EX-99.1 2 y14622exv99w1.htm EX-99.1: PRESS RELEASE EX-99.1
 

(Consolidated Communications LOGO)
     
Company Contact:
  Investor Relations Contact:
Stephen Jones
  Lippert / Heilshorn & Associates
Vice President — Investor Relations
  Kirsten Chapman / David Barnard
217-258-9522
  415-433-3777
investor.relations@consolidated.com
  David@lhai-sf.com
Consolidated Communications Holdings Reports Third Quarter 2005 Results
- DSL Penetration Exceeds 14.7% and Tops 36,000 Subscribers -
- IPTV Passes 19,000 Homes and Tops 1,000 Subscribers in Illinois -
- Integration Remains on Target -
Mattoon, IL — November 9, 2005 — Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNSL) today announced results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2005. The company reported revenues of $82.2 million for the third quarter and $240.2 million for the nine-month period. Adjusted EBITDA and net cash provided by operating activities for the quarter were $33.1 million, including the effect of a $2.7 million litigation settlement, and $17.8 million, respectively, and for the nine-month period $101.2 million and $47.1 million, respectively.
“We are very pleased with our financial results for the third quarter and the progress we continue to make with respect to integration, including the consolidation of our retail billing systems to a common platform. We are also making solid progress in executing our long-term strategy of providing high-quality voice and broadband services to our customers,” said Bob Currey, Consolidated’s president and chief executive officer. “Besides taking great care of customers, our focus is on generating cash flow. Our strategy is to drive increases in average revenue per user (ARPU) with higher-value service offerings such as digital subscriber lines (DSL) and our recently introduced Internet-protocol television (IPTV) product, which we call Digital Video Service (DVS).”
“Our third quarter Telephone Operations ARPU increased to approximately $98 up from approximately $97 a year ago, and DSL increased 48 percent versus a year ago to over 36,000 subscribers. Our advanced IP backbone is supporting our penetration in broadband services by enabling DSL availability to over 90 percent of our local access lines, with speeds of up to 6 megabits per second (Mbps) to our DSL customers. Over this same network, we are delivering DVS to customers in selected Illinois markets. In addition, in the quarter total connections increased to 280,953, and service bundles were up 5.6 percent sequentially to 35,163.”
“DVS is an exciting product in Consolidated’s strategic arsenal. It offers a competitive alternative to cable with up to 195 channels, all the major networks and premium programming, such as HBO, Cinemax and Showtime, to name a few,” continued Currey. “Our network is ADSL 2+ based and is capable of delivering over 200 all digital channels, plus on demand services to the home over existing phone lines. DVS represents a good deal on its own and is even a better value when packaged with our other services. This advanced technology product is meeting our expectations. We conducted a soft launch of our DVS offering in early 2005, passing approximately 7,500 homes as of the end of the first quarter. In August, we began marketing the service more aggressively. As of September 30th, we passed approximately 19,000 homes and had over 1,000 DVS subscribers. We expect to complete our primary buildout of DVS in selected Illinois markets by mid-2006, passing approximately 36,000 homes

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by that time. We look forward to continued growth in the number of subscribers as we gain momentum, extend availability and roll out new marketing initiatives for DVS.”
Steve Childers, Consolidated’s chief financial officer, said, “In addition to our strategy to drive sales and ARPU, we continue to realize the benefits from our actions to improve operating efficiencies. We experienced a full quarters’ impact of: the changes we made to Texas’ pension and Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) plans; the closing of the Irving, Texas facility; and staffing reductions. These cost structure initiatives generated approximately $2.8 million in savings when compared to the third quarter of 2004. Regarding integration, during the quarter, we completed phase one of the consolidation of our retail billing systems project to a common platform. This phase of the project was on time, on budget and with no disruption to our customers, our service personnel or our collection processes.”
Currey commented, “An example that highlights the value of our overall integration efforts was our response to Hurricane Rita. Because of the success we have had in bringing the two companies together, we were able to utilize resources in both states and act quickly to minimize service disruptions to our customers. It was an all out effort and I am very proud of the way our employees and network performed.” As previously announced, Hurricane Rita did not have a material impact on the company’s financial condition or results of operations.
Operating Statistics at September 30, 2005
  Total connections were 280,953.
 
  Total local access lines were 244,902.
 
  Digital subscriber lines were 36,051.
 
  Long distance lines were 142,311.
 
