SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO/VA/ - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
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 September 30, 2023 | |||||
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from__________ to __________ |
Commission File No.: 000-09881
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia | 54-1162807 | |||||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
500 Shentel Way, Edinburg, Virginia 22824
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(540) 984-4141
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock (No Par Value) | SHEN | NASDAQ Global Select Market | 50,264,466 | ||||||||
(Title of Class) | (Trading Symbol) | (Name of Exchange on which Registered) | (The number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding on October 26, 2023) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | 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. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐ No ☒
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
INDEX
Page Numbers | ||||||||||||||
PART I. | FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |||||||||||||
Item 1. | Financial Statements | |||||||||||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | ||||||||||||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||||||||
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | ||||||||||||||
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |||||||||||||
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | |||||||||||||
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | |||||||||||||
PART II. | OTHER INFORMATION | |||||||||||||
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | |||||||||||||
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |||||||||||||
Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | |||||||||||||
Item 5. | Other Information | |||||||||||||
Item 6. | Exhibits | |||||||||||||
Signatures | ||||||||||||||
2
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
ASSETS | |||||||||||
Current assets: | |||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 35,966 | $ | 44,061 | |||||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $767 and $776, respectively | 18,851 | 20,615 | |||||||||
Income taxes receivable | 4,647 | 29,755 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 14,394 | 11,509 | |||||||||
Current assets held for sale | 596 | 22,622 | |||||||||
Total current assets | 74,454 | 128,562 | |||||||||
Investments | 12,918 | 12,971 | |||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | 822,494 | 687,553 | |||||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets, net | 81,187 | 81,515 | |||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 51,832 | 53,859 | |||||||||
Deferred charges and other assets | 15,825 | 13,259 | |||||||||
Total assets | $ | 1,058,710 | $ | 977,719 | |||||||
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
Current maturities of long-term debt, net of unamortized loan fees | $ | 2,412 | $ | 648 | |||||||
Accounts payable | 43,360 | 49,173 | |||||||||
Advanced billings and customer deposits | 13,120 | 12,425 | |||||||||
Accrued compensation | 10,640 | 9,616 | |||||||||
Current operating lease liabilities | 3,126 | 2,829 | |||||||||
Accrued liabilities and other | 11,763 | 17,906 | |||||||||
Current liabilities held for sale | — | 3,824 | |||||||||
Total current liabilities | 84,421 | 96,421 | |||||||||
Long-term debt, less current maturities, net of unamortized loan fees | 147,494 | 74,306 | |||||||||
Other long-term liabilities: | |||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 88,938 | 84,600 | |||||||||
Asset retirement obligations | 9,942 | 9,932 | |||||||||
Benefit plan obligations | 3,972 | 3,758 | |||||||||
Non-current operating lease liabilities | 49,502 | 50,477 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | 20,078 | 20,218 | |||||||||
Total other long-term liabilities | 172,432 | 168,985 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) | |||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity: | |||||||||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 96,000; 50,264 and 50,110 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively | — | — | |||||||||
Additional paid in capital | 65,118 | 57,453 | |||||||||
Retained earnings | 586,003 | 580,554 | |||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes | 3,242 | — | |||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 654,363 | 638,007 | |||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,058,710 | $ | 977,719 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||||||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 71,842 | $ | 66,924 | $ | 214,869 | $ | 197,359 | ||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services exclusive of depreciation and amortization | 27,751 | 27,477 | 80,394 | 80,572 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 24,402 | 22,227 | 76,702 | 69,152 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | — | 641 | — | 1,031 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 1,532 | 477 | 2,552 | 4,884 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16,670 | 17,873 | 48,637 | 47,008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 70,355 | 68,695 | 208,285 | 202,647 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 1,487 | (1,771) | 6,584 | (5,288) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 826 | (1,208) | 2,120 | (1,967) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 2,313 | (2,979) | 8,704 | (7,255) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | 720 | (251) | 3,255 | (699) | |||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,593 | $ | (2,728) | $ | 5,449 | $ | (6,556) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized income on interest rate hedge, net of tax | 1,115 | — | 3,242 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 2,708 | $ | (2,728) | $ | 8,691 | $ | (6,556) | |||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) per share, basic and diluted: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.05) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.13) | |||||||||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.05) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.13) | |||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic | 50,379 | 50,183 | 50,346 | 50,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted | 50,836 | 50,183 | 50,623 | 50,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares of Common Stock (no par value) | Additional Paid in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2023 | 50,264 | $ | 62,888 | $ | 584,410 | $ | 2,127 | $ | 649,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 1,593 | — | 1,593 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | — | 2,220 | — | — | 2,220 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued | — | 10 | — | — | 10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized income on interest rate hedge, net of tax | — | — | — | 1,115 | 1,115 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2023 | 50,264 | $ | 65,118 | $ | 586,003 | $ | 3,242 | $ | 654,363 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares of Common Stock (no par value) | Additional Paid in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2022 | 50,110 | $ | 57,453 | $ | 580,554 | $ | — | $ | 638,007 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | — | — | 5,449 | — | 5,449 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 220 | 8,950 | — | — | 8,950 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued | 1 | 32 | — | — | 32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares surrendered for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards | (67) | (1,317) | — | — | (1,317) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized income on interest rate hedge, net of tax | — | — | — | 3,242 | 3,242 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2023 | 50,264 | $ | 65,118 | $ | 586,003 | $ | 3,242 | $ | 654,363 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares of Common Stock (no par value) | Additional Paid in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, June 30, 2022 | 50,077 | $ | 54,274 | $ | 589,096 | $ | — | $ | 643,370 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | (2,728) | — | (2,728) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 25 | 1,942 | — | — | 1,942 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued | — | 11 | — | — | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares surrendered for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards | (4) | (84) | — | — | (84) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2022 | 50,098 | $ | 56,143 | $ | 586,368 | $ | — | $ | 642,511 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares of Common Stock (no par value) | Additional Paid in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2021 | 49,965 | $ | 49,351 | $ | 592,924 | $ | — | $ | 642,275 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss | — | — | (6,556) | — | (6,556) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 176 | 7,751 | — | — | 7,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock issued | 1 | 27 | — | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares surrendered for settlement of employee taxes upon issuance of vested equity awards | (44) | (986) | — | — | (986) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, September 30, 2022 | 50,098 | $ | 56,143 | $ | 586,368 | $ | — | $ | 642,511 |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES | |||||||||||
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS | |||||||||||
(in thousands) | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 5,449 | $ | (6,556) | |||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 48,637 | 47,008 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense, net of amount capitalized | 8,364 | 7,299 | |||||||||
Impairment expense | 2,552 | 4,884 | |||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 3,211 | (1,374) | |||||||||
Bad debt expense | 1,837 | 1,252 | |||||||||
Gain on sale of FCC spectrum licenses | (1,328) | — | |||||||||
Other, net | 439 | 1,638 | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 1,407 | 1,157 | |||||||||
Current income taxes | 25,108 | 731 | |||||||||
Operating lease assets and liabilities, net | 512 | 618 | |||||||||
Other assets | 2,515 | (1,056) | |||||||||
Accounts payable | (3,431) | (608) | |||||||||
Other deferrals and accruals | (3,583) | 1,212 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 91,689 | 56,205 | |||||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
Capital expenditures | (190,354) | (132,357) | |||||||||
Proceeds from the sale of FCC spectrum licenses | 17,300 | — | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of investments | — | 793 | |||||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets and other | 566 | 922 | |||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (172,488) | (130,642) | |||||||||
Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings | 75,000 | 25,000 | |||||||||
Payments for debt issuance costs | (300) | — | |||||||||
Taxes paid for equity award issuances | (1,317) | (986) | |||||||||
Payments for financing arrangements and other | (679) | (888) | |||||||||
Net cash provided by financing activities | 72,704 | 23,126 | |||||||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (8,095) | (51,311) | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 44,061 | 84,344 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | $ | 35,966 | $ | 33,033 | |||||||
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information | |||||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 5,424 | $ | 243 | |||||||
Income tax refunds received, net | $ | 25,481 | $ | — |
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Other Information
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company and its subsidiaries (“Shentel”, “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”) provide broadband data, video and voice services to residential and commercial customers in portions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, via fiber optic and hybrid fiber coaxial cable networks. We also lease dark fiber and provide Ethernet and Wavelength fiber optic services to enterprise and wholesale customers throughout the entirety of our service area. The Company also provides voice and DSL telephone services to customers in Virginia’s Shenandoah County and portions of adjacent counties as a Rural Local Exchange Carrier (“RLEC”). These integrated networks are connected by a fiber network. All of these operations are contained within our Broadband reporting segment.
