Uniti Group Inc. - Annual Report: 2016 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

Commission File Number 001-36708

COMMUNICATIONS SALES & LEASING, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (501) 850-0820

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    YES  ☒    NO  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.    YES  ☐    NO  ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).    YES  ☒    NO  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    YES  ☐    NO  ☒

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing price of the shares of common stock on The NASDAQ Stock Market on June 30, 2016, was $3,618,955,277.

The number of shares of Registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of February 15, 2017 was 155,785,924.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement relating to the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Prior to April 24, 2015, Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings,” and together with its subsidiaries, “Windstream”). On April 24, 2015, Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”), to CS&L. In exchange, CS&L issued to Windstream (i) approximately 149.8 million shares of its common stock, (ii) $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023 (the “Senior Secured Notes”), (iii) $1.11 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due October 15, 2023 (the “Senior Unsecured Notes” and together with the Senior Secured Notes, the “Notes”) and (iv) approximately $2.0 billion in cash obtained from borrowings under CS&L’s senior credit facilities. The contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business and the related issuance of cash, debt and equity securities are referred to herein as the “Spin-Off.” The Spin-Off was effective on April 24, 2015.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements as defined under U.S. federal securities law. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: our expectations regarding the future growth and demand of the telecommunication industry; future financing plans, business strategies, growth prospects and operating and financial performance; expectations regarding the acquisition of Network Management Holdings LTD (“NMS”), including expectations regarding operational synergies with Uniti Towers; expectations regarding settling conversion of our 3% convertible preferred stock in cash upon conversion; expectations regarding the probability of our obligation to pay contingent consideration upon Tower Cloud, Inc.’s (“Tower Cloud”) achievement of certain defined operational and financial milestones; expectations regarding future deployment of fiber strand miles and recognition of revenue related thereto; expectations regarding levels of capital expenditures; expectations regarding the deductibility of goodwill for tax purposes; expectations regarding the amortization of intangible assets; and expectations regarding the payment of dividends.

Words such as “anticipate(s),” “expect(s),” “intend(s),” “plan(s),” “believe(s),” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “seek(s)” and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could lead to actual results differing materially from those projected, forecasted or expected. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or which could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to:

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Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. Except in the normal course of our public disclosure obligations, we expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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PART I

Item 1. Business.

The Company

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the state of Maryland on September 4, 2014 as a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, “Windstream”). On April 24, 2015, CS&L was separated and spun-off from Windstream (the “Spin-Off”). In connection with the Spin-Off, Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets to CS&L, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”). Immediately following the Spin-Off, we entered into a long-term exclusive triple-net-lease agreement with Windstream (the “Master Lease”) pursuant to which we lease the Distribution Systems back to Windstream.

CS&L operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on income generated by its REIT operations, which includes income derived from the Master Lease.  We have elected to treat the subsidiaries through which we operate Uniti Fiber and Consumer CLEC Business as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”).  TRSs enable us to engage in activities that do not result in income that would be qualifying income for a REIT.  Our TRSs are subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

On February 23, 2017, the Company announced that it will change its corporate name to Uniti Group Inc. for alignment with the brand name of its principal business units – Uniti Towers, Uniti Fiber and Uniti Leasing. Effective at market open on February 27, 2017, trading for Uniti Group Inc. will begin under the symbol “UNIT” (NASDAQ: UNIT). The Company’s common stock will continue to trade under the ticker symbol “CSAL” on NASDAQ until market close on February 24, 2017. The name change does not affect the rights of the Company’s stockholders. No action is required by stockholders with respect to the name change. The Company’s new website is www.uniti.com.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we had revenues of $770.4 million, net loss available to common shareholders of $5.5 million, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) of $346.1 million and Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”) of $398.5 million. Both FFO and AFFO are non-GAAP financial measures, which we use to analyze our results. Refer to Part II, Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, of this Annual Report for additional information regarding these non-GAAP measures. As of December 31, 2016, we managed our operations in three reportable business segments, which are described in more detail in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Business

We are an independent, internally-managed REIT engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. Effective in the first quarter of 2017, following the acquisition of NMS, we commenced managing our operations in four separate lines of business: Uniti Fiber, Uniti Towers, Uniti Leasing and Talk America.

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Uniti Fiber

On May 2, 2016, we acquired PEG Bandwidth, LLC (“PEG”), a provider of infrastructure solutions including cell site backhaul and dark fiber for telecommunications carriers and enterprises. As a result of the PEG acquisition, we gained an extensive fiber network located in the Northeast/Mid Atlantic, Illinois and South Central regions of the United States. On August 31, 2016, we acquired Tower Cloud, Inc. (“Tower Cloud”), a provider of data transport services focused on infrastructure solutions to the wireless and enterprise sectors, including fiber-to-the-tower backhaul, small cell networks, and dark fiber deployments in the South East region of the United States.  Following these acquisitions, on August 31, 2016, we announced the combination of Tower Cloud and PEG Bandwidth into a unified organization, Uniti Fiber.

Today Uniti Fiber is a leading provider of infrastructure solutions, including cell site backhaul and small cell for wireless operators and Ethernet, wavelengths and dark fiber for telecommunications carriers and enterprises. With Uniti Fiber, our goal is to capitalize on the rising demand by carriers and enterprises for dark fiber, establish ourselves as a proven small-cell systems provider and leverage wholesale enterprise opportunities as well as opportunities through the School and Libraries Program (commonly referred to as E-Rate) administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company. We believe our launch of Uniti Fiber is well-timed as fiber becomes the mission-critical focal point in the modern communications infrastructure industry and will accelerate our growth and diversification strategy and expand our relationships with high quality national and international wireless carriers.  At December 31, 2016, Uniti Fiber’s network consisted of 605,000 strand miles of fiber, with approximately 200,000 fiber strand miles awarded for future deployment for wireless carriers, and approximately 5,450 customer connections.  Results for Uniti Fiber are reported in our consolidated financial statements in our Fiber Infrastructure business segment.

Uniti Towers

On January 22, 2016, we acquired Summit Wireless Infrastructure LLC, which primarily builds, owns and operates telecommunications towers for wireless carriers in Latin America. On May 12, 2016, we acquired 32 wireless towers owned by Windstream and operating rights for 49 wireless towers previously conveyed to the Company in the Spin-Off and leased back to Windstream in the Master Lease.  On November 14, 2016, we announced the combination of our U.S. and Latin America towers and tower real estate businesses into a unified organization, Uniti Towers.  

On January 31, 2017, Uniti Towers completed the previously announced acquisition of Network Management Holdings LTD (“NMS”).  At close, NMS owns and operates 366 wireless communications towers in Latin America with an additional 105 build-to-suit tower sites under development. The NMS portfolio spans three Latin American countries with 212 sites in Mexico, 100 in Colombia, and 54 in Nicaragua. With the addition of NMS, the Uniti Towers portfolio now consists of 468 wireless communication towers.  Results for Uniti Towers are reported in our 2016 consolidated financial statements in our Leasing business segment. Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, results for Uniti Towers will be reported in our new Towers business segment and prior period segment data will be recast to conform to the new presentation beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Our Uniti Towers strategy is to acquire and construct tower and tower-related real estate in the United States and Latin America. We are focused on markets with strong macroeconomic fundamentals, politically stable environments and strong underlying communications growth trends. Specifically, our focus is on markets where numerous investment grade carriers operate and there is strong communications infrastructure potential due to underpenetrated 4G or even 3G technology.  Uniti Towers also provides build-to-suit opportunities using customized master lease agreements designed for long-term carrier partnerships. We believe that our strategy of focusing on fiber and towers in the United States and Latin America through Uniti Fiber and Uniti Towers is highly synergistic and will drive incremental growth opportunities.  

Uniti Leasing

Uniti Leasing is engaged in acquiring mission-critical communications assets, such as fiber, data centers, next-generation consumer broadband, coaxial and upgradeable copper, and leasing them back to anchor customers on

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either an exclusive or shared-tenant basis.   Presently, Uniti Leasing’s primary source of revenue is rental revenues from leasing the Distribution Systems to Windstream under the Master Lease.  We believe our attractive cost of capital and advantaged REIT structure will enable Uniti Leasing to provide creative and tax-efficient solutions to additional customers, including (i) sale leaseback transactions, whereby Uniti Leasing acquires existing infrastructure assets from communications service providers and leases them back on a long-term basis; (ii) capital investment financing, whereby Uniti Leasing offers communications service providers a cost-efficient method of raising funds for discrete capital investments to upgrade or expand their network; and (iii) mergers and acquisitions financing, whereby Uniti Leasing facilitates mergers and acquisition transactions as a capital partner.  

Results for Uniti Leasing are reported in our in our consolidated financial statements in our Leasing business segment.

Talk America

We conduct the Consumer CLEC Business through Talk America Services, LLC (“Talk America”). Talk America provides local telephone, high-speed Internet and long distance service to approximately 37,000 customers principally located in 17 states across the eastern and central United States. Substantially all of the network assets used to provide these services to customers are contracted through interconnection agreements with other telecommunications carriers.  Results for Talk America are reported in our in our consolidated financial statements in our Consumer CLEC business segment.

Industry

The current communications infrastructure industry is marked by the growing demand for and use of bandwidth-intensive devices and applications, such as smart devices, real-time and online streaming video, cloud-based applications, social media and mobile broadband. This growth in consumption requires the support of robust communications infrastructure, of which fiber networks and communications towers are critical components. Substantial investments have been made in recent years in fiber networks, lit services and colocation facilities to keep pace with the increased bandwidth use of both enterprise- and consumer-end users. As companies attempt to keep pace with this rapidly evolving business sector, communications infrastructure is increasing in priority and economic importance. We believe this considerable demand creates tremendous opportunities for us as an acquirer and operator and as a funding source for operators seeking to capitalize on these trends through build outs and acquisitions of infrastructure assets.

The wireless communications industry is a prime example of the growing importance of the bandwidth infrastructure industry. As wireless traffic and mobile data consumption continue to grow worldwide, participants in the wireless communications industry are increasing their network capacity through the development of new wireless cell sites and the addition of bandwidth capacity.  Consumers are demanding network quality and coverage, and as a result wireless carriers are making significant capital investments to improve quality, expand their coverage and remain relevant in a highly competitive industry. We expect this continued growth in capital expenditures to generate high demands for wireless towers (including strong growth in long-term tower leasing), tower space and bandwidth infrastructure services.

Strategy

Our primary goal is to create long-term stockholder value by (i) generating reliable and growing cash flows, (ii) diversifying our tenant and asset base, (iii) paying a consistent dividend, and (iv) maintaining our financial strength and liquidity. To achieve this goal, we employ a business strategy that leverages our first mover advantages in the sector and our strong access to the capital markets. The key components of our business strategy include:

Acquire Additional Infrastructure Assets Through Sale Leaseback Transactions

We are actively seeking to acquire communications infrastructure assets from communication service providers and lease these assets back to the communication service providers on a long-term basis. We believe this type of transaction benefits the communication service providers with incremental liquidity which can be used to reduce indebtedness or for other investments, while they continue to focus on their existing business. We will employ a

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disciplined, opportunistic acquisition strategy and seek to price transactions appropriately based on, among other things, growth opportunities, the mix of assets acquired, length and terms of the lease, and credit worthiness of the tenant.

