basic and digital video services provided to our residential customers, as well as franchise fees, equipment service fees and video installation revenue. The change in video revenues is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Customer credits estimated in 2020 due to COVID-19Customer credits estimated in 2020 due to COVID-19$218 $262 
Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changesIncrease related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes156 136 
Decrease in average residential video customersDecrease in average residential video customers$(39)$(40)Decrease in average residential video customers(92)(137)
Decrease in video on demand and pay-per-viewDecrease in video on demand and pay-per-view(17)(37)Decrease in video on demand and pay-per-view(1)(38)
Decrease in installationDecrease in installation(3)(13)Decrease in installation— (13)
Increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes66 19 
$$(71)$281 $210 


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Residential video customers decreased by 232,000 from JuneWe recorded $218 million of estimated customer credits related to canceled sporting events which reduced revenue during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and $44 million of credits related to Juneprior year's KAC program which reduced revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2021.2020. The increase related to rate, product mix and bundle allocation changes was primarily due to $44 million of credits related to prior year's KAC program which reduced revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 as well as price adjustments and promotional roll-off and was partly offset by a higher mix of lower cost video packages within our video customer base and lower bundled revenue allocation. Residential video customers decreased by 418,000 from September 30, 2020 to September 30, 2021.

The decrease in voice revenues from our residential customers is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Decrease related to rate and bundle allocation changesDecrease related to rate and bundle allocation changes$(43)$(90)Decrease related to rate and bundle allocation changes$(17)$(107)
Decrease in average residential voice customersDecrease in average residential voice customers(14)(25)Decrease in average residential voice customers(23)(48)
$(57)$(115)$(40)$(155)
-

The decrease related to rate and bundle allocation changes was impacted by value-based pricing and changes in bundled revenue allocations. Residential wireline voice customers decreased by 384,000551,000 customers from JuneSeptember 30, 2020 to JuneSeptember 30, 2021.

The increase in SMB revenues is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Increase in SMB customersIncrease in SMB customers$57 $106 Increase in SMB customers$58 $162 
Increase related to COVID-19 programs which reduced prior year revenueIncrease related to COVID-19 programs which reduced prior year revenue17 13 Increase related to COVID-19 programs which reduced prior year revenue11 24 
Decrease related to rate and product mix changes(15)(44)
Increase (decrease) related to rate and product mix changesIncrease (decrease) related to rate and product mix changes(37)
$59 $75 $74 $149 

SMB customers grew by 124,000105,000 from JuneSeptember 30, 2020 to JuneSeptember 30, 2021. The decrease related to rate and product mix changes during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 was primarily due to value-based pricing related to Spectrum pricing and packaging ("SPP") net of promotional roll-off and price adjustments.

Enterprise revenues increased $30$39 million and $46$85 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020 primarily due to an increase in Internet PSUs, as well as $18 million of impacts from COVID-19 related programs which reduced revenues in the nine months ended September 30, 2020 as well as a $16 million one-time benefit incurred during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 20202021 offset by lower wholesale PSUs. Enterprise PSUs increased 10,00012,000 from JuneSeptember 30, 2020 to JuneSeptember 30, 2021.

Advertising sales revenues consist primarily of revenues from commercial advertising customers, programmers and other vendors, as well as local cable and advertising on regional sports and news channels. Advertising sales revenues increased $162 million and $141decreased $69 million during the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 respectively, as compared to the corresponding periodsperiod in 2020 primarily due to a decrease in political revenue partially offset by an increase in advanced advertising revenue. Advertising sales revenues increased $72 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020 primarily due to an increase in advanced advertising revenues and local and national advertising revenues as well as the impacts of COVID-19 that lowered revenues in 2020 offset by a decrease in political revenue.political.

During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, mobile revenues represented approximately $214$201 million and $442$643 million of device revenues, respectively, and approximately $305$334 million and $569$903 million of service revenues,

29


respectively. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, mobile revenues represented approximately $158$172 million and $289$461 million of device revenues, respectively, and approximately $152$196 million and $279$475 million of service revenues, respectively. The increases in revenues are a result of an increase of 1,243,0001,124,000 mobile lines from JuneSeptember 30, 2020 to JuneSeptember 30, 2021.


27


Other revenues consist of revenue from regional sports and news channels (excluding intercompany charges or advertising sales on those channels), home shopping, late payment fees, video device sales, wire maintenance fees and other miscellaneous revenues. Other revenues increased $5$14 million and $1$15 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020.2020 primarily due to an increase in late payment fees and sales of video devices.