Our Tower segment owns 220 cell towers and leases colocation space on those towers to wireless communications providers.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X for interim financial information. All normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Certain disclosures normally included in annual consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures. On an on-going basis we evaluate significant estimates and assumptions, including, but not limited to, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, estimated useful lives of assets, impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, intangible assets subject to amortization, the computation of income taxes and the fair value of interest rate swaps. Future events and their effects cannot be predicted with certainty; accordingly, the Company’s accounting estimates require the exercise of judgment. The accounting estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements will change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired, as additional information is obtained, and as the Company’s operating environment changes. Management evaluates and updates assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
There have been no material developments related to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and note disclosures from those disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, that would be expected to impact the Company.
Note 2. Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Contract Assets
The Company’s contract assets primarily include commissions incurred to acquire contracts with customers. The Company incurs commission expenses related to in-house and third-party vendors which are capitalized and amortized over the expected customer benefit period which is approximately six years. The Company’s current contract assets are included in prepaid expenses and other and the Company’s non-current contract assets are included in deferred charges and other assets in its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Amortization of capitalized commission expenses is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
7
The following tables present the activity of current and non-current contract assets:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 8,742 | $ | 8,427 | $ | 8,646 | $ | 8,147 | |||||||||||||||
Commission payments | 755 | 983 | 2,439 | 2,630 | |||||||||||||||||||
Contract asset amortization | (822) | (729) | (2,410) | (2,096) | |||||||||||||||||||
Ending Balance | $ | 8,675 | $ | 8,681 | $ | 8,675 | $ | 8,681 |
Contract Liabilities
The Company’s contract liabilities include services that are billed in advance and recorded as deferred revenue, as well as installation fees that are charged upfront without transfer of commensurate goods or services to the customer. The Company’s current contract liabilities are included in advanced billings and customer deposits and the Company’s non-current contract liabilities are included in other liabilities in its unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Shentel’s current contract liability balances were $10.1 million and $9.5 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and Shentel’s non-current contract liability balances were $1.0 million and $1.9 million as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Shentel expects its current contract liability balances to be recognized within revenues during the twelve-month periods following the respective balance sheet dates and its non-current contract liability balances to be recognized within revenues after the twelve-month periods following the respective balance sheet dates.
Refer to Note 14, Segment Reporting, for a summary of the Company’s revenue streams.
Note 3. Investments
Investments consist of the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
SERP investments at fair value | $ | 2,027 | $ | 1,889 | |||||||
Cost method investments | 10,657 | 10,749 | |||||||||
Equity method investments | 234 | 333 | |||||||||
Total investments | $ | 12,918 | $ | 12,971 |
SERP Investments at Fair Value: The fair value of the SERP investments are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and are classified as Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. Changes to the investments’ fair value are presented in Other income (expense), while the reciprocal changes in the liability are presented in selling, general and administrative expense.
Cost Method Investments: Shentel’s investment in CoBank’s Class A common stock, derived from the CoBank patronage program, represented substantially all of the Company’s cost method investments with a balance of $10.0 million at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. We recognized approximately $0.1 million and $13.7 thousand of patronage income in other income (expense) for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and approximately $0.4 million and $40.5 thousand during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company expects that approximately 88% of the patronage distributions will be collected in cash and 12% in equity in 2023.
Equity Method Investments: At December 31, 2022, the Company had a 20.0% ownership interest in Valley Network Partnership (“ValleyNet”). During 2023, ValleyNet ceased operations and was dissolved. In April 2023, Shentel received a payment of $0.1 million, representing Shentel’s remaining capital in the partnership, and the investment balance was derecognized from Shentel’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. Prior to the commencement of dissolution proceedings, the Company and ValleyNet purchased capacity on one another’s fiber network, through related party transactions.
8
Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment consist of the following:
($ in thousands) | Estimated Useful Lives | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
Land | $ | 3,521 | $ | 3,722 | |||||||||||||
Land improvements | 10 years | 3,610 | 3,483 | ||||||||||||||
Buildings and structures | 10 - 45 years | 95,170 | 93,461 | ||||||||||||||
Cable and fiber | 15 - 30 years | 721,441 | 593,771 | ||||||||||||||
Equipment and software | 4 - 8 years | 323,422 | 317,347 | ||||||||||||||
Plant in service | 1,147,164 | 1,011,784 | |||||||||||||||
Plant under construction | 167,389 | 144,534 | |||||||||||||||
Total property, plant and equipment | 1,314,553 | 1,156,318 | |||||||||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (492,059) | (468,765) | |||||||||||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net | $ | 822,494 | $ | 687,553 |
Property, plant and equipment, net increases were primarily attributable to capital expenditures in the Broadband segment due to expansion of Glo Fiber assets and market expansion. The Company’s accounts payable as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included amounts associated with capital expenditures of approximately $41.4 million and $43.8 million, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense was $16.5 million and $17.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $48.3 million and $46.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization and Other | Net | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization and Other | Net | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill - Broadband | $ | 3,244 | $ | — | $ | 3,244 | $ | 3,244 | $ | — | $ | 3,244 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Indefinite-lived intangibles: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cable franchise rights | 64,334 | — | 64,334 | 64,334 | — | 64,334 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FCC Spectrum licenses | 12,122 | — | 12,122 | 12,122 | — | 12,122 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Railroad crossing rights | 180 | — | 180 | 141 | — | 141 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total indefinite-lived intangibles | 76,636 | — | 76,636 | 76,597 | — | 76,597 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finite-lived intangibles: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subscriber relationships | 28,425 | (27,255) | 1,170 | 28,425 | (26,910) | 1,515 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other intangibles | 488 | (351) | 137 | 488 | (329) | 159 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total finite-lived intangibles | 28,913 | (27,606) | 1,307 | 28,913 | (27,239) | 1,674 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total goodwill and intangible assets | $ | 108,793 | $ | (27,606) | $ | 81,187 | $ | 108,754 | $ | (27,239) | $ | 81,515 |
Amortization expense was $0.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and $0.4 million and $0.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
On August 23, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement (the “Spectrum Purchase Agreement”) with a wireless carrier pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) spectrum licenses and leases previously utilized in the Company’s Beam branded fixed wireless service for total consideration of approximately $21.1 million, composed of $17.3 million cash and approximately $3.8 million of liabilities to be assumed by the wireless carrier (the “Spectrum Transaction”). The Spectrum Transaction closed on July 6, 2023.
9
As a result of the expected sale, the Company concluded that the FCC spectrum licenses met the held for sale criteria. Accordingly, $13.8 million of indefinite-lived licenses and $5.9 million of finite-lived licenses are presented as held for sale, along with the corresponding $3.8 million of operating lease liabilities related to the finite-lived licenses, as of December 31, 2022. Upon the closing of the Spectrum Transaction, the respective balances were derecognized, resulting in a gain of $1.3 million recorded in other income (expense). The Company evaluated these events and determined that the Spectrum Transaction does not represent a strategic shift in the Company’s business.
