Edgar Filing: Ascent Capital Group, Inc.

March 31, 2018

December 31, 2017

Long term debt, including current portion:

Carrying value

Fair value (a)

Document

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2018

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number 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

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 Web site, if any, every 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 whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o		Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

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

The number of outstanding shares of Ascent Capital Group, Inc.’s common stock as of April 25, 2018 was:

Series A common stock 12,017,149 shares; and Series B common stock 381,528 shares.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS



		Page

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Financial Statements (unaudited)	2

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)	2

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited)	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (unaudited)	5

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	22

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	31

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	31

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	32

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33

Item 6.	Exhibits	33

	SIGNATURES	34

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Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

Amounts in thousands, except share amounts

(unaudited)



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30,087		10,465
Restricted cash	93			—
Marketable securities, at fair value	107,450			105,958
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $3,632 in 2018 and $4,162 in 2017	12,300			12,645
Prepaid and other current assets	23,498			11,175
Total current assets	173,428			140,243
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $40,537 in 2018 and $37,915 in 2017	34,070			32,823
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization of $1,468,359 in 2018 and $1,439,164 in 2017	1,224,937			1,302,028
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $45,859 in 2018 and $42,806 in 2017	3,941			6,994
Goodwill	563,549			563,549
Other assets	27,633			9,348
Total assets	$	2,027,558		2,054,985
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	12,910		11,092
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	6,145			3,953
Other accrued liabilities	66,584			52,329
Deferred revenue	13,477			13,871
Holdback liability	7,601			9,309
Current portion of long-term debt	11,000			11,000
Total current liabilities	117,717			101,554
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,783,253			1,778,044
Long-term holdback liability	2,191			2,658
Derivative financial instruments	6,553			13,491
Deferred income tax liability, net	13,973			13,311
Other liabilities	3,259			3,255
Total liabilities	1,926,946			1,912,313
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; no shares issued	—			—
Series A common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 12,002,103 and 11,999,630 shares at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively	120			120
Series B common stock, $.01 par value. Authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 381,528 shares at both March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017	4			4
Series C common stock, $0.01 par value. Authorized 45,000,000 shares; no shares issued	—			—
Additional paid-in capital	1,424,068			1,423,899
Accumulated deficit	(1,331,281		)	(1,277,118	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net	7,701			(4,233	)
Total stockholders’ equity	100,612			142,672
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,027,558		2,054,985

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts

(unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net revenue	$	133,753		141,200
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	32,701			29,969
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation	37,406			36,245
Radio conversion costs	—			232
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			59,547
Depreciation	2,621			2,127
Gain on disposal of operating assets	—			(6,638	)
	127,139			121,482
Operating income	6,614			19,718
Other expense (income), net:
Interest income	(481		)	(395	)
Interest expense	38,652			37,486
Other income, net	(2,065		)	(242	)
	36,106			36,849
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes	(29,492		)	(17,131	)
Income tax expense from continuing operations	1,346			1,814
Net loss from continuing operations	(30,838		)	(18,945	)
Discontinued operations:
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax of $0	—			92
Net loss	(30,838		)	(18,853	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—			58
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on marketable securities, net	(3,077		)	551
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net	14,406			1,049
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	11,329			1,658
Comprehensive loss	$	(19,509	)	(17,195	)

Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
Continuing operations	$	(2.51	)	(1.56	)
Discontinued operations	—			0.01
Net loss	$	(2.51	)	(1.55	)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Amounts in thousands

(unaudited)



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(30,838	)	(18,853	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax	—			(92	)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			59,547
Depreciation	2,621			2,127
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation	226			1,576
Deferred income tax expense	662			1,052
Gain on disposal of operating assets	—			(6,638	)
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs	2,959			2,673
Bad debt expense	3,017			2,557
Other non-cash activity, net	41			1,872
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(2,672		)	(1,659	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	851			1,506
Contract asset, net	(70		)	—
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs	(898		)	(754	)
Payables and other liabilities	17,644			4,491
Operating activities from discontinued operations, net	—			(3,408	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,954			45,997
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,310		)	(1,693	)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired	(24,560		)	(46,708	)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,998		)	(2,627	)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	5,495			997
Proceeds from the disposal of operating assets	—			12,090
Increase in restricted cash	(93		)	—
Net cash used in investing activities	(30,466		)	(37,941	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	50,000			64,750
Payments on long-term debt	(47,750		)	(42,600	)
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation	(116		)	(268	)
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,134			21,882
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	19,622			29,938
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	10,465			12,319
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	30,087		42,257
Supplemental cash flow information:
State taxes paid, net	$	—		3
Interest paid	22,920			22,643
Accrued capital expenditures	830			780

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

Amounts in thousands

(unaudited)



						Additional Paid-in Capital				Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		Total Stockholders' Equity
	Preferred Stock		Common Stock					Accumulated Deficit
	Preferred Stock		Series A	Series B	Series C			Accumulated Deficit
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	—	120	4	—	1,423,899		(1,277,118	)	(4,233	)	142,672
Impact of adoption of Topic 606	—		—	—	—	—		(22,720	)	—		(22,720	)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12	—		—	—	—	—		(605	)	605		—
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018	—		120	4	—	1,423,899		(1,300,443	)	(3,628	)	119,952
Net loss	—		—	—	—	—		(30,838	)	—		(30,838	)
Other comprehensive income	—		—	—	—	—		—		11,329		11,329
Stock-based compensation	—		—	—	—	285		—		—		285
Value of shares withheld for minimum tax liability	—		—	—	—	(116	)	—		—		(116	)
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	—	120	4	—	1,424,068		(1,331,281	)	7,701		100,612

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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ASCENT CAPITAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") condensed consolidated financial statements represent the financial position and results of operations of Ascent Capital and its consolidated subsidiaries. Monitronics International, Inc. ("MONI") is the primary, wholly owned, operating subsidiary of the Company. MONI provides residential customers and commercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, as well as interactive and home automation services. MONI is supported by a network of independent Authorized Dealers providing products and support to customers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. MONI’s wholly owned subsidiary, LiveWatch Security LLC (“LiveWatch”) is a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel.

On February 26, 2018, MONI entered into an exclusive, long-term, trademark licensing agreement with The Brink’s Company ("Brink's"), which will result in a complete rebranding of MONI and LiveWatch as Brinks Home Security^TM. Under the terms of the agreement, MONI will have exclusive use of the BRINKS and Brinks Home Security trademarks related to the residential smart home and home security categories in the U.S. and Canada. Effective April 1, 2018, MONI will pay Brink’s customary licensing fees and minimum and growth-based royalties that will increase over time as the Brinks Home Security brand is reintroduced. The agreement provides for an initial term of seven years and, subject to certain conditions, allows for subsequent renewal periods whereby MONI can extend the agreement beyond 20 years. The Company is currently completing rebranding tasks, as well as integration tasks, such that the MONI and LiveWatch sales channels will be combined under the Brinks Home Security brand. The brand rollout is expected to occur in the second quarter of 2018.

