XML 23 R8.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.21.2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2021
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

a) Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates:

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. and its subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Frontier,” or the “Company” in this report. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary, in the opinion of Frontier’s management, to present fairly the results for the interim periods shown. Revenues, net income (loss) and cash flows for any interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

We operate in one reportable segment. Frontier provides both regulated and unregulated voice, data and video services to consumer, business, and wholesale customers and is typically the incumbent voice services provider in its service areas.

For our interim financial statements as of and for the period ended June 30, 2021, we evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date that we filed this Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The preparation of our interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for the application of fresh start accounting, allowance for credit losses, asset impairments, indefinite-lived intangibles, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, and pension and other postretirement benefits, among others. For information about our use of estimates as a result of fresh start accounting, See Note 4.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Emergence

On April 14, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), Frontier Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Old Frontier”), and its subsidiaries (collectively with Old Frontier, the “Debtors”), commenced cases under chapter 11 (the “Chapter 11 Cases”) of title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (the “Bankruptcy Court”). On August 27, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the Fifth Amended Joint Plan of Reorganization of Frontier Communications Corporation and its Debtor Affiliates Pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code (the “Plan” or the “Plan of Reorganization”), which was filed with the Bankruptcy Court on August 21, 2020, and on April 30, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), the Debtors satisfied the conditions precedent to consummation of the Plan as set forth in the Plan, and the Debtors emerged from the Chapter 11 Cases without any need for further action or order of the Bankruptcy Court. See Note 3 for additional information related to our emergence from Chapter 11 Cases.

Fresh Start Accounting

Upon emergence from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh start accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 852 – Reorganizations (ASC 852) and became a new entity for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements after the Effective Date are not comparable with the consolidated financial statements on or before that date as indicated by the “black line” division in the financial statements and footnote tables, which emphasizes the lack of comparability between amounts presented. References to “Successor” relate to our financial position and results of operations after the Effective Date. References to “Predecessor” refer to the financial position and results

of operations of Old Frontier and its subsidiaries on or before the Effective Date. See Note 4 for additional information related to Fresh Start Accounting.

During the Predecessor period, ASC 852 was applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements. ASC 852 requires the financial statements, for periods subsequent to the commencement of the Chapter 11 Cases, to distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. ASC 852 requires certain additional reporting for financial statements prepared between the bankruptcy filing date and the date of emergence from bankruptcy, including: (i) Reclassification of pre-petition liabilities that are unsecured, under-secured or where it cannot be determined that the liabilities are fully secured, to a separate line item on the consolidated balance sheet called, "Liabilities subject to compromise"; and (ii) Segregation of “Reorganization items, net” as a separate line on the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, included within income from continuing operations.

Upon application of fresh start accounting, we allocated the reorganization value to our individual assets and liabilities (except for deferred income taxes) based on their estimated fair values in conformity with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The amount of deferred taxes was determined in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes. The Effective Date fair values of our assets and liabilities differed materially from their recorded values as reflected on the historical balance sheets, see Note 4.

b)Changes in Accounting Policies:

The accounting policy differences between Predecessor and Successor include:

Universal Service Fund and other Surcharges - Frontier collects various taxes, Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharges (primarily federal USF), and certain other taxes, from its customers and subsequently remits them to governmental authorities. The Predecessor recorded USF and other taxes on a gross basis on the consolidated statement of operations, included within “Revenue” and “Network access expense”. After emergence, the Successor records these USF and other taxes on a net basis.

Provision for Bad Debt – The Predecessor reported the provision for bad debt as a reduction of revenue. After emergence, the Successor reports bad debt expense as an operating expense included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses”.

Contract Acquisition Costs - During the Predecessor period, certain commissions to obtain new customers were deferred and amortized over four years, which represented the estimated customer contract period. As a result of fresh start accounting, that assumption was reevaluated and the period of benefit for our retail customers was determined to be less than one year. As such, these costs are now expensed as incurred.

Actuarial Losses on Defined Benefit Plans - Historically, actuarial gains (losses) were recognized as they occurred and included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)”, and were subject to amortization over the estimated average remaining service period of participants. As part of fresh start accounting, Frontier has made an accounting policy election to recognize these gains and losses immediately in the period they occur as Investment and other income (loss) on the consolidated statement of operations.

Government grants revenue - Certain governmental grants that were historically presented on a net basis as part of capital expenditures, are now presented on a gross basis and included in ”Revenue” on the consolidated statement of operations.

Administrative Expenses – Historically, the Predecessor capitalized certain administrative expenses, that following emergence, are expensed during the period incurred and included in “Selling, general, and administrative expense” on the consolidated statement of operations.

c) Going Concern:

In accordance with the requirements of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements Going Concern (ASU 2014-15)”, and ASC 205, “Presentation of Financial Statements”, the Company has the responsibility to evaluate at each reporting period, including interim periods, whether conditions and/or events raise substantial doubt about its ability to meet its future financial obligations. In its evaluation for this report, management considered the Company’s current financial condition and liquidity sources, including current funds available, forecasted future cash flows and the Company’s conditional and unconditional obligations due within one year following the date of issuance of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

During the pendency of the Chapter 11 Cases, the Predecessor’s ability to continue as a going concern was contingent upon a variety of factors, including the Bankruptcy Court’s approval of the Plan and the Predecessor’s ability to successfully implement the Plan. As a result of the effectiveness of the Plan, the Company believes it has the ability to meet its obligations for at least one year from the date of issuance of this Form 10-Q. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern and contemplate the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course business.

d) Impact of COVID-19:

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the corona virus outbreak a global pandemic (COVID-19) and recommended containment and other mitigation measures worldwide to lessen the transmission of COVID-19. 

