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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)    
[X]
  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

or

     
[   ]
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________ to _________

Commission file number:   000-27927

(CHARTER COMMUNICATION LOGO)

Charter Communications, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   43-1857213

 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

12405 Powerscourt Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63131


(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)

(314) 965-0555


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES [X] NO [   ]

Number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2004: 304,654,018
Number of shares of Class B common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2004: 50,000



 


(CHARTER COMMUNICATION LOGO)

Charter Communications, Inc.
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Period ended June 30, 2004

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Item 1. Independent Accountants’ Review Report
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 Letter Re: Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
 906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
 906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q is for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allows us to “incorporate by reference” information that we file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you directly to those documents. Information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this quarterly report. In addition, information that we file with the SEC in the future will automatically update and supersede information contained in this quarterly report. In this quarterly report, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Charter Communications, Inc., Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC and their subsidiaries.

 


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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This quarterly report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects, both business and financial including, without limitation, the forward-looking statements set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including, without limitation, the factors described under “Certain Trends and Uncertainties” under Part I, Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this quarterly report. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this quarterly report are set forth in this quarterly report and in other reports or documents that we file from time to time with the SEC, and include, but are not limited to:

  our ability to sustain and grow revenues and cash flows from operating activities by offering video, high-speed data, telephony and other services and to maintain a stable customer base, particularly in the face of increasingly aggressive competition from other service providers;

  our ability to pay or refinance debt as it becomes due, commencing in 2005;

  the availability of funds to meet interest payment obligations under our debt and to fund our operations and necessary capital expenditures, either through cash flows from operating activities, further borrowings or other sources;

  any adverse consequences arising out of our restatement of our 2000, 2001 and 2002 financial statements;

  the results of the pending grand jury investigation by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and our ability to reach a final approved settlement with respect to the putative class action, the unconsolidated state action, and derivative shareholders litigation against us on the terms of the memoranda of understanding described herein;

  our ability to comply with all covenants in our indentures and credit facilities, any violation of which would result in a violation of the applicable facility or indenture and could trigger a default of other obligations under cross-default provisions;

  our ability to obtain programming at reasonable prices or to pass cost increases on to our customers;

  general business conditions, economic uncertainty or slowdown; and
 
  the effects of governmental regulation, including but not limited to local franchise taxing authorities, on our business.

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

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Charter Communications, Inc.:

We have reviewed the accompanying interim condensed consolidated balance sheet of Charter Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2004, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, and the related condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. These interim condensed consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United Sates), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’ equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 1, 2004, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

As discussed in Note 15 to the interim condensed consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure — an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.

/s/ KPMG LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
August 6, 2004

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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 124     $ 127  
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 and $17, respectively
    185       189  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    31       34  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    340       350  
 
   
 
     
 
 
INVESTMENT IN CABLE PROPERTIES:
               
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,570 and $3,950, respectively
    6,536       7,014  
Franchises, net of accumulated amortization of $3,299 and $3,445, respectively
    13,195       13,680  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total investment in cable properties, net
    19,731       20,694  
 
   
 
     
 
 
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
    448       320  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total assets
  $ 20,519     $ 21,364  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 1,150     $ 1,286  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    1,150       1,286  
 
   
 
     
 
 
LONG-TERM DEBT
    18,411       18,647  
 
   
 
     
 
 
DEFERRED MANAGEMENT FEES — RELATED PARTY
    14       14  
 
   
 
     
 
 
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
    973       848  
 
   
 
     
 
 
MINORITY INTEREST
    713       689  
 
   
 
     
 
 
PREFERRED STOCK — REDEEMABLE; $.001 par value; 1 million shares authorized; 545,259 shares issued and outstanding
    55       55  
 
   
 
     
 
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT:
               
Class A Common stock; $.001 par value; 1.75 billion shares authorized; 304,654,018 and 295,038,606 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
           
Class B Common stock; $.001 par value; 750 million shares authorized; 50,000 shares issued and outstanding
           
Preferred stock; $.001 par value; 250 million shares authorized; no non-redeemable shares issued and outstanding
           
Additional paid-in capital
    4,775       4,700  
Accumulated deficit
    (5,561 )     (4,851 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (11 )     (24 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total shareholders’ deficit
    (797 )     (175 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit
  $ 20,519     $ 21,364  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
Unaudited
                                 
    Three Months Ended June 30,
  Six Months Ended June 30,
    2004
  2003
  2004
  2003
REVENUES
  $ 1,239     $ 1,217     $ 2,453     $ 2,395  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
                               
Operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
    515       488       1,027       973  
Selling, general and administrative
    244       232       483       467  
Depreciation and amortization
    364       373       734       743  
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
    2       4       (104 )     13  
Option compensation expense, net
    12             26        
Special charges, net
    87       8       97       10  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    1,224       1,105       2,263       2,206  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income from operations
    15       112       190       189  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE:
                               
Interest expense, net
    (410 )     (386 )     (803 )     (776 )
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net
    63       (10 )     56       4  
Loss on debt to equity conversions
    (15 )           (23 )      
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    (21 )           (21 )      
Other, net
    2       (2 )           (4 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    (381 )     (398 )     (791 )     (776 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss before minority interest and income taxes
    (366 )     (286 )     (601 )     (587 )
MINORITY INTEREST
    (6 )     151       (10 )     311  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Loss before income taxes
    (372 )     (135 )     (611 )     (276 )
INCOME TAX BENEFIT (EXPENSE)
    (43 )     98       (97 )     58  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss
    (415 )     (37 )     (708 )     (218 )
Dividends on preferred stock — redeemable
    (1 )     (1 )     (2 )     (2 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net loss applicable to common stock
  $ (416 )   $ (38 )   $ (710 )   $ (220 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE, basic and diluted
  $ (1.39 )   $ (0.13 )   $ (2.39 )   $ (0.75 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
    300,522,815       294,474,596       297,814,091       294,471,798  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

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

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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Unaudited
                 
    Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    2004
  2003
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net loss
  $ (708 )   $ (218 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:
               
Minority interest
    10       (311 )
Depreciation and amortization
    734       743  
Option compensation expense, net
    22        
Special charges, net
    85        
Noncash interest expense
    163       211  
Gain on derivative instruments and hedging activities, net
    (56 )     (4 )
(Gain) loss on sale of assets, net
    (104 )     13  
Loss on debt to equity conversions
    23        
Loss on extinguishment of debt
    18        
Deferred income taxes
    97       (58 )
Other, net
    (2 )     2  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from dispositions:
               
Accounts receivable
    1       32  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    3       7  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other
    (118 )     (140 )
Receivables from and payables to related party, including deferred management fees
          8  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from operating activities
    168       285  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
    (390 )     (264 )
Change in accrued expenses related to capital expenditures
    (52 )     (113 )
Proceeds from sale of assets
    729        
Purchases of investments
    (12 )     (4 )
Other, net
    (2 )     (5 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities
    273       (386 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Borrowings of long-term debt
    2,813       346  
Repayments of long-term debt
    (3,160 )     (340 )
Payments for debt issuance costs
    (97 )     (14 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities
    (444 )     (8 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (3 )     (109 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    127       321  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $ 124     $ 212  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH PAID FOR INTEREST
  $ 609     $ 562  
 
   
 
     
 
 
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
               
Debt exchanged for Charter Class A common stock
  $ 30     $  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

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CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
(dollars in millions, except where indicated)

1.   Organization and Basis of Presentation

Charter Communications, Inc. (“Charter”) is a holding company whose principal assets at June 30, 2004 are the 47.2% controlling common equity interest in Charter Communications Holding Company, LLC (“Charter Holdco”) and “mirror” notes that are payable by Charter Holdco to Charter which have the same principal amount and terms as those of Charter’s convertible senior notes. Charter Holdco is the sole owner of Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (“Charter Holdings”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Charter, Charter Holdco, Charter Holdings and all of their wholly owned subsidiaries where the underlying operations reside, collectively referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company consolidates Charter Holdco on the basis of voting control. Charter Holdco’s limited liability company agreement provides that so long as Charter’s Class B common stock retains its special voting rights, Charter will maintain a 100% voting interest in Charter Holdco. Voting control gives Charter full authority and control over the operations of Charter Holdco. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions among consolidated entities have been eliminated. The Company is a broadband communications company operating in the United States. The Company offers its customers traditional cable video programming (analog and digital video) as well as high-speed data services and, in some areas, advanced broadband services such as high definition television, video on demand, telephony and interactive television. The Company sells its cable video programming, high-speed data and advanced broadband services on a subscription basis.

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

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Areas involving significant judgments and estimates include capitalization of labor and overhead costs; depreciation and amortization costs; impairments of property, plant and equipment, franchises and goodwill; income taxes; and contingencies. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain 2003 amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2004 presentation.