The unaudited interim financial information of the Company has been prepared in accordance with Article 10 of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the "SEC") Regulation S-X. Accordingly, it does not include all of the information required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. The Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2018, and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, include Ascent Capital and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the results for such periods. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Ascent Capital Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on March 5, 2018.

The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") using the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2018, at which time it became effective for the Company. The Company recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company also adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12") which simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance. The standard was early adopted effective January 1, 2018, and the Company recognized an opening equity adjustment to reduce Accumulated deficit, offset by a gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those periods. See note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, and note 3, Revenue Recognition, in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 condensed consolidated financial statements primarily relate to valuation of subscriber accounts, valuation of deferred tax assets and valuation of goodwill. 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.

(2) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the lessee to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. For leases with a term of twelve months or less, the Company is permitted to make an accounting policy election by

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class of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. Further, ASU 2016-02 requires a finance lease to be recognized as both an interest expense and an amortization of the associated asset. Operating leases generally recognize the associated expense on a straight line basis. ASU 2016-02 requires the Company to adopt the standard using a modified retrospective approach and becomes effective on January 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). Currently, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with the carrying value of the reporting unit (identified as "Step 1"). If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount, then the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than the carrying value of goodwill an impairment is recognized (identified as "Step 2"). ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 from the impairment test; therefore, a goodwill impairment will be recognized as the difference of the fair value and the carrying value. ASU 2017-04 becomes effective on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating when to adopt the standard.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12 to amend the hedge accounting rules to align risk management activities and financial reporting by simplifying the application of hedge accounting guidance. The guidance expands the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components and eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. Additionally, certain hedge effectiveness assessment requirements may be accomplished qualitatively instead of quantitatively. ASU 2017-12 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2017-12 effective January 1, 2018, and as such, an opening equity adjustment of $605,000 was recognized that reduced Accumulated deficit, offset by a gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). This adjustment primarily relates to the derecognition of the cumulative ineffectiveness recorded on the Company's interest rate swap derivative instruments, as well as adjustments to cumulative dedesignation adjustments. The Company does not expect this adoption to have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows on an ongoing basis.

(3) Revenue Recognition

Topic 606 amends and supersedes FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 605, Revenue Recognition ("Topic 605"). The core principle of Topic 606 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.

Accounting Policy for Periods Commencing January 1, 2018

The Company offers its subscribers professional alarm monitoring services, as well as interactive and home automation services, through equipment at the subscriber's site that communicates with the Company’s central monitoring station and interfaces with other equipment at the site and third party technology companies for interactive and home automation services. These services are typically provided under alarm monitoring agreements (“AMAs”) between the Company and the subscriber. The equipment at the site is either obtained independently from the Company’s network of third party Authorized Dealers or directly from the Company, via its direct-to-consumer sales channel. The Company also offers equipment sales and installation services and, to its existing subscribers, maintenance services on existing alarm equipment. The Company also collects fees for contract monitoring, which are services provided to other security alarm companies for monitoring their accounts on a wholesale basis and other fees from subscribers for late fee or insufficient fund charges.

Revenue under subscriber AMAs is allocated to alarm monitoring revenue and, if applicable, product and installation revenue based on the stand alone selling prices (“SSP”) of each performance obligation as a percentage of the total SSP of all performance obligations. Allocated alarm monitoring revenue is recognized as the monthly service is provided. Allocated product and installation revenue is recognized when the product sale is complete or shipped and the installation service is provided, typically at inception of the AMA. Product and installation revenue is not applicable to AMA's acquired from Authorized Dealers in their initial term. Any cash not received from the subscriber at the time of product sale and installation is recognized as a contract asset at inception of the AMA and is subsequently amortized over the subscriber contract term as a reduction of the amounts billed for professional alarm monitoring, interactive and home automation services. If a subscriber cancels the AMA within the negotiated term, any existing contract asset is determined to be impaired and is immediately expensed in full to Selling, general and administrative expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

Maintenance services are billed and recognized as revenue when the services are completed in the home and agreed to by the subscriber under the subscriber AMA. Contract monitoring fees are recognized as alarm monitoring revenue as the monitoring

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service is provided. Other fees are recognized as other revenue when billed to the subscriber which coincides with the timing of when the services are provided.

Disaggregation of Revenue

Revenue is disaggregated by source of revenue as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Alarm monitoring revenue	$	124,840	136,891
Product and installation revenue	8,147		3,294
Other revenue	766		1,015
Total Net revenue	$	133,753	141,200

Contract Balances

The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):



	March 31, 2018		At adoption
Trade receivables, net	$	12,300	12,645
Contract assets, net - current portion (a)	13,543		14,197
Contract assets, net - long-term portion (b)	11,101		10,377
Deferred revenue	13,477		12,892

(a) Amount is included in Prepaid and other current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(b) Amount is included in Other assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in Accounting Policies

The Company adopted Topic 606, effective January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective transition method. Under the modified retrospective transition method, the Company evaluated active AMAs on the adoption date as if each AMA had been accounted for under Topic 606 from its inception. Some revenue related to AMAs originated through our direct-to-consumer channel or through extensions that would have been recognized in future periods under Topic 605 were recast under Topic 606 as if revenue had been accelerated and recognized in prior periods, as it will be allocated to product and installation performance obligations. A contract asset was recorded as of the adoption date for any cash that has yet to be collected on the accelerated revenue. As this transition method requires that the Company not adjust historical reported revenue amounts, the accelerated revenue that would have been recognized under this method prior to the adoption date was recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings and, thus, will not be recognized as revenue in future periods as previously required under Topic 605. Therefore, the comparative information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported under Topic 605.

Under Topic 605, revenue provided under the AMA was recognized as the services were provided, based on the recurring monthly revenue amount billed for each month under contract. Product, installation and service revenue generally was recognized as billed and incurred. Under Topic 606, the Company concluded that certain product and installation services sold or provided to our customers at AMA inception are capable of being distinct and are distinct within the context of the contract. As such, when the Company initiates an AMA with a customer directly and provides equipment and installation services, each component is considered a performance obligation that must have revenue allocated accordingly. The allocation is based on the SSP of each performance obligation as a percentage of the total SSP of all performance obligations multiplied by the total consideration, or cash, expected to be received over the contract term. These AMAs may relate to new customers originated by the Company through its direct-to-consumer channel or existing customers who agree to new contract terms through customer service offerings. For AMAs with multiple performance obligations, management notes that a certain amount of the revenue billed on a recurring monthly basis is recognized earlier under Topic 606 than it was recognized under Topic 605, as a portion of that revenue is allocated to the equipment sale and installation, which is satisfied upon delivery of the product and performance of the installation services at AMA inception.

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Revenue on AMAs originated through the Authorized Dealer program are not impacted by Topic 606 in their initial term, as the customer contracts for the equipment sale and installation separately with the Authorized Dealer prior to the Company purchasing the AMA from the Authorized Dealer. Revenue on these customers is recognized as the service is provided based on the recurring monthly revenue amount billed for each month of the AMA. Maintenance service revenue for repair of existing alarm equipment at the subscribers' premises will continue to be billed and recognized based on their SSP at the time the Company performs the services.

