Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
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Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (Form: 10-K, Received: 02/27/2015 14:56:42)
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C.  20549
  FORM 10-K
ý        ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014
OR
  o           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
  
Commission File Number 001-34176

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
State of Delaware
 
26-2735737
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
 
 
 
5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000
 
 
Greenwood Village, Colorado
 
80111
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
  Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 628-5600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
 
Name of exchange on which registered
Series A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
 
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.  Yes  o   No  ý
Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Yes  o   No  ý
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  ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, any Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 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  ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ý
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer o
 
Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company).
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act)  Yes  o   No  ý

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. computed by reference to the last sales price of such stock, as of the closing of trading on June 30, 2014 , was approximately $848.3 million .

The number of shares outstanding of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s common stock as of February 13, 2015 was:
  Series A common stock 13,161,399 shares; and Series B common stock 384,086 shares.
  Documents Incorporated by Reference
The Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is hereby incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




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ITEM 1.    BUSINESS
 
(a)  General Development of Business
 
On July 7, 2011, Ascent Media Corporation merged with its direct wholly-owned subsidiary, Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (“Ascent Capital” or the “Company”), for the purpose of changing its name to Ascent Capital Group, Inc. Ascent Capital was incorporated in the state of Delaware on May 29, 2008 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Discovery Holding Company (“DHC”), a subsidiary of Discovery Communications, Inc. On September 17, 2008, Ascent Capital was spun off from DHC and became an independent, publicly traded company. In connection with the spin-off, each holder of DHC common stock received 0.05 of a share of our Series A common stock for each share of DHC Series A common stock held and 0.05 of a share of our Series B common stock for each share of DHC Series B common stock held. 13,401,886 shares of our Series A common stock and 659,732 shares of our Series B common stock were issued in the spin-off, which was intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction.
 
At December 31, 2014 , our assets consisted primarily of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc. (“Monitronics”), investments in marketable securities, real estate properties and cash and cash equivalents. On August 16, 2013, Monitronics acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks LLC (“Security Networks”) and certain affiliated entities (the “Security Networks Acquisition”).

At December 31, 2014 , we had investments in marketable securities and cash and cash equivalents, on a consolidated basis, of $122,593,000 and $12,612,000 , respectively.
 
Recent Developments

On February 17, 2015, Monitronics entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 4”) with the lenders of its senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013 and November 7, 2012.  Amendment No. 4 provided for, among other things, an increase in the commitments under the revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $90,000,000.

On February 23, 2015, Monitronics acquired LiveWatch Security, LLC, a Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) home security provider offering interactive and home automation services for approximately $67,000,000 which includes $6,000,000 of retention bonuses to be paid on the second anniversary of the closing (the "LiveWatch Acquisition"). The transaction was financed with debt under Monitronics' expanded revolver and cash contributions from Ascent Capital.

In connection with the LiveWatch Acquisition, Monitronics entered into employment agreements with certain key members of the LiveWatch management team which provide for a performance based bonus arrangement estimated to yield an aggregate pay-out of approximately $8,500,000, assuming certain performance metrics are met by LiveWatch during the first four years following the acquisition date and assuming the continued employment by the bonus recipient during such time.



* * * * *

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Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding our business, marketing and operating strategies, integration of acquired businesses, new service offerings, the availability of debt refinancing, financial prospects and anticipated sources and uses of capital. In particular, statements under Item 1. “Business,” Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, Item 2. “Properties,” Item 3. “Legal Proceedings,” Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” contain forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, we express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, such expectation or belief is expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will result or be achieved or accomplished. The following include some but not all of the factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated.
 
Factors relating to the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries:
 
•
general business conditions and industry trends;
•
macroeconomic conditions and their effect on the general economy and on the U.S. housing market, in particular single family homes which represent Monitronics’ largest demographic;
•
uncertainties in the development of our business strategies, including market acceptance of new products and services;
•
the competitive environment in which we operate, in particular increasing competition in the alarm monitoring industry from larger existing competitors and new market entrants, including telecommunications and cable companies;
•
the development of new services or service innovations by competitors;
•
Monitronics’ ability to acquire and integrate additional accounts, including competition for dealers with other alarm monitoring companies which could cause an increase in expected subscriber acquisition costs;
•
integration of acquired assets and businesses;
•
the regulatory environment in which we operate, including the multiplicity of jurisdictions and licensing requirements to which Monitronics is subject and the risk of new regulations, such as the increasing adoption of “false alarm” ordinances;
•
technological changes which could result in the obsolescence of currently utilized technology and the need for significant upgrade expenditures, including the phase-out of 2G networks by cellular carriers;
•
the trend away from the use of public switched telephone network lines and resultant increase in servicing costs associated with alternative methods of communication;
•
the operating performance of Monitronics’ network, including the potential for service disruptions at both the main monitoring facility and back-up monitoring facility due to acts of nature or technology deficiencies;
•
the outcome of any pending, threatened, or future litigation, including potential liability for failure to respond adequately to alarm activations;
•
the ability to continue to obtain insurance coverage sufficient to hedge our risk exposures, including as a result of acts of third parties and/or alleged regulatory violations;
•
changes in the nature of strategic relationships with original equipment manufacturers, dealers and other Monitronics business partners;
•
the reliability and creditworthiness of Monitronics’ independent alarm systems dealers and subscribers;
•
changes in Monitronics’ expected rate of subscriber attrition;
•
the availability and terms of capital, including the ability of Monitronics to obtain additional funds to grow its business;
•
Monitronics’ high degree of leverage and the restrictive covenants governing its indebtedness; and
•
availability of qualified personnel.
 
These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Annual Report, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. When considering such forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the factors described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements contained in this Annual Report. Such risk factors and statements describe circumstances which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement.


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(b)  Financial Information About Reportable Segments
 
We identify our reportable segments based on financial information reviewed by our chief operating decision maker. We report financial information for our consolidated business segments that represent more than 10% of our consolidated revenue or earnings before income taxes.
 
Based on the foregoing criteria, we only had one reportable segment as of December 31, 2014 .  For more information, see our financial statements included in Part II of this Annual Report.
 
(c)    Narrative Description of Business
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a holding company whose principal assets as of December 31, 2014 consisted of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics, investments in marketable securities, real estate properties, and cash and cash equivalents.  Our principal executive office is located at 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, telephone number (303) 628-5600.
 
We are currently exploring opportunities to dispose of or monetize our owned real property, which is not required for our operations.
 
Monitronics International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
 
Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Monitronics, we are primarily engaged in the business of providing the following security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events though security systems at subscribers’ premises, as well as providing customer service and technical support.  Monitronics is one of the largest alarm monitoring companies in the United States of America (the “U.S.”), with over one million subscribers under contract.  With subscribers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada, Monitronics provides a wide range of mainly residential security services, including hands-free two-way interactive voice communication with the monitoring center, cellular options, and an interactive service option which allows the customer to control their security system remotely using a computer or smart phone. Monitronics was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
 
Operations
 
Unlike many of its national competitors, Monitronics outsources the sales, installation and most of its field service functions to its dealers. By outsourcing the low margin, high fixed-cost elements of its business to a large network of independent service providers, Monitronics is able to allocate capital to growing its revenue-generating account base rather than to local offices or depreciating hard assets.
 
Revenue is generated primarily from fees charged to customers under alarm monitoring contracts.  The initial contract term is typically three to five years, with automatic renewal on a month-to-month basis.  Monitronics generates incremental revenue by providing additional services, such as maintenance and contract monitoring.  Contract monitoring includes fees charged to other security alarm companies for monitoring their accounts on a wholesale basis.  As of December 31, 2014 , Monitronics provided contract monitoring services for over 92,000 accounts.  These incremental revenue streams do not represent a significant portion of our overall revenue.
 
Monitronics’ authorized independent dealers are typically small businesses that sell and install alarm systems.  During 2014 , Monitronics acquired alarm monitoring contracts from more than 600 dealers.  These dealers focus on the sale and installation of security systems and generally do not retain the monitoring contracts for their customers and do not have their own facilities to monitor such systems due to the large upfront investment required to create the account and build a monitoring station.  They also do not have the scale required to operate a monitoring station efficiently.  These dealers typically sell the contracts to third parties and outsource the monitoring function for any accounts they retain. Monitronics has the ability to monitor a variety of signals from nearly all types of residential security systems. Monitronics generally enters into exclusive contracts with dealers under which the dealers sell and install security systems and Monitronics has a right of first refusal to acquire the associated alarm monitoring contracts.  In order to maximize revenues, Monitronics seeks to attract dealers from throughout the U.S. rather than focusing on specific local or regional markets.  In evaluating the quality of potential participants for the dealer program, Monitronics conducts an internal due diligence review and analysis of each dealer using information obtained from third party sources.  This process includes:
 
•
background checks on the dealer, including lien searches to the extent applicable; and
•
a review of the dealer’s licensing status and creditworthiness.

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Once a dealer is approved and signed as a Monitronics authorized dealer, the primary steps in creating an account are as follows:
 
1.               Dealer sells an alarm system to a homeowner or small business.
2.               Dealer installs the alarm system, which is monitored by Monitronics’ central monitoring center, trains the customer on its use, and receives a signed three to five year contract for monitoring services.
3.               Dealer presents the account to Monitronics for acquisition.
4.               Monitronics performs diligence on the alarm monitoring account to validate quality.
5.               Monitronics acquires the customer contract at a formula-based cost.
 
Monitronics believes its ability to maximize its return on invested capital is largely dependent on the quality of the accounts acquired.  Monitronics conducts a review of each account to be acquired through its dealer network.  This process typically includes:
 
•
subscriber credit score reviews;
•
telephone surveys to confirm satisfaction with the installation and security systems;
•
an individual review of each alarm monitoring contract;
•
confirmation that the customer is a homeowner; and
•
confirmation that each security system is monitored by Monitronics’ central monitoring station prior to origination.
 
Monitronics generally acquires each new customer account at a cost based on a multiple of the account’s monthly recurring revenue. Monitronics’ dealer contracts generally provide that if a customer account acquired by Monitronics is terminated within the first 12 months, the dealer must replace the account or refund the cost paid by Monitronics. To secure the dealer’s obligation, Monitronics typically holds back a percentage of the cost paid for the account.
 
Monitronics believes that this process, which includes both clearly defined customer account standards and a comprehensive due diligence process, contributes significantly to the high quality of its subscriber base. For each of its last five calendar years, the average credit score of accounts acquired by Monitronics was 715 or higher on the FICO scale.
 
Approximately 94% of Monitronics’ subscribers are residential homeowners and the remainder are small commercial accounts. Monitronics believes that by focusing on residential homeowners, rather than renters, it can reduce attrition, because homeowners relocate less frequently than renters.
 
Monitronics provides monitoring services as well as billing and 24-hour telephone support through its central monitoring station, located in Dallas, Texas.  This facility is Underwriters Laboratories (“UL”) listed.  To obtain and maintain a UL listing, an alarm monitoring center must be located in a building meeting UL’s structural requirements, have back-up and uninterruptable power supplies, have secure telephone lines and maintain redundant computer systems.  UL conducts periodic reviews of alarm monitoring centers to ensure compliance with their requirements.  Monitronics' central monitoring station in Dallas has also received the Central Station Alarm Association’s (“CSAA”) prestigious Five Diamond Certification. Less than approximately 3% of recognized North American central monitoring stations have attained Five Diamond Certified status.
 
Monitronics has a back-up facility that is capable of supporting monitoring, billing and customer service operations in the event of a disruption at its primary customer care center. A third party call center in Mexico provides telephone support for Spanish-speaking subscribers.
 
Monitronics’ telephone systems utilize high-capacity, high-quality, digital circuits backed up by conventional telephone lines. When an alarm signal is received at the monitoring facility, it is routed to an operator. At the same time, information concerning the subscriber whose alarm has been activated and the nature and location of the alarm signal are delivered to the operator’s computer terminal. The operator is then responsible for following standard procedures to contact the subscriber or take other appropriate action, including, if the situation requires, contacting local emergency service providers.  Monitronics never dispatches its own personnel to the subscriber’s premises in response to an alarm event.  If a subscriber lives in an area where the emergency service provider will not respond without verification of an actual emergency, Monitronics will contract with an independent third party responder if available in that area.

Monitronics seeks to increase subscriber satisfaction and retention by carefully managing customer and technical service. The customer service center handles all general inquiries from subscribers, including those related to subscriber information changes, basic alarm troubleshooting, alarm verification, technical service requests and requests to enhance existing services.

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Monitronics’ Dallas facility has a proprietary centralized information system that enables it to satisfy over 85% of subscriber technical inquiries over the telephone, without dispatching a service technician. If the customer requires field service, Monitronics relies on its nationwide network of independent service dealers and over 50 employee field service technicians to provide such service.  Monitronics closely monitors service dealer performance with customer satisfaction forms, follow-up quality assurance calls and other performance metrics.  In 2014, Monitronics dispatched over 300 independent service dealers around the country to handle its field service.
 
Intellectual Property
 
Monitronics has a registered service mark for the Monitronics name and a service mark for the Monitronics logo. It owns certain proprietary software applications that are used to provide services to its dealers and subscribers. Monitronics does not hold any patents or other intellectual property rights on its proprietary software applications.
 
Sales and Marketing
 
General
 
We believe Monitronics’ nationwide network of authorized dealers is the most effective way for Monitronics to market alarm systems.  Locally-based dealers are often an integral part of the communities they serve and understand the local market and how best to satisfy local needs. By combining the dealer’s local presence and reputation with Monitronics’ high quality service and support, Monitronics is able to cost-effectively provide local services and take advantage of economies of scale where appropriate.
 
Monitronics' dealer network provides for the acquisition of subscriber accounts on an ongoing basis. The dealers install the alarm system and arrange for subscribers to enter into a multi-year alarm monitoring agreement in a form acceptable to Monitronics. The dealer then submits this monitoring agreement for Monitronics’ due diligence review.
 
Dealer Network Development
 
Monitronics remains focused on expanding its network of independent authorized dealers. To do so, Monitronics has established a dealer program that provides participating dealers with a variety of support services to assist them as they grow their businesses. Authorized dealers may use the Monitronics brand name in their sales and marketing activities and on the products they sell and install. Monitronics authorized dealers benefit from their affiliation with Monitronics and its national reputation for high customer satisfaction, as well as the support they receive from Monitronics. Monitronics also provides authorized dealers with the opportunity to obtain discounts on alarm systems and other equipment purchased by such dealers from original equipment manufacturers, including alarm systems labeled with the Monitronics logo.  Monitronics also makes available sales, business and technical training, sales literature, co-branded marketing materials, sales leads and management support to its authorized dealers.  In most cases these services and cost savings would not be available to security alarm dealers on an individual basis.
 
Currently, Monitronics employs sales representatives to promote its authorized dealer program, find account acquisition opportunities and sell Monitronics monitoring services. Monitronics targets independent alarm dealers across the U.S. that can benefit from the Monitronics dealer program services and can generate high quality monitoring customers for Monitronics. Monitronics uses a variety of marketing techniques to promote the dealer program and related services. These activities include direct mail, trade magazine advertising, trade shows, internet web site marketing, publicity and telemarketing. 


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Dealer Marketing Support
 
Monitronics offers its authorized dealers an extensive marketing support program. Monitronics focuses on developing professionally designed sales and marketing materials that will help dealers market alarm systems and monitoring services with maximum effectiveness. Materials offered to authorized dealers include:
 
• sales brochures and flyers;
• yard signs;
• window decals;
• customer forms and agreements;
• sales presentation binders;
• door hangers;
• lead boxes;
• vehicle graphics;
• trade show booths; and
• clothing bearing the Monitronics brand name.
 
These materials are made available to dealers at prices that Monitronics' management believes would not be available to dealers on an individual basis.
 
Monitronics’ sales materials promote both the Monitronics brand and the dealer’s status as a Monitronics authorized dealer. Dealers often sell and install alarm systems which display the Monitronics logo and telephone number, which further strengthens consumer recognition of their status as Monitronics authorized dealers. Management believes that the dealers’ use of the Monitronics brand to promote their affiliation with one of the nation’s largest alarm monitoring companies boosts the dealers’ credibility and reputation in their local markets and also assists in supporting their sales success.
 
Customer Integration and Marketing
 
Monitronics’ dealers typically introduce customers to Monitronics in the home when describing Monitronics’ central monitoring station.  Following the acquisition of a monitoring agreement from a dealer, the customer is notified that Monitronics is responsible for all their monitoring and customer service needs.  The customer’s awareness and identification of the Monitronics brand as the monitoring service provider is further supported by the distribution of branded materials by the dealer to the customer at the point of sale. Such materials may include the promotional items listed above. All materials focus on the Monitronics brands and the role of Monitronics as the single source of support for the customer.
 
Negotiated Account Acquisitions
 
In addition to the development of Monitronics’ dealer network, Monitronics periodically acquires alarm monitoring accounts from other alarm companies in bulk on a negotiated basis. Monitronics’ management has extensive experience in identifying potential opportunities, negotiating account acquisitions and performing thorough due diligence, which helps facilitate execution of new acquisitions in a timely manner.
 
Strategy
 
Corporate Strategy
 
Ascent Capital actively seeks opportunities to leverage our strong operating platform and capital position through strategic acquisitions and investments in the security alarm monitoring industry as well as other life safety industries. 

We continually evaluate acquisition and investment opportunities that we believe offer the opportunity for attractive returns on equity. In evaluating potential acquisition and investment candidates we consider various factors, including among other things:
•
     opportunities that strategically align with our existing operations;
• financial characteristics, including recurring revenue streams and free cash flow;
• growth potential;
•
potential return on investment incorporating appropriate financial leverage, including the target’s existing indebtedness and opportunities to restructure some or all of that indebtedness;
• risk profile of business; and
• the presence of a strong management team.
 

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We consider acquisitions and investments utilizing cash, leverage and, potentially, Ascent Capital stock. In addition to acquisitions, we consider majority ownership positions, minority equity investments and, in appropriate circumstances, senior debt investments that we believe provide either a path to full ownership or control, the possibility for high returns on investment, or significant strategic benefits.
 
Our acquisition and investment strategy entails risk. While our preference is to build our presence in the security alarm monitoring industry through acquisitions, we will also consider potential acquisitions in other life safety industries, which could result in further changes in our operations from those historically conducted by us.  Please see “Risk Factors” below.
 
Monitronics Strategy
 
Monitronics’ goal is to maximize return on invested capital, which it believes can be achieved by pursuing the following strategies:
 
Maximize Subscriber Retention
 
Monitronics seeks to maximize subscriber retention by continuing to acquire high quality accounts and to increase the average life of an account through the following initiatives:
 
•
maintain the high quality of its subscriber base by continuing to implement its highly disciplined account acquisition program;
•
continue to incentivize its dealers to obtain only high-quality accounts through quality incentives built into the cost multiples and by having a performance guarantee on substantially all dealer originated accounts;
•
provide superior customer service on the telephone and in the field; and
•
actively identify subscribers who are relocating, the number one reason for account cancellations, and target retention of such subscribers.
 
Maximize Economics of Business Model
 
Due to the scalability of our operations and the low fixed and variable costs inherent in its cost structure, Monitronics believes it will continue to experience high Adjusted EBITDA margins as costs are spread over larger recurring revenue streams. Monitronics believes its cash flows may also benefit from its continued efforts to increase subscriber retention rates and reduce response times, call duration and false alarms.  As used in this annual report, the term “Adjusted EBITDA” means net income before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization (including the amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets), realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash or non-recurring charges, and “Adjusted EBITDA margin” means Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net revenue. For further discussion of Adjusted EBITDA, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Expand Our Network of Dealers
 
Monitronics' plan is to continue to grow account acquisitions through its dealer network by targeting dealers that can benefit from its dealer program services and that can generate high quality subscribers. Monitronics believes it is an attractive partner for dealers for the following reasons:
 
•
Monitronics provides dealers with a full range of services designed to assist them in all aspects of their business, including sales leads, sales training, technical training, comprehensive on-line account access, detailed weekly account summaries, sales support materials and discounts on security system hardware purchased through our strategic alliances with security system manufacturers;
•
individual dealers retain local name recognition and responsibility for day-to-day sales and installation efforts, thereby supporting the entrepreneurial culture at the dealer level and allowing Monitronics to capitalize on the considerable local market knowledge, goodwill and name recognition of its dealers; and
•
Monitronics reliably offers competitive rates for account acquisition.
 
For a description of the risks associated with the foregoing strategies, and with the Company’s business in general, see “ ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS .”
 

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Industry; Competition
 
The security alarm industry is highly competitive and fragmented, and competitors include four other major firms with nationwide coverage and numerous smaller providers with regional or local coverage.  The four other security alarm companies with coverage across the U.S. are as follows:
 
• The ADT Corporation (“ADT”);
• Vivint, Inc., a subsidiary of APX Group Holdings, Inc.;
• Protection One, Inc.; and
• Stanley Security Solutions, a subsidiary of Stanley Black and Decker.

The security alarm industry has remained highly competitive and fragmented over time without any material change to market concentration.  Competition in the security alarm industry is based primarily on reputation for quality of service, market visibility, services offered, price and the ability to identify subscriber accounts. Competition for subscribers has increased in recent years from cable and telecommunication providers expanding their service offerings into the security alarm industry, as well as the emergence of DIY home security providers. We believe we compete effectively with other national, regional and local alarm monitoring companies, including cable and telecommunications companies, due to our reputation for reliable monitoring, customer and technical services, the quality of services, and our low cost structure.  The dynamics of the security alarm industry often favor larger alarm monitoring companies with a nationwide focus that have greater capital and benefit from economies of scale in technology, advertising and other expenditures.
 