This strategy will also expand our mix of tenants and other real property and will reduce our revenue concentration with Windstream. We expect that this objective will be achieved over time as part of our overall strategy to acquire new distribution systems and other real property within the communications infrastructure industry to further diversify our overall portfolio.

Capitalize on the Market Demand for Increased Bandwidth Infrastructure and Performance

Bandwidth intensive devices and applications are rapidly fueling worldwide consumption of bandwidth, which in turn fuels a continuously growing demand for stable and secure bandwidth.  Communications service providers and other enterprises whose services and businesses require substantial amounts of bandwidth are increasingly looking to infrastructure providers to support their bandwidth needs and to expand the reach, performance and security of their networks.  We believe Uniti Fiber is well positioned to capitalize on this ongoing demand for bandwidth infrastructure solutions.  

Fund Capital Extensions and Improvements of Infrastructure Assets for Existing and New Tenants

We believe the communications infrastructure industry in the United States is currently going through an upgrade cycle driven by the consumer’s general desire for greater bandwidth and wireless services. These upgrades require significant capital expenditures, and we believe CS&L provides an attractive, non-competitive funding source for communication service providers to help accelerate the expansion of their networks at an attractive cost of capital.

We intend to support our tenant operators and other communication service providers by providing capital to them for a variety of purposes, including capacity augmentation projects, tower construction and network expansions. We expect to structure these investments as lease arrangements that produce additional rents.

Facilitate M&A Transactions in the Communication Service Sector as a Capital Partner

We believe CS&L can provide cost efficient funds to potential acquirors in the communication service sector, and thereby facilitate M&A transactions as a capital partner. The highly fragmented nature of the communication service sector is expected to result in more consolidation, which we believe will provide us ample opportunity to pursue these types of transactions.

Maintain Balance Sheet Strength and Liquidity

We seek to maintain a capital structure that provides the resources and financial flexibility to position us to capitalize on strategic growth opportunities. Our access to, and cost of, external capital is dependent on various factors, including general market conditions, credit ratings on our securities, interest rates and expectations of our future business performance. We intend to maintain a strong balance sheet through disciplined use of leverage, aiming to lower our relative cost of capital over time, and continuing to have access to multiple sources of capital and liquidity. As of December 31, 2016, we had $171.8 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, and $500 million of undrawn borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility. All of our debt is either fixed-rate debt, or floating-rate debt that we have fixed through the use of interest rate swaps.

Competition

We compete for investments in the communications industry with telecommunications companies, investment companies, private equity funds, hedge fund investors, sovereign funds and other REITs who focus primarily on specific segments of the communications infrastructure industry. The communications infrastructure industry is characterized by a high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including many local, regional and global corporations.  Some of our competitors are significantly larger and have greater financial resources and

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lower costs of capital than we have. In addition, revenues from our network properties are dependent, to an extent, on the ability of our operating partners, like Windstream, to compete with other communication service providers.

However, we believe we are positioned to identify and successfully capitalize on acquisition opportunities that meet our investment objectives and that we have significant competitive advantages that support our leadership position in owning, funding the construction of and leasing communications infrastructure, including:

First-Mover Advantage; Uniquely Positioned to Capitalize on Expansion Opportunities

We are the first and only REIT primarily focused on the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. We believe this provides us with a significant first-mover competitive advantage to capitalize on the large and fragmented communications infrastructure industry. Additionally, we believe our position, scale and national reach will help us achieve operational efficiencies and support future growth opportunities.

Large Scale Anchor Tenant; Stable Rent Revenues

We believe the assets we lease to Windstream under the Master Lease are critical for Windstream to successfully run its business and operations. Windstream, as our anchor tenant, provides us with a base of stable and highly predictable rent revenues as an initial platform for us to grow and diversify our portfolio and tenant base.

Windstream is a publicly-traded company that provides advanced network communications, including cloud computing and managed services, to businesses nationwide. Windstream also offers broadband, phone and digital TV services to consumers primarily in rural areas. Windstream continues to operate the Distribution Systems, hold the associated regulatory licenses and own and operate other assets, including distribution systems in select states not included in the Spin-Off.

Windstream has a diverse customer base, encompassing enterprise and small business customers, carriers and consumers. The Distribution Systems we lease to Windstream are located in 29 different states across the continental United States. The fiber assets in any one state do not account for more than 20% of the total route miles in our network. We believe this geographic diversification will limit the effect of changes in any one market on our overall performance.

Windstream is subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC, which include the requirements to file annual reports containing audited financial information and quarterly reports containing unaudited financial information. Windstream’s filings with the SEC can be found at www.sec.gov. Windstream’s filings are not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report.

Strong Relationships with Communication Service Providers

Members of our management team have developed an extensive network of relationships with qualified local, regional and national communication service providers across the United States. This extensive network has been built by our management team through decades of operating experience, involvement in industry trade organizations and the development of banking relationships and investor relations within the communications infrastructure industry. We believe these strong relationships will allow us to effectively source investment opportunities from communication service providers other than Windstream. We intend to work collaboratively with our operating partners in providing expansion capital at attractive rates to help them achieve their growth and business objectives. We will seek to partner with communication service providers who possess local market knowledge, demonstrate hands-on management and have proven track records.

Experienced and Committed Management Team

Our senior management team is comprised of veteran leaders with strong backgrounds in their respective disciplines. As a result of extensive public company experience, our senior management team has over 70 years of combined experience in managing telecommunications operations, consummating mergers and acquisitions and accessing both debt and equity capital markets to fund growth and maintain a flexible capital structure.

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Insurance

We maintain, or will require in our leases, including the Master Lease, that our tenants maintain, all applicable lines of insurance on our properties and their operations. Under the Master Lease, Windstream has the right to self-insure or use a captive provider with respect to its insurance obligations. We believe that the amount and scope of insurance coverage provided by our policies and the policies maintained by our tenants are customary for similarly situated companies in the telecommunications industry. However, our tenants may elect not to, or be able to, maintain the required insurance coverages, and the failure by any of them to do so could have a material adverse effect on us. We may not continue to require the same levels of insurance coverage under our leases, including the Master Lease, and such insurance may not be available at a reasonable cost in the future or fully cover all losses on our properties upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event.  Moreover, we cannot guarantee the future financial viability of the insurers.

Employees

At December 31, 2016, we had 316 full-time employees, none of whom are subject to a collective bargaining agreement.

Significant Customers

For the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 87.9% and 96.3% of our revenues, respectively, were derived from leasing our Distribution Systems to Windstream Holdings pursuant to the Master Lease.  

Government Regulation, Licensing and Enforcement

U.S. Telecommunications Regulatory Overview

Market Overview

Our subsidiaries and our tenants operate in a regulated and highly competitive market.  Current and potential competitors include other communications tower owners, providers of voice and data services, providers of fiber and other backhaul services, traditional telephone companies, cable companies, Internet service providers, and other companies. As operators of telecommunications facilities and services, both we and the current and future tenants of our telecommunications assets are typically subject to extensive and complex federal, state and local telecommunications laws and regulations. The Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) regulates the provision of interstate and international telecommunications services, and state public utility commissions (“PUCs”) regulate intrastate telecommunications services. Both FCC and PUC telecommunications regulations are wide-ranging and can subject us and our tenants to civil, criminal and administrative sanctions. We expect that the telecommunications industry, in general, will continue to face increased competition and regulation. Changes in laws and regulations and regulatory non-compliance by us or our tenants could have a significant direct or indirect effect on our operations and financial condition, which in turn may adversely affect us, as detailed below and set forth under “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business.”

Our operations require that certain of our subsidiaries hold licenses or other forms of authorization from the FCC and state PUCs in those states where we operate, and in some jurisdictions our subsidiaries must file tariffs or other price lists describing their rates, terms and conditions of the services they provide.  The FCC and PUCs can modify or terminate a service provider’s license or other authority to provide telecommunications services for failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations.  The FCC and PUCs may also investigate our subsidiaries’ operations and may impose fines or other penalties for violations of the same.  In addition, our subsidiaries are required to submit periodic reports to the FCC and PUCs documenting their revenues and other data.  Some of this information is used as the basis for the imposition of various regulatory fees and other assessments. In order to engage in certain transactions in some jurisdictions, including changes of control, the encumbrance of certain assets, the issuance of securities, the incurrence of indebtedness, the guarantee of indebtedness of other entities, including subsidiaries of ours, and the transfer of our assets, we are required to provide notice and/or obtain prior approval from certain governmental agencies.  The construction of additions to our current fiber network through our Uniti Fiber

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subsidiary is also subject to certain state and local governmental permitting and licensing requirements.  Uniti Fiber also holds and maintains a number of licenses from the FCC for the operation of microwave backhaul links.  

Our subsidiaries are subject to a number of federal and state regulations that govern the way we can conduct our business.  Such regulations also impose certain operating costs on our businesses.   These regulations can include restrictions on pricing flexibility for certain products, minimum service quality standards, service reporting, intercarrier compensation, universal service funding, and other obligations.  

We believe that we have structured the operations for our core real estate business in a manner that will not require us to become regulated as a public utility or common carrier by the FCC or PUCs.  But, a number of our business operations nonetheless are subject to federal, state, and local regulation.

Consumer CLEC Business

Talk America Services operates the Consumer CLEC Business as a reseller of telecommunication services pursuant to a Wholesale Master Services Agreement and a Master Service Agreement with Windstream.  In almost all cases, Windstream does not own the underlying telecommunication facilities required to support the Consumer CLEC Business, rather it is a reseller of facility-based services pursuant to wholesale interconnection agreements with third-party carriers that own the underlying telecommunication facilities. Talk America Services is authorized and regulated as a CLEC and an interexchange (long-distance) service provider in most states where it has Consumer CLEC Business customers. These certifications subject Talk America Services to regulations requiring it to file and maintain tariffs for the rates charged to its Consumer CLEC Business customers for regulated services and to comply with service quality, service reporting and other regulatory obligations. Talk America Service’s ability to operate the Consumer CLEC Business is dependent on existing telecommunication regulations that allow access to such underlying facilities of other carriers at reasonable rates.

With respect to the broadband Internet services that we provide, traditionally, the FCC has recognized that broadband Internet access services are “information services” subject to limited regulation. In 2015, the FCC issued a “network neutrality” decision that declared broadband Internet access services to be subject to certain “telecommunications services” regulation under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. This decision creates uncertainty concerning the level of regulation that will apply to broadband services going forward. These regulations will limit the ways that broadband Internet access service providers can structure business arrangements and manage their networks and could spur additional restrictions, including rate regulation, which could adversely affect broadband investment and innovation. The proper scope of such regulations is being debated in Congress and may be revisited by the FCC. It is unclear at this time how broadband services will be regulated in the future, and the potential impact those regulations may have on our broadband Internet service business.