Topic 606 also requires the deferral of incremental costs of obtaining a contract with a customer. Certain direct and incremental costs were capitalized under Topic 605, including on new AMAs obtained in connection with a subscriber move (“Moves Costs”). Under Topic 606, Moves Costs are expensed as incurred to accompany the allocated revenue recognized upon product and installation performance obligations recognized at the AMA inception. There are no other significant changes in contract costs that are capitalized or the period over which they are expensed.

Impacts on Financial Statements

The significant effects of adopting Topic 606 are changes to Prepaid and other current assets, Subscriber accounts, net, Other assets, net, Net revenue, Cost of services, Selling, general and administrative and Amortization of subscriber accounts for the period beginning January 1, 2018 for AMAs initiated by the Company with the customer directly with multiple performance obligations, as a portion of that revenue is allocated to the equipment sale and installation, which is satisfied upon delivery of the product and performance of the installation services at AMA inception.

The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting Topic 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018 (in thousands):

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i. Condensed consolidated balance sheets



	Impact of changes in accounting policies
	As reported March 31, 2018			Adjustments		Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	30,087		—		30,087
Restricted cash	93			—		93
Marketable securities, at fair value	107,450			—		107,450
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	12,300			—		12,300
Prepaid and other current assets	23,498			(13,543	)	9,955
Total current assets	173,428			(13,543	)	159,885
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation	34,070			—		34,070
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization	1,224,937			48,249		1,273,186
Dealer network and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	3,941			—		3,941
Goodwill	563,549			—		563,549
Other assets, net	27,633			(11,101	)	16,532
Total assets	$	2,027,558		23,605		2,051,163
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	12,910		—		12,910
Accrued payroll and related liabilities	6,145			—		6,145
Other accrued liabilities	66,584			—		66,584
Deferred revenue	13,477			1,192		14,669
Holdback liability	7,601			—		7,601
Current portion of long-term debt	11,000			—		11,000
Total current liabilities	117,717			1,192		118,909
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt	1,783,253			—		1,783,253
Long-term holdback liability	2,191			—		2,191
Derivative financial instruments	6,553			—		6,553
Deferred income tax liability, net	13,973			—		13,973
Other liabilities	3,259			—		3,259
Total liabilities	1,926,946			1,192		1,928,138
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock	—			—		—
Series A common stock	120			—		120
Series B common stock	4			—		4
Series C common stock	—			—		—
Additional paid-in capital	1,424,068			—		1,424,068
Accumulated deficit	(1,331,281		)	22,413		(1,308,868	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	7,701			—		7,701
Total stockholders’ equity	100,612			22,413		123,025
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,027,558		23,605		2,051,163

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ii. Condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss)



	Impact of changes in accounting policies
	As reported three months ended March 31, 2018			Adjustments		Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Net revenue	$	133,753		(325	)	133,428
Operating expenses:
Cost of services	32,701			(1,922	)	30,779
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation	37,406			21		37,427
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			1,883		56,294
Depreciation	2,621			—		2,621
	127,139			(18	)	127,121
Operating income	6,614			(307	)	6,307
Other expense (income), net:
Interest income	(481		)	—		(481	)
Interest expense	38,652			—		38,652
Other income, net	(2,065		)	—		(2,065	)
	36,106			—		36,106
Loss before income taxes	(29,492		)	(307	)	(29,799	)
Income tax expense	1,346			—		1,346
Net loss	(30,838		)	(307	)	(31,145	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding loss on marketable securities, net	(3,077		)	—		(3,077	)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net	14,406			—		14,406
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax	11,329			—		11,329
Comprehensive loss	$	(19,509	)	(307	)	(19,816	)

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iii. Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows



	Impact of changes in accounting policies
	As reported three months ended March 31, 2018			Adjustments		Balances without adoption of Topic 606
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(30,838	)	(307	)	(31,145	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			1,883		56,294
Depreciation	2,621			—		2,621
Stock-based and long-term incentive compensation	226			—		226
Deferred income tax expense	662			—		662
Amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs	2,959			—		2,959
Bad debt expense	3,017			—		3,017
Other non-cash activity, net	41			—		41
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(2,672		)	—		(2,672	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	851			—		851
Contract asset, net	(70		)	70		—
Subscriber accounts - deferred contract acquisition costs	(898		)	63		(835	)
Payables and other liabilities	17,644			388		18,032
Net cash provided by operating activities	47,954			2,097		50,051
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(3,310		)	—		(3,310	)
Cost of subscriber accounts acquired	(24,560		)	(2,097	)	(26,657	)
Purchases of marketable securities	(7,998		)	—		(7,998	)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities	5,495			—		5,495
Increase in restricted cash	(93		)	—		(93	)
Net cash used in investing activities	(30,466		)	(2,097	)	(32,563	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from long-term debt	50,000			—		50,000
Payments on long-term debt	(47,750		)	—		(47,750	)
Value of shares withheld for share-based compensation	(116		)	—		(116	)
Net cash provided by financing activities	2,134			—		2,134
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	19,622			—		19,622
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	10,465			—		10,465
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	30,087		—		30,087

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(4) Investments in Marketable Securities

Ascent Capital owns marketable securities primarily consisting of diversified corporate bond funds. The following table presents a summary of amounts recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (amounts in thousands):



	As of March 31, 2018
	Cost Basis (b)		Unrealized Gains	Unrealized Losses	Total
Mutual funds (a)	$	106,627	823	—	107,450
Ending balance	$	106,627	823	—	107,450

	As of December 31, 2017
	Cost Basis (b)		Unrealized Gains	Unrealized Losses	Total
Equity securities	$	3,432	2,039	—	5,471
Mutual funds (a)	98,628		1,859	—	100,487
Ending balance	$	102,060	3,898	—	105,958


(a)	Primarily consists of corporate bond funds.

(b)

When an other-than-temporary impairment occurs, the Company reduces the cost basis of the marketable security involved. In the third quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash charge for an other-than-temporary impairment of $220,000 on its equity securities. The equity security impairment was primarily attributable to foreign exchange losses based on weakening of the trading currency of the underlying investment. The equity securities were sold in the first quarter of 2018 for a realized gain of $2,063,000 due to a third party completing the acquisition of the underlying investee.

The following table provides the realized investment gains and losses and the total proceeds received from the sale of marketable securities (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Gross realized gains	$	2,063	6
Gross realized losses	$	—	—
Total proceeds	$	5,495	997

(5) Goodwill

The following table provides the activity and balances of goodwill by reporting unit (amounts in thousands):



	MONI		LiveWatch		Total
Balance at 12/31/2017	$	527,502	$	36,047	$	563,549
Period activity	—		—		—
Balance at 3/31/2018	$	527,502	$	36,047	$	563,549

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 annually, or earlier if an event occurs, or circumstances change, that indicate the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred due to a sustained decrease in the Company's share price. In response to the triggering event, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test noting that the estimated fair value for each of the Company's reporting units exceeded the carrying amount of the underlying assets. Thus no impairment was indicated.