2.   Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company has incurred net loss applicable to common stock of $416 million and $710 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, respectively, and $38 million and $220 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003, respectively. The Company’s net cash flows from operating activities were $168 million and $285 million for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The Company has historically required significant cash to fund capital expenditures and debt service costs. Historically, the Company has funded these requirements through cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under its credit facilities, issuances of debt and equity securities and from cash on hand. The mix of funding sources changes from period to period, but for the six months ended June 30, 2004, approximately 37% of the Company’s funding requirements were from cash flows from operating activities and 63% from borrowings of long-term debt. This gives effect to the use of proceeds from the sale of systems, described below, to repay long-term debt. For the six months ended June 30, 2004, the Company had net cash flows used in financing activities of $444 million, reflecting a net repayment of $347 million

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

of debt. Additionally, the Company decreased cash on hand by $3 million to $124 million.

The Company has a significant level of debt. The Company’s long-term financing as of June 30, 2004 consists of $5.4 billion of credit facility debt which was refinanced in April 2004, $12.3 billion of high-yield notes and $744 million of convertible senior notes. For the remainder of 2004, $15 million of the Company’s debt matures, and an additional $618 million and $186 million will mature in 2005 and 2006, respectively. In addition, the amended and restated Charter Communications Operating, LLC (“Charter Operating”) credit facilities require the CC V Holdings, LLC notes to be redeemed within 45 days after the Charter Holdings leverage ratio discussed below is determined to be below 8.75 to 1.0. In subsequent years, substantial additional amounts will become due under the Company’s remaining obligations. As the principal amounts owing under the Company’s various debt obligations become due, sustaining the Company’s liquidity will likely depend on its ability to access additional sources of capital over time. A default under the covenants governing any of the Company’s debt instruments could result in the acceleration of its payment obligations under that debt and, under certain circumstances, in cross-defaults under its other debt obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company’s borrowing availability under the credit facilities totaled $977 million as of June 30, 2004, none of which was restricted due to covenants.

The Company expects that cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities and the amounts available under its amended and restated credit facilities will be adequate to meet its cash needs in 2004. However, these credit facilities are subject to certain restrictive covenants, some of which require the Company to achieve specified operating results. The Company expects to maintain compliance with these covenants in 2004. If the Company’s actual operating performance results in non-compliance with these covenants, or if other events of non-compliance under these credit facilities or indentures governing subsidiary debt occur, funding under the credit facilities may not be available and defaults on some or potentially all debt obligations could occur. Additionally, no assurances can be given that the Company will not experience liquidity problems because of adverse market conditions, increased competition or other unfavorable events. Further, cash flows from operating activities and amounts available under the Company’s credit facilities may not be sufficient to permit the Company to satisfy its principal repayment obligations that come due in 2005 and thereafter.

The indentures governing the CCH II, LLC notes, CCO Holdings, LLC notes, and Charter Operating notes restrict those subsidiaries from making distributions to their parent companies (including Charter) for payment of principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, in each case unless there is no default under those indentures and a specified leverage ratio test can be met. Each such subsidiary currently meets the applicable leverage ratio test, and therefore is not currently prohibited from making any such distributions to its direct parent. The indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings to make distributions to Charter Holdco for payment of interest or principal on Charter’s convertible senior notes, only if, after giving effect to the distribution, Charter Holdings can incur additional debt under the leverage ratio test of 8.75 to 1.0, there is no default under Charter Holdings’ indentures and other specified tests are met. However, in the event that Charter Holdings could not incur any additional debt under the 8.75 to 1.0 leverage ratio test, the indentures governing the Charter Holdings notes permit Charter Holdings and its subsidiaries to make specified investments in Charter Holdco or Charter, up to an amount determined by a formula, as long as there is no default under the indentures. For the quarter ended June 30, 2004, there were no defaults under the Charter Holdings indentures and other specified tests were met. However, Charter Holdings continued not to meet the leverage ratio test at June 30, 2004. As a result, distributions from Charter Holdings to Charter have been restricted and will continue to be restricted until that test is met. Charter’s ability to make payments on its convertible senior notes is dependent on Charter Holdco’s liquidity or on its ability to obtain distributions, loans or other payments from Charter Holdings or Charter’s other subsidiaries, and on Charter Holdco paying or distributing such funds to Charter. As of June 30, 2004, Charter Holdco had $31 million in cash on hand and is owed $37 million in intercompany loans, which are available to Charter Holdco to pay interest on Charter’s convertible senior notes, which interest expense is expected to be approximately $21 million for the remainder of 2004. Accordingly, Charter’s ability to make principal payments at maturity, in 2005 and 2006, on its outstanding

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

convertible senior notes, is contingent upon it obtaining additional debt and/or equity financing or receiving distributions or other payments from its subsidiaries.