  Total service bundles were approximately 35,163.
 
  Total Telephone Operations ARPU was $97.63 for the three-month period ended September 30th.
DSL continues to perform well, contributing to ARPU growth and increasing Consolidated’s strategic product penetration. During the third quarter, DSL grew 9 percent sequentially, which brings the year-over-year increase to 48 percent. Overall total service bundle penetration increased by 28 percent year-over-year to approximately 14.4 percent of total lines and 21.4 percent of residential lines.
Currey concluded, “Going forward, we are confident in our ability to drive ARPU and operating efficiencies that will sustain and grow operating cash flows and provide for our expected dividend payments. We anticipate the next dividend will be paid on or about February 1, 2006 to shareholders of record on January 15, 2006.”
Summary of Financial Transactions
“In addition to focusing on operating results, we continue to execute on our financial strategy to minimize interest rate exposure and to improve our capital structure. As previously disclosed, we completed our initial public offering (IPO) on July 27th and utilized the resulting net proceeds of $67.8 million, after deduction of offering costs, to redeem $65.0 million of our 9 3/4 % Senior Notes due 2012. Since December 31, 2004, we have reduced the debt on our balance sheet by $69.4 million, and our total net debt to twelve-month Adjusted EBITDA coverage remains steady with last quarter at 3.9 times,” commented Childers.
Consolidated also recently completed or initiated the following debt related transactions:
    On August 22nd, Consolidated executed a $100.0 million notional amount of floating to fixed interest rate swap arrangements relating to a portion of its $425.0 million term loan facility. These swaps are six-year agreements and were effective on September 30th.

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    On October 12th, the company executed another $100.0 million notional amount floating to fixed interest rate swap arrangements relating to a portion of its $425.0 million term loan facility. These swaps are six-year agreements and are effective on January 3, 2006.
 
    As a result of these swap transactions, interest rates on approximately 85 percent of the company’s term debt will be effectively fixed and the weighted average interest rate on term debt is approximately 6.18 percent.
 
    The company has notified the trustee for its Senior Notes of its intention to redeem an additional 2.5 percent, or $5.0 million, of its Senior Notes as permitted under its indenture, and the company expects this redemption to result in full-year cash interest savings of $487,500. This transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Cash Available to Pay Dividends
For the third quarter 2005, total cash available to pay dividends was $16.7 million. Total cash available to pay dividends represents Adjusted EBITDA of $33.1 million, less cash interest expense of $9.6 million giving effect to the IPO as if it had been completed as of July 1, capital expenditures of $6.8 million and cash taxes, which were nil for the quarter. At September 30, 2005, Consolidated had $33.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $2.1 million of which had been set aside to fund our remaining integration and restructuring costs. Consolidated made capital expenditures of $6.8 million during the third quarter, bringing the nine-month capital expenditures to $21.6 million. Consolidated expects total capital expenditures for 2005 to be approximately $33.5 million. Net cash interest expense is expected to be approximately $9.8 million for the fourth quarter excluding the redemption premium.
Financial Highlights for the Third Quarter Ended September 30, 2005
  Revenues were $82.2 million, compared to third quarter 2004 revenues of $84.4 million. Prior period subsidy settlements decreased by $3.1 million compared to the same period in 2004. In addition, the year-over-year change reflects increases in Other Operations, Other Services and Data and Internet revenues, partially offset by declines in Local Calling Services and Network Access Revenues.
 
  Income from operations was $6.9 million. Affecting income from operations were expenses of $2.7 million related to a one-time litigation settlement, of which there was approximately $400,000 of additional charges recognized during the first half of 2005, and $7.2 million in non-cash compensation expense as a result of the amendment and restatement of its restricted share plan in connection with the IPO. This compares to the third quarter 2004 income from operations of $16.5 million.
 
  Net loss for the third quarter 2005 was $10.2 million, which in addition to the revenues and expenses described above, includes the recognition of a $6.3 million redemption premium and the write-off of $2.3 million of deferred financing costs in connection with the early extinguishment of $65 million of the Senior Notes. This compared to net income of $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2004.
 
  Net loss applicable to common shareholders increased to $11.4 million from a loss of $843,000 for the third quarter of 2004. Net loss applicable to common shareholders represents the loss after provision for dividends on redeemable preferred shares of $1.1 million and $4.3 million in the second quarter of 2005 and second quarter of 2004, respectively.
 