Operating costs and expenses. The increase in our operating costs and expenses, exclusive of items shown separately in the consolidated statements of operations, are attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
ProgrammingProgramming$105 $201 Programming$256 $457 
Regulatory, connectivity and produced contentRegulatory, connectivity and produced content180 229 Regulatory, connectivity and produced content22 251 
Costs to service customersCosts to service customers(21)(65)Costs to service customers(3)(68)
MarketingMarketing22 Marketing— 
MobileMobile173 371 Mobile151 522 
OtherOther126 121 Other49 170 
$585 $864 $475 $1,339 

Programming costs were approximately $3.0 billion and $6.0$8.9 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, representing 37% and 38% of total operating costs and expenses, respectively, and $2.7 billion and $8.5 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively, representing 36% and 38% of total operating costs and expense, for both time periods, and $2.9 billion and $5.8 billion for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively, representing 39% of total operating costs and expense for both time periods.respectively. Programming costs consist primarily of costs paid to programmers for basic, digital, premium, video on demand, and pay-per-view programming. Programming costs increased as a result of $163 million of estimated rebates from sports programming networks as a result of canceled sporting events due to COVID-19 which reduced programming costs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, as well as contractual rate adjustments, including renewals and increases in amounts paid for retransmission consent offset by fewer customers and a higher mix of lower cost video packages within our video customer base. We expect programming rates per customer will continue to increase due to a variety of factors, including annual increases imposed by programmers with additional selling power as a result of media and broadcast station groups consolidation, increased demands by owners of broadcast stations for payment for retransmission consent or linking carriage of other services to retransmission consent, and additional programming. We have been unable to fully pass these increases on to our customers and do not expect to be able to do so in the future without a potential loss of customers.

Regulatory, connectivity and produced content increased $180$22 million and $229$251 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020. The increase during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020 is primarily due to higher sports rights costs as a result of more basketballNational Basketball Association ("NBA") and baseballMajor League Baseball ("MLB") games during the first half of 2021 as compared to the corresponding period in 2020 as the prior period had postponementcancelation of MLB games and the current period had additional games due to the delayed start of the 2020 - 2021 NBA season as a result of COVID-19.

Costs to service customers decreased $21$3 million and $65$68 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020 despite 4.2%3.3% customer growthgrowth. The decrease during the nine months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 was primarily due to fewer transactions and a decrease in bad debt expense partly driven by government stimulus packages offset by the higher labor costs associated with our commitment to a minimum $20 per hour wage in 2022.

Mobile costs of $586$607 million and $1.8 billion for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively, and $456 million and $1.2 billion for the three and sixnine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $413 million and $787 million for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, were comprised of mobile

30


device costs and mobile service, customer acquisition and operating costs. The increase is attributable to an increase in the number of mobile lines.


28


The increase in other expense is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Corporate costsCorporate costs$53 $26 Corporate costs$27 $53 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense15 69 
Property tax and insuranceProperty tax and insurance
EnterpriseEnterprise15 
Advertising sales expenseAdvertising sales expense51 34 Advertising sales expense(17)17 
Stock compensation expense10 54 
Enterprise
Property tax and insurance(4)
OtherOtherOther11 
$126 $121 $49 $170 

Corporate costs increased during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding prior periods primarily due to higher labor costs. Advertising sales expense increased due to higher cost of sales fees driven by higher revenue. Stock compensation expense increased during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 primarily due to changes in certain equity award provisions that result in additional expense at the time of grant. Advertising sales expense decreased during the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020 due to lower cost of sales fees driven by lower political revenue offset by higher labor costs.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $74$100 million and $130$230 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020 primarily due to a decrease in depreciation and amortization as certain assets acquired in acquisitions becomebecoming fully depreciated offset by an increase in depreciation as a result of more recent capital expenditures.

Other operating (income) expenses, net. The change in other operating (income) expenses, net is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Special charges, netSpecial charges, net$(12)$227 Special charges, net$(35)$192 
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net57 (Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net12 69 
$(11)$284 $(23)$261 

See Note 13 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements” for more information.

Interest expense, net. Net interest expense increased by $47$70 million and $50$120 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020. The increase in net interest expense is the result of an increase in weighted average debt outstanding of approximately $6.6$7.8 billion and $5.6$6.3 billion during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding periods in 2020 offset by reductions in weighted average interest rates. The increase in weighted average debt outstanding is primarily due to the issuance of notes throughout 2020 and 2021 for general corporate purposes including stock buybacks and debt repayments.


