FORM S-1

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 2, 2014

Registration No. 333-            

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

COMMSCOPE HOLDING COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   3663   27-4332098
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1100 CommScope Place, SE

Hickory, NC 28602

(828) 324-2200

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Frank B. Wyatt, II

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.

1100 CommScope Place, SE

Hickory, NC 28602

(828) 324-2200

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Patrick H. Shannon

Jason M. Licht

Latham & Watkins LLP

555 Eleventh Street, NW

Washington, DC 20004

(202) 637-2200

 

Arthur D. Robinson

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

(212) 455-2000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box.  ¨

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of securities to be registered   Amount to be
registered(a)
  Proposed maximum
offering price per
share(b)
  Proposed maximum
aggregate offering
price(a)(b)
 

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  17,250,000   $26.19   $451,777,500   $58,189

 

 

(a) Includes additional shares of common stock that may be purchased by the underwriters.

 

(b) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the amount of the registration fee. In accordance with Rule 457(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the price shown is the average of the high and low selling prices of the Common Stock on May 23, 2014, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

 

 

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The selling stockholder may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to Completion

Preliminary Prospectus dated June 2, 2014

PROSPECTUS

15,000,000 Shares

 

LOGO

CommScope Holding Company, Inc.

Common Stock

 

 

The selling stockholder named in this prospectus, an affiliate of The Carlyle Group, or “Carlyle,” is offering 15,000,000 shares of our common stock in this offering. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of our common stock by the selling stockholder.

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, or “Nasdaq,” under the symbol “COMM.” On May 30, 2014, the closing sale price of our common stock as reported on Nasdaq was $26.44 per share.

 

 

Investing in the common stock involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 18 of this prospectus.

 

     Per
Share
     Total  

Public offering price

   $                    $                

Underwriting discount(1)

   $         $     

Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholder

   $         $     

 

(1) We have agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain expenses in connection with this offering. In addition, upon completion of this offering, we will pay a fee for certain financial consulting services to a broker-dealer not part of the underwriting syndicate. See “Underwriting.”

The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares from the selling stockholder, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of shares by the selling stockholder in this offering, including from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The shares will be ready for delivery on or about                     , 2014.

 

 

 

J.P. Morgan   Deutsche Bank Securities           BofA Merrill Lynch
Barclays   Credit Suisse   Goldman, Sachs & Co.   Jefferies
Morgan Stanley   RBC Capital Markets   Wells Fargo Securities
            Allen & Company LLC   Evercore   Raymond James            
Mizuho Securities   SMBC Nikko
Drexel Hamilton      

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2014.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Prospectus Summary

     1   

Risk Factors

     18   

Forward-Looking Statements

     40   

Market Price Of Our Common Stock

     42   

Use of Proceeds

     43   

Dividend Policy

     44   

Capitalization

     45   

Selected Historical Financial Information

     47   

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

     50   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     53   

Business

     87   

Management

     102   

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

     110   

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

     135   

Principal and Selling Stockholders

     138   

Description Of Capital Stock

     140   

Shares Eligible For Future Sale

     144   

Material U.S. Federal Tax Considerations For Non-U.S. Holders of Our Common Stock

     146   

Underwriting

     150   

Validity of Common Stock

     157   

Experts

     157   

Where You Can Find More Information

     157   

Index To Consolidated Financial Statements

     F-1   

We are responsible for the information contained in this prospectus and in any related free-writing prospectus we prepare or authorize. We and the selling stockholder have not authorized anyone to give you any other information, and we take no responsibility for any other information that others may give you. The selling stockholder is offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, shares of our common stock only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The information in this document may only be accurate on the date of this document, regardless of its time of delivery or of any sales of shares of our common stock. Our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may have changed since such date.


MARKET AND INDUSTRY DATA

This prospectus includes estimates regarding market and industry data and forecasts, which are based on publicly available information, industry publications and surveys, reports from government agencies, reports by market research firms and our own estimates based on our management’s knowledge of and experience in the market sectors in which we compete. The Gartner report described herein represents data, research, opinions or viewpoints published, as part of a syndicated subscription service, by Gartner, Inc. and are not representations of fact. Each Gartner report speaks as of its original publication date (and not as of the date of this prospectus) and the opinions expressed in such report are subject to change without notice.

TRADEMARKS

We own or otherwise have rights to the trademarks, copyrights and service marks, including those mentioned in this prospectus, used in conjunction with the marketing and sale of our products and services. This prospectus includes trademarks, such as CommScope, Andrew, SYSTIMAX and Uniprise, which are protected under applicable intellectual property laws and are our property and/or the property of our subsidiaries. This prospectus also contains trademarks, service marks, copyrights and trade names of other companies, which are the property of their respective owners. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trademarks, service marks, copyrights or trade names to imply a relationship with, or endorsement or sponsorship of us by, any other companies. Solely for convenience, our trademarks and tradenames referred to in this prospectus may appear without the ® or symbols, but such references are not intended to indicate, in any way, that we will not assert, to the fullest extent under applicable law, our rights or the right of the applicable licensor to these trademarks and tradenames.

OUR INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

In October 2013, we issued and sold 30,769,230 shares of our common stock and Carlyle sold 10,913,983 shares of our common stock at a price of $15.00 per share in our initial public offering, or the “IPO.” Upon the completion of the IPO, our common stock was listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “COMM.”

SECONDARY OFFERING

On April 2, 2014, we closed a secondary public offering, in which Carlyle sold 17,500,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $22.00 per share. In addition, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase 2,625,000 additional shares of our common stock from Carlyle. We did not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by Carlyle.

 

ii


PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. Because this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus and should consider, among other things, the matters set forth under “Risk Factors,” “Selected Historical Financial Information” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and our financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this prospectus before making your investment decision.

On January 14, 2011, CommScope Holding Company, Inc. acquired the equity of CommScope, Inc. through the merger of Cedar I Merger Sub, Inc. with and into CommScope, Inc., which is referred to herein as the “Acquisition.” We refer to the Acquisition and the financing thereof as the “Acquisition Transactions.” CommScope, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of CommScope Holding Company, Inc., or “CommScope Holdings,” a Delaware corporation. References herein to the “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our” and “our company” refer to (i) CommScope, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries prior to the Acquisition and (ii) CommScope Holding Company, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries following the Acquisition. References herein to the “LTM Period” refer to our unaudited results for the twelve months ended March 31, 2014. References herein to the financial measures “Adjusted Operating Income,” “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Adjusted Net Income” and “Adjusted EPS” refer to financial measures that do not comply with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, or “U.S. GAAP.” For information about how we calculate Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted Net Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS, see Note 6 to the table under the heading “—Summary Historical Audited and Unaudited Consolidated Financial Information.”

CommScope Overview

We are a leading global provider of connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks. We help our customers solve communications challenges by providing critical radio frequency, or “RF,” solutions, intelligent connectivity and cabling platforms, data center and intelligent building infrastructure and broadband access solutions. Demand for our offerings is driven by the rapid growth of data traffic and need for bandwidth from the continued adoption of smartphones, tablets, machine-to- machine communication and the proliferation of data centers, Big Data, cloud-based services and streaming media content. Our solutions are built upon innovative RF technology, service capabilities, technological expertise and intellectual property, including approximately 2,600 patents and patent applications worldwide. We have a team of approximately 14,500 people to serve our customers in over 100 countries through a network of more than 20 world-class manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe.

The following table sets forth our solutions, key products and services and global leadership positions across our Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband segments.

 

LOGO

 

 

1


Our customers include substantially all of the leading global wireless operators as well as thousands of enterprise customers, including many Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading cable television providers or multi-system operators, or “MSOs,” which we serve both directly and indirectly. Major customers and distributors include companies such as Anixter International Inc., or “Anixter,” AT&T Inc., Ooredoo, Verizon Communications Inc., Ericsson Inc., Alcatel-Lucent SA, Graybar Electric Company Inc., Comcast Corporation, T-Mobile US, Inc. and Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

Our market leadership, as well as our diversified customer base, market exposure and product and geographic mix, provide a strong and resilient business model with strong cash flow generation. In 2013, we generated net sales of $3,480.1 million, net income of $19.4 million, Adjusted Operating Income of $620.1 million and Adjusted Net Income of $262.1 million. During the LTM Period, we generated net sales of $3,610.5 million, net income of $68.0 million, Adjusted Operating Income of $679.8 million and Adjusted Net Income of $302.4 million, and our net sales were 58% from North America, 20% from the Europe, Middle East and Africa, or “EMEA,” region, 15% from the Asia and Pacific, or “APAC,” region and 7% from the Central and Latin America, or “CALA,” region.

Product Summary

Our product and solution offerings include:

Cell site solutions: Our cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors, power amplifiers, filters and backup power solutions, including fuel cells.

Small cell DAS solutions: Our small cell distributed antenna systems, or “DAS,” solutions are primarily composed of distributed antenna systems that allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency, thereby extending and enhancing cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions.

Intelligent enterprise infrastructure solutions: Our Enterprise solutions include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cable solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, intelligent building sensors, advanced LED lighting control systems and network design services.

Data center solutions: We have complemented our leading physical layer solution offerings with the addition of iTRACS, LLC, or “iTRACS,” a leading provider of data center infrastructure management, or “DCIM,” software, with unique network intelligence capabilities.

Broadband MSO solutions: We provide a broad portfolio of cable solutions including fiber-to-the-home equipment and headend solutions for MSOs.

Industry Background

We participate in the large and growing global market for connectivity and essential communications infrastructure. This market is being driven by the growth in bandwidth demand associated with the continued adoption of smartphones, tablets, machine-to-machine communication and the proliferation of data centers, Big Data, cloud-based services and streaming media content.

Carrier Investments in 4G Wireless Infrastructure

Wireless operators have started deploying LTE globally and are making the necessary wireless infrastructure investments to accommodate the growing demand for next-generation mobile communication services. A December 2013 Gartner, Inc. report estimates that mobile infrastructure spending for LTE was $5.9 billion worldwide in 2012 and is forecasted to reach $28.8 billion by 2016, a compound annual growth rate, or “CAGR,” of 49%.

 

 

2


Small Cell Distributed Antenna Systems Enhance and Expand Wireless Coverage and Capacity

As traditional macro cell sites reach capacity limitations in congested urban areas and a growing amount of wireless data traffic originates inside buildings and other structures, wireless operators are increasingly using small cell DAS solutions to cost effectively improve network coverage and capacity in dense urban areas, transportation hubs, stadiums, tunnels and inside buildings. Industry sources have estimated that at peak usage, 50% of mobile data is carried by only 15% of the macro cell sites creating significant stress on mobile network capacity. In addition, a 2012 Cisco Systems, Inc. report estimated that close to 80% of mobile data usage worldwide is indoors and nomadic. As a result, wireless operators view in-building coverage as a critical component of their network deployment strategies.