Some of these larger alarm monitoring companies have also adopted, in whole or in part, a dealer program similar to that of Monitronics.  In these instances, Monitronics must also compete with these programs in recruiting dealers.  Monitronics believes it competes effectively with other dealer programs due to the quality of its dealer support services and its competitive acquisition terms.  The significant other dealer programs that Monitronics also competes with are as follows:

•
ADT
•
Central Security Group, Inc.
•
Guardian Protection Services, Inc.

Of all of Monitronics' competitors for both subscribers and dealers, ADT is significantly larger and has more capital.
 
Seasonality
 
Monitronics’ operations are subject to a certain level of seasonality.  Since more household moves take place during the second and third calendar quarters of each year, Monitronics’ disconnect rate and expenses related to retaining customers are typically higher in those calendar quarters than in the first and fourth quarters.  There is also a slight seasonal effect resulting in higher new customer volume and related cash expenditures incurred in investment in new subscribers in the second and third quarters.
 
Regulatory Matters
 
Monitronics’ operations are subject to a variety of laws, regulations and licensing requirements of federal, state and local authorities. In certain jurisdictions, Monitronics is required to obtain licenses or permits to comply with standards governing employee selection and training and to meet certain standards in the conduct of its business.  The security industry is also subject to requirements imposed by various insurance, approval, listing and standards organizations. Depending upon the type of subscriber served, the type of security service provided and the requirements of the applicable local governmental jurisdiction, adherence to the requirements and standards of such organizations is mandatory in some instances and voluntary in others.


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Although local governments routinely respond to panic and smoke/fire alarms, there are an increasing number of local governmental authorities that have adopted or are considering various measures aimed at reducing the number of false burglar alarms. Such measures include:
 
• subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for false alarms;
• imposing fines on alarm subscribers for false alarms;
• imposing limitations on the number of times the police will respond to false alarms at a particular location;
•
requiring additional verification of intrusion alarms by calling two different phone numbers prior to dispatch (“Enhanced Call Verification”); and
•
requiring visual verification of an actual emergency at the premise before the police will respond to an alarm signal.
 
Enhanced Call Verification has been implemented as standard policy by Monitronics.
 
Security alarm systems monitored by Monitronics utilize telephone lines, internet connections, cellular networks and radio frequencies to transmit alarm signals. The cost of telephone lines, and the type of equipment which may be used in telephone line transmission, are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. The operation and utilization of cellular and radio frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and state public utility commissions.
 
For additional information on the regulatory frame work in which Monitronics operates, please see “ ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS — Factors Relating to Regulatory Matters .”
 
Employees
 
At December 31, 2014 , Ascent Capital, together with its subsidiaries, had over 1,000 full-time employees, all of which are located in the U.S.
 
(d)  Financial Information About Geographic Areas
 
Monitronics performs monitoring services for subscribers located in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
 
(e)  Available Information
 
All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our Form 10-Ks, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks, as well as amendments to such filings are available on our Internet website free of charge generally within 24 hours after we file such material with the SEC. Our website address is www.ascentcapitalgroupinc.com.
 
Our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, compensation committee charter, nominating and corporate governance committee charter, and audit committee charter are available on our website. In addition, we will provide a copy of any of these documents, free of charge, to any shareholder who calls or submits a request in writing to Investor Relations, Ascent Capital Group, Inc., 5251 DTC Parkway, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111, telephone no. (303) 628-5600.
 
The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference herein.


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ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should consider the following risk factors in evaluating our results of operations, financial condition, business and operations or an investment in our stock.
 
Although we describe below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K the risks we consider to be the most material, there may be other unknown or unpredictable economic, business, competitive, regulatory or other factors that also could have material adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition, business or operations in the future. In addition, past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
 
If any of the events described below, individually or in combination, were to occur, our businesses, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
 
Factors Relating to Monitronics
 
Monitronics faces risks in acquiring and integrating new subscribers.

The acquisition of alarm monitoring contracts involves a number of risks, including the risk that the alarm monitoring contracts acquired through Monitronics’ dealer network may not be profitable due to higher than expected account attrition, lower than expected revenues from the alarm monitoring contracts or, when applicable, lower than expected recoveries from dealers. The cost paid to a dealer for an alarm monitoring contract is affected by the monthly recurring revenue generated by the alarm monitoring contract, as well as several other factors, including the level of competition, prior experience with alarm monitoring contracts acquired from the dealer, the number of alarm monitoring contracts acquired, the subscriber’s credit score and the type of security equipment used by the subscriber. To the extent that the servicing costs or the attrition rates are higher than expected or the revenues from the alarm monitoring contracts or, when applicable, the recoveries from dealers are lower than expected, Monitronics’ business and results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
Monitronics’ customer generation strategies and the competitive market for customer accounts may affect its future profitability.
 
A significant element of Monitronics’ business strategy is the generation of new customer accounts through its dealer network, which accounted for substantially all of Monitronics’ new customer accounts for the year ended December 31, 2014 . Monitronics’ future operating results will depend in large part on its ability to manage its generation strategies effectively. Although Monitronics currently generates accounts through hundreds of authorized dealers, a significant portion of its accounts originate from a smaller number of dealers. Monitronics experiences loss of dealers from its dealer network due to various factors, such as dealers becoming inactive or discontinuing their electronic security business and competition from other alarm monitoring companies. If Monitronics experiences a loss of dealers representing a significant portion of its account generation engine or if Monitronics is unable to replace or recruit dealers in accordance with its business plans, Monitronics’ business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Monitronics is subject to credit risk and other risks associated with its subscribers.
 
Substantially all of Monitronics revenues are derived from the recurring monthly revenue due from subscribers under the alarm monitoring contracts. Therefore, Monitronics is dependent on the ability and willingness of subscribers to pay amounts due under the alarm monitoring contracts on a monthly basis in a timely manner. Although subscribers are contractually obligated to pay amounts due under an alarm monitoring contract and are prohibited from canceling the alarm monitoring contract for the initial term of the alarm monitoring contract (typically between three and five years), subscribers’ payment obligations are unsecured, which could impair Monitronics’ ability to collect any unpaid amounts from its subscribers. To the extent payment defaults by subscribers under the alarm monitoring contracts are greater than anticipated, Monitronics’ business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Monitronics relies on a significant number of its subscribers remaining with it for an extended period of time.
 
Monitronics incurs significant upfront cash costs for each new subscriber. Monitronics requires a substantial amount of time, typically exceeding the initial term of the related alarm monitoring contract, to receive cash payments (net of variable cash operating costs) from a particular subscriber that are sufficient to offset this upfront cost. Accordingly, Monitronics’ long-term performance is dependent on Monitronics’ subscribers remaining with it for as long as possible. This requires Monitronics to minimize its rate of subscriber cancellations, or attrition. Factors that can increase cancellations include subscribers who

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relocate and do not reconnect, problems with service quality, competition from other alarm monitoring companies, equipment obsolescence, adverse economic conditions and the affordability of Monitronics’ service. If Monitronics fails to keep its subscribers for a sufficiently long period of time, attrition rates would be higher than expected and Monitronics’ financial position and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, Monitronics may experience higher attrition rates with respect to subscribers acquired in bulk buys than subscribers acquired pursuant to Monitronics’ authorized dealer program.

Monitronics is subject to credit risk and other risks associated with its dealers.
 
Under the standard alarm monitoring contract acquisition agreements that Monitronics enters into with its dealers, if a subscriber terminates their service with Monitronics during the first twelve months after the alarm monitoring contract has been acquired, the dealer is typically required to elect between substituting another alarm monitoring contract for the terminating alarm monitoring contract or compensating Monitronics in an amount based on the original acquisition cost of the terminating alarm monitoring contract. Monitronics is subject to the risk that dealers will breach their obligation to provide a comparable substitute alarm monitoring contract for a terminating alarm monitoring contract. Although Monitronics withholds specified amounts from the acquisition cost paid to dealers for alarm monitoring contracts (“holdback”), which may be used to satisfy or offset these and other applicable dealer obligations under the alarm monitoring contract acquisition agreements, there can be no guarantee that these amounts will be sufficient to satisfy or offset the full extent of the default by a dealer of its obligations under its agreement. If the holdback does prove insufficient to cover dealer obligations, Monitronics is also subject to the credit risk that the dealers may not have sufficient funds to compensate Monitronics or that any such dealer will otherwise breach its obligation to compensate Monitronics for a terminating alarm monitoring contract. To the extent defaults by dealers of the obligations under their agreements are greater than anticipated, Monitronics’ financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
The alarm monitoring business is subject to macroeconomic factors that may negatively impact Monitronics’ results of operations, including prolonged downturns in the housing market.
 
The alarm monitoring business is dependent in part on national, regional and local economic conditions. In particular, where disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (such as by higher housing, energy, interest or other costs or where the actual or perceived wealth of customers has decreased because of circumstances such as lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, inflation, increased tax rates or other economic disruptions), the alarm monitoring business could experience increased attrition rates and reduced consumer demand. Although Monitronics has continued to grow its business in the most recent periods of general economic downturn, no assurance can be given that it will be able to continue acquiring quality alarm monitoring contracts or that it will not experience higher attrition rates. In addition, any deterioration in new construction and sales of existing single family homes could reduce opportunities to grow Monitronics’ subscriber accounts from the sales of new security systems and services and the take-over of existing security systems that had previously been monitored by its competitors. If there are prolonged durations of general economic downturn, Monitronics’ results of operations and subscriber account growth could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Adverse economic conditions in states where Monitronics’ subscribers are more heavily concentrated may negatively impact Monitronics’ results of operations.
 
Even as economic conditions may improve in the United States as a whole, this improvement may not occur or further deterioration may occur in the regions where Monitronics’ subscribers are more heavily concentrated (such as Texas, California, Florida and Arizona). Although Monitronics has a geographically diverse subscriber base, adverse conditions in one or more states where its business is more heavily concentrated could have a significant adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
If the insurance industry were to change its practice of providing incentives to homeowners for the use of alarm monitoring services, Monitronics may experience a reduction in new customer growth or an increase in its subscriber attrition rate.
 
It has been common practice in the insurance industry to provide a reduction in rates for policies written on homes that have monitored alarm systems. There can be no assurance that insurance companies will continue to offer these rate reductions. If these incentives were reduced or eliminated, new homeowners who otherwise may not feel the need for alarm monitoring services would be removed from Monitronics’ potential customer pool, which could hinder the growth of its business, and existing subscribers may choose to disconnect or not renew their service contracts, which could increase Monitronics’ attrition rates. In either case, Monitronics’ results of operations and growth prospects could be adversely affected.
 

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Risks of liability from Monitronics’ business and operations may be significant.
 
The nature of the services Monitronics provides potentially exposes it to greater risks of liability for employee acts or omissions or system failures than may be inherent in other businesses. If subscribers believe that they incurred losses as a result of an action or failure to act by Monitronics, the subscribers (or their insurers) could bring claims against Monitronics, and Monitronics has been subject to lawsuits of this type from time to time. Similarly, if dealers believe that they incurred losses or were denied rights under the alarm monitoring contract acquisition agreements as a result of an action or failure to act by Monitronics, the dealers could bring claims against Monitronics. Although substantially all of Monitronics’ alarm monitoring contracts and contract acquisition agreements contain provisions limiting its liability to subscribers and dealers, respectively, in an attempt to reduce this risk, the alarm monitoring contracts or a contract acquisition agreement that do not contain such provisions expose Monitronics to risks of liability that could materially and adversely affect its business. Moreover, even when such provisions are included in an alarm monitoring contract or alarm monitoring contract acquisition agreement, in the event of any such litigation, no assurance can be given that these limitations will be enforced, and the costs of such litigation or the related settlements or judgments could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ financial condition. In addition, there can be no assurance that Monitronics is adequately insured for these risks. Certain of its insurance policies and the laws of some states may limit or prohibit insurance coverage for punitive or certain other types of damages or liability arising from gross negligence. If significant uninsured damages are assessed against Monitronics, the resulting liability could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. See note 18, Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities , to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014 , incorporated by reference herein.
 
Future litigation could result in adverse publicity for Monitronics.
 
In the ordinary course of business, from time to time, Monitronics is the subject of complaints or litigation from subscribers or inquiries from government officials, sometimes related to alleged violations of state consumer protection statutes (including by its dealers), negligent dealer installation or negligent service of alarm monitoring systems. Monitronics may also be subject to employee claims based on, among other things, alleged discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination claims. In addition to diverting management resources, adverse publicity resulting from such allegations may materially and adversely affect Monitronics’ reputation in the communities it services, regardless of whether such allegations are unfounded. Such adverse publicity could result in higher attrition rates and greater difficulty in attracting new subscribers on terms that are attractive to Monitronics or at all.
 
An inability to provide the contracted monitoring service could adversely affect Monitronics’ business.
 
A disruption to both the main monitoring facility and the back-up monitoring facility could affect Monitronics’ ability to provide alarm monitoring services to its subscribers. Monitronics’ main monitoring facility holds UL listings as a protective signaling services station and maintains certain standards of building integrity, redundant computer and communications facilities and backup power, among other safeguards. However, no assurance can be given that Monitronics’ main monitoring facility will not be disrupted by a technical failure, including communication or hardware failures, catastrophic event or natural disaster, fire, weather, malicious acts or terrorism. Furthermore, no assurance can be given that Monitronics’ back-up monitoring center will not be disrupted by the same or a simultaneous event or that it will be able to perform effectively in the event its main monitoring center is disrupted. Any such disruption, particularly one of a prolonged duration, could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business.
 
Monitronics relies on third parties to transmit signals to its monitoring facilities and provide other services to its subscribers.
 
Monitronics relies on various third party telecommunications providers and signal processing centers to transmit and communicate signals to its monitoring facility in a timely and consistent manner. These telecommunications providers and signal processing centers could fail to transmit or communicate these signals to the monitoring facility for many reasons, including due to disruptions from fire, natural disasters, weather, transmission interruption, malicious acts or terrorism. The failure of one or more of these telecommunications providers or signal processing centers to transmit and communicate signals to the monitoring facility in a timely manner could affect Monitronics’ ability to provide alarm monitoring, home automation and interactive services to its subscribers. Monitronics also relies on third party technology companies to provide home automation and interactive services to its subscribers. These technology companies could fail to provide these services consistently, or at all, which could result in Monitronics' inability to meet customer demand and damage its reputation. There can be no assurance that third-party telecommunications providers, signal processing centers and other technology companies will continue to transmit, communicate signals to the monitoring facility or provide home automation and interactive services to subscribers without disruption. Any such disruption, particularly one of a prolonged duration, could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business. See also “ Shifts in customer choice of, or telecommunications providers’ support for,

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telecommunications services and equipment could adversely impact Monitronics’ business and require significant capital expenditures” below with respect to risks associated with changes in signal transmissions.
 
The alarm monitoring business is subject to technological innovation over time.
 
Monitronics’ monitoring services depend upon the technology (both hardware and software) of security alarm systems located at subscribers’ premises. Monitronics may be required to implement new technology both to attract and retain subscribers or in response to changes in land-line or cellular technology or other factors, which could require significant expenditures. In addition, the availability of any new features developed for use in Monitronics’ industry (whether developed by Monitronics or otherwise) can have a significant impact on a subscriber’s initial decision to choose Monitronics’ or its competitor’s products and a subscriber’s decision to renew with Monitronics or switch to one of its competitors. To the extent its competitors have greater capital and other resources to dedicate to responding to technological innovation over time, the products and services offered by Monitronics may become less attractive to current or future subscribers thereby reducing demand for such products and services and increasing attrition over time. Those competitors that benefit from more capital being available to them may be at a particular advantage to Monitronics in this respect. If Monitronics is unable to adapt in response to changing technologies, market conditions or customer requirements in a timely manner, such inability could adversely affect its business by increasing its rate of subscriber attrition. Monitronics also faces potential competition from improvements in self-monitoring systems, which enable current or future subscribers to monitor their home environments without third-party involvement, which could further increase attrition rates over time and hinder the acquisition of new alarm monitoring contracts.

Shifts in customer choice of, or telecommunications providers’ support for, telecommunications services and equipment could adversely impact Monitronics’ business and require significant capital expenditures.
 
Substantially all of Monitronics’ subscriber alarm systems use either a traditional land-line or cellular service to communicate alarm signals from the subscribers’ locations to its monitoring facilities. There is a growing trend for consumers to give up their land-line and exclusively use cellular and IP communication technology in their homes and businesses. In addition, some telecommunications providers may discontinue land-line services in the future and cellular carriers may choose to discontinue certain cellular networks. One of the nation's largest cellular carriers has announced that it does not intend to support its 2G cellular network services beyond 2016 and may terminate service carried on this network. As land-line and cellular network service is discontinued or disconnected, subscribers with alarm systems that communicate over these networks may need to have certain equipment in their security system replaced to maintain their monitoring service. The process of changing out this equipment will require Monitronics to subsidize the replacement of subscribers’ outdated equipment and could cause an increase in subscriber attrition. During 2014, Monitronics implemented a program (the "Radio Conversion Program") to upgrade subscribers' alarm monitoring systems that communicate across the 2G network it expects to be discontinued.  In connection with the Radio Conversion Program, Monitronics incurred costs of $1,113,000 in 2014 and could incur incremental costs of $13,000,000 to $16,000,000 per year through 2016.  Monitronics is working with the cellular carriers and other 2G network user groups to pursue strategies which could significantly reduce these costs, but there is no assurance any of these efforts will be successful. In addition to the conversion costs, this process may divert management’s attention and other important resources away from customer service and sales efforts.

In the future, Monitronics may not be able to successfully implement new technologies or adapt existing technologies to changing market demands in the future. If Monitronics is unable to adapt timely to changing technologies, market conditions or customer preferences, its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.
 
Privacy concerns, such as consumer identity theft and security breaches, could hurt Monitronics’ reputation and revenues.
 
As part of its operations, Monitronics collects a large amount of private information from its subscribers, including social security numbers, credit card information, images and voice recordings. If it were to experience a breach of its data security, it may put private information of its subscribers at risk of exposure. To the extent that any such exposure leads to credit card fraud or identity theft, Monitronics may experience a general decline in consumer confidence in its business, which may lead to an increase in attrition rates or may make it more difficult to attract new subscribers. If consumers become reluctant to use Monitronics’ services because of concerns over data privacy or credit card fraud, Monitronics’ ability to generate revenues would be impaired. In addition, if technology upgrades or other expenditures are required to prevent security breaches of its network, boost general consumer confidence in its business, or prevent credit card fraud and identity theft, Monitronics may be required to make unplanned capital expenditures or expend other resources. Any such loss of confidence in Monitronics’ business or additional capital expenditure requirement could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Monitronics’ reputation as a service provider of high quality security offerings may be adversely affected by product defects or shortfalls in customer service.
 
Monitronics’ business depends on its reputation and ability to maintain good relationships with its subscribers, dealers and local regulators, among others. Its reputation may be harmed either through product defects, such as the failure of one or more of its subscribers’ alarm systems, or shortfalls in customer service. Subscribers generally judge Monitronics’ performance through their interactions with the staff at the monitoring centers, dealers and technicians who perform on-site maintenance services. Any failure to meet subscribers’ expectations in such customer service areas could cause an increase in attrition rates or make it difficult to recruit new subscribers. Any harm to Monitronics’ reputation or subscriber relationships caused by the actions of its dealers, personnel or third party service providers or any other factors could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
A loss of experienced employees could adversely affect Monitronics.
 
The success of Monitronics has been largely dependent upon the active participation of its officers and employees. The loss of the services of key members of its management for any reason may have a material adverse effect on its operations and the ability to maintain and grow its business. Monitronics depends on the managerial skills and expertise of its management and employees to provide customer service by, among other things, monitoring and responding to alarm signals, coordinating equipment repairs, administering billing and collections under the alarm monitoring contracts and administering and providing dealer services under the contract acquisition agreements. There is no assurance that Monitronics will be able to retain its current management and other experienced employees or replace them satisfactorily to the extent they leave its employ. As previously announced, Michael Haislip, Ascent Capital's Executive Vice President and Monitronics' President and Chief Executive Officer, intends to retire at the end of his existing employment contract on June 14, 2016. Although a search is underway for Mr. Haislip's successor, no assurance can be given as to when a suitable replacement will be found. The loss of Monitronics' experienced employees’ services and expertise could materially and adversely affect Monitronics’ business.

The high level of competition in Monitronics’ industry could adversely affect its business.
 
The security alarm monitoring industry is highly competitive and fragmented. As of December 31, 2014 , Monitronics was one of the largest alarm monitoring companies in the U.S. when measured by the total number of subscribers under contract. Monitronics faces competition from other alarm monitoring companies, including companies that have more capital and that may offer higher prices and more favorable terms to dealers for alarm monitoring contracts or charge lower prices for monitoring services. Monitronics also faces competition from a significant number of small regional competitors that concentrate their capital and other resources in targeting local markets and forming new marketing channels that may displace the existing alarm system dealer channels for acquiring alarm monitoring contracts. Further, Monitronics is facing increasing competition from telecommunications and cable companies who are expanding into alarm monitoring services and bundling their existing offerings with monitored security services. The existing access to and relationship with subscribers that these companies have could give them a substantial advantage over Monitronics, especially if they are able to offer subscribers a lower price by bundling these services. Any of these forms of competition could reduce the acquisition opportunities available to Monitronics, thus slowing its rate of growth, or requiring it to increase the price paid for subscriber accounts, thus reducing its return on investment and negatively impacting its revenues and results of operations.
 
Monitronics’ acquisition strategy may not be successful.
 
One focus of Monitronics’ strategy is to seek opportunities to grow free cash flow through strategic acquisitions, which may include leveraged acquisitions. However, there can be no assurance that Monitronics will be able to consummate that strategy, and if Monitronics is not able to invest its capital in acquisitions that are accretive to free cash flow it could negatively impact its growth. Monitronics’ ability to consummate such acquisitions may be negatively impacted by various factors, including among other things:
 
•
failure to identify attractive acquisition candidates on acceptable terms;
•
competition from other bidders;
•
inability to raise any required financing; and
•
antitrust or other regulatory restrictions, including any requirements that may be imposed by government agencies as a condition to any required regulatory approval.
 