2931


Other income (expenses),expenses, net. The change in other income (expenses),expenses, net is attributable to the following (dollars in millions):

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)$(10)$(12)Loss on extinguishment of debt (see Note 6)$(11)$(23)
Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)(155)211 Gain (loss) on financial instruments, net (see Note 9)(133)78 
Other pension benefits, net (see Note 21)162 170 
Net periodic pension benefits (see Note 21)Net periodic pension benefits (see Note 21)100 270 
Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)(159)(153)Loss on equity investments, net (see Note 3)(149)
$(162)$216 $(40)$176 

See Note 14 and the Notes referenced above to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements” for more information.

Income tax expense. We recognized income tax expense of $281$347 million and $497$844 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $166$177 million and $195$372 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. The increase is primarily a result of higher pretax income. For more information, see Note 16 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest for financial reporting purposes represents A/N’s portion of Charter Holdings’ net income based on its effective common unit ownership interest and the preferred dividend of $32$70 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021, and $37 million and $70$112 million for the three and sixnine months ended June 30, 2021, respectively, and $37 million and $75 million for the three and six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. For more information, see Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

Net income attributable to Charter shareholders. Net income attributable to Charter shareholders increased from $766$814 million and $1.2$2.0 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, to $1.0$1.2 billion and $1.8$3.0 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, primarily as a result of the factors described above.

Use of Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow

We use certain measures that are not defined by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") to evaluate various aspects of our business. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are non-GAAP financial measures and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income attributable to Charter shareholders and net cash flows from operating activities reported in accordance with GAAP. These terms, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow are reconciled to net income attributable to Charter shareholders and net cash flows from operating activities, respectively, below.

Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the significant non-cash depreciation and amortization expense that results from the capital-intensive nature of our businesses as well as other non-cash or special items, and is unaffected by our capital structure or investment activities. However, this measure is limited in that it does not reflect the periodic costs of certain capitalized tangible and intangible assets used in generating revenues and our cash cost of financing. These costs are evaluated through other financial measures.

Free cash flow is defined as net cash flows from operating activities, less capital expenditures and changes in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures.

Management and Charter’s board of directors use Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to assess our performance and our ability to service our debt, fund operations and make additional investments with internally generated funds. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA generally correlates to the leverage ratio calculation under our credit facilities or outstanding notes to determine compliance with the covenants contained in the facilities and notes (all such documents have been previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)). For the purpose of calculating compliance with leverage covenants, we use Adjusted EBITDA, as presented, excluding certain expenses paid by our operating subsidiaries to other Charter entities. Our debt covenants refer to these expenses as management fees, which were $365$337 million and $642$979 million for

3032


the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $308 million and $619$927 million for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow to net income attributable to Charter shareholders and net cash flows from operating activities, respectively, is as follows (dollars in millions).

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Net income attributable to Charter shareholdersNet income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,020 $766 $1,827 $1,162 Net income attributable to Charter shareholders$1,217 $814 $3,044 $1,976 
Plus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interestPlus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest138 110 252 181 Plus: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest190 118 442 299 
Interest expense, netInterest expense, net1,004 957 1,987 1,937 Interest expense, net1,016 946 3,003 2,883 
Income tax expenseIncome tax expense281 166 497 195 Income tax expense347 177 844 372 
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization2,354 2,428 4,795 4,925 Depreciation and amortization2,270 2,370 7,065 7,295 
Stock compensation expenseStock compensation expense100 90 234 180 Stock compensation expense98 83 332 263 
Other (income) expenses, net123 (28)373 305 
Other expenses, netOther expenses, net148 131 521 436 
Adjusted EBITDAAdjusted EBITDA$5,020 $4,489 $9,965 $8,885 Adjusted EBITDA$5,286 $4,639 $15,251 $13,524 
Net cash flows from operating activitiesNet cash flows from operating activities$3,999 $3,529 $7,750 $6,749 Net cash flows from operating activities$4,263 $3,664 $12,013 $10,413 
Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipmentLess: Purchases of property, plant and equipment(1,881)(1,877)(3,702)(3,338)Less: Purchases of property, plant and equipment(1,861)(2,014)(5,563)(5,352)
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expendituresChange in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures(50)214 (125)(174)Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures74 104 (51)(70)
Free cash flowFree cash flow$2,068 $1,866 $3,923 $3,237 Free cash flow$2,476 $1,754 $6,399 $4,991 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Introduction

This section contains a discussion of our liquidity and capital resources, including a discussion of our cash position, sources and uses of cash, access to credit facilities and other financing sources, historical financing activities, cash needs, capital expenditures and outstanding debt.