Growth in Data Center Spending

Organizations are increasingly investing in data centers to meet the increase in demand for computing power and improved network performance. An increase in average data center size and the number of assets in a data center significantly raises the total cost of ownership and the complexity of managing data center infrastructure. Data center operators strive to manage their resources efficiently by monitoring all elements within the data center. DCIM software helps operators improve operational efficiency, maximize capability and reduce costs by providing clear insight into cooling capacity, power usage, utilization, applications and overall performance. According to a 2013 IDC report, the global DCIM market is estimated to grow from $335 million in 2012 to $829 million in 2017, representing a CAGR of 20%.

Transition to Intelligent Buildings

Business enterprises are managing the proliferation of wireless devices, the impact of cloud computing and emergence of wireless and wired business applications. This increasing complexity creates the need for infrastructure to support growing bandwidth requirements, in-building cellular coverage and capacity and software that monitors the physical layer. These enterprises are also investing in common communications and building automation systems to enhance energy efficiency, improve productivity and increase comfort.

Our Segments

We serve our customers through three operating segments: Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband. Net revenue is distributed amongst the three segments as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Three months
ended March 31,
    Twelve
months ended
March 31, 2014
 
     2011(1)     2012     2013     2013     2014    

Wireless

     55.8     57.7     62.5     61.7     67.1     63.8

Enterprise

     27.5        25.5        23.7        23.8        21.5        23.2   

Broadband

     16.7        16.8        13.8        14.5        11.4        13.0   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The Predecessor period of January 1—January 14, 2011 and Successor period of January 15—December 31, 2011 have been combined for presentation of 2011 results. See Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for further information on the Predecessor and Successor periods.

 

 

3


Wireless

We are the global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions to enable carriers’ 2G, 3G and 4G networks. As used in this prospectus, the merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell distributed antenna systems solutions market refers to the market for transmission hardware and equipment used in wireless networks (generally referred to as the “physical layer”) and includes cables, connectors, base station and microwave antennas, amplifiers, filters and other physical-layer equipment. It does not include radios or core radio access networks and related software. Our solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew Corporation, or “Andrew,” brand, enable wireless operators to deploy both macro cell sites and small cell DAS solutions to meet coverage and capacity requirements. Our macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors, amplifiers, filters and backup power solutions. Our small cell DAS solutions are primarily comprised of distributed antenna systems that allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems.

Enterprise

We are the global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions for data centers and commercial buildings, composed of voice, video, data and converged solutions that support mission-critical, high-bandwidth applications, including storage area networks, streaming media, data backhaul, cloud applications and grid computing. These comprehensive solutions include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cable solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, intelligent building sensors, advanced LED lighting control systems and network design services.

We complemented our leading physical layer offerings through two business acquisitions during 2013. We acquired iTRACS to complement our data center offerings. We also acquired Redwood Systems, Inc., or “Redwood Systems,” a provider of advanced LED lighting control and high-density sensor solutions, which complements our in-building cellular and intelligent building solutions.

Broadband

We are a global leader in providing cable and communications products that support the multichannel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by MSOs. We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of coaxial cable for Hybrid Fiber Coaxial, or “HFC,” networks and a leading supplier of fiber optic cable for North American MSOs.

 

 

4


Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths have been instrumental to our success and position us well for future growth and strong financial performance.

Global Market Leadership Position

We are a global leader in connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for communications networks, and we believe we hold leading market positions across each of our three segments.

Global Scale and Manufacturing Footprint

Our global manufacturing footprint gives us significant scale within our addressable market. Our manufacturing and distribution facilities are strategically located to optimize service levels and product delivery times. We believe our scale and stability make us an attractive strategic partner to our large global customers.

Differentiated Solutions Supported by Ongoing Innovation and Significant Proprietary IP

Our integrated solutions for wireless, enterprise and broadband networks are differentiated in the marketplace and are a significant global competitive advantage. We have invested more than $100 million in research and development in each of the last five years. We have also added IP and innovation through acquisitions, such as Argus Technologies, or “Argus,” which enhanced our next-generation base station antenna technology, iTRACS and Redwood Systems. We provide the following benefits as a result of our superior technology:

 

    integrated solutions;

 

    strong design capabilities and technology know-how; and

 

    significant proprietary IP.

Established Sales Channels and Customer Relationships

We serve customers in over 100 countries and have become a trusted advisor to many of them through our industry expertise, quality, technology and long-term relationships. Our 600-person sales force and channel partner relationships give us extensive reach and distribution capabilities to customers globally.

Proven Management Team with Record of Operational Excellence and Successful M&A Integration

Our senior management team has an average of more than 20 years of experience in connectivity solutions for the communications infrastructure industry. We have a history of strong operating cash flow and have generated approximately $1.4 billion in aggregate operating cash flow over the last five fiscal years. We also have a history of successful M&A integration, having completed both large and small acquisitions and successfully integrating them into our business to enhance our market position and expand our capabilities.

Our Strategy

We plan to capitalize on the combined growth in our end markets and leverage our leading position in each of our segments. The key elements of the strategy are to:

 

 

5


Continue Product Innovation

We plan to build on our legacy of innovation and on our worldwide portfolio of patents and patent applications by continuing to invest in research and development.

Enhance Sales Growth

We intend to generate growth opportunities by:

 

    offering existing products and solutions into new geographies;

 

    cross-selling our offerings into new markets;

 

    continuing to drive solutions offerings; and

 

    making strategic acquisitions.

Continue to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Cash Flow Generation

We continuously pursue opportunities to optimize our resources and reduce manufacturing costs by executing strategic initiatives aimed at improving our operating performance and lowering our cost structure.

Risks Related to Our Business

Investing in our common stock involves substantial risk. You should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus prior to investing in our common stock. There are several risks related to our business that are described under “Risk Factors” elsewhere in this prospectus. Among these important risks are the following:

 

    capital spending cycles of our customers;

 

    risks related to our substantial indebtedness;

 

    our ability to prepare for, respond to and successfully achieve our objectives relating to technological and market developments and changing customer needs;

 

    our participation in markets that are competitive;

 

    general economic and industry conditions;

 

    the concentration of our net sales in our top customers and the loss of any one of these;

 

    our ability to realize benefits from acquisitions;

 

    our ability to maintain cost controls;

 

    Carlyle’s ability to control our common stock; and

 

    other risks and uncertainties, including those listed under the caption “Risk Factors.”

 

 

6


Our Current Corporate Structure

 

LOGO

 

* Based on 186,199,035 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2014.
(1) Issuer of CommScope Holding’s 6.625% / 7.375% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2020, or the “2020 Notes.” As of March 31, 2014, we had $550.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes outstanding. CommScope Holding guarantees CommScope, Inc.’s senior secured credit facilities, or our “senior secured credit facilities,” but not CommScope, Inc.’s $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% Senior Notes due 2021 and $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2024, collectively the “New Notes.”
(2) CommScope, Inc. is the borrower under our senior secured credit facilities consisting of (a) a senior secured first lien term loan facility consisting of $348.3 million outstanding under a tranche maturing January 2017 and $522.4 million outstanding under a tranche maturing January 2018, or our “term loan facility,” and (b) a $400.0 million senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility maturing January 2017, or our “revolving credit facility.” As of March 31, 2014, there were no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and $55.0 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of March 31, 2014, we had $345.0 million of availability under our revolving credit facility, which borrowing capacity depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks and to recharacterize assets that might otherwise incrementally increase borrowing availability. CommScope, Inc. was also the issuer of $1,100 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding 8.25% Senior Notes due 2019 Notes, or the “2019 Notes,” which were satisfied and discharged on May 30, 2014, see “—Recent Developments,” and is the issuer of the New Notes.

Recent Developments

Senior Notes Offering

On May 30, 2014, CommScope, Inc. consummated an offering of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.000% Senior Notes due 2021, or the “2021 Notes,” and $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Senior Notes due 2024, or the “2024 Notes,” in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act,” to qualified institutional buyers and to certain non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act.

 

 

7


Satisfaction and Discharge of the 2019 Notes Indenture

On May 30, 2014, concurrently with the consummation of the offering of the New Notes, we satisfied and discharged the indenture governing the 2019 Notes, or the “2019 Notes Indenture,” by irrevocably depositing with the trustee funds for the benefit of the holders of the 2019 Notes that will be sufficient to redeem on June 16, 2014 the entire outstanding amount of 2019 Notes at a rate of $1,041.25 for each $1,000 in principal amount of 2019 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest on such notes to but not including the redemption date, plus a make whole amount. We refer to the satisfaction and discharge of the 2019 Notes Indenture as the “2019 Notes Discharge.”

Our Principal Stockholder

Our principal stockholder is Carlyle-CommScope Holdings, L.P., an entity controlled by Carlyle.

Founded in 1987, Carlyle is a global alternative asset manager and one of the world’s largest global private equity firms with approximately $189 billion of assets under management across 118 funds and 106 fund of funds vehicles as of December 31, 2013. Carlyle invests across four segments—Corporate Private Equity, Real Assets, Global Market Strategies and Solutions—in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and South America. Carlyle has expertise in various industries, including aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrials & transportation, technology & business services and telecommunications & media. Carlyle employs more than 1,500 employees, including more than 700 investment professionals, in 34 offices across six continents.

Carlyle is one of the leading private equity investors in the technology, business services and communications sectors, having completed more than 180 total transactions representing over $13 billion in gross equity invested since inception. Relevant current and former investments include SS&C Technologies (a leading provider of highly specialized proprietary software and software-enabled outsourcing solutions for the financial services industry), OpenLink Financial (a leading provider of cross-asset trading, risk management and related portfolio management software solutions for the commodity, energy and financial services markets globally), Insight Communications Company (previously the ninth largest cable operator in the United States), Syniverse Technologies (leading provider of technology and business services to mobile telecommunications industry) and Com Hem (the largest cable television operator in Sweden). Carlyle’s industry expertise and global resources will continue to support the on-going growth initiatives already underway at CommScope.

Company Information

CommScope Holding Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware on October 22, 2010. Our principal executive offices are located at 1100 CommScope Place, SE, Hickory, North Carolina 28602, our telephone number is (828) 324-2200, and our website is www.commscope.com. Information on, or accessible through, our website is not part of this prospectus, nor is such content incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

8


The Offering

 

Common stock offered by the selling stockholder

15,000,000 shares

 

Selling stockholder

The selling stockholder in this offering is Carlyle. See “Principal and Selling Stockholders.”

 

Common stock outstanding after this offering

186,199,035 shares (1)

 

Option to purchase additional shares

The selling stockholder has granted the underwriters a 30-day option from the date of this prospectus to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 shares of our common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

 

Use of proceeds

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock offered by the selling stockholder in this offering, including from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

 

Nasdaq symbol

“COMM”

 

Risk factors

See “Risk Factors” beginning on page 18 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before deciding to invest in our common stock.

