10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 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 March 31, 2016

¨ 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  0-3024

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota	41-0440990
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

27 North Minnesota Street

New Ulm, Minnesota  56073

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (507) 354-4111

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer” “accelerated filer” “non-accelerated filer” or “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

£ Large accelerated filer  £ Accelerated filer  £ Non-accelerated filer  S Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes £  No S

The total number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 16, 2016: 5,126,964.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1	Financial Statements	3-8
	Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended  March 31, 2016 and 2015	3
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive  Income (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	4
	Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) as of March 31, 2016 and  12/31/2015	5-6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 and 2015	7
	Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (unaudited) for the Year Ended December 31, 2015 and for the Three Months ended March 31, 2016	8
	Condensed Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	9-18
Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18-27
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	27
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	27-28
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	28
Item 1A	Risk Factors	28
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	28
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	28
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	28
Item 5	Other Information	28
Item 6	Exhibits Listing	29
	Signatures	30
	Exhibits

2

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
OPERATING REVENUES:
Local Service	$	1,543,924	$	1,613,794
Network Access		2,938,115		3,071,854
Video		2,284,140		2,193,916
Data		2,578,224		2,436,246
Other Non-Regulated		1,097,838		1,171,807
Total Operating Revenues		10,442,241		10,487,617
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Plant Operations (Excluding Depreciation and Amortization)		2,054,949		1,990,277
Cost of Video		1,982,721		1,967,378
Cost of Data		506,251		525,753
Cost of Other Nonregulated Services		418,729		489,242
Depreciation and Amortization		2,435,620		2,430,081
Selling, General and Administrative		1,803,735		1,940,565
Total Operating Expenses		9,202,005		9,343,296
OPERATING INCOME		1,240,236		1,144,321
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest Expense		(375,356)		(359,341)
Interest Income		38,662		55,152
Interest During Construction		5,219		4,482
CoBank Patronage Dividends		386,843		409,132
Other Investment Income		9,627		48,533
Total Other Income (Expense)		64,995		157,958
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES		1,305,231		1,302,279
INCOME TAXES		548,198		469,059
NET INCOME	$	757,033	$	833,220
BASIC AND DILUTED
NET INCOME PER SHARE	$	0.15	$	0.16
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE	$	0.0875	$	0.0850
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING		5,120,205		5,101,334
Certain historical numbers have been changed to conform to the current year's presentation.

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

3

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
Net Income	$	757,033	$	833,220
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swaps		(125,444)		-
Income Tax Expense Related to Unrealized
Loss on Interest Rate Swaps		50,768		-
Other Comprehensive Loss		(74,676)		-
Comprehensive Income	$	682,357	$	833,220

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

4

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash	$	168,952	$	551,824
Receivables, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of $170,000 and $160,000		1,002,821		1,260,941
Income Taxes Receivable		167,913		701,111
Materials, Supplies, and Inventories		2,253,710		2,511,632
Deferred Income Taxes		843,365		841,309
Prepaid Expenses		870,375		973,289
Total Current Assets		5,307,136		6,840,106
INVESTMENTS & OTHER ASSETS:
Goodwill		39,805,349		39,805,349
Intangibles		20,578,051		21,195,495
Other Investments		7,485,167		7,294,815
Deferred Charges and Other Assets		54,166		31,098
Total Investments and Other Assets		67,922,733		68,326,757
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT:
Telecommunications Plant		118,878,110		118,037,080
Other Property & Equipment		15,841,605		15,507,380
Video Plant		10,106,870		10,095,596
Total Property, Plant and Equipment		144,826,585		143,640,056
Less Accumulated Depreciation		101,343,855		99,525,661
Net Property, Plant & Equipment		43,482,730		44,114,395
TOTAL ASSETS	$	116,712,599	$	119,281,258
Certain historical numbers have been changed to conform to the current year's presentation.

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

5

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
	March 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt, Net of Unamortized Loan Fees	$	2,640,822	$	2,640,822
Accounts Payable		1,445,911		1,627,308
Other Accrued Taxes		238,448		175,607
Deferred Compensation		60,820		61,338
Accrued Compensation		2,113,837		2,167,173
Other Accrued Liabilities		504,530		470,321
Total Current Liabilities		7,004,368		7,142,569
LONG-TERM DEBT, Less Current Portion
Net of Unamortized Loan Fees		30,649,828		33,339,153
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Loan Guarantees		226,811		232,771
Deferred Income Taxes		18,342,470		18,391,181
Other Accrued Liabilities		195,842		298,839
Financial Derivative Instruments		156,834		31,390
Deferred Compensation		757,535		774,983
Total Noncurrent Liabilities		19,679,492		19,729,164
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:		-		-
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock - $1.66 Par Value, 10,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued		-		-
Common Stock - $1.66 Par Value, 90,000,000 Shares Authorized, 5,126,964 and 5,116,826 Shares Issued and Outstanding		8,544,940		8,528,043
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(93,363)		(18,687)
Retained Earnings		50,927,334		50,561,016
Total Stockholders' Equity		59,378,911		59,070,372
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	116,712,599	$	119,281,258

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

6

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,  2016		March 31,  2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$	757,033	$	833,220
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization		2,450,415		2,444,271
Undistributed Earnings of Other Equity Investments		(7,602)		(29,443)
Noncash Patronage Refund		(96,711)		(102,283)
Stock Issued in Lieu of Cash Payment		20,004		12,600
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Receivables		261,010		225,023
Income Taxes Receivable		533,198		796,959
Inventories		257,922		(195,685)
Prepaid Expenses		156,816		(130,488)
Deferred Charged and Other Assets		(25,958)		39,696
Accounts Payable		(50,454)		(1,690,098)
Other Accrued Taxes		62,841		58,608
Other Accrued Liabilities		(122,124)		12,029
Deferred Income Tax		-		(77,900)
Deferred Compensation		(17,966)		(18,385)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities		4,178,424		2,178,124
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net		(1,317,452)		(1,793,493)
Other, Net		(92,000)		(106,350)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(1,409,452)		(1,899,843)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal Payments of Long-Term Debt		(675,000)		(675,000)
Loan Origination Fees		-		(10,347)
Changes in Revolving Credit Facility		(2,029,120)		(6,381)
Dividends Paid		(447,724)		(433,615)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities		(3,151,844)		(1,125,343)
NET DECREASE IN CASH		(382,872)		(847,062)
CASH at Beginning of Period		551,824		945,087
CASH at End of Period	$	168,952	$	98,025
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	366,329	$	301,543
Net cash paid (received) for income taxes	$	15,000	$	(250,000)

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

7

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited)
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2015, AND
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016
				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Common Stock					Retained Earnings		Total Equity
	Shares	Amount
BALANCE on December 31, 2014	5,101,334	$	8,502,223	$	-	$	49,547,775	$	58,049,998
Director's Stock Plan	15,492		25,820				84,180		110,000
Net Income							2,666,155		2,666,155
Dividends							(1,737,094)		(1,737,094)
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap					(18,687)				(18,687)
BALANCE on December 31, 2015	5,116,826		8,528,043		(18,687)		50,561,016		59,070,372
Employee Stock Plan	10,138		16,897				57,009		73,906
Net Income							757,033		757,033
Dividends							(447,724)		(447,724)
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap					(74,676)				(74,676)
BALANCE on March 31, 2016	5,126,964	$	8,544,940	$	(93,363)	$	50,927,334	$	59,378,911

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

8

NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

March 31, 2016 (Unaudited)

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of New Ulm Telecom, Inc. and its subsidiaries (NU Telecom) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring accruals) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements and present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented as required by Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole or any other interim period.

Our consolidated financial statements report the financial condition and results of operations for NU Telecom and its subsidiaries in one business segment: the Telecom Segment. Inter-company transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery of the product has occurred or a service has been provided, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenues are earned from our customers primarily through the connection to our networks, digital and commercial television (TV) programming, Internet services (high-speed broadband), and hosted and managed services. Revenues for these services are billed based on set rates for monthly service or based on the amount of time the customer is utilizing our facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the service is rendered.

Revenues earned from interexchange carriers (IXCs) accessing our network are based on the utilization of our network by these carriers as measured by minutes of use on the network or special access to the network by the individual carriers. Revenues are billed at tariffed access rates for both interstate and intrastate calls. Revenues for these services are recognized based on the period the access is provided.

9

Interstate access rates are established by a nationwide pooling of companies known as the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established NECA in 1983 to develop and administer interstate access service rates, terms and conditions. Revenues are pooled and redistributed on the basis of a company's actual or average costs. There has been a change in the composition of interstate access charges in recent years, shifting more of the charges to the end user and reducing the amount of access charges paid by IXC’s. We believe this trend will continue.

New Ulm Telecom’s and Sleepy Eye Telephone Company’s (SETC) settlements from the pools are based on their actual costs to provide service, while the settlements for NU Telecom subsidiaries – Western Telephone Company, Peoples Telephone Company and Hutchinson Telephone Company (HTC) are based on nationwide average schedules. Access revenues for New Ulm Telecom and SETC include an estimate of a cost study each year that is trued-up subsequent to the end of any given year. Our management believes the estimates included in our preliminary cost study are reasonable. We cannot predict the future impact that industry or regulatory changes will have on interstate access revenues.

Intrastate access rates are filed with state regulatory commissions in Minnesota and Iowa.

We derive revenues from the sale, installation and servicing of communication systems. In accordance with GAAP, these deliverables are accounted for separately. We recognize revenue from customer contracts for sales and installations using the completed-contract method, which recognizes income when the contract is substantially complete. We recognize rental revenues over the rental period.

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services includes all costs related to delivery of communication services and products. These operating costs include all costs of performing services and providing related products including engineering, network monitoring and transport cost.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include direct and indirect selling expenses, customer service, billing and collections, advertising and all other general and administrative costs associated with the operations of the business.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

We use the group life method (mass asset accounting) to depreciate the assets of our telephone companies. Telephone plant acquired in a given year is grouped into similar categories and depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the group. When an asset is retired, both the asset and the accumulated depreciation associated with that asset are removed from the books. Due to rapid changes in technology, selecting the estimated economic life of telecommunications plant and equipment requires a significant amount of judgment. We periodically review data on expected utilization of new equipment, asset retirement activity and net salvage values to determine adjustments to our depreciation rates. Depreciation expense was $1,818,176 and $1,812,272 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment.