Note 6. Other Assets and Accrued Liabilities
Prepaid expenses and other, classified as current assets, included the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Prepaid maintenance expenses | $ | 7,024 | $ | 7,444 | |||||||
Broadband contract acquisition costs | 3,037 | 2,809 | |||||||||
Interest rate swaps | 1,321 | — | |||||||||
Other | 3,012 | 1,256 | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | $ | 14,394 | $ | 11,509 |
Deferred charges and other assets, classified as long-term assets, included the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Broadband contract acquisition costs | $ | 5,638 | $ | 5,837 | |||||||
Interest rate swaps | 3,048 | — | |||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | 7,139 | 7,422 | |||||||||
Deferred charges and other assets | $ | 15,825 | $ | 13,259 |
Accrued liabilities and other, classified as current liabilities, included the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Accrued programming costs | $ | 2,967 | $ | 3,306 | |||||||
Pension plan | — | 3,341 | |||||||||
Other current liabilities | 8,796 | 11,259 | |||||||||
Accrued liabilities and other | $ | 11,763 | $ | 17,906 |
Other liabilities, classified as long-term liabilities, included the following:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Noncurrent portion of deferred lease revenue | $ | 18,387 | $ | 18,679 | |||||||
Noncurrent portion of financing leases | 1,397 | 1,500 | |||||||||
Other | 294 | 39 | |||||||||
Other liabilities | $ | 20,078 | $ | 20,218 |
In 2021, Shentel’s Board of Directors adopted a resolution to terminate its pension plan. The Company terminated the pension plan and all benefits were distributed in June 2023 through the combination of lump sum payments and the purchase of non-participating annuity contracts at the option of the pension plan participants. The Company made an additional $2.9 million contribution from its cash balance as a result of the settlement and recognized a settlement gain of $0.7 million in other income (expense) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
10
Note 7. Leases
The Company leases various broadband network and telecommunications sites, fiber optic cable routes, warehouses, retail stores, and office facilities for use in our business.
The components of lease costs were as follows:
Classification | Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Finance lease cost | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of leased assets | Depreciation | $ | 120 | $ | 119 | $ | 358 | $ | 357 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest on lease liabilities | Interest expense | 20 | 21 | 59 | 63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease cost | Operating expense1 | 1,693 | 2,680 | 5,298 | 8,342 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease cost | $ | 1,833 | $ | 2,820 | $ | 5,715 | $ | 8,762 |
_________________________________________
(1)Operating lease expense is presented in cost of service or selling, general and administrative expense based on the use of the relevant facility.
The following table summarizes the expected maturity of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Operating Leases | Finance Leases | Total | |||||||||||||||||
2023 | $ | 1,265 | $ | 20 | $ | 1,285 | ||||||||||||||
2024 | 5,862 | 178 | 6,040 | |||||||||||||||||
2025 | 5,529 | 180 | 5,709 | |||||||||||||||||
2026 | 4,682 | 153 | 4,835 | |||||||||||||||||
2027 | 3,854 | 155 | 4,009 | |||||||||||||||||
2028 and thereafter | 66,096 | 1,359 | 67,455 | |||||||||||||||||
Total lease payments | 87,288 | 2,045 | 89,333 | |||||||||||||||||
Less: Interest | (34,660) | (545) | (35,205) | |||||||||||||||||
Present value of lease liabilities | $ | 52,628 | $ | 1,500 | $ | 54,128 |
Other information related to operating and finance leases was as follows:
September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||
Operating leases | |||||||||||
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | 19.3 | 19.8 | |||||||||
Weighted average discount rate | 4.9 | % | 4.5 | % | |||||||
Finance leases | |||||||||||
Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | 12.6 | 13.1 | |||||||||
Weighted average discount rate | 5.2 | % | 5.2 | % |
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities | $ | 1,662 | $ | 1,513 | $ | 4,843 | $ | 4,616 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new lease liabilities (includes new leases or modification of existing leases) | 508 | 1,213 | 2,229 | 3,283 |
11
The Company recognized $4.7 million and $4.0 million of operating lease revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $13.9 million and $13.8 million of operating lease revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to the cell site colocation space and dedicated fiber optic strands that we lease to our customers, which is included in Service revenue and other in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss). Substantially all of our lease revenue relates to fixed lease payments.
Below is a summary of our minimum rental receipts under the lease agreements in place as of September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Operating Leases | |||||||
2023 | $ | 4,311 | ||||||
2024 | 16,206 | |||||||
2025 | 15,126 | |||||||
2026 | 12,086 | |||||||
2027 | 10,596 | |||||||
2028 and thereafter | 25,199 | |||||||
Total | $ | 83,524 |
Note 8. Debt
Our Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2021 (the “Credit Agreement”) contains (i) a $100 million, five-year undrawn revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), (ii) a $150 million five-year delayed draw amortizing term loan (“Term Loan A-1”) and (iii) a $150 million seven-year delayed draw amortizing term loan (“Term Loan A-2” and collectively with Term Loan A-1, the “Term Loans”). The following loans were outstanding under the Credit Agreement:
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
Term loan A-1 | $ | 75,000 | $ | 37,500 | |||||||
Term loan A-2 | 75,000 | 37,500 | |||||||||
Total debt | 150,000 | 75,000 | |||||||||
Less: unamortized loan fees | (94) | (46) | |||||||||
Total debt, net of unamortized loan fees | $ | 149,906 | $ | 74,954 |
In May 2023, Shentel amended the Credit Agreement resulting in (a) a change of the floating index rate from the one-month term London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to the one-month term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), (b) an extension of the borrowing deadline under the Term Loans from June 30, 2023 to December 31, 2023, and (c) an extension of the first principal repayment date for the Term Loans from September 30, 2023 to March 31, 2024. Management evaluated the amendment and concluded that the amendment event represents a modification of the existing Credit Agreement; therefore, modification accounting was applied.
Both Term Loan A-1 and Term Loan A-2 bore interest at one-month LIBOR plus a margin of 1.50% until May 2023 and now bear interest at one-month term SOFR plus a margin of 1.50%. The margin of 1.50% is variable and determined by the Company’s net leverage ratio. The interest rate was 6.92% and 5.89% at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company incurred interest expense of $2.3 million and $0.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $5.4 million and $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Shentel is charged commitment fees on unutilized portions of its Revolver and Term Loans. The Company recorded $0.1 million and $0.2 million related to these fees during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $0.4 million and $0.6 million related to these fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Both interest expense and commitment fees are included in other income (expense), net in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss).
The Credit Agreement contains a borrowing deadline of December 31, 2023, after which the Company will not be able to borrow against the undrawn portion of the Term Loans.
12
The Credit Agreement includes various covenants, including total net leverage ratio and debt service coverage ratio financial covenants.
Shentel’s Term Loans require quarterly payments based on a percentage of the outstanding balance. Based on the outstanding balance as of September 30, 2023, Term Loan A-1 requires quarterly principal repayments of $0.5 million from March 31, 2024 through June 30, 2024; then increasing to $0.9 million quarterly from September 30, 2024 through March 31, 2026, with the remaining balance due June 30, 2026. Based on the outstanding balance as of September 30, 2023, Term Loan A-2 requires quarterly principal repayments of $0.2 million from March 31, 2024 through March 31, 2028, with the remaining balance due June 30, 2028.
The following table summarizes the expected payments of Shentel’s outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Amount | |||||||
2023 | $ | — | ||||||
2024 | 3,563 | |||||||
2025 | 4,500 | |||||||
2026 | 69,187 | |||||||
2027 | 750 | |||||||
2028 | 72,000 | |||||||
Total | $ | 150,000 |
The Credit Agreement is fully secured by a pledge and unconditional guarantee from the Company and all of its subsidiaries, except Shenandoah Telephone Company. This provides the lenders a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company.