  Adjusted EBITDA, including the effect of the aforementioned $2.7 million litigation settlement, was $33.1 million and net cash provided by operating activities was $17.8 million, compared to $38.5 million and $27.8 million, respectively, for the third quarter of 2004. Impacting the year over year comparison were the aforementioned revenue and expense items and the recognition of an additional $1.8 million cellular partnership cash distributions received in 2004.
Financial Highlights for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
  Revenues were $240.2 million, compared to $191.0 million for the same period in 2004. If the acquisition of TXU Communications Ventures (TXUCV), which closed on April 14, 2004, had been included for the full period in 2004, revenues would have been $244.9 million. The year-over-year

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    change reflects declining Local Calling Service revenue associated with reductions in access lines, reductions in Long Distance revenue and Other Operations, partially offset by increases in Data and Internet Services revenue and increases in Other Services revenue.
 
  Net loss was $2.4 million, compared to net income of $5.1 million for the same period in 2004. If TXUCV’s results had been included for the full period in 2004, net income would have been $6.9 million. The year-over-year decline reflects the impact of the aforementioned revenue change, previously disclosed changes in the company’s capital structure as a result of the Senior Note redemption along with the impact of the company’s IPO and the litigation settlement in the third quarter.
 
  Net loss applicable to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 was $12.6 million, versus a loss of $5.5 million for the same period in 2004. Net loss applicable to common shareholders represents the loss after provision for dividends on redeemable preferred shares of $10.3 million and $10.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
  Adjusted EBITDA, including the effect of the aforementioned $2.7 million litigation settlement, was $101.2 million and net cash provided by operating activities was $47.1 million, compared to $103.7 million and $65.7 million, respectively, for the prior year nine-month period.
Conference Call Information
The company will host a conference call today at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time / 10:00 a.m. Central Time. The call is being webcast and can be accessed from the “Investor Relations” section of the company’s website at http://www.consolidated.com. The webcast will be available for a period of 90 days after the conference call. If you do not have internet access, the conference call dial-in number is 1-800-642-1783. International parties can access the call by dialing 1-706-679-5600. A telephonic replay of the conference call will also be available starting two hours after completion of the call until November 11, 2005 at midnight ET. To hear the replay, parties in the United States and Canada should call 1-800-642-1687 and enter pass code 1560565. International parties should call 1-706-645-9291 and enter pass code 1560565.
Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release includes disclosures regarding “Adjusted EBITDA”, “cash available to pay dividends” and “total net debt to last 12-month Adjusted EBITDA ratio”, all of which are non-GAAP financial measures. Accordingly, they should not be construed as alternatives to net cash from operating or investing activities, cash flows from operations or net income (loss) as defined by GAAP and are not, on their own, necessarily indicative of cash available to fund our cash needs as determined in accordance with GAAP. In addition, not all companies use identical calculations, and these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. A reconciliation of the differences between these non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP is included in the tables that follow.
Adjusted EBITDA, which corresponds to pro forma Bank EBITDA as used and defined in the prospectus dated July 21, 2005 filed in connection with the IPO, is comprised of historical EBITDA, as adjusted to give effect to the TXUCV acquisition and certain other adjustments permitted and contemplated by our amended and restated credit facilities.
EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) before interest expenses, income taxes, depreciation and amortization on an historical basis, without giving effect to the TXUCV acquisition, the IPO and the related transactions. We believe net cash provided by operating activities is the most directly comparable financial measure to EBITDA under GAAP. EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.
To give pro forma effect to the TXUCV acquisition as if it had occurred on the first day of the periods presented, we have made two sets of adjustments. First, because the operating results of TXUCV are