10

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and a provision for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Significant components of our deferred taxes arise from differences (i) in the basis of property, plant and equipment due to the use of accelerated depreciation methods for tax purposes, as well as (ii) in partnership investments and intangible assets due to the difference between book and tax basis. Our effective income tax rate is normally higher than the United States tax rate due to state income taxes and permanent differences. 

We account for income taxes in accordance with GAAP. As required by GAAP, we recognize the financial statement benefit of tax positions only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had $0 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized would affect the effective tax rate.     

We are primarily subject to United States, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa income taxes. Tax years subsequent to 2011 remain open to examination by federal and state tax authorities. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had no interest or penalties accrued.

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2016-02), “Leases,” which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. This change will result in an increase to recorded assets and liabilities on lessees’ financial statements, as well as changes in the categorization of rental costs, from rent expense to interest and depreciation expense. Other effects may occur depending on the types of leases and the specific terms of them utilized by particular lessees. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and early application is permitted. Modified retrospective application is required. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.   

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes,” simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 removes the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We expect, upon adoption of this guidance, that our current financial statement classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities will all be classified as noncurrent on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

11

In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest-Imputation of Interest,” simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that premiums, discounts, and loan fees and costs associated with long-term debt be reflected as a reduction of the outstanding debt balance. Previous guidance had treated such loan fees and costs as a deferred charge on the balance sheet. As a result of implementing ASU 2015-03, the Company reclassified $340,275 and $355,070 of unamortized loan fees and costs included in deferred charges and other assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 to long-term debt. $59,178 was allocated to current maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. $281,097 and $295,892 were allocated to long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Total assets, as well as total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, were also reduced by $340,275 and $355,070 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. There was no impact on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and created a new topic in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 has been delayed by ASU 2015-14 to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition framework for all entities and supersedes nearly all existing United States GAAP revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and also requires enhanced disclosures. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

We have reviewed all other significant newly issued accounting pronouncements and determined they are either not applicable to our business or that no material effect is expected on our financial position and results of operations.

Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements

We have adopted the rules prescribed under GAAP for our financial assets and liabilities. GAAP includes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon its own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

Level 1:  Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:  Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices

 for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are

 observable and market-corroborated inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3:  Inputs are derived from valuation techniques where one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

12

We have used financial derivative instruments to manage our overall cash flow exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We accounted for derivative instruments in accordance with GAAP that requires derivative instruments to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments must be recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, in which case, the gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income rather than in earnings.

We have entered into an interest rate swap agreement (IRSA) with our lender, CoBank, ACB (CoBank), to manage our cash flow exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. This instrument is designated as cash flow hedge and is effective at mitigating the risk of fluctuations on interest rates in the market place. Any gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of this derivative is accounted for as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for as long as the hedge remains effective.

The fair value of our IRSA is discussed in Note 5 – “Interest Rate Swaps”. The fair value of our swap agreement was determined based on Level 2 inputs.

Other Financial Instruments

Other Investments – It is difficult to estimate a fair value for equity investments in companies carried on the equity or cost basis due to a lack of quoted market prices. We conducted an evaluation of our investments in all of our companies in connection with the preparation of our audited financial statements at December 31, 2015. We believe the carrying value of our investments is not impaired.

Debt – We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt based on the discounted future cash flows we expect to pay using current rates of borrowing for similar types of debt. Fair value of the debt approximates carrying value.

Other Financial Instruments – Our financial instruments also include cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable where the current carrying amounts approximate fair market value.

Note 3 – Goodwill and Intangibles

We account for goodwill and other intangible assets under GAAP. Under GAAP, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment (i) on at least an annual basis and (ii) when changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be below its carrying value. Our goodwill totaled $39,805,349 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.    

As required by GAAP, we do not amortize goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, but test for impairment on an annual basis or earlier if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. These circumstances include, but are not limited to (i) a significant adverse change in the business climate, (ii) unanticipated competition or (iii) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. Determining impairment involves estimating the fair value of a reporting unit using a combination of (i) the income or discounted cash flows approach and (ii) the market approach that utilizes comparable companies’ data. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of the impairment loss must be measured. The impairment loss is calculated by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount. In calculating the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amount assigned to its other assets and liabilities is the implied value of goodwill. We recognize impairment loss when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

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In 2015 and 2014, we engaged an independent valuation firm to complete our annual impairment testing for existing goodwill. For 2015 and 2014, the testing results indicated no impairment charge to goodwill as the determined fair value was sufficient to pass the first step of the impairment test.   

Our intangible assets subject to amortization consist of acquired customer relationships, regulatory rights and trade names. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their respective estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment. In addition, we periodically reassess the carrying value, useful lives and classifications of our identifiable intangible assets. The components of our identified intangible assets are as follows:

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
		Gross Carrying Amount				Gross Carrying Amount
	Useful Lives			Accumulated Amortization				Accumulated Amortization
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Customers Relationships	14-15 yrs	$	29,278,445	$	13,699,913	$	29,278,445	$	13,177,635
Regulatory Rights	15 yrs		4,000,000		2,199,981		4,000,000		2,133,315
Trade Name	3-5 yrs		570,000		370,500		570,000		342,000
Indefinitely-Lived Intangible Assets
Video Franchise			3,000,000		-		3,000,000		-
Total		$	36,848,445	$	16,270,394	$	36,848,445	$	15,652,950
Net Identified Intangible Assets				$	20,578,051			$	21,195,495

Amortization expense related to the definite-lived intangible assets was $617,444 and $617,809 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense for the remaining nine months of 2016 and the five years subsequent to 2016 is estimated to be:

·	(April 1 – December 31)	$  1,851,812
·	2017	$  2,469,083
·	2018	$  2,355,083
·	2019	$  2,355,083
·	2020	$  2,355,083
·	2021	$  2,355,083

Note 4 – Secured Credit Facility

We have a credit facility with CoBank. Under the credit facility, we entered into Master Loan Agreements (MLAs) and a series of supplements to the respective MLAs.

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NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries also have entered into security agreements under which substantially all the assets of NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries have been pledged to CoBank as collateral. In addition, NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries have guaranteed all the obligations under the credit facility. These mortgage notes are required to be paid in quarterly installments covering principal and interest, beginning in the year of issue and maturing on December 31, 2021.

On December 31, 2014, NU Telecom entered into an Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank. The MLA refinances and replaces the existing credit facility between CoBank and NU Telecom and the subsidiaries of NU Telecom. There are two loans under the MLA, which include a $35 million term loan and a $9 million revolver loan. Also, under the MLA, NU Telecom has the ability to either increase the amount of the commitment under the revolver loan by up to $6 million in a single increase, or add an incremental term loan up to $6 million.

As part of the Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank, NU Telecom needed to enter into interest rate protection agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to CoBank so as to fix or limit interest rates payable by NU Telecom at all times to at least 40% of the outstanding principal balance of the $35 million term loan for an initial average weighted life of at least three years.

Our loan agreements include restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. However, we are allowed to pay dividends (a) (i) in an amount up to $2,100,000 in any year if our “Total Leverage Ratio,” that is, the ratio of our “Indebtedness” to “EBITDA” (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – as defined in the loan documents) is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, and (ii) in any amount if our Total Leverage Ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00, and (b) in either case, if we are not in default or potential default under the loan agreements. On March 31, 2016 our Total Leverage Ratio fell below 2.50, thus eliminating any restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. Our current Total Leverage Ratio at March 31, 2016 is 2.30.  

Our credit facility requires us to comply with specified financial ratios and tests. These financial ratios and tests include total leverage ratio, debt service coverage ratio, equity to total assets ratio, fixed coverage ratio and maximum annual capital expenditures tests. At March 31, 2016 we were in compliance with all the stipulated financial ratios in our loan agreements.

There are security and loan agreements underlying our current CoBank credit facility that contain restrictions on our distributions to stockholders and investment in, or loans, to others. Also, our credit facility contains restrictions that, among other things, limits or restricts our ability to enter into guarantees and contingent liabilities, incur additional debt, issue stock, transact asset sales, transfers or dispositions, and engage in mergers and acquisitions, without CoBank approval.  

As described in Note 5 – “Interest Rate Swaps”, we have entered into an IRSA that effectively fix our interest rates and cover $14.0 million at a weighted average rate of 4.47%, as of March 31, 2016. The remaining debt of $26.6 million ($7.0 million available under the revolving credit facilities and $19.6 million currently outstanding) remains subject to variable interest rates at an effective weighted average interest rate of 3.69%, as of March 31, 2016.    

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Note 5 – Interest Rate Swaps

We assess interest rate cash flow risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely affect expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities.

We generally use variable-rate debt to finance our operations, capital expenditures and acquisitions. These variable-rate debt obligations expose us to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. The terms of our credit facility with CoBank require that we enter into interest rate agreements designed to protect us against fluctuations in interest rates, in an aggregate principal amount and for a duration determined under the credit facility.

To meet this objective, on June 18, 2015 we entered into an IRSA with CoBank covering $14.0 million of our aggregate indebtedness to CoBank. This swap effectively locks in the interest rate on $14.0 million of variable-rate debt through June 2018. Under this IRSA, we have changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of the IRSA, we pay a fixed contractual interest rate and (i) make an additional payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is below a contractual rate or (ii) receive a payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is above the contractual rate.

Each month, we make interest payments to CoBank under its loan agreements based on the current applicable LIBOR Rate plus the contractual LIBOR margin then in effect with respect the loan, without reflecting our IRSA. At the end of each calendar month, CoBank adjusts our aggregate interest payments based on the difference, if any, between the amounts paid by us during the month and the current effective interest rate. Net interest payments are reported in our consolidated income statement as interest expense.