Note 9. Derivatives and Hedging
During the second quarter of 2023, Shentel entered into pay fixed (2.90%), receive variable (one-month term SOFR) interest rate swaps totaling $150.0 million of notional principal (the “Swaps”). The Swaps contain monthly payment terms beginning in May 2024, which extend through their maturity dates in June 2026. The Swaps are designated as cash flow hedges, representing 50% of the Company’s expected outstanding debt (including expected future borrowings under the Term Loans). The Company uses the Swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate risk for its long-term variable-rate Term Loans.
The table below presents the fair value of the Swaps as well as their classification in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of these instruments was estimated using an income approach and observable market inputs (Level 2):
(in thousands) | September 30, 2023 | ||||||||||
Balance sheet line item of derivative financial instruments: | |||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other | $ | 1,321 | |||||||||
Deferred charges and other assets | 3,048 | ||||||||||
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments | $ | 4,369 |
The hedge was determined to be highly effective and therefore all change in the fair value of the swaps was recognized through other comprehensive income. The Company recognized $1.1 million and $3.2 million of unrealized gains, net of deferred taxes totaling $0.4 million and $1.1 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Since the Company did not have outstanding interest rate swaps in the prior year period, there were no gains or losses recorded for the three or nine months ended September 30, 2022. Shentel expects to begin reclassifying amounts related to the Swaps from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in May 2024 when the payment periods of the Swaps begin.
13
Note 10. Income Taxes
The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and various state income tax returns. The Company is not subject to any state or federal income tax audits as of September 30, 2023. The Company’s income tax returns are generally open to examination from 2019 forward and the net operating losses acquired in the acquisition of nTelos are open to examination from 2002 forward.
The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, differ from the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate of 21% primarily due to the state income taxes, excess tax benefits and other discrete items.
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Expected tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory | $ | 486 | $ | (626) | $ | 1,828 | $ | (1,524) | |||||||||||||||
State income tax expense (benefit), net of federal tax effect | 124 | (148) | 468 | (361) | |||||||||||||||||||
Revaluation of deferred tax liabilities | — | (108) | — | (108) | |||||||||||||||||||
Excess tax deficiency from share-based compensation and other expense, net | 110 | 631 | 959 | 1,294 | |||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense (benefit) | $ | 720 | $ | (251) | $ | 3,255 | $ | (699) |
The Company received $25.6 million in cash refunds for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company made no cash payments and received no cash refunds for income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Note 11. Stock Compensation and Earnings (Loss) per Share
The Company granted approximately 385,000 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) at a weighted average grant price of $19.05 to employees and directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Approximately 190,000 RSUs with a weighted average grant price of $25.01 vested and 9,000 RSUs with a weighted average grant price of $21.65 were forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The total fair value of RSUs vested was $4.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Approximately 836,000 RSUs with a weighted average grant price of $21.21 remained outstanding as of September 30, 2023.
The Company granted approximately 134,000 Relative Total Shareholder Return RSUs (“RTSRs”) awards at a weighted average grant price of $23.64 to employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Approximately 30,000 RTSRs with a weighted average grant price of $56.32 vested and no RTSRs were forfeited during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The total fair value of RTSRs vested was $1.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Approximately 293,000 RTSRs with a weighted average grant price of $25.80 remained outstanding as of September 30, 2023. The amount of RTSRs issued are determined on the vesting date based upon the Company’s stock performance compared to a group of peer companies. The vested amounts above exclude the vesting date adjustment and issuance of RTSRs based on actual performance, which totaled approximately 13,000 RTSRs, resulting in lower shares issued upon vesting of the RTSRs than originally granted.
Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense | 2,220 | 1,942 | 8,950 | 7,751 | |||||||||||||||||||
Capitalized stock compensation | (176) | (171) | (586) | (452) | |||||||||||||||||||
Stock compensation expense, net | $ | 2,044 | $ | 1,771 | $ | 8,364 | $ | 7,299 |
As of September 30, 2023, there was $10.9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested incentive awards which is expected to be recognized over weighted average period of 2.3 years.
14
We utilize the treasury stock method to calculate the impact on diluted earnings (loss) per share that potentially dilutive stock-based compensation awards have. The following table indicates the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Calculation of net income (loss) per share: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,593 | $ | (2,728) | $ | 5,449 | $ | (6,556) | |||||||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 50,379 | 50,183 | 50,346 | 50,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Basic net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.05) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.13) | |||||||||||||||
Effect of stock-based compensation awards outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 50,379 | 50,183 | 50,346 | 50,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Effect from dilutive shares and options outstanding | 457 | — | 277 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 50,836 | 50,183 | 50,623 | 50,153 | |||||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income (loss) per share | $ | 0.03 | $ | (0.05) | $ | 0.11 | $ | (0.13) |
There were approximately 330 and 172,000 anti-dilutive equity awards outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. There were approximately 252,000 and 165,000 potentially dilutive equity awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively; however, these securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares outstanding due to the fact that they were anti-dilutive as a result of the Company’s net loss for the periods.
Note 12. Government Grants
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Shentel was awarded an additional $18.3 million in new grants to strategically expand the Company’s broadband network in order to provide broadband services to unserved residences. The additional grants consisted of $9.4 million awarded under the Connect Maryland Network Infrastructure Grant Program in Maryland, $6.3 million awarded under the Virginia Telecommunications Initiative in Virginia, and $2.2 million and $0.4 million under the Major Broadband Project Strategies and Line Extension Advancement and Development programs, respectively, in West Virginia. The Company recognizes grant receivables at the time it becomes probable that the Company will be eligible to receive the grant, which is estimated to correspond with the date when specified build-out milestones are achieved. As a result of these programs, the Company received $0.4 million in cash reimbursements during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and has recorded approximately $1.4 million in accounts receivable as of September 30, 2023. The Company did not recognize any material amounts under these programs during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 or as of December 31, 2022.
Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies
We are committed to make payments to satisfy our lease liabilities. The scheduled payments under those obligations are summarized in Note 7, Leases. We also have outstanding unconditional purchase commitments to procure marketing services and IT software licenses through 2026.