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(6) Other Accrued Liabilities

Other accrued liabilities consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	March 31, 2018		December 31, 2017
Interest payable	$	28,287	$	15,927
Income taxes payable	3,598		2,950
Legal settlement reserve (a)	23,000		23,000
Other	11,699		10,452
Total Other accrued liabilities	$	66,584	$	52,329

(a) See note 12, Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities, for further information.

(7) Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	March 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Ascent Capital 4.00% Convertible Senior Notes due July 15, 2020 with an effective rate of 8.9%	$	83,795		$	82,614
MONI 9.125% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020 with an effective rate of 9.5%	580,658			580,159
MONI term loan, matures September 30, 2022, LIBOR plus 5.50%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, with an effective rate of 7.7%	1,058,020			1,059,598
MONI $295 million revolving credit facility, matures September 30, 2021, LIBOR plus 4.00%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.00%, with an effective rate of 6.0%	71,780			66,673
	1,794,253			1,789,044
Less current portion of long-term debt	(11,000		)	(11,000		)
Long-term debt	$	1,783,253		$	1,778,044

Ascent Capital Convertible Senior Notes

The Ascent Capital convertible senior notes total $96,775,000 in aggregate principal amount, mature on July 15, 2020 and bear interest at 4.00% per annum (the "Convertible Notes"). Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually on January 15 and July 15 of each year. The Convertible Notes are convertible, under certain circumstances, into cash, shares of Ascent Capital's Series A common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series A Common Stock"), or any combination thereof at Ascent Capital’s election.

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 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 Capital'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 Subtopic 470-20, Debt with Conversion and Other Options, 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

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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 Subtopic 815-40, Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity.

The Convertible Notes are presented on the consolidated balance sheet as follows (amounts in thousands):



	As of March 31, 2018			As of December 31, 2017
Principal	$	96,775		$	96,775
Unamortized discount	(12,157		)	(13,263		)
Deferred debt costs	(823		)	(898		)
Carrying value	$	83,795		$	82,614

The Company is using an effective interest rate of 14.0% 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 $968,000 for both of the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company amortized $1,181,000 of the Convertible Notes debt discount and deferred debt costs into interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to $1,027,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

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 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 with respect to the Series A 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.

MONI Senior Notes

The MONI senior notes total $585,000,000 in principal, mature on April 1, 2020 and bear interest at 9.125% per annum (the "Senior Notes"). Interest payments are due semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of MONI’s existing domestic subsidiaries. Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI's obligations under the Senior Notes. As of March 31, 2018, the Senior Notes had deferred financing costs and unamortized premium, net of accumulated amortization of $4,342,000.

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MONI Credit Facility

On September 30, 2016, MONI entered into an amendment ("Amendment No. 6") with the lenders of its existing senior secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, and as amended and restated on April 9, 2015, February 17, 2015, August 16, 2013, March 25, 2013, and November 7, 2012 (the "Existing Credit Agreement"). Amendment No. 6 provided for, among other things, the issuance of a $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan at a 1.5% discount and a new $295,000,000 super priority revolver (the Existing Credit Agreement together with Amendment No. 6, the "Credit Facility").

On March 29, 2018, MONI borrowed an incremental $26,691,000 on its Credit Facility revolver to fund its April 2, 2018 interest payment due under the Senior Notes.

As of March 31, 2018, the Credit Facility term loan has a principal amount of $1,083,500,000, maturing on September 30, 2022. The term loan requires quarterly interest payments and quarterly principal payments of $2,750,000. The term loan bears interest at LIBOR plus 5.5%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. The Credit Facility revolver has a principal amount outstanding of $73,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 and matures on September 30, 2021. The Credit Facility revolver bears interest at LIBOR plus 4.0%, subject to a LIBOR floor of 1.0%. There is a commitment fee of 0.5% on unused portions of the Credit Facility revolver. As of March 31, 2018, $221,500,000 is available for borrowing under the Credit Facility revolver subject to certain financial covenants.

The maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility are subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes, or October 3, 2019 (the "Springing Maturity") if MONI is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by that date. In addition, 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. Also, failure to comply with restrictions contained in the Senior Notes could lead to an event of default under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility is secured by a pledge of all of the outstanding stock of MONI and all of its existing subsidiaries and is guaranteed by all of MONI's existing domestic subsidiaries. Ascent Capital has not guaranteed any of MONI's obligations under the Credit Facility.

As of March 31, 2018, MONI has deferred financing costs and unamortized discounts, net of accumulated amortization, of $27,200,000 related to the Credit Facility.

In order to reduce the financial risk related to changes in interest rates associated with the floating rate term loan under the Credit Facility term loan, MONI has entered into interest rate swap agreements with terms similar to the Credit Facility term loan (all outstanding interest rate swap agreements are collectively referred to as the “Swaps”). The Swaps have been designated as effective hedges of the Company’s variable rate debt and qualify for hedge accounting. As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loan was 7.98% as of March 31, 2018. See note 8, Derivatives, for further disclosures related to these derivative instruments.

The terms of the Convertible Notes, the Senior Notes and the Credit Facility provide for certain financial and nonfinancial covenants. As of March 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all required covenants under these financing arrangements.

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As of March 31, 2018, principal payments scheduled to be made on the Company’s debt obligations, assuming no Springing Maturity of the Credit Facility, are as follows (amounts in thousands):



Remainder of 2018	$	8,250
2019	11,000
2020	692,775
2021	84,500
2022	1,042,250
2023	—
Thereafter	—
Total principal payments	1,838,775
Less:
Unamortized deferred debt costs, discounts and premium, net	44,522
Total debt on condensed consolidated balance sheet	$	1,794,253

(8) Derivatives

MONI utilizes Swaps to reduce the interest rate risk inherent in MONI's variable rate Credit Facility term loan. 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 9, Fair Value Measurements, for additional information about the credit valuation adjustments.

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). 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 as Interest expense in the coming 12 months total approximately $1,114,000.

As of March 31, 2018, the Swaps’ outstanding notional balances, effective dates, maturity dates and interest rates paid and received are noted below:



Notional		Effective Date	Maturity Date	Fixed Rate Paid	Variable Rate Received
$	190,982,778	March 23, 2018	April 9, 2022	3.110%	3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
249,375,000		March 23, 2018	April 9, 2022	3.110%	3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor (a)
49,875,000		March 23, 2018	April 9, 2022	2.504%	3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor
376,057,500		March 23, 2018	September 30, 2022	1.833%	3 mo. USD-LIBOR-BBA, subject to a 1.00% floor

(a)

On September 30, 2016, MONI negotiated amendments to the terms of these interest rate swap agreements (the "Existing Swap Agreements," 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, MONI 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 are recognized in Interest expense over the remaining life of the Amended Swaps.

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The impact of the derivatives designated as cash flow hedges on the condensed consolidated financial statements is depicted below (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Effective portion of gain (loss) recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	13,668		(733	)
Effective portion of loss reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into Net loss (a)	$	(738	)	(1,782	)
Ineffective portion of amount of loss recognized into Net loss (a)	$	—		18

(a) Amounts are included in Interest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Upon the adoption of ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018, ineffectiveness is no longer measured or recognized.