Our IRSA under our credit facilities qualifies as cash flow hedge for accounting purposes under GAAP. We reflect the effect of this hedging transaction in the financial statements. The unrealized gain/loss is reported in other comprehensive income. If we terminate our IRSA, the cumulative change in fair value at the date of termination would be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, which is classified in stockholders’ equity, into earnings on the consolidated statements of income.

The fair value of the Company’s IRSA was determined based on valuations received from CoBank and are based on the present value of expected future cash flows using discount rates appropriate with the terms of the IRSA. The fair value indicates an estimated amount we would be required to pay if the contracts were canceled or transferred to other parties. At March 31, 2016, the fair value liability of the swap was $156,834, which has been recorded net of deferred tax benefit of $63,471, for the $93,363 in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Note 6 – Other Investments  

We are a co-investor with other rural telephone companies in several partnerships and limited liability companies. These joint ventures make it possible to offer services to customers, including digital video services and fiber optic transport services that we would have difficulty offering on our own. These joint ventures also make it possible to invest in new technologies with a lower level of financial risk. We recognize income and losses from these investments on the equity method of accounting. For a listing of our investments, see Note 9 – “Segment Information”.

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Note 7 – Guarantees

NU Telecom has guaranteed a ten-year loan owed by FiberComm, LC, maturing on September 30, 2021. As of March 31, 2016, we have recorded a liability of $226,811 in connection with the guarantee on this loan. This guarantee may be exercised if FiberComm, LC does not make its required payments on this note.

Note 8 – Deferred Compensation

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we have recorded other deferred compensation relating to executive compensation payable to certain former executives of past acquisitions.   

Note 9 – Segment Information  

We operate in the Telecom Segment and have no other significant business segments. The Telecom Segment consists of voice, data and video communication services delivered to the customer over our local communications network. No single customer accounted for a material portion of our consolidated revenues.

The Telecom Segment operates the following incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and has investment ownership interests as follows:

Telecom Segment

    ● ILECs:

       ▪  New Ulm Telecom, Inc., the parent company;

       ▪  Hutchinson Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

       ▪  Peoples Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

       ▪  Sleepy Eye Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

       ▪  Western Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom.

● CLECs:    

    ▪  NU Telecom, located in Redwood Falls, Minnesota; 

    ▪  Hutchinson Telecommunications, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HTC, located in Litchfield and Glencoe, Minnesota;

● Our investments and interests in the following entities include some management responsibilities:

    ▪  FiberComm, LC – 20.00% subsidiary equity ownership interest. FiberComm, LC is located in Sioux City, Iowa;

    ▪  Broadband Visions, LLC – 24.30% subsidiary equity ownership interest. Broadband Visions, LLC provides video headend and Internet services;

    ▪  Independent Emergency Services, LLC – 14.29% subsidiary equity ownership interest. Independent Emergency Services, LLC is a provider of E-911 services to the State of Minnesota as well as a number of counties located in Minnesota;

    ▪  SM Broadband, LLC – 12.50% subsidiary equity ownership interest. SM Broadband Services, LLC provides network connectivity for regional businesses.

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Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies

Over the course of 2014, NU Telecom received notice of disputes from several IXCs, and was subsequently named in litigation regarding traffic exchanged between our companies and specifically the classification of IntraMTA wireless traffic related to access charges. This litigation was an industry-wide dispute affecting numerous telecom companies. In November, 2015 the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas ruled in favor of the telecom companies, which includes NU Telecom. All access charges owed to the telecom companies including NU Telecom were found to be owed by the IXCs and NU Telecom was subsequently paid for the access charges.

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

We have evaluated and disclosed subsequent events through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 contains certain safe harbor provisions regarding forward-looking statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include forward-looking statements. These statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to anticipated future operating and financial performance, growth opportunities and growth rates, acquisition and divestiture opportunities, business strategies, business and competitive outlook, and other similar forecasts and statements of expectation. Words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates”, “targets”, “projects”, “will”, “may”, “continues”, and “should”, and variations of these words and similar expressions, are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from such statements.

Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions and the fact that any forward-looking statements made by us and our management are based on estimates, projections, beliefs and assumptions of management, they are not guarantees of future performance and you should not place undue reliance on them. In addition, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, which is the filing date of this Form 10-Q. With the exception of the requirements set forth in the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations stated in this Form 10-Q, are based upon NU Telecom’s consolidated unaudited financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and, where applicable, conform to the accounting principles as prescribed by federal and state telephone utility regulatory authorities. We presently give accounting recognition to the actions of regulators where appropriate. The preparation of our financial statements requires our management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Our senior management has discussed the development and selection of accounting estimates and the related Management Discussion and Analysis disclosure with our Audit Committee. For a summary of our significant accounting policies, see Note 1 – “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

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Results of Operations

Overview

NU Telecom has a state-of-the-art; fiber-rich communications network and offers a diverse array of communications products and services. Our businesses provide local telephone service and network access to other telecommunications carriers for connections to our networks. In addition, we provide long distance service, broadband Internet access, video services, and managed and hosted solutions services.

Our operations consist primarily of providing services to customers for a monthly charge. Because many of these services are recurring in nature, backlog orders and seasonality are not significant factors. Our working capital requirements include financing the construction of our networks, which consists of switches and cable, data, Internet protocol (IP) and digital TV. We also require capital to maintain our networks and infrastructure; fund the payroll costs of our highly skilled labor force; maintain inventory to service capital projects, our network and our telephone equipment customers; pay dividends and provide for the carrying value of trade accounts receivable, some of which may take several months to collect in the normal course of business.

Executive Summary

·On March 30, 2016 the FCC released their Rate of Return Reform Order. This order adopts significant reforms to the current Universal Service Funding mechanisms. Telecom companies may now elect model based support, if they qualify, for a term of ten years in exchange for meeting defined broadband build-out obligations. If a company does not elect model based support, they will remain under the current rate of return mechanisms which have been modified by this Order. We are currently analyzing our options under the Order.

·On December 31, 2014, NU Telecom entered into an Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank. The MLA refinances and replaces the existing credit facility between CoBank and NU Telecom and the subsidiaries of NU Telecom. There are two loans under the MLA, which include a $35 million term loan and a $9 million revolver loan. The term loan requires payments of $675,000 per quarter, beginning March 2015, with the final installment due December 31, 2021. NU Telecom may borrow from time to time under the revolver loan, which also matures on December 31, 2021. Also, under the MLA, NU Telecom has the ability to either increase the amount of the commitment under the revolver loan by up to $6 million in a single increase, or add an incremental term loan up to $6 million. See Note 4 – “Secured Credit Facility” for additional information.

·On June 18, 2015 NU Telecom entered into an IRSA with CoBank covering (i) $14.0 million of our aggregate indebtedness to CoBank effective June 18, 2015. This swap effectively locks in the interest rate on $14.0 million of variable-rate debt through June 2018. Under the IRSA, we have changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of this IRSA, we pay a fixed contractual interest rate and (i) make an additional payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is below a contractual rate or (ii) receive a payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is above the contractual rate.

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·Net income for the first quarter of 2016 totaled $757,033, which was a $76,187, or 9.14% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2015. This decrease was primarily due to an increase in income tax expense and a decrease in other investment income, all of which are described below.

·Consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2016 totaled $10,442,241, which was a $45,376 or 0.43% decrease compared to the first quarter of 2015. This decrease was primarily due to decreases in our network access and local service revenues, and a decrease in other non-regulated revenues. These decreases were partially offset by increases in data and video revenues, all of which are described below.

Business Trends

Included below is a synopsis of business trends management believes will continue to affect our business in 2016. 

Voice and switched access revenues are expected to continue to be adversely impacted by future declines in access lines due to competition in the telecommunications industry from cable television providers (CATV), Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers, wireless, other competitors and emerging technologies. As we experience access line losses, our switched access revenue will continue to decline consistent with industry-wide trends. A combination of changing minutes of use, carriers optimizing their network costs and lower demand for dedicated lines may affect our future voice and switched access revenues. Voice and switched access revenues may also be significantly affected by potential changes in rate regulation at the state and federal levels. We continue to monitor regulatory changes as we believe that rate regulation will continue to be scrutinized and may be subject to change. Access line decreases totaled 2,740 or 10.13% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2016 due to the reasons mentioned above.  

The expansion of our state-of-the-art; fiber-rich communications network, growth in broadband customer sales along with continued migration to higher connectivity speeds and the sales of Internet value-added services such as on-line data backup, and hosted and managed service solutions are expected to continue to offset the revenue declines from the access line trends discussed above.

To be competitive, we continue to emphasize the bundling of our products and services. Our customers have the option to bundle local phone, high-speed Internet, long distance and video services. These bundles provide our customers with one convenient location to obtain all of their communications and entertainment options, a convenient billing solution and bundle discounts. We believe that product bundles positively impact our customer retention, and the associated discounts provide our customers the best value for their communications and entertainment options. We have a state-of-the-art, fiber-rich broadband network, which, along with the bundling of our voice, Internet and video services allows us to meet customer demands for products and services. We continue to focus on the research and deployment of advanced technological products that include broadband services, private line, VoIP, digital video, IPTV and hosted and managed services.

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We continue to evaluate our operating structure to identify opportunities for increased operational efficiencies and effectiveness. This involves evaluating opportunities for task automation, network efficiency and the balancing of our workforce based on the current needs of our customers.