 

(1) The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after completion of this offering is based on 186,199,035 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014, which includes 15,000,000 shares to be sold by the selling stockholder (or 17,250,000 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) and excludes:

 

    11,268,390 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $7.26 per share;

 

    share units that could, at our option, be settled with 579,506 shares of common stock (assuming a per share price at the time of settlement of $24.68, which was the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2014) in lieu of cash to settle $14.3 million owed by us under outstanding share units as of March 31, 2014; and

 

    17,815,461 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the “2013 Plan,” including 370,733 restricted stock units that were outstanding as of March 31, 2014.

Unless we specifically state otherwise, all information in this prospectus assumes no exercise of the option to purchase additional shares by the underwriters.

 

 

9


Summary Historical Audited and Unaudited Consolidated Financial Information

The following table sets forth our summary historical audited and unaudited consolidated financial information for the periods and dates indicated. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the statements of operations and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of our business included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of our business not included in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of March 31, 2014 and the statements of operations and cash flow data for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, have been derived from the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of our business included elsewhere in this prospectus. The balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013 has been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of our business not included in this prospectus. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements and, in the opinion of our management, include all adjustments, consisting only of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the information set forth herein. Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year or any future reporting period.

On January 14, 2011, funds affiliated with Carlyle completed the Acquisition. Under the terms of the Acquisition, CommScope, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. As a result of the application of acquisition accounting, the assets and liabilities of CommScope, Inc. were adjusted to their estimated fair values as of the closing date of the Acquisition. Accordingly, elsewhere in this prospectus, financial information is presented separately for Predecessor and Successor accounting periods, which relate to the accounting periods preceding and succeeding the completion of the Acquisition. See “Selected Historical Financial Information” and our financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

We have presented the combined financial data for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2011 by adding the audited results of operations and cash flow data of our Predecessor from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 to our audited results of operations and cash flow data from January 15, 2011 to December 31, 2011. The combined financial data for this period do not comply with U.S. GAAP and are not intended to represent what our operating results would have been if the Acquisition Transactions had occurred at the beginning of the period because the periods combined are under two different bases of accounting as a result of the Acquisition. However, we have presented this combined data because we believe it is useful for our investors for the purposes of comparing our results of operations and cash flow data from period to period.

We have also presented summary unaudited consolidated financial data for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2014, which does not comply with U.S. GAAP (this period is referred to elsewhere in this prospectus as the LTM Period). This data has been calculated by subtracting the unaudited statements of operations and cash flow data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 from the audited statements of operations and cash flow data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and then adding the unaudited statements of operations and cash flow data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 included elsewhere in this prospectus. We have presented this financial data because we believe it provides our investors with useful information to assess our recent performance.

 

 

10


(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share
data)

  Year ended December 31,     Three months ended
March 31,
    Twelve
months
ended
March 31,
2014
 
  2011(1)     2012     2013     2013     2014    

Statement of operations data:

           

Net sales

  $ 3,275,462      $ 3,321,885      $ 3,480,117      $ 804,689      $ 935,036      $ 3,610,464   

Operating costs and expenses:

           

Cost of sales

    2,445,110        2,261,204        2,279,177        539,615        597,325        2,336,887   

Selling, general and administrative

    581,474        461,149        502,275        108,982        113,028        506,321   

Research and development

    118,181        121,718        126,431        29,950        31,870        128,351   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets(2)

    174,348        175,676        174,887        43,280        44,298        175,905   

Restructuring costs, net(3)

    18,724        22,993        22,104        1,803        1,980        22,281   

Asset impairments(4)

    126,057        40,907        45,529        5,634        —          39,895   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expense

    3,463,894        3,083,647        3,150,403        729,264        788,501        3,209,640   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    (188,432     238,238        329,714        75,425        146,535        400,824   

Other expense, net(5)

    (54,345     (15,379     (48,037     (3,441     (3,195     (47,791

Interest expense

    (263,824     (188,974     (208,599     (45,785     (42,280     (205,094

Interest income

    3,826        3,417        3,107        704        1,104        3,507   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (502,775     37,302        76,185        26,903        102,164        151,446   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    110,413        (31,949     (56,789     (11,003     (37,677     (83,463
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ (392,362   $ 5,353      $ 19,396      $ 15,900      $ 64,487      $ 67,983   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

           

Basic

    $ 0.03      $ 0.12      $ 0.10      $ 0.35      $ 0.40   

Diluted

    $ 0.03      $ 0.12      $ 0.10      $ 0.34      $ 0.39   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

           

Basic

      154,708        160,641        154,881        185,942        168,211   

Diluted

      155,517        164,013        156,644        190,922        172,723   

Balance sheet data (at end of period):

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 317,102      $ 264,375      $ 346,320      $ 266,738      $ 305,188     

Property, plant and equipment, net

    407,557        355,212        310,143        342,401        303,364     

Total assets

    5,153,189        4,793,264        4,734,055        4,851,640        4,774,088     

Total debt

    2,563,004        2,470,770        2,514,552        2,568,649        2,512,639     

Total stockholders’ equity

    1,365,089        1,182,282        1,088,016        1,194,148        1,158,700     

Cash flow data:

           

Net cash provided by (used in):

           

Operating activities

  $ 130,995      $ 286,135      $ 237,701      $ (52,855   $ (35,489   $ 255,067   

Investing activities

    (3,171,476     (35,525     (63,411     (37,941     (5,446     (30,915

Financing activities

    2,655,276        (299,522     (89,669     95,214        941        (183,943

Capital expenditures

    (39,533     (27,957     (36,780     (6,532     (6,675     (36,922

Non-GAAP financial data:

           

Adjusted Operating Income(6)

  $ 380,545      $ 501,067      $ 620,096      $ 132,229      $ 191,969      $ 679,836   

Adjusted Net Income(6)

    130,651        185,345        262,062        54,840        95,223        302,445   

Adjusted EBITDA(6)

    462,513        570,571        675,263        145,915        203,692        733,040   

Adjusted EPS(6)(7):

           

Basic

    $ 1.20      $ 1.63      $ 0.35      $ 0.51      $ 1.80   

Diluted

    $ 1.19      $ 1.60      $ 0.35      $ 0.50      $ 1.75   

Net Leverage Ratio(8)

    4.9x        3.9x        3.2x            3.0x   

 

(1) Reflects the combined financial data for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2011 derived by adding the audited results of operations and cash flow data of our Predecessor from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 to our audited results of operations and cash flow data from January 15, 2011 to December 31, 2011. See “Selected Historical Financial Information” for a tabular presentation of our Predecessor’s audited results of operations and cash flow data from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 and our audited results of operations and cash flow data from January 15, 2011 to December 31, 2011.

 

 

11


(2) Amortization of purchased intangible assets excludes amortization amounts included in cost of sales of $0.5 million for the period from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 within the year ended December 31, 2011 due to a change in accounting policy at the time of the Acquisition.
(3) Beginning in 2011 and continuing into 2014, restructuring actions were initiated to realign and lower our cost structure primarily through workforce reductions at various U.S. and international facilities and the closure of certain manufacturing operations in the U.S. Net restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected $40.8 million of restructuring costs partially offset by a gain of $18.7 million related to the sale of certain assets of the BiMetals business.
(4) During the year ended December 31, 2011, as a result of reduced expectations of future cash flows of reporting units within the Wireless segment, we determined that certain intangible assets were not recoverable and consequently recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $45.9 million and a goodwill impairment charge of $80.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we revised our outlook for a reporting unit within the Wireless segment that provides location-based mobile applications, resulting in a decrease in expected future cash flows. As a result of these reduced expectations of future cash flows of this reporting unit, a restructuring action was initiated and certain intangible assets and property, plant and equipment were determined to be impaired. An impairment charge of $35.0 million was recognized. Also during 2012, as a result of a shift in customer demand, we determined that the carrying value of certain equipment was no longer recoverable. An additional impairment charge of $5.9 million was recognized within the Wireless segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, as a result of lower than expected sales and operating income in the Broadband segment reporting unit, management considered the longer term effect of market conditions and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $36.2 million. Also during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, within the Wireless segment, we obtained new market data regarding a facility being marketed for sale and recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million. In addition, we concluded that certain production equipment and intellectual property would no longer be utilized and recorded impairment charges of $5.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
(5) During the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, net other expense included foreign exchange losses of $10.0 million, $7.0 million, $9.8 million, $0.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net other expense also included $2.5 million of our share of losses in our equity investments and a pretax, non-deductible loss of $41.8 million on the extinguishment of CommScope, Inc.’s 3.25% convertible notes. During the year ended December 31, 2012, net other expense included our share of losses in our equity investments of $3.4 million and the impairment of one such investment of $2.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, net other expense also included a charge of $33.0 million related to the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes, costs related to amending our senior secured credit facilities of $3.3 million, as well as our share of losses in and impairments of our equity investments of $2.2 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, net other expense also included our share of losses in our equity investments of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Also included in net other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was the write-off of an equity investment of $0.8 million. We also incurred costs of $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to amending our senior secured credit facilities.
(6)

We believe that our financial statements and the other financial data included in this prospectus have been prepared in a manner that complies, in all material respects, with U.S. GAAP and the regulations published by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and are consistent with current practice with the exception of: (a) the presentation of the combined financial data for the period from January 1 to December 31, 2011, which have been derived by adding the audited results of operations and cash flow data of our Predecessor from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 to our audited results of operations and cash flow data from January 15, 2011 to December 31, 2011 and are included to facilitate a discussion of comparative periods throughout this prospectus; (b) the presentation of summary unaudited consolidated financial data for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2014, which have been derived by subtracting the unaudited statements of operations and cash flow data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 from the audited statements of operations and cash flow data for the year ended December 31, 2013 and then adding the unaudited statements of operations and cash flow data for the three-month period ended March 31, 2014 and are included as a tool for investors to assess our recent performance and (c) the inclusion of financial measures that differ from measures calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and adjusted earnings per share, or “Adjusted EPS” (which is Adjusted Net Income per share of our common stock calculated on both a basic and diluted basis). We believe that the presentation of these financial measures enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that these financial measures are useful financial metrics to assess our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe

 

 

12


  are not representative of our core business. We also believe that certain of these financial measures provide investors with a useful tool for assessing the comparability between periods of our ability to generate cash from operations sufficient to pay taxes, to service debt and to undertake capital expenditures. We also use certain of these financial measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors.

We believe these financial measures are commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors. However, our use of the terms Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS may vary from that of others in our industry. These financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to operating income (loss), net income (loss), earnings (loss) per share or any other performance measures derived in accordance with U.S. GAAP as measures of operating performance or operating cash flows or as measures of liquidity.

Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS have important limitations as analytical tools and you should not consider them in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are:

 

    Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS:

 

    exclude certain tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us;

 

    exclude certain impairments and adjustments for purchase accounting;

 

    do not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;

 

    do not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and

 

    do not reflect the significant interest expense in the case of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Operating Income; and

 

    do not reflect the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt.

 

    although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future; Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS do not reflect any cash requirements for replacements of amortizing assets, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for replacements of depreciating assets; and

 

    other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS differently than we do, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures.

Because of these limitations, Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS should not be considered as measures of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our U.S. GAAP results and using these financial measures only supplementally.

Because the Net Leverage Ratio is based, in part, on Adjusted EBITDA, this measure is similarly impacted by the limitations referenced above and also should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for U.S. GAAP measures.

In calculating Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS, we add back certain non-cash, non-recurring and other items that are included in operating income (loss), net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share.

In calculating these financial measures, we make certain adjustments that are based on assumptions and estimates that may prove to have been inaccurate. In addition, in evaluating these financial measures, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those eliminated in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

 

 

13


The following tables reconcile operating income (loss) to Adjusted Operating Income, net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA, and net income (loss) to Adjusted Net Income, for the periods presented.

Adjusted Operating Income

Adjusted Operating Income eliminates non-operating income or expense and certain unusual or non-recurring items impacting results in a particular period if we believe that excluding such items provides investors meaningful information to better understand our operating results and analyze financial and business trends on a period-to-period basis. The following table presents a reconciliation of operating income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted Operating Income for the periods indicated below.

 

     Year ended December 31,      Three months
ended March 31,
    Twelve
months ended
March 31,
2014
 

(dollars in thousands)

   2011     2012      2013      2013      2014    

Operating income (loss)

   $ (188,432   $ 238,238       $ 329,714       $ 75,425       $ 146,535      $ 400,824   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets(a)

     174,888        175,676         174,887         43,280         44,298        175,905   

Restructuring costs, net

     18,724        22,993         22,104         1,803         1,980        22,281   

Equity-based compensation(b)

     6,505        7,525         16,108         4,472         3,676        15,312   

Transaction costs(c)

     132,575        6,291         27,214         1,615         925        26,524   

Purchase accounting(d)

     105,382        —           2,475         —           (5,445     (2,970

Asset impairments

     126,057        40,907         45,529         5,634         —          39,895   

Other(e)

     4,846        9,437         2,065         —           —          2,065   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Operating Income

   $ 380,545      $ 501,067       $ 620,096       $ 132,229       $ 191,969      $ 679,836   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) Includes amortization of purchased intangible assets of $0.5 million reported in cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2011.
  (b) Reflects ongoing equity-based compensation, excluding both the acceleration of $23.8 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 in connection with the Acquisition (included in (c) below) and the contribution of $0.1 million in the form of common shares to employee benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2011.
  (c) Reflects charges of $2.5 million, $3.3 million, $4.0 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to due diligence and other transaction related costs on potential and consummated acquisitions. Includes $2.9 million, $3.0 million, $3.0 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to the Carlyle management fee. Includes $127.2 million of costs related to the Acquisition during 2011, of which $23.8 million resulted from the accelerated vesting of equity-based compensation. Reflects the $20.2 million fee paid to terminate the Carlyle management agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects the costs associated with the secondary offering completed in April 2014.
  (d) Reflects non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, primarily related to the write-up of inventory and deferred revenue adjustments. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects a $5.4 million reduction in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood Systems acquisition.
  (e) Reflects items impacting operating income that we do not believe are representative of our ongoing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2011, reflects a litigation settlement charge of $7.0 million and a $2.2 million gain on the sale of product lines. For the year ended December 31, 2012, reflects a charge of $2.0 million related to prior years’ customs and duties obligations, an $8.9 million charge related to a prior year warranty matter and a $1.5 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary. For the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects an additional charge of $2.1 million related to the prior year warranty matter.

 

 

14


Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA consists of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including impairments to goodwill and other intangible assets and adjustments for purchase accounting), equity-based compensation and certain non-cash, nonrecurring or other items that are included in net income (loss) that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance. We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA enhances an investor’s understanding of our financial performance. We further believe that Adjusted EBITDA is a useful financial metric to assess our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We also use Adjusted EBITDA as one of the primary methods for planning and forecasting overall expected performance and for evaluating on a quarterly and annual basis actual results against such expectations. The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated below.

 

    Year ended December 31,     Three months
ended March 31,
    Twelve
months ended
March 31,
2014
 

(dollars in thousands)

  2011     2012     2013     2013     2014    

Net income (loss)

  $ (392,362   $ 5,353      $ 19,396      $ 15,900      $ 64,487      $ 67,983   

Interest expense

    263,824        188,974        208,599        45,785        42,280        205,094   

Interest income

    (3,826     (3,417     (3,107     (704     (1,104     (3,507

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (110,413     31,949        56,789        11,003        37,677        83,463   

Depreciation

    81,968        69,504        55,167        13,682        11,723        53,208   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets(a)

    174,888        175,676        174,887        43,280        44,298        175,905   

Purchase accounting(b)

    105,382        —          2,475        —          (5,445     (2,970

Asset impairments

    126,057        40,907        45,529        5,634        —          39,895   

Restructuring costs, net

    18,724        22,993        22,104        1,803        1,980        22,281   

Equity-based compensation(c)

    6,505        7,525        16,108        4,472        3,676        15,312   

Transaction costs(d)

    174,383        6,291        27,214        1,615        925        26,524   

Other(e)

    17,383        24,816        50,102        3,445        3,195        49,852   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 462,513      $ 570,571      $ 675,263      $ 145,915      $ 203,692      $ 733,040   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (a) Includes amortization of purchased intangible assets of $0.5 million reported in cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 2011.
  (b) Reflects non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, primarily related to the write-up of inventory and deferred revenue adjustments. Excludes $12.1 million of incremental depreciation related to purchase accounting that is included in Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, includes a $5.4 million reduction in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood Systems acquisition.
  (c) Reflects ongoing equity-based compensation, excluding both the acceleration of $23.8 million of expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 in connection with the Acquisition (included in (d) below) and the contribution of $0.1 million in the form of common shares to employee benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2011.
  (d) Reflects charges of $2.5 million, $3.3 million, $4.0 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to due diligence and other transaction related costs on potential and consummated acquisitions. Includes $2.9 million, $3.0 million, $3.0 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to the Carlyle management fee. Includes $169.0 million of costs related to the Acquisition during 2011, of which $23.8 million resulted from the accelerated vesting of equity-based compensation and $41.8 million related to a loss on our 3.25% convertible notes, and the $20.2 million fee paid to terminate the Carlyle management agreement during the year ended December 31, 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects the costs associated with the secondary offering completed in April 2014.
  (e)

Reflects other expense, net of $12.5 million (such amount excludes the impact of the extinguishment of our 3.25% convertible notes, the effect of which is included in footnote (d) above), $15.4 million, $48.0 million (such amount includes the $33.0 million premium paid to redeem $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes), $3.4 million and $3.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, respectively. In addition, the “other” line item reflects the following adjustments, which are also reflected in Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Net Income: for 2011, reflects a litigation settlement charge of $7.0

 

 

15


  million and a $2.2 million gain on the sale of product lines; for 2012, reflects a charge of $2.0 million related to prior years’ customs and duties obligations, an $8.9 million charge related to a prior year warranty matter and a $1.5 million gain on the sale of a subsidiary; and for the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects an additional charge of $2.1 million related to the prior year warranty matter.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted Net Income is defined as consolidated net income (loss), adjusted for the after tax impact of certain non-recurring and other items that we do not consider representative of our ongoing operating performance. We believe that Adjusted Net Income provides meaningful supplemental information for investors regarding the performance of our business and facilitates a meaningful evaluation of actual results on a comparable basis with historical results. Our management uses this non-U.S. GAAP financial measure in order to have comparable financial results to analyze changes in our overall performance from quarter to quarter. The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, to Adjusted Net Income for the periods indicated below.

 

     Year ended December 31,      Three months
ended March 31,
    Twelve
months ended
March 31,
2014
 

(dollars in thousands)

   2011     2012      2013      2013      2014    

Net income (loss)

   $ (392,362   $ 5,353       $ 19,396       $ 15,900       $ 64,487      $ 67,983   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     113,677        114,189         113,893         28,132         29,232        114,993   

Restructuring costs, net

     11,590        14,233         13,335         1,116         1,228        13,447   

Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount

     24,850        10,585         16,460         2,436         2,133        16,157   

Equity-based compensation(a)

     4,027        4,658         10,026         2,769         2,328        9,585   

Transaction costs(b)

     98,180        3,895         16,868         1,000         925        16,793   

Asset impairments

     109,379        26,590         41,966         3,487         —          38,479   

Purchase accounting(c)

     68,498        —           1,586         —           (5,445     (3,859

Loss related to debt transactions(d)

     89,788        —           21,353         —           —          21,353   

Other(e)

     3,024        5,842         7,179         —           335        7,514   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted Net Income

   $ 130,651      $ 185,345       $ 262,062       $ 54,840       $ 95,223      $ 302,445   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

(Tax rates applied to the various pre-tax adjustments reflect the rate applicable to the particular adjustment.)

 

  (a) Reflects ongoing equity-based compensation, excluding both the acceleration of $14.7 million of after- tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 in connection with the Acquisition (included in (b) below) and the contribution of $0.1 million in the form of common shares to employee benefit plans for the year ended December 31, 2011.
  (b) Reflects after-tax adjustments of $1.6 million, $2.0 million, $2.5 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to due diligence and other transaction related costs on potential and consummated acquisitions. Includes after-tax adjustments of $1.8 million, $1.9 million, $1.9 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, respectively, related to the Carlyle management fee. Includes after-tax costs related to the Acquisition during 2011 of $94.8 million, which includes an after-tax charge of $14.7 million from the accelerated vesting of equity-based compensation and an after-tax charge $16.1 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs. For the year ended December 31, 2013, includes after-tax adjustment of $12.5 million related to the fee paid to terminate the Carlyle management agreement. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects the costs associated with the secondary offering completed in April 2014.
  (c) Reflects non-cash charges resulting from purchase accounting adjustments, primarily related to the write-up of inventory and deferred revenue adjustments. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects a reduction in the estimated fair value of the Redwood Systems acquisition contingent consideration payable, which is not subject to tax.
  (d) Reflects the full effect of the extinguishment of our 3.25% convertible notes, including amounts reflected in interest expense and other expense, net for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects the premium paid to redeem $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes and certain costs related to amending our senior secured credit facilities.