(9) Fair Value Measurements

According to the FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, 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 March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (amounts in thousands):



	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3	Total
March 31, 2018
Investments in marketable securities (a)	$	107,450	—		—	107,450
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)	—		13,833		—	13,833
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)	—		(6,553	)	—	(6,553	)
Total	$	107,450	7,280		—	114,730
December 31, 2017
Investments in marketable securities (a)	$	105,958	—		—	105,958
Interest rate swap agreements - assets (b)	—		7,058		—	7,058
Interest rate swap agreements - liabilities (b)	—		(13,817	)	—	(13,817	)
Total	$	105,958	(6,759	)	—	99,199


(a)	Level 1 investments primarily consist of diversified corporate bond funds.


(b)	Swap asset values are included in non-current Other assets and Swap liability values are included in non-current Derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company has determined that the significant inputs used to value the Swaps fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

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Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value are as follows (amounts in thousands):


(a)	The fair value is based on market quotations 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.

(10) Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock

The following table presents the activity in Series A Common Stock and Ascent Capital's Series B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Series B Common Stock"), for the three months ended March 31, 2018:



	Series A Common Stock		Series B Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2017	11,999,630		381,528
Issuance of stock awards	13,153		—
Restricted stock canceled for tax withholding	(10,680	)	—
Balance at March 31, 2018	12,002,103		381,528

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table provides a summary of the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the period presented (amounts in thousands):



	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments			Unrealized Holding Gains and Losses on Marketable Securities, net (a)		Unrealized Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments, net (b)		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at December 31, 2017	$	(758	)	3,900		(7,375	)	(4,233	)
Impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12	—			—		605		605
Adjusted balance at January 1, 2018	(758		)	3,900		(6,770	)	(3,628	)
Gain (loss) through Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax of $0	—			(1,014	)	13,668		12,654
Reclassifications of loss (gain) into Net loss, net of income tax of $0	—			(2,063	)	738		(1,325	)
Net current period Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(3,077	)	14,406		11,329
Balance at March 31, 2018	$	(758	)	823		7,636		7,701


(a)	Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. See note 4, Investments in Marketable Securities, for further information.


(b)	Amounts reclassified into net loss are included in Interest expense on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. See note 8, Derivatives, for further information.

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(11) 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 shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock outstanding and the effect of dilutive securities, including the Company's outstanding stock options, unvested restricted stock and restricted stock units.

For all periods presented, diluted EPS is computed the same as basic EPS because the Company recorded a loss from continuing operations, which would make potentially dilutive securities anti-dilutive. Diluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 193,239 stock options, unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three months ended March 31, 2018 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. Diluted shares outstanding excluded an aggregate of 384,606 stock options, unvested restricted shares and performance units for the three months ended March 31, 2017 because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018	2017
Weighted average number of shares of Series A and Series B Common Stock	12,298,922	12,134,061

(12) Commitments, Contingencies and Other Liabilities

MONI was named as a defendant in multiple putative class actions consolidated in U.S. District Court (Northern District of West Virginia) on behalf of purported class(es) of persons who claim to have received telemarketing calls in violation of various state and federal laws. The actions were brought by plaintiffs seeking monetary damages on behalf of all plaintiffs who received telemarketing calls made by a Monitronics Authorized Dealer, or any Authorized Dealer’s lead generator or sub-dealer. In the second quarter of 2017, MONI and the plaintiffs agreed to settle this litigation for $28,000,000 ("the Settlement Amount"). MONI is actively seeking to recover the Settlement Amount under its insurance policies. The settlement agreement remains subject to court approval and the court’s entry of a final order dismissing the actions. In the third quarter of 2017, MONI paid $5,000,000 of the Settlement Amount pursuant to the settlement agreement with the plaintiffs.

In addition to the above, the Company is also 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 are 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.

(13) Reportable Business Segments

Description of Segments

The Company operates through two reportable business segments according to the nature and economic characteristics of its services as well as the manner in which the information issued internally by the Company's key decision maker, who is the Company's Chief Executive Officer. The Company's business segments are as follows:

MONI

The MONI segment is engaged in the business of providing security alarm monitoring services: monitoring signals arising from burglaries, fires, medical alerts and other events through security systems at subscribers' premises, as well as providing customer service and technical support. MONI primarily outsources the sales, installation and most of its field service functions to its dealers.

LiveWatch

LiveWatch is a Do-It-Yourself home security provider offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel. LiveWatch offers a differentiated go-to-market strategy through direct response TV, internet and radio advertising. When a customer initiates the process to obtain monitoring services, LiveWatch pre-configures the alarm

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monitoring system based on customer specifications. LiveWatch then packages and ships the equipment directly to the customer. The customer self-installs the equipment on-site and activates the monitoring service over the phone.

Other Activities

Other Activities primarily consists of Ascent Capital's corporate costs, including administrative and other activities not associated with the operation of the reportable segments, and eliminations.

As they arise, transactions between segments are recorded on an arm's length basis using relevant market prices. The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):



	MONI			LiveWatch			Other			Consolidated
	Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Net revenue	$	125,773		$	7,980		$	—		$	133,753
Depreciation and amortization	$	55,236		$	1,790		$	6		$	57,032
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(17,629	)	$	(7,232	)	$	(4,631	)	$	(29,492	)

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
Net revenue	$	134,408		$	6,792		$	—		$	141,200
Depreciation and amortization	$	60,508		$	1,159		$	7		$	61,674
Net loss from continuing operations before income taxes	$	(13,299	)	$	(5,930	)	$	2,098		$	(17,131	)

The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):



	MONI		LiveWatch		Other			Consolidated
	Balance at March 31, 2018
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of amortization	$	1,203,996	$	20,941	$	—		$	1,224,937
Goodwill	$	527,502	$	36,047	$	—		$	563,549
Total assets	$	1,980,081	$	62,453	$	(14,976	)	$	2,027,558

	Balance at December 31, 2017
Subscriber accounts and deferred contract acquisition costs, net of amortization	$	1,280,813	$	21,215	$	—		$	1,302,028
Goodwill	$	527,502	$	36,047	$	—		$	563,549
Total assets	$	1,996,240	$	63,233	$	(4,488	)	$	2,054,985

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

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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. 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:


•	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 MONI's largest demographic;


•	uncertainties in the development of our business strategies, including the rebranding to BRINKS Home Security and partnership with Nest, and market acceptance of new products and services;


•	the competitive environment in which MONI operates, in particular, increasing competition in the alarm monitoring industry from larger existing competitors and new market entrants, including technology, telecommunications and cable companies;


•	the development of new services or service innovations by competitors;


•	MONI's 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, state and federal consumer protection laws and licensing requirements to which MONI and/or its dealers are 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 with the need for significant upgrade expenditures;


•	the trend away from the use of public switched telephone network lines and the resultant increase in servicing costs associated with alternative methods of communication;


•	the operating performance of MONI's 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, and the potential of security breaches related to network or customer information;


•	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 MONI business partners, such as Nest;


•	the reliability and creditworthiness of MONI's independent alarm systems dealers and subscribers;


•	changes in MONI's expected rate of subscriber attrition;


•	the availability and terms of capital, including the ability of MONI to refinance its existing debt or obtain future financing to grow its business;


•	MONI's high degree of leverage and the restrictive covenants governing its indebtedness; and


•	availability of qualified personnel.