Uniti Towers

Uniti Towers is subject to international, federal, state and local regulatory requirements with respect to the registration, siting, construction, lighting, marking and maintenance of our towers. In the United States, the construction of new towers or modifications to existing towers may require pre-approval by the FCC and the Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”), depending on factors such as tower height and proximity to public airfields. Towers requiring pre-approval must be registered with the FCC and maintained in accordance with FCC and FAA standards. Similar requirements regarding pre-approval of the construction and modification of towers are imposed by regulators in other countries where Uniti Towers owns and operates towers. Non-compliance with applicable tower-related requirements may lead to monetary penalties or site deconstruction orders.

Regulatory regimes outside of the U.S. and its territories vary by country and locality; however, these regulations typically require approval from local officials or government agencies prior to tower construction or modification or the addition of a new antenna to an existing tower. Additionally, some regulations include ongoing obligations regarding painting, lighting and maintenance. Our international operations may also be subject to limitations on foreign ownership of land in certain areas. Non-compliance with such regulations may lead to monetary penalties or deconstruction orders. Our international operations are also subject to various regulations and guidelines regarding employee relations and other occupational health and safety matters.

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In all countries where Uniti Towers operates, it is subject to zoning restrictions and restrictive covenants imposed by local authorities or community organizations. While these regulations vary, they typically require approval from local authorities or community standards organizations prior to tower construction or the addition of a new antenna to an existing tower. Opposition by local zoning authorities and community residents can delay or prevent new tower construction or site upgrade projects, thereby increasing the costs and timing of new tower construction and modifications or site upgrades.

The failure to properly maintain towers pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements, such as but not limited to, lighting, painting, and other safety standards, can subject us to significant enforcement actions, including monetary penalties both within the U.S. and abroad.

Uniti Fiber

Our subsidiaries that compose Uniti Fiber own and operate significant fiber and other communications backhaul facilities throughout various regions of the U.S.  The provision of such services is subject to FCC and PUC licensure in many jurisdictions, and the companies are typically licensed as CLECs and/or interexchange carriers in those states where they operate.  The companies also hold various FCC wireless licenses in order to provide microwave backhaul services.  Because of the nature of the licenses that these companies hold, and the nature of the services that they provide, they are subject to various federal and state regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, revenue and other reporting requirements and tariffing requirements.  The companies must also maintain their wireless licenses with the FCC, which requires construction and notification reporting and other regulatory requirements.  

Regulatory Changes

Future revenues, costs and capital investment in the communication businesses of our tenants, Talk America Services, Uniti Fiber, Uniti Towers, and other related entities could be adversely affected by material changes to, or decisions regarding applicability of, government requirements, including, but not limited to, changes in rules governing inter-carrier compensation, interconnection access to network facilities, state and federal universal service fund (“USF”) support, rules governing the prices that can be charged for business data services, infrastructure location and siting rules, and other requirements.  Federal and state communications laws may be amended in the future, and other laws may affect our business.  In addition, certain laws and regulations applicable to us and our competitors may be, and have been, challenged in the courts and could be changed at any time. We cannot predict future developments or changes to the regulatory environment or the impact such developments or changes would have on our business.

In addition, regulations could create significant compliance costs for us.  Delays in obtaining FCC and PUC certifications and regulatory approvals could cause us to incur substantial legal and administrative expenses, and conditions imposed in connection with such approvals could adversely affect the rates that we are able to charge our customers. Both our subsidiaries and our tenants may also be affected by legislation and/or regulation imposing new or additional obligations related to, for example, law enforcement assistance, cyber-security protection, intellectual property rights protections, environmental protections, consumer privacy, tax, or other areas.  We can’t predict how any such future changes may impact our business, or the business of our tenants.

Environmental Matters

A wide variety of federal, state and local environmental and occupational health and safety laws and regulations affect telecommunications operations and facilities. These complex laws, and their enforcement, involve a myriad of regulations, many of which involve strict liability on the part of the potential offender. Some of these federal, state and local laws may directly impact us. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner of real property, such as us, may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances at, under or disposed of in connection with such property, as well as other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances (including government fines and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property). The cost of any required remediation, removal, fines or personal property damages and the owner’s liability therefore could exceed or impair the value of the property and/or the assets of the owner. In addition, the

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presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect the owner’s ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral, which, in turn, could reduce revenues.

Available Information

Our principal executive offices are located at 10802 Executive Center Drive, Benton Building Suite 300, Little Rock, AR 72211 and our telephone number is (501) 850-0820.  We currently maintain a website at www.cslreit.com. In connection with the Company’s name change, on February 27, 2017, we will launch a new corporate website: www.uniti.com.  Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’) are available on our current website (and will be available on our new website), free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Our Exchange Act filings can also be found at www.sec.gov.

Current copies of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics & Whistleblower Policy, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and the charters for our Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees are posted in the Corporate Governance section of the Investors page of our website at www.cslreit.com and will be available at www.uniti.com starting on February 27, 2017.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Risks Related to Our Business

We are dependent on Windstream Holdings to make payments to us under the Master Lease, and an event that materially and adversely affects Windstream’s business, financial position or results of operations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position or results of operations.

Windstream Holdings is the lessee of the Distribution Systems pursuant to the Master Lease and, therefore, is presently the source of a substantial portion of our revenues. There can be no assurance that Windstream Holdings will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable it to satisfy its payment obligations under the Master Lease. The inability or unwillingness of Windstream Holdings to meet its rent obligations under the Master Lease could materially adversely affect our business, financial position or results of operations, including our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders as required to maintain our status as a REIT. The inability of Windstream Holdings to satisfy its other obligations under the Master Lease, such as the payment of insurance, taxes and utilities, could materially and adversely affect the condition of the Distribution Systems as well as the business, financial position and results of operations of Windstream. In addition, Windstream Holdings will be dependent on distributions from Windstream Services and its subsidiaries in order to satisfy the payment obligations under the Master Lease, as such, if Windstream Services or their subsidiaries were to experience a material and adverse effect on their business, financial position or results of operations, our business, financial position or results of operations could also be materially and adversely affected.

Failure by Windstream Holdings to comply with the terms of the Master Lease or to comply with the regulations to which the Distribution Systems are subject could require us to find another lessee for such Distribution Systems, or a portion thereof, and there could be a decrease or cessation of rental payments by Windstream Holdings.

There is no assurance that we would be able to lease the Distribution Systems to another lessee on substantially equivalent or better terms than the Master Lease, or at all, successfully reposition the Distribution Systems for other uses or sell the Distribution Systems on terms that are favorable to us. It may be more difficult to find a replacement tenant for a telecommunications property than it would be to find a replacement tenant for a general commercial property due to the specialized nature of the business. Even if we are able to find a suitable replacement tenant for the Distribution Systems, transfers of operations of communication distribution systems are subject to regulatory approvals not required for transfers of other types of commercial operations, which may affect our ability to successfully transition the Distribution Systems.

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If the Spin-Off, together with certain related transactions, fails to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, both we and Windstream could be subject to significant tax liabilities and, in certain circumstances, we could be required to indemnify Windstream for material taxes pursuant to indemnification obligations under the tax matters agreement entered into in connection with the Spin-Off.

Windstream received a private letter ruling (the “IRS Ruling”) from the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) to the effect that, on the basis of certain facts presented and representations and assumptions set forth in the request submitted to the IRS, the Spin-Off will qualify as tax-free under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Although a private letter ruling from the IRS generally is binding on the IRS, if the factual representations and assumptions made in the letter ruling request are untrue or incomplete in any material respect, then Windstream will not be able to rely on the IRS Ruling. In addition, the IRS Ruling does not address certain requirements for tax-free treatment of the Spin-Off under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code and Windstream’s use of CS&L indebtedness and common stock to retire certain of Windstream’s indebtedness (the “debt exchanges”). Accordingly, the Spin-Off was conditioned upon the receipt by Windstream of a tax opinion from its counsel with respect to the requirements on which the IRS did not rule, which concluded that such requirements also should be satisfied. The tax opinion was based on, among other things, the IRS Ruling, then current law and certain representations and assumptions as to factual matters made by Windstream and us. Any change in currently applicable law, which may or may not be retroactive, or the failure of any factual representation or assumption to be true, correct and complete in all material respects, could adversely affect the conclusions reached in the tax opinion. In addition, the tax opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and the IRS or the courts may not agree with the tax opinion.

If the Spin-Off were determined to be taxable, Windstream would recognize taxable gain. Under the terms of the tax matters agreement entered into with Windstream in connection with the Spin-Off (the “Tax Matters Agreement”), we are generally responsible for any taxes imposed on Windstream that arise from the failure of the Spin-Off and the debt exchanges to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, within the meaning of Section 355 and Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, as applicable, to the extent such failure to qualify is attributable to certain actions, events or transactions relating to our stock, indebtedness, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or any covenants made by us in the Tax Matters Agreement, the materials submitted to the IRS in connection with the request for the IRS Ruling or the representations provided in connection with the tax opinion. Our indemnification obligations to Windstream are not limited by any maximum amount and such amounts could be substantial. If we are required to indemnify Windstream under the circumstances set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement, we may also be subject to substantial tax liabilities.

In addition, if the Spin-Off or the debt exchanges failed to qualify as tax free for U.S. federal income tax purposes, Windstream may incur significant tax liabilities that could materially affect Windstream’s ability to make payments under the Master Lease.

Our level of indebtedness could materially and adversely affect our financial position, including reducing funds available for other business purposes and reducing our operational flexibility.

As of December 31, 2016, we had outstanding long term indebtedness of approximately $4.2 billion consisting of a combination of senior notes and term loans. Additionally, we have a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $500 million, which was undrawn as of December 31, 2016, provided by a syndicate of banks and other financial institutions. Subject to the restrictions set forth in our debt agreements, our board of directors may establish and change our leverage policy at any time without stockholder approval. Any significant additional indebtedness could require a substantial portion of our cash flow to make interest and principal payments due on our indebtedness. Greater demands on our cash resources may reduce funds available to us to pay dividends, make capital expenditures and acquisitions, or carry out other aspects of our business strategy. Increased indebtedness can also limit our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions, make us more vulnerable to general adverse economic and industry conditions and create competitive disadvantages for us compared to other companies with relatively lower debt levels. Increased future debt service obligations may limit our operational flexibility, including our ability to acquire assets, finance or refinance our assets or sell assets as needed.

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Covenants in our debt agreements may limit our operational flexibility, and a covenant breach or default could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position or results of operations.

The agreements governing our indebtedness, including the indentures and our senior secured credit facilities, contain customary covenants, which may limit our operational flexibility. The indentures have terms customary for high yield senior notes, including covenants relating to debt incurrence, liens, restricted payments, asset sales, transactions with affiliates, and mergers, acquisitions or sales of all or substantially all of our assets, and customary provisions regarding optional redemption and events of default. Our credit agreement contains customary covenants that, among other things, require us to maintain our REIT status and restrict, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to grant liens on assets, incur indebtedness, sell assets, make investments, engage in acquisitions, mergers or consolidations and pay certain dividends and other restricted payments. The credit agreement also contains customary events of default and requires us to comply with specified financial maintenance covenants. Breaches of certain covenants may result in defaults and cross-defaults under certain of our other indebtedness, even if we satisfy our payment obligations to the respective obligee. In addition, defaults under the Master Lease, including defaults associated with the bankruptcy of the tenant or the termination of the Master Lease, may result in cross-defaults under certain of our indebtedness.