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not reflected in our historical EBITDA and financial results for the period prior to the date of its acquisition (January 1, 2004 through April 13, 2004), TXUCV’s historical EBITDA for this period has been added to our historical EBITDA. Second, we made pro forma adjustments to the selling, general and administrative expenses to reflect (1) a reduction in costs due to the termination of certain TXUCV employees upon the closing of the acquisition and (2) incremental professional service fees paid to certain equity investors pursuant to a new professional services agreement entered into in connection with the TXUCV acquisition. Finally, when calculating EBITDA in accordance with our credit agreement, the credit agreement permits us to exclude the effect of certain items. Each of these adjustments is described in the footnotes to the attached reconciliations.
Cash available to pay dividends represents Adjusted EBITDA, less (1) cash interest expense (after giving pro forma effect to the IPO as if it had been completed on July 1, 2005), (2) capital expenditures and (3) cash taxes.
We present Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends for several reasons. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends are useful as a means to evaluate our ability to fund our estimated cash needs (including interest on our debt) and pay dividends. In addition, we have presented Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends to investors in the past because they are frequently used by investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry, and management believes presenting them here provides a measure of consistency in our financial reporting. Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends, referred to as Available Cash in our credit agreement, are also a components of the restrictive covenants and financial ratios contained in the agreements governing our debt that require us to maintain compliance with these covenants and limit certain activities, such as our ability to incur debt and to pay dividends. The definitions in these covenants and ratios are based on Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends after giving effect to specified charges. As a result, management believes the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends as supplemented by these other items provides important additional information to investors. In addition, Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends provide our board of directors with meaningful information to determine, with other data, assumptions and considerations, our dividend policy and our ability to pay dividends under the restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our debt and to measure our ability to service and repay debt.
While we use Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends in managing and analyzing our business and financial condition and believe they are useful to our management and investors for the reasons described above, these non-GAAP financial measures have certain shortcomings. In particular, Adjusted EBITDA does not represent the residual cash flows available for discretionary expenditures, since items such as debt repayment and interest payments are not deducted from such measure. Similarly, while we may generate cash available to pay dividends, we are not required to use any such cash to pay dividends, and the payment of any dividends is subject to declaration by our board of directors, compliance with applicable law and the terms of our credit facility. Finally, Adjusted EBITDA and cash available to pay dividends do not include approximately $1.0 million in incremental, ongoing expenses associated with being a public company.
Because Adjusted EBITDA is a component of the ratio of total net debt to last 12-month Adjusted EBITDA, it is subject to the material limitations discussed above, and the risk that we may not be able to use the cash on the balance sheet to reduce our debt on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Management believes that this ratio is useful as a means to evaluate our ability to incur additional indebtedness in the future and to assist investors, securities analysts and other interested parties in evaluating the companies in our industry.

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For a more detailed discussion of these and other limitations on the use of these non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section entitled “Dividend Policy and Restrictions” in our prospectus dated July 21, 2005.
About Consolidated
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. is an established rural local exchange company (RLEC) providing communications services to residential and business customers in Illinois and Texas. Each of the operating companies has been operating in their local markets for over 100 years. With approximately 245,000 local access lines and over 36,000 digital subscriber lines (DSL), Consolidated Communications offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including local dial tone, custom calling features, private line services, long distance, dial-up and high-speed Internet access, carrier access and billing and collection services. Consolidated Communications is the 15th largest local telephone company in the United States.
Safe Harbor
Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and should be evaluated as such. The words “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “targets”, “projects”, “should”, “may”, “will” and similar words and expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, CCHI’s current expectations, plans, strategies and anticipated financial results and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks include, but are not limited to the following: various risks to stockholders of not receiving dividends and risks to the company’s ability to pursue growth opportunities if the company continues to pay dividends according to the current dividend policy; various risks to the price and volatility of the common stock; the substantial amount of debt and the company’s ability to incur additional debt in the future; the company’s need for a significant amount of cash to service and repay the debt and to pay dividends on the common stock; restrictions contained in the debt agreements that limit the discretion of management in operating the business; the ability to refinance the existing debt as necessary; regulatory changes, rapid development and introduction of new technologies and intense competition in the telecommunications industry; risks associated with the integration of TXUCV; risks associated with the company’s possible pursuit of acquisitions; economic conditions in the service areas in Illinois and Texas; system failures; loss of large customers or government contracts; risks associated with the rights-of-way for the network; disruptions in the relationship with third party vendors; loss of key management personnel and the inability to attract and retain highly qualified management and personnel in the future; changes in the extensive governmental legislation and regulations governing telecommunications providers and the provision of telecommunications services; telecommunications carriers disputing and/or avoiding their obligations to pay network access changes for use of the network; high costs of regulatory compliance; the competitive impact of legislation and regulatory changes in the telecommunications industry; and liability and compliance costs regarding environmental regulations.
Many of these risks are beyond management’s ability to control or predict. All forward-looking statements attributable to the company or persons acting on the company’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements and risk factors contained in this press release and the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, the company does not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
- Tables Follow -