For additional risk factors, please see Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the "2017 Form 10-K") and Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this Quarterly 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.

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 condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere herein and the 2017 Form 10-K.

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Overview

Ascent Capital Group, Inc. ("Ascent Capital" or the "Company") is a holding company and its assets primarily consist of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Monitronics International, Inc. ("MONI"). MONI provides residential customers and commercial client accounts with monitored home and business security systems, as well as interactive and home automation services. MONI is supported by a network of independent Authorized Dealers providing products and support to customers in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. MONI’s wholly owned subsidiary, LiveWatch Security LLC (“LiveWatch”) is a Do-It-Yourself home security firm, offering professionally monitored security services through a direct-to-consumer sales channel.

In the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("Topic 606") using the modified retrospective approach, which means the standard is applied to only the current period. Any significant impact as a result of this adoption is discussed in the results of operations detail below. See note 3, Revenue Recognition, in the notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

The Company also adopted ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12") which simplifies the application of hedge accounting guidance. The standard was early adopted effective January 1, 2018, and an opening equity adjustment of $605,000 was recognized that reduced Accumulated deficit, offset by a gain in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). There was no material impact as a result of this adoption to the results of operations detail below. See note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, in the notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Attrition

Account cancellation, otherwise referred to as subscriber attrition, has a direct impact on the number of subscribers that MONI 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 to terminate their contract for a variety of reasons, including relocation, cost, switching to a competitor's service and limited use by the subscriber and thus low perceived value. The largest categories of canceled accounts relate to subscriber relocation or the inability to contact the subscriber. MONI 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. MONI 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. MONI 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 MONI the cost paid to acquire the contract. To help ensure the dealer's obligation to MONI, MONI typically maintains a dealer funded holdback reserve ranging from 5-8% of subscriber accounts in the guarantee period. In some cases, the amount of the holdback liability is less than actual attrition experience.

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The table below presents subscriber data for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017:



	Twelve Months Ended March 31,
	2018		2017
Beginning balance of accounts	1,036,794		1,080,726
Accounts acquired	87,957		125,457
Accounts canceled (b)	(159,845	)	(162,086	)
Canceled accounts guaranteed by dealer and other adjustments (a) (b)	(6,187	)	(7,303	)
Ending balance of accounts	958,719		1,036,794
Monthly weighted average accounts	998,137		1,059,526
Attrition rate - Unit (b)	16.0	%	15.3	%
Attrition rate - RMR (b) (c)	13.9	%	13.4	%


(a)	Includes canceled accounts that are contractually guaranteed to be refunded from holdback.


(b)	Accounts canceled for the twelve months ending March 31, 2017 were recast to include an estimated 9,522 accounts included in MONI's Radio Conversion Program that canceled in excess of their expected attrition.


(c)	The recurring monthly revenue ("RMR") of canceled accounts follows the same definition as subscriber unit attrition as 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.

The unit attrition rate for the twelve months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was 16.0% and 15.3%, respectively. Contributing to the increase in attrition rates were the number of subscriber accounts with 5-year contracts reaching the end of their initial contract term in the period, the relative proportion of the number of new customers under contract or in the dealer guarantee period and MONI's more aggressive price increase strategy. There was also a modest increase to attrition attributed to subscriber losses related to the impacts of Hurricane Maria on MONI's Puerto Rico customer base. See Impact from Natural Disasters below for further information.

MONI analyzes its attrition by classifying accounts into annual pools based on the year of acquisition. MONI 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, MONI's attrition rate is very low within the initial 12 month period after considering the accounts which were replaced or refunded by the dealers at no additional cost to MONI. 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. 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 March 31, 2018 and 2017, MONI acquired 21,547 and 29,376 subscriber accounts, respectively, through its dealer and direct sales channels. Accounts acquired for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 reflect bulk buys of approximately 300 and 3,000 accounts, respectively. The decrease in accounts acquired, excluding bulk buys, for the three months is due to lower production in accounts acquired from the dealer channel. Contributing to the lower production was the fact that MONI discontinued its relationship with its largest dealer, at the time, in the third quarter of 2017 in connection with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") settlement. The decrease was partially offset by year over year growth in the direct to consumer sales channels.

RMR acquired during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 was $987,000 and $1,437,000, respectively.

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Strategic Initiatives

Given the recent decreases in the generation of new subscriber accounts in our dealer channel and trends in subscriber attrition, the Company has implemented several initiatives related to account growth, creation costs, attrition and margin improvements.

Account Growth

MONI believes that generating account growth at a reasonable cost is essential to scaling its business and generating shareholder value. In recent years, acquisition of new subscriber accounts through its dealer channel has declined due to the attrition of large dealers, efforts to acquire new accounts from dealers at lower purchases prices, changes in consumer buying behavior and increased competition from telecommunications and cable companies in the market. The Company currently has several initiatives in place to improve account growth, which include:


•	Enhancing our brand recognition with consumers, which was recently bolstered by the signing of the Brink's licensing agreement,


•	Recruiting high quality dealers into the MONI Authorized Dealer Program,


•	Assisting new and existing dealers with training and marketing initiatives to increase productivity,


•	Acquiring bulk accounts to supplement account generation,


•	Offering third party equipment financing to consumers which is expected to assist in driving account growth at lower creation costs, and


•	Growing the MONI Direct sales and LiveWatch DIY sales channels under the BRINKS brand.

Although MONI has seen some increases in new subscriber accounts from its internal sales channel, such increases have not been able to offset the declines in the dealer channel. MONI has increased the efforts of its internal sales channels to increase account growth by developing relationships with third parties, such as Nest, to bring in new leads and account growth opportunities.

Creation Costs

MONI also considers the management of creation costs to be a key driver in improving the Company's financial results, as lower creation costs would improve the Company's profitability and cash flows. The initiatives related to managing creation costs include:


•	Growing the MONI Direct sales and LiveWatch DIY sales channels with expected lower creation cost multiples, and


•	Negotiating lower subscriber account purchase price multiples in its dealer channel.

In addition, MONI expects that new customers who subscribe to its services through its partnership with Nest will also contribute to lower creation cost multiples as it is expected that Nest equipment will be purchased up front by the consumer as opposed to subsidized by MONI.

Attrition

MONI has also experienced higher subscriber attrition rates in the past few years. While there are a number of factors impacting its attrition rate, MONI expects subscriber cancellations relating to a number of subscriber accounts that were acquired in bulk purchases during 2012 and 2013 from Pinnacle Security, as well as the cancellations by subscribers following AT&T's decision to take its 2G cellular networks offline, to decrease in the future.

Notwithstanding the anticipated decrease in future cancellations for these specific subscriber accounts, MONI has continued to develop its efforts to manage subscriber attrition, which it believes will help drive increases in its subscriber base and shareholder value. MONI currently has several initiatives in place to reduce subscriber attrition, which include:


•	Maintaining high customer service levels,


•	Using predictive modeling to identify subscribers with a higher risk of cancellation and engaging with these subscribers to obtain contract extensions on terms favorable to the Company, and


•	Implementing effective pricing strategies.