Recent Events

In March 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.500% senior secured notes due June 2041 at a price of 99.544% of the aggregate principal amount, $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.900% senior secured notes due June 2052 at a price of 99.951% of the aggregate principal amount and an additional $500 million aggregate principal amount of 3.850% senior secured notes due April 2061 at a price of 94.668% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness, including $750 million of CCO Holdings, LLC's ("CCO Holdings") 5.750% notes due February 2026.

In April 2021, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $1.0 billion of 4.500% senior unsecured notes due June 2033 at par, and in June 2021, an additional $750 million of the same series of notes was issued at a price of 99.250% of the aggregate principal amount. The net proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including to fund potential buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units, to repay certain indebtedness and to pay related fees and expenses.

In June 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. issued an additional $1.4 billion of 3.900% senior secured notes due June 2052 priced at 95.578% of the aggregate principal amount and $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.400% senior secured notes due December 2061 at a price of 99.906% of the aggregate principal amount. Net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness, including

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$500 million of CCO Holdings' 5.750% notes due February 2026, all of CCO Holdings' 5.875% notes due May 2027, and in July 2021, $1.0 billion of Time Warner Cable, LLC's 4.000% notes due September 2021.

In August 2021, CCO Holdings and CCO Holdings Capital Corp. jointly issued $2.0 billion of 4.250% senior unsecured notes due January 2034 at par. The net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including repaying $1.25 billion of CCO Holdings' 5.750% notes due February 2026 and $750 million of CCO Holdings' 5.500% notes due May 2026 as well as funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units.

In October 2021, Charter Operating and Charter Communications Operating Capital Corp. issued an $1.25 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.250% senior secured notes due January 2029 priced at 99.835% of the aggregate principal amount, $1.35 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.500% senior secured notes due March 2042 at a price of 99.253% of the aggregate principal amount and $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of 3.950% senior secured notes due June 2062 at a price of 99.186% of the aggregate principal amount. Net proceeds were used to pay related fees and expenses and for general corporate purposes, including funding buybacks of Charter Class A common stock and Charter Holdings common units as well as repaying certain indebtedness.

Overview of Our Contractual Obligations and Liquidity

We have significant amounts of debt. The principal amount of our debt as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 was $87.5$87.9 billion, consisting of $10.0$11.5 billion of credit facility debt, $53.6$52.5 billion of investment grade senior secured notes and $24.0 billion of high-yield senior unsecured notes. Our business requires significant cash to fund principal and interest payments on our debt. 

Our projected cash needs and projected sources of liquidity depend upon, among other things, our actual results, and the timing and amount of our expenditures. As we continue to grow our mobile services, we expect an initial funding period to grow a new product as well as negative working capital impacts from the timing of device-related cash flows when we sell devices to customers pursuant to equipment installment plans. Further, in 2022, Charter expects to become a meaningful federal cash tax payer as the majority of net operating losses will have been utilized. Free cash flow was $2.1$2.5 billion and $3.9$6.4 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $1.9$1.8 billion and $3.2$5.0 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively. See table below for factors impacting free cash flow during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding prior periods. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, the amount available under our credit facilities was approximately $4.7$3.2 billion and cash on hand was approximately $1.7 billion.$466 million. We expect to utilize free cash flow, cash on hand and availability under our credit facilities as well as future refinancing transactions to further extend the maturities of our obligations. The timing and terms of any refinancing transactions will be subject to market conditions among other considerations. Additionally, we may, from time to time, and depending on market conditions and other factors, use cash on hand and the proceeds from securities offerings or other borrowings to retire our debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated purchases, tender offers or redemption provisions. We believe we have sufficient liquidity from cash on hand, free cash flow and Charter Operating’s revolving credit facility as well as access to the capital markets to fund our projected cash needs.