Financial results for the Telecom Segment are included below:

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015		Increase (Decrease)
Operating Revenues
Local Service	$	1,543,924	$	1,613,794	$	(69,870)	-4.33	%
Network Access		2,938,115		3,071,854		(133,739)	-4.35	%
Video		2,284,140		2,193,916		90,224	4.11	%
Data		2,578,224		2,436,246		141,978	5.83	%
Other		1,097,838		1,171,807		(73,969)	-6.31	%
Total Operating Revenues		10,442,241		10,487,617		(45,376)	-0.43	%
Cost of Services, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization		4,962,650		4,972,650		(10,000)	-0.20	%
Selling, General and Administrative		1,803,735		1,940,565		(136,830)	-7.05	%
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses		2,435,620		2,430,081		5,539	0.23	%
Total Operating Expenses		9,202,005		9,343,296		(141,291)	-1.51	%
Operating Income	$	1,240,236	$	1,144,321	$	95,915	8.38	%
Net Income	$	757,033	$	833,220	$	(76,187)	-9.14	%
Capital Expenditures	$	1,317,452	$	1,793,493	$	(476,041)	-26.54	%
Key metrics
Access Lines		24,311		27,051		(2,740)	-10.13	%
Video Customers		10,560		10,737		(177)	-1.65	%
Broadband Customers		15,243		14,662		581	3.96	%
Certain historical numbers have been changed to conform to the current year's presentation.

Revenue

Local Service – We receive recurring revenue for basic local services that enable customers to make and receive telephone calls within a defined local calling area for a flat monthly fee. In addition to subscribing to basic local telephone services, our customers may choose from a variety of custom calling features such as call waiting, call forwarding, caller identification and voicemail. Local service revenue was $1,543,924, which is $69,870 or 4.33% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to the decline in access lines.

The number of access lines we serve as a company have been decreasing, which is consistent with a general industry trend, as customers are increasingly utilizing other technologies, such as wireless phones and IP services. To help offset declines in local service revenue, we implemented an overall strategy that continues to focus on selling a competitive bundle of services. Our focus on marketing competitive service bundles to our customers creates value for the customer and aids in the retention of our voice lines. 

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Network Access – We provide access services to other telecommunications carriers for the use of our facilities to terminate or originate traffic on our network. Additionally, we bill subscriber line charges (SLCs) to substantially all of our customers for access to the public switched network. These monthly SLCs are regulated and approved by the FCC. In addition, network access revenue is derived from several federally administered pooling arrangements designed to provide network support and distribute funding to ILECs. Network access revenue was $2,938,115, which is $133,739 or 4.35% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to lower minutes of use on our network.

In recent years, IXCs and others have become more aggressive in disputing both interstate carrier access charges and the applicability of access charges to their network traffic. We believe that long distance and other communication providers will continue to challenge the applicability of access charges either before the FCC or directly with the local exchange carriers. We cannot predict the likelihood of future claims and cannot estimate the impact.

Video – We receive monthly recurring revenue from our subscribers for providing commercial TV programming in competition with local CATV, satellite dish TV and off-air TV service providers. We serve seventeen communities with our IPTV services and four communities with our CATV services. Video revenue was $2,284,140, which is $90,224 or 4.11% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to increased demand for our high definition and digital video recording services. Also contributing to the increase in video revenue was a combination of rate increases introduced into several of our markets over the course of the last couple of years.   

Data – We provide high speed Internet to business and residential customers. Our revenue is earned based on the offering of various flat rate packages based on the level of service, data speeds and features. We also provide e-mail and managed services, such as web hosting and design, on-line file back up and on-line file storage. Data revenue was $2,578,224, which is $141,978 or 5.83% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in data customers and increased managed services revenues. We expect continued growth in this area will be driven by expansion of our service areas, our aggressively packaging service bundles and marketing managed service solutions to businesses.

Other Revenue – Our customers are billed for toll and long-distance services on either a per call or flat-rate basis. This also includes the offering of directory assistance, operator service and long distance private lines. We also generate revenue from directory publishing, sales and service of customer premise equipment (CPE), bill processing and other customer services. Our directory publishing revenue for Yellow Page advertising in our telephone directories recurs monthly. We also provide retail sales and service of cellular phones and accessories through Telespire, a national wireless provider. We resell these wireless services as TechTrends Wireless, our branded product. We receive both recurring revenue for our wireless services, as well as revenue collected for the sales of wireless phones and accessories. Other revenue was $1,097,838, which is $73,969 or 6.31% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the sales and installation of CPE.

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Cost of Services (excluding Depreciation and Amortization)

Cost of services (excluding depreciation and amortization) was $4,962,650, which is $10,000 or 0.20% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to lower cost of goods sold due to a decrease in the sales of CPE, partially offset by higher programming costs from video content providers and higher costs associated with increased maintenance and support agreements on our equipment and software.   

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1,803,735, which is $136,830 or 7.05% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to lower costs associated with professional and consulting services.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization was $2,435,620, which is $5,539 or 0.23% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to higher depreciation associated with the increase in our property, plant and equipment, which reflects our continual investment in technology and infrastructure in order to meet our customers’ demands for products and services.

Operating Income

Operating income was $1,240,236, which is $95,915 or 8.38% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to a decrease in expenses, partially offset by a decrease in revenues, all of which are described above.

See Consolidated Statements of Income on Page 3 (for discussion below)

Other Income and Interest Expense 

Interest expense was $375,356, which is $16,015 or 4.46% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to higher interest rates charged on the IRSA portion of our debt in the first quarter of 2016. We entered into an IRSA with CoBank covering (i) $14.0 million of our aggregate indebtedness to CoBank effective June 18, 2015.

Interest income was $38,662, which is $16,490 or 29.90% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in dividend income earned on our investments.

Other income for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 included a patronage credit earned with CoBank as a result of our debt agreements with them. The patronage credit allocated and received in 2016 was $386,843, compared to $409,132 allocated and received in 2015. CoBank determines and pays the patronage credit annually, generally in the first quarter of the calendar year, based on its results from the prior year. We record these patronage credits as income when they are received.

Other investment income was $9,627, which is $38,906 or 80.16% lower in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Other investment income is primarily from our equity ownership in several partnerships and limited liability companies.

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Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $548,198, which is $79,139 or 16.87% higher in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to the first quarter 2015 recognition of unrealized tax benefits associated with the HCC Minnesota tax issue, which was resolved in April 2015. The effective income tax rates for the three months ending March 31, 2016 and 2015 were approximately 42.0% and 36.0%. The effective income tax rate differs from the federal statutory income tax rate primarily due to state income taxes and other permanent differences.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Structure

NU Telecom’s total capital structure (long-term and short-term debt obligations, net of unamortized loan fees, plus stockholders’ equity) was $92,669,561 at March 31, 2016, reflecting 64.1% equity and 35.9% debt. This compares to a capital structure of $95,050,347 at December 31, 2015, reflecting 62.1% equity and 37.9% debt. In the telecommunications industry, debt financing is most often based on operating cash flows. Specifically, our current use of our credit facilities is in a ratio of approximately 2.30 times debt to EBITDA – as defined in the loan documents, which is well within acceptable limits for our agreements and our industry. Our management believes adequate operating cash flows and other internal and external resources, such as our cash on hand and revolving credit facility, are available to finance ongoing operating requirements, including capital expenditures, business development, debt service, temporary financing of trade accounts receivable and dividends.

Liquidity Outlook

Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from (i) capital expenditures; (ii) working capital requirements needed to support the growth of our business; (iii) debt service; (iv) dividend payments on our stock and (v) potential acquisitions.

Our primary sources of liquidity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 were proceeds from cash generated from operations and cash reserves held at the beginning of the period. At March 31, 2016 we had a working capital deficit of $1,697,232. However, at March 31, 2016, we also had approximately $7.0 million available under our revolving credit facility to fund any short-term working capital needs. The working capital deficit as of March 31, 2016 was primarily the result of a reduction in cash to fund operations and purchase capital equipment in lieu of using our revolving credit facility.

On December 31, 2014, NU Telecom entered into an Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank. The MLA refinances and replaces the existing credit facility between CoBank and NU Telecom and the subsidiaries of NU Telecom. There are two loans under the MLA, which include a $35 million term loan and a $9 million revolver loan. The term loan requires payments of $675,000 per quarter, beginning March 2015, with the final installment due December 31, 2021. NU Telecom may borrow from time to time under the revolver loan, which also matures on December 31, 2021. Also, under the MLA, NU Telecom has the ability to either increase the amount of the commitment under the revolver loan by up to $6 million in a single increase, or add an incremental term loan up to $6 million.

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Cash Flows

We expect our liquidity needs to include capital expenditures, payment of interest and principal on our indebtedness, income taxes and dividends. We use our cash inflow to manage the temporary increases in cash demand and utilize our revolving credit facility to manage more significant fluctuations in liquidity caused by growth initiatives.

While it is often difficult to predict the impact of general economic conditions on our business, we believe that we will be able to meet our current and long-term cash requirements primarily through our operating cash flows, and anticipate that we will be able to plan for and match future liquidity needs with future internal and available external resources.  

We periodically seek to add growth initiatives by expanding our network or our markets through organic or internal investments or through strategic acquisitions. We believe we can adjust the timing or the number of our initiatives according to any limitations which may be imposed by our capital structure or sources of financing. At this time, we do not anticipate our capital structure will limit our growth initiatives over the next twelve months.

The following table summarizes our cash flow:

	Three Months Ended  March 31,
	2016		2015
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities	$	4,178,424	$	2,178,124
Investing activities		(1,409,452)		(1,899,843)
Financing activities		(3,151,844)		(1,125,343)
Increase (Decrease) in cash	$	(382,872)	$	(847,062)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash generated by operations in the first three months of 2016 was $4,178,424, compared to cash generated by operations of $2,178,124 in the first three months of 2015. The increase in cash from operating activities in 2016 was primarily due to the timing of payments for inventories, prepaid expenses and accounts payable.

Cash generated by operations continues to be our primary source of funding for existing operations, capital expenditures, debt service and dividend payments to stockholders. Cash at March 31, 2016 was $168,952, compared to $551,824 at December 31, 2015.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

We operate in a capital intensive business. We continue to upgrade our local networks for changes in technology to provide advanced services to our customers.

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Cash used in investing activities was $1,409,452 during the first three months of 2016 compared to $1,899,843 for the first three months of 2015. Capital expenditures relating to on-going operations were $1,317,452 for the three months ended March 31, 2016, compared to $1,793,493 for the three months ended March 31, 2015. We expect total plant additions to be approximately $6.5 million in 2016. Our investing expenditures are financed with cash flows from our current operations and advances on our line of credit. We believe that our current operations will provide adequate cash flows to fund our plant additions for the remainder of this year; however, funding from our revolving credit facility is available if the timing of our cash flows from operations does not match our cash flow requirements. As of March 31, 2016, we had approximately $7.0 million available under our existing credit facility to fund capital expenditures and other operating needs.