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Margin Improvement

MONI has also adopted initiatives to reduce expenses and improve its financial results, which include:


•	Reducing its operating costs by right sizing the cost structure to the business and leveraging its scale,


•	Implementing more sophisticated purchasing techniques, and


•	Increasing use of automation.

While the uncertainties related to the successful implementation of the foregoing initiatives could impact MONI's ability to achieve net profitability and positive cash flows in the near term, MONI believes it will position itself to improve its operating performance, increase cash flows and create shareholder value over the long-term.

Impact from Natural Disasters

Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, made landfall in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, respectively, in the third quarter of 2017. MONI had approximately 38,000, 55,000 and 36,000 subscribers in areas impacted by Harvey, Irma and Maria, respectively. In the fourth quarter of 2017, MONI recognized approximately $2,000,000 in revenue credits or refunds to subscribers due to service interruptions or other customer service incentives to retain subscribers impacted from these natural disasters. A vast majority of these credits were issued to subscribers in Puerto Rico, where damage from the hurricanes had been the most severe and widespread.

In the first quarter of 2018, MONI recognized approximately $900,000 in hurricane related revenue credits, substantially all due to continued customer service retention efforts on Puerto Rico subscribers. There continues to be a modest increase to last twelve months' attrition related to these events. As recovery from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico is still ongoing, MONI may continue to experience increased revenue credits or refunds, field service costs and higher attrition in future periods. However, the extent to which we may experience these impacts cannot currently be estimated. We will continue to assess the impact of these events.

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), 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 MONI's covenants are calculated under the agreements governing its debt obligations. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("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.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth selected data from the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated (dollar amounts in thousands).



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net revenue	$	133,753		141,200
Cost of services	32,701			29,969
Selling, general and administrative, including stock-based and long-term incentive compensation	37,406			36,245
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			59,547
Interest expense	38,652			37,486
Income tax expense from continuing operations	1,346			1,814
Net loss from continuing operations	(30,838		)	(18,945	)
Net loss	(30,838		)	(18,853	)

Adjusted EBITDA (a)
MONI business Adjusted EBITDA	$	70,039		82,222
Corporate Adjusted EBITDA	(1,170		)	(2,222	)
Total Adjusted EBITDA	$	68,869		80,000
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of Net revenue
MONI business	52.4		%	58.2	%
Corporate	(0.9		)%	(1.6	)%

Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net
Gross subscriber acquisition costs	$	11,690		9,033
Revenue associated with subscriber acquisition costs	(1,512		)	(1,392	)
Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net	$	10,178		7,641


(a)	See reconciliation of Net loss from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA below.

Net revenue. Net revenue decreased $7,447,000, or 5.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease in net revenue is attributable to the lower average number of subscribers in the first quarter of 2018. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in average RMR per subscriber due to certain price increases enacted during the past twelve months. Average RMR per subscriber increased from $43.63 as of March 31, 2017 to $44.76 as of March 31, 2018.

Cost of services. Cost of services increased $2,732,000, or 9.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2018 is primarily due to expensing certain direct and incremental field service costs on new AMAs obtained in connection with a subscriber move ("Moves Costs") of $2,405,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. Upon adoption of the new revenue recognition guidance, Topic 606, all Moves Costs are expensed, whereas prior to adoption, certain Moves Costs were capitalized on the balance sheet. Moves Costs capitalized as Subscriber accounts, net for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were $3,889,000. Furthermore, subscriber acquisition costs, which include expensed equipment and labor costs associated with the creation of new subscribers for MONI and LiveWatch, increased to $3,610,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $2,664,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017, attributable to increased production volume in the Company's direct sales channels. These increases were offset by reduced salary and wage expense due to lower headcount. Cost of services as a percent of net revenue increased from 21.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to 24.4% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Selling, general and administrative. Selling, general and administrative costs ("SG&A") increased $1,161,000, or 3.2%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase is attributable to $2,955,000 of severance and related costs in conjunction with transitioning executive leadership at Ascent Capital and increases in direct marketing and other SG&A subscriber acquisition costs associated with the creation of new su

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bscribers. Subscriber acquisition costs in SG&A increased to $8,080,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to $6,369,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. These increases were offset by decreases in stock-based compensation expense and LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges for the three months ended March 31, 2018, due to recent settlements or renegotiations of certain key agreements governing these costs. Furthermore, there was $713,000 and $641,000 of software impairment charges and consulting fees on integration / implementation of company initiatives, respectively, that were recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2017 with no corresponding costs being incurred in the three months ended March 31, 2018. SG&A as a percent of net revenue increased from 25.7% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 to 28.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets. Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets decreased $5,136,000, or 8.6%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease is related to a lower number of subscriber accounts purchased in the last twelve months ended March 31, 2018 compared to the prior corresponding period as well as the timing of amortization of subscriber accounts acquired prior to the first quarter of 2017, which have a lower rate of amortization in 2018 based on the applicable double declining balance amortization method. Additionally, as discussed above, Moves Costs are expensed under Topic 606, whereas prior to adoption, these Moves Costs were capitalized on the balance sheet and amortized. This change resulted in a $1,883,000 decrease in amortization expense. The decrease is partially offset by increased amortization related to accounts acquired subsequent to March 31, 2017.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased $1,166,000, or 3.1%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The increase in interest expense is attributable to increases in the Company's revolving credit facility activity, higher interest rates from increasing LIBOR rates and increased amortization of debt discount and deferred debt costs under the effective interest rate method.

Income tax expense from continuing operations. The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $29,492,000 and income tax expense of $1,346,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018. The Company had pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $17,131,000 and income tax expense of $1,814,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 is attributable to MONI's state tax expense and the deferred tax impact from amortization of deductible goodwill related to MONI's business acquisitions.

Net loss from continuing operations. The Company had net loss from continuing operations of $30,838,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $18,945,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The change in net loss is primarily attributable to the reduction in Net revenue as discussed above.

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Adjusted EBITDA. The following table provides a reconciliation of Net loss from continuing operations to total Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2018			2017
Net loss from continuing operations	$	(30,838	)	(18,945	)
Amortization of subscriber accounts, deferred contract acquisition costs and other intangible assets	54,411			59,547
Depreciation	2,621			2,127
Stock-based compensation	285			1,576
Radio conversion costs	—			232
Severance expense (a)	2,955			27
LiveWatch acquisition contingent bonus charges	62			968
Rebranding marketing program	892			847
Integration / implementation of company initiatives	—			641
Impairment of capitalized software	—			713
Gain on disposal of operating assets	—			(6,638	)
Interest income	(481		)	(395	)
Interest expense	38,652			37,486
Reversal of other-than-temporary impairment losses on sale of marketable securities	(1,036		)	—
Income tax expense from continuing operations	1,346			1,814
Adjusted EBITDA	$	68,869		80,000


(a)	Severance expense related to transitioning executive leadership at Ascent Capital in 2018 and MONI in 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $11,131,000, or 13.9%, for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the corresponding prior year period. The decrease is primarily the result of lower revenues, the expensing of subscriber moves in 2018 and an increase in subscriber acquisition costs as discussed above.