We continue to evaluate the deployment of our cash on hand and anticipated future free cash flow including to invest in our business growth and other strategic opportunities, including the expansion of our network such as through our Rural Digital Opportunity Fund ("RDOF") project and participation in other federal, state and municipal programs, the build-out and deployment of our CBRS spectrum, and mergers and acquisitions as well as stock repurchases and dividends. Charter's target leverage of net debt to the last twelve months Adjusted EBITDA remains at 4 to 4.5 times Adjusted EBITDA, and up to 3.5 times Adjusted EBITDA at the Charter Operating first lien level. Our leverage ratio was 4.44.3 times Adjusted EBITDA as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021. As Adjusted EBITDA grows, we expect to increase the total amount of our indebtedness to maintain leverage within Charter's target leverage range. Excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband Corporation (“Liberty Broadband”) discussed below, during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter purchased in the public market approximately 3.23.5 million and 7.911.5 million shares of Charter Class A common stock, respectively, for approximately $2.1$2.7 billion and $5.1$7.8 billion, respectively, and during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, Charter purchased approximately 2.05.5 million and 6.511.9 million shares of Charter Class A common stock, respectively, for approximately $1.0$3.3 billion and $3.2$6.5 billion, respectively. Since the beginning of its buyback program in September 2016 through JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter has purchased in the public market approximately 95.699.2 million shares of Class A common stock for approximately $39.7$42.4 billion.

In February 2021, Charter and Liberty Broadband entered into a letter agreement (the “LBB Letter Agreement”). The LBB Letter Agreement implements Liberty Broadband’s obligations under the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement with Charter, Liberty Broadband and Advance/Newhouse Partnership (“A/N”), dated as of May 23, 2015 (as amended, the “Stockholders

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“Stockholders Agreement”) to participate in share repurchases by Charter. Under the LBB Letter Agreement, Liberty Broadband will sell to Charter, generally on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter Class A common stock representing an amount sufficient for Liberty Broadband’s ownership of Charter to be reduced such that it does not exceed the ownership cap then applicable to Liberty Broadband under the Stockholders Agreement at a purchase price per share equal to the volume weighted average price per share paid by Charter for shares repurchased during such immediately preceding calendar month other than (i) purchases from A/N, (ii) purchases in privately negotiated transactions or (iii) purchases for the withholding of shares of Charter Class A common stock pursuant to equity compensation programs of Charter. Charter purchased from Liberty Broadband 1.91.2 million and 2.84.0 million shares of Charter Class A common stock for approximately $1.2 billion$880 million and $1.8$2.6 billion during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively. In JulyOctober 2021, Charter purchased from Liberty Broadband an additional 0.40.7 million shares of Charter Class A common stock for approximately $279$561 million.

In December 2016, Charter and A/N entered into a letter agreement, as amended in December 2017 (the "A/N Letter Agreement"), that requires A/N to sell to Charter or to Charter Holdings, on a monthly basis, a number of shares of Charter Class A common stock or Charter Holdings common units that represents a pro rata participation by A/N and its affiliates in

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any repurchases of shares of Charter Class A common stock from persons other than A/N effected by Charter during the immediately preceding calendar month, at a purchase price equal to the average price paid by Charter for the shares repurchased from persons other than A/N during such immediately preceding calendar month. A/N and Charter both have the right to terminate or suspend the pro rata repurchase arrangement on a prospective basis. During the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter Holdings purchased from A/N 0.90.6 million and 2.3 million Charter Holdings common units, respectively, for approximately $410 million and $1.5 billion, respectively, and during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, Charter Holdings purchased from A/N 0.6 million and 1.7 million Charter Holdings common units, respectively, for approximately $583$366 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, and during the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, Charter Holdings purchased from A/N 0.3 million and 1.1 million Charter Holdings common units, respectively, for approximately $125 million and $518$884 million, respectively.

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter had remaining board authority to purchase an additional $1.7$1.5 billion of Charter’s Class A common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units, excluding purchases from Liberty Broadband. Although Charter expects to continue to buy back its common stock consistent with its leverage target range, Charter is not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and the timing of any purchases that may occur cannot be predicted and will largely depend on market conditions and other potential uses of capital. Purchases may include open market purchases, tender offers or negotiated transactions.

As possible acquisitions, swaps or dispositions arise, we actively review them against our objectives including, among other considerations, improving the operational efficiency, geographic clustering of assets, product development or technology capabilities of our business and achieving appropriate return targets, and we may participate to the extent we believe these possibilities present attractive opportunities. However, there can be no assurance that we will actually complete any acquisitions, dispositions or system swaps, or that any such transactions will be material to our operations or results.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow increased $202$722 million and $686 million$1.4 billion during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, compared to the corresponding prior periods in 2020 due to the following (dollars in millions).