 

 

16


  (e) Reflects items impacting net income (loss) that we do not believe are representative of our ongoing operations. For 2011, reflects an after-tax litigation settlement charge of $4.4 million and a $1.3 million after-tax gain on the sale of product lines. For 2012, reflects an after-tax charge of $1.2 million related to prior years’ customs and duties obligations, a $5.5 million after-tax charge related to a prior year warranty matter and a $0.9 million after-tax gain on the sale of a subsidiary. For the year ended December 31, 2013, reflects a net increase of $5.9 million in valuation allowances primarily related to foreign tax credit carryforwards and an additional after-tax charge of $1.3 million related to the prior year warranty matter. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflects the net impact of increases in valuation allowances on certain tax attributes, annual effective rate adjustments and benefits related to uncertain tax positions for which the statutes had lapsed.
(7) Calculated on the basis of Adjusted Net Income and the historical weighted average shares outstanding for the relevant periods, as adjusted for the 3-for-1 stock split that became effective in connection with the filing of the certificate of amendment to our certificate of incorporation on October 4, 2013.
(8) Represents net debt to Adjusted EBITDA as of the dates indicated below:

 

     As of December 31,     As of
March 31,
2014
 
     2011     2012     2013    

Total debt

   $ 2,563,004      $ 2,470,770      $ 2,514,552      $ 2,512,639   

Less: Cash and cash equivalents

     (317,102     (264,375     (346,320     (305,188
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net debt .

   $ 2,245,902      $ 2,206,395      $ 2,168,232      $ 2,207,451   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA .

   $ 462,513      $ 570,571      $ 675,263      $ 733,040   

Net leverage ratio

     4.9x        3.9x        3.2x        3.0x   

 

 

17


RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider carefully the following risks, together with the information under the caption “Business—Competition” and the other information contained in this prospectus before you decide whether to buy our common stock. If any of the events contemplated by the following discussion of risks should occur, our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could suffer significantly. As a result, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of the money you paid to buy our common stock. The following is a summary of all the material risks known to us.

Risks Related to Our Business

Our business is dependent on customers’ capital spending on data and communication networks and reductions by customers in capital spending adversely affect our business.

Our performance is dependent on customers’ capital spending for constructing, rebuilding, maintaining or upgrading data and communication networks, which can be volatile or hard to forecast. Capital spending in the communications industry is cyclical and can be curtailed or deferred on short notice. A variety of factors affect the amount of capital spending, and, therefore, our sales and profits, including:

 

    competing technologies;

 

    general economic conditions;

 

    timing and adoption of global rollout of new technologies, include 4G/LTE;

 

    customer specific financial or stock market conditions;

 

    availability and cost of capital;

 

    governmental regulation;

 

    demands for network services;

 

    competitive pressures, including pricing pressures;

 

    acceptance of new services offered by our customers;

 

    impact of industry consolidation; and

 

    real or perceived trends or uncertainties in these factors.

Several of our customers have accumulated significant levels of debt. These high debt levels, coupled with the uncertainty in the capital markets, may impact their access to capital in the future. Even if the financial health of our customers remains intact, these customers may not purchase new equipment at levels we have seen in the past or expect in the future. While there are signs of improvement from the historical housing market disruptions and foreclosures, as well as the material disruptions in the credit markets, that occurred beginning in 2008, we cannot predict the impact of economic uncertainty, or of specific customer financial challenges on our customer’s expansion and maintenance expenditures.

In addition, industry consolidation has, in the past, constrained, and may, in the future, constrain, capital spending by certain of our customers. Further, if our product portfolio and product development plans do not position us well to capture an increased portion of the capital spending of customers in the markets on which we focus, our revenue may decline.

As a result of these capital spending issues, we may not be able to maintain or increase our revenue in the future, and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

 

18


A substantial portion of our business is derived from a limited number of key customers or distributors.

We derived 21% of our 2013 consolidated net sales from our top three customers or distributors. Our largest distributor, Anixter, accounted for 12% of our 2013 consolidated net sales. The concentration of our net sales among these and other key customers or distributors subjects us to a variety of risks that could have a material adverse impact on our net sales and profitability, including, without limitation:

 

    lower sales resulting from the loss of one or more of our key customers or distributors;

 

    renegotiations of agreements with key customers or distributors resulting in materially less favorable terms;

 

    financial difficulties experienced by one or more of our key customers, distributors or our distributors’ end customers, resulting in reduced purchases of our products and/or uncollectible accounts receivable balances;

 

    reductions in inventory levels held by distributors and original equipment manufacturers which may be unrelated to purchasing trends by the ultimate customer;

 

    consolidations in the wireless or cable television industries resulting in delays in purchasing decisions or reduced purchases by the merged businesses;

 

    new or proposed laws or regulations affecting the wireless or cable television industries resulting in reduced capital spending;

 

    increases in the cost of borrowing or capital and/or reductions in the amount of debt or equity capital available to the wireless or cable television industries resulting in reduced capital spending; and

 

    changes in the technology deployed by customers resulting in lower sales of our products.

Additionally, the risks above are further increased as a result of our indirect sales to the same ultimate customers. In addition, we generally have no long-term contracts or minimum purchase commitments with any of our distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers, original equipment manufacturers, or “OEM,” or other customers, and our contracts with these parties do not prohibit them from purchasing or offering products or services that compete with ours. While we maintain long-term relationships with these parties and have not historically lost key customers, we have experienced variability in the level of purchases by our key customers, and any significant reduction in sales to these customers, including as a result of the inability or unwillingness of these customers to continue purchasing our products, or their failure to properly manage their business with respect to the purchase of and payment for our products, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. See also “—We depend on channel partners to sell our products in certain markets and regions and are subject to risks associated with these arrangements.”

Our future success depends on our ability to anticipate and to adapt to technological changes and develop, implement and market product innovations.

Many of our markets are characterized by advances in information processing and communications capabilities that require increased transmission speeds and greater bandwidth. These advances require ongoing improvements in the capabilities of our products.

However, we may not be successful in those efforts if, among other things, our products:

 

    are not cost effective;

 

    are not brought to market in a timely manner;

 

    are not in accordance with evolving industry standards;

 

    fail to achieve market acceptance or meet customer requirements; and

 

    are ahead of the needs of their markets.

 

19


There are various competitive wireless technologies that could be a potential substitute for some of the communications products we sell. See “Business—Competition.” A significant technological breakthrough or significant decrease in the cost of deploying these wireless technologies could have a material adverse effect on our sales.

Fiber optic technology presents a potential substitute for some of the broadband communications cable products we sell. A significant decrease in the cost of deploying fiber optic systems could make these systems superior on a price/performance basis to copper or aluminum systems and have a material adverse effect on our business.

In order to successfully develop and market certain of our planned products, we may be required to enter into technology development or licensing agreements with third parties. We cannot provide assurances that we will be able to timely enter into any necessary technology development or licensing agreements on reasonable terms, or at all.

The failure to successfully introduce new or enhanced products on a timely and cost-competitive basis or the inability to continue to market existing products on a cost-competitive basis could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, sales of new products may replace sales of some of our existing products, mitigating the benefits of new product introductions and possibly resulting in excess levels of inventory.

Our revenues are dependent on the commercial deployment of technologies based on code division multiple access, or “CDMA,” and orthogonal frequency-division multiple access, or “OFDMA,” among others, and upgrades of 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services based on these technologies.

We develop, patent and commercialize technology and products based on CDMA and OFDMA, among others. Our revenues are dependent upon the commercial deployment of these technologies and products and upgrades of 2G, 3G and 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services based on these technologies. For example, several wireless providers in the United States have recently announced plans to shut down legacy CDMA networks. While we believe the deployment and adoption of LTE technology will help reduce the effect of this industry trend, our business may be harmed, and our investments in these technologies may not provide us an adequate return if:

 

    LTE, an OFDMA-based wireless standard, is not widely deployed or commercial deployment is delayed;

 

    wireless operators delay moving 2G customers to 3G and 4G devices;

 

    wireless operators delay 3G and/or 4G deployments, expansions or upgrades;

 

    government regulators delay the reallocation of spectrum to allow wireless operators to upgrade to 3G and 4G, which will restrict the expansion of 3G and 4G wireless connectivity, primarily outside of major population areas;

 

    wireless operators are unable to drive improvements in 3G and 4G network performance and/or capacity; or

 

    wireless operators and other industries using these technologies deploy other technologies.

Our business is dependent on our ability to increase our share of components sold and to continue to drive the adoption of our products and services into 3G and 4G wireless networks. We are also dependent on the success of our customers, licensees and CDMA- and OFDMA-based wireless operators and other industries using our technologies, as well as the timing of their deployment of new services, and they may incur lower gross margins on products or services based on these technologies than on products using alternative technologies as a result of greater competition or other factors. If commercial deployment of these technologies, upgrade of 2G subscribers

 

20


to 3G devices and upgrades to 3G or 4G wireless communications equipment, products and services based on these technologies do not continue or are delayed, our revenues could be negatively impacted, and our business could suffer.

We may not fully realize anticipated benefits from past or future acquisitions or equity investments.

We anticipate that a portion of any future growth of our business might be accomplished by acquiring existing businesses, products or technologies. The success of any acquisition will depend upon, among other things, our ability to integrate acquired personnel, operations, products and technologies into our organization effectively, to retain and motivate key personnel of acquired businesses and to retain their customers. In addition, we might not be able to identify suitable acquisition opportunities or obtain any necessary financing on acceptable terms. We might also spend time and money investigating and negotiating with potential acquisition or investment targets, but not complete the transaction.

Although we expect to realize strategic, operational and financial benefits as a result of our past or future acquisitions and equity investments, we cannot predict whether and to what extent such benefits will be achieved. There are significant challenges to integrating an acquired operation into our business, including, but not limited to:

 

    successfully managing the operations, manufacturing facilities and technology;

 

    integrating the sales organizations and maintaining and increasing the customer base;

 

    retaining key employees, suppliers and distributors;

 

    integrating management information, inventory, accounting and research and development activities; and

 

    addressing operating losses related to individual facilities or product lines.

Any future acquisition could involve other risks, including the assumption of additional liabilities and expenses, issuances of debt, transaction costs and diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns and such acquisition may be dilutive to our financial results.

We face competitive pressures with respect to all of our major products.

In each of our major product groups, we compete with a substantial number of foreign and domestic companies, some of which have greater resources (financial or otherwise) or lower operating costs than we have. Competitors’ actions, such as price reductions or introduction of new innovative products, and the use of exclusively price driven Internet auctions by customers may have a material adverse impact on our net sales and profitability. In addition, the rapid technological changes occurring in the communications industry could lead to the entry of new competitors. We cannot assure you that we will continue to compete successfully with our existing competitors or with new competitors.

Many of our competitors are substantially larger than us, and have greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than we have. Many of these large enterprises are in a better position to withstand any significant reduction in capital spending by customers in our markets. They often have broader product lines and market focus, and may not be as susceptible to downturns in a single market. These competitors may also be able to bundle their products together to meet the needs of a particular customer, and may be capable of delivering more complete solutions than we are able to provide. To the extent large enterprises that currently do not compete directly with us choose to enter our markets by acquisition or otherwise, competition would likely intensify.