If Monitronics engages in any acquisition, it will incur a variety of costs, and may never realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. If Monitronics undertakes any acquisition, the process of operating such acquired business may result in

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unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures, including the assumption of the liabilities and exposure to unforeseen liabilities of such acquired business and the possibility of litigation or other claims in connection with, or as a result of, such an acquisition, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders or other third parties. Moreover, Monitronics may fail to realize the anticipated benefits of any acquisition as rapidly as expected or at all, and it may experience increased attrition in its subscriber base and/or a loss of dealer relationships and difficulties integrating acquired businesses, technologies and personnel into its business or achieving anticipated operations efficiencies or cost savings. Future acquisitions could cause Monitronics to incur debt and expose it to liabilities. Further, Monitronics may incur significant expenditures and devote substantial management time and attention in anticipation of an acquisition that is never realized. Lastly, while it intends to implement appropriate controls and procedures as it integrates any acquired companies, Monitronics may not be able to certify as to the effectiveness of these companies’ disclosure controls and procedures or internal control over financial reporting within the time periods required by U.S. federal securities laws and regulations.
 
We may be unable to obtain additional funds to grow Monitronics’ business.
 
Monitronics intends to continue to pursue growth through the acquisition of subscriber accounts through its authorized dealer network, among other means. To continue its growth strategy, it intends to make additional drawdowns under the revolving credit portion of its Credit Facility and may seek financing through new credit arrangements or the possible sale of new securities, any of which may lead to higher leverage or result in higher borrowing costs. An inability to obtain funding through external financing sources on favorable terms or at all is likely to adversely affect Monitronics’ ability to continue or accelerate its subscriber account acquisition activities.
 
Monitronics may pursue business opportunities that diverge from its current business model, which may cause its business to suffer.
 
Monitronics may pursue business opportunities that diverge from its current business model, including expanding its products or service offerings, investing in new and unproven technologies, adding customer acquisition channels and forming new alliances with companies to market its services. Monitronics can offer no assurance that any such business opportunities will prove to be successful. Among other negative effects, Monitronics’ pursuit of such business opportunities could cause its cost of investment in new customers to grow at a faster rate than its recurring revenue. Additionally, any new alliances or customer acquisition channels could have higher cost structures than Monitronics’ current arrangements, which could reduce operating margins and require more working capital. In the event that working capital requirements exceed operating cash flow, Monitronics might be required to draw on its Credit Facility or pursue other external financing, which may not be readily available. Any of these factors could materially and adversely affect Monitronics’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
Third party claims with respect to Monitronics’ intellectual property, if decided against Monitronics, may result in competing uses of Monitronics’ intellectual property or require the adoption of new, non-infringing intellectual property.
 
Monitronics has received and may continue to receive notices claiming it committed intellectual property infringement, misappropriation or other intellectual property violations and third parties have claimed, and may, in the future, claim that Monitronics does not own or have rights to use all intellectual property rights used in the conduct of its business. While Monitronics does not believe that any of the currently outstanding claims are material, there can be no assurance that third parties will not assert future infringement claims against it or claim that its rights to its intellectual property are invalid or unenforceable, and Monitronics cannot guarantee that these claims will be unsuccessful. Any claims involving rights to use the “Monitronics” mark could have a material adverse effect on Monitronics’ business if such claims were decided against Monitronics and Monitronics was precluded from using or licensing the “Monitronics” mark or others were allowed to use such mark. If Monitronics was required to adopt a new name, it would entail marketing costs in connection with building up recognition and goodwill in such new name. In the event that Monitronics was enjoined from using any of its other intellectual property, there would be costs associated with the replacement of such intellectual property with developed, acquired or licensed intellectual property. There would also be costs associated with the defense and settlement of any infringement or misappropriation allegations and any damages that may be awarded.
 

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Monitronics has a substantial amount of indebtedness and the costs of servicing that debt may materially affect its business.
 
Monitronics has a significant amount of indebtedness.  As of December 31, 2014 , Monitronics had principal indebtedness of $1,653,799,000 , which includes terms loans and a revolving credit facility both under its senior secured credit agreement (together referred to as the "Credit Facility"), $585,000,000 of 9.125% senior notes (the "Senior Notes") and a 9.868% promissory note of $100,000,000 due to the Company.  That substantial indebtedness, combined with its other financial obligations and contractual commitments, could have important consequences to us.  For example, it could:
 
•
make it more difficult for Monitronics to satisfy its obligations with respect to its existing and future indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations under any of the agreements governing its indebtedness could result in an event of default under such agreements;
•
require Monitronics to dedicate a substantial portion of any cash flow from operations (which also constitutes substantially all of our cash flow) to the payment of interest and principal due under its indebtedness, which will reduce funds available to fund future subscriber account acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
•
increase its vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•
limit its flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in its business and the markets in which it operates;
•
limit Monitronics’ ability to obtain additional financing required to fund future subscriber account acquisitions, working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate requirements;
•
expose Monitronics to market fluctuations in interest rates;
•
place Monitronics at a competitive disadvantage compared to some of its competitors that are less leveraged;
•
reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures; and
•
cause any refinancing of Monitronics’ indebtedness to be at higher interest rates and require Monitronics to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict its business operations.
 
The agreements governing Monitronics' various debt obligations, including its Credit Facility and the indenture governing the Senior Notes, impose restrictions on its business and the business of its subsidiaries and such restrictions could adversely affect Monitronics’ ability to undertake certain corporate actions.
 
The agreements governing Monitronics’ indebtedness restrict its ability to, among other things:
 
•
incur additional indebtedness;
•
make certain dividends or distributions with respect to any of its capital stock;
•
make certain loans and investments;
•
create liens;
•
enter into transactions with affiliates, including Ascent Capital;
•
restrict subsidiary distributions;
•
dissolve, merge or consolidate;
•
annual limits on the amount of capital expenditures;
•
transfer, sell or dispose of assets;
•
enter into or acquire certain types of alarm monitoring contracts;
•
enter into certain transactions with affiliates;
•
make certain amendments to its organizational documents;
•
make changes in the nature of its business;
•
enter into certain burdensome agreements;
•
make accounting changes;
•
use proceeds of loans to purchase or carry margin stock; and
•
allow the suspension of alarm licenses.
 
In addition, Monitronics also must comply with certain financial covenants under the Credit Facility that require it to maintain a consolidated total leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not more than 5.00 to 1.00 through June 30, 2015 and then 4.50 to 1.00 thereafter, a consolidated senior secured leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not more than 3.25 to 1.00 through June 30, 2015 and then 3.00 to 1.00 thereafter, a consolidated interest coverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of not less than 2.00 to 1.00, each of which is calculated quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis. In addition, the revolving portion of the Credit Facility requires Monitronics to maintain a consolidated senior secured RMR leverage ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of no more than 28.0 to 1.00, calculated quarterly, and an attrition rate (as defined in the Credit Facility) of no more than 15.0%, calculated quarterly on a trailing twelve-month basis. If Monitronics cannot comply with any of these financial covenants, or if Monitronics or any of its subsidiaries fails to comply with the restrictions contained in the

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Credit Facility, such failure could lead to an event of default and Monitronics may not be able to make additional drawdowns under the revolving portion of the Credit Facility, which would limit its ability to manage its working capital requirements. In addition, failure to comply with the financial covenants or restrictions contained in the Credit Facility could lead to an event of default, which could result in the acceleration of a substantial amount of Monitronics’ indebtedness.

Factors Relating to Regulatory Matters
 
“False Alarm” ordinances could adversely affect Monitronics’ business and operations.
 
Significant concern has arisen in certain municipalities about the high incidence of false alarms. In some localities, this concern has resulted in local ordinances or policies that restrict police response to third-party monitored burglar alarms. In addition, an increasing number of local governmental authorities have considered or adopted various measures aimed at reducing the number of false alarms, including:
 
•
subjecting alarm monitoring companies to fines or penalties for transmitting false alarms;
•
imposing fines on alarm monitoring services customers for false alarms;
•
imposing limitations on the number of times the police will respond to alarms at a particular location; and
•
requiring further verification of an alarm signal, such as visual verification or verification to two different phone numbers, before the police will respond.

Enactment of these measures could adversely affect Monitronics’ future operations and business. For example, numerous cities or metropolitan areas have implemented verified response ordinances for residential and commercial burglar alarms. A verified response policy means that police officers generally do not respond to an alarm until someone else (e.g., the resident, a neighbor or a security guard) first verifies that it is valid. Some alarm monitoring companies operating in these areas hire security guards or use third-party guard firms to verify an alarm. If Monitronics needs to hire security guards or use third-party guard firms, it could have a material adverse effect on its business through either increased servicing costs, which could negatively affect the ability to properly fund its ongoing operations, or increased costs to its customers, which may limit its ability to attract new customers or increase its subscriber attrition rates. In addition, the perception that police departments will not respond to third-party monitored burglar alarms, may reduce customer satisfaction with traditional monitored alarm systems, which may also result in increased attrition rates or decreased customer demand. Although Monitronics has less than 40,000 subscribers in these areas, a more widespread adoption of such a policy or similar policies in other cities or municipalities could materially and adversely affect its business.
 
Monitronics’ business operates in a regulated industry.
 
Monitronics’ business, operations and dealers are subject to various U.S. federal, state and local consumer protection laws, licensing regulation and other laws and regulations, and, to a lesser extent, similar Canadian laws and regulations. While there are no U.S. federal laws that directly regulate the security alarm monitoring industry, Monitronics’ advertising and sales practices and that of its dealer network are subject to regulation by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (the “FTC”) in addition to state consumer protection laws. The FTC and the Federal Communications Commission have issued regulations that place restrictions on, among other things, unsolicited automated telephone calls to residential and wireless telephone subscribers by means of automatic telephone dialing systems and the use of prerecorded or artificial voice messages. If Monitronics’ dealers were to take actions in violation of these regulations, such as telemarketing to individuals on the “Do Not Call” registry, it could be subject to fines, penalties, private actions or enforcement actions by government regulators. Although Monitronics has taken steps to insulate itself from any such wrongful conduct by its dealers, and to require its dealers to comply with these laws and regulations, no assurance can be given that it will not be exposed to liability as result of its dealers’ conduct. If any such dealers do not comply with applicable laws, Monitronics may be exposed to increased liability and penalties. Further, to the extent that any changes in law or regulation further restrict the lead generation activity of its dealers, these restrictions could result in a material reduction in subscriber acquisition opportunities, reducing the growth prospects of its business and adversely affecting its financial condition and future cash flows. In addition, most states in which Monitronics operates have licensing laws directed specifically toward the monitored security services industry. Monitronics’ business relies heavily upon wireline and cellular telephone service to communicate signals. Wireline and cellular telephone companies are currently regulated by both federal and state governments. Changes in laws or regulations could require Monitronics to change the way it operates, which could increase costs or otherwise disrupt operations. In addition, failure to comply with any such applicable laws or regulations could result in substantial fines or revocation of its operating permits and licenses, including in geographic areas where its services have substantial penetration, which could adversely affect its business and financial condition. Further, if these laws and regulations were to change or Monitronics failed to comply with such laws and regulations as they exist today or in the future, its business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 

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Increased adoption of statutes and governmental policies purporting to void automatic renewal provisions in the alarm monitoring contracts, or purporting to characterize certain charges in the alarm monitoring contracts as unlawful, could adversely affect Monitronics’ business and operations.
 
The alarm monitoring contracts typically contain provisions automatically renewing the term of the contract at the end of the initial term, unless a cancellation notice is delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract. If the customer cancels prior to the end of the contract term, other than in accordance with the contract, Monitronics may charge the customer an early cancellation fee as specified in the contract, which typically allows Monitronics to charge 80% of the amounts that would have been paid over the remaining term of the contract. Several states have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, consumer protection policies or legal precedents which purport to void or substantially limit the automatic renewal provisions of contracts such as the alarm monitoring contracts, or otherwise restrict the charges that can be imposed upon contract cancellation. Such initiatives could negatively impact Monitronics’ business. Adverse judicial determinations regarding these matters could increase legal exposure to customers against whom such charges have been imposed, and the risk that certain customers may seek to recover such charges through litigation. In addition, the costs of defending such litigation and enforcement actions could have an adverse effect on Monitronics’ business and operations.

Factors Relating to Our Common Stock
 
It may be difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so may be beneficial to our shareholders.
 
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company that our shareholders may consider favorable. These provisions include the following:
 
•
a capital structure with multiple series of common stock: a Series B that entitles the holders to ten votes per share, a Series A that entitles the holders to one vote per share, and a Series C that, except in such limited circumstances as may be required by applicable law, entitles the holders to no voting rights;
•
authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock, which could be issued by our board of directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
•
classifying our board of directors with staggered three-year terms, which may lengthen the time required to gain control of our board of directors through a proxy contest or exercise of voting rights;
•
limiting who may call special meetings of shareholders;
•
prohibiting shareholder action by written consent (subject to certain exceptions), thereby requiring such action to be taken at a meeting of the shareholders;
•
establishing advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by shareholders at shareholder meetings;
•
requiring shareholder approval by holders of at least 80% of our voting power or the approval by at least 75% of our board of directors with respect to certain extraordinary matters, such as a merger or consolidation of our company, a sale of all or substantially all of our assets or an amendment to our certificate of incorporation;
•
requiring the consent of the holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Series B Common Stock (voting as a separate class) to certain share distributions and other corporate actions in which the voting power of the Series B Common Stock would be diluted, for example by issuing shares having multiple votes per share as a dividend to holders of Series A Common Stock; and
•
the existence of authorized and unissued stock which would allow our board of directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, thereby protecting the continuity of its management, or which could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of us.
 
In addition, Monitronics’ Credit Facility provides that the occurrence of specified change of control events will result in an event of default thereunder, and the Senior Notes include a covenant that requires Monitronics to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Senior Notes, at 101% of par, upon the occurrence of specified change of control events, each of which could cause an acquisition of our company to be prohibitively expensive for a potential bidder.
 
Holders of a single series of our common stock may not have any remedies if an action by our directors has an adverse effect on only that series of our common stock.
 
Principles of Delaware law and the provisions of our certificate of incorporation may protect decisions of our board of directors that have a disparate impact upon holders of any single series of our common stock. Under Delaware law, the board of directors has a duty to act with due care and in the best interests of all of our shareholders, including the holders of all series of our common stock. Principles of Delaware law established in cases involving differing treatment of multiple classes or series of stock provide that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all common shareholders regardless of class or series and does not

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have separate or additional duties to any group of shareholders. As a result, in some circumstances, our directors may be required to make a decision that is viewed as adverse to the holders of one series of our common stock. Under the principles of Delaware law and the business judgment rule, holders may not be able to successfully challenge decisions that they believe have a disparate impact upon the holders of one series of our stock if our board of directors is disinterested and independent with respect to the action taken, is adequately informed with respect to the action taken and acts in good faith and in the honest belief that the board is acting in the best interest of all of our stockholders.
 
Although our Series B Common Stock trades on the OTC Markets, there is no meaningful trading market for the stock.
 
Our Series B Common Stock is not widely held, with 92% of the outstanding shares as of December 31, 2014 beneficially owned by John C. Malone, a former director of the Company, and William Fitzgerald, Ascent Capital's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Although it is quoted on the OTC Markets, it is sparsely traded and does not have an active trading market.  The OTC Markets tends to be highly illiquid, in part, because there is no national quotation system by which potential investors can track the market price of shares except through information received or generated by a limited number of broker-dealers that make markets in particular stocks. There is also a greater chance of market volatility for securities that trade on the OTC Markets as opposed to a national exchange or quotation system. This volatility is due to a variety of factors, including a lack of readily available price quotations, lower trading volume, absence of consistent administrative supervision of “bid” and “ask” quotations, and market conditions. Each share of the Series B Common Stock is convertible, at any time at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A Common Stock, which is listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ASCMA.”

Factors Relating to Our Corporate History and Structure
 
We have a history of losses and may incur losses in the future.
 
Monitronics, our primary operating subsidiary, incurred losses in each of its last four full fiscal years. In future periods, we may not be able to achieve or sustain profitability on a consistent quarterly or annual basis.  Failure to maintain profitability in future periods may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 
We are a holding company and derive substantially all of our revenue and cash flow from our primary operating subsidiary, Monitronics.
 
Monitronics is a separate and independent legal entity and has no obligation to make funds available to us, whether in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. The ability of Monitronics to pay dividends to us is subject to, among other things, compliance with covenants in its Credit Facility and Senior Note indenture, the availability of sufficient earnings and funds, and applicable state laws. As of December 31, 2014 , Monitronics had principal indebtedness of $1,653,799,000 , which includes a 9.868% promissory note for $100,000,000 due to the Company.  Claims of other creditors of Monitronics have priority as to its assets over our claims and those of our creditors and shareholders.
 
An inability to access capital markets at attractive rates could materially increase our expenses.
 
Although we currently have sufficient cash and investments available to meet our anticipated capital requirements for the foreseeable future, we may in the future require access to capital markets as a source of liquidity for investments and expenditures. In any such event, there can be no assurance that we would be able to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. If our ability to access required capital were to become significantly constrained, we could incur material borrowing costs, our financial condition could be harmed and future results of operations could be adversely affected.
 
We may have substantial indemnification obligations under certain inter-company agreements we entered into in connection with the spin-off of our company from DHC.
 
Pursuant to our tax sharing agreement with DHC, we have agreed to be responsible for all taxes attributable to us or any of our subsidiaries, whether accruing before, on or after the spin-off (subject to specified exceptions). We have also agreed to be responsible for and indemnify DHC with respect to (i) certain taxes attributable to DHC or any of its subsidiaries (other than Discovery Communications, LLC) and (ii) all taxes arising as a result of the spin-off (subject to specified exceptions). Our indemnification obligations under the tax sharing agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap. Pursuant to the reorganization agreement we entered into with DHC in connection with the spin-off, we assumed certain indemnification obligations designed to make our company financially responsible for substantially all non-tax liabilities that may exist relating to the business of our former subsidiary, Ascent Media Group, LLC, whether incurred prior to or after the spin-off, as well as

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certain obligations of DHC. Any indemnification payments under the tax sharing agreement or the reorganization agreement could be substantial.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES
 
Currently, the Company leases approximately 59,000 square feet of office space in California of which 43,000 is being subleased to third parties.  The Company leases approximately 4,000 square feet of office space in Colorado. The Company owns approximately 160,000 square feet of office space of which approximately 140,000 square feet is leased to third parties.  The Company is currently exploring opportunities to dispose of or monetize such real property.
 
Monitronics leases approximately 110,000 square feet in Dallas, Texas to house its executive offices, monitoring and certain call centers, sales and marketing and data retention functions.  Approximately 98,000 square feet of the 110,000 square feet is under an eleven-year lease expiring June 30, 2015 and 12,000 square feet is under a seven-year lease expiring June 30, 2015.  Monitronics also leases approximately 53,000 square feet in Irving, Texas, to house certain call center operations and 13,000 square feet in McKinney, Texas, for the back-up monitoring facility. In 2014, Monitronics entered into a lease agreement for 165,000 square feet of office space in Farmers Branch, Texas, which will become its new headquarters. The lease is expected to commence in the summer of 2015.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business.  Although no assurances can be given, in the opinion of management, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations, either individually or in the aggregate.

ITEM 4.   MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
None.


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PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 
Market Information
 
We have two series of common stock outstanding.  Holders of our Series A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, and holders of our Series B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held, as well as a separate class vote on certain corporate actions.  Each share of the Series B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A common stock; the Series A common stock is not convertible.  Except for such voting rights, conversion rights and designations, shares of Series A common stock and Series B common stock are substantially identical.
 
Our Series A common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ASCMA.  Our Series B common stock is eligible for quotation on the OTC Markets under the symbol ASCMB, but it is not actively traded.  The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices of shares of our Series A common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 . 
 
Series A
 
High
 
Low
 
Amounts in U.S. Dollar
2014
 

 
 

First quarter
85.61

 
66.04

Second quarter
79.02

 
59.80

Third quarter
67.35

 
59.31

Fourth quarter
64.99

 
49.22

2013
 

 
 

First quarter
75.42

 
61.52

Second quarter
78.32

 
63.19

Third quarter
84.50

 
73.09

Fourth quarter
89.04

 
79.61

 

The following table sets forth the quarterly range of high and low sales prices of shares of our Series B common stock for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , as reported by the OTC Markets. This information represents inter-dealer prices without dealer mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions, and may not be indicative of the value of the common stock or the existence of an active market. 
 
Series B
 
High
 
Low
 
Amounts in U.S. Dollar
2014
 

 
 

First quarter
80.96

 
67.75

Second quarter
73.07

 
64.00

Third quarter
65.00

 
63.37

Fourth quarter
64.75

 
57.87

2013
 

 
 

First quarter
60.50

 
60.50

Second quarter
68.69

 
68.00

Third quarter
81.08

 
74.85

Fourth quarter
90.00

 
78.00



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Holders

As of January 30, 2015, there were approximately 800 record holders of our Series A common stock and 50 record holders of our Series B common stock(which amounts do not include the number of shareholders whose shares are held of record by banks, brokerage houses or other institutions, but include each institution as one shareholder).
 
Dividends
 
We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock and have no present intention to do so.  Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be determined by our Board of Directors in light of our earnings, financial condition, alternative uses for cash and other relevant considerations.
 
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
 
Information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of stockholders.
 
Stock Performance Graph
 
The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following graph sets forth the percentage change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our Series A and Series B common stock for the preceding 5-year period ended December 31, 2014 , as compared to the NASDAQ Stock Market Index over the same period.  The graph assumes $100 was originally invested on December 31, 2010.
 