From time to time the Company is involved in various litigation matters arising out of the normal course of business. The Company consults with legal counsel on those issues related to litigation and seeks input from other experts and advisors with respect to such matters. Estimating the probable losses or a range of probable losses resulting from litigation, government actions and other legal proceedings is inherently difficult and requires an extensive degree of judgment, particularly where the matters involve indeterminate claims for monetary damages, may involve discretionary amounts, present novel legal theories, are in the early stages of the proceedings, or are subject to appeal. Whether any losses, damages or remedies ultimately resulting from such matters could reasonably have a material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows will depend on a number of variables, including, for example, the timing and amount of such losses or damages (if any) and the structure and type of any such remedies. The Company’s management does not presently expect any litigation matters to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Note 14. Segment Reporting
15
Shentel has presented Residential & SMB - Cable Markets and Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets separately for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. These revenues were previously reported in one line under the description “Residential & SMB”. Shentel has amended the presentation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 for comparability.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Broadband | Tower | Corporate & Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
External revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets | $ | 43,679 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 43,679 | |||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets | 9,325 | — | — | 9,325 | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 10,415 | — | — | 10,415 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tower lease | — | 4,608 | — | 4,608 | |||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 3,815 | — | — | 3,815 | |||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue and other | 67,234 | 4,608 | — | 71,842 | |||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany revenue and other | 215 | 36 | (251) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 67,449 | 4,644 | (251) | 71,842 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 26,266 | 1,694 | (209) | 27,751 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 14,615 | 304 | 9,483 | 24,402 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 1,532 | — | — | 1,532 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,729 | 549 | 392 | 16,670 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 58,142 | 2,547 | 9,666 | 70,355 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 9,307 | $ | 2,097 | $ | (9,917) | $ | 1,487 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022:
(in thousands) | Broadband | Tower | Corporate & Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
External revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets | $ | 43,805 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 43,805 | |||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets | 4,895 | — | — | 4,895 | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 9,522 | — | — | 9,522 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tower lease | — | 4,610 | — | 4,610 | |||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 4,139 | — | — | 4,139 | |||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue and other | 62,361 | 4,610 | — | 66,971 | |||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany revenue and other | 25 | 67 | (139) | (47) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 62,386 | 4,677 | (139) | 66,924 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 26,193 | 1,384 | (100) | 27,477 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 13,946 | 258 | 8,023 | 22,227 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 169 | — | 472 | 641 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 477 | — | — | 477 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 16,791 | 445 | 637 | 17,873 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 57,576 | 2,087 | 9,032 | 68,695 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 4,810 | $ | 2,590 | $ | (9,171) | $ | (1,771) |
16
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023:
(in thousands) | Broadband | Tower | Corporate & Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
External revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets | $ | 132,838 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 132,838 | |||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets | 24,492 | — | — | 24,492 | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 32,366 | — | — | 32,366 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tower lease | — | 13,861 | — | 13,861 | |||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 11,312 | — | — | 11,312 | |||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue and other | 201,008 | 13,861 | — | 214,869 | |||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany revenue and other | 321 | 112 | (433) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 201,329 | 13,973 | (433) | 214,869 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 76,447 | 4,265 | (318) | 80,394 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 46,110 | 1,103 | 29,489 | 76,702 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 2,552 | — | — | 2,552 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 45,902 | 1,600 | 1,135 | 48,637 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 171,011 | 6,968 | 30,306 | 208,285 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 30,318 | $ | 7,005 | $ | (30,739) | $ | 6,584 |
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022:
(in thousands) | Broadband | Tower | Corporate & Eliminations | Consolidated | |||||||||||||||||||
External revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets | $ | 131,141 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 131,141 | |||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets | 12,371 | — | — | 12,371 | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 27,924 | — | — | 27,924 | |||||||||||||||||||
Tower lease | — | 13,971 | — | 13,971 | |||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 11,952 | — | — | 11,952 | |||||||||||||||||||
Service revenue and other | 183,388 | 13,971 | — | 197,359 | |||||||||||||||||||
Intercompany revenue and other | 124 | 255 | (379) | — | |||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue | 183,512 | 14,226 | (379) | 197,359 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 76,801 | 4,054 | (283) | 80,572 | |||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 41,376 | 982 | 26,794 | 69,152 | |||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 629 | — | 402 | 1,031 | |||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 4,884 | — | — | 4,884 | |||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 42,724 | 1,562 | 2,722 | 47,008 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total operating expenses | 166,414 | 6,598 | 29,635 | 202,647 | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 17,098 | $ | 7,628 | $ | (30,014) | $ | (5,288) |
17
A reconciliation of the total of the reportable segments’ operating income (loss) to unaudited condensed consolidated income (loss) before income taxes is as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total consolidated operating income (loss) | $ | 1,487 | $ | (1,771) | $ | 6,584 | $ | (5,288) | |||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 826 | (1,208) | 2,120 | (1,967) | |||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | $ | 2,313 | $ | (2,979) | $ | 8,704 | $ | (7,255) |
The Company’s chief operating decision maker (CODM) does not currently review total assets by segment since the assets are centrally managed and some of the assets are shared by the segments. Accordingly, total assets by segment are not provided.
Note 15. Subsequent Events
On October 24, 2023, Shentel entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Horizon Acquisition Parent LLC (“Horizon” or “Horizon Telcom”) for $385 million (the “Horizon Transaction”). Consideration will consist of $305 million in cash and $80 million of Shentel common stock.
Horizon is a leading commercial fiber provider in Ohio and adjacent states serving national wireless providers, carriers, enterprises, and government, education and healthcare customers. Based in Chillicothe, Ohio, Horizon was founded in 1895 as the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) in Ross County, Ohio and rapidly expanded its fiber network over the past 14 years. Most recently, Horizon has pursued a strategy of investing in Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”) in tier 3 & 4 markets in Ohio.
Financing
•Shentel intends to fund the Horizon Transaction with a combination of existing cash resources, revolving credit facility capacity and an amended and upsized credit facility. The Company has received $275 million in financing commitments from CoBank, Bank of America, Citizens Bank, N.A., and Fifth Third Bank, N.A..
•GCM Grosvenor (“GCM”), a selling unit holder of Horizon, will exchange its equity interest in Horizon for 4.08 million shares of Shentel common stock with an aggregate value of $80 million based on a reference price of $19.60 resulting in GCM owning approximately 7% of Shentel’s fully diluted common shares after the transaction is closed.
•Shentel has entered into a 7% Participating Exchangeable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) investment agreement with Energy Capital Partners (“ECP”), an existing Shentel shareholder and long-time infrastructure investor, to provide $81 million of growth capital to fund the FTTH network expansion, the government grant projects and general corporate purposes. The dividend can be paid in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company. The Preferred Stock can be exchanged for Shentel common stock at an exchange price of $24.50, a 25% premium to the reference price of $19.60, under certain conditions as outlined in the investment agreement. This financing is expected to close in conjunction with the Horizon Transaction.
•The Company plans to raise additional growth capital for the FTTH network expansion, government grant projects and general corporate purposes, which may include exploring strategic alternatives for its tower portfolio.
The Horizon Transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Shentel is in the process of evaluating the impact of the Horizon Transaction on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
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ITEM 2.MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). When used in this report, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could” or “plan” and similar expressions as they relate to Shenandoah Telecommunications Company or its management are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. All statements regarding Shenandoah Telecommunications Company’s expected future financial position, operating results and cash flows, business strategy, financing plans, forecasted trends relating to the markets in which Shenandoah Telecommunications Company operates and similar matters are forward-looking statements. We cannot assure you that the Company’s expectations expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements will turn out to be correct. The Company’s actual results could be materially different from its expectations because of various factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (“2022 Form 10-K”). The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are made only as of the date of the statement. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
The following management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2022 Form 10-K, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes included therein.
Overview
Shenandoah Telecommunications Company (“Shentel”, “we”, “our”, “us”, or the “Company”) is a provider of a comprehensive range of broadband communication services and cell tower colocation space in the Mid-Atlantic portion of the United States.
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (“MD&A”) is organized around our reportable segments. Refer to Note 14, Segment Reporting, in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Recent Developments
The Spectrum Transaction
On August 23, 2022, the Company entered into a definitive asset purchase agreement (the “Spectrum Purchase Agreement”) with a wireless carrier pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell certain Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) spectrum licenses and leases previously utilized in the Company’s Beam branded fixed wireless service for total consideration of approximately $21.1 million, composed of $17.3 million cash and approximately $3.8 million of liabilities to be assumed by the wireless carrier (the “Spectrum Transaction”). The Spectrum Transaction closed on July 6, 2023.
The Horizon Transaction
On October 24, 2023, Shentel entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the equity interests in Horizon Acquisition Parent LLC (“Horizon” or “Horizon Telcom”) for $385 million (the “Horizon Transaction”). Consideration will consist of $305 million in cash and $80 million of Shentel common stock.
Horizon is a leading commercial fiber provider in Ohio and adjacent states serving national wireless providers, carriers, enterprises, and government, education and healthcare customers. Based in Chillicothe, Ohio, Horizon was founded in 1895 as the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) in Ross County, Ohio and rapidly expanded its fiber network over the past 14 years. Most recently, Horizon has pursued a strategy of investing in Fiber-to-the-Home (“FTTH”) in tier 3 & 4 markets in Ohio.