Covenants that limit our operational flexibility, as well as covenant breaches or defaults under our debt instruments, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position or results of operations, or our ability to incur additional indebtedness or refinance existing indebtedness.

We intend to pursue acquisitions of additional properties and seek other strategic opportunities, which may result in the use of a significant amount of management resources or significant costs, and we may not fully realize the potential benefits of such transactions.

We intend to pursue acquisitions of additional properties and seek acquisitions and other strategic opportunities. Accordingly, we currently are, and expect in the future to be, engaged in evaluating potential transactions and other strategic alternatives. In addition, from time to time, we may engage in discussions that may result in one or more transactions. Consistent with our strategy, we are currently pursuing a number of opportunities to grow our business through acquisitions that are complementary to our current platform. Although there is uncertainty that any of these discussions will result in definitive agreements or the completion of any transaction, we may devote a significant amount of our management resources to such a transaction, which could negatively impact our operations. We may incur significant costs in connection with seeking acquisitions or other strategic opportunities regardless of whether the transaction is completed. In the event that we consummate an acquisition or strategic alternative in the future, there is no assurance that we would fully realize the potential benefits of such a transaction. Integration may be difficult and unpredictable, and acquisition-related integration costs, including certain non-recurring charges, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. Moreover, integrating assets and businesses may significantly burden management and internal resources, including the potential loss or unavailability of key personnel. If we fail to successfully integrate the assets and businesses we acquire, we may not fully realize the potential benefits we expect, and our operating results could be adversely affected.

Risks Related to the Status of CS&L as a REIT

If we do not qualify as a REIT, or fail to remain qualified as a REIT, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a regular corporation and could face a substantial tax liability, which could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders and to service debt.

We operate as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes.  We received an opinion of tax counsel to Windstream with respect to our qualification as a REIT in connection with the Spin-Off. Investors should be aware, however, that opinions of counsel are not binding on the IRS or any court. The opinion of tax counsel represents only the view of such counsel based on its review and analysis of existing law and on certain representations as to factual matters and covenants made by us, including representations relating to the values of our assets and the sources of our income. The opinion was expressed only as of the date issued. Tax counsel has no obligation to advise us or the holders of our stock of any subsequent change in the matters stated, represented or assumed or of any subsequent change in applicable law. Furthermore, both the validity of the opinion of tax counsel and our qualification as a

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REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis, the results of which will not be monitored by tax counsel. Our ability to satisfy the asset tests depends upon our analysis of the characterization and fair market values of our assets, some of which are not susceptible to a precise determination, and for which we may not obtain independent appraisals.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we would be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, and dividends paid to our stockholders would not be deductible by us in computing our taxable income. Any resulting corporate liability could be substantial and could reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our stockholders, which in turn could have an adverse impact on the value of our common stock and to service debt. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from reelecting to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.

Qualification as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code.

Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which only limited judicial and administrative authorities exist. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. Our qualification as a REIT will depend on our satisfaction of certain asset, income, organizational, distribution, stockholder ownership and other requirements on a continuing basis. In addition, our ability to satisfy the requirements to qualify as a REIT may depend in part on the actions of third parties over which we have no control or only limited influence, including legislative actions adverse to REITs.

Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on us.

The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”). Changes to the tax laws affecting REITs or TRSs, which may have retroactive application, could adversely affect our stockholders or us. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect our stockholders or us. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that new legislation, Treasury regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions will not significantly affect our ability to remain qualified as a REIT, the federal income tax consequences of such qualification, the determination of the amount of REIT taxable income or the amount of tax paid by the TRSs.

We could fail to qualify as a REIT if income we receive from Windstream is not treated as qualifying income.

Under applicable provisions of the Code, we will not be treated as a REIT unless we satisfy various requirements, including requirements relating to the sources of our gross income. Rents received or accrued by us from Windstream will not be treated as qualifying rent for purposes of these requirements if the Master Lease is not respected as a true lease for U.S. federal income tax purposes and is instead treated as a service contract, joint venture or some other type of arrangement. If the Master Lease is not respected as a true lease for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may fail to qualify as a REIT.

In addition, subject to certain exceptions, rents received or accrued by us from Windstream will not be treated as qualifying rent for purposes of the REIT gross income requirements if we or a beneficial or constructive owner of 10% or more of our stock beneficially or constructively owns 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of Windstream Holdings stock entitled to vote or 10% or more of the total value of all classes of Windstream Holdings stock. Our charter provides for restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares of stock, including restrictions on such ownership or transfer that would cause the rents received or accrued by us from Windstream to be treated as non-qualifying rent for purposes of the REIT gross income requirements. Nevertheless, there can be no assurance that such restrictions will be effective in ensuring that rents received or accrued by us from Windstream will not be treated as qualifying rent for purposes of REIT qualification requirements.

REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan.

We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains, in order for us to qualify as a REIT (assuming that certain other requirements are also satisfied) so that U.S. federal corporate income tax does not apply to earnings that we distribute. To the extent that we satisfy this distribution requirement and qualify for taxation as a REIT but

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distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains, we will be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on our undistributed net taxable income. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax if the actual amount that we distribute to our stockholders in a calendar year is less than a minimum amount specified for REITs under U.S. federal income tax laws. We intend to make distributions to our stockholders to comply with the REIT requirements of the Code.

Our FFO is currently generated primarily by rents paid under the Master Lease. From time to time, we may generate taxable income greater than our cash flow as a result of differences in timing between the recognition of taxable income and the actual receipt of cash or the effect of nondeductible capital expenditures, the creation of reserves or required debt or amortization payments. If we do not have other funds available in these situations, we could be required to borrow funds on unfavorable terms, sell assets at disadvantageous prices or distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions in order to make distributions sufficient to enable us to pay out enough of our taxable income to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement and to avoid corporate income tax, including the 4% excise tax in a particular year. These alternatives could increase our costs or reduce our equity. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to grow, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock and decrease cash available to service debt.

Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. For example, we hold some of our assets and conduct certain of our activities through a TRS that is subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate-level income taxes as a regular C corporation. In addition, we may incur a 100% excise tax on transactions with a TRS if they are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Any of these taxes could decrease cash available for distribution to our stockholders and servicing our debt.

Complying with the REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments.

To qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must ensure that, at the end of each calendar quarter, at least 75% of the value of our assets consists of cash, cash items, government securities and “real estate assets” (as defined in the Code). The remainder of our investments (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) generally cannot include more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer or more than 10% of the total value of the outstanding securities of any one issuer. In addition, in general, no more than 5% of the value of our total assets (other than government securities, qualified real estate assets and securities issued by a TRS) can consist of the securities of any one issuer, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets (or 20% after December 31, 2017) can be represented by securities of one or more TRSs, and for taxable years starting after December 31, 2015, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets can be represented by nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments (as defined in the Code). If we fail to comply with these requirements at the end of any calendar quarter, we must correct the failure within 30 days after the end of the calendar quarter or qualify for certain statutory relief provisions to avoid losing our REIT qualification and suffering adverse tax consequences. As a result of such asset limitations, we may be required to liquidate or forego otherwise attractive investments. These actions could have the effect of reducing our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders and servicing our debt.

In addition to the asset tests set forth above, to qualify as a REIT we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. We may be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us in order to satisfy the source-of-income or asset-diversification requirements for qualifying as a REIT. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may hinder our ability to make certain attractive investments.

Risks Related to our Business

We are dependent on the communications industry and may be susceptible to the risks associated with it, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial position or results of operations.

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As the owner, lessor and provider of communications services and distribution systems serving the communications industry, we are impacted by the risks associated with the communications industry. Therefore, our success is to some degree dependent on the communications industry, which could be adversely affected by economic conditions in general, changes in consumer trends and preferences, changes in communications technology and other factors over which we and our tenants have no control. As we are subject to risks inherent in substantial investments in a single industry, a decrease in the communications business would likely have an adverse effect on our revenues.

Our business is subject to government regulations and changes in current or future laws or regulations could restrict our ability to operate our business in the manner currently contemplated.

Our business, and that of our tenants, is subject to federal, state, local and foreign regulation. In certain jurisdictions these regulations could be applied or enforced retroactively. Local zoning authorities and community organizations are often opposed to construction in their communities and these regulations can delay, prevent or increase the cost of new distribution system construction and modifications, thereby limiting our ability to respond to customer demands and requirements. Existing regulatory policies may materially and adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays or result in additional costs to us, or that prevent such projects in certain locations. These factors could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. For more information regarding the regulations we are subject to, please see the section entitled “Business – Government Regulation, Licensing and Enforcement.”

If Uniti Fiber is unable to renew or extend its contracts with significant customers, our results may be adversely affected.

Most of Uniti Fiber’s revenues are generated through contracts with customers that must be renewed or extended from time to time. A number of customer contracts are subject to renewal or extension in the near term. If significant customers terminate or do not renew or extend their contracts with Uniti Fiber, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected. If we lose any of our significant customers, one of our significant customers reduces its use of our services, or if any of our significant customers negotiates less favorable terms with us, then we will lose revenue, which would materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Revenue from customers that have accounted for significant revenue in past periods, individually or as a group, may not continue, or if continued, may not reach or exceed historical levels in any period.

Any failure of Uniti Fiber’s physical infrastructure or services could lead to significant costs and disruptions.

Uniti Fiber’s business depends on providing customers with highly reliable service. The services provided are subject to failure resulting from numerous factors, including human error, power loss, improper maintenance, physical or electronic security breaches, fire, earthquake, hurricane, flood and other natural disasters, water damage, the effect of war, terrorism and any related conflicts or similar events worldwide, and sabotage and vandalism. Problems within Uniti Fiber’s networks or facilities, whether within our control or the control of third-party providers, could result in service interruptions or equipment damage. We may not be able to efficiently upgrade or change Uniti Fiber’s networks or facilities to meet new demands without incurring significant costs that we may not be able to pass on to customers. Given the service guarantees that may be included in Uniti Fiber’s agreements with customers, such disruptions could result in customer credits; however, we cannot assume that customers will accept these credits as compensation in the future, and we may face additional liability or loss of customers.

Uniti Fiber uses franchises, licenses, permits, rights-of-way, conduit leases, fiber agreements, and property leases, which could be canceled or not renewed.

Uniti Fiber must maintain rights-of-way, franchises, and other permits from railroads, utilities, state highway authorities, local governments, transit authorities, and others to operate its fiber network. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in maintaining these rights-of-way agreements or obtaining future agreements on acceptable terms. Some of these agreements are short-term or revocable at will, and we cannot assure you that

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we will continue to have access to existing rights-of-way after they have expired or terminated. If a material portion of these agreements are terminated or are not renewed, we might be forced to abandon these networks. In order to operate these networks, we must also maintain fiber leases and indefeasible right of use (“IRU”) agreements between Uniti Fiber and both public and private entities, and there is no assurance that we will be able to renew those fiber leases and IRU agreements on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to renew those fiber leases and IRU agreements on favorable terms, we may face increased costs or reduced revenues.