The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the possible future performance of our Series A and Series B common stock.

  

 
12/31/2010
 
12/31/2011
 
12/31/2012
 
12/31/2013
 
12/31/2014
ASCMA Series A
$
100.00

 
$
130.86

 
$
159.80

 
$
220.74

 
$
136.56

ASCMB Series B
$
100.00

 
$
121.21

 
$
177.27

 
$
248.48

 
$
175.36

NASDAQ Stock Market Index
$
100.00

 
$
98.20

 
$
113.82

 
$
157.44

 
$
178.53

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
 
The following table sets forth information concerning the Company’s purchase of its own equity securities during the three months ended December 31, 2014 :
 
Period
Total number of
shares
purchased /
surrendered (1)
 
 
 
Average price
paid per share
 
Total Number of
Shares (or Units)
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) or Shares (or
Units) that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs
10/1/2014 - 10/31/14
870

 
(2)
 
$
60.63

 
—

 
 
11/1/2014 - 11/30/14
123,100

 
 
 
53.98

 
—

 
(1)
12/1/2014 - 12/31/14
124,073

 
(2)
 
54.79

 
—

 
(1)
Total
248,043

 
 
 
$
54.41

 
—

 
 
 
(1)          On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which it may purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock, par value $0.01, from time to time.  On November 14, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. On November 10, 2014, the Company announced the Board of Directors' authorization of a further increase of $25,000,000 to the Company's stock repurchase program. As of December 31, 2014 , 1,061,696 shares of Series A Common Stock had been purchased, at an average price paid of $56.61 per share, pursuant to these authorizations.  As of December 31, 2014 , the remaining availability under the Company's existing stock repurchase program will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $14,897,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, under the increased program.
 
(2)
Includes 870 and 3,009 shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes by certain of our employees upon vesting of their restricted share awards in October and December 2014, respectively.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 , and the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , all of which are set forth below, are derived from the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report and should be read in conjunction with those financial statements and the notes thereto. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012 , 2011 and 2010 and the statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 shown below were derived from previously issued financial statements.  
 
December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(amounts in thousands)
Summary Balance Sheet Data :
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Current assets
$
182,846

 
204,022

 
261,673

 
289,920

 
240,701

Property and Equipment, net
$
36,010

 
56,528

 
56,491

 
74,697

 
78,211

Total assets
$
2,192,363

 
2,225,793

 
1,708,893

 
1,626,972

 
1,645,868

Current liabilities
$
91,143

 
95,568

 
72,150

 
124,807

 
103,692

Long-term debt
$
1,618,324

 
1,572,098

 
1,101,433

 
892,718

 
896,733

Stockholders’ equity
$
439,688

 
514,757

 
508,603

 
550,678

 
538,840

 

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Years ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
Summary Statement of Operations Data :
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
539,449

 
451,033

 
344,953

 
311,898

 
9,129

Operating income (loss)
$
78,198

 
71,556

 
49,642

 
22,341

 
(33,490
)
Net loss from continuing operations
$
(37,448
)
 
(21,600
)
 
(25,001
)
 
(28,901
)
 
(33,501
)
Net income (loss), (a)
$
(37,752
)
 
(21,471
)
 
(29,349
)
 
19,888

 
(47,394
)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share (b)
$
(2.77
)
 
(1.54
)
 
(2.09
)
 
1.40

 
(3.34
)
 
(a)          Includes a gain on the sale of Content Distribution of $66,136,000 and related income tax expense of $6,716,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.  The gain and related tax expense is included in discontinued operations.
(b)          Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed the same as basic net income (loss) per share for all periods presented because the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations in all periods presented, which would make potentially dilutive securities antidilutive.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following discussion and analysis provides information concerning our results of operations and financial condition. This discussion should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein.
 
At December 31, 2014 , our assets consisted primarily of our wholly-owned operating subsidiary, Monitronics.

Overview
 
Monitronics and Subsidiaries
 
On December 17, 2010, we acquired 100% of the outstanding capital stock of Monitronics, through the merger of Mono Lake Merger Sub, Inc., a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Ascent Capital established to consummate the merger, with and into Monitronics, with Monitronics as the surviving corporation in the merger (the “Monitronics Acquisition”).  On August 16, 2013, Monitronics acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks and certain affiliated entities in the Security Networks Acquisition.
 
Monitronics provides security alarm monitoring and related services to residential and business subscribers throughout the U.S. and parts of Canada.  Monitronics monitors signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers’ premises.  Nearly all of its revenues are derived from monthly recurring revenues under security alarm monitoring contracts acquired through its exclusive nationwide network of independent dealers.
 
Revenues are recognized as the related monitoring services are provided. Other revenues are derived primarily from the provision of third-party contract monitoring services and from field technical repair services.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts are capitalized and amortized over fourteen to fifteen years using a declining balance method beginning in the month following the date of acquisition. Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions, are expensed as incurred.
 
Attrition
 
Account cancellation, otherwise referred to as subscriber attrition, has a direct impact on the number of subscribers that Monitronics services and on its financial results, including revenues, operating income and cash flow.  A portion of the subscriber base can be expected to cancel its service every year. Subscribers may choose not to renew or terminate their contract for a variety of reasons, including relocation, cost and switching to a competitor’s service.  The largest category of canceled accounts relate to subscriber relocation or the inability to contact the subscriber.  Monitronics defines its attrition rate as the number of canceled accounts in a given period divided by the weighted average of number of subscribers for that period. 

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Monitronics considers an account canceled if payment from the subscriber is deemed uncollectible or if the subscriber cancels for various reasons.  If a subscriber relocates but continues its service, this is not a cancellation.  If the subscriber relocates, discontinues its service and a new subscriber takes over the original subscriber’s service continuing the revenue stream, this is also not a cancellation.  Monitronics adjusts the number of canceled accounts by excluding those that are contractually guaranteed by its dealers.  The typical dealer contract provides that if a subscriber cancels in the first year of its contract, the dealer must either replace the canceled account with a new one or refund to Monitronics the cost paid to acquire the contract. To help ensure the dealer’s obligation to Monitronics, Monitronics typically maintains a dealer funded holdback reserve ranging from 5-10% of subscriber accounts in the guarantee period.  In some cases, the amount of the holdback liability may be less than actual attrition experience.
 
The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 :
 
 
Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
Beginning balance of accounts
 
1,046,155

 
812,539

 
Accounts acquired
 
156,225

 
354,541

 
Accounts canceled
 
(135,940
)
 
(111,889
)
 
Canceled accounts guaranteed by dealer and acquisition adjustments (a)
 
(7,174
)
(b)
(9,036
)
(c)
Ending balance of accounts
 
1,059,266

 
1,046,155

 
Monthly weighted average accounts
 
1,052,756

 
908,921

 
Attrition rate (d)
 
(12.9
)%
 
(12.3
)%
 
 
(a)
Includes canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed to be refunded from holdback.
(b)
Includes an increase of 1,503 subscriber accounts associated with multi-site subscribers that were considered single accounts prior to the completion of the Security Networks integration in April 2014.
(c)
Includes 2,046 subscriber accounts that were proactively canceled during 2013 because they were active with both Monitronics and Security Networks.
(d)
The recurring monthly revenue ("RMR") attrition rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 12.6% and 12.2%, respectively. The RMR of canceled accounts follows the same definition as subscriber unit attrition noted above. RMR attrition is defined as the RMR of canceled accounts in a given period, adjusted for the impact of price increases or decreases in that period, divided by the weighted average of RMR for that period. RMR attrition is a commonly used performance indicator in our industry.
 
The attrition rate for the twelve months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was 12.9% and 12.3% , respectively. Increased attrition is primarily the result of an increase in the number of subscriber accounts reaching the end of their initial contract term in the period.

Monitronics analyzes its attrition by classifying accounts into annual pools based on the year of acquisition.  Monitronics then tracks the number of accounts that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of accounts acquired for each pool for each year subsequent to its acquisition.  Based on the average cancellation rate across the pools, Monitronics has averaged less than 1% attrition within the initial 12-month period after considering the accounts which were replaced or refunded by the dealers at no additional cost to Monitronics.  Over the next few years of the subscriber account life, the number of subscribers that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of subscribers in that pool gradually increases and historically has peaked following the end of the initial contract term, which is typically three to five years.  The peak following the end of the initial contract term is primarily a result of the buildup of subscribers that moved or no longer had need for the service but did not cancel their service until the end of their initial contract term.  Subsequent to the peak following the end of the initial contract term, the number of subscribers that cancel as a percentage of the initial number of subscribers in that pool declines.

Accounts Acquired
 
During the three months ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Monitronics acquired 37,998 and 37,341 subscriber accounts, respectively.

During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, Monitronics acquired 156,225 and 150,643 subscriber accounts, respectively, without giving effect to the Security Networks Acquisition, which included 203,898 accounts acquired at the completion of acquisition in August of 2013.  Acquired contracts for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 also include approximately 8,300 and 18,200 accounts, respectively, purchased in various bulk buys throughout the periods.

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RMR acquired during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $1,776,000 and $7,182,000, respectively. RMR acquired during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $1,704,000 and $6,772,000, respectively, without giving effect to the Security Networks Acquisition, which included $8,681,000 of acquired RMR.

Adjusted EBITDA
 
We evaluate the performance of our operations based on financial measures such as revenue and “Adjusted EBITDA.”  Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest expense, interest income, income taxes, depreciation, amortization (including the amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets), realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on derivative instruments, restructuring charges, stock-based compensation, and other non-cash or non-recurring charges.   Ascent Capital believes that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of the operational strength and performance of its business, including the business’ ability to fund its ongoing acquisition of subscriber accounts, its capital expenditures and to service its debt.  In addition, this measure is used by management to evaluate operating results and perform analytical comparisons and identify strategies to improve performance.   Adjusted EBITDA is also a measure that is customarily used by financial analysts to evaluate the financial performance of companies in the security alarm monitoring industry and is one of the financial measures, subject to certain adjustments, by which Monitronics’ covenants are calculated under the agreements governing their debt obligations.  Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), should not be construed as an alternative to net income or loss and is indicative neither of our results of operations nor of cash flows available to fund all of our cash needs.  It is, however, a measurement that Ascent Capital believes is useful to investors in analyzing its operating performance.  Accordingly, Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, but not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow provided by operating activities and other measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure.  As companies often define non-GAAP financial measures differently, Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by Ascent Capital should not be compared to any similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


27
Table of Contents

Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. The results of operations for Security Networks are included from August 16, 2013, the date of the Security Networks Acquisition (amounts in thousands).
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Net revenue
$
539,449

 
451,033

(a)
344,953

 
Cost of services
94,713

 
74,136

 
49,978

 
Selling, general, and administrative, including stock-based compensation
102,109

 
92,002

 
73,868

 
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
253,403

 
208,760

 
163,468

 
Restructuring charges
952

 
1,111

 
—

 
Gain on disposal of operating assets, net
(71
)
 
(5,473
)
 
(8,670
)
 
Interest expense
(117,464
)
 
(95,836
)
 
(71,467
)
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations
(3,420
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(2,594
)
 
Net loss from continuing operations
(37,448
)
 
(21,600
)
 
(25,001
)
 
Net loss
(37,752
)
 
(21,471
)
 
(29,349
)
 
Adjusted EBITDA  (b)
 

 
 

 
 

 
Monitronics business Adjusted EBITDA
$
362,227

 
305,250

 
235,675

 
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA
(7,422
)
 
(776
)
 
3,096

 
Total Adjusted EBITDA
$
354,805

 
304,474

 
238,771

 
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Revenue
 

 
 

 
 

 
Monitronics business
67.1
 %
 
67.7
 %
 
68.3
%
 
Corporate
(1.4
)%
 
(0.2
)%
 
0.9
%
 

(a)          Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
(b)           See reconciliation to net loss from continuing operations below.
 
Net Revenue.   Revenue increased $88,416,000 , or 19.6% , for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase in net revenue is attributable to the growth in the number of subscriber accounts and the increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber.  The growth in subscriber accounts reflects the acquisition of over 200,000 accounts from the Security Networks Acquisition in August 2013 and the acquisition of over 145,000 accounts through Monitronics’ authorized dealer program subsequent to December 31, 2013 .  In addition, average monthly revenue per subscriber increased from $40.90 as of December 31, 2013 to $41.64 as of December 31, 2014 .  Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 also reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.

Revenue increased $106,080,000 , or 30.8% , for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase in net revenue is attributable to the growth in the number of subscriber accounts and the increase in average monthly revenue per subscriber.  The growth in subscriber accounts reflects the effects of the Security Networks Acquisition in August 2013, which included over 200,000 subscriber accounts, acquisition of over 136,000 accounts through Monitronics’ authorized dealer program subsequent to December 31, 2012 , and the purchase of approximately 18,200 accounts in various bulk buys throughout 2013.  In addition, average monthly revenue per subscriber increased from $39.50 as of December 31, 2012 to $40.90 as of December 31, 2013 .  Net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 also reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
 
Cost of Services.  Cost of services increased $20,577,000 or 27.8% , for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributed to subscriber growth and increases in cellular and service costs as more accounts are being monitored across the cellular network, which require additional service costs to upgrade existing subscribers' equipment. In addition, Monitronics incurred redundant staffing costs at its Dallas, Texas monitoring and call center facilities through April 2014, when the transition of Security Networks operations from Florida to Texas was complete.

28

Service cost for the year ended December 31, 2014 also included $1,113,000 incurred in relation to the Radio Conversion Program, which was implemented in 2014 to upgrade subscribers' alarm monitoring systems that communicate across certain 2G networks that are expected to be discontinued in the near future. Cost of services as a percent of net revenue increased from 16.4% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 17.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Costs of services increased $24,158,000 , or 48.3% , for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is primarily attributable subscriber growth, as well as increases in cellular and service costs. Cellular costs have increased due to more accounts being monitored across the cellular network, which often include interactive and home automation services.  This has also resulted in higher service costs as existing subscribers upgrade their systems.  In addition, cost of services includes Security Networks costs of $8,233,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013. Cost of service as a percent of net revenue increased from 14.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012 to 16.4% for the year ended December 31, 2013 .

Selling, General and Administrative.   Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) increased $10,107,000 , or 11.0% , for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributable to increases in Monitronics SG&A costs which are primarily attributable to subscriber growth over the last twelve months. In addition, Monitronics incurred redundant staffing and operating costs at its Dallas, Texas headquarters through April 2014, when the transition of Security Networks operations from Florida to Texas was completed. SG&A as a percent of net revenue decreased from 20.4% for the year ended December 31, 2013 to 18.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 .

Selling, general and administrative expense (“SG&A”) increased $18,134,000 , or 24.5% , for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase is attributable to increases in Monitronics SG&A costs of $10,652,000 and the inclusion of Security Networks SG&A costs of $6,456,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013 .  The increased Monitronics SG&A costs are attributable to increased payroll expenses and other increases due to Monitronics’ subscriber growth in 2013.  Monitronics also incurred acquisition and integration costs of $2,470,000 and $1,264,000, respectively, related to professional services rendered and other costs incurred in connection with the Security Networks Acquisition.  Additionally, the Company’s consolidated stock-based compensation expense increased approximately $2,876,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods.  This increase is related to restricted stock and option awards granted to certain executives in late 2012 and throughout 2013.  SG&A as a percent of net revenue decreased from 21.4% for the year ended December 31, 2012 to 20.4% for the year ended December 31, 2013 .

Amortization of Subscriber Accounts, Dealer Network and Other Intangible Assets .  Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets increased $44,643,000 and $45,292,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years.  The increases are attributable to amortization of subscriber accounts acquired subsequent to each of the preceding years ended. In addition, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , amortization includes approximately $58,126,000 and $23,599,000, respectively, of amortization expense related to the definite lived intangible assets acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
 
Restructuring Charges.  In connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, management approved a restructuring plan to transition Security Networks’ operations in West Palm Beach and Kissimmee, Florida to Dallas, Texas (the “2013 Restructuring Plan”).  The 2013 Restructuring Plan provides certain employees with a severance package that entitles them to receive benefits upon completion of the transition in 2014.  Severance costs related to the 2013 Restructuring Plan were recognized ratably over the future service period.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company recorded $952,000 and $1,111,000 , respectively, of restructuring charges related to employee termination benefits under the 2013 Restructuring Plan. The transition of Security Networks' operations to Dallas was completed in the second quarter of 2014.
 
In 2008 through 2010, the Company completed restructuring plans (the "2010 Restructuring Plans" and the “2008 Restructuring Plan”) to align the Company’s organization with its strategic goals and how it operated, managed and sold its services.  The 2010 Restructuring Plan included severance and retention costs in relation to Ascent's former media and entertainment businesses that were sold off in 2010 and the beginning of 2011. The 2008 Restructuring Plan included severance costs from labor cost mitigation measures undertaken across all of the former businesses and facility costs in conjunction with the consolidation of certain facilities in the United Kingdom and the closing of the Company’s Mexico operations. There were no restructuring charges recorded for both the 2010 Restructuring Plan and 2008 Restructuring Plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 

29

The following tables provide the activity and balances of the Company’s restructuring plans (amounts in thousands):
 
December 31, 2013
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2014
2013 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Severance and retention
$
1,570

 
952

 
(2,388
)
 
—

 
134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
141

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
141

     
 
December 31, 2012
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2013
2013 Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and retention
$
—

 
1,111

 
(33
)
 
492

(a)
1,570

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
141

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
141


 
December 31, 2011
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2012
2010 Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and retention
$
1,886

 
—

 
(1,886
)
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
236

 
—

 
(95
)
 
—

 
141

 
(a)          Amount was recorded upon the acquisition of Security Networks.
 
Loss (Gain) on the Sale of Assets .  During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company disposed of certain property, resulting in a pre-tax gain of approximately $71,000. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company sold an equity investment which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $3,250,000.  Additionally, the Company sold certain land and building property for $9,634,000 resulting in a pre-tax gain of $2,221,000.  During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company sold land and buildings for approximately $15,860,000, resulting in pre-tax gains of approximately $9,202,000.  In addition, the Company sold its 50% interest in an equity method investment for $1,420,000, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $532,000. 

Interest Expense .  Interest expense increased $21,628,000 and $24,369,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, as compared to the corresponding prior years.  The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 is primarily attributable to increases in the Company's consolidated debt balance related to the borrowings incurred to fund the Security Networks Acquisition. The increase includes the impact of the amortization of the debt discount related to the beneficial conversion feature of Ascent Capital's Convertible Notes issued in the third quarter of 2013. This increase is partially offset by the favorable repricing of Monitronics credit facility interest rates effective March 25, 2013.

The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 is attributable to increases in the Company's consolidated debt balance related to the borrowings incurred to fund the Security Networks Acquisition and the presentation of interest cost related to the Company’s derivative instruments. Interest cost related to the Company’s derivative instruments in place in 2013 is presented in Interest expense on the statement of operations, as the related derivative instrument is an effective cash flow hedge of the Company’s interest rate risk for which hedge accounting is applied.  As the Company did not apply hedge accounting on its prior derivative instruments in place through March 2012, the related interest costs incurred prior to March 23, 2012 are presented in Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). 

Amortization of debt discount included in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 was $4,392,000 , $2,302,000 and $4,473,000 , respectively. 

Income Taxes from Continuing Operations.   For the year ended December 31, 2014 , we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $34,028,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $3,420,000 .  For the year ended December 31, 2013 , we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $18,330,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $3,270,000 .  For the year ended December 31, 2012 , we had a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $22,407,000 and income tax expense from continuing operations of $2,594,000 .  Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 is attributable to Monitronics’ state tax expense and the deferred tax impact

30

from amortization of deductible goodwill attributable to the Security Networks Acquisition, offset by changes in state deferred taxes. Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 is attributable to Monitronics’ state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill attributable to the Security Networks Acquisition. For the year ended December 31, 2013 , income tax from continuing operations is offset by the reduction in valuation allowance as a result of acquisition accounting for the Security Networks Acquisition.  Income tax expense from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 is primarily attributable to Monitronics’ state tax expense.
 
Adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of total Adjusted EBITDA to net loss from continuing operations (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Adjusted EBITDA
$
354,805

 
304,474

 
238,771

Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
(253,403
)
 
(208,760
)
 
(163,468
)
Depreciation
(10,145
)
 
(8,941
)
 
(8,404
)
Stock-based compensation
(7,164
)
 
(8,174
)
 
(5,298
)
Restructuring charges
(952
)
 
(1,111
)
 
—

Radio Conversion Program costs
(1,113
)
 
—

 
—

Security Networks Acquisition costs
—

 
(2,470
)
 
—

Security Networks Integration costs
(2,182
)
 
(1,264
)
 
—

Loss on pension plan settlements
—

 
—

 
(6,571
)
Impairment of assets held for sale
—

 
—

 
(1,692
)
Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
—

 
—

 
(2,044
)
Refinancing expense
—

 
—

 
(6,245
)
Interest income
3,590

 
3,752

 
4,011

Interest expense
(117,464
)
 
(95,836
)
 
(71,467
)
Income tax expense from continuing operations
(3,420
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(2,594
)
Net loss from continuing operations
$
(37,448
)
 
(21,600
)
 
(25,001
)
 
Adjusted EBITDA increased $50,331,000 , or 16.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to revenue growth.  Adjusted EBITDA increased $65,703,000 , or 27.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 as compared to the corresponding prior year.  The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily due to revenue growth.  The Monitronics business’ Adjusted EBITDA was $362,227,000 , $305,250,000 and $235,675,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
At December 31, 2014 , we had $12,612,000 of cash and cash equivalents, $18,000 of current restricted cash, and $122,593,000 of marketable securities on a consolidated basis.  We may use a portion of these assets to decrease debt obligations, fund stock repurchases, or fund potential strategic acquisitions or investment opportunities.
 