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Consolidated Communications
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2005     2004  
    (Unaudited)          
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 33,687     $ 52,084  
Accounts receivable, net
    37,718       33,817  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    17,686       12,986  
 
           
Total current assets
    89,091       98,887  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    338,417       360,760  
Intangibles and other assets
    544,877       546,452  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 972,385     $ 1,006,099  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Current portion of long-term debt
  $     $ 41,079  
Accounts payable
    11,242       11,176  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    48,244       45,312  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    59,486       97,567  
Long-term debt less current maturities
    560,000       588,342  
Other long-term liabilities
    126,570       131,225  
 
           
Total liabilities
    746,056       817,134  
 
           
Minority interests
    2,724       2,291  
 
           
Redeemable preferred shares
          205,469  
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Common stock, $0.01 par value
    297        
Paid in capital
    253,025       58  
Accumulated deficit
    (31,739 )     (19,111 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    2,022       258  
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)
    223,605       (18,795 )
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 972,385     $ 1,006,099  
 
           

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Consolidated Communications
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Revenues
  $ 82,168     $ 84,405     $ 240,204     $ 191,010  
Operating expenses:
                               
Cost of services and products
    25,953       23,223       74,723       57,998  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    32,419       27,768       75,517       60,798  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,920       16,942       50,852       37,484  
 
                       
Income from operations
    6,876       16,472       39,112       34,730  
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest expense, net
    (19,814 )     (11,472 )     (42,812 )     (28,092 )
Other income, net
    1,443       1,329       5,036       2,168  
 
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (11,495 )     6,329       1,336       8,806  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    (1,270 )     2,842       3,701       3,662  
 
                       
Net income (loss)
    (10,225 )     3,487       (2,365 )     5,144  
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
    (1,142 )     (4,330 )     (10,263 )     (10,623 )
 
                       
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
  $ (11,367 )   $ (843 )   $ (12,628 )   $ (5,479 )
 
                       

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Consolidated Communications
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                               
Net income (loss)
  $ (10,225 )   $ 3,487     $ (2,365 )   $ 5,144  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
                               
Depreciation and amortization
    16,920       16,942       50,852       37,484  
Pension curtailment gain
                (7,880 )      
Non-cash stock compensation
    7,244             7,244        
Other adjustments, net
    2,999       1,769       11,513       8,726  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
    866       5,586       (12,293 )     14,309  
 
                       
Net cash provided by operating activities
    17,804       27,784       47,071       65,663  
 
                       
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                               
Capital expenditures
    (6,766 )     (7,497 )     (21,596 )     (17,272 )
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
                      (524,090 )
 
                       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (6,766 )     (7,497 )     (21,596 )     (541,362 )
 
                       
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                               
Proceeds from issuance of stock
    67,798             67,798       89,058  
Proceeds from long-term obligations
    5,688             5,688       637,000  
Payments made on long-term obligations
    (65,000 )     (5,673 )     (75,109 )     (186,316 )
Payment of deferred financing costs
    (3,982 )           (4,737 )     (18,956 )
Purchase of treasury shares
                (12 )      
Distribution to preferred shareholders
                (37,500 )      
 
                       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    4,504       (5,673 )     (43,872 )     520,786  
 
                       
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    15,542       14,614       (18,397 )     45,087  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    18,145       40,615       52,084       10,142  
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 33,687     $ 55,229     $ 33,687     $ 55,229  
 
                       

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Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Revenue by Category

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Three months ended September 30  
    2004     2005  
Illinois Revenues
               
Telephone Operations
               
Local calling services
  $ 8,416     $ 8,011  
Network access services
    6,511       6,805  
Subsidies
    5,042       4,915  
Long distance services
    1,667       1,580  
Data and Internet services
    2,719       2,636  
Other services
    1,216       1,432  
 
           
Total Telephone Operations
    25,571       25,379  
Other Operations
    9,109       10,127  
 
           
Total operating revenues
  $ 34,680     $ 35,506  
 
           
 
               
Texas Revenues
               
Telephone Operations
               
Local calling services
  $ 14,262     $ 14,040  
Network access services
    10,207       9,495  
Subsidies
    12,307       9,824  
Long distance services
    2,601       2,576  
Data and Internet services
    3,573       3,732  
Other services
    6,775       6,995  
 
           
Total Telephone Operations
    49,725       46,662  
Other Operations
           
 
           
Total operating revenues
  $ 49,725     $ 46,662  
 
           
 