Financing
•Shentel intends to fund the Horizon Transaction with a combination of existing cash resources, revolving credit facility capacity and an amended and upsized credit facility. The Company has received $275 million in financing commitments from CoBank, Bank of America, Citizens Bank, N.A., and Fifth Third Bank, N.A..
•GCM Grosvenor (“GCM”), a selling unit holder of Horizon, will exchange its equity interest in Horizon for 4.08 million shares of Shentel common stock with an aggregate value of $80 million based on a reference price of $19.60 resulting in GCM owning approximately 7% of Shentel’s fully diluted common shares after the transaction is closed.
•Shentel has entered into a 7% Participating Exchangeable Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Preferred Stock”) investment agreement with Energy Capital Partners (“ECP”), an existing Shentel shareholder and long-time infrastructure
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investor, to provide $81 million of growth capital to fund the FTTH network expansion, the government grant projects and general corporate purposes. The dividend can be paid in cash or in-kind at the option of the Company. The Preferred Stock can be exchanged for Shentel common stock at an exchange price of $24.50, a 25% premium to the reference price of $19.60, under certain conditions as outlined in the investment agreement. This financing is expected to close in conjunction with the Horizon Transaction.
•The Company plans to raise additional growth capital for the FTTH network expansion, government grant projects and general corporate purposes, which may include exploring strategic alternatives for its tower portfolio.
The Horizon Transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2024.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
The Company’s consolidated results from operations are summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 71,842 | 100.0 | $ | 66,924 | 100.0 | 4,918 | 7.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 70,355 | 97.9 | 68,695 | 102.6 | 1,660 | 2.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 1,487 | 2.1 | (1,771) | (2.6) | 3,258 | 184.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 826 | 1.1 | (1,208) | (1.8) | 2,034 | (168.4) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 2,313 | 3.2 | (2,979) | (4.5) | 5,292 | 177.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 720 | 1.0 | (251) | (0.4) | 971 | 386.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 1,593 | 2.2 | $ | (2,728) | (4.1) | 4,321 | (158.4) |
Revenue
Revenue increased approximately $4.9 million, or 7.3%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by growth of $5.1 million, or 8.1%, in the Broadband segment. Refer to the discussion of the results of operations for the Broadband and Tower segments, included within this MD&A, for additional information.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased approximately $1.7 million, or 2.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by $0.6 million, $0.5 million and $0.6 million of incremental operating expenses for the Broadband, Tower and Corporate segments, respectively.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net increased $2.0 million, or 168.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by a gain recorded in connection with the sale of the Company’s FCC spectrum licenses upon the closing of the Spectrum Transaction in July 2023, partially offset by an increase in interest expense.
Income tax (benefit) expense
The Company recognized $0.7 million of income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared with $0.3 million of income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The $1.0 million increase in income tax expense was driven by higher pre-tax income during the three months ended September 30, 2023.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
The Company’s consolidated results from operations are summarized as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue | $ | 214,869 | 100.0 | $ | 197,359 | 100.0 | 17,510 | 8.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating expenses | 208,285 | 96.9 | 202,647 | 102.7 | 5,638 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | 6,584 | 3.1 | (5,288) | (2.7) | 11,872 | (224.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other income (expense), net | 2,120 | 1.0 | (1,967) | (1.0) | 4,087 | (207.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (loss) before income taxes | 8,704 | 4.1 | (7,255) | (3.7) | 15,959 | (220.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 3,255 | 1.5 | (699) | (0.4) | 3,954 | 565.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 5,449 | 2.5 | $ | (6,556) | (3.3) | 12,005 | (183.1) |
Revenue
Revenue increased approximately $17.5 million, or 8.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by growth of $17.8 million, or 9.7%, in the Broadband segment, partially offset by a decline of $0.3 million, or 1.8%, in the Tower segment. Refer to the discussion of the results of operations for the Broadband and Tower segments, included within this MD&A, for additional information.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased approximately $5.6 million, or 2.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by $4.6 million, $0.4 million and $0.7 million of incremental operating expenses for the Broadband, Tower and Corporate segments, respectively.
Other income (expense), net
Other income (expense), net increased $4.1 million, or 207.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by a gain recorded in connection with the sale of the Company’s FCC spectrum licenses upon the closing of the Spectrum Transaction in July 2023, sales taxes refunds received, interest income related to tax refunds and a pension settlement gain resulting from the termination of Shentel’s pension plan in June 2023, partially offset by an increase in interest expense.
Income tax (benefit) expense
The Company recognized $3.3 million of income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared with $0.7 million of income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The $4.0 million increase in income tax expense was driven by higher pre-tax income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Broadband
Our Broadband segment provides broadband internet, video and voice services to residential and commercial customers in portions of Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Kentucky, via hybrid fiber coaxial cable under the brand name of Shentel, and fiber optics under the brand name of Glo Fiber. The Broadband segment also leases dark fiber and provides Ethernet and Wavelength fiber optic services to enterprise and wholesale customers throughout the entirety of our service area. The Broadband segment also provides voice and DSL telephone services to customers in Virginia’s Shenandoah County and portions of adjacent counties as a Rural Local Exchange Carrier (“RLEC”). These integrated networks are connected by over 9,300 route miles of fiber.
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The following table indicates selected operating statistics of our Broadband segment:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Broadband homes and businesses passed (1) | 415,971 | 342,741 | ||||||||||||
Cable Markets | 213,317 | 211,829 | ||||||||||||
Glo Fiber Markets | 202,654 | 130,912 | ||||||||||||
Residential & Small and Medium Business ("SMB") Revenue Generating Units ("RGUs"): | ||||||||||||||
Broadband Data | 146,797 | 130,238 | ||||||||||||
Cable Markets | 109,404 | 109,132 | ||||||||||||
Glo Fiber Markets | 37,393 | 21,106 | ||||||||||||
Video | 44,050 | 48,092 | ||||||||||||
Voice | 40,699 | 39,801 | ||||||||||||
Total Residential & SMB RGUs (excludes RLEC) | 231,546 | 218,131 | ||||||||||||
Residential & SMB Penetration (2) | ||||||||||||||
Broadband Data | 35.3 | % | 38.0 | % | ||||||||||
Cable Markets | 51.3 | % | 51.5 | % | ||||||||||
Glo Fiber Markets | 18.5 | % | 16.1 | % | ||||||||||
Video | 10.6 | % | 14.0 | % | ||||||||||
Voice | 10.2 | % | 12.2 | % | ||||||||||
Residential & SMB Average Revenue per User ("ARPU") (3) | ||||||||||||||
Broadband Data | $ | 80.95 | $ | 80.05 | ||||||||||
Cable Markets | $ | 82.22 | $ | 81.43 | ||||||||||
Glo Fiber Markets | $ | 77.00 | $ | 72.75 | ||||||||||
Video | $ | 105.72 | $ | 102.59 | ||||||||||
Voice | $ | 25.14 | $ | 25.56 | ||||||||||
Fiber route miles | 9,387 | 8,072 | ||||||||||||
Total fiber miles (4) | 813,273 | 622,095 |
_______________________________________________________
(1)Homes and businesses are considered passed (“passings”) if we can connect them to our network without further extending the distribution system. Passings is an estimate based upon the best available information. Passings will vary among video, broadband data and voice services.
(2)Penetration is calculated by dividing the number of users by the number of passings or available homes, as appropriate.
(3)Average Revenue Per RGU calculation = (Residential & SMB Revenue) / average RGUs / 3 months.
(4)Total fiber miles are measured by taking the number of fiber strands in a cable and multiplying that number by the route distance. For example, a 10 mile route with 144 fiber strands would equal 1,440 fiber miles.