Additionally, our other source of funds is our cash flows from operating activities which are primarily generated from the operations of Monitronics.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , our cash flow from operating activities was $233,870,000 , $212,233,000 and $146,790,000 , respectively.  The primary driver of our cash flow from operating activities is Adjusted EBITDA.  Fluctuations in our Adjusted EBITDA and the components of that measure are discussed in “Results of Operations” above.  In addition, our cash flow from operating activities may be significantly impacted by changes in working capital.
 
During the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , the Company used cash of $268,160,000 , $234,914,000 and $304,665,000 , respectively, to fund subscriber account acquisitions, net of holdback and guarantee obligations.  In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , the Company used cash of $7,769,000 , $9,939,000 and $6,076,000 , respectively, to fund its capital expenditures. 


31

In 2013, we paid cash of $478,738,000 as part of the purchase price paid to acquire Security Networks, net of Security Networks cash on hand of $3,096,000.  The Security Networks Acquisition was funded by the proceeds of Ascent Capital’s July issuance of $103,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of 4.00% Senior Convertible Notes due 2020, the proceeds of Monitronics’ issuance of $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2020 and the proceeds of incremental term loans of $225,000,000 issued under Monitronics’ existing credit facility, and approximately $20,000,000 of cash on hand.  In addition to the cash paid, the purchase price also consisted of 253,333 shares of Ascent Capital’s Series A common stock (par value $0.01 per share) with a Closing Date fair value of $18,723,000.

During the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , we purchased marketable securities for cash of $4,603,000 , $21,770,000 and $99,667,000 , respectively. In addition, the Company sold marketable securities for proceeds of $7,842,000 and $33,415,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which it may purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock from time to time.  On November 14, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. On November 10, 2014, the Company announced the Board of Directors' authorization of a further increase of $25,000,000 to the Company's stock repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Authorizations"). 

During 2014, the Company repurchased 557,309 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $64.12 per share for a total of approximately $35,734,000 pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations. There were no stock repurchases pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations during 2013. During 2012, the Company repurchased 234,728 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $54.87 per share for a total of approximately $12,880,000 pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations. These repurchased shares were all canceled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued. As of December 31, 2014 , the remaining availability under the Company's Share Repurchase Authorizations will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $14,897,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, under the increased program.
  
In considering our liquidity requirements for 2014, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations.  We will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, Monitronics, which is to grow through the acquisition of subscriber accounts. In 2014 , Monitronics implemented a Radio Conversion Program in response to one of the nation's largest carriers announcing that it does not intend to support its 2G cellular network services beyond 2016. In connection with the Radio Conversion Program, Monitronics could incur incremental costs of $13,000,000 to $16,000,000 per year through 2016, as it replaces or upgrades equipment used in those of our subscribers' security systems that operate over this carrier's network. We considered the expected cash flow from Monitronics, as this business is the driver of our operating cash flows, as well as the borrowing capacity of Monitronics’ Credit Facility revolver, under which Monitronics could borrow an additional $154,500,000 as of December 31, 2014 .  Based on this analysis, we expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and borrowings under the Monitronics’ Credit Facility will provide sufficient liquidity, given our anticipated current and future requirements.
 
The existing long-term debt of the Company at December 31, 2014 includes the principal balance of $1,657,299,000 under its Convertible Notes, Senior Notes, Credit Facility, and Credit Facility revolver.  The Convertible Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $103,500,000 as of December 31, 2014 and mature July 15, 2020.  The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $585,000,000 as of December 31, 2014 and mature on April 1, 2020.  The Credit Facility term loans have an outstanding principal balance of $898,299,000 as of December 31, 2014 and require principal payments of approximately $2,292,000 per quarter with the remaining outstanding balance becoming due on March 23, 2018.  The Credit Facility revolver has an outstanding balance of $70,500,000 as of December 31, 2014 and becomes due on December 22, 2017.
 
We may seek external equity or debt financing in the event of any new investment opportunities, additional capital expenditures or our operations requiring additional funds, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain equity or debt financing on terms that would be acceptable to us or at all.  Our ability to seek additional sources of funding depends on our future financial position and results of operations, which are subject to general conditions in or affecting our industry and our customers and to general economic, political, financial, competitive, legislative and regulatory factors beyond our control.


32

Contractual Obligations
 
Information concerning the amount and timing of required payments under our contractual obligations at December 31, 2014 is summarized below (amounts in thousands):
 
Payments Due by Period
 
Less than
  1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
After 5
  Years
 
Total
Operating leases
$
5,280

 
8,338

 
5,454

 
33,132

 
52,204

Long-term debt (a)
9,166

 
88,833

 
870,800

 
688,500

 
1,657,299

Other (b)
19,156

 
220

 
476

 
7,247

 
27,099

Total contractual obligations
$
33,602

 
97,391

 
876,730

 
728,879

 
1,736,602

 
 
(a)          Amounts reflect principal amounts owed and therefore exclude unamortized discount and premiums, net, of $29,809,000 .  Amounts also exclude interest payments which are based on variable interest rates.
(b)
Primarily represents Monitronics holdback liability whereby it withholds payment of a designated percentage of acquisition cost when it acquires subscriber accounts from dealers. The holdback is used as a reserve to cover any terminated subscriber accounts that are not replaced by the dealer during the guarantee period.  At the end of the guarantee period, the dealer is responsible for any deficit or is paid the balance of the holdback.
 
We have contingent liabilities related to legal proceedings and other matters arising in the ordinary course of business. Although it is reasonably possible we may incur losses upon conclusion of such matters, an estimate of any loss or range of loss cannot be made. In the opinion of management, it is expected that amounts, if any, which may be required to satisfy such contingencies will not be material in relation to the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
None.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
Valuation of Subscriber Accounts
 
Subscriber accounts, which totaled $1,373,630,000 net of accumulated amortization, at December 31, 2014 , relate to the cost of acquiring portfolios of monitoring service contracts from independent dealers.  The subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics and Security Networks acquisitions were recorded at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting.  Subscriber accounts not acquired as part of a business combination are recorded at cost.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts, including new subscriber contracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move, are capitalized.  Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs, incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions are expensed as incurred.
 
The costs of subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics and Security Networks acquisitions, as well as certain accounts acquired in bulk purchases, are amortized using the 14-year 235% declining balance method.  The costs of all other subscriber accounts are amortized using the 15-year 220% declining balance method, beginning in the month following the date of acquisition.  The amortization methods were selected to provide an approximate matching of the amortization of the subscriber accounts intangible asset to estimated future subscriber revenues based on the projected lives of individual subscriber contracts.  The realizable value and remaining useful lives of these assets could be impacted by changes in subscriber attrition rates, which could have an adverse effect on our earnings.
 
The Company reviews the subscriber accounts for impairment or a change in amortization method and period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable or the life should be shortened. For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, we view subscriber accounts as a single pool because of the assets’ homogeneous characteristics, and because the pool of subscriber accounts is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.
 

33

Valuation of Long-lived Assets and Amortizable Other Intangible Assets
 
We perform impairment tests for our long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, if an event or circumstance indicates that the carrying amount of our long-lived assets may not be recoverable.  We are subject to the possibility of impairment of long-lived assets arising in the ordinary course of business. We regularly consider the likelihood of impairment and may recognize impairment if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset or intangible asset is not recoverable from its undiscounted cash flows.  Impairment is measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We use both the income approach and market approach to estimate fair value. Our estimates of fair value are subject to a high degree of judgment since they include a long-term forecast of future operations. Accordingly, any value ultimately derived from our long-lived assets may differ from our estimate of fair value.
 
Valuation of Trade Receivables
 
We must make estimates of the collectability of our trade receivables.  We perform extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and require no collateral on the accounts that are acquired.  We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of subscribers to make required payments.  Factors such as historical-loss experience, recoveries and economic conditions are considered in determining the sufficiency of the allowance to cover potential losses.  Our trade receivables balance was $13,796,000 , net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,120,000 , as of December 31, 2014 .  As of December 31, 2013 , our trade receivables balance was $13,019,000 , net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,937,000 .
 
Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets
 
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 740,  Income Taxes , we review the nature of each component of our deferred income taxes for the ability to realize the future tax benefits.  As part of this review, we rely on the objective evidence of our current performance and the subjective evidence of estimates of our forecast of future operations.  Our estimates of realizability are subject to a high degree of judgment since they include such forecasts of future operations.  After consideration of all available positive and negative evidence and estimates, we have determined that it is more likely than not that we will not realize the tax benefits associated with our United States deferred tax assets and certain foreign deferred tax assets, and as such, we have a valuation allowance which totaled $63,214,000 and $42,518,000 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

Valuation of Goodwill
 
As of December 31, 2014 , we had goodwill of $527,502,000 , which represents approximately 24% of total assets.  Goodwill was recorded in connection with the Monitronics and Security Networks acquisitions.  The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350,  Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC Topic 350”).  In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually.
 
To the extent necessary, recoverability of goodwill for the reporting unit is measured using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement . The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.
 
We perform our annual goodwill impairment analysis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.  In the event that we are not able to achieve expected cash flow levels, or other factors indicate that goodwill is impaired, we may need to write off all or part of our goodwill, which would adversely impact our operating results and financial position.


34

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
As of December 31, 2014 , we have variable interest rate debt with principal amounts of $968,799,000 .  As a result, we have exposure to changes in interest rates related to these debt obligations.  Monitronics uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure related to the movement in interest rates.  As of December 31, 2014 , we have four outstanding derivatives with a net liability fair value of $4,657,000 .  The derivatives are designated as hedges and were entered into with the intention of reducing the risk associated with variable interest rates on the debt obligations.  We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
 
Tabular Presentation of Interest Rate Risk
 
The table below provides information about our debt obligations and derivative financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rate swaps are presented at fair value and by maturity date. Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date.

 
 
As of December 31, 2014
Year of Maturity
 
Fixed Rate
Derivative
Instruments,
net (a)
 
Variable Rate
Debt
 
Fixed Rate
  Debt
 
Total
 
 
Amounts in thousands
2015
 
$
—

 
9,166

 
—

 
9,166

2016
 
—

 
9,166

 
—

 
9,166

2017
 
—

 
79,667

 
—

 
79,667

2018
 
4,657

 
870,800

 
—

 
875,457

2019
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

2020
 
—

 
—

 
688,500

 
688,500

Thereafter
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Total
 
$
4,657

 
968,799

 
688,500

 
1,661,956

 
(a)          The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include four interest rate swaps, all with a maturity date of March 23, 2018.  The terms of the Company’s outstanding swap derivative instruments as of December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Notional
 
Effective Date
 
Fixed
Rate Paid
 
Variable Rate Received
$
534,875,000

 
March 28, 2013
 
1.884%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
141,737,500

 
March 28, 2013
 
1.384%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
110,804,020

 
September 30, 2013
 
1.959%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
111,804,020

 
September 30, 2013
 
1.850%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
 
(a)  
On March 25, 2013, Monitronics negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in March 2012 (the "Existing Swap Agreements"), to coincide with the Repricing (as amended, the “Amended Swaps”).  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, Monitronics simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation will be recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
Our consolidated financial statements are filed under this Item, beginning on page 39 .  The financial statement schedules required by Regulation S-X are filed under Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

35
Table of Contents


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its chairman, president and principal accounting officer (the “Executives”), of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on that evaluation, the Executives concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2014 to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in its reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.
 
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified during the three months ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
Ascent Capital’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company’s financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (3) provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (4) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
 
Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate.
 
The Company assessed the design and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 .  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) .
 
Based upon our assessment using the criteria contained in COSO, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2014 , Ascent Capital’s internal control over financial reporting is effectively designed and operating effectively.
 
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 has been audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements.  Their report appears on next page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.


36
Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:
 
We have audited Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
 
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 
In our opinion, Ascent Capital Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
 
February 27, 2015
 

37

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Ascent Capital Group Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 27, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
 
 
Dallas, Texas
 
February 27, 2015
 


38

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Amounts in thousands, except share amounts
 
As of December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,612

 
$
44,701

Restricted cash
18

 
40

Marketable securities, at fair value
122,593

 
129,496

Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,120 in 2014 and $1,937 in 2013
13,796

 
13,019

Deferred income tax assets, net
6,346

 
7,128

Income taxes receivable
—

 
7

Prepaid and other current assets
8,546

 
8,400

Assets held for sale
18,935

 
1,231

Total current assets
182,846

 
204,022

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $30,030 in 2014 and $35,528 in 2013
36,010

 
56,528

Subscriber accounts, net of accumulated amortization of $736,824 in 2014 and $503,497 in 2013
1,373,630

 
1,340,954

Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $54,077 in 2014 and $34,297 in 2013
44,855

 
64,635

Goodwill
527,502

 
527,502

Other assets, net
27,520

 
32,152

Total assets
$
2,192,363

 
$
2,225,793

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
6,781

 
$
7,096

Accrued payroll and related liabilities
4,077

 
3,602

Other accrued liabilities
30,727

 
34,431

Deferred revenue
14,945

 
14,379

Holdback liability
19,046

 
19,758

Current portion of long-term debt
9,166

 
9,166

Liabilities of discontinued operations
6,401

 
7,136

Total current liabilities
91,143

 
95,568

Non-current liabilities:
 

 
 

Long-term debt
1,618,324

 
1,572,098

Long-term holdback liability
5,156

 
6,698

Derivative financial instruments
5,780

 
2,013

Deferred income tax liability, net
15,875

 
16,851

Other liabilities
16,397

 
17,808

Total liabilities
1,752,675

 
1,711,036

Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 

 
 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued
—

 
—

Series A common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,162,095 and 13,672,674 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
132

 
137

Series B common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 384,086 and 384,212 shares at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively
4

 
4

Series C common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; no shares issued
—

 
—

Additional paid-in capital
1,441,291

 
1,470,056

Accumulated deficit
(994,931
)
 
(957,179
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net
(6,808
)
 
1,739

Total stockholders’ equity
439,688

 
514,757

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
2,192,363

 
$
2,225,793

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

39
Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts

 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Net revenue
$
539,449

 
451,033

 
344,953

 
Operating expenses:
 

 
 

 
 
 
Cost of services
94,713

 
74,136

 
49,978

 
Selling, general, and administrative, including stock-based compensation
102,109

 
92,002

 
73,868

 
Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
253,403

 
208,760

 
163,468

 
Depreciation
10,145

 
8,941

 
8,404

 
Restructuring charges
952

 
1,111

 
—

 
Gain on disposal of operating assets, net
(71
)
 
(5,473
)
 
(8,670
)
 
Loss on pension plan settlements
—

 
—

 
6,571

 
Impairment of assets held for sale
—

 
—

 
1,692

 
 
461,251

 
379,477

 
295,311

 
Operating income
78,198

 
71,556

 
49,642

 
Other income (expense), net:
 

 
 

 
 
 
Interest income
3,590

 
3,752

 
4,011

 
Interest expense
(117,464
)
 
(95,836
)
 
(71,467
)
 
Realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments
—

 
—

 
(2,044
)
 
Refinancing expense
—

 
—

 
(6,245
)
 
Other income, net
1,648

 
2,198

 
3,696

 
 
(112,226
)
 
(89,886
)
 
(72,049
)
 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(34,028
)
 
(18,330
)
 
(22,407
)
 
Income tax expense from continuing operations
(3,420
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(2,594
)
 
Net loss from continuing operations
(37,448
)
 
(21,600
)
 
(25,001
)
 
Discontinued operations:
 

 
 

 
 
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
(304
)
 
169

 
(3,742
)
 
Income tax expense from discontinued operations
—

 
(40
)
 
(606
)
 
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
(304
)
 
129

 
(4,348
)
 
Net loss
(37,752
)
 
(21,471
)
 
(29,349
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
 

 
 

 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(382
)
 
121

 
256

 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on marketable securities, net
(3,286
)
 
(1,169
)
 
2,543

 
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative contracts, net
(4,879
)
 
12,317

 
(12,243
)
 
Pension liability adjustment
—

 
—

 
4,690

 
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(8,547
)
 
11,269

 
(4,754
)
 
Comprehensive loss
$
(46,299
)
 
(10,202
)
 
(34,103
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
 

 
 

 
 
 
Continuing operations
$
(2.75
)
 
(1.55
)
 
(1.78
)
 
Discontinued operations
(0.02
)
 
0.01

 
(0.31
)
 
Net loss
$
(2.77
)
 
(1.54
)
 
(2.09
)
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

40
Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Amounts in thousands
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(37,752
)
 
(21,471
)
 
(29,349
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 

 
 
Loss (earnings) from discontinued operations, net of income tax
304

 
(129
)
 
4,348

Amortization of subscriber accounts, dealer network and other intangible assets
253,403

 
208,760

 
163,468

Depreciation
10,145

 
8,941

 
8,404

Stock-based compensation
7,164

 
8,174

 
5,298

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
(192
)
 
203

 
436

Gain on disposal of operating assets, net
(71
)
 
(5,473
)
 
(8,670
)
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
—

 
—

 
(6,793
)
Refinancing expense
—

 
—

 
6,245

Long-term debt amortization
4,392

 
2,302

 
4,473

Loss on pension plan settlements
—

 
—

 
6,571

Impairment of assets held for sale
—

 
—

 
1,692

Other non-cash activity, net
12,242

 
11,028

 
9,066

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 
Trade receivables
(8,926
)
 
(8,165
)
 
(5,778
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
62

 
8,638

 
(3,579
)
Payables and other liabilities
(5,862
)
 
(525
)
 
3,930

Operating activities from discontinued operations, net
(1,039
)
 
(50
)
 
(12,972
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
233,870

 
212,233

 
146,790

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
Capital expenditures
(7,769
)
 
(9,939
)
 
(6,076
)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired
(268,160
)
 
(234,914
)
 
(304,665
)
Cash paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired
—

 
(478,738
)
 
—

Purchases of marketable securities
(4,603
)
 
(21,770
)
 
(99,667
)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities
7,842

 
33,415

 
—

Decrease in restricted cash
22

 
2,600

 
55,963

Proceeds from the disposal of operating assets
241

 
12,886

 
17,280

Other investing activities
(436
)
 
(100
)
 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(272,863
)
 
(696,560
)
 
(337,165
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

 
 
Proceeds from long-term debt
169,000

 
639,075

 
1,277,900

Payments on long-term debt
(127,166
)
 
(138,048
)
 
(1,133,387
)
Payments of financing costs
—

 
(11,136
)
 
(46,721
)
Stock option exercises
804

 
171

 
327

Purchases and retirement of common stock
(35,734
)
 
(33,436
)
 
(12,880
)
Bond hedge and warrant transactions, net
—

 
(6,107
)
 
—

Other financing activities
—

 
87

 
—

Net cash provided by financing activities
$
6,904

 
450,606

 
85,239

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(32,089
)
 
(33,721
)
 
(105,136
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
44,701

 
78,422

 
183,558

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
12,612

 
44,701

 
78,422


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

41
Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity
Amounts in thousands
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
Accumulated
Other
 
Total
 
Preferred
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-in
 
Accumulated
 
Comprehensive
 
Stockholders’
 
Stock
 
Series A
 
Series B
 
Series C
 
Capital
 
Deficit
 
Income (Loss)
 
Equity
Balance at December 31,2011
$
—

 
$
135

 
$
7

 
$
—

 
$
1,461,671

 
$
(906,359
)
 
$
(4,776
)
 
$
550,678

Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(29,349
)
 
—

 
(29,349
)
Other comprehensive loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(4,754
)
 
(4,754
)
Stock awards and option exercises
—

 
1

 
—

 
—

 
326

 
—

 
—

 
327

Purchases and retirement of common stock
—

 
(2
)
 
—

 
—

 
(12,878
)
 
—

 
—

 
(12,880
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,298

 
—

 
—

 
5,298

Value of shares withheld for tax liability
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(717
)
 
—

 
—

 
(717
)
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
—

 
$
134

 
$
7

 
$
—

 
$
1,453,700

 
$
(935,708
)
 
$
(9,530
)
 
$
508,603

Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(21,471
)
 
—

 
(21,471
)
Other comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
11,269

 
11,269

Stock issued as considerations for the Security Networks Acquisition
—

 
3

 
—

 
—

 
18,720

 
—

 
—

 
18,723

Stock awards and option exercises
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
171

 
—

 
—

 
171

Purchases and retirement of common stock
—

 
—

 
(3
)
 
—

 
(33,433
)
 
—

 
—

 
(33,436
)
Value of beneficial conversion option on the issuance of 4.00% Convertible Notes, net of the equity component of debt issuance costs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
29,857

 
—

 
—

 
29,857

Bond hedge and warrant transactions, net
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(6,107
)
 
—

 
—

 
(6,107
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
8,174

 
—

 
—

 
8,174

Value of shares withheld for tax liability
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,026
)
 
—

 
—

 
(1,026
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
—

 
$
137

 
$
4

 
$
—

 
$
1,470,056

 
$
(957,179
)
 
$
1,739

 
$
514,757

Net loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(37,752
)
 
—

 
(37,752
)
Other comprehensive loss
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(8,547
)
 
(8,547
)
Stock awards and option exercises
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
804

 
—

 
—

 
804

Purchases and retirement of common stock
—

 
(5
)
 
—

 
—

 
(35,729
)
 
—

 
—

 
(35,734
)
Stock-based compensation
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,894

 
—

 
—

 
6,894

Value of shares withheld for tax liability
—

 
 
 
—

 
—

 
(734
)
 
—

 
—

 
(734
)
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
—

 
$
132

 
$
4

 
$
—

 
$
1,441,291

 
$
(994,931
)
 
$
(6,808
)
 
$
439,688

 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

42
Table of Contents

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(1)      Basis of Presentation
 
On July 7, 2011, Ascent Media Corporation merged with its direct wholly owned subsidiary, Ascent Capital Group, Inc., for the purpose of changing its name to Ascent Capital Group, Inc. The accompanying Ascent Capital Group, Inc. (“Ascent Capital” or the “Company”) consolidated financial statements represent the financial position and results of operations of Ascent Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries.  Monitronics International, Inc. (“Monitronics”) is the primary, wholly owned, operating subsidiary of the Company.  On August 16, 2013, Monitronics acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks LLC (“Security Networks”) and certain affiliated entities (the “Security Networks Acquisition”). Monitronics provides security alarm monitoring and related services to residential and business subscribers throughout the United States and parts of Canada.  Monitronics monitors signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems installed by independent dealers at subscribers’ premises.
 