In an effort to reduce the economic impacts of COVID-19, the United States federal government has responded with multiple stimulus bills. In addition, some of the states we operate in have issued executive orders as a result of COVID-19 that further impact our business. State and federal governments may continue to ask companies to aid in pandemic response. While certain customers have taken advantage of our COVID-19 related relief programs, as of June 30, 2021, very few had past due balances beyond the point of normal disconnection.

Frontier’s response to COVID-19 has included comprehensive operational safety precautions for our employees and customers. To date, we have not experienced significant disruptions in our workforce due to COVID-19 related absences or legislative or regulatory changes. In addition, through June 30, 2021, we had not experienced any material disruptions in our supply chain; however, some of our business partners, particularly those vendors operating outside of the United States, have been more greatly impacted which has affected our service levels and distribution of work.

While overall the operational and financial impacts to Frontier of the COVID-19 pandemic as of June 30, 2021 were not significant, we continue to closely monitor the evolution of the pandemic, including new COVID-19 variants, as well as the ongoing impact to our employees, our customers, our business and our results of operations. Though we have experienced a slowdown in service activations, this negative impact is offset by lower churn within our consumer and small and medium business customers. We also continue to closely track our customers’ payment activity as well as external factors, including the expiration of federal wage subsidies for individuals and small businesses which could materially impact payment trends. With more people working from home, we have experienced higher demands on our network and higher sales activity for our consumer broadband service offering. This sustained increase in network demand could lead to reduced network availability and potential outages, which may impair our ability to meet customer service level commitments, lead to higher costs, higher customer churn and potential increased

regulatory actions. These potential changes, among others, could have a material financial impact to Frontier. We recommend that you review “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Form 10-Q for a further discussion on COVID-19 and the risks the Company currently faces.

e) Revenue Recognition:

Revenue for data & Internet services, voice services, video services and switched and non-switched access services is recognized as services are provided to customers. Services that are billed in advance include monthly recurring network access services (including data services), special access services, and monthly recurring voice, video, and related charges. Revenue is recognized by measuring progress toward the complete satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations. The unearned portion of these fees is deferred as a component of “Advanced billings” on our consolidated balance sheet and recognized as revenue over the period that the services are provided. Services that are billed in arrears include non-recurring network access services (including data services), switched access services, and non-recurring voice and video services. The earned but unbilled portion of these fees is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statements of operations and accrued in “Accounts receivable” on our consolidated balance sheet in the period that services are provided. Excise taxes are recognized as a liability when billed.

Satisfaction of Performance Obligations

Frontier satisfies its obligations to customers by transferring goods and services in exchange for consideration received from the customer. The timing of Frontier’s satisfaction of the performance obligation may differ from the timing of the customer’s payment.

Bundled Service and Allocation of Discounts

When customers purchase more than one service, revenue for each is determined by allocating the total transaction price based upon the relative stand-alone selling price of each service. We frequently offer service discounts as an incentive to customers, which reduce the total transaction price. Any incentives which are considered cash equivalents (e.g. gift cards) that are granted will similarly result in a reduction of the total transaction price. Cash equivalent incentives are accounted for on a portfolio basis and are recognized in the month they are awarded to customers.

Customer Incentives

In the process of acquiring and/or retaining customers, we may issue a variety of incentives aside from service discounts or cash equivalent incentives. Those incentives that have stand-alone value (e.g. gift cards not considered cash equivalents or free goods/services) are considered separate performance obligations. While these incentives are free to the customer, a portion of the consideration received from the customer is ascribed to them based upon their relative stand-alone selling price. These types of incentives are accounted for on a portfolio basis with both revenue and expense recognized in the month they are awarded to the customer. The earned revenue associated with these incentives is reflected in “Other” revenue while the associated costs are reflected in “Network access expenses”.

Upfront Fees

All non-refundable upfront fees assessed to our customers provide them with a material right to renew; therefore, they are deferred by creating a contract liability and amortized into “Other revenue” over the average customer life using a portfolio approach.

Customer Acquisition Costs

Sales commission expenses are recognized as incurred. According to ASC 606, incremental costs in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. For our retail customers, this period of benefit has been determined to be less than one year. As such, the Company applies the practical expedient that allows such costs to be expensed as incurred.

Taxes, Surcharges and Subsidies

Frontier collects various taxes, Universal Service Fund (USF) surcharges (primarily federal USF), and certain other surcharges, from its customers and subsequently remits these taxes to governmental authorities. USF and other surcharges amounted to $21 million and $83 million for the one and four months ended April 30, 2021, and $50 million and $107 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020.

In June 2015, Frontier accepted the FCC offer of support to price cap carriers under the Connect America Fund (CAF) Phase II program, which is intended to provide long-term support for broadband in high cost unserved or underserved areas. We recognize FCC’s CAF Phase II subsidies into revenue on a straight-line basis over the seven-year funding term.

f)Cash Equivalents:

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash of $50 million and $58 million is included in “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020.

g)Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets are initially recorded at estimated fair value. Frontier historically amortized its acquired customer lists and certain other finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on an accelerated basis. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, customer relationship intangibles were established for business and wholesale customers. These intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their assigned useful life of between 11 and 16 years. Additionally, trademark and tradename assets established upon emergence are amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years. We review such intangible assets to assess whether any potential impairment exists and whether factors exist that would necessitate a change in useful life and a different amortization period.

h)Lease Accounting:

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating and Finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating and finance lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms used in accounting for leases may reflect options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ROU assets for operating leases are recorded to “Other Assets”, and the related liabilities recorded to “Other current liabilities”, and “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Assets subject to finance leases are included in “Property, Plant & Equipment”, with corresponding liabilities recorded to “Other current liabilities”, and “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, lease asset and liability balances were adjusted to fair value.