Further, some of our competitors that have greater financial resources have offered, and in the future may offer, their products at lower prices than we offer for our competing products or on more attractive financing or payment terms, which has in the past caused, and may in the future cause, us to lose sales opportunities and the resulting revenue or to reduce our prices in response to that competition. Reductions in prices for any of our

 

21


products could have a material adverse effect on our operating margins and revenue. In addition, many of our competitors have been in operation longer than we have and, therefore, have more long-standing and established relationships with domestic and foreign customers, making it difficult for us to sell to those customers.

If any of our competitors’ products or technologies were to become the industry standard, our business would be seriously harmed. If our competitors are successful in bringing their products to market earlier than us, or if these products are more technologically capable than ours, our revenue could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, certain companies that have not had a large presence in the broadband communications equipment market have begun to expand their presence in this market through mergers and acquisitions. The continued consolidation of our competitors could have a significant negative impact on our business. Further, our competitors may bundle their products or incorporate functionality into existing products in a manner that discourages users from purchasing our products or which may require us to lower our selling prices, resulting in lower revenue and decreased gross margins.

If we are unable to compete at the same level as we have in the past, in any of our markets, or are forced to reduce the prices of our products in order to continue to be competitive, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows would be materially and adversely affected.

We depend on channel partners to sell our products in certain markets and regions and are subject to risks associated with these arrangements.

We utilize distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers (channel partners) to sell our products to certain customers and in certain geographic regions to improve our access to these customers and regions and to lower our overall cost of sales and post-sales support. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013, sales to our four largest channel partners represented 17% and 20% of our net sales, respectively. Our sales through channel partners are subject to a number of risks, including:

 

    the ability of our selected channel partners to effectively sell our products to end customers;

 

    our ability to continue channel partner arrangements into the future because most are for a limited term and subject to mutual agreement to extend;

 

    a reduction in gross margins realized on sale of our products; and

 

    a diminution of contact with end customers which, over time, could adversely impact our ability to develop new products that meet customers’ evolving requirements.

In the past, we have seen some distributors acquired and consolidated. If there were further consolidation of our distributors, this could affect our relationships with these distributors. It could also result in consolidation of distributor inventory, which could temporarily depress our revenue. In addition, changes in the inventory levels of our products held by our distributors can result in significant variability in our revenues. We have also experienced financial failure of a limited number of distributors from time to time, resulting in our inability to collect accounts receivable in full. A global economic downturn could cause financial difficulties (including bankruptcy) for our distributors and customers, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

We generally have no long-term contracts or minimum purchase commitments with any of our distributors, system integrators, value-added resellers or OEM customers, and our contracts with these parties do not prohibit them from purchasing or offering products or services that compete with ours. Our competitors may provide incentives to any of our distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers or OEM customers to favor their products or, in effect, to prevent or reduce sales of our products. Any of our distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers or OEM customers may independently choose not to purchase or offer our products. Many of our distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers are small, are based in a variety of international locations, and may have relatively unsophisticated processes and limited financial resources to conduct their business. Any significant disruption of our sales to these customers, including as a result of the inability or

 

22


unwillingness of these customers to continue purchasing our products, or their failure to properly manage their business with respect to the purchase of and payment for our products, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. In addition, our failure to continue to establish or maintain successful relationships with distributors, systems integrators, value-added resellers or OEM customers could likewise materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If contract manufacturers that we rely on encounter production, quality, financial or other difficulties, we may experience difficulty in meeting customer demands.

We rely on unaffiliated contract manufacturers, both domestically and internationally, to produce certain products or key components of products. If we are unable to arrange for sufficient production capacity among our contract manufacturers or if our contract manufacturers encounter production, quality, financial or other difficulties, including labor disturbances or geopolitical risks, or if alternative suppliers cannot be identified we may encounter difficulty in meeting customer demands. Any such difficulties could have an adverse effect on our business, financial results and results of operations, which could be material.

If our integrated global manufacturing operations suffer production or shipping delays, we may experience difficulty in meeting customer demands.

We internally produce, both domestically and internationally, a portion of certain components used in our finished products. Disruption of our ability to produce at or distribute from these facilities due to failure of our manufacturing infrastructure, fire, electrical outage, natural disaster, acts of terrorism, shipping interruptions or some other catastrophic event could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture products at our other manufacturing facilities in a cost-effective and timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we encounter capacity constraints with respect to our internal facilities and/or existing or new contract manufacturers, it could have an adverse impact on our business.

If we do not have sufficient production capacity, either through our internal facilities and/or through independent contract manufacturers, to meet customer demand for our products, we may experience lost sales opportunities and customer relations problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business depends on effective information management systems.

We rely on our enterprise resource planning systems to support such critical business operations as processing sales orders and invoicing; inventory control; purchasing and supply chain management; human resources; and financial reporting. If we are unable to successfully implement major systems initiatives and maintain critical information systems, we could encounter difficulties that could have a material adverse impact on our business, internal controls over financial reporting, or our ability to timely and accurately report our financial results.

Cyber-security incidents, including data security breaches or computer viruses, could harm our business by disrupting our delivery of services, damaging our reputation or exposing us to liability.

We receive, process, store and transmit, often electronically, the confidential data of our customers and others. Unauthorized access to our computer systems or stored data could result in the theft or improper disclosure of confidential information, the deletion or modification of records or could cause interruptions in our operations. These cyber-security risks increase when we transmit information from one location to another, including transmissions over the Internet or other electronic networks. Despite implemented security measures, our

 

23


facilities, systems and procedures, and those of our third-party service providers, may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, software viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events which may disrupt our delivery of services or expose the confidential information of our customers and others. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure or use of confidential information of our customers or others, whether by us or a third party, could (i) subject us to civil and criminal penalties, (ii) have a negative impact on our reputation or (iii) expose us to liability to our customers, third parties or government authorities. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If our products, including material purchased from our suppliers, experience quality or performance issues, our business may suffer.

Our business depends on delivering products of consistently high quality. To this end, our products are tested for quality both by us and our customers. Nevertheless, many of our products are highly complex and testing procedures used by us and our customers are limited to evaluating our products under likely and foreseeable failure scenarios. For various reasons (including, among others, the occurrence of performance problems unforeseeable in testing), our products (including components and raw materials purchased from our suppliers and completed goods purchased for resale) may fail to perform as expected. Performance issues could result from faulty design or problems in manufacturing. We have experienced such performance issues in the past and remain exposed to such performance issues. In some cases, recall of some or all affected products, product redesigns or additional capital expenditures may be required to correct a defect. We recently agreed to replace and reinstall certain faulty products previously sold by us. In addition, we generally offer warranties on most products, the terms and conditions of which depend upon the product subject to the warranty. In some cases, we indemnify our customers against damages or losses that might arise from certain claims relating to our products. Future claims may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any significant or systemic product failure could also result in lost future sales of the affected product and other products, as well as reputational damage.

Our significant international operations expose us to economic, political and other risks.

We have significant international sales, manufacturing and distribution operations. We have major international manufacturing and/or distribution facilities in, among others, Australia, Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, international sales represented approximately 40%, 45%, 47% and 49%, respectively, of our consolidated net sales. In general, our international sales have lower margins than our domestic sales. To the extent international sales represent a greater percentage of our revenue, our overall margin may decline.

Our international sales, manufacturing and distribution operations are subject to the risks inherent in operating abroad, including, but not limited to, risks with respect to currency exchange rates; economic and political destabilization; restrictive actions by foreign governments; wage inflation; nationalizations; the laws and policies of the United States affecting trade, exports, imports, anti-bribery, foreign investment and loans; foreign tax laws, including the ability to recover amounts paid as value-added taxes; potential restrictions on the repatriation of cash; reduced protection of intellectual property; longer customer payment cycles; compliance with local laws and regulations; armed conflict; terrorism; shipping interruptions; and major health concerns (such as infectious diseases).

In addition, foreign currency rates in many of the countries in which we operate have at times been extremely volatile and unpredictable. We may choose not to hedge or determine that we are unable to effectively hedge the risks associated with this volatility. In such cases, we may experience declines in revenue and adverse impacts on earnings and such changes could be material.

 

24


Our international operations require us to comply with anti-corruption laws and regulations of the U.S. government and various international jurisdictions.

Doing business on a worldwide basis requires us to comply with the laws and regulations of the U.S. government and various international jurisdictions, and our failure to comply with these rules and regulations may expose us to liabilities. These laws and regulations may apply to companies, individual directors, officers, employees and agents, and may restrict our operations, trade practices, investment decisions and partnering activities. In particular, our international operations are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption laws and regulations, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the “FCPA.” The FCPA prohibits U.S. companies and their officers, directors, employees and agents acting on their behalf from corruptly offering, promising, authorizing or providing anything of value to foreign officials for the purposes of influencing official decisions or obtaining or retaining business or otherwise obtaining favorable treatment. The FCPA also requires companies to make and keep books, records and accounts that accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets and to maintain a system of adequate internal accounting controls. As part of our business, we deal with state-owned business enterprises, the employees and representatives of which may be considered foreign officials for purposes of the FCPA. We are also subject to the U.K. Anti-Bribery Act, which prohibits both domestic and international bribery, as well as bribery across both public and private sectors. In addition, some of the international locations in which we operate lack a developed legal system and have elevated levels of corruption. As a result of the above activities, we are exposed to the risk of violating anti-corruption laws. Violations of these legal requirements are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment, civil penalties, disgorgement of profits, injunctions, debarment from government contracts as well as other remedial measures. We have established policies and procedures designed to assist us and our personnel in complying with applicable U.S. and international laws and regulations. However, our employees, subcontractors and agents could take actions that violate these requirements, which could materially adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to governmental export and import controls that could subject us to liability or impair our ability to compete in international markets.

Certain of our products are subject to export controls and may be exported only with the required export license or through an export license exception. If we were to fail to comply with export licensing, customs regulations, economic sanctions and other laws, we could be subject to substantial civil and criminal penalties, including fines for us and incarceration for responsible employees and managers, and the possible loss of export or import privileges. In addition, if our distributors fail to obtain appropriate import, export or re-export licenses or permits, we may also be adversely affected through reputational harm and penalties. Obtaining the necessary export license for a particular sale may be time-consuming and may result in the delay or loss of sales opportunities. Furthermore, export control laws and economic sanctions prohibit the shipment of certain products to embargoed or sanctioned countries, governments and persons. While we train our employees to comply with these regulations, we cannot assure that a violation will not occur, whether knowingly or inadvertently. Any such shipment could have negative consequences including government investigations, penalties, fines, civil and criminal sanctions, and reputational harm. Any change in export or import regulations, economic sanctions or related legislation, shift in the enforcement or scope of existing regulations, or change in the countries, governments, persons or technologies targeted by such regulations, could result in our decreased ability to export or sell our products to existing or potential customers with international operations. Any decreased use of our products or limitation on our ability to export or sell our products could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We face risks relating to currency fluctuations and currency exchange.