In order to expand Uniti Fiber’s network to new locations, we often need to obtain additional rights-of-way, franchises, and other permits. Our failure to obtain these rights in a prompt and cost-effective manner may prevent us from expanding our network, which may be necessary to meet our contractual obligations to our customers and could expose us to liabilities.

If we lose or are unable to renew key real property leases where Uniti Fiber has located networks or facilities, it could adversely affect our services and increase our costs, as we would be required to restructure or move these networks or facilities.

New technologies or changes in a tenant’s business model could make our business less desirable

and result in decreasing revenues.

The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of communications distribution systems, including lit fiber networks and wireless equipment, or changes in a tenant’s business model due to such technological changes, could reduce the need for our services, decrease demand for tower space or fiber or reduce previously obtainable lease rates for communications infrastructure. In addition, tenants may allocate less of their budgets to certain types of communications infrastructure, as the industry is trending towards deploying increased capital to the development and implementation of new technologies. Further, a tenant may decide to no longer outsource certain types of communications infrastructure or otherwise change its business model, which would result in a decrease in our revenue. The development and implementation of any of these and similar technologies to any significant degree or changes in a tenant’s business model could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Our foreign operations are subject to economic, political and other risks that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our international business operations expose us to potential adverse financial and operational problems not typically experienced in the United States, including:

In addition, many of our tenants in our international operations are subsidiaries of global telecommunications companies. These subsidiaries may not have the explicit or implied financial support of their parent entities. Any of these factors could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Our continued operation and expansion outside the United States, including in developing countries, increase the risk of violations of applicable anti-corruption in the future.

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Our internal policies provide for compliance with all applicable anti-corruption laws, but despite our training and compliance programs, we cannot assure you that our internal control policies and procedures will always protect us from unauthorized, reckless or criminal acts committed by our employees, agents or partners.  A finding that the Company or its affiliates have violated the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) or similar foreign anti-corruption laws may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, which could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

We or our tenants may experience uninsured or underinsured losses, which could result in a significant loss of the capital we have invested in a property, decrease anticipated future revenues or cause us to incur unanticipated expenses.

The Master Lease requires, and we expect that new lease agreements that we enter into will require, that the tenant maintain comprehensive insurance and hazard insurance or self-insure its insurance obligations. However, there are certain types of losses, generally of a catastrophic nature, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods that may be uninsurable or not economically insurable. Insurance coverage may not be sufficient to pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of a loss. Inflation, changes in ordinances, environmental considerations, and other factors also might make it infeasible to use insurance proceeds to replace the property after such property has been damaged or destroyed. Under such circumstances, the insurance proceeds received might not be adequate to restore the economic position with respect to such property.

In addition, even if damage to our properties is covered by insurance, a disruption of business caused by a casualty event may result in loss of revenue for our tenants or us. Any business interruption insurance may not fully compensate them or us for such loss of revenue. If one of our tenants experiences such a loss, it may be unable to satisfy its payment obligations to us under its lease with us.

We rely on information technology in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security failure of that technology could harm our business.

We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information and to manage or support a variety of our business processes, including financial transactions and maintenance of records. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmitting and storing confidential information. Although we have taken steps to protect the security of the data maintained in our information systems, it is possible that our security measures will not be able to prevent the systems’ improper functioning, or the improper disclosure of information in the event of cyber-attacks. Physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, attacks by hackers and similar security breaches, can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Any failure to maintain proper function, security and availability of our information systems could interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, subject us to liability claims or regulatory penalties and could materially and adversely affect us.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

We cannot assure you of our ability to pay dividends in the future.

It is expected that our dividend will be $2.40 per share per annum, subject to approval of our board of directors. The qualify as a REIT, the annual dividend must not be less than 90% of our REIT taxable income on an annual basis, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding any net capital gains. Our ability to pay dividends may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including the risk factors herein. Dividends will be authorized by our board of directors and declared by us based upon a number of factors, including actual results of operations, restrictions under Maryland law or applicable debt covenants, our financial condition, our taxable income, the annual distribution requirements under the REIT provisions of the Code, our operating expenses and other factors our directors deem relevant. We cannot assure you that we will achieve investment results that will allow us to make a specified level of cash dividends or year-to-year increases in cash dividends in the future.

Furthermore, while we are required to pay dividends in order to maintain our REIT status (as described above under “Risks Related to Our Status as a REIT- REIT distribution requirements could adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan”), we may elect not to maintain our REIT status, in which case we would no longer be required to

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pay such dividends. Moreover, even if we do maintain our REIT status, after completing various procedural steps, we may elect to comply with the applicable distribution requirements by distributing, under certain circumstances, shares of our common stock in lieu of cash. If we elect not to maintain our REIT status or to satisfy any required distributions in shares of common stock in lieu of cash, such action could negatively affect our business and financial condition as well as the market price of our common stock. No assurance can be given that we will pay any dividends on shares of our common stock in the future.

Our charter restricts the ownership and transfer of our outstanding stock, which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or change of control of our company.

In order for us to qualify as a REIT, not more than 50% in value of our outstanding shares of stock may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of each taxable year after the first year for which we elect to be taxed and qualify as a REIT. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our stock during at least 335 days of a taxable year (other than the first taxable year for which we elect to be taxed and qualify as a REIT). Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our board of directors to take such actions as are necessary or advisable to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Our charter also provides that, unless exempted by the board of directors, no person may own more than 9.8% in value or in number, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock or more than 9.8% in value of the aggregate of the outstanding shares of all classes and series of our stock. The constructive ownership rules are complex and may cause shares of stock owned directly or constructively by a group of related individuals or entities to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. These ownership limits could delay or prevent a transaction or a change in control of us that might involve a premium price for shares of our stock or otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders. The acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding stock by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity to own constructively in excess of 9.8% in value of our outstanding stock, and thus violate our charter’s ownership limit. Our charter also prohibits any person from owning shares of our stock that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. In addition, our charter provides that (i) no person shall beneficially own shares of stock to the extent such beneficial ownership of stock would result in us failing to qualify as a “domestically controlled qualified investment entity” within the meaning of Section 897(h) of the Code, and (ii) no person shall beneficially or constructively own shares of stock to the extent such beneficial or constructive ownership would cause us to own, beneficially or constructively, more than a 9.9% interest (as set forth in Section 856(d)(2)(B) of the Code) in a tenant of our real property. Any attempt to own or transfer shares of our stock in violation of these restrictions may result in the transfer being automatically void.

Maryland law and provisions in our charter and bylaws may delay or prevent takeover attempts by third parties and therefore inhibit our stockholders from realizing a premium on their stock.

Our charter and bylaws contain, and Maryland law contains, provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors, rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. Our charter and bylaws, among other things, (1) contain transfer and ownership restrictions on the percentage by number and value of outstanding shares of our stock that may be owned or acquired by any stockholder; (2) provide that stockholders are not allowed to act by written consent; (3) permit the board of directors, without further action of the stockholders, to increase or decrease the authorized number of shares and to issue and fix the terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock, which may have rights senior to those of the common stock; (4) permit only the board of directors to amend the bylaws; (5) establish certain advance notice procedures for stockholder proposals and director nominations; and (6) designate the Maryland courts as the exclusive forum for resolving certain claims.

We believe these provisions protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our board of directors and by providing our board of directors with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers. However, these provisions will apply even if the offer may be considered beneficial by some stockholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in our best interests. These provisions may also prevent or discourage attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None

Item 2. Properties.

CS&L and its subsidiaries own approximately 88,100 fiber network route miles, representing approximately 4.2 million fiber strand miles, approximately 231,900 route miles of copper cable lines, central office land and buildings across 32 states and beneficial rights to permits, pole agreements and easements. Below is a geographic distribution summary of our fiber and copper mileage and wireless communication towers as of December 31, 2016:

Network Properties

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to claims and administrative proceedings, none of which we believe are material or would be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Windstream has agreed to indemnify us (including our subsidiaries, directors, officers, employees and agents and certain other related parties) for any liability arising from or relating to legal proceedings involving Windstream's telecommunications business prior to the Spin-Off, and, pursuant to the Master Lease, Windstream has agreed to indemnify us for, among other things, any use, misuse, maintenance or repair by Windstream with respect to the Distribution Systems. Windstream is currently a party to various legal actions and administrative proceedings, including various claims arising in the ordinary course of its telecommunications business, which are subject to the indemnities provided by Windstream to us. While these

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actions and proceedings are not believed to be material, individually or in the aggregate, the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be predicted. The resolution of any such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on Windstream's business, financial position or results of operations, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position or results of operations if Windstream is unable to meet their indemnification obligations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CSAL.” In connection with the name change, on February 27, 2017, the Company’s common stock will commence trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “UNIT” and will cease trading under the symbol “CSAL.”  It has been our policy to declare quarterly dividends to common shareholders so as to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code governing REITs. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market since our common stock commenced trading on April 20, 2015, and the cash dividends declared per common share:

* Information not applicable for periods presented or any prior periods

Holders

As of February 15, 2017, the closing price of our common stock was $26.39 per share as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of February 15, 2017, we had 155,785,924 outstanding shares of common stock, 23,711 record holders and approximately 190,126 beneficial owners of our common stock.

Dividends (Distributions)

Distributions with respect to our common stock is characterized for federal income tax purposes as taxable ordinary dividends, capital gains dividends, non-dividend distribution or a combination thereof. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 our common stock distribution per share was $2.40 and $1.04, respectively, characterized as follows:

It is expected that our dividend will be $2.40 per share per annum, subject to approval of our board of directors.

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Stock Performance

The following graph shows a comparison from April 20, 2015 (the date our common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) through December 31, 2016 of the cumulative total return for our common stock, the Standard & Poor's 400 Stock Index (S&P 400 Index), and the MSCI US REIT Index. The graph assumes that $100 was invested at the market open on April 20, 2015 and that all dividends were reinvested in the common stock of CS&L, the S&P 400 Index and the MSCI US REIT Index. The stock price performance of the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Cumulative Total Stockholder Returns

Based on Investment of $100.00 Beginning on April 20, 2015

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The table below provides information regarding shares withheld from CS&L employees to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations arising from the vesting of restricted stock granted under the Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan. The shares of common stock withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations may be deemed purchases of such shares required to be disclosed pursuant to this Item 5.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth selected financial data for CS&L on a consolidated and combined historical basis as of the dates and for the years indicated.

Prior to April 24, 2015, we did not operate the Consumer CLEC Business separately from Windstream, nor did we commence our leasing business. The selected historical financial data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the period from January 1, 2015 to April 24, 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been derived from the audited financial statements of the Consumer CLEC Business and Distribution Systems.

The following should be read in conjunction with the combined financial statements, accompanying notes and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, each of which are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.