Three months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Six months ended
June 30, 2021
compared to
six months ended
June 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Three months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
three months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Nine months ended
September 30, 2021
compared to
nine months ended
September 30, 2020
Increase / (Decrease)
Increase in Adjusted EBITDAIncrease in Adjusted EBITDA$531 $1,080 Increase in Adjusted EBITDA$647 $1,727 
Decrease (increase) in capital expendituresDecrease (increase) in capital expenditures153 (211)
Changes in working capital, excluding change in accrued interestChanges in working capital, excluding change in accrued interest(275)20 Changes in working capital, excluding change in accrued interest(110)(90)
Increase in cash paid for interest, netIncrease in cash paid for interest, net(47)(24)Increase in cash paid for interest, net(7)(31)
Increase in capital expenditures(4)(364)
Other, netOther, net(3)(26)Other, net39 13 
$202 $686 $722 $1,408 

Free cash flow was reduced by $277$145 million and $461$606 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $233$265 million and $493$758 million during the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively, due to mobile with impacts negatively affecting working capital, capital expenditures and Adjusted EBITDA.

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Limitations on Distributions

Distributions by our subsidiaries to a parent company for payment of principal on parent company notes are restricted under CCO Holdings indentures and Charter Operating credit facilities governing our indebtedness, unless there is no default under the applicable indenture and credit facilities, and unless each applicable entity’s leverage ratio test is met at the time of such distribution. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, there was no default under any of these indentures or credit facilities, and each applicable entity met its applicable leverage ratio tests based on JuneSeptember 30, 2021 financial results. There can be no assurance that they will satisfy these tests at the time of the contemplated distribution. Distributions by Charter Operating for payment of principal on parent company (CCO Holdings) notes are further restricted by the covenants in its credit facilities.

However, without regard to leverage, during any calendar year or any portion thereof during which the borrower is a flow-through entity for tax purposes, and so long as no event of default exists, the borrower may make distributions to the equity interests of the borrower in an amount sufficient to make permitted tax payments.

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In addition to the limitation on distributions under the various indentures, distributions by our subsidiaries may be limited by applicable law, including the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, under which our subsidiaries may only make distributions if they have “surplus” as defined in the act.

Historical Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities

Cash and Cash Equivalents. We held $1.7 billion$466 million and $1.0 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $1.0$1.6 billion during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, primarily due to an increase in Adjusted EBITDA of $1.1$1.7 billion.

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $4.0$5.8 billion and $3.6$5.6 billion for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in cash used was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures.

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities decreased $1.5 billion$303 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 due to an increase in the amount by which borrowings of long-term debt exceeded repayments offset by an increase in the purchase of treasury stock and noncontrolling interest.

Capital Expenditures

We have significant ongoing capital expenditure requirements.  Capital expenditures were $1.9 billion and $3.7$5.6 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, respectively, and $1.9$2.0 billion and $3.3$5.4 billion for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020, respectively.  The increase during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2020 was primarily due to an increase in scalable infrastructure driven by augmentation of network capacity for customer growth and usage, with incremental spending to reclaim network headroom maintained prior to COVID-19, and higher line extensions driven by continued network expansion, including to rural areas.COVID-19. See the table below for more details.
 
We currently expect 2021 cable capital expenditures excluding RDOF investments, to be relatively consistent as a percentage of cable revenue versus 2020. The actual amount of our capital expenditures in 2021 will depend on a number of factors including further spend related to product development and growth rates of both our residential and commercial businesses.

Our capital expenditures are funded primarily from cash flows from operating activities and borrowings on our credit facility. In addition, our accrued liabilities related to capital expenditures decreased by $125$51 million and $174$70 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The following tables present our major capital expenditures categories in accordance with National Cable and Telecommunications Association (“NCTA”) disclosure guidelines for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and

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2020. These disclosure guidelines are not required disclosures under GAAP, nor do they impact our accounting for capital expenditures under GAAP (dollars in millions):

Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
20212020202120202021202020212020
Customer premise equipment (a)Customer premise equipment (a)$494 $518 $983 $981 Customer premise equipment (a)$513 $520 $1,496 $1,501 
Scalable infrastructure (b)Scalable infrastructure (b)437 385 848 555 Scalable infrastructure (b)375 424 1,223 979 
Line extensions (c)Line extensions (c)400 422 799 765 Line extensions (c)392 439 1,191 1,204 
Upgrade/rebuild (d)Upgrade/rebuild (d)161 155 306 284 Upgrade/rebuild (d)178 175 484 459 
Support capital (e)Support capital (e)389 397 766 753 Support capital (e)403 456 1,169 1,209 
Total capital expendituresTotal capital expenditures$1,881 $1,877 $3,702 $3,338 Total capital expenditures$1,861 $2,014 $5,563 $5,352 
Capital expenditures included in total related to:Capital expenditures included in total related to:Capital expenditures included in total related to:
Commercial servicesCommercial services$397 $323 $730 $584 Commercial services$353 $358 $1,083 $942 
MobileMobile$124 $125 $236 $212 Mobile$119 $139 $355 $351 