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Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Broadband results from operations are summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets (1) | $ | 43,679 | 64.8 | $ | 43,805 | 70.2 | (126) | (0.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets (1) | 9,325 | 13.8 | 4,895 | 7.8 | 4,430 | 90.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 10,418 | 15.4 | 9,523 | 15.3 | 895 | 9.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 4,027 | 6.0 | 4,163 | 6.7 | (136) | (3.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total broadband revenue | 67,449 | 100.0 | 62,386 | 100.0 | 5,063 | 8.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 26,266 | 38.9 | 26,193 | 42.0 | 73 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative | 14,615 | 21.7 | 13,946 | 22.4 | 669 | 4.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | — | — | 169 | 0.3 | (169) | (100.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 1,532 | 2.3 | 477 | 0.8 | 1,055 | 221.2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 15,729 | 23.3 | 16,791 | 26.9 | (1,062) | (6.3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total broadband operating expenses | 58,142 | 86.2 | 57,576 | 92.3 | 566 | 1.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating income | $ | 9,307 | 13.8 | $ | 4,810 | 7.7 | 4,497 | 93.5 |
_________________________________________
(1)Shentel has presented Residential & SMB - Cable Markets and Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets separately for the three months ended September 30, 2023. These revenues were previously reported in one line under the description “Residential & SMB”. Shentel has amended the presentation for the three months ended September 30, 2022 for comparability.
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets revenue
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was consistent with revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets revenue
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased approximately $4.4 million, or 90.5%, compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by 77.2% year-over-year growth in data RGUs driven by the Company’s expansion of Glo Fiber and 5.8% increase in data ARPU.
Commercial Fiber revenue
Commercial Fiber revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased approximately $0.9 million, or 9.4%, compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by $0.5 million in recurring revenue driven by 16.3% increase in connections and $0.4 million in T-Mobile non-recurring early termination fees. T-Mobile disconnected 71 backhaul circuits during the three months ended September 30, 2023 as part of their previously announced rationalization of the former Sprint network. The Company expects approximately 80 additional backhaul disconnects as part of the network rationalization.
Cost of services
Cost of services for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was consistent with cost of services for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2023, increased $0.7 million, or 4.8%, compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by higher advertising costs associated with the Company’s expansion of Glo Fiber and a change in strategy to drive more gross subscriber additions to low cost sales channels.
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Impairment expense
The Company recorded impairment charges of $1.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared with $0.5 million of impairment charges for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Impairment charges for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were both primarily a result of Beam fixed wireless assets that are no longer expected to be used and have no alternative use.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization for the three months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $1.1 million, or 6.3%, compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by the acceleration of depreciation associated with assets at Beam sites for the three months ended September 30, 2022, with no corresponding accelerated depreciation during the current period.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Broadband results from operations are summarized as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating revenue | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets (1) | $ | 132,838 | 66.0 | $ | 131,141 | 71.5 | 1,697 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets (1) | 24,492 | 12.2 | 12,371 | 6.7 | 12,121 | 98.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial Fiber | 32,373 | 16.1 | 27,930 | 15.2 | 4,443 | 15.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
RLEC & Other | 11,626 | 5.8 | 12,070 | 6.6 | (444) | (3.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total broadband revenue | 201,329 | 100.0 | 183,512 | 100.0 | 17,817 | 9.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of services | 76,447 | 38.0 | 76,801 | 41.9 | (354) | (0.5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Selling, general, and administrative | 46,110 | 22.9 | 41,376 | 22.5 | 4,734 | 11.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | — | — | 629 | 0.3 | (629) | (100.0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment expense | 2,552 | 1.3 | 4,884 | 2.7 | (2,332) | (47.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 45,902 | 22.8 | 42,724 | 23.3 | 3,178 | 7.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total broadband operating expenses | 171,011 | 84.9 | 166,414 | 90.7 | 4,597 | 2.8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broadband operating income | $ | 30,318 | 15.1 | $ | 17,098 | 9.3 | 13,220 | 77.3 |
_________________________________________
(1)Shentel has presented Residential & SMB - Cable Markets and Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets separately for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. These revenues were previously reported in one line under the description “Residential & SMB”. Shentel has amended the presentation for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 for comparability.
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets revenue
Residential & SMB - Cable Markets revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased approximately $1.7 million, or 1.3%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by 0.2% year-over-year growth in data RGUs and 1.0% increase in data ARPU driven by increased customer demand for higher speed data service.
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets revenue
Residential & SMB - Glo Fiber Markets revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased approximately $12.1 million, or 98.0%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by 77.2% year-over-year growth in data RGUs driven by the Company’s expansion of Glo Fiber and 2.7% increase in data ARPU.
Commercial Fiber revenue
Commercial Fiber revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 increased approximately $4.4 million, or 15.9%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by $2.9 million in T-Mobile non-recurring early termination fees and $1.7 million in recurring revenue driven by 17.6% increase in connections. T-Mobile disconnected 281 backhaul circuits during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as part of their previously announced rationalization of the former Sprint network. The Company expects approximately 80 additional backhaul disconnects as part of the network rationalization.
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Cost of services
Cost of services for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 0.5%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by lower payroll costs due to higher capitalized labor and lower medical benefit costs, partially offset by higher line costs due to the expansion of the network into new markets and mobile switching centers of wireless carrier customers as well as higher regulatory costs.
Selling, general and administrative
Selling, general and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, increased $4.7 million, or 11.4%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by higher advertising costs associated with the Company’s expansion of Glo Fiber and a change in strategy to drive more gross subscriber additions to low cost sales channels and higher operating taxes associated with increased network assets associated with the expansion of Glo Fiber.
Impairment expense
The Company recorded impairment charges of $2.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared with $4.9 million of impairment charges recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Impairment charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were primarily a result of colocation lease right-of-use and Beam fixed wireless assets that are no longer expected to be used and have no alternative use, while impairment charges in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were primarily a result of the Company’s expected decommissioning of Beam fixed wireless sites.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization increased $3.2 million, or 7.4%, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by the Company’s expansion of its Glo Fiber network, partially offset by the acceleration of depreciation associated with assets at Beam sites for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, with no corresponding accelerated depreciation during the current period.
Tower
Our Tower segment owns cell towers and leases colocation space on the towers to wireless communications providers. Substantially all of our owned towers are built on ground that we lease from the respective landlords.
The following table indicates selected operating statistics of the Tower segment:
September 30, 2023 | September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Macro tower sites | 220 | 222 | ||||||||||||
Tenants | 446 | 457 | ||||||||||||
Average tenants per tower | 2.0 | 2.0 |
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Tower results from operations are summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower revenue | $ | 4,644 | 100.0 | $ | 4,677 | 100.0 | (33) | (0.7) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower operating expenses | 2,547 | 54.8 | 2,087 | 44.6 | 460 | 22.0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower operating income | $ | 2,097 | 45.2 | $ | 2,590 | 55.4 | (493) | (19.0) |
Revenue
Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2023 was consistent with revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased approximately $0.5 million, or 22.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by higher maintenance and depreciation costs.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 Compared with the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Tower results from operations are summarized as follows:
Nine Months Ended September 30, | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
($ in thousands) | 2023 | % of Revenue | 2022 | % of Revenue | $ | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower revenue | $ | 13,973 | 100.0 | $ | 14,226 | 100.0 | (253) | (1.8) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower operating expenses | 6,968 | 49.9 | 6,598 | 46.4 | 370 | 5.6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tower operating income | $ | 7,005 | 50.1 | $ | 7,628 | 53.6 | (623) | (8.2) |
Revenue
Revenue decreased approximately $0.3 million, or 1.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by lower application fee revenue.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses increased approximately $0.4 million, or 5.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared with the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by higher maintenance costs.