On March 1, 2004, the Company closed the sale of certain cable systems in Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and West Virginia to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC. The Company closed on the sale of an additional cable system in New York to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC in April 2004. These transactions resulted in a $105 million pretax gain recorded as a gain on sale of assets in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. Subject to post-closing contractual adjustments, the Company expects the total net proceeds from the sale of all of these systems to be approximately $733 million, of which $10 million is currently held in an indemnity escrow account (with the unused portion thereof to be released by March 1, 2005). The proceeds received to date have been used to repay a portion of amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities.

3.   Franchises and Goodwill

On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142, which eliminates the amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets. Accordingly, beginning January 1, 2002, all franchises that qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142 are no longer amortized against earnings but instead are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently as warranted by events or changes in circumstances. Based on the guidance prescribed in Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 02-7, Unit of Accounting for Testing of Impairment of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets, franchises are aggregated into essentially inseparable asset groups to conduct the valuations. The asset groups generally represented geographic clusters of the Company’s cable systems by which the Company manages its operating assets, which management believes represents the highest and best use of those assets. Fair value is determined based on estimated discounted future cash flows using assumptions that are consistent with internal forecasts.

As of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangible assets are presented in the following table:

                                                 
    June 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
    Gross           Net   Gross           Net
    Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying
    Amount
  Amortization
  Amount
  Amount
  Amortization
  Amount
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
                                               
Franchises with indefinite lives
  $ 16,438     $ 3,287     $ 13,151     $ 17,018     $ 3,412     $ 13,606  
Goodwill
    52             52       52             52  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 16,490     $ 3,287     $ 13,203     $ 17,070     $ 3,412     $ 13,658  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Finite-lived intangible assets:
                                               
Franchises with finite lives
  $ 56     $ 12     $ 44     $ 107     $ 33     $ 74  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2004, the net carrying amount of indefinite-lived intangible assets was reduced by $1 million and $484 million, respectively, as a result of the sale of cable systems to Atlantic Broadband Finance, LLC discussed in Note 2. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2004, approximately $29 million of franchises that were previously classified as finite-lived were reclassified to indefinite-lived, based on the Company’s ability in 2003 to renew these franchise assets. Franchise amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2004 was $1 million and $2 million, respectively, and franchise amortization expense for the three and six months ended June 30, 2003 was $2 million and $4 million, respectively, which represents the amortization relating to franchises that did not qualify for indefinite-life treatment under SFAS No. 142, including costs associated with franchise renewals. The Company expects that amortization expense on franchise assets will be approximately $4

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Table of Contents

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

million annually. Actual amortization expense to be reported in future periods could differ from these estimates as a result of new intangible asset acquisitions or divestitures, changes in useful lives and other relevant factors.

4.   Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses consist of the following as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                 
    June 30,   December 31,
    2004
  2003
Accounts payable-trade
  $ 92     $ 163  
Accrued capital expenditures
    56       108  
Accrued expenses:
               
Interest
    308       277  
Programming costs
    298       319  
Franchise-related fees
    51       70  
State sales tax
    55       61  
Other
    290       288  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,150     $ 1,286  
 
   
 
     
 
 

5.   Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following as of June 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003:

                                 
    June 30, 2004
  December 31, 2003
            Accreted   Face   Accreted
    Face Value
  Value
  Value
  Value
Long-Term Debt
                               
Charter Communications, Inc.:
                               
October and November 2000
                               
5.75% convertible senior notes due 2005
  $ 588     $ 588     $ 618     $ 618  
May 2001
                               
4.75% convertible senior notes due 2006
    156       156       156       156  
Charter Holdings:
                               
March 1999
                               
8.250% senior notes due 2007
    451       451       451       450  
8.625% senior notes due 2009
    1,244       1,242       1,244       1,242  
9.920% senior discount notes due 2011
    1,108       1,108       1,108       1,082  
January 2000
                               
10.000% senior notes due 2009
    640       640       640       640  
10.250% senior notes due 2010
    318       318       318       318  
11.750% senior discount notes due 2010
    450       423       450       400  
January 2001
                               
10.750% senior notes due 2009
    874       874       874       873  
11.125% senior notes due 2011
    500       500       500       500  
13.500% senior discount notes due 2011
    675       552