Cash Flows Used in Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $3,151,844 and included long-term debt repayments of $675,000, net payments on our revolving credit facility of $2,029,120 and the distribution of $447,724 of dividends to our stockholders. Cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $1,125,343 and included long-term debt repayments of $675,000, payment of loan origination costs of $10,347, net payments on our revolving credit facility of $6,381 and the distribution of $433,615 of dividends to our stockholders.

Working Capital

We had a working capital deficit (i.e. current assets minus current liabilities) of $1,697,232 as of March 31, 2016, with current assets of approximately $5.3 million and current liabilities of approximately $7.0 million, compared to a working capital deficit of $302,463 as of December 31, 2015. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 0.76 and 0.96 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The working capital deficit at March 31, 2016 was primarily the result of a reduction in cash to fund operations and purchase capital equipment in lieu of using our revolving credit facility.

At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we were in compliance with all stipulated financial ratios in our loan agreements.

Dividends and Restrictions

We declared a quarterly dividend of $.0875 per share for the first quarter of 2016 and $0.0850 for the first quarter of 2015, which totaled $447,724 for the first quarter of 2016 and $433,615 for the first quarter of 2015.

We expect to continue to pay quarterly dividends during 2016, but only if and to the extent declared by our Board of Directors on a quarterly basis and subject to various restrictions on our ability to do so (described below). Dividends on our common stock are not cumulative.  

There are security and loan agreements underlying our current CoBank credit facility that contain restrictions on our distributions to stockholders and investment in, or loans, to others. See below and Note 4 – “Secured Credit Facility” for additional information.

26

On December 31, 2014, we entered into an Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank. The MLA refinances and replaces the existing credit facility between CoBank and NU Telecom and the subsidiaries of NU Telecom.  

Our loan agreements include restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. However, we are allowed to pay dividends (a) (i) in an amount up to $2,100,000 in any year if our “Total Leverage Ratio,” that is, the ratio of our “Indebtedness” to “EBITDA” – as defined in the loan documents, is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, and (ii) in any amount if our Total Leverage Ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00, and (b) in either case, if we are not in default or potential default under the loan agreements. On March 31, 2016 our Total Leverage Ratio fell below 2.50, thus eliminating any restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. Our current Total Leverage Ratio at March 31, 2016 is 2.30.  

Our Board of Directors reviews quarterly dividend declarations based on our anticipated earnings, capital requirements and our operating and financial conditions. The cash requirements of our current dividend payment practices are in addition to our other expected cash needs. Should our Board of Directors determine a dividend will be declared, we expect we will have sufficient availability from our current cash flows from operations to fund our existing cash needs and the payment of our dividends. In addition, we expect we will have sufficient availability under our revolving credit facility to fund dividend payments in addition to any fluctuations in working capital and other cash needs.

Long-Term Debt

See Note 4 – “Secured Credit Facility” for information pertaining to our long-term debt.

Recent Accounting Developments  

See Note 1 – “Basis of Presentation and Consolidation” for a discussion of recent accounting developments.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not required for a smaller reporting company.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures

Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period subject to this Report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the Evaluation Date), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, regarding the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, that our disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, in a manner that allows timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

27

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

Over the course of 2014, NU Telecom received notice of disputes from several IXCs, and was subsequently named in litigation regarding traffic exchanged between our companies and specifically the classification of IntraMTA wireless traffic related to access charges. This litigation was an industry-wide dispute affecting numerous telecom companies. In November, 2015 the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas ruled in favor of the telecom companies, which includes NU Telecom. All access charges owed to the telecom companies including NU Telecom were found to be owed by the IXCs and NU Telecom was subsequently paid for the access charges.

Other than the litigation mentioned above and other routine litigation incidental to our business, there are no pending material legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our property is subject. 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Not required for a smaller reporting company.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information.

None.

28

Item 6.    Exhibits.

Exhibit

Number           Description

31.1                 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2                 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1                 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2                 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS          XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH         XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL         XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF         XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB         XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE          XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

29

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	NEW ULM TELECOM, INC.
Dated:  May 16, 2016	By	/s/ Bill D. Otis
		Bill D. Otis, President and Chief Executive Officer
Dated:  May 16, 2016	By	/s/ Curtis O. Kawlewski
		Curtis O. Kawlewski, Chief Financial Officer

30

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UNDER RULE 13a-14(a) ADOPTED

 PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Bill D. Otis, President and Chief Executive Officer of New Ulm Telecom, Inc., certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016 of New Ulm Telecom, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 16, 2016	/s/ Bill D. Otis
	Bill D. Otis
	President and Chief Executive Officer

       

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER UNDER RULE 13a-14(a) ADOPTED

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Curtis O. Kawlewski, Chief Financial Officer of New Ulm Telecom, Inc., certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016 of New Ulm Telecom, Inc.;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  May 16, 2016	/s/ Curtis O. Kawlewski
	Curtis O. Kawlewski
	Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

UNDER 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of New Ulm Telecom, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bill D. Otis, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to and for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of New Ulm Telecom, Inc.

Date:  May 16, 2016	/s/ Bill D. Otis
	Bill D. Otis
	President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

UNDER 18 U.S.C. 1350

PURSUANT TO SECTION 906

OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of New Ulm Telecom, Inc. on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Curtis O. Kawlewski, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to and for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1.

The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2.

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of New Ulm Telecom, Inc.

Date:  May 16, 2016	/s/ Curtis O. Kawlewski
	Curtis O. Kawlewski     Chief Financial Officer

XML

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 16, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NEW ULM TELECOM INC
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,126,964
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000071557
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING REVENUES:
Local Service	$ 1,543,924	$ 1,613,794
Network Access	2,938,115	3,071,854
Video	2,284,140	2,193,916
Data	2,578,224	2,436,246
Other Non-Regulated	1,097,838	1,171,807
Total Operating Revenues	10,442,241	10,487,617
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Plant Operations (Excluding Depreciation and Amortization)	2,054,949	1,990,277
Cost of Video	1,982,721	1,967,378
Cost of Data	506,251	525,753
Cost of Other Nonregulated Services	418,729	489,242
Depreciation and Amortization	2,435,620	2,430,081
Selling, General and Administrative	1,803,735	1,940,565
Total Operating Expenses	9,202,005	9,343,296
OPERATING INCOME	1,240,236	1,144,321
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest Expense	(375,356)	(359,341)
Interest Income	38,662	55,152
Interest During Construction	5,219	4,482
CoBank Patronage Dividends	386,843	409,132
Other Investment Income	9,627	48,533
Total Other Income (Expense)	64,995	157,958
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	1,305,231	1,302,279
INCOME TAXES	548,198	469,059
NET INCOME	$ 757,033	$ 833,220
BASIC AND DILUTED
NET INCOME PER SHARE (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.15	$ 0.16
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.0875	$ 0.0850
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING (in Shares)	5,120,205	5,101,334

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Net Income	$ 757,033	$ 833,220
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swaps	(125,444)
Income Tax Expense Related to Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swaps	50,768
Other Comprehensive Loss	(74,676)
Comprehensive Income	$ 682,357	$ 833,220

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash	$ 168,952	$ 551,824
Receivables, Net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts of $170,000 and $160,000	1,002,821	1,260,941
Income Taxes Receivable	167,913	701,111
Materials, Supplies, and Inventories	2,253,710	2,511,632
Deferred Income Taxes	843,365	841,309
Prepaid Expenses	870,375	973,289
Total Current Assets	5,307,136	6,840,106
INVESTMENTS & OTHER ASSETS:
Goodwill	39,805,349	39,805,349
Intangibles	20,578,051	21,195,495
Other Investments	7,485,167	7,294,815
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	54,166	31,098
Total Investments and Other Assets	67,922,733	68,326,757
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT:
Telecommunications Plant	118,878,110	118,037,080
Other Property & Equipment	15,841,605	15,507,380
Video Plant	10,106,870	10,095,596
Total Property, Plant and Equipment	144,826,585	143,640,056
Less Accumulated Depreciation	101,343,855	99,525,661
Net Property, Plant & Equipment	43,482,730	44,114,395
TOTAL ASSETS	116,712,599	119,281,258
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt, Net of Unamortized Loan Fees	2,640,822	2,640,822
Accounts Payable	1,445,911	1,627,308
Other Accrued Taxes	238,448	175,607
Deferred Compensation	60,820	61,338
Accrued Compensation	2,113,837	2,167,173
Other Accrued Liabilities	504,530	470,321
Total Current Liabilities	7,004,368	7,142,569
LONG-TERM DEBT, Less Current Portion Net of Unamortized Loan Fees	30,649,828	33,339,153
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Loan Guarantees	226,811	232,771
Deferred Income Taxes	18,342,470	18,391,181
Other Accrued Liabilities	195,842	298,839
Financial Derivative Instruments	156,834	31,390
Deferred Compensation	757,535	774,983
Total Noncurrent Liabilities	$ 19,679,492	$ 19,729,164
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred Stock - $1.66 Par Value, 10,000,000 Shares Authorized, None Issued
Common Stock - $1.66 Par Value, 90,000,000 Shares Authorized, 5,126,964 and 5,116,826 Shares Issued and Outstanding	$ 8,544,940	$ 8,528,043
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(93,363)	(18,687)
Retained Earnings	50,927,334	50,561,016
Total Stockholders' Equity	59,378,911	59,070,372
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 116,712,599	$ 119,281,258

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (in Dollars)	$ 170,000	$ 160,000
Preferred stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 1.66
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.66	$ 1.66
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	5,126,964	5,116,826
Common stock, shares outstanding	5,126,964	5,116,826