* Information not applicable for periods presented

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations describes the principal factors affecting the results of our operations, financial condition, and changes in financial condition, as well as our critical accounting estimates. Because we were formed in connection with the Spin-Off from Windstream Holdings on April 24, 2015, the comparable period results discussed in this section cover only the 252-day period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015. As such, there are inherent limitations to period over period comparability. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying audited financial statements, and the notes thereto set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

Company Description

On April 24, 2015, CS&L completed the Spin-Off from Windstream pursuant to which Windstream contributed the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business to CS&L and CS&L issued common stock and indebtedness and paid cash obtained from borrowings under CS&L's senior credit facilities to Windstream. In connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into the Master Lease with Windstream, pursuant to which a substantial portion of our real property is leased to Windstream and from which a substantial portion of our revenues are currently derived.

We are an independent, internally managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. We are principally focused on acquiring and constructing fiber optic broadband networks, wireless communications towers, copper and coaxial broadband networks and data centers.  Our goal is to grow and diversify our company by pursuing a range of transaction structures with communication service providers as discussed further in Part I, Item 1 “Business” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on income generated by its REIT operations, which includes income derived from the Master Lease.  We have elected to treat the subsidiaries through which we operate our fiber business (“Uniti Fiber”) and the Consumer CLEC Business (“Talk America”) as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”).  TRSs enable us to engage in activities that do not result in income that would be qualifying income for a REIT.  Our TRSs are subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

During 2016, we managed our operations as three reportable business segments: Leasing, Fiber Infrastructure and Consumer CLEC. Our Leasing segment represents our REIT operations, including the results of our leasing programs (“Uniti Leasing”) and our tower operations (“Uniti Towers”), and corporate expenses not directly attributable to other operating segments. The Fiber Infrastructure segment represents the operations of the Uniti Fiber business, as well as corporate expenses directly attributable to the operations of that business, and the Consumer CLEC segment represents the operations of Talk America and corporate expenses directly attributable to the operation of that business. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is a segment performance measure defined as net income determined in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense, the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of transaction and integration related expenses, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs, costs incurred as a result of the early repayment of debt, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and financial instruments, and other similar items. For more information on Adjusted EBITDA, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.” Detailed information about our segments can be found in Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Effective in the first quarter of 2017, following the acquisition of NMS, we commenced managing and reporting our operations in four reportable business segment: Leasing, Fiber Infrastructure, Towers and Consumer CLEC.  Our Leasing segment includes Uniti Leasing, Fiber Infrastructure includes Uniti Fiber, Towers includes Uniti Towers and our ground lease investments, and Consumer CLEC includes Talk America. This change in segments aligns with how management, including our Chief Executive Officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, evaluates the performance of our businesses and make decisions regarding the allocation of resources.  We will recast prior period segment data to conform to this new presentation beginning with our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.

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Significant Business Developments

Acquisition of NMS. On January 31, 2017, we completed the previously announced acquisition of Network Management Holdings LTD (‘‘NMS’’). At close, NMS owns and operates 366 wireless communications towers in Latin America with an additional 105 build to suit tower sites under development. The NMS portfolio spans three Latin America countries with 212 towers in Mexico, 54 in Nicaragua, and 100 in Colombia. The consideration for the 366 wireless towers currently in operation was $62.6 million, which was funded through cash on hand. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, we will acquire the towers under development when construction is completed. Following the close of the NMS transaction, the Uniti Towers portfolio consists of consists of 468 wireless communication towers.

Issuance of Senior Unsecured Notes. On December 15, 2016, we, along with our wholly-owned subsidiary CSL Capital, LLC (“CSL Capital”), co-issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due December 15, 2024 (“the 2024 Notes”). The 2024 Notes were issued at an issue price of 100% of par value, and are guaranteed by each of CS&L’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under CS&L’s senior credit facilities. A portion of the proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes were used to repay existing borrowings under the $500 million revolving credit facility that matures on April 24, 2020 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) under the credit agreement entered into by the Company and CSL Capital on April 24, 2015 (the “Credit Agreement”), and the remaining proceeds were retained for general corporate purposes.

Acquisition of Tower Cloud, Inc. On August 31, 2016, we completed the previously announced acquisition of Tower Cloud, Inc. The consideration for all outstanding equity interests was valued at $345 million, and included $187.7 million in cash and the issuance of 1.9 million shares of the Company’s common stock with an acquisition date fair value of $58.5 million. Additional contingent consideration of up to $130 million, with an acquisition date fair value of $98.6 million, will be paid upon the achievement of certain defined operational and financial milestones. Tower Cloud provides data transport services, with particular focus on providing infrastructure solutions to the wireless and enterprise sectors, including fiber-to-the-tower backhaul, small cell networks, and dark fiber deployments.  At acquisition, Tower Cloud’s network consisted of approximately 90,000 fiber strand miles in service across the southeastern United States, with 181,000 fiber strand miles awarded for future deployment for major wireless carriers. We funded the cash portion of the transaction through cash on hand and $150 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. This transaction compliments our diversification strategy, expands our national wireless carrier relationships, and will accelerate our small cell and dark fiber businesses.  Following the close of the transaction, the Tower Cloud and PEG Bandwidth businesses were combined into a unified fiber infrastructure organization, Uniti Fiber. During January 2017, we paid contingent consideration payments of $18.8 million for the achievement of certain milestones in accordance with the Tower Cloud merger agreement.

Windstream’s Disposition of Retained Interest in CS&L. On June 15, 2016, Windstream Holdings disposed of 14.7 million shares of our common stock, representing approximately half of its retained ownership interest, to certain creditors of Windstream in exchange for satisfaction of certain Windstream debt.  Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“Citigroup”) then acquired such shares from the creditors and sold the shares to institutional accredited investors, including funds managed by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (“Searchlight”).  The Company did not receive any proceeds resulting from the disposition of these shares.

In connection with the transaction, Searchlight, as the lead private investor of 10 million shares of our common stock, was offered by CS&L the right to designate one member to the Company’s board of directors, provided such designee is reasonably acceptable to the Company, as noted above.  The designation right will terminate if Searchlight’s ownership drops below 5% prior to June 15, 2019 or below 8% thereafter.

On June 24, 2016, Windstream Holdings disposed of its remaining 14.7 million shares of our common stock as part of a public offering (the “Resale Offering”).  The Company did not receive any proceeds resulting from the disposition of these shares.  

In connection with the Resale Offering, we issued 2.2 million additional shares of our common stock pursuant to an overallotment option granted to the underwriters.  The shares were sold at a public offering price of $26.01, resulting in proceeds to the Company of $54.8 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, which were used to repay existing borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.

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Issuance of Senior Secured Notes. On June 9, 2016, we, along with our wholly-owned subsidiary CSL Capital, co-issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes as an add-on to the Company’s existing Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023, which are referred to herein as add-on Notes.  The add-on Notes were issued at an issue price of 99.25%, are subject to the same customary covenant requirements as the existing Senior Secured Notes, and are guaranteed by each of CS&L’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under CS&L’s senior credit facilities.  The issuance of the add-on Notes was not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), but was exempt from registration under Securities Act pursuant to Rule 144A, Regulation S and other applicable exemptions of the Securities Act.  Proceeds from the issuance of the add-on Notes, together with cash on hand, were used to re-pay existing borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Acquisition of PEG Bandwidth, LLC. On May 2, 2016, we completed the previously announced acquisition of PEG Bandwidth. The purchase price for all outstanding equity interests was valued at $424 million, and included $322.5 million of cash, issuance of one million shares of the Company’s common stock, and the issuance of 87,500 shares of the Company’s 3% Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. PEG Bandwidth is a leading provider of infrastructure solutions, including cell site backhaul and dark fiber, to the telecommunications industry, and has an extensive fiber network consisting of over 300,000 strand miles in the Northeast/Mid Atlantic and South Central regions of the United States and the State of Illinois. We funded the cash portion of the transaction through cash on hand and $321 million of borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Comparison of the year ended December 31, 2016 to the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015

The following tables sets forth, for the periods indicated, our results of operations expressed as dollars and as a percentage of total revenues:

Revenues

Leasing – Lease revenues are primarily attributable to rental revenue from leasing our Distribution Systems to Windstream Holdings pursuant to the Master Lease. Under the Master Lease, Windstream Holdings is responsible for the costs related to operating the Distribution Systems, including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repair costs. As a result, we do not record an obligation related to the payment of property taxes, as Windstream

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makes direct payments to the taxing authorities. The Master Lease has an initial term of 15 years with four five-year renewal options and encompasses properties located in 29 states. Rent under the Master Lease is an annual fixed amount of $650 million during the first three years. Commencing with the fourth year of the Master Lease and continuing for the remainder of the initial term, rent under the Master Lease is subject to an annual escalation of 0.5%. Additionally, we funded $43.1 million of capital expenditures related to the Distribution System on December 29, 2015. Monthly rent paid by Windstream increased by approximately $3.5 million per year in accordance with the Master Lease effective as of the date we provided the funding. Rental revenues over the initial term of the Master Lease are recognized in the financial statements on a straight line basis, representing approximately $670.7 million per year.

The Master Lease provides that tenant funded capital improvements (“TCIs”), defined as maintenance, repair, overbuild, upgrade or replacement to leased network, including without limitation, the replacement of copper distribution systems with fiber distribution systems, automatically become property of CS&L upon their construction by Windstream. We receive non-monetary consideration related to TCIs as they automatically become our property, and we recognize the cost basis of TCIs that are capital in nature as real estate investments and deferred revenue. We depreciate the real estate investments over their estimated useful lives and amortize the deferred revenue as additional leasing revenues over the same depreciable life of the TCI assets. During the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 24, 2015 through December 31, 2015, we recorded $157.0 million and $68.6 million of TCIs, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized $677.4 million of revenue under the Master Lease, which included $6.1 million of TCI revenue. For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, we recognized $458.6 million of revenue under the Master Lease, which includes $0.8 million of TCI revenue. The increase is primarily attributable to a full year of revenue during 2016 as compared to 252 days of revenue during the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

Because a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from lease payments by Windstream pursuant to the Master Lease, there could be a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition if Windstream experiences operating difficulties and becomes unable to generate sufficient cash to make payments to us under the Master Lease. In recent years, Windstream has experienced annual declines in its total revenue and sales. Accordingly, we monitor the credit quality of Windstream through numerous methods, including by (i) reviewing the credit ratings of Windstream by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, (ii) reviewing the financial statements of Windstream that are publicly available and that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the Master Lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding Windstream and its businesses, (iv) conducting research to ascertain industry trends potentially affecting Windstream, and (v) monitoring the timeliness of its lease payments.

In addition to periodic financial statements, Windstream is obligated under the Master Lease to provide us (i) a detailed consolidated budget on an annual basis and any significant revisions approved by Windstream’s board of directors, (ii) prompt notice of any adverse action or investigation by a governmental authority relating to Windstream’s licenses affecting the leased property, and (iii) any information we require to comply with our reporting and filing obligations with the SEC. Furthermore, pursuant to the Master Lease, we may inspect the properties leased to Windstream upon reasonable advance notice, and, no more than twice per year, we may require Windstream to deliver an officer’s certificate certifying, among other things, its material compliance with the covenants under the Master Lease, the amount of rent and additional charges payable thereunder, the dates the same were paid, and any other questions or statements of fact we reasonably request.