               
Total Revenues
               
Telephone Operations
               
Local calling services
  $ 22,678     $ 22,051  
Network access services
    16,718       16,300  
Subsidies
    17,349       14,739  
Long distance services
    4,268       4,156  
Data and Internet services
    6,292       6,368  
Other services
    7,991       8,427  
 
           
Total Telephone Operations
    75,296       72,041  
Other Operations
    9,109       10,127  
 
           
Total operating revenues
  $ 84,405     $ 82,168  
 
           

Page 10 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Consolidated Revenue by Category

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Nine months ended September 30  
    September 30,                      
    2004 As     January 1 -             September 30,  
    Presented     April 13, 2004     Pro forma 2004     2005  
Illinois Revenues
                               
Telephone Operations
                               
Local calling services
  $ 25,605     $     $ 25,605     $ 24,512  
Network access services
    20,691             20,691       19,971  
Subsidies
    8,882             8,882       11,829  
Long distance services
    5,527             5,527       5,032  
Data and Internet services
    7,929             7,929       7,914  
Other services
    3,287             3,287       3,393  
 
                       
Total Telephone Operations
    71,921             71,921       72,651  
Other Operations
    29,855             29,855       28,600  
 
                       
Total operating revenues
  $ 101,776     $     $ 101,776     $ 101,251  
 
                       
 
                               
Texas Revenues
                               
Telephone Operations
                               
Local calling services
  $ 26,851     $ 16,932     $ 43,783     $ 42,576  
Network access services
    17,446       10,610       28,056       28,003  
Subsidies
    20,885       10,993       31,878       28,701  
Long distance services
    4,870       3,402       8,272       7,282  
Data and Internet services
    6,530       3,923       10,453       11,260  
Other services
    12,652       7,995       20,647       21,131  
 
                       
Total Telephone Operations
    89,234       53,855       143,089       138,953  
Other Operations
                       
 
                       
Total operating revenues
  $ 89,234     $ 53,855     $ 143,089     $ 138,953  
 
                       
 
                               
Total Revenues
                               
Telephone Operations
                               
Local calling services
  $ 52,456     $ 16,932     $ 69,388     $ 67,088  
Network access services
    38,137       10,610       48,747       47,974  
Subsidies
    29,767       10,993       40,760       40,530  
Long distance services
    10,397       3,402       13,799       12,314  
Data and Internet services
    14,459       3,923       18,382       19,174  
Other services
    15,939       7,995       23,934       24,524  
 
                       
Total Telephone Operations
    161,155       53,855       215,010       211,604  
Other Operations
    29,855             29,855       28,600  
 
                       
Total operating revenues
  $ 191,010     $ 53,855     $ 244,865     $ 240,204  
 
                       

Page 11 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
2004 Condensed Combining Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                         
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30, 2004  
    Predecessor              
    to CCI-Texas     As Presented     3rd Quarter  
    1/1 - 4/13     4/14 - 9/30     Combined  
Revenues
  $ 53,855     $ 191,010     $ 244,865  
Operating expenses:
                       
Cost of services and products
    15,296       57,998       73,294  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    24,138       60,798       84,936  
Asset impairment
    (12 )           (12 )
Depreciation and amortization
    8,124       37,484       45,608  
 
                 
Income from operations
    6,309       34,730       41,027  
Other income (expense):
                       
Interest expense, net
    (3,158 )     (28,092 )     (31,250 )
Other income, net
    1,105       2,168       3,273  
 
                 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    4,256       8,806       13,050  
Income tax (benefit) expense
    2,473       3,662       6,135  
 
                 
Net income (loss)
    1,783       5,144       6,915  
 
                 

Page 12 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Key Operating Statistics
                         
CCI Illinois   September 30,     December 31,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2004  
Local access lines in service
                       
Residential
    53,538       55,627       56,641  
Business
    30,549       31,255       31,613  
 
                 
Total local access lines
    84,087       86,882       88,254  
DSL subscribers
    13,528       10,794       10,109  
 
                 
Total connections
    97,615       97,676       98,363  
 
                 
 
                       
Video subscribers
    1,053       101        
Long distance lines
    55,803       54,345       53,713  
Dial-up subscribers
    6,891       7,851       8,038  
Service bundles
    10,199       9,175       8,595  
                         
CCI Texas   September 30,     December 31,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2004  
Local access lines in service
                       