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net Income	$ 757,033	$ 833,220
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	2,450,415	2,444,271
Undistributed Earnings of Other Equity Investments	(7,602)	(29,443)
Noncash Patronage Refund	(96,711)	(102,283)
Stock Issued in Lieu of Cash Payment	20,004	12,600
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
Receivables	261,010	225,023
Income Taxes Receivable	533,198	796,959
Inventories	257,922	(195,685)
Prepaid Expenses	156,816	(130,488)
Deferred Charged and Other Assets	(25,958)	39,696
Accounts Payable	(50,454)	(1,690,098)
Other Accrued Taxes	62,841	58,608
Other Accrued Liabilities	$ (122,124)	12,029
Deferred Income Tax		(77,900)
Deferred Compensation	$ (17,966)	(18,385)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	4,178,424	2,178,124
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	(1,317,452)	(1,793,493)
Other, Net	(92,000)	(106,350)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	(1,409,452)	(1,899,843)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal Payments of Long-Term Debt	$ (675,000)	(675,000)
Loan Origination Fees		(10,347)
Changes in Revolving Credit Facility	$ (2,029,120)	(6,381)
Dividends Paid	(447,724)	(433,615)
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities	(3,151,844)	(1,125,343)
NET DECREASE IN CASH	(382,872)	(847,062)
CASH at Beginning of Period	551,824	945,087
CASH at End of Period	168,952	98,025
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	366,329	301,543
Net cash paid (received) for income taxes	$ 15,000	$ (250,000)

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS` EQUITY (unaudited) - USD ($)	Common Stock [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Total
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 8,502,223		$ 49,547,775	$ 58,049,998
BALANCE (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	5,101,334
Director's Stock Plan	$ 25,820		84,180	110,000
Director's Stock Plan (in Shares)	15,492
Net Income			2,666,155	2,666,155
Dividends			(1,737,094)	(1,737,094)
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap		$ (18,687)		(18,687)
BALANCE at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 8,528,043	(18,687)	50,561,016	59,070,372
BALANCE (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	5,116,826
Employee Stock Plan	$ 16,897		57,009	73,906
Employee Stock Plan (in Shares)	10,138
Net Income			757,033	757,033
Dividends			(447,724)	(447,724)
Unrealized Loss on Interest Rate Swap		(74,676)		(74,676)
BALANCE at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 8,544,940	$ (93,363)	$ 50,927,334	$ 59,378,911
BALANCE (in Shares) at Mar. 31, 2016	5,126,964

XML

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of New Ulm Telecom, Inc. and its subsidiaries (NU Telecom) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certain information and disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted or condensed pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal and recurring accruals) considered necessary for the fair presentation of the financial statements and present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented as required by Regulation S-X, Rule 10-01. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosures at the date of the financial statements and during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year as a whole or any other interim period.

Our consolidated financial statements report the financial condition and results of operations for NU Telecom and its subsidiaries in one business segment: the Telecom Segment. Inter-company transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery of the product has occurred or a service has been provided, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenues are earned from our customers primarily through the connection to our networks, digital and commercial television (TV) programming, Internet services (high-speed broadband), and hosted and managed services. Revenues for these services are billed based on set rates for monthly service or based on the amount of time the customer is utilizing our facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the service is rendered.

Revenues earned from interexchange carriers (IXCs) accessing our network are based on the utilization of our network by these carriers as measured by minutes of use on the network or special access to the network by the individual carriers. Revenues are billed at tariffed access rates for both interstate and intrastate calls. Revenues for these services are recognized based on the period the access is provided.

Interstate access rates are established by a nationwide pooling of companies known as the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established NECA in 1983 to develop and administer interstate access service rates, terms and conditions. Revenues are pooled and redistributed on the basis of a company's actual or average costs. There has been a change in the composition of interstate access charges in recent years, shifting more of the charges to the end user and reducing the amount of access charges paid by IXC’s. We believe this trend will continue.

New Ulm Telecom’s and Sleepy Eye Telephone Company’s (SETC) settlements from the pools are based on their actual costs to provide service, while the settlements for NU Telecom subsidiaries – Western Telephone Company, Peoples Telephone Company and Hutchinson Telephone Company (HTC) are based on nationwide average schedules. Access revenues for New Ulm Telecom and SETC include an estimate of a cost study each year that is trued-up subsequent to the end of any given year. Our management believes the estimates included in our preliminary cost study are reasonable. We cannot predict the future impact that industry or regulatory changes will have on interstate access revenues.

Intrastate access rates are filed with state regulatory commissions in Minnesota and Iowa.

We derive revenues from the sale, installation and servicing of communication systems. In accordance with GAAP, these deliverables are accounted for separately. We recognize revenue from customer contracts for sales and installations using the completed-contract method, which recognizes income when the contract is substantially complete. We recognize rental revenues over the rental period.

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services includes all costs related to delivery of communication services and products. These operating costs include all costs of performing services and providing related products including engineering, network monitoring and transport cost.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include direct and indirect selling expenses, customer service, billing and collections, advertising and all other general and administrative costs associated with the operations of the business.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

We use the group life method (mass asset accounting) to depreciate the assets of our telephone companies. Telephone plant acquired in a given year is grouped into similar categories and depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the group. When an asset is retired, both the asset and the accumulated depreciation associated with that asset are removed from the books. Due to rapid changes in technology, selecting the estimated economic life of telecommunications plant and equipment requires a significant amount of judgment. We periodically review data on expected utilization of new equipment, asset retirement activity and net salvage values to determine adjustments to our depreciation rates. Depreciation expense was $1,818,176 and $1,812,272 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and a provision for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Significant components of our deferred taxes arise from differences (i) in the basis of property, plant and equipment due to the use of accelerated depreciation methods for tax purposes, as well as (ii) in partnership investments and intangible assets due to the difference between book and tax basis. Our effective income tax rate is normally higher than the United States tax rate due to state income taxes and permanent differences.

We account for income taxes in accordance with GAAP. As required by GAAP, we recognize the financial statement benefit of tax positions only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had $0 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized would affect the effective tax rate.

We are primarily subject to United States, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa income taxes. Tax years subsequent to 2011 remain open to examination by federal and state tax authorities. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had no interest or penalties accrued.

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2016-02), “Leases,” which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. This change will result in an increase to recorded assets and liabilities on lessees’ financial statements, as well as changes in the categorization of rental costs, from rent expense to interest and depreciation expense. Other effects may occur depending on the types of leases and the specific terms of them utilized by particular lessees. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and early application is permitted. Modified retrospective application is required. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes,” simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 removes the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We expect, upon adoption of this guidance, that our current financial statement classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities will all be classified as noncurrent on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest-Imputation of Interest,” simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that premiums, discounts, and loan fees and costs associated with long-term debt be reflected as a reduction of the outstanding debt balance. Previous guidance had treated such loan fees and costs as a deferred charge on the balance sheet. As a result of implementing ASU 2015-03, the Company reclassified $340,275 and $355,070 of unamortized loan fees and costs included in deferred charges and other assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 to long-term debt. $59,178 was allocated to current maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. $281,097 and $295,892 were allocated to long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Total assets, as well as total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, were also reduced by $340,275 and $355,070 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. There was no impact on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and created a new topic in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 has been delayed by ASU 2015-14 to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition framework for all entities and supersedes nearly all existing United States GAAP revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and also requires enhanced disclosures. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

We have reviewed all other significant newly issued accounting pronouncements and determined they are either not applicable to our business or that no material effect is expected on our financial position and results of operations.

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

Note 2 – Fair Value Measurements

We have adopted the rules prescribed under GAAP for our financial assets and liabilities. GAAP includes a fair value hierarchy that is intended to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity’s pricing based upon its own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:

Level 1:

Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:

Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3:

Inputs are derived from valuation techniques where one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable.

We have used financial derivative instruments to manage our overall cash flow exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. We accounted for derivative instruments in accordance with GAAP that requires derivative instruments to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments must be recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met, in which case, the gains and losses are included in other comprehensive income rather than in earnings.

We have entered into an interest rate swap agreement (IRSA) with our lender, CoBank, ACB (CoBank), to manage our cash flow exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. This instrument is designated as cash flow hedge and is effective at mitigating the risk of fluctuations on interest rates in the market place. Any gains or losses related to changes in the fair value of this derivative is accounted for as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for as long as the hedge remains effective.

The fair value of our IRSA is discussed in Note 5 – “Interest Rate Swaps”. The fair value of our swap agreement was determined based on Level 2 inputs.

Other Financial Instruments

Other Investments - It is difficult to estimate a fair value for equity investments in companies carried on the equity or cost basis due to a lack of quoted market prices. We conducted an evaluation of our investments in all of our companies in connection with the preparation of our audited financial statements at December 31, 2015. We believe the carrying value of our investments is not impaired.

Debt – We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt based on the discounted future cash flows we expect to pay using current rates of borrowing for similar types of debt. Fair value of the debt approximates carrying value.

Other Financial Instruments - Our financial instruments also include cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and accounts payable where the current carrying amounts approximate fair market value.

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Goodwill and Intangibles

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 3 – Goodwill and Intangibles

We account for goodwill and other intangible assets under GAAP. Under GAAP, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized, but are instead tested for impairment (i) on at least an annual basis and (ii) when changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of goodwill may be below its carrying value. Our goodwill totaled $39,805,349 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

As required by GAAP, we do not amortize goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, but test for impairment on an annual basis or earlier if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. These circumstances include, but are not limited to (i) a significant adverse change in the business climate, (ii) unanticipated competition or (iii) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator. Determining impairment involves estimating the fair value of a reporting unit using a combination of (i) the income or discounted cash flows approach and (ii) the market approach that utilizes comparable companies’ data. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the amount of the impairment loss must be measured. The impairment loss is calculated by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying amount. In calculating the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill, the fair value of the reporting unit is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit. The excess of the fair value of a reporting unit over the amount assigned to its other assets and liabilities is the implied value of goodwill. We recognize impairment loss when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

In 2015 and 2014, we engaged an independent valuation firm to complete our annual impairment testing for existing goodwill. For 2015 and 2014, the testing results indicated no impairment charge to goodwill as the determined fair value was sufficient to pass the first step of the impairment test.