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(a)Customer premise equipment includes costs incurred at the customer residence to secure new customers and revenue generating units, including customer installation costs and customer premise equipment (e.g., digital receivers and cable modems).
(b)Scalable infrastructure includes costs not related to customer premise equipment, to secure growth of new customers and revenue generating units, or provide service enhancements (e.g., headend equipment).
(c)Line extensions include network costs associated with entering new service areas (e.g., fiber/coaxial cable, amplifiers, electronic equipment, make-ready and design engineering).
(d)Upgrade/rebuild includes costs to modify or replace existing fiber/coaxial cable networks, including betterments.
(e)Support capital includes costs associated with the replacement or enhancement of non-network assets due to technological and physical obsolescence (e.g., non-network equipment, land, buildings and vehicles).

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 22 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards.

Item 3.     Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We use derivative instruments to manage foreign exchange risk on the Sterling Notes, and do not hold or issue derivative instruments for speculative trading purposes.

Cross-currency derivative instruments are used to effectively convert £1.275 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed-rate British pound sterling denominated debt, including annual interest payments and the payment of principal at maturity, to fixed-rate U.S. dollar denominated debt. The cross-currency derivative instruments have maturities of June 2031 and July 2042. We are required to post collateral on the cross-currency derivative instruments when such instruments are in a liability position. In April 2019, we entered into a collateral holiday agreement for 60% of both the 2031 and 2042 cross-currency swaps, which eliminates the requirement to post collateral for three years, as well as a ten year collateral cap on the remaining 40% of the cross-currency swaps which limits the required collateral posting on that 40% of the cross-currency swaps to $150 million. In March 2021, the collateral holiday for 20% of the swaps was extended to November 2022 in consideration for our agreement to post collateral over a threshold amount on that 20% portion of the swaps from March 2021 through October 2021. The fair value of our cross-currency derivatives included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets was $317 million and $184 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For more information, see Note 9 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements.”

As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the weighted average interest rate on credit facility debt was approximately 1.7%1.6% and 1.7%, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate on the senior notes was approximately 4.9%5.0% and 5.1%, respectively, resulting in a blended weighted average interest rate of 4.6%4.5% and 4.7%, respectively. The interest rate on approximately 88%86% and 87% of the total principal amount of our debt was effectively fixed as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

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The table set forth below summarizes the fair values and contract terms of financial instruments subject to interest rate risk maintained by us as of JuneSeptember 30, 2021 (dollars in millions).

20212022202320242025ThereafterTotalFair Value20212022202320242025ThereafterTotalFair Value
Debt:Debt:Debt:
Fixed-RateFixed-Rate$1,000 $3,000 $1,500 $1,100 $4,500 $65,514 $76,614 $87,032 Fixed-Rate$— $3,000 $1,500 $1,100 $4,500 $65,468 $75,568 $84,954 
Average Interest RateAverage Interest Rate4.00 %4.46 %6.92 %4.50 %4.91 %5.04 %5.02 %Average Interest Rate— %4.46 %6.92 %4.50 %4.91 %4.99 %5.00 %
Variable RateVariable Rate$139 $277 $436 $1,165 $5,320 $3,575 $10,912 $10,889 Variable Rate$69 $277 $436 $1,165 $6,858 $3,575 $12,380 $12,354 
Average Interest RateAverage Interest Rate1.48 %1.60 %2.09 %2.71 %2.90 %3.48 %2.99 %Average Interest Rate1.57 %1.62 %2.19 %2.80 %2.93 %3.55 %3.03 %

Interest rates on variable-rate debt are estimated using the average implied forward LIBOR for the year of maturity based on the yield curve in effect at JuneSeptember 30, 2021 including applicable bank spread.

Item 4.     Controls and Procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our design and operation of disclosure controls and procedures with respect to the information generated for use in this quarterly report. The

35


evaluation was based upon reports and certifications provided by a number of executives. Based on, and as of the date of that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurances that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based upon the evaluation, we believe that our controls provide such reasonable assurances.

During the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings.

See Note 20 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Item 1. Financial Statements” for Legal Proceedings.