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Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Sources and Uses of Cash: Our principal sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, cash generated from operations, and borrowings under our Credit Agreement, dated July 1, 2021 and as amended in May 2023 (the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement contains (i) a $100 million, five-year undrawn revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”), (ii) a $150 million five-year delayed draw amortizing term loan (“Term Loan A-1”) and (iii) a $150 million seven-year delayed draw amortizing term loan (“Term Loan A-2” and collectively with Term Loan A-1, the “Term Loans”).
In 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act to subsidize the deployment of high-speed broadband internet access in unserved areas. We have been awarded approximately $90.1 million in grants to serve approximately 28,500 unserved homes in the states of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. The grants will be paid to the Company as certain milestones are completed. The Company expects to fulfill its performance obligations during the period from 2023 to 2025.
As of September 30, 2023, our cash and cash equivalents totaled $36.0 million and the availability under our delayed draw Term Loans and Revolver was $250.0 million, for total available liquidity of $286.0 million.
Operating activities generated approximately $91.7 million of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, representing an increase of $35.5 million compared with the prior year period, driven primarily by tax refunds received during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and changes in working capital, partially offset by settlement of Shentel’s pension plan.
Net cash used in investing activities increased $41.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared with the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily driven by a $58.0 million increase in capital expenditures as a result of higher spending in the Broadband segment to enable our Glo Fiber market expansion, partially offset by $17.3 million in cash receipts resulting from our sale of FCC spectrum licenses upon the closing of the Spectrum Transaction in July 2023.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $72.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared with net cash provided by financing activities of $23.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The change was primarily driven by an increase of $50.0 million in borrowings under the Team Loans.
The Company has received approximately $29.0 million in net cash refunds for income and sales taxes during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Indebtedness: To date, Shentel has borrowed $75.0 million under each of the delayed draw Term Loan facilities available under the Credit Agreement for a total of $150.0 million. The commitments of the lenders under the Credit Agreement to make these Term Loans to us expire on December 31, 2023. After this date, we will not be able to borrow any undrawn portion of the Term Loan commitments. We expect to borrow the remaining $150.0 million available under these Term Loans by December 31, 2023 to fund planned capital expenditures to continue our Glo Fiber network expansion. As of September 30, 2023, the Company’s indebtedness totaled approximately $149.9 million, net of unamortized loan fees of $0.1 million, with an annualized overall weighted average effective interest rate of approximately 6.17%.
The Company will be required to commence making principal repayments of these Term Loans on March 31, 2024. The amount of these principal repayments is calculated as a percentage of the principal amount of the Term Loans outstanding. Based on the principal amounts outstanding as of September 30, 2023, (i) the first Term Loan will require quarterly principal repayments of $0.5 million from March 31, 2024 through June 30, 2024, then increasing to $0.9 million quarterly from September 30, 2024 through March 31, 2026, with the remaining balance due June 30, 2026, and (ii) the second Term Loan will require quarterly principal repayments of $0.2 million from March 31, 2024 through March 31, 2028, with the remaining balance due June 30, 2028. These repayment amounts, as well as our interest expense, will increase to the extent we borrow any of the remaining $150.0 million available under the Term Loans by the borrowing deadline as we expect.
Refer to Note 8, Debt, for more information about the Credit Agreement.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants in our Credit Agreement.
We expect our cash on hand, cash flow from operations, and availability of funds from our Credit Agreement as well as government grants will be sufficient to meet our anticipated liquidity needs for business operations for the next twelve months. There can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels.
During the first nine months of 2023, our capital expenditures of $190.4 million exceeded our net cash provided by operating activities by $98.7 million, and we expect our capital expenditures will continue to exceed the cash flow provided from
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operations through 2025, as we expand our Glo Fiber broadband network to potentially reach over 450,000 passings, excluding the impact from the Horizon acquisition and financings noted in Recent Developments.
The actual amount and timing of our future capital requirements may differ materially from our estimates depending on the demand for our products and services, new market developments and expansion opportunities.
Our cash flows from operations could be adversely affected by events outside our control, including, without limitation, changes in overall economic conditions including rising inflation, regulatory requirements, changes in technologies, changes in competition, demand for our products and services, availability of labor resources and capital, natural disasters, pandemics and outbreaks of contagious diseases and other adverse public health developments, such as COVID-19, and other conditions. Our ability to attract and maintain a sufficient customer base, particularly in our Broadband markets, is critical to our ability to maintain a positive cash flow from operations. The foregoing events individually or collectively could affect our results.
Critical Accounting Policies
There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies previously disclosed in Part II, Item 8 of our 2022 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We have borrowed a total of $150.0 million pursuant to the variable rate delayed draw Term Loans available under the Credit Agreement, and we expect to continue to borrow under our Credit Agreement as needed to fund the Company’s future capital expenditures. We expect to draw an additional $150.0 million against the Credit Agreement by December 31, 2023. Fluctuations in interest rates on future borrowings could result in increased market risk.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $150.0 million of gross variable rate debt outstanding, bearing interest at an annualized weighted average effective rate of 6.17%. An increase in market interest rates of 1.00% would add approximately $1.5 million to annual interest expense.
In May 2023, Shentel entered into pay fixed, receive variable interest rate swaps totaling $150.0 million of notional principal (the “Swaps”). The Swaps contain monthly payment terms beginning in May 2024 which extend through their maturity dates in June 2026. The Swaps are designated as cash flow hedges, representing 50% of the Company’s expected outstanding debt (including expected future borrowings under the Term Loans). The Company uses the Swaps to manage its exposure to interest rate risk for its long-term variable-rate Term Loans through interest rate swaps. When the Swaps’ payments term begins, Shentel will effectively pay a fixed weighted-average interest rate of 2.90%, prior to margin added associated with our credit facility.
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer (the certifying officers) have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of September 30, 2023. Our certifying officers concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2023.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are currently involved in, and may in the future become involved in, legal proceedings, claims and investigations in the ordinary course of our business. Although the results of these legal proceedings, claims and investigations cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that the final outcome of any matters that we are currently involved in are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. Regardless of final outcomes, however, any such proceedings, claims, and investigations may nonetheless impose a significant burden on management and employees and be costly to defend, with unfavorable preliminary or interim rulings.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We discuss in our Annual Report on Form 10-K various risks that may materially affect our business. We use this section to update this discussion to reflect material developments since our Form 10-K was filed. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has not identified any needed updates to the risk factors included in our most recent Form 10-K.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
None.
Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities
None.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer or Affiliated Purchasers
In conjunction with the vesting of stock awards or exercise of stock options, the grantees may surrender awards necessary to cover the statutory tax withholding requirements and any amounts required to cover stock option strike prices associated with the transaction. The following table provides information about shares surrendered during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, to settle employee tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of stock awards.
(in thousands, except per share amounts) | Number of Shares Surrendered | Average Price Paid per Share | |||||||||
July 1 to July 31 | — | $— | |||||||||
August 1 to August 31 | — | $— | |||||||||
September 1 to September 30 | — | $— | |||||||||
Total | — |
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of our officers or directors adopted or terminated any “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” as each term is defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
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ITEM 6. Exhibits Index
Exhibit No. | Exhibit Description | ||||||||||
31.1* | Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | ||||||||||
31.2* | Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | ||||||||||
31.3* | Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. | ||||||||||
32** | Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. § 1350. | ||||||||||
(101) | Formatted in Inline XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) | ||||||||||
101.INS | Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document | ||||||||||
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | ||||||||||
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | ||||||||||
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | ||||||||||
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | ||||||||||
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | ||||||||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
* Filed herewith
** This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), or the Exchange Act.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SHENANDOAH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY | |||||
/s/ James J. Volk | |||||
James J. Volk | |||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||
Date: November 3, 2023 |
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