Our intangible assets subject to amortization consist of acquired customer relationships, regulatory rights and trade names. We amortize intangible assets with finite lives over their respective estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment. In addition, we periodically reassess the carrying value, useful lives and classifications of our identifiable intangible assets. The components of our identified intangible assets are as follows:

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
		Gross Carrying Amount				Gross Carrying Amount
	Useful Lives			Accumulated Amortization				Accumulated Amortization
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Customers Relationships	14-15 yrs	$	29,278,445	$	13,699,913	$	29,278,445	$	13,177,635
Regulatory Rights	15 yrs		4,000,000		2,199,981		4,000,000		2,133,315
Trade Name	3-5 yrs		570,000		370,500		570,000		342,000
Indefinitely-Lived Intangible Assets
Video Franchise			3,000,000		-		3,000,000		-
Total		$	36,848,445	$	16,270,394	$	36,848,445	$	15,652,950
Net Identified Intangible Assets				$	20,578,051			$	21,195,495

Amortization expense related to the definite-lived intangible assets was $617,444 and $617,809 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. Amortization expense for the remaining nine months of 2016 and the five years subsequent to 2016 is estimated to be:

(April 1 – December 31)	$	1,851,812
2017	$	2,469,083
2018	$	2,355,083
2019	$	2,355,083
2020	$	2,355,083
2021	$	2,355,083

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Secured Credit Facility

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Secured Credit Facility [Abstract]

Secured Credit Facility [Text Block]

Note 4 – Secured Credit Facility

We have a credit facility with CoBank. Under the credit facility, we entered into Master Loan Agreements (MLAs) and a series of supplements to the respective MLAs.

NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries also have entered into security agreements under which substantially all the assets of NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries have been pledged to CoBank as collateral. In addition, NU Telecom and its respective subsidiaries have guaranteed all the obligations under the credit facility. These mortgage notes are required to be paid in quarterly installments covering principal and interest, beginning in the year of issue and maturing on December 31, 2021.

On December 31, 2014, NU Telecom entered into an Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank. The MLA refinances and replaces the existing credit facility between CoBank and NU Telecom and the subsidiaries of NU Telecom. There are two loans under the MLA, which include a $35 million term loan and a $9 million revolver loan. Also, under the MLA, NU Telecom has the ability to either increase the amount of the commitment under the revolver loan by up to $6 million in a single increase, or add an incremental term loan up to $6 million.

As part of the Amended and Restated MLA with CoBank, NU Telecom needed to enter into interest rate protection agreements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to CoBank so as to fix or limit interest rates payable by NU Telecom at all times to at least 40% of the outstanding principal balance of the $35 million term loan for an initial average weighted life of at least three years.

Our loan agreements include restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. However, we are allowed to pay dividends (a) (i) in an amount up to $2,100,000 in any year if our “Total Leverage Ratio,” that is, the ratio of our “Indebtedness” to “EBITDA” (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – as defined in the loan documents) is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, and (ii) in any amount if our Total Leverage Ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00, and (b) in either case, if we are not in default or potential default under the loan agreements. On March 31, 2016 our Total Leverage Ratio fell below 2.50, thus eliminating any restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. Our current Total Leverage Ratio at March 31, 2016 is 2.30.

Our credit facility requires us to comply with specified financial ratios and tests. These financial ratios and tests include total leverage ratio, debt service coverage ratio, equity to total assets ratio, fixed coverage ratio and maximum annual capital expenditures tests. At March 31, 2016 we were in compliance with all the stipulated financial ratios in our loan agreements.

There are security and loan agreements underlying our current CoBank credit facility that contain restrictions on our distributions to stockholders and investment in, or loans, to others. Also, our credit facility contains restrictions that, among other things, limits or restricts our ability to enter into guarantees and contingent liabilities, incur additional debt, issue stock, transact asset sales, transfers or dispositions, and engage in mergers and acquisitions, without CoBank approval.

As described in Note 5 – “Interest Rate Swaps”, we have entered into an IRSA that effectively fix our interest rates and cover $14.0 million at a weighted average rate of 4.47%, as of March 31, 2016. The remaining debt of $26.6 million ($7.0 million available under the revolving credit facilities and $19.6 million currently outstanding) remains subject to variable interest rates at an effective weighted average interest rate of 3.69%, as of March 31, 2016.

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Interest Rate Swaps

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 5 – Interest Rate Swaps

We assess interest rate cash flow risk by continually identifying and monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely affect expected future cash flows and by evaluating hedging opportunities.

We generally use variable-rate debt to finance our operations, capital expenditures and acquisitions. These variable-rate debt obligations expose us to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. The terms of our credit facility with CoBank require that we enter into interest rate agreements designed to protect us against fluctuations in interest rates, in an aggregate principal amount and for a duration determined under the credit facility.

To meet this objective, on June 18, 2015 we entered into an IRSA with CoBank covering $14.0 million of our aggregate indebtedness to CoBank. This swap effectively locks in the interest rate on $14.0 million of variable-rate debt through June 2018. Under this IRSA, we have changed the variable-rate cash flow exposure on the debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of the IRSA, we pay a fixed contractual interest rate and (i) make an additional payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is below a contractual rate or (ii) receive a payment if the LIBOR variable rate payment is above the contractual rate.

Each month, we make interest payments to CoBank under its loan agreements based on the current applicable LIBOR Rate plus the contractual LIBOR margin then in effect with respect the loan, without reflecting our IRSA. At the end of each calendar month, CoBank adjusts our aggregate interest payments based on the difference, if any, between the amounts paid by us during the month and the current effective interest rate. Net interest payments are reported in our consolidated income statement as interest expense.

Our IRSA under our credit facilities qualifies as cash flow hedge for accounting purposes under GAAP. We reflect the effect of this hedging transaction in the financial statements. The unrealized gain/loss is reported in other comprehensive income. If we terminate our IRSA, the cumulative change in fair value at the date of termination would be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, which is classified in stockholders’ equity, into earnings on the consolidated statements of income.

The fair value of the Company’s IRSA was determined based on valuations received from CoBank and are based on the present value of expected future cash flows using discount rates appropriate with the terms of the IRSA. The fair value indicates an estimated amount we would be required to pay if the contracts were canceled or transferred to other parties. At March 31, 2016, the fair value liability of the swap was $156,834, which has been recorded net of deferred tax benefit of $63,471, for the $93,363 in accumulated other comprehensive loss.

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Other Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Other Investments [Abstract]

Other Investments [Text Block]

Note 6 – Other Investments

We are a co-investor with other rural telephone companies in several partnerships and limited liability companies. These joint ventures make it possible to offer services to customers, including digital video services and fiber optic transport services that we would have difficulty offering on our own. These joint ventures also make it possible to invest in new technologies with a lower level of financial risk. We recognize income and losses from these investments on the equity method of accounting. For a listing of our investments, see Note 9 – “Segment Information”.

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Guarantees

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Guarantees [Abstract]

Guarantees [Text Block]

Note 7 – Guarantees

NU Telecom has guaranteed a ten-year loan owed by FiberComm, LC, maturing on September 30, 2021. As of March 31, 2016, we have recorded a liability of $226,811 in connection with the guarantee on this loan. This guarantee may be exercised if FiberComm, LC does not make its required payments on this note.

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Deferred Compensation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

Note 8 – Deferred Compensation

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we have recorded other deferred compensation relating to executive compensation payable to certain former executives of past acquisitions.

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Segment Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 9 – Segment Information

We operate in the Telecom Segment and have no other significant business segments. The Telecom Segment consists of voice, data and video communication services delivered to the customer over our local communications network. No single customer accounted for a material portion of our consolidated revenues.

The Telecom Segment operates the following incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) and competitive local exchange carriers (CLECs) and has investment ownership interests as follows:

Telecom Segment

        ● ILECs:

           ▪ New Ulm Telecom, Inc., the parent company;

           ▪  Hutchinson Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

           ▪  Peoples Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

           ▪ Sleepy Eye Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom;

           ▪  Western Telephone Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NU Telecom.

    ● CLECs:

       ▪  NU Telecom, located in Redwood Falls, Minnesota;  

▪ Hutchinson Telecommunications, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of HTC, located in Litchfield and Glencoe, Minnesota;

● Our investments and interests in the following entities include some management responsibilities:

▪  FiberComm, LC – 20.00% subsidiary equity ownership interest. FiberComm, LC is located in Sioux City, Iowa;

▪  Broadband Visions, LLC – 24.30% subsidiary equity ownership interest. Broadband Visions, LLC provides video headend and Internet services;

▪  Independent Emergency Services, LLC – 14.29% subsidiary equity ownership interest. Independent Emergency Services, LLC is a provider of E-911 services to the State of Minnesota as well as a number of counties located in Minnesota;

▪  SM Broadband, LLC – 12.50% subsidiary equity ownership interest. SM Broadband Services, LLC provides network connectivity for regional businesses.

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Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 10 – Commitments and Contingencies

Over the course of 2014, NU Telecom received notice of disputes from several IXCs, and was subsequently named in litigation regarding traffic exchanged between our companies and specifically the classification of IntraMTA wireless traffic related to access charges. This litigation was an industry-wide dispute affecting numerous telecom companies. In November, 2015 the United States District Court in Dallas, Texas ruled in favor of the telecom companies, which includes NU Telecom. All access charges owed to the telecom companies including NU Telecom were found to be owed by the IXCs and NU Telecom was subsequently paid for the access charges.

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Subsequent Events

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

Note 11 – Subsequent Events

We have evaluated and disclosed subsequent events through the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

We recognize revenue when (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) delivery of the product has occurred or a service has been provided, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collectability is reasonably assured.

Revenues are earned from our customers primarily through the connection to our networks, digital and commercial television (TV) programming, Internet services (high-speed broadband), and hosted and managed services. Revenues for these services are billed based on set rates for monthly service or based on the amount of time the customer is utilizing our facilities. The revenue for these services is recognized when the service is rendered.