Fiber Infrastructure – We recognized $70.6 million of revenue, approximately 78% of which was derived from lit backhaul services, from our Fiber Infrastructure segment for the year ended December 31, 2016. This revenue was derived from the newly acquired PEG Bandwidth and Tower Cloud businesses. Revenues related to the PEG Bandwidth acquisition have been included in our results of operations for the period from May 2, 2016 to December 31, 2016 and revenues related to the Tower Cloud acquisition have been included in our results of operations for the period from September 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. At December 31, 2016, we had approximately 5,450 customer connections.

Consumer CLEC – For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recognized $22.5 million of revenue from the Consumer CLEC Business, compared to $17.7 million for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015.

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The increase is primarily attributable to a full year of revenue during 2016 as compared to 252 days of revenue during the prior year period. We served approximately 37,000 customers as of December 31, 2016, a 19.6% decrease from 46,000 at December 31, 2015. The decrease in customers is due to the effects of competition and customer attrition.

The increase in the performance of our Leasing and Consumer CLEC segments for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the period from April 24 to December 31, 2015, is primarily attributable to the impact of a full four quarters of activity in 2016, while there was only 252 days of activity in 2015.

Interest Expense

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $275.4 million (35.7% of revenue), which included non-cash interest expense of $16.0 million resulting from the amortization of our debt discounts and debt issuance costs. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred $4.1 million in interest expense related to our previously undrawn Revolving Credit Facility, $4.9 million related to the $150 million of newly issued add-on Notes and $1.2 million in interest expense related to the 2024 Notes. 

Interest expense for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 totaled $181.8 million, which included non-cash interest expense of $10.0 million resulting from the amortization of our debt discounts and debt issuance costs.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

We incur depreciation and amortization expense related to our property, plant and equipment, corporate assets and intangible assets. Charges for depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $376.0 million (48.8% of revenue), which included property, plant and equipment depreciation of $369.9 million and intangible asset amortization of $6.1 million. Charges for depreciation and amortization for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 totaled $238.7 million (50.1% of revenue), which included real estate investment depreciation of $235.9 million, corporate asset depreciation of $0.2 million and intangible asset amortization of $2.6 million.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expenses include compensation costs (including stock-based compensation awards), professional and legal services, corporate office costs and other costs associated with administrative activities. For the year ended December 31, 2016, general and administrative costs totaled $35.4 million (4.6% of revenue), which included $4.8 million of stock-based compensation expense. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our general and administrative expenses included $13.1 million (1.7% of revenue) of expense related to the newly acquired PEG Bandwidth and Tower Cloud businesses.

For the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, general and administrative costs totaled $11.2 million (representing 2.4 % of revenue), which includes $1.9 million of stock-based compensation expense.

Operating Expense

Operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $49.7 million (6.4% of revenue), which consists of $17.4 million (2.3% of revenue) of expense related to the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business and $32.1 million (4.2% of revenue) of expense related to the newly acquired PEG Bandwidth and Tower Cloud businesses.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, Fiber Infrastructure operating expenses include $7 million of tower rent, $5.3 million of payroll related expense, and $4.3 million of lit service expense.

Operating expense for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 totaled $13.7 million (2.9% of revenue), which consist primarily of expenses related to the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business.

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Reportable Segments

The following sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2016, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA of our reportable segments:

The following table sets forth, for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015, revenues and Adjusted EBITDA of our reportable segments:

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We refer to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Funds From Operations (“FFO”) as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), Normalized Funds From Operations (“NFFO”) and Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”) in our analysis of our results of operations, which are not required by, or presented in accordance with, accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). While we believe that net income, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings measure, we also believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, NFFO and AFFO are important non-GAAP supplemental measures of operating performance for a REIT.

We define “EBITDA” as net income, as defined by GAAP, before interest expense, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. We define “Adjusted EBITDA” as EBITDA before stock-based compensation expense and the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of transaction and integration related costs, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs, costs incurred as a result of the early repayment of debt, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and financial instruments, and other similar items. We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are important supplemental measures to net income because they provide additional information to evaluate our operating performance on an unleveraged basis. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA is calculated similar to defined terms in our material debt agreements used to determine compliance with specific financial

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covenants.  Since EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, they should not be considered as alternatives to net income determined in accordance with GAAP.

Because the historical cost accounting convention used for real estate assets requires the recognition of depreciation expense except on land, such accounting presentation implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. However, since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market and other conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT that uses historical cost accounting for depreciation could be less informative. Thus, NAREIT created FFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance for REITs that excludes historical cost depreciation and amortization, among other items, from net income, as defined by GAAP. FFO is defined by NAREIT as net income applicable to common shareholders computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses from real estate dispositions, plus real estate depreciation and amortization and impairment charges. We compute FFO in accordance with NAREIT’s definition.

The Company defines NFFO, as FFO excluding the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of transaction and integration related costs. The Company defines AFFO, as NFFO excluding (i) non-cash revenues and expenses such as stock-based compensation expense, amortization of debt and equity discounts, amortization of deferred financing costs, depreciation and amortization of non-real estate assets, straight line revenues, revenue associated with the amortization of TCIs and (ii) the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of maintenance capital expenditures, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees, additional costs incurred as a result of early repayment of debt, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and financial instruments and similar items. We believe that the use of FFO, NFFO and AFFO, and their respective per share amounts, combined with the required GAAP presentations, improves the understanding of operating results of REITs among investors and analysts, and makes comparisons of operating results among such companies more meaningful. We consider FFO, NFFO and AFFO to be useful measures for reviewing comparative operating performance. In particular, we believe AFFO, by excluding certain revenue and expense items, can help investors compare our operating performance between periods and to other REITs on a consistent basis without having to account for differences caused by unanticipated items and events, such as transaction and integration related costs. The Company uses FFO, NFFO and AFFO, and their respective per share amounts, only as performance measures, and FFO, NFFO and AFFO do not purport to be indicative of cash available to fund our future cash requirements. While FFO, NFFO and AFFO are relevant and widely used measures of operating performance of REITs, they do not represent cash flows from operations or net income as defined by GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to those measures in evaluating our liquidity or operating performance.

Further, our computations of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, FFO, NFFO and AFFO may not be comparable to that reported by other REITs or companies that do not define FFO in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or that interpret the current NAREIT definition or define EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, NFFO and AFFO differently than we do.

The reconciliation of our net income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and of our net income applicable to common shareholders to FFO, NFFO and AFFO for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to December 31, 2015 is as follows:

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Critical Accounting Estimates

We make certain judgments and use certain estimates and assumptions when applying accounting principles in the preparation of our financial statements. The nature of the estimates and assumptions are material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain factors or the susceptibility of such factors to change. We have identified the accounting for income taxes, revenue recognition, useful lives of assets, and the impairment of property, plant and equipment as critical accounting estimates, as they are the most important to our financial statement presentation and require difficult, subjective and complex judgments.

We believe the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our financial statements are appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts reflected in our financial statements, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and, in certain situations, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

Income Taxes

We have elected on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). To qualify as a REIT, we must distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to shareholders, and meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including asset holding requirements. As a REIT, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income that we distribute as dividends to our shareholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates, and we could not deduct dividends paid to our shareholders in computing taxable income. Any resulting corporate liability could be substantial and could materially and adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to shareholders. Unless we were entitled to relief under certain Code provisions, we also would be disqualified from reelecting to be taxed as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT.

To maintain REIT status, we must distribute a minimum of 90% of our taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly dividend payments of all or substantially all of our income to holders of our common stock, and therefore no provision is required in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for U.S. federal income taxes related to the activities of the REIT and its passthrough subsidiaries. We are subject to the statutory requirements of

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the locations in which we conduct business, and state and local income taxes are accrued as deemed required in the best judgment of management based on analysis and interpretation of respective tax laws.

CS&L operates as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, the Company is generally not subject to U.S. federal income taxes on income generated by its REIT operations, which includes income derived from the Master Lease.  We have elected to treat the subsidiaries through which we operate Uniti Fiber and Talk America as TRSs.  TRSs enable us to engage in activities that do not result in income that would be qualifying income for a REIT.  Our TRSs are subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income taxes.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized under the asset and liability method for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.

We recognize the benefit of tax positions that are "more likely than not" to be sustained upon examination based on their technical merit. The benefit of a tax position is measured at the largest amount that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  If applicable, we will report tax-related penalties and interest expense as a component of income tax expense.

The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax (currently 35%) on any gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified recognition period after the Spin-Off up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on April 24, 2015, which is based on the fair market value of the assets in excess of the Company’s tax basis as of such date.  The Company has no plans to dispose of the assets it acquired through the Spin-Off within the applicable recognition period.

Revenue Recognition

Leasing revenues are primarily derived from providing access to or usage of leased networks and facilities. Leasing revenues are recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including broadband, long distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Sales of customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers.

Service revenues are primarily derived from providing broadband transport and backhaul communications services and are recognized when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the services have been provided to the customer, (iii) the sales price is fixed or determinable, and (iv) the collection of the sales price is reasonably assured. Services provided to the Company’s customers are pursuant to contractual fee‑based arrangements, which generally provide for recurring fees charged for the use of designated portions of the Company’s network and typically range for a period of three to ten years. The Company’s revenue arrangements often include upfront fees charged to the customer for the cost of establishing the necessary components of the Company’s network prior to the commencement of use by the customer. Fees charged to customers for the recurring use of the Company’s network are recognized during the related periods of service. Upfront fees that are billed in advance of providing services are deferred until such time the customer accepts the Company’s network and then are recognized as service revenues ratably over a period in which substantive services required under the revenue arrangement are expected to be performed, which is the initial term of the arrangement.

Useful Lives of Assets

The calculation of depreciation and amortization expense is based on the estimated economic useful lives of the underlying property, plant and equipment and customer lists intangible assets. Some of our Distribution Systems assets use a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when plant is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the plant.

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Rapid changes in technology or changes in market conditions could result in significant changes to the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment that could materially affect the carrying value of these assets and our future operating results. An extension of the average useful life of our property, plant and equipment of one year would decrease depreciation expense by approximately $24.8 million per year, while a reduction in the average useful life of one year would increase depreciation expense by approximately $31.3 million per year.

At December 31, 2016, our unamortized customer lists intangible assets totaled $160.6 million. The customer lists are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. A reduction in the average useful lives of the customer lists of one year would have increased the amount of amortization expense recorded in 2016 by approximately $1.4 million.

Impairment of Property, Plant, and Equipment

We continually monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amount of our property, plant and equipment may not be recoverable or realized. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability by estimating whether we will recover the carrying value of those assets through its undiscounted future cash flows and the eventual disposition of the asset. If, based on this analysis, we do not believe that we will be able to recover the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment, we would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the related assets.