Residential
    110,504       113,151       114,292  
Business (1)
    50,311       55,175       55,180  
 
                 
Total local access lines (1)
    160,815       168,326       169,472  
DSL subscribers
    22,523       16,651       14,276  
 
                 
Total connections (1)
    183,338       184,977       183,748  
 
                 
 
                       
Video subscribers
                 
Long distance lines
    86,508       84,332       84,248  
Dial-up subscribers
    9,817       13,333       14,791  
Service bundles
    24,964       21,300       20,267  
                         
Total Company   September 30,     December 31,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2004  
Local access lines in service
                       
Residential
    164,042       168,778       170,933  
Business (1)
    80,860       86,430       86,793  
 
                 
Total local access lines (1)
    244,902       255,208       257,726  
DSL subscribers
    36,051       27,445       24,385  
 
                 
Total connections (1)
    280,953       282,653       282,111  
 
                 
 
                       
Video subscribers
    1,053       101        
Long distance lines
    142,311       138,677       137,961  
Dial-up subscribers
    16,708       21,184       22,829  
Service bundles
    35,163       30,475       28,862  
 
(1)   The 2005 counts include the reduction of approximately 4,708 access lines associated with the previously announced MCIMetro ISP regrooming.

Page 13 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Schedule of Adjusted EBITDA Calculation

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Historical EBITDA
                               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 17,804     $ 27,784     $ 47,071     $ 65,663  
Adjustments:
                               
Pension curtailment gain
                7,880        
Compensation from restricted share plan
    (7,244 )           (7,244 )      
Other adjustments, net
    (2,999 )     (1,769 )     (11,513 )     (8,726 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    (866 )     (5,586 )     12,293       (14,309 )
Interest expense, net
    19,814       11,472       42,812       28,092  
Income taxes
    (1,270 )     2,842       3,701       3,662  
 
                       
Consolidated EBITDA (1)
    25,239       34,743       95,000       74,382  
 
                               
CCI Texas EBITDA (2)
                      15,538  
 
                       
 
                               
Pro Forma EBITDA (3)
    25,239       34,743       95,000       89,920  
 
                               
Adjustments to EBITDA
                               
Transaction costs associated with TXUCV acquisition (4)
                      8,205  
Integration and restructuring (5)
    831       1,188       5,406       2,261  
Professional service fees (6)
    367       1,250       2,867       2,885  
Other, net (7)
    (1,443 )     (1,329 )     (2,256 )     (3,273 )
Partnership distributions (8)
    819       2,620       819       3,716  
Affect of pension curtailment (9)
                (7,880 )      
Non-cash compensation (10)
    7,244             7,244        
 
                       
 
                               
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 33,057     $ 38,472     $ 101,200     $ 103,714  
 
                       
 
Footnotes for Adjusted EBITDA

(1)   Consolidated’s EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization on an historical basis, without giving effect to the TXUCV acquisition.
 
(2)   CCI Texas EBITDA represents the EBITDA of TXUCV for the period from January 1 through April 13, 2004 since the operating results of TXUCV are not reflected in our historical EBITDA for the periods prior to acquisition on April 13, 2004.
 
(3)   Pro forma EBITDA represents our historical EBITDA as adjusted for the TXUCV acquisition.
 
(4)   During 2004 TXUCV incurred costs, which, due to the unusual and non-recurring nature of these expenses, are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. These expenses include retention bonuses to keep key employees to run its day-to-day operations while it was being prepared for sale; severance costs primarily associated with employee terminations associated with the TXUCV acquisition; and other costs associated with its sale.
 
(5)   In connection with the TXUCV acquisition, we incurred certain one-time expenses associated with integrating and restructuring the Texas and Illinois businesses. Because of the unusual and non-recurring nature of these expenses, they are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.
 
(6)   Represents the aggregate professional service fees paid to certain equity investors prior to our initial public offering. Upon closing of the initial public offering, these agreements terminated.
 
(7)   Other, net includes the equity earnings from our investments, dividend income and certain other miscellaneous non-operating items. Key man life insurance proceeds of $2,780 received in June 2005 are not deducted to arrive at Adjusted EBITDA
 
(8)   For purposes of calculating Adjusted EBITDA, we include all dividends and other distributions received from our cellular partnership investments. Partnership distributions included in the calculation of adjusted EBITDA assumes that the TXUCV acquisition occurred on the first day of the periods presented.
 