Revenues earned from interexchange carriers (IXCs) accessing our network are based on the utilization of our network by these carriers as measured by minutes of use on the network or special access to the network by the individual carriers. Revenues are billed at tariffed access rates for both interstate and intrastate calls. Revenues for these services are recognized based on the period the access is provided.

Interstate access rates are established by a nationwide pooling of companies known as the National Exchange Carriers Association (NECA). The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established NECA in 1983 to develop and administer interstate access service rates, terms and conditions. Revenues are pooled and redistributed on the basis of a company's actual or average costs. There has been a change in the composition of interstate access charges in recent years, shifting more of the charges to the end user and reducing the amount of access charges paid by IXC’s. We believe this trend will continue.

New Ulm Telecom’s and Sleepy Eye Telephone Company’s (SETC) settlements from the pools are based on their actual costs to provide service, while the settlements for NU Telecom subsidiaries – Western Telephone Company, Peoples Telephone Company and Hutchinson Telephone Company (HTC) are based on nationwide average schedules. Access revenues for New Ulm Telecom and SETC include an estimate of a cost study each year that is trued-up subsequent to the end of any given year. Our management believes the estimates included in our preliminary cost study are reasonable. We cannot predict the future impact that industry or regulatory changes will have on interstate access revenues.

Intrastate access rates are filed with state regulatory commissions in Minnesota and Iowa.

We derive revenues from the sale, installation and servicing of communication systems. In accordance with GAAP, these deliverables are accounted for separately. We recognize revenue from customer contracts for sales and installations using the completed-contract method, which recognizes income when the contract is substantially complete. We recognize rental revenues over the rental period.

Cost of Sales, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cost of Services (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Cost of services includes all costs related to delivery of communication services and products. These operating costs include all costs of performing services and providing related products including engineering, network monitoring and transport cost.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include direct and indirect selling expenses, customer service, billing and collections, advertising and all other general and administrative costs associated with the operations of the business.

Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization [Policy Text Block]

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

We use the group life method (mass asset accounting) to depreciate the assets of our telephone companies. Telephone plant acquired in a given year is grouped into similar categories and depreciated over the remaining estimated useful life of the group. When an asset is retired, both the asset and the accumulated depreciation associated with that asset are removed from the books. Due to rapid changes in technology, selecting the estimated economic life of telecommunications plant and equipment requires a significant amount of judgment. We periodically review data on expected utilization of new equipment, asset retirement activity and net salvage values to determine adjustments to our depreciation rates. Depreciation expense was $1,818,176 and $1,812,272 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. We amortize our definite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Identifiable intangible assets that are subject to amortization are evaluated for impairment.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and a provision for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities, and their respective tax bases. Significant components of our deferred taxes arise from differences (i) in the basis of property, plant and equipment due to the use of accelerated depreciation methods for tax purposes, as well as (ii) in partnership investments and intangible assets due to the difference between book and tax basis. Our effective income tax rate is normally higher than the United States tax rate due to state income taxes and permanent differences.

We account for income taxes in accordance with GAAP. As required by GAAP, we recognize the financial statement benefit of tax positions only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more-likely-than-not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had $0 of unrecognized tax benefits, which if recognized would affect the effective tax rate.

We are primarily subject to United States, Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa income taxes. Tax years subsequent to 2011 remain open to examination by federal and state tax authorities. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters as income tax expense. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 we had no interest or penalties accrued.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Developments

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU 2016-02), “Leases,” which requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. This change will result in an increase to recorded assets and liabilities on lessees’ financial statements, as well as changes in the categorization of rental costs, from rent expense to interest and depreciation expense. Other effects may occur depending on the types of leases and the specific terms of them utilized by particular lessees. The ASU is effective for the Company on January 1, 2019, and early application is permitted. Modified retrospective application is required. The Company is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In November 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-17, “Income Taxes,” simplifying the balance sheet classification of deferred taxes. ASU 2015-17 requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent in a classified statement of financial position. ASU 2015-17 removes the requirement to separate deferred income tax liabilities and assets into current and noncurrent amounts. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We expect, upon adoption of this guidance, that our current financial statement classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities will all be classified as noncurrent on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

In April 2015, FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest-Imputation of Interest,” simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 requires that premiums, discounts, and loan fees and costs associated with long-term debt be reflected as a reduction of the outstanding debt balance. Previous guidance had treated such loan fees and costs as a deferred charge on the balance sheet. As a result of implementing ASU 2015-03, the Company reclassified $340,275 and $355,070 of unamortized loan fees and costs included in deferred charges and other assets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 to long-term debt. $59,178 was allocated to current maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. $281,097 and $295,892 were allocated to long-term debt as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Total assets, as well as total liabilities and shareholders’ equity, were also reduced by $340,275 and $355,070 as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. There was no impact on the consolidated statements of income or cash flows.

In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” and created a new topic in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, Topic 606. ASU 2014-09 has been delayed by ASU 2015-14 to be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standard provides a single comprehensive revenue recognition framework for all entities and supersedes nearly all existing United States GAAP revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the revenue model is that an entity should recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and also requires enhanced disclosures. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within the reporting period. Early application is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

We have reviewed all other significant newly issued accounting pronouncements and determined they are either not applicable to our business or that no material effect is expected on our financial position and results of operations.

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Goodwill and Intangibles (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]

		March 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
		Gross Carrying Amount				Gross Carrying Amount
	Useful Lives			Accumulated Amortization				Accumulated Amortization
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Customers Relationships	14-15 yrs	$	29,278,445	$	13,699,913	$	29,278,445	$	13,177,635
Regulatory Rights	15 yrs		4,000,000		2,199,981		4,000,000		2,133,315
Trade Name	3-5 yrs		570,000		370,500		570,000		342,000
Indefinitely-Lived Intangible Assets
Video Franchise			3,000,000		-		3,000,000		-
Total		$	36,848,445	$	16,270,394	$	36,848,445	$	15,652,950
Net Identified Intangible Assets				$	20,578,051			$	21,195,495

Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block]

(April 1 – December 31)	$	1,851,812
2017	$	2,469,083
2018	$	2,355,083
2019	$	2,355,083
2020	$	2,355,083
2021	$	2,355,083

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Basis of Presentation and Consolidation (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation (Details) [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments	1
Depreciation	$ 1,818,176	$ 1,812,272
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	0		$ 0
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	2,640,822		2,640,822
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	30,649,828		33,339,153
Reclassification [Member]
Basis of Presentation and Consolidation (Details) [Line Items]
Deferred Long-term Liability Charges	340,275		355,070
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	59,178		59,178
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	281,097		295,892
Increase (Decrease) in Assets	(340,275)		(355,070)
Increase (Decrease) in Liabilities and Stockholders Equity	$ (340,275)		$ (355,070)

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Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	$ 39,805,349		$ 39,805,349
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 617,444	$ 617,809

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Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) - Components of Identified Intangible Assets - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 36,848,445	$ 36,848,445
Accumulated Amortization	16,270,394	15,652,950
Indefinitely-Lived Intangible Assets
Net Identified Intangible Assets	20,578,051	21,195,495
Franchise Rights [Member]
Indefinitely-Lived Intangible Assets
Video Franchise	3,000,000	3,000,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	29,278,445	29,278,445
Accumulated Amortization	$ 13,699,913	13,177,635
Regulatory Rights [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Lives	15 years
Gross Carrying Amount	$ 4,000,000	4,000,000
Accumulated Amortization	2,199,981	2,133,315
Trade Names [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross Carrying Amount	570,000	570,000
Accumulated Amortization	$ 370,500	$ 342,000
Minimum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Lives	14 years
Minimum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Lives	3 years
Maximum [Member] | Customer Relationships [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Lives	15 years
Maximum [Member] | Trade Names [Member]
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Useful Lives	5 years

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Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) - Summary of Future Amortization Expense	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Summary of Future Amortization Expense [Abstract]
(April 1 – December 31)	$ 1,851,812
2017	2,469,083
2018	2,355,083
2019	2,355,083
2020	2,355,083
2021	$ 2,355,083

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Secured Credit Facility (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Aggregate Indebtedness	$ 14,000,000
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.47%
Secured Debt [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Description	Our loan agreements include restrictions on our ability to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. However, we are allowed to pay dividends (a) (i) in an amount up to $2,100,000 in any year if our “Total Leverage Ratio,” that is, the ratio of our “Indebtedness” to “EBITDA” (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – as defined in the loan documents) is greater than 2.50 to 1.00, and (ii) in any amount if our Total Leverage Ratio is less than 2.50 to 1.00, and (b) in either case, if we are not in default or potential default under the loan agreements.
Debt Instrument, Threshold Amount, Dividends	$ 2,100,000
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital	2.30
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	Our credit facility requires us to comply with specified financial ratios and tests. These financial ratios and tests include total leverage ratio, debt service coverage ratio, equity to total assets ratio, fixed coverage ratio and maximum annual capital expenditures tests.
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 19,600,000
Secured Debt [Member] | Amended And Restated MLA With Co Bank [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 35,000,000
Debt Instrument, Average Weighted Life	3 years
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 7,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member] | Amended And Restated MLA With Co Bank [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	9,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Increase, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	6,000,000
Additional Secured Debt [Member] | Amended And Restated MLA With Co Bank [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 6,000,000
Secured Credit Facility [Member]
Secured Credit Facility (Details) [Line Items]
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.69%
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 26,600,000

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Interest Rate Swaps (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Interest Rate Swaps (Details) [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	$ 156,834	$ 31,390
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(93,363)	$ (18,687)
Interest Rate Swap [Member]
Interest Rate Swaps (Details) [Line Items]
Aggregate Indebtedness	14,000,000
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	156,834
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(63,471)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	$ (93,363)

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Guarantees (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guaranty Liabilities	$ 226,811

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Segment Information (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016
Fiber Comm LC [Member]
Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	20.00%
Broadband Visions LLC [Member]
Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	24.30%
Independent Emergency Services, LLC [Member]
Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	14.29%
SM Broadband LLC [Member]
Segment Information (Details) [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	12.50%