Business Combinations

We apply the acquisition method of accounting for acquisitions meeting the definition of a business combination, where assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value at the date of each acquisition, and the results of operations are included with those of the Company from the dates of the respective acquisitions. Any excess of the purchase price paid by the Company over the amounts recognized for assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recorded as goodwill. ASC 805 also requires acquirers, among other things, to estimate the acquisition date fair value of any contingent consideration and to recognize any subsequent changes in the fair value of contingent consideration in earnings. When provisional amounts are initially recorded, the Company continues to evaluate acquisitions for a period not to exceed one year after the applicable acquisition date of each transaction to determine whether any additional adjustments are needed to the allocation of the purchase price paid for the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

Goodwill

Goodwill is recognized for the excess of purchase price over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually. In accordance with ASC 350-20, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, we evaluate goodwill for impairment between annual impairment tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Unless circumstances otherwise dictate, the annual impairment test is performed in the fourth quarter. During the year ended December 31, 2016, no impairment losses were recognized.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal liquidity needs are to fund operating expenses, meet debt service requirements, fund investment activities, and make dividend distributions. Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash on hand, cash provided by operating activities (primarily arising under the Master Lease with Windstream), borrowings under our Credit Agreement, and proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities.

As of December 31, 2016, we had we had $171.8 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, and $500 million of undrawn borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $375.9 million and $293.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 24, 2015 through December 31, 2015, respectively. Cash provided by operating activities is driven by favorable changes in working capital, primarily attributable to our leasing activities.

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Cash used in investing activities was $535.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which was driven by the acquisitions of PEG Bandwidth ($315.4 million) and Tower Cloud ($173.4 million) and capital expenditures ($46.4 million). Cash used in investing activities was $1.1 billion for the period from April 24, 2015 through December 31, 2015, due to consideration paid to Windstream for their contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business in connection with the Spin-Off ($1.04 billion) and capital expenditures ($44 million), primarily due to the funding of capital expenditures related to the Distribution Systems.

Cash provided by financing activities was $188.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, which primarily represents the proceeds from the 2024 Notes ($400 million), add-on Notes ($148.9 million), proceeds from the sale of common stock ($54.2 million), partially offset by dividend payments ($367.8 million) and principal payments related to the $2.14 billion senior secured term loan B facility that matures on October 24, 2022 (the “Term Loan Facility”) under our Credit Agreement ($22.0 million). Cash provided by financing activities was $928.7 million for the period from April 24, 2015 through December 31, 2015, which primarily represents the proceeds received from the Term Loan Facility of $1.1 billion, partially offset by dividend payments of $156.9 million.

Master Lease

The Master Lease has an initial term of 15 years which, at the option of Windstream, may be extended for up to four renewal terms of five years each beyond the initial term. In addition, Windstream has the right to extend the initial term from 15 years to 20 years and, if exercised, the number of renewal terms will be reduced to three so that the maximum term (taking into account all renewals) is 35 years. The initial annual rent under the Master Lease is $650 million during the first three years. Commencing with the fourth year, the rent is subject to annual escalation of 0.5%. The rent for the first year of each renewal term will be an amount agreed to by us and Windstream, or if we are unable to agree, the renewal rent will be determined by an independent appraisal process. Commencing with the second year of each renewal term, the renewal rent will increase at an escalation rate of 0.5%. In addition, if we fund any capital improvements by Windstream, the rent will be increased to account for such funding.

At-the-Market Common Stock Offering Program

We have an effective shelf registration statement on file with the SEC (the “Registration Statement”) to offer and sell various securities from time to time. Under the Registration Statement, we have established an at-the-market common stock offering program (the “ATM Program”) to sell shares of common stock having an aggregate offering price of up to $250.0 million. To date, no sales have been made under the ATM Program. This program provides additional financial flexibility and an alternative mechanism to access the capital markets at an efficient cost as and when we need financing, including for acquisitions.  While we have not used the program to date, we currently intend to utilize the program when we believe the price we can obtain for our common stock is attractive.

UPREIT Operating Partnership Units

When implemented, our UPREIT structure will enable us to acquire properties by issuing to sellers, as a form of consideration, limited partnership interests in our operating partnership. As a result, this structure may potentially facilitate our acquisition of assets in a more efficient manner and may allow us to acquire assets that an owner would otherwise be unwilling to sell. Although we have no current plan or intention to use limited partnership units in the operating partnership as consideration for properties we acquire, we believe that the flexibility to do so provides us an advantage in seeking future acquisitions while preserving our available cash for other purposes, including the possible payment of dividends.

Senior Notes

At December 31, 2016, we had outstanding $550.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023 (the “Secured Notes”), $1.11 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due October 15, 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) and $400 million aggregate principal amount of 7.125% Senior Unsecured Notes due December 15, 2024 (the “2024 Notes” and collectively with the Secured Notes and the 2023 Notes, the “Notes”).  The Secured Notes are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, CSL Capital and certain of our wholly owned domestic subsidiaries, each of which also guarantees indebtedness under our senior credit

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facilities (the “Guarantors”), subject to certain exceptions, and are guaranteed by the Guarantors. The 2023 Notes and 2024 Notes are guaranteed by the Guarantors.

The Notes contain customary high yield covenants limiting our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; incur or guarantee secured indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; make certain investments or other restricted payments; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; merge or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets; and create restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. The covenants are subject to a number of limitations, qualifications and exceptions.  

Credit Agreement

Our Credit Agreement consists of the Term Loan Facility and a $500 million revolving credit facility that matures on April 24, 2020 (the “Revolving Credit Facility”). On October 21, 2016, the Company and CSL Capital amended the Credit Agreement to, among other things, replace the then outstanding principal amounts of the term loans thereunder with a like aggregate amount of new term loans having substantially similar terms as the then outstanding term loans, other than with respect to the applicable interest rate and the period of time for which prepayment premiums in respect of certain repricing transactions apply.  The Term Loan Facility bears interest at a rate equal to a Eurodollar rate, subject to a 1.00% floor, plus an applicable margin equal to 3.50%, and is subject to amortization of 1.00% per annum. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.25% based on our consolidated secured leverage ratio as defined in the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Guarantors, and are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company, CSL Capital and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions, which assets also secure the Secured Notes. We are subject to customary covenants under the Credit Agreement, including an obligation to maintain a consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, not to exceed 5.00 to 1.00. We are permitted, subject to customary conditions, to incur incremental term loan borrowings and/or increased commitments under the Credit Agreement in an aggregate amount equal to $150 million plus, an unlimited amount, so long as, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such increases, our consolidated total leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 6.50 to 1.00 and our consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00.

On February 9, 2017, we completed a repricing of our Term Loan Facility. The repricing (i) decreases the interest rate by 50 basis points to LIBOR plus 3.00% per annum with a minimum LIBOR rate of 1.0% and (ii) will reduce our cash interest costs by $10 million annually. Our interest rate swap agreements are unaffected by this repricing and effectively fix the interest rate on our Term Loan Facility at 5.1%.

Interest Rate Swaps

On April 27, 2015 we entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate Term Loan Facility. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and have a notional value of $2.13 billion and mature on October 24, 2022. The weighted average fixed rate paid is 2.105%, and the variable rate received resets monthly to the one-month LIBOR subject to a minimum rate of 1.0%.

Outlook

We anticipate our cash on hand and borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, combined with our cash flows provided by leasing activities will be sufficient to fund our business operations, debt service and distributions to our shareholders over the next twelve months. However, we may take advantage of opportunities to generate additional liquidity through capital markets transactions. The amount, nature and timing of any capital markets transactions will depend on: our operating performance and other circumstances; our then-current commitments and obligations; the amount, nature and timing of our capital requirements; any limitations imposed by our current credit arrangements; and overall market conditions. These expectations are forward-looking and subject to a number of uncertainties and assumptions. If our expectations about our liquidity prove to be incorrect, we could be subject to a shortfall in liquidity in the future, and this shortfall may occur rapidly and with little or no notice, which would limit our ability to address the shortfall on a timely basis.

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Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2016, we had contractual obligations and commitments as follows:

Dividends

We have elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. U.S. federal income tax law generally requires that a REIT distribute annually at least 90% of its REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains, and that it pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that it annually distributes less than 100% of its taxable income. In order to maintain our REIT status, we intend to make regular quarterly dividend payments of all or substantially all of our taxable income to holders of our common stock out of assets legally available for this purpose, if and to the extent authorized by our board of directors. Before we make any dividend payments, whether for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise, we must first meet both our operating requirements and debt service obligations. If our cash available for distribution is less than our taxable income, we could be required to sell assets or borrow funds to make cash dividends or we may make a portion of the required dividend in the form of a taxable distribution of stock or debt securities.

On January 13, 2017, we paid, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 30, 2016, a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share for the period from October 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016.

On October 14, 2016, we paid, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 30, 2016, a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share for the period from July 1, 2016 through September 30, 2016.

On July 15, 2016, we paid, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 30, 2016, a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share for the period from April 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016.

On April 15, 2016, we paid, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2016, a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share for the period from January 1, 2016 through March 31, 2016.

On January 15, 2016, we paid, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 31, 2015, a cash dividend on our common stock of $0.60 per share for the period from October 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures for the Distribution Systems leased under the Master Lease are generally the responsibility of Windstream. The Master Lease stipulates that Windstream can request that we fund $50 million of capital expenditures per year for five years (but in no event to extend beyond the end of the sixth year of the Master Lease); however, Windstream cannot require CS&L to make such capital expenditures. If we elect to fund requested capital expenditures, the annual lease payments will be increased by 8.125% of the capital expenditures funded by us during

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the first two years and at a floating rate based on our cost of capital thereafter. No capital expenditure funding requests were made by Windstream for the year ended December 31, 2016.

We anticipate incurring total capital expenditures of $70 million to $85 million during 2017 related to the Uniti Fiber business, driven by network deployment.

We anticipate incurring total capital expenditures of $25 million to $30 million during 2017 related to the Uniti Towers business, driven by the development of build-to-suit towers.

We do not anticipate incurring significant capital expenditures on an annual basis in connection with operating our Consumer CLEC Business or related to our corporate assets.

Off Balance-Sheet Arrangements

As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk with respect to our variable rate indebtedness under our Term Loan Facility. In addition, we have a variable rate Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $500 million, which is undrawn as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. To manage this exposure, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate Term Loan Facility. We also expect to manage our exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rates for our indebtedness. The interest rate risk for variable rate debt has been mitigated through the interest rate swap agreement, and the interest rate for our remaining debt has a fixed rate, therefore a hypothetical 10% change in interest rates effective at December 31, 2016 would have no material adverse impact on CS&L’s results of operations.

An increase in interest rates could make the financing of any acquisition by us more costly. Rising interest rates could also limit our ability to refinance our debt when it matures or cause us to pay higher interest rates upon refinancing and increase interest expense on refinanced indebtedness.

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Statements

Index to Financial Statements

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), shareholders’ deficit and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and for the period from April 24, 2015 through December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15 present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.  Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedules, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A.  Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedules, and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits (which was an integrated audit in 2016).  We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

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

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As described in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, management has excluded Tower Cloud, Inc. and PEG Bandwidth, LLC from its assessment of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 because they were acquired by the Company in purchase business combinations during 2016.  We have also excluded Tower Cloud, Inc. and PEG Bandwidth, LLC from our audit of internal control over financial reporting.  Tower Cloud, Inc. and PEG Bandwidth, LLC are wholly-owned subsidiaries whose total

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assets represent 12.7% and 14.8%, respectively and total revenues represent 1.8% and 7.4%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Little Rock, Arkansas

February 23, 2017

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Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

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Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income