On an ongoing basis we are exposed to various changes in foreign currency rates because significant sales and costs are denominated in foreign currencies. These risk factors can impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position. We manage these risks through regular operating and financing activities and periodically use derivative financial instruments such as foreign exchange forward and option contracts. There can be no assurance that our risk management strategies will be effective.

 

25


We also may encounter difficulties in converting our earnings from international operations to U.S. dollars for use in the United States. These obstacles may include problems moving funds out of the countries in which the funds were earned and difficulties in collecting accounts receivable in foreign countries where the usual accounts receivable payment cycle is longer.

We may sell one or more of our product lines, from time to time, as a result of our evaluation of our products and markets, and any such divestiture could adversely affect our expenses, revenues, results of operation, cash flows and financial position.

We periodically evaluate our various product lines and may, as a result, consider the divestiture of one or more of those product lines. Any such divestiture could adversely affect our expenses, revenues, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

Divestitures of product lines have inherent risks, including the expense of selling the product line, the possibility that any anticipated sale will not occur, possible delays in closing any sale, the risk of lower-than-expected proceeds from the sale of the divested business, unexpected costs associated with the separation of the business to be sold from our information technology and other operating systems, and potential post-closing claims for indemnification. Expected cost savings, which are offset by revenue losses from divested businesses, may also be difficult to achieve or maximize due to a fixed cost structure, and we may experience varying success in reducing fixed costs or transferring liabilities previously associated with the divested business.

Difficulties may be encountered in the realignment of manufacturing capacity and capabilities among our global manufacturing facilities that could adversely affect our ability to meet customer demands for our products.

We periodically realign manufacturing capacity among our global facilities in order to reduce costs by improving manufacturing efficiency and to strengthen our long-term competitive position. The implementation of these initiatives may include significant shifts of production capacity among facilities.

There are significant risks inherent in the implementation of these initiatives, including, but not limited to, failing to ensure that: there is adequate inventory on hand or production capacity to meet customer demand while capacity is being shifted among facilities; there is no decrease in product quality as a result of shifting capacity; adequate raw material and other service providers are available to meet the needs at the new production locations; equipment can be successfully removed, transported and re-installed; and adequate supervisory, production and support personnel are available to accommodate the shifted production.

In the event that manufacturing realignment initiatives are not successfully implemented, we could experience lost future sales and increased operating costs as well as customer relations problems, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may need to undertake additional restructuring actions in the future.

We have previously recognized restructuring charges in response to slowdowns in demand for our products and in conjunction with implementation of initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiency of our operations. During the three years ended December 31, 2013, we recorded net restructuring charges of $63.8 million, as a result of our restructuring actions to realign and lower our cost structure and improve capacity utilization. To achieve these objectives, in 2013 we sold certain assets of our BiMetals business and announced the planned closure of manufacturing facilities in Statesville, North Carolina and Joliet, Illinois, among other actions. Much of the production capacity from these facilities will be shifted to other existing facilities or contract manufacturers. Additional restructuring actions were initiated to realign and lower our cost structure primarily through workforce reductions at various U.S. and international facilities. To complete these announced changes and a result of changes in business conditions and other developments, we may need to initiate additional restructuring actions that could result in workforce reductions and restructuring charges, which could be material.

 

26


We may need to recognize additional impairment charges related to goodwill, identified intangible assets and fixed assets.

We have substantial balances of goodwill and identified intangible assets. At March 31, 2014, we had a goodwill balance of $1,445.7 million. We are required to test goodwill for possible impairment on the same date each year and on an interim basis if there are indicators of a possible impairment. We are also required to evaluate amortizable intangible assets and fixed assets for impairment if there are indicators of a possible impairment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, a goodwill impairment charge of $36.2 million was recorded. No goodwill impairment charge was recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2014.

There is significant judgment required in the analysis of a potential impairment of goodwill, identified intangible assets and fixed assets. If, as a result of a general economic slowdown, deterioration in one or more of the markets in which we operate or in our financial performance and/or future outlook, the estimated fair value of our long-lived assets decreases, we may determine that one or more of our long-lived assets is impaired. An impairment charge would be determined based on the estimated fair value of the assets and any such impairment charge could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have obligations under our defined benefit employee benefit plans and may be required to make plan contributions in excess of current estimates.

At December 31, 2013, the most recent valuation date, the net liability for pension and other postretirement benefits was $37.0 million (benefit obligation of $317.8 million and plan assets of $280.8 million). See Note 10 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and in the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Significant declines in the assets and/or increases in the liabilities related to these obligations as a result of changes in actuarial estimates, asset performance, interest rates or benefit changes, among others, could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and/or results of operations.

We expect to fund a material portion of our underfunded pension obligations in the U.S. through 2015 under the terms of an agreement with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, or the “PBGC,” that we entered into in connection with the 2011 closure of our Omaha production facility. We have similar exposures with respect to certain pension plans outside the U.S. Foreign plans represented 45% and 49% of the pension benefit obligation and pension plans’ assets, respectively, as of December 31, 2013. The amounts and timing of the remaining contributions we expect to make to our defined benefit plans reflect a number of actuarial and other estimates and assumptions with respect to our expected plan funding obligations. The actual amounts and timing of these contributions will depend upon a number of factors and the actual amounts and timing of our future plan funding contributions may differ materially from those presented in this prospectus.

Our financial condition may be adversely affected to the extent that we are required to make contributions to any of our defined benefit plans in excess of the amounts assumed in our current projections.

We may incur costs and may not be successful in protecting our intellectual property and in defending claims that we are infringing the intellectual property of others.

We may encounter difficulties and significant costs in protecting our intellectual property rights or obtaining rights to additional intellectual property to permit us to continue or expand our business. Other companies, including some of our largest competitors, hold intellectual property rights in our industry and the intellectual property rights of others could inhibit our ability to introduce new products unless we secure necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms.

In addition, we have been required and may be required in the future to initiate litigation in order to enforce patents issued or licensed to us or to determine the scope and/or validity of a third party’s patent or other proprietary rights. We also have been and may in the future be subject to lawsuits by third parties seeking to

 

27


enforce their own intellectual property rights, including against certain of the intellectual property that we have acquired through our strategic acquisitions. Any such litigation, regardless of outcome, could subject us to significant liabilities or require us to cease using proprietary third party technology and, consequently, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In certain markets, we may be required to address counterfeit versions of our products. We may incur significant costs in pursuing the originators of such counterfeit products and, if we are unsuccessful in eliminating them from the market, we may experience a reduction in the value of our products and/or a reduction in our net sales.

Changes to the regulatory environment in which we or our customers operate may negatively impact our business.

The telecommunications and cable television industries are subject to significant and changing federal and state regulation, both in the U.S. and other countries, including restrictions under The Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC, or “RoHS,” in the European Union regarding the use of certain hazardous materials used in the manufacturing of various types of electronic and electrical equipment, regulations under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC, or “WEEE,” regarding the collection, recycling and recovery for electrical goods and regulations under the European Community Regulation EC 1907/2006 regulating chemicals and their safe use. As a result, such changes could adversely impact demand for our products.

Regulatory changes of more general applicability could also have a material adverse effect on our business. For example, changes to the U.S. corporate tax system have been proposed that would lead to the taxation of foreign earnings at the time they are earned rather than when they are repatriated to the U.S. Implementation of such changes would have an adverse effect on our net income and would require us to make earlier cash tax payments.

Compliance with current and future environmental laws, potential environmental liabilities and the impact of climate change may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to various federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations governing, among other things, discharges to air and water, management of regulated materials, handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste, and investigation and remediation of contaminated sites. Because of the nature of our business, we have incurred and will continue to incur costs relating to compliance with or liability under these environmental laws and regulations. In addition, new laws and regulations, including those regulating the types of substances allowable in certain of our products, new or different interpretations of existing laws and regulations, the discovery of previously unknown contamination or the imposition of new remediation or discharge requirements, could require us to incur costs or become the basis for new or increased liabilities that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, the European Union has issued RoHS and WEEE regulating the manufacture, use and disposal of electrical goods. If we are unable to comply with these and similar laws in other jurisdictions, or to sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs to offset the increased cost of compliance, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The physical effect of future climate change (such as increases in severe weather) may have an impact on our suppliers, customers, employees and facilities which we are unable to quantify, but which may be material.

Efforts to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases, or “GHG,” such as carbon dioxide are underway in the U.S. and other countries which could increase the cost of raw materials, production processes and transportation of our products. If we are unable to comply with such regulations, sufficiently increase prices or otherwise reduce costs, GHG regulation could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Certain environmental laws impose strict and in some circumstances joint and several liability (that could result in an entity paying more than its fair share) on current or former owners or operators of a contaminated property, as

 

28


well as companies that generated, disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at a contaminated property for the costs of investigation and remediation of the contaminated property. Our present and past facilities have been in operation for many years and over that time, in the course of those operations, hazardous substances and wastes have been used, generated and disposed of at such facilities and investigation and remediation projects are underway at a few of these sites. There can be no assurance that the contractual indemnifications we have received from prior owners and operators of certain of these facilities will continue to be honored. In addition, we have disposed of waste products either directly or through third parties at numerous disposal sites, and from time to time we have been and may be held responsible for investigation and clean-up costs at these sites where those owners and operators have been unable to remain in business. Also, there can be no guarantee that new environmental requirements or changes in their enforcement or the discovery of previously unknown conditions will not cause us to incur additional costs for environmental matters which could be material.

Our dependence on commodities subjects us to cost volatility and potential availability constraints which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

Our profitability may be materially affected by changes in the market price and availability of certain raw materials, most of which are linked to the commodity markets. The principal raw materials we purchase are rods, tapes, sheets, wires, tubes and hardware made of copper, steel, aluminum or brass; plastics and other polymers; and optical fiber. Fabricated copper, steel and aluminum are used in the production of coaxial and twisted pair cables and polymers are used to insulate and protect cables. Prices for copper, steel, aluminum, fluoropolymers and certain other polymers, derived from oil and natural gas, have experienced significant volatility as a result of changes in the levels of global demand, supply disruptions and other factors. As a result, we have adjusted our prices for certain products and may have to adjust prices again in the future. Delays in implementing price increases or a failure to achieve market acceptance of price increases has in the past and could in the future have a material adverse impact on our results of operations. In an environment of falling commodities prices, we may be unable to sell higher-cost inventory before implementing price decreases, which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent on a limited number of key suppliers for certain raw materials and components.