Item 1A.     Risk Factors.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 includes "Risk Factors" under Item 1A of Part I. There have been no material changes from the updated risk factors described in our Form 10-K.

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table presents Charter’s purchases of equity securities completed during the secondthird quarter of 2021 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts):

Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
April 1 - 30, 20211,947,864$627.851,858,684$1,322
May 1 - 31, 20212,070,063$670.051,845,671$2,080
June 1 - 30, 20211,498,385$689.091,442,902$1,656
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (2)
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)
July 1 - 31, 20211,192,184$711.341,176,570$2,030
August 1 - 31, 20211,450,315$765.841,276,287$3,009
September 1 - 30, 20212,318,253$775.672,285,985$1,537

(1)Includes 89,180, 224,39215,614, 174,028 and 55,48332,268 shares withheld from employees for the payment of taxes and exercise costs upon the exercise of stock options or vesting of other equity awards for the months of April, MayJuly, August and JuneSeptember 2021, respectively.
(2)During the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter purchased approximately 5.14.7 million shares of its Class A common stock for approximately $3.4$3.6 billion, which includes 1.91.2 million Charter class A common shares purchased from Liberty Broadband pursuant to the LBB Letter Agreement at an average price per unit of $645.63,$733.20, or $1.2$0.9 billion. Charter Holdings purchased 0.90.6 million Charter Holdings common units from A/N at an average price per unit of $639.28,$724.50, or $583$410 million, during the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2021, Charter had remaining board authority to purchase an additional $1.7$1.5 billion of Charter’s Class A common stock and/or Charter Holdings common units. In addition to open market purchases including pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 plans adopted from time to time, Charter may also buy shares of Charter Class A common stock, from time to time, pursuant to private transactions outside of its Rule 10b5-1 plan and any such repurchases may also trigger the repurchases from A/N pursuant to and to the extent provided in the A/N Letter Agreement or Liberty Broadband pursuant to the LBB Letter Agreement.

Item 5.Other Information.

On July 27, 2021, Charter entered into an amended and restated employment agreement (the “Agreement”) with David G. Ellen, Charter’s Senior Executive Vice President.

The Agreement, which is effective as of July 1, 2021, has a term ending July 1, 2023 (or upon an earlier termination of employment) and provides that Mr. Ellen will continue to serve as Senior Executive Vice President. The Agreement provides that Mr. Ellen will receive an annual base salary of at least $1,250,000 and a target annual cash bonus opportunity of 160% of his annual base salary. Mr. Ellen will also continue to participate in Charter’s employee benefit plans and receive perquisites as generally provided to other senior executives of Charter.

In addition, consistent with Mr. Ellen’s prior employment agreement, Charter will continue to reimburse Mr. Ellen for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance of his duties. Mr. Ellen is also entitled to use the company aircraft for up to 30 hours of discretionary personal use per calendar year (without carryover).

If the employment of Mr. Ellen is terminated involuntarily by Charter without cause or by him for good reason, he would be entitled to (a) a cash severance payment equal to the product of 2.0 multiplied by the sum of his annual base salary and target

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annual bonus opportunity for the year in which the termination occurs, (b) a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination, determined based on actual performance, (c) a cash payment equal to the cost of COBRA coverage for 24 months following termination and (d) up to 12 months of executive-level outplacement services.

In the event of the termination of Mr. Ellen’s employment due to death or disability or if Charter does not renew the Agreement and Mr. Ellen terminates his employment during the year following the non-renewal, in addition to payment of amounts earned but unpaid and reimbursement of expenses through the date of termination, he would be eligible for a prorated annual bonus for the year of termination, determined based on actual performance.

The termination benefits described above are subject to Mr. Ellen’s execution of a release of claims in favor of Charter and its affiliates. In addition, Mr. Ellen has agreed to comply with covenants (a) concerning nondisclosure of confidential information, assignment of intellectual property and nondisparagement of Charter, (b) concerning noncompetition for two years following termination, and (c) concerning nonsolicitation of customers and employees of Charter for one year following termination.

A copy of the Agreement is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.4. The foregoing description of the Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of that document.

Item 6.     Exhibits.

See Exhibit Index.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Charter Communications, Inc. has duly caused this quarterly report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
Registrant
By:/s/ Kevin D. Howard
Kevin D. Howard
Date: July 30,October 29, 2021Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller


S-1



Exhibit Index
ExhibitDescription
  
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101
The following financial information from Charter Communications, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2021, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30,October 29, 2021, formatted in iXBRL (inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
104Cover Page, formatted in iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.



E-1