The consolidated financial statements contained in this Annual Report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for all periods presented.

The Company has reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period's presentation.

(2)    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Consolidation Principles
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its majority owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
The Company considers investments with original purchased maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
 
Restricted Cash
 
Restricted cash is cash that is restricted for a specific purpose and cannot be included in the cash and cash equivalents account.
 
Trade Receivables
 
Trade receivables consist primarily of amounts due from customers for recurring monthly monitoring services over a wide geographical base.  Monitronics performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the accounts that are acquired.  Monitronics has established an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of subscribers to make required payments.  Factors such as historical-loss experience, recoveries and economic conditions are considered in determining the sufficiency of the allowance to cover potential losses.  The allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $2,120,000 and $1,937,000 , respectively.

A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Balance
Beginning
  of Year
 
Charged
  to Expense
 
Write-Offs
and Other
 
Balance
  End of
  Year
2014
$
1,937

 
8,149

 
(7,966
)
 
2,120

2013
$
1,436

 
7,342

 
(6,841
)
 
1,937

2012
$
1,815

 
5,860

 
(6,239
)
 
1,436

 

43

Concentration of Credit Risk
 
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.  Monitronics performs extensive credit evaluations on the portfolios of subscriber accounts prior to acquisition and requires no collateral on the subscriber accounts that are acquired.  Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable are generally limited due to the large number of subscribers comprising Monitronics’ customer base.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
Fair values of cash equivalents, current accounts receivable and current accounts payable approximate the carrying amounts because of their short-term nature.  For information related to the fair value of the Company’s convertible senior notes, see note 10, Long-Term Debt , below. The Company’s other debt instruments are recorded at amortized cost on the consolidated balance sheet.  See note 12, Fair Value Measurements , for further fair value information around the Company’s debt instruments.
 
Investments
 
All investments in marketable securities held by the Company are classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) and are carried at fair value generally based on quoted market prices.  The Company records unrealized changes in the fair value of AFS securities in Accumulated other comprehensive loss on the consolidated balance sheets.  When these investments are sold, the gain or loss realized on the sale is recorded in Other income, net in the consolidated statements of operations.
 
Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment are carried at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the term of the underlying lease. Estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows:
Buildings
 
20 years
Leasehold improvements
 
15 years or lease term, if shorter
Machinery and equipment
 
5 - 7 years
Computer systems and software (included in Machinery and Equipment in note 7, Property and Equipment )
 
3 - 5 years
 
Management reviews the realizability of its property and equipment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In evaluating the value and future benefits of long-term assets, their carrying value is compared to management’s best estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining economic life. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  If necessary, the Company would use both the income approach and market approach to estimate fair value.

Subscriber Accounts
 
Subscriber accounts relate to the cost of acquiring monitoring service contracts from independent dealers.  The subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics and the Security Networks acquisitions were recorded at fair value under the acquisition method of accounting.  All other acquired subscriber accounts are recorded at cost.  All direct external costs associated with the creation of subscriber accounts, including new subscriber contracts obtained in connection with a subscriber move, are capitalized.  Internal costs, including all personnel and related support costs, incurred solely in connection with subscriber account acquisitions and transitions are expensed as incurred.
 
The costs of subscriber accounts acquired in the Monitronics and the Security Networks acquisitions, as well as certain accounts acquired in bulk purchases, are amortized using the 14 -year 235% declining balance method.  The costs of all other subscriber accounts are amortized using the 15 -year 220% declining balance method, beginning in the month following the date of acquisition.  The amortization methods were selected to provide an approximate matching of the amortization of the subscriber accounts intangible asset to estimated future subscriber revenues based on the projected lives of individual subscriber contracts.  Amortization of subscriber accounts was $233,327,000 , $195,010,000 and $153,388,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.
 

44

Based on subscriber accounts held at December 31, 2014 , estimated amortization of subscriber accounts in the succeeding five fiscal years ending December 31 is as follows (amounts in thousands):
2015
$
217,469

2016
$
182,768

2017
$
153,602

2018
$
129,063

2019
$
108,549

 
The Company reviews the subscriber accounts for impairment or a change in amortization method and period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable or the life should be shortened.  For purposes of recognition and measurement of an impairment loss, the Company views subscriber accounts as a single pool because of the assets’ homogeneous characteristics, and the pool of subscriber accounts is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of the other assets and liabilities.
 
Dealer Network and Other Intangible Assets
 
Dealer network is an intangible asset that relates to the dealer relationships that were acquired as part of the Monitronics Acquisition and the Security Networks Acquisition.  Other intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements signed by the seller of Security Networks and certain key Security Networks executives.  These intangible assets will be amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of five years.  Amortization of dealer network and other intangible assets was $19,780,000 , $13,717,000 and $10,080,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.
 
The Company reviews the dealer network and other intangible assets for impairment or a change in amortization period whenever events or changes indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable or the lives should be shortened.
 
Goodwill
 
The Company accounts for its goodwill pursuant to the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350,  Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (“FASB ASC Topic 350”).  In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, goodwill is not amortized, but rather tested for impairment at least annually.
 
The Company assesses the recoverability of the carrying value of goodwill during the fourth quarter of its fiscal year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the goodwill of a reporting unit may not be fully recoverable. Recoverability is measured at the reporting unit level based on the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 350.
 
To the extent necessary, recoverability of goodwill at a reporting unit level is measured using a discounted cash flow model incorporating discount rates commensurate with the risks involved, which is classified as a Level 3 measurement under FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying value, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. When the recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Company will calculate an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there is no impairment. If the carrying value of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying value. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying value of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the reporting unit may require additional impairment testing.
 
Deferred Financing Costs
 
Deferred financing costs are capitalized when the related debt is issued or when revolving credit lines increase the borrowing capacity of the Company.  Deferred financing costs are amortized over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method.
 

45

Holdback Liability
 
The Company typically withholds payment of a designated percentage of the acquisition cost when it acquires subscriber accounts from dealers.  The withheld funds are recorded as a liability until the guarantee period provided by the dealer has expired.  The holdback is used as a reserve to cover any terminated subscriber accounts that are not replaced by the dealer during the guarantee period.  At the end of the guarantee period, the dealer is responsible for any deficit or is paid the balance of the holdback.
 
Derivative Financial Instruments
 
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to manage exposure to movement in interest rates. The use of these financial instruments modifies the exposure of these risks with the intention of reducing the risk or cost. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. The Company recognizes the fair value of all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is based on market quotes for similar instruments with the same duration. For derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging , unrealized gains and losses on the derivative instruments are reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), to the extent the hedges are effective, until the underlying transactions are recognized in earnings.  Derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are marked to market at the end of each accounting period with the change in fair value recorded in earnings.
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
The functional currencies of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are their respective local currencies. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using exchange rates on the balance sheet date, and revenue and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars using average exchange rates for the period. The effects of the foreign currency translation adjustments are deferred and are included in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
 
Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue is generated from security alarm monitoring and related services provided by Monitronics and its subsidiaries.  Revenue related to alarm monitoring services is recognized ratably over the life of the contract.  Revenue related to maintenance and other services is recognized as the services are rendered.  Deferred revenue includes payments for monitoring services to be provided in future periods.
 
Income Taxes
 
The Company accounts for income taxes under FASB ASC Topic 740,  Income Taxes (“FASB ASC Topic 740”), which prescribes an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements or tax returns. In estimating future tax consequences, the Company generally considers all expected future events other than proposed changes in the tax law or rates. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.  Income tax expense is the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.
 
FASB ASC Topic 740 specifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  In instances where the Company has taken or expects to take a tax position in its tax return and the Company believes it is more likely than not that such tax position will be upheld by the relevant taxing authority, the Company records the benefits of such tax position in its consolidated financial statements.
 
Stock-Based Compensation
 
The Company accounts for stock-based awards pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”), which requires companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments (such as stock options and restricted stock) based on the grant-date fair value of the award, and to recognize that cost over the period during which the employee is required to provide service (usually the vesting period of the award).
 

46

The grant-date fair value of the Ascent Capital stock options granted to the Company’s employees was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. The expected term of the awards was calculated using the simplified method included in FASB ASC Topic 718. The volatility used in the calculation is based on the historical volatility of peer companies and the risk-free rate is based on Treasury Bonds with a term similar to that of the subject options.  A dividend rate of zero was utilized for all granted stock options.
 
Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share — Series A and Series B
 
Basic earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of Series A and Series B common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of Series A and Series B common shares outstanding and the effect of dilutive securities, including the Company’s outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock, convertible notes and warrant transactions using the treasury stock method.
 
For the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , diluted EPS is computed the same as basic EPS because the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations, which would make potentially dilutive securities antidilutive.  Diluted shares outstanding excluded 1,492,531 stock options and unvested restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2014 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  Diluted shares outstanding excluded 1,524,539 stock options and unvested restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2013 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.  Diluted shares outstanding excluded 1,170,425 stock options, unvested restricted shares and rights to acquire restricted shares for the year ended December 31, 2012 , because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Weighted average Series A and Series B shares
13,611,264

 
13,926,832

 
14,026,102

 
Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenue and expenses for each reporting period.  The significant estimates made in preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of goodwill, other intangible assets, long-lived assets, deferred tax assets, convertible debt arrangements, derivative financial instruments, and the amount of the allowance for doubtful accounts. These estimates are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors and adjusts them when facts and circumstances change. As the effects of future events cannot be determined with any certainty, actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
For the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , net cash paid for income taxes was $2,718,000 , $2,464,000 and $2,048,000 , respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , net cash paid for interest was $106,535,000 , $88,252,000 and $52,327,000 , respectively.

(3)      Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Updated ("ASU") 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosure of Disposals of Components of an Entity. The update raises the threshold for disposals to qualify as discontinued operations, expands the disclosures related to individually material disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. The ASU is effective for annual periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2014 and interim periods within that year. The Company does not expect the impact of adopting this ASU to be material to the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . Under the update, revenue will be recognized based on a five-step model. The core principle of the model is that revenue will be recognized when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers is made in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning

47

after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this ASU will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
 
(4)    Security Networks Acquisition
 
On August 16, 2013 (the “Closing Date”), Monitronics acquired all of the equity interests of Security Networks and certain affiliated entities.  The purchase price (the “Security Networks Purchase Price”) of $500,557,000 consisted of $481,834,000 in cash and 253,333 shares of Ascent Capital’s Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, with a Closing Date fair value of $18,723,000 .  The Security Networks Purchase Price includes post-closing adjustments of $1,057,000 .
 
The Security Networks Acquisition was accounted for as a business combination utilizing the acquisition method in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations ("FASB ASC Topic 805").  Under the acquisition method of accounting, the Security Networks Purchase Price has been allocated to Security Networks’ tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimates of fair value. In connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, the Company recognized goodwill of $177,289,000 .
 
The Company’s 2013 Form 10-K included an initial allocation of the purchase price based on preliminary data. Subsequent to filing the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K, an adjustment was made to increase goodwill by $989,000 , which is reflected in the revised December 31, 2013 consolidated balance sheet in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805. The increase to goodwill was related to adjustments to the deferred income tax liabilities acquired as a result of obtaining Security Networks' final short period federal and state income tax returns for 2013, which were filed in the second quarter of 2014. The increase to the acquired deferred income tax liabilities for this adjustments resulted in a $936,000 reduction in Monitronics' valuation allowance. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, the corresponding decrease in income tax expense from continuing operations related to the reduction in valuation allowance has been retrospectively applied to the revised year ended December 31, 2013 consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

The following table includes unaudited pro-forma information for the Company, which includes the historical operating results of Security Networks prior to ownership by the Company. This pro-forma information gives effect to certain adjustments, including increased amortization to reflect the fair value assigned to the subscriber accounts and dealer network and other intangible assets acquired and increased interest expense relating to the debt transactions entered into to fund the Security Networks Acquisition. The pro-forma results assume that the Security Networks Acquisition and the debt transactions had occurred on January 1, 2012 for all periods presented. They are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been made at the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future.
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(amounts in thousands,
except per share amounts)
As reported:
 
 
 
Net revenue (a)
$
451,033

 
$
344,953

Net loss from continuing operations (c)
(21,600
)
 
(25,001
)
Basic and diluted net loss from continuing operations per share
$
(1.55
)
 
$
(1.78
)
 
 
 
 
Supplemental pro-forma:
 
 
 
Net revenue (b)
$
515,792

 
$
420,716

Net loss from continuing operations (c)
(36,303
)
 
(79,449
)
Basic and diluted net loss from continuing operations per share
$
(2.58
)
 
$
(5.56
)
 
(a)  
  As reported net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
(b)  
Pro-forma net revenue for the year ended December 31, 2012 reflects the negative impact of a $2,715,000 fair value adjustment that reduced deferred revenue acquired in the Security Networks Acquisition.
(c)
As reported net loss from continuing operations and the pro-forma net loss from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 include non-recurring acquisition costs incurred by Monitronics of $2,470,000 .



48

(5)      Investments in Marketable Securities
 
Ascent Capital owns marketable securities primarily consisting of diversified corporate bond funds. The following table presents the activity of these investments, which have all been classified as available-for-sale securities (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
129,496

 
142,587

Purchases at cost basis
4,603

 
21,770

Sales at cost basis (a)
(8,220
)
 
(33,692
)
Realized and unrealized losses, net
(3,286
)
 
(1,169
)
Ending balance
$
122,593

 
129,496

 
(a)          For the year ended December 31, 2014 , total proceeds from the sale of marketable securities were $7,842,000 resulting in a loss of $378,000 . For the year ended December 31, 2013 , total proceeds from the sale of marketable securities were $33,415,000 resulting in a loss of $277,000 .

The following table presents the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets for unrealized and realized gains and losses of the investments in marketable securities (amounts in thousands): 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
 

Beginning Balance
$
1,498

 
2,667

Unrealized losses, net of income tax of $0
(3,664
)
 
(1,446
)
Realized losses recognized into earnings, net of income tax of $0 (a)
378

 
277

Ending Balance
$
(1,788
)
 
1,498

 
(a)          The realized losses of sales of marketable securities for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are included in Other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

(6)    Assets Held for Sale

In 2014, the Company reclassified $17,704,000 of land and building, net of accumulated depreciation, to Assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. At December 31, 2014 , the Company has $18,935,000 classified as assets held for sale on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company currently expects to complete the sale of these real estate properties during the next twelve months.

(7)    Property and Equipment
 
Property and equipment consist of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
As of December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Property and equipment, net:
 

 
 

Land
$
9,007

 
21,644

Buildings and leasehold improvements
12,566

 
31,423

Machinery and equipment
44,467

 
38,989

 
66,040

 
92,056

Accumulated depreciation
(30,030
)
 
(35,528
)
 
$
36,010

 
56,528

 
Depreciation expense for property and equipment was $10,145,000 , $8,941,000 and $8,404,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.


49

(8)    Goodwill
 
The following table provides the activity and balances of goodwill (amounts in thousands):
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
350,213

Security Networks Acquisition
177,289

Balance at December 31, 2013
527,502

Period activity
—

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
527,502

 
In connection with the Company’s 2014 annual goodwill impairment analysis, the Company did no t record an impairment loss related to goodwill as the estimated fair value the Company’s reporting unit exceeded the carrying value of the underlying assets.

(9)      Other Accrued Liabilities
 
Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Interest payable
$
15,594

 
$
15,455

Income taxes payable
3,577

 
2,744

Legal accrual
872

 
1,378

Other
10,684

 
14,854

Total Other accrued liabilities
$
30,727

 
$
34,431


(10)    Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
December 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020
$
77,531

 
$
74,189

Monitronics 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020
585,251

 
585,282

Monitronics term loans, mature March 23, 2018, LIBOR plus 3.25%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)
894,208

 
902,293

Monitronics $225 million revolving credit facility, matures December 22, 2017, LIBOR plus 3.75%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% (a)
70,500

 
19,500

 
1,627,490

 
1,581,264

Less current portion of long-term debt
(9,166
)
 
(9,166
)
Long-term debt
$
1,618,324

 
$
1,572,098

 
(a)          The interest rate on the term loan and the revolving credit facility was LIBOR plus 4.25% , subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.25% , until March 25, 2013.

Convertible Notes
 
On July 17, 2013, Ascent Capital issued $103,500,000 in aggregate principal amount of 4.00% convertible senior notes due July 15, 2020 (the “Convertible Notes”) in an offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  The Convertible Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash, shares of Series A Common Stock or any combination thereof at Ascent Capital’s election. The Convertible Notes mature on July 15, 2020 and bear interest at a rate per annum of 4.00% .  Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year.
 
Holders of the Convertible Notes (“Noteholders”) have the right, at their option, to convert all or any portion of such Convertible Notes, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, at an initial conversion rate of 9.7272 shares of Series A Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes (subject to adjustment in certain situations), which

50

represents an initial conversion price per share of Series A Common Stock of approximately $102.804 (the “Conversion Price”).  Ascent Capital is entitled to settle any such conversion by delivery of cash, shares of Series A Common Stock or any combination thereof at Ascent’s election. In addition, Noteholders have the right to submit Convertible Notes for conversion, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, in the event of certain corporate transactions.
 
In the event of a fundamental change (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes) at any time prior to the maturity date, each Noteholder shall have the right, at such Noteholder’s option, to require Ascent Capital to repurchase for cash any or all of such Noteholder’s Convertible Notes on the repurchase date specified by Ascent Capital at a repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, together with accrued and unpaid interest, including unpaid additional interest, if any, unless the repurchase date occurs after an interest record date and on or prior to the related interest payment date, as specified in the indenture.
 
The Convertible Notes are within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 470 Subtopic 20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (“FASB ASC 470-20”), and as such are required to be separated into a liability and equity component. The carrying amount of the liability component is calculated by measuring the fair value of a similar liability (including any embedded features other than the conversion option) that does not have an associated conversion option. The carrying amount of the equity component is determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the initial proceeds ascribed to the Convertible Notes as a whole. The excess of the principal amount of the liability component over its carrying amount, treated as a debt discount, is amortized to interest cost over the expected life of a similar liability that does not have an associated conversion option using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification as prescribed in FASB ASC 815 Subtopic 40, Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity (“FASB ASC 815-40”).  Accordingly, upon issuance, the Company estimated fair value of the liability component as $72,764,000 , with the remaining excess amount of $30,736,000 allocated to the equity component.

The Convertible Notes are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
As of
December 31,
2014
 
As of
December 31,
2013
Principal
$
103,500

 
$
103,500

Unamortized discount
(25,969
)
 
(29,311
)
Carrying value
$
77,531

 
$
74,189

 
The Company is using an effective interest rate of 10.0% to calculate the accretion of the debt discount, which is being recorded as interest expense over the expected remaining term to maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The Company recognized contractual interest expense of $4,140,000 and $1,897,500 on the Convertible Notes for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.  The Company amortized $3,342,000 and $1,425,000 of the Convertible Notes debt discount into interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 , respectively.
 
Hedging Transactions Relating to the Offering of the Convertible Notes
 
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Ascent Capital entered into separate privately negotiated purchased call options (the “Bond Hedge Transactions”).  The Bond Hedge Transactions require the counterparties to offset Series A Common Stock deliverable or cash payments made by Ascent Capital upon conversion of the Convertible Notes in the event that the volume-weighted average price of the Series A Common Stock on each trading day of the relevant valuation period is greater than the strike price of $102.804 , which corresponds to the Conversion Price of the Convertible Notes.  The Bond Hedge Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 1,007,000 shares of Series A Common Stock, which is equivalent to the number of shares initially issuable upon conversion of the Convertible Notes, and are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to the Series A Common Stock, and/or offset potential cash payments Ascent Capital is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes upon conversion.
 
Concurrently with the Bond Hedge Transactions, Ascent Capital also entered into separate privately negotiated warrant transactions with each of the call option counterparties (the “Warrant Transactions”).  The warrants are European options, and are exercisable in tranches on consecutive trading days starting after the maturity of the Convertible Notes.  The warrants cover the same initial number of shares of Series A Common Stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, as the Bond Hedge Transactions.  The Warrant Transactions require Ascent Capital to deliver Series A Common Stock or make cash payments to the counterparties on each expiration date with a value equal to the number of warrants exercisable on that date times the excess of the volume-weighted average price of the Series A Common Stock over the strike price of $118.62 , which effectively reflects a 50% conversion premium on the Convertible Notes.  As such, the Warrant Transactions may have a dilutive effect

51

with respect to the Common Stock to the extent the Warrant Transactions are settled with shares of Series A Common Stock. Ascent Capital may elect to settle its delivery obligation under the Warrant Transactions in cash.
 
The Bond Hedge Transactions and Warrant Transactions are separate transactions entered into by Ascent Capital, are not part of the terms of the Convertible Notes and will not affect the Noteholders’ rights under the Convertible Notes.  The Noteholders will not have any rights with respect to the Bond Hedge Transactions or the Warrant Transactions.
 
Ascent Capital purchased the bond hedge call option for $20,318,000 and received $14,211,000 in proceeds from the sale of the warrants, resulting in a net cost for the Bond Hedge Transactions and the Warrant Transactions of $6,107,000 .  In accordance with FASB ASC 815-40, the fair value of the Bond Hedge and Warrant Transactions was recognized in Additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet.
 