(9)   Represents a one-time, non-cash $7.9 million curtailment gain associated with the amendment of our retirement plan. The gain was recorded in general and administrative expenses. However, because the gain is non-cash and non-recurring, it is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.
 
(10)   Represents compensation expenses in connection with our Restricted Share Plan, which because of the non-cash nature of the expenses are being excluded from Adjusted EBITDA. In connection with the IPO and related transactions, the plan was modified.

Page 14 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Cash Available to Pay Dividends

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
         
    Three Months Ended  
    September 30, 2005  
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 33,057  
 
       
- Cash interest expense (1)
    (9,583 )
- Capital Expenditures
    (6,766 )
- Integration and restructuring costs (2)
     
- Cash taxes
     
 
     
 
       
Cash available to pay dividends
  $ 16,708  
 
     
 
(1)   Assumes the IPO and related transactions occurred on July 1, 2005
 
(2)   We incurred $831,000 of integration and restructuring charges during the three months ended September 30, 2005. However, we have not listed any such expenses in the table because these expenses were pre-funded with cash on the balance sheet in connection with our initial public offering.
Consolidated Communications
Schedule of ARPU Calculation

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Ending Access Lines
    244,902       257,726       244,902       257,726  
Average Access Lines
    245,969       258,293       249,700       260,418  
 
                               
Telephone Operations Dollars
  $ 72,041     $ 75,296     $ 211,604     $ 215,010  
Prior Period Subsidy Settlements
  $ 1,462     $ 4,581     $ 1,621     $ 5,372  
Telephone Operations, excluding Prior Period Subsidy Settlements
  $ 70,579     $ 70,715     $ 209,983     $ 209,638  
 
                               
Telephone Operations ARPU
  $ 97.63     $ 97.17     $ 94.16     $ 91.74  
Telephone Operations ARPU, excluding Prior Period Subsidy Settlements
  $ 95.65     $ 91.26     $ 93.44     $ 89.44  

Page 15 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Total Net Debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA Ratio

(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Nine months ended September 30,     Twelve months ended  
    2005     2004     12/31/2004     9/30/2005  
Historical EBITDA
                               
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 47,071     $ 65,663     $ 79,766     $ 61,174  
Adjustments:
                               
Pension curtailment gain
    7,880                   7,880  
Compensation from restricted share plan
    (7,244 )                 (7,244 )
Other adjustments, net
    (11,513 )     (8,726 )     (21,960 )     (24,747 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    12,293       (14,309 )     (4,427 )     22,175  
Interest expense, net
    42,812       28,092       39,551       54,271  
Income taxes
    3,701       3,662       232       271  
 
                       
Homebase EBITDA
    95,000       74,382       93,162       113,780  
CCI Texas EBITDA
          15,538       15,538        
 
                       
Combined EBITDA
    95,000       89,920       108,700       113,780  
 
                       
 
                               
Adjustments to EBITDA
                               
 
                               
Transaction costs associated with TXUCV acquisition
          8,205       8,205        
Integration and restructuring
    5,406       2,261       7,009       10,154  
Professional service fees
    2,867       2,885       4,135       4,117  
Other, net
    (2,256 )     (3,273 )     (4,764 )     (3,747 )
Partnership distributions
    819       3,716       4,135       1,238  
Restructuring, asset impairment and other
    (7,880 )           11,578       3,698  
Non-cash Compensation
    7,244                   7,244  
 
                       
Adjusted EBITDA
  $ 101,200     $ 103,714     $ 138,998     $ 136,484  
 
                       
 
                               
Summary of outstanding debt
                               
 
                               
Senior notes
          $ 135,000                  
Term loan D
            425,000                  
 
                             
Total Debt as of September 30, 2005
            560,000                  
Less cash on hand
            (31,602 )                
 
                             
Total net debt as of September 30, 2005
          $ 528,398                  
 
                               
Total Net Debt to twelve months Adjusted EBITDA Ratio
            3.9                  

Page 16 of 17


 

Consolidated Communications
Schedule of Adjusted Access Lines
                         
    December 31,
2004
    September 31,
2005
    Percentage
Change
 
Total company access lines
    255,208       244,902          
MCI Metro access lines
    (4,708 )                
 
                   
Adjusted access lines
    250,500       244,902       -2.2 %
Annualized
                    -2.9 %
###

Page 17 of 17