MONI's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $70,039,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared $82,222,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Expensed Subscriber acquisition costs, net. Subscriber acquisition costs, net increased to $10,178,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to $7,641,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in subscriber acquisition costs, net is primarily attributable to increase in volume of direct sales subscriber acquisitions year over year.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2018, we had $30,087,000 of cash and cash equivalents and $107,450,000 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 MONI. During the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, our cash flow from operating activities was $47,954,000 and $45,997,000, 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 three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company used cash of $24,560,000 and $46,708,000, respectively, to fund subscriber account acquisitions, net of holdback and guarantee obligations. In addition, during the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company used cash of $3,310,000 and $1,693,000, respectively, to fund its capital expenditures.

On March 29, 2018, MONI borrowed an incremental $26,691,000 on the revolver under the Credit Facility (as defined below) to fund its April 2, 2018 interest payment due under the Senior Notes (as defined below).

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The existing long-term debt of the Company at March 31, 2018 includes the aggregate principal balance of $1,838,775,000 under (i) the Ascent Capital convertible senior notes totaling $96,775,000 in aggregate principal amount, maturing on July 15, 2020 and bearing interest at 4.00% per annum (the “Convertible Notes”), (ii) the MONI senior notes totaling $585,000,000 in principal, maturing on April 1, 2020 and bearing interest at 9.125% per annum (the “Senior Notes”), and (iii) the $1,100,000,000 senior secured term loan and $295,000,000 super priority revolver under the sixth amendment to the MONI secured credit agreement dated March 23, 2012, as amended (the “Credit Facility”). The Convertible Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $96,775,000 as of March 31, 2018. The Senior Notes have an outstanding principal balance of $585,000,000 as of March 31, 2018. The Credit Facility term loan has an outstanding principal balance of $1,083,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 and requires principal payments of $2,750,000 per quarter with the remaining amount becoming due on September 30, 2022. The Credit Facility revolver has an outstanding balance of $73,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 and becomes due on September 30, 2021. The maturity date for both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility are subject to a springing maturity 181 days prior to the scheduled maturity date of the Senior Notes. Accordingly, if MONI is unable to refinance the Senior Notes by October 3, 2019, both the term loan and the revolving credit facility would become due and payable.

In considering our liquidity requirements for the remainder of 2018, we evaluated our known future commitments and obligations. We will require the availability of funds to finance the strategy of our primary operating subsidiary, MONI, which is planned to grow through the acquisition of subscriber accounts. We considered the expected cash flow from MONI, as this business is the driver of our operating cash flows. In addition, we considered the borrowing capacity of MONI's Credit Facility revolver, under which MONI could borrow an additional $221,500,000 as of March 31, 2018 subject to certain financial covenants. Based on this analysis, we expect that cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations and available borrowings under MONI's Credit Facility revolver will provide sufficient liquidity, given our anticipated current and future requirements.

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.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We have exposure to changes in interest rates related to the terms of our debt obligations. MONI uses derivative financial instruments to manage the exposure related to the movement in interest rates. 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 outstanding debt obligations and derivative financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Interest rate swaps are presented at their fair value amount and by maturity date as of March 31, 2018. Debt amounts represent principal payments by maturity date as of March 31, 2018, assuming no springing maturity of both the term loan and the revolving credit facility under the Credit Facility.



Year of Maturity	Fixed Rate Derivative Instruments, net (a)			Variable Rate Debt		Fixed Rate Debt		Total
	(Amounts in thousands)
Remainder of 2018	$	—		$	8,250	$	—	$	8,250
2019	—			11,000		—		11,000
2020	—			11,000		681,775		692,775
2021	—			84,500		—		84,500
2022	(7,280		)	1,042,250		—		1,034,970
2023	—			—		—		—
Thereafter	—			—		—		—
Total	$	(7,280	)	$	1,157,000	$	681,775	$	1,831,495

(a)

The derivative financial instruments reflected in this column include four interest rate swaps with a maturity date in 2022. As a result of these interest rate swaps, MONI's effective weighted average interest rate on the borrowings under the Credit Facility term loans was 7.98% as of March 31, 2018. See notes 7, 8 and 9 to our accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report for further information.

Item 4. 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 chief executive officer and chief financial 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 March 31, 2018 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 controls over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2018 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal controls over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Except as discussed below, there have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of the 2017 Form 10-K.

MONI’s business operates in a regulated industry.

MONI’s 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, MONI’s 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 MONI (through its direct marketing efforts) or MONI’s 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, investigations or enforcement actions by government regulators. MONI has been named, and may be named in the future, as a defendant in litigation arising from alleged violations of the TCPA. While MONI endeavors to comply with the TCPA, no assurance can be given that MONI will not be exposed to liability as a result of its or its dealers’ direct marketing efforts or debt collections. For example, MONI recognized a legal settlement reserve in the second quarter of 2017 related to a class action lawsuit based on alleged TCPA violations. In addition, although MONI 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 MONI or any such dealers do not comply with applicable laws, MONI may be exposed to increased liability and penalties, and there can be no assurance, in the event of such liability, that MONI would be adequately covered, if at all, by its insurance policies. Further, to the extent that any changes in law or regulation further restrict the lead generation activity of MONI or 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 MONI operates have licensing laws directed specifically toward the monitored security services industry. MONI’s 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 MONI 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 MONI 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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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

The Company did not purchase any of its own equity securities during the three months ended March 31, 2018. The following table sets forth information concerning shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes, in each case, during the three months ended March 31, 2018.



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 (1)
1/1/2018 - 1/31/2018	8,621	(2)	$	11.85	—
2/1/2018 - 2/28/2018	2,059	(2)	6.76		—
3/1/2018 - 3/31/2018	—		—		—
Total	10,680		$	10.87	—

(1)

On June 16, 2011, the Company announced that it received authorization to implement a share repurchase program, pursuant to which it could purchase up to $25,000,000 of its shares of Series A Common Stock, from time to time. On November 14, 2013, November 10, 2014 and September 4, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized, at each date, the repurchase of an incremental $25,000,000 of its Series A Common Stock. As of March 31, 2018, 2,391,604 shares of Series A Common Stock had been purchased, at an average price paid of $40.65 per share, pursuant to these authorizations. As of March 31, 2018, the remaining availability under the Company's existing share repurchase program will enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of approximately $2,771,000 of Series A Common Stock. The Company may also purchase shares of its Series B Common Stock, under the remaining availability of the program.


(2)	Represents shares withheld in payment of withholding taxes upon vesting of employees' restricted share awards.

Item 6. Exhibits

Listed below are the exhibits which are included as a part of this Report (according to the number assigned to them in Item 601 of Regulation S-K):



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 Labels Linkbase Document. *
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. *



*	Filed herewith.
**	Furnished herewith.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.


Date:	May 10, 2018	By:	/s/ William E. Niles
			William E. Niles
			Chief Executive Officer, General Counsel and Secretary


Date:	May 10, 2018	By:	/s/ Fred A. Graffam
			Fred A. Graffam
			Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)