Senior Notes
 
On July 17, 2013, Monitronics closed on a $175,000,000 privately placed debt offering of 9.125% Senior Notes (the “New Senior Notes”).  In December 2013, Monitronics completed an exchange of the New Senior Notes for identical securities in a registered offering under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
The New Senior Notes, together with the existing $410,000,000 of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2020 (collectively, the “Senior Notes”), total $585,000,000 in principal, mature on April 1, 2020 and bear interest at 9.125% per annum.  Interest payments are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year.
 
The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of Monitronics’ existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of Monitronics’ obligations under the Senior Notes.

In the third quarter of 2013, Ascent Capital purchased $5,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of Monitronics’ Senior Notes (“Ascent Acquired Senior Notes”).  As a result of this transaction, a loss of $200,000 was recognized for the premium paid upon purchasing the Ascent Acquired Senior Notes.  The loss is presented in Other income, net on the consolidated statements of operations and other comprehensive income (loss) for year ended December 31, 2013.  The Ascent Acquired Senior Notes were subsequently sold in the fourth quarter of 2013 for a gain of approximately $287,000 .  The gain was recorded as a premium on the Senior Notes on Ascent Capital’s balance sheet and will be amortized under the effective interest rate method as a credit to interest expense over the remaining maturity of the Monitronics’ Senior Notes.

Credit Facility
 
On March 25, 2013, Monitronics entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 2”) with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on November 7, 2012 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”).  Pursuant to Amendment No. 2, Monitronics repriced the interest rates applicable to the Existing Credit Agreement’s facility (the “Repricing”), which is comprised of the term loans and revolving credit facility noted in the table above. Concurrently with the Repricing, Monitronics extended the maturity of the revolving credit facility by nine months to December 22, 2017.
 
On August 16, 2013, in connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, Monitronics entered into a third amendment (“Amendment No. 3”) to the Existing Credit Agreement to provide for, among other things, (i) an increase in the commitments under the revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $75,000,000 , resulting in an aggregate principal amount of $225,000,000 , (ii) new term loans in an aggregate principal amount of $225,000,000 (the “Incremental Term Loans”) at a 0.5% discount and (iii) certain other amendments to the Existing Credit Agreement, each as set forth in Amendment No. 3 (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 2 and Amendment No. 3, the “Credit Facility”).
 
The Credit Facility term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.25% , subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% , and mature on March 23, 2018.  Principal payments of approximately $2,292,000 and interest on the term loans are due quarterly.  The Credit Facility revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.75% , subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00% , and matures on December 22, 2017.  There is an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on unused portions of the Credit Facility revolver.  As of December 31, 2014 , $154,500,000 is available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.
 
At any time after the occurrence of an event of default under the Credit Facility, the lenders may, among other options, declare any amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility immediately due and payable and terminate any commitment to make further loans under the Credit Facility.  In addition, failure to comply with restrictions contained in the Senior Notes could lead to an event of default under the Credit Facility.

52

 
The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of Monitronics and all of its existing subsidiaries and is guaranteed by all of Monitronics’ existing domestic subsidiaries.  Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of Monitronics’ obligations under the Credit Facility.
 
As of December 31, 2014 , the Company has deferred financing costs, net of accumulated amortization, of $22,675,000 related to the Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility. These costs are included in Other assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and will be amortized over the remaining term of the respective debt instruments using the effective-interest method.

In March of 2012, as a result of retiring Monitronics' former credit facility and securitization debt, and settling the derivative contracts related to this prior debt (the "2012 Refinancing"), the Company accelerated amortization of the securitization debt premium and certain deferred financing costs, and expensed certain other refinancing costs.  The components of the Refinancing expense, reflected in the consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as a component of Other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2012, are as follows (amounts in thousands): 
 
Year Ended December 31, 2012
 
 

Accelerated amortization of deferred financing costs
$
389

Accelerated amortization of securitization debt discount
6,679

Other refinancing costs
7,628

Gain on early termination of derivative instruments
(8,451
)
Total refinancing expense
$
6,245

 
In order to reduce the financial risk related to changes in interest rates associated with the floating rate term loans under the Credit Facility, Monitronics has entered into interest rate swap agreements with terms similar to the Credit Facility term loans.  On March 25, 2013, Monitronics negotiated amendments to the terms of its existing swap agreements to coincide with the Repricing.  In the third quarter of 2013, Monitronics entered into additional interest rate swap agreements in conjunction with the Incremental Term Loans (all outstanding interest rate swap agreements are collectively referred to as the “Swaps”).
 
The Swaps have a maturity date of March 23, 2018 to match the term of the Credit Facility term loans.  The Swaps have been designated as effective hedges of the Company’s variable rate debt and qualify for hedge accounting.  See note 11, Derivatives , for further disclosures related to these derivative instruments.  As a result of the Swaps, the interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans have been effectively converted from a variable rate to a weighted average fixed rate of 5.06% .
 
The terms of the Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility provide for certain financial and nonfinancial covenants.  As of December 31, 2014 , the Company was in compliance with all required covenants.

Principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations are as follows (amounts in thousands):
2015
$
9,166

2016
9,166

2017
79,667

2018
870,800

2019
—

2020
688,500

Thereafter
—

Total principal payments
$
1,657,299

Less:
 

Unamortized discounts and premium, net
29,809

Total debt on consolidated balance sheet
$
1,627,490

 

53

(11)    Derivatives
 
The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in Monitronics’ variable rate Credit Facility term loans.  The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatility. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  See note 12, Fair Value Measurements , for additional information about the credit valuation adjustments.

At December 31, 2014 , derivative financial instruments include one interest rate swap with a fair value of $1,123,000 , that constitutes an asset of the Company and three interest rate swaps with a fair value $5,780,000 that constitute a liability of the Company.  At December 31, 2013 , derivative financial instruments include one interest rate swap with a fair value of $2,495,000 , that constitute an asset of the Company and three interest rate swaps with a fair value $2,013,000 that constitute a liability of the Company.  The Swaps are included in Other assets, net and Derivative financial instruments on the consolidated balance sheets.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013 no amounts were offset for certain derivatives' fair value that were recognized under a master netting agreement with the same counterparty.
 
The objective of the swap derivative instruments was to reduce the risk associated with Monitronics’ term loan variable interest rates.  In effect, the swap derivative instruments convert variable interest rates into fixed interest rates on the Company’s term loan borrowings. 

All of the Swaps are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, with the effective portion of the Swaps' change in fair value recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).  Any ineffective portions of the Swaps' change in fair value are recognized in current earnings in Interest expense.  Changes in the fair value of the Swaps recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified to Interest expense when the hedged interest payments on the underlying debt are recognized.  Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized in Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $7,297,000 .
 
The Swaps’ outstanding notional balance as of December 31, 2014 and terms are noted below:
Notional
 
Effective Date
 
Fixed
Rate Paid
 
Variable Rate Received
$
534,875,000

 
March 28, 2013
 
1.884%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
141,737,500

 
March 28, 2013
 
1.384%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
110,804,020

 
September 30, 2013
 
1.959%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
111,804,020

 
September 30, 2013
 
1.850%
 
3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
 
(a)  
On March 25, 2013, Monitronics negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in March 2012 (the "Existing Swap Agreements"), to coincide with the Repricing (as amended, the “Amended Swaps”).  The Amended Swaps are held with the same counterparties as the Existing Swap Agreements.  Upon entering into the Amended Swaps, Monitronics simultaneously dedesignated the Existing Swap Agreements and redesignated the Amended Swaps as cash flow hedges for the underlying change in the swap terms.  The amounts previously recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) relating to the dedesignation will be recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.
 

54

The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
$
(12,560
)
 
7,014

 
(15,715
)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)
 
$
(7,681
)
 
(5,303
)
 
(3,472
)
Ineffective portion of amount of gain recognized into Net loss on interest rate swaps (a)
 
$
46

 
24

 
—

 
(a)          Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).

On March 23, 2012, in connection with the 2012 Refinancing, Monitronics terminated all of its previously outstanding derivative financial instruments and recorded a gain of $8,451,000 .  These derivative financial instruments were not designated as hedges.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the realized and unrealized loss on derivative financial instruments includes settlement payments of $8,837,000 partially offset by a $6,793,000 unrealized gain related to the change in the fair value of these derivatives prior to their termination in March 2012.

(12)    Fair Value Measurements
 
According to the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, fair value is defined as the amount that would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants and requires that assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in the following three categories:
 
•
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
•
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or inactive markets and valuations derived from models where all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
•
Level 3 - Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable in any market.
 
The following summarizes the fair value level of assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (amounts in thousands): 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
December 31, 2014
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (a)
$
8,492

 
—

 
—

 
8,492

Investments in marketable securities (b)
117,765

 
4,828

 
—

 
122,593

Derivative financial instruments - assets (c)
—

 
1,123

 
—

 
1,123

Derivative financial instruments - liabilities
—

 
(5,780
)
 
—

 
(5,780
)
Total
$
126,257

 
$
171

 
$
—

 
$
126,428

December 31, 2013
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Money market funds (a)
$
27,710

 
—

 
—

 
27,710

Investments in marketable securities (b)
124,921

 
4,575

 
—

 
129,496

Derivative financial instruments - assets (c)
—

 
2,495

 
—

 
2,495

Derivative financial instruments - liabilities
—

 
(2,013
)
 
—

 
(2,013
)
Total
$
152,631

 
$
5,057

 
$
—

 
$
157,688

 
(a)  
Included in cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.
(b)
Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.  The Level 2 security represents one investment in a corporate bond.  All investments are classified as available-for-sale securities.
(c)
  Included in Other assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

55

 
The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value the Swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.  The credit valuation adjustments associated with the derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by their counterparties.  As the counterparties have publicly available credit information, the credit spreads over LIBOR used in the calculations represent implied credit default swap spreads obtained from a third-party credit data provider.  As of December 31, 2014 , the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of the Swaps.  As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
 
Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Long term debt, including current portion:
 

 
 

Carrying value
$
1,627,490

 
$
1,581,264

Fair value (a)
1,590,809

 
1,667,671

 
(a)  
The fair value is based on valuations from third party financial institutions and is classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
 
Ascent Capital’s other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are carried at cost, which approximates their fair value because of their short-term maturity.
 
(13)    Restructuring Charges
 
In connection with the Security Networks Acquisition, management approved a restructuring plan to transition Security Networks’ operations in West Palm Beach and Kissimmee, Florida to Dallas, Texas (the “2013 Restructuring Plan”).  The 2013 Restructuring Plan provides certain employees with a severance package that entitles them to receive benefits upon completion of the transition in 2014.  Severance costs related to the 2013 Restructuring Plan were recognized ratably over the future service period.  During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 the Company recorded $952,000 and $1,111,000 , respectively, of restructuring charges related to employee termination benefits under the 2013 Restructuring Plan. The transition of Security Networks' operations to Dallas was completed in the second quarter of 2014.
 
In 2008 through 2010, the Company completed restructuring plans (the "2010 Restructuring Plans" and the “2008 Restructuring Plan”) to align the Company’s organization with its strategic goals and how it operated, managed and sold its services.  The 2010 Restructuring Plan included severance and retention costs in relation to Ascent's former media and entertainment businesses that were sold off in 2010 and the beginning of 2011. The 2008 Restructuring Plan included severance costs from labor cost mitigation measures undertaken across all of the former businesses and facility costs in conjunction with the consolidation of certain facilities in the United Kingdom and the closing of the Company’s Mexico operations. There were no restructuring charges recorded for both the 2010 Restructuring Plan and 2008 Restructuring Plan for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
 

56

The following tables provide the activity and balances of the Company’s restructuring plans (amounts in thousands):
 
December 31, 2013
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2014
2013 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Severance and retention
$
1,570

 
952

 
(2,388
)
 
—

 
134

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
141

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
141

     
 
December 31, 2012
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2013
2013 Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and retention
$
—

 
1,111

 
(33
)
 
492

(a)
1,570

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
141

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
141


 
December 31, 2011
 
Additions
 
Payments
 
Other
 
December 31, 2012
2010 Restructuring Plan
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and retention
$
1,886

 
—

 
(1,886
)
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008 Restructuring Plan
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Excess facility costs
$
236

 
—

 
(95
)
 
—

 
141

 
(a)          Amount was recorded upon the acquisition of Security Networks.

(14)    Income Taxes
 
Components of pretax income (loss) from continuing operations by jurisdiction are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Domestic
$
(34,383
)
 
(18,625
)
 
(22,727
)
Foreign
355

 
295

 
320

Loss from continuing operations before taxes
$
(34,028
)
 
(18,330
)
 
(22,407
)

The Company’s income tax benefit (expense) from continuing operations is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Current:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
$
—

 
—

 
89

State
(3,527
)
 
(2,953
)
 
(2,310
)
Foreign
(85
)
 
(114
)
 
63

 
(3,612
)
 
(3,067
)
 
(2,158
)
Deferred:
 

 
 

 
 

Federal
(3,292
)
 
3,343

 
(405
)
State
3,384

 
(3,596
)
 
(8
)
Foreign
100

 
50

 
(23
)
 
192

 
(203
)
 
(436
)
Total income tax expense from continuing operations
$
(3,420
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(2,594
)
 

57

Total income tax expense from continuing operations differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% as a result of the following (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Computed expected tax benefit
$
11,910

 
6,416

 
7,842

State and local income taxes, net of federal benefit
(93
)
 
(4,257
)
 
(1,507
)
Change in valuation allowance affecting income tax expense
(11,232
)
 
(2,345
)
 
(8,745
)
Income (expense) not resulting in tax impact
(694
)
 
(1,539
)
 
92

Tax amortization of indefinite-lived assets
(3,292
)
 
(1,481
)
 
(431
)
Other, net
(19
)
 
(64
)
 
155

Income tax expense
$
(3,420
)
 
(3,270
)
 
(2,594
)

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
As of December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current assets:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable reserves
$
1,301

 
1,224

Accrued liabilities
10,085

 
12,099

Total current deferred tax assets
11,386

 
13,323

Valuation allowance
(3,809
)
 
(3,766
)
 
7,577

 
9,557

Noncurrent assets:
 

 
 

Net operating loss carryforwards
162,994

 
135,863

Derivative financial instruments
1,682

 
—

Other
11,410

 
8,704

Total noncurrent deferred tax assets
176,086

 
144,567

Valuation allowance
(59,405
)
 
(38,752
)
 
116,681

 
105,815

Deferred tax assets, net
124,258

 
115,372

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Other
(1,231
)
 
(2,429
)
Noncurrent liabilities:
 
 
 

Intangible assets
(123,068
)
 
(110,654
)
Convertible notes
(9,388
)
 
(10,745
)
Property, plant and equipment
(100
)
 
(1,237
)
Other
—

 
(30
)
 
(132,556
)
 
(122,666
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(133,787
)
 
(125,095
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(9,529
)
 
(9,723
)
 
The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows (amounts in thousands): 
 
As of December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Current deferred income tax assets, net
$
6,346

 
7,128

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities, net
(15,875
)
 
(16,851
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(9,529
)
 
(9,723
)
 

58

For the year ended December 31, 2014 , the valuation allowance increased by $20,696,000 .  The change in the valuation allowance is attributable to an increase of $11,232,000 related to federal income tax expense, a decrease in deferred tax liabilities of $1,357,000 related to the Convertible Notes, an increase of $2,903,000 related to changes in the derivative and marketable securities fair values recorded in other comprehensive income and $5,204,000 of other adjustments to deferred taxes.
 
The excess tax benefits associated with the exercise of non-qualified stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards from the Company’s incentive plans, for 2014 and 2013 in the amount of $2,115,000 and $1,553,000 , respectively, did not reduce current income taxes payable and, accordingly, are not included in the deferred tax asset relating to net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. The 2014 amount is included with the federal and state NOL carryforwards disclosed below.
 
At December 31, 2014 , the Company has $450,132,000 , $71,819,000 and $81,790,000 in net operating loss carryforwards for federal, California and other state tax purposes, respectively.  The federal net operating losses expire at various times from 2025 through 2034.  The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire during the years 2015 through 2034.  Approximately $129,521,000 of the Company’s net operating losses are subject to IRC Section 382 limitations.  The Company has $1,064,000 of federal income tax credits, of which $638,000 will expire in 2018.  The Company also has $1,040,000 of state credits that will expire through year 2026.

As of December 31, 2014 , the 2011 to 2014 tax years remain open to examination by the IRS and the 2010 to 2014 tax years remain open to examination by certain state tax authorities.  The Company’s foreign tax returns subsequent to 2010 are open for review by the foreign taxing authorities.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of uncertain tax positions, which is recorded in other long term liabilities, is as follows (amounts in thousands):
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
As of the beginning of the year
$
247

 
247

 
410

Increases for tax positions of current years
4

 
—

 
—

Reductions for tax positions of prior years
(60
)
 
—

 
(163
)
As of the end of the year
$
191

 
247

 
247

 
When the tax law requires interest to be paid on an underpayment of income taxes, the Company recognizes interest expense from the first period the interest would begin accruing according to the relevant tax law. Any accrual of interest and penalties related to underpayment of income taxes on uncertain tax positions is included in Income tax expense from continuing operations in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2014 accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions were approximately $65,000 .  The Company does not expect a significant change in uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months.

(15)    Stock-based and Long-Term Compensation
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan
 
The Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan (the “2008 incentive plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on September 15, 2008.  The 2008 incentive plan is designed to provide additional compensation to certain employees and independent contractors for services rendered, to encourage their investment in Ascent Capital’s capital stock and to attract persons of exceptional ability to become officers and employees.  The number of individuals who receive awards under the 2008 incentive plan will vary from year to year and is not predictable.  Awards may be granted as non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, stock units, cash awards, performance awards or any combination of the foregoing (collectively, “awards”).  The maximum number of shares of Ascent Capital’s common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the 2008 incentive plan is 2,000,000 , subject to anti-dilution and other adjustment provisions of the incentive plan.  The base or exercise price of a stock option or stock appreciation right may not be less than fair market value on the day it is granted.
 

59

Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Non-Employee Director Incentive Plan
 
The Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Non-Employee Director Incentive Plan (the “2008 director incentive plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on September 15, 2008.  The 2008 director incentive plan is designed to provide additional compensation to the non-employee Board of Director members for services rendered and to encourage their investment in Ascent Capital’s capital stock.  Awards may be granted as non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, stock units, cash awards, performance awards or any combination of the foregoing (collectively, “awards”).  The maximum number of shares of Ascent Capital’s common stock with respect to which awards may be granted under the 2008 director incentive plan is 500,000 , subject to anti-dilution and other adjustment provisions of the incentive plan.  The base or exercise price of a stock option or stock appreciation right may not be less than fair market value on the day it is granted.
 
Stock Options
 
The Company makes awards of non-qualified stock options for Ascent Capital Series A common stock to the Company’s executives and certain employees.  The exercise price is typically granted as the closing share price for Ascent Capital Series A common stock as of the grant date.  The awards generally have a life of five to seven years and vest over two to four years.
The grant-date fair value of the Ascent Capital stock options granted to the Company’s employees was calculated using the Black-Scholes model. There were no options granted in 2014 and 2013. The weighted average assumptions used in the model for 2012 grants are as follows:
 
2012
Risk-free interest rate
0.66
%
Estimated life in years
5.36

Dividend yield
—
%
Volatility
40.16
%
 
The following table presents the number and weighted average exercise price (“WAEP”) of outstanding options to purchase Ascent Capital Series A common stock:
 
Series A
Common Stock Options
 
WAEP
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
1,288,136

 
$
41.42

Granted
—

 
$
—

Exercised
(22,249
)
 
$
36.17

Forfeited
(3,000
)
 
$
50.47

Outstanding at December 31, 2014
1,262,887

 
$
41.50

Exercisable at December 31, 2014
732,542

 
$
29.56

 
The intrinsic value of outstanding stock option awards and exercisable stock option awards at December 31, 2014 was $17,690,000 and $17,118,000 , respectively.  The weighted average remaining contractual life of outstanding and exercisable awards at December 31, 2014 was 4.0 years and 3.6 years, respectively.
 
Restricted Stock Awards
 
The Company makes awards of restricted stock for its common stock to the Company’s executives and certain employees.  Substantially all of these awards have been for its Series A common stock.  The fair values for the restricted stock awards are the closing price of Ascent Capital Series A common stock on the applicable dates of grants.  The awards generally vest over two to five years.
 

60

The following table presents the number and weighted average fair value (“WAFV”) of unvested restricted stock awards:
 
Series A
Restricted Stock
Awards
 
WAFV
Outstanding at January 1, 2014
236,403

 
$
57.32

Granted
36,797

 
$
61.62

Vested
(42,656
)
 
$
51.47

Canceled
(900
)
 
$
50.47

Outstanding at December 31, 2014
229,644

 
$
59.12

  
There were no outstanding Series B restricted stock awards as of December 31, 2014 .
 
As of December 31, 2014 , the total compensation cost related to unvested equity awards was approximately $14,646,000 .  Such amount will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over a period of approximately 4 years.

(16)      Stockholders’ Equity
  
Preferred Stock
 
The Company’s preferred stock is issuable, from time to time, with such designations, preferences and relative participating, optional or other rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall be stated and expressed in a resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock adopted by Ascent Capital’s Board of Directors.  As of December 31, 2014 , no shares of preferred stock were issued.
 
Common Stock
 
Holders of Ascent Capital Series A common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held, and holders of Ascent Capital Series B common stock are entitled to 10 votes for each share held.  Holders of Ascent Capital Series C common stock are not entitled to any voting powers, except as required by Delaware law.  As of December 31, 2014 , 13,162,095 shares of Series A common stock were issued and outstanding and 384,086 shares of Series B common stock were issued and outstanding.  Each share of the Series B common stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into one share of Series A common stock.  As of December 31, 2014 , no shares of Ascent Capital Series C common stock were issued or outstanding.
 
On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which it may purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock from time to time.  On November 14, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. On November 10, 2014, the Company announced the Board of Directors' authorization of a further increase of $25,000,000 to the Company's stock repurchase program (the "Share Repurchase Authorizations"). 

During 2014, the Company repurchased 557,309 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $64.12 per share for a total of approximately $35,734,000 pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations. There were no stock repurchases pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations during 2013. During 2012, the Company repurchased 234,728 shares of its Series A common stock at an average purchase price of $54.87 per share for a total of approximately $12,880,000 pursuant to the Share Repurchase Authorizations.  These repurchased shares were all canceled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued.

On October 25, 2013, the Company purchased 351,734 shares of Ascent Capital’s Series B common stock (the “Purchased Shares”) from John C. Malone for aggregate cash consideration of approximately $33,436,000 .  The Purchased Shares were canceled and returned to the status of authorized and unissued.


61

The following table presents the activity in Ascent Capital’s Series A and Series B common stock for the three year period ended December 31, 2014 :
 
Series A
Common Stock
 
Series B
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2011
13,471,594

 
739,894

Conversion from Series B to Series A shares
2,728

 
(2,728
)
Issuance of restricted stock
154,556

 
—

Restricted stock canceled for forfeitures and tax withholding
(21,284
)
 
—

Repurchase and retirement of Series A shares
(234,728
)
 
—

Stock option exercises
16,955

 
—

Balance at December 31, 2012
13,389,821

 
737,166

Conversion from Series B to Series A shares
1,220

 
(1,220
)
Issuance of restricted stock
42,804

 
—

Restricted stock canceled for forfeitures and tax withholding
(18,035
)
 
—

Stock option exercises
3,531

 
—

Stock issuance as consideration for Security Networks Acquisition
253,333

 
—

Repurchases and retirement of Series B shares
—

 
(351,734
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
13,672,674

 
384,212

Conversion from Series B to Series A shares
126

 
(126
)
Issuance of restricted stock
36,797

 
—

Restricted stock canceled for forfeitures and tax withholding
(12,442
)
 
—

Stock option exercises
22,249

 
—

Repurchases and retirements of Series A shares
(557,309
)
 
—

Balance at December 31, 2014
13,162,095

 
384,086

 
As of December 31, 2014 , there were  1,262,887 shares of Ascent Capital Series A common stock reserved for issuance under exercise privileges of outstanding stock options.

 

62

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Foreign
  Currency
  Translation
  Adjustments (a)
 
Unrealized
  Holding
  Gains and Losses, 
net (b)
 
Unrealized
  Gains and 
Losses on
  Derivative
Instruments, 
net (c)
 
Pension
   Adjustments (d)
 
Accumulated
   Other
   Comprehensive
   Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
(210
)
 
124

 
—

 
(4,690
)
 
(4,776
)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive loss
256

 
2,543

 
(15,715
)
 
139

 
(12,777
)
Reclassifications of loss (gains) into net income
—

 
—

 
3,472

 
4,551

 
8,023

Balance at December 31, 2012
46

 
2,667

 
(12,243
)
 
—

 
(9,530
)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive loss
121

 
(1,446
)
 
7,014

 
—

 
5,689

Reclassifications of loss (gains) into net income
—

 
277

 
5,303

 
—

 
5,580

Balance at December 31, 2013
167

 
1,498

 
74

 
—

 
1,739

Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(382
)
 
(3,664
)
 
(12,560
)
 
—

 
(16,606
)
Reclassifications of loss (gains) into net income
—

 
378

 
7,681

 
—

 
8,059

Balance at December 31, 2014
$
(215
)
 
(1,788
)
 
(4,805
)
 
—

 
(6,808
)
 
 
(a)          No income taxes were recorded on foreign currency translation amounts for 2014 , 2013 and 2012 because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.
(b)          No income taxes were recorded on the December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 unrealized holding gains because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.  Amounts reclassified into net income are included in Other income, net on the consolidated statement of operations.  See note 5, Investments in Marketable Securities , for further information.
(c)           No income taxes were recorded unrealized loss on derivative instrument amounts for 2014 , 2013 and 2012 because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.  Amounts reclassified into net income are included in Interest expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  See note 11, Derivatives , for further information.
(d)          No income taxes were recorded on the pension adjustment for 2012 because the Company is subject to a full valuation allowance.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, $231,000 of the amounts reclassified into net income is included in Selling, general, and administrative expense on the consolidated statement of operations.  The remaining $4,320,000 is included in Loss on pension plan settlements on the consolidated statement of operations. 

(17)  Employee Benefit Plans
 
Defined Contribution Plan
 
The Company offers a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering its full-time employees. The plan is funded by employee and employer contributions.  Total 401(k) plan expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 was $80,000 , $125,000 and $113,000 , respectively.
 

63

(18)                           Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Future minimum lease payments under scheduled operating leases, which are primarily for buildings, equipment and real estate, having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year are as follows (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31:
 
2015
$
5,280

2016
5,475

2017
2,863

2018
2,710

2019
2,744

Thereafter
33,132

Sublease income
(4,636
)
Minimum lease commitments
$
47,568

 
Rent expense for noncancelable operating leases for real property and equipment was $3,664,000 , $2,468,000 and $2,051,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 , 2013 and 2012 , respectively.  Various lease arrangements contain options to extend terms and are subject to escalation clauses.
 
Indemnifications
 
On September 17, 2008 (“Spin-Off Date”), Ascent Capital was spun off from DHC as effected by a distribution of Ascent Capital Series A and Series B common stock holders of DHC Series A and Series B common stock (the “Spin-Off”).  In connection with the Spin-Off, Ascent Capital and DHC entered into certain agreements in order to govern certain ongoing relationships between Ascent Capital and DHC after the Spin-Off and to provide mechanisms for an orderly transition.  These agreements included a tax sharing agreement.  Pursuant to the tax sharing agreement with DHC, Ascent Capital is responsible for all taxes attributable to it or any of its subsidiaries, whether accruing before, on or after the Spin-Off Date.  The Company is responsible for and indemnifies DHC with respect to (i) certain taxes attributable to DHC or any of its subsidiaries (other than Discovery Communications, LLC) and (ii) all taxes arising as a result of the Spin-Off.  The indemnification obligations under the tax sharing agreement are not limited in amount or subject to any cap.  Also, pursuant to the reorganization agreement it entered into with DHC in connection with the Spin-Off, the Company assumed certain indemnification obligations designed to make it financially responsible for substantially all non-tax liabilities that may exist relating to the business of the Company's former subsidiary, Ascent Media Group, LLC, whether incurred prior to or after the Spin-Off, as well as certain obligations of DHC.  The Company does not expect to incur any material obligations under such indemnification provisions.
 
Legal

The Company is involved in litigation and similar claims incidental to the conduct of its business, including from time to time, contractual disputes, claims related to alleged security system failures and claims related to alleged violations of the U.S. Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Matters that are probable of unfavorable outcome to the Company and which can be reasonably estimated are accrued. Such accruals are based on information known about the matters, management’s estimate of the outcomes of such matters and experience in contesting, litigating and settling similar matters.  In management’s opinion, none of the pending actions is likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.  The Company accrues and expenses legal fees related to loss contingency matters as incurred.


64

(19) Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

 
1st
Quarter
 
2nd
Quarter
 
3rd
Quarter
 
4th
Quarter
 
Amounts in thousands,
except per share amounts
2014:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
132,864

 
134,696

 
136,027

 
135,862

Operating income
$
19,152

 
18,847

 
19,939

 
20,260

Net loss
$
(9,732
)
 
(10,278
)
 
(11,125
)
 
(6,617
)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share
$
(0.70
)
 
(0.75
)
 
(0.82
)
 
(0.50
)
2013:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net revenue
$
100,158

 
102,273

 
115,844

 
132,758

Operating income
$
22,381

 
19,096

 
13,383

 
16,696

Net income (loss)
$
2,760

 
65

 
(7,738
)
 
(16,558
)
Basic net income (loss) per common share
$
0.20

 
0.01

 
(0.55
)
 
(1.20
)
Diluted net (income) loss per common share
$
0.19

 
0.00

 
(0.55
)
 
(1.20
)

(20)                           Subsequent Events
 
On February 17, 2015, Monitronics entered into an amendment (“Amendment No. 4”) with the lenders of its senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013 and November 7, 2012.  Amendment No. 4 provided for, among other things, an increase in the commitments under the revolving credit facility in a principal amount of $90,000,000 .

On February 23, 2015, Monitronics acquired LiveWatch Security, LLC, a Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) home security provider offering interactive and home automation services for approximately $67,000,000 which includes $6,000,000 of retention bonuses to be paid on the second anniversary of the closing (the "LiveWatch Acquisition"). The transaction was financed with debt under Monitronics' expanded revolver and cash contributions from Ascent Capital.

In connection with the LiveWatch Acquisition, Monitronics entered into employment agreements with certain key members of the LiveWatch management team which provide for a performance based bonus arrangement estimated to yield an aggregate payout of approximately $8,500,000 assuming certain performance metrics are met by LiveWatch during the first four years following the acquisition date and assuming the continued employment by the bonus recipient during such time.





65

PART III
 
The following required information is incorporated by reference to our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled to be held in the second quarter of 2015:

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 
We will file our definitive proxy statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of stockholders with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2015.


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Table of Contents

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a) (1) Financial Statements
 
Included in Part II of this Annual Report:
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:
 
Page No.
 
(a) (2)  Financial Statement Schedules
 
(i)  All schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is set forth in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 

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Table of Contents

(a) (3)  Exhibits
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
2.1
 
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2013, by and among Monitronics, certain funds affiliated with Oak Hill Capital Partners, certain other holders and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, the Company (the “SPA”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on July 12, 2013).
 
 
 
2.2
 
Amendment No. 1 to the SPA, dated as of August 16, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-192363), filed with the Commission on November 15, 2013).
 
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-53280), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on June 13, 2008 (the “Form 10”)).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate of Ownership and Merger, dated July 7, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on July 8, 2011) (filed for the purpose of changing the name of the Company).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
3.4
 
Certificate of Elimination, dated January 27, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on January 27, 2014 (the “January 2014 8-K”)).
 
 
 
4.1
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of Series A common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
4.2
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of Series B common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10).
4.3
 
Indenture, dated March 23, 2012, between Monitronics, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on May 9, 2012 (the “March 2012 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
4.4
 
Credit Agreement, dated March 23, 2012, among Monitronics, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, Citibank, N.A. and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as co-syndication agents, U.S. Bank National Association, as document agent and the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the March 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
4.5
 
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2012, by and among Monitronics, Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on February 27, 2013 (the “2012 10-K”)).
 
 
 
4.6
 
Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated March 25, 2013, by and among Monitronics, Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and other financial institutions signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on May 10, 2013).
 
 
 
4.7
 
Form of Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement, dated August 16, 2013, by and among Monitronics International, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and the certain lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on November 12, 2013).
 
 
 
4.8
 
Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2013, between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 9, 2013 (the “June 2013 10-Q”).
 
 
 
4.9
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2013, by and among Monitronics International, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Monitronics (File No. 333-191805), filed with the Commission on October 18, 2013 (the “S-4”)).
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

4.10
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 26, 2013, by and among Monitronics, the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2008, by and among Discovery Holding Company, Discovery Communications, Inc., the Company, Ascent Media Group, LLC and CSS Studios, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on September 17, 2008 (“Amend. No. 8 to the Form 10”)).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-156231), filed with the Commission on December 17, 2008).
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amend. No. 1 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
10.4
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Non-Employee Director Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amend. No. 8 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
10.5
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 25, 2013, between the Company and William R. Fitzgerald (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 
10.6
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2009, between the Company and John A. Orr (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 13, 2009).
 
 
 
10.7
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 31, 2011, between the Company and William E. Niles (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 8, 2011).
 
 
 
10.8
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between the Company and Michael R. Meyers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on November 7, 2011 (the “September 2011 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
10.9
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between the Company and Michael R. Haislip (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the September 2011 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.10
 
Form of Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) for Non-Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 9, 2012 (the “June 2012 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
10.11
 
Form of Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Non-Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.12
 
Form of Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers of the Company and Monitronics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.13
 
Form of Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers of the Company and Monitronics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.14
 
Form of Short-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.15
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.16
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William E. Niles, dated March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.17
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated November 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 
10.18
 
Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated November 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 
10.19
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Issuer Warrant Transaction between Bank of America, N.A. and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
10.20
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction between Bank of America, N.A. and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

10.21
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Issuer Warrant Transaction between Credit Suisse Capital LLC and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
10.22
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction between Credit Suisse Capital LLC and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
21
 
List of Subsidiaries of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.*
 
 
 
23
 
Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.*
 
 
 
24
 
Power of Attorney dated February 27, 2015.*
 
 
 
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.*
 
 
 
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.*
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certification.***
 
 
 
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.*
 
 
*      Filed herewith.
**  
Pursuant to the Commission’s Orders Granting Confidential Treatment under Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Rule 24(b)-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text.
***
Furnished herewith.


70
Table of Contents

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.
 
 
ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
February 27, 2015
By
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
William R. Fitzgerald
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
Chairman of the Board, Director and
 
February 27, 2015
William R. Fitzgerald
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Philip J. Holthouse
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Philip J. Holthouse
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Brian Deevy
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Brian Deevy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Pohl
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Michael J. Pohl
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Charles Y. Tanabe
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Charles Y. Tanabe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Carl E. Vogel
 
Director
 
February 27, 2015
Carl E. Vogel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael R. Meyers
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
 
February 27, 2015
Michael R. Meyers
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 


71
Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Listed below are the exhibits which are filed as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):
 
2.1
 
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2013, by and among Monitronics, certain funds affiliated with Oak Hill Capital Partners, certain other holders and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, the Company (the “SPA”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on July 12, 2013).
 
 
 
2.2
 
Amendment No. 1 to the SPA, dated as of August 16, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-192363), filed with the Commission on November 15, 2013).
 
 
 
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 000-53280), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on June 13, 2008 (the “Form 10”)).
 
 
 
3.2
 
Certificate of Ownership and Merger, dated July 7, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on July 8, 2011) (filed for the purpose of changing the name of the Company).
 
 
 
3.3
 
Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
3.4
 
Certificate of Elimination, dated January 27, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on January 27, 2014 (the “January 2014 8-K”)).
 
 
 
4.1
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of Series A common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
4.2
 
Specimen Certificate for shares of Series B common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
4.3
 
Indenture, dated March 23, 2012, between Monitronics, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on May 9, 2012 (the “March 2012 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
4.4
 
Credit Agreement, dated March 23, 2012, among Monitronics, as borrower, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, Citibank, N.A. and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as co-syndication agents, U.S. Bank National Association, as document agent and the lenders party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the March 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
4.5
 
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement, dated November 7, 2012, by and among Monitronics, Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on February 27, 2013 (the “2012 10-K”)).
 
 
 
4.6
 
Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement, dated March 25, 2013, by and among Monitronics, Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and other financial institutions signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on May 10, 2013).
 
 
 
4.7
 
Form of Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to Guaranty Agreement, dated August 16, 2013, by and among Monitronics International, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., individually and as administrative agent, and the certain lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on November 12, 2013).
 
 
 
4.8
 
Indenture, dated as of July 17, 2013, between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 9, 2013 (the “June 2013 10-Q”).
 
 
 

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4.9
 
Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 16, 2013, by and among Monitronics International, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Monitronics (File No. 333-191805), filed with the Commission on October 18, 2013 (the “S-4”)).
 
 
 
4.10
 
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 26, 2013, by and among Monitronics, the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the S-4).
 
 
 
10.1
 
Tax Sharing Agreement, dated as of September 17, 2008, by and among Discovery Holding Company, Discovery Communications, Inc., the Company, Ascent Media Group, LLC and CSS Studios, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 10 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on September 17, 2008 (“Amend. No. 8 to the Form 10”)).
 
 
 
10.2
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-156231), filed with the Commission on December 17, 2008).
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its Directors and Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Amend. No. 1 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
10.4
 
Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Non-Employee Director Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Amend. No. 8 to the Form 10).
 
 
 
10.5
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated January 25, 2013, between the Company and William R. Fitzgerald (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 
10.6
 
Employment Agreement, dated as of April 13, 2009, between the Company and John A. Orr (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 13, 2009).
 
 
 
10.7
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 31, 2011, between the Company and William E. Niles (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 8, 2011).
 
 
 
10.8
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between the Company and Michael R. Meyers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2011 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on November 7, 2011 (the “September 2011 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
10.9
 
Employment Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between the Company and Michael R. Haislip (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the September 2011 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.10
 
Form of Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Ascent Capital Group, Inc. 2008 Incentive Plan (the “2008 Plan”) for Non-Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012 (File No. 001-34176), filed with the Commission on August 9, 2012 (the “June 2012 10-Q”)).
 
 
 
10.11
 
Form of Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Non-Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.12
 
Form of Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers of the Company and Monitronics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.13
 
Form of Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers of the Company and Monitronics (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.14
 
Form of Short-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for Executive Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.15
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.16
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William E. Niles, dated March 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the June 2012 10-Q).
 
 
 
10.17
 
Long-Term Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated November 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 
10.18
 
Long-Term Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2008 Plan for William R. Fitzgerald, dated November 30, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the 2012 10-K).
 
 
 

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10.19
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Issuer Warrant Transaction between Bank of America, N.A. and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
10.20
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction between Bank of America, N.A. and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
10.21
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Issuer Warrant Transaction between Credit Suisse Capital LLC and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
10.22
 
Confirmation, dated July 11, 2013, of Base Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction between Credit Suisse Capital LLC and Ascent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the June 2013 10-Q).**
 
 
 
21
 
List of Subsidiaries of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.*
 
 
 
23
 
Consent of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm.*
 
 
 
24
 
Power of Attorney dated February 27, 2015.*
 
 
 
31.1
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.*
 
 
 
31.2
 
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification.*
 
 
 
32
 
Section 1350 Certification.***
 
 
 
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.*
 
 
*      Filed herewith.
**  
Pursuant to the Commission’s Orders Granting Confidential Treatment under Rule 406 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Rule 24(b)-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, certain confidential portions of this Exhibit were omitted by means of redacting a portion of the text.
***
Furnished herewith.





Exhibit 21

List of Subsidiaries
The following is a list of subsidiaries of Ascent Capital Group, Inc., the names under which such subsidiaries do business, and the state or country in which each was organized, as of February 27, 2015 . The list does not include dormant subsidiaries or subsidiaries which would not, if considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, constitute a significant subsidiary within the meaning of Item 601(b)(21)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Subsidiary
 
Jurisdiction of Formation
Monitronics International, Inc.
 
Texas
 
 
 
Monitronics Canada, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
 
 
MI Servicer LP, LLC
 
Delaware
 
 
 
MIBU Servicer, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
 
 
Monitronics Security LP
 
Delaware
 
 
 
Monitronics Funding LP
 
Delaware
 
 
 
Platinum Security Solutions, Inc.
 
Delaware
 
 
 
Security Networks LLC
 
Florida
 
 
 
SN Puerto Rico, Inc.
 
Cayman Islands
 
 
 
Security Networks Acceptance LLC
 
Delaware
 
 
 
Ascent Media Property Holdings, LLC
 
Delaware
 
 
 






Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Ascent Capital Group, Inc.:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (Nos. 333-156230, 333-156231, 333-158658, 333-189892, and 333-192363) on Form S-3 and Form S-8 of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. of our report dated February 27, 2015, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Ascent Capital Group, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, which reports appear in the December 31, 2014 annual report on Form 10-K of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
/s/ KPMG LLP
Dallas, Texas
February 27, 2015





Exhibit 24

POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints William E. Niles and John A. Orr his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, each with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K for Ascent Capital Group, Inc., and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Power of Attorney has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
Chairman of the Board, Director and Chief
 
February 27, 2015
William R. Fitzgerald
 
Executive Officer of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Philip J. Holthouse
 
Director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
February 27, 2015
Philip J. Holthouse
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Brian Deevy
 
Director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
February 27, 2015
Brian Deevy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael J. Pohl
 
Director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
February 27, 2015
Michael J. Pohl
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Charles Y. Tanabe
 
Director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
February 27, 2015
Charles Y. Tanabe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Carl E. Vogel
 
Director of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.
 
February 27, 2015
Carl E. Vogel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael R. Meyers
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Ascent
 
February 27, 2015
Michael R. Meyers
 
Capital Group, Inc. (Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 






Exhibit 31.1
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, William R. Fitzgerald, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.;
2.     Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report;
3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report;
4.    The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 we 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 annual 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 annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this annual 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; and
5.    The registrant’s other certifying officers 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:
February 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
William R. Fitzgerald
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 





Exhibit 31.2
 
CERTIFICATION
 
I, Michael R. Meyers, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.;
2.    Based on my knowledge, this annual 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 annual report;
3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report;
4.    The registrant’s other certifying officers 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 we 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 annual 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 annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this annual report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this annual 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; and
5.    The registrant’s other certifying officers 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:
February 27, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Michael R. Meyers
 
Michael R. Meyers
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 





Exhibit 32
 
Certification
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, United States Code)
 
Pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), each of the undersigned officers of Ascent Capital Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), does hereby certify, to such officer’s knowledge, that:
The Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2014 (the “Form 10-K”) of the Company fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and for the three years ended December 31, 2014 .

Dated:
February 27, 2015
 
/s/ William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
William R. Fitzgerald
 
 
 
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
February 27, 2015
 
/s/ Michael R. Meyers
 
 
 
Michael R. Meyers
 
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code) and is not being filed as part of the Form 10-K or as a separate disclosure document.