For certain of our raw material and component purchases, including certain polymers, copper rod, copper and aluminum tapes, fine aluminum wire, steel wire, optical fiber, circuit boards and other electronic components, we are dependent on key suppliers. While we maintain long-term relationships, we generally do not enter into long- term contracts with our key suppliers.

Our key suppliers have in the past and could in the future experience production, operational or financial difficulties, or there may be global shortages of the raw materials or components we use, and our inability to find sources of supply on reasonable terms could have a material adverse effect on our ability to manufacture products in a cost-effective way.

We may not be able to attract and retain key employees, including our sales force.

Our business depends upon our continued ability to hire and retain key employees, including our sales force, at our operations around the world. Competition for skilled personnel and highly qualified managers in the telecommunications industry is intense. Difficulties in obtaining or retaining employees with the necessary management, technical and financial skills needed to achieve our business objectives may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Allegations of health risks from wireless equipment may negatively affect our results of operations.

Allegations of health risks from the electromagnetic fields generated by base stations and mobile handsets, and potential lawsuits or negative publicity relating to them, regardless of merit, could have a material adverse effect on our operations by leading consumers to reduce their use of mobile phones, reducing demand for certain of our products, or by causing us to allocate resources to address these issues.

 

29


A significant uninsured loss or a loss in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We maintain insurance covering our normal business operations, including property and casualty protection that we believe is adequate. We do not generally carry insurance covering wars, acts of terrorism, earthquakes or other similar catastrophic events. We may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage on financially reasonable terms in the future. A significant uninsured loss or a loss in excess of our insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, the financial health of our insurers may deteriorate and our insurers may not be able to respond if we should have claims reaching their policies.

Natural or man-made disasters or other disruptions could unfavorably affect our operations and financial performance.

Natural or man-made disasters could result in physical damage to one or more of our properties, temporary lack of an adequate work force, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products from suppliers and delays in the delivery of products to our customers. Damage to our properties, the lack of an adequate workforce, disruption in the supply of products from suppliers, and delays in the delivery of our products to our customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may experience significant variability in our quarterly or annual effective income tax rate.

We have a large and complex international tax profile and a significant level of net operating loss and other carryforwards in various jurisdictions. Variability in the mix and profitability of domestic and international activities, repatriation of earnings from foreign affiliates, changes in tax laws, identification and resolution of various tax uncertainties and the inability to realize net operating loss and other carryforwards included in deferred tax assets, among other matters, may significantly impact our effective income tax rate in the future. A significant increase in our quarterly or annual effective income tax rate could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Labor unrest could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

While none of our U.S. employees are represented by unions, substantially all of our international employees are members of unions or subject to workers’ councils or similar statutory arrangements. In addition, many of our direct and indirect customers and vendors have unionized work forces. Strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns experienced by these customers or vendors, contract manufacturers or their other suppliers could result in slowdowns. Organizations responsible for shipping our products may also be impacted by strikes. Any interruption in the delivery of our products could reduce demand for our products and could have a material adverse effect on us.

In general, we consider our labor relations with all of our employees to be good. However, in the future we may be subject to labor unrest. The inability to reach a new agreement could delay or disrupt our operations in the affected regions, including the acquisition of raw materials and components, the manufacture, sales and distribution of products and the provision of services. Occurrences of strikes, work stoppages or lock-outs at our facilities or at the facilities of our vendors or customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our future research and development projects may not be successful.

The successful development of telecommunications products can be affected by many factors. Products that appear to be promising at their early phases of research and development may fail to be commercialized for

 

30


various reasons, including the failure to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals. There is no assurance that any of our future research and development projects will be successful or completed within the anticipated time frame or budget or that we will receive the necessary approvals from relevant authorities for the production of these newly developed products, or that these newly developed products will achieve commercial success. Even if such products can be successfully commercialized, they may not achieve the level of market acceptance that we expect.

We have incurred and will continue to incur increased costs as a result of operating as a publicly traded company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.

As a publicly traded company, we have incurred and will continue to incur additional legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not previously incur prior to becoming a publicly traded company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or the “Dodd-Frank Act,” and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” and Nasdaq, impose various requirements on public companies. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives as well as investor relations. Moreover, these rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. For example, these rules and regulations make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we have incurred additional costs to maintain such coverage.

Furthermore, if we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in a timely manner, the market price of our common stock could decline and we could be subject to potential delisting by Nasdaq and review by such exchange, the SEC, or other regulatory authorities, which would require the expenditure by us of additional financial and management resources. As a result, our stockholders could lose confidence in our financial reporting, which would harm our business and the market price of our common stock.

New regulations related to conflict minerals could adversely impact our business.

The Dodd-Frank Act contains provisions to improve transparency and accountability concerning the supply of certain minerals, known as conflict minerals, originating from the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the “DRC,” and adjoining countries. As a result, in August 2012 the SEC adopted annual disclosure and reporting requirements for those companies who use conflict minerals mined from the DRC and adjoining countries in their products. These new requirements will require due diligence efforts in fiscal 2014 and 2015, with initial disclosure requirements beginning in May 2016. There will be costs associated with complying with these disclosure requirements, including for diligence to determine the sources of conflict minerals used in our products and other potential changes to products, processes or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. The implementation of these rules could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of materials used in our products. As there may be only a limited number of suppliers offering “conflict free” conflict minerals, we cannot be sure that we will be able to obtain necessary conflict minerals from such suppliers in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. We will be required to make similar certifications to our customers. If we are unable or fail to make the requisite certifications, our customers may terminate their relationship with us. Also, we may face adverse effects to our reputation if we determine that certain of our products contain minerals not determined to be conflict free or if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins for all conflict minerals used in our products through the procedures we may implement.

Seasonality may cause fluctuations in our revenue and operating results.

Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a greater portion of total net revenue and operating income occurring in the second and third fiscal quarters. As a result of this seasonality, any factors negatively affecting us during the second and third fiscal quarters of any year, including the variability of shipments under large contracts, customers’ seasonal installation considerations and variations in product mix and in profitability of

 

31


individual orders, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for the entire year. See “Business—Backlog and Seasonality.” Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon other factors, including general economic conditions.

Risks Related to Our Indebtedness

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations with respect to our indebtedness.

As of March 31, 2014, on an as adjusted basis after giving effect to the offering of the New Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom, including the 2019 Notes Discharge, we had approximately $2.7 billion of indebtedness on a consolidated basis, including $550.0 million of the 2020 Notes, $650.0 million of the 2021 Notes, $650.0 million of the 2024 Notes and $870.6 million under the term loan facility. We had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and approximately $345.0 million in borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility, after giving effect to $55.0 million of outstanding letters of credit and the borrowing base limitations for additional secured borrowings, which borrowing base depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary ability to impose reserves and availability blocks and to recharacterize assets that might otherwise incrementally decrease borrowing availability.

Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:

 

    limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes;

 

    require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our annual cash flow for the next several years to the payment of interest on our indebtedness;

 

    expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as, over the term of our debt, the interest cost on a significant portion of our indebtedness is subject to changes in interest rates;

 

    place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to certain of our competitors who have less debt;

 

    hinder our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions;

 

    limit our ability to secure adequate bank financing in the future with reasonable terms and conditions; and

 

    increase our vulnerability to and limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, a potential downturn in general economic conditions or in one or more of our businesses.

In addition, the indenture governing the 2020 Notes, or the “2020 Notes Indenture,” the indenture governing the 2021 Notes, or the “2021 Notes Indenture,” the indenture governing the 2024 Notes, or the “2024 Notes Indenture,” and the agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities contain affirmative and negative covenants that limit our ability to engage in activities that may be in our long-term best interests. Our failure to comply with those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debts.

Despite current indebtedness levels and restrictive covenants, we and our subsidiaries may incur additional indebtedness or we may pay dividends in the future. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial financial leverage.

We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future under the agreements governing our indebtedness. Although the 2020 Notes Indenture, the 2021 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes Indenture and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of thresholds, qualifications and

 

32


exceptions, and the additional indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Additionally, these restrictions also will not prevent us from incurring obligations that, although preferential to our common stock in terms of payment, do not constitute indebtedness. As of March 31, 2014, we had approximately $345.0 million of additional borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility.

In addition, if new debt is added to our and/or our subsidiaries’ debt levels, the related risks that we now face as a result of our leverage would intensify. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

To service our indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash and our ability to generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.

Our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries and our ability to make cash payments on our indebtedness and to fund planned capital expenditures will depend on the earnings and the distribution of funds from our subsidiaries. However, none of our subsidiaries is obligated to make funds available to us for payment on our indebtedness. Further, the terms of the instruments governing our indebtedness significantly restrict certain of our subsidiaries from paying dividends and otherwise transferring assets to us. Our ability to make cash payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to fund planned capital expenditures and to meet other cash requirements will depend on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We might not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness.

Our business may not generate sufficient cash flow from operations and future borrowings may not be available under our senior secured credit facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, or to fund our other liquidity needs. In such circumstances, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including the 2020 Notes, the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes, on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as selling assets, seeking additional equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances. Such actions, if necessary, may not be effected on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Our indebtedness will restrict our ability to sell assets and use the proceeds from such sales.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in the instruments governing our indebtedness, we could be in default under the terms of the agreements governing such indebtedness. In the event of such default, the holders of such indebtedness could elect to declare all the funds borrowed thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest, the lenders under our revolving credit facility could elect to terminate their commitments thereunder, cease making further loans and institute foreclosure proceedings against our assets, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation. If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our senior secured credit facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our senior secured credit facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, we would be in default under our senior secured credit facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

We are dependent upon our lenders for financing to execute our business strategy and meet our liquidity needs. If our lenders are unable to fund borrowings under their credit commitments or we are unable to borrow, it could negatively impact our business.

During periods of volatile credit markets, there is risk that any lenders, even those with strong balance sheets and sound lending practices, could fail or refuse to honor their legal commitments and obligations under existing

 

33


credit commitments, including but not limited to: extending credit up to the maximum permitted by a credit facility. If our lenders are unable to fund borrowings under their revolving credit commitments or we are unable to borrow (such as having insufficient capacity under our borrowing base), it could be difficult in such environments to obtain sufficient liquidity to meet our operational needs.

Our ability to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms may be limited.

Although we believe our cash and cash equivalents as well as cash we expect to generate from operations and availability under our revolving credit facility provide adequate resources to fund ongoing operating requirements, we may need to seek additional financing to compete effectively.

If we are unable to obtain capital on commercially reasonable terms, it could:

 

    reduce funds available to us for purposes such as working capital, capital expenditures, research and development, strategic acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

    restrict our ability to introduce new products or exploit business opportunities;

 

    increase our vulnerability to economic downturns and competitive pressures in the markets in which we operate; and

 

    place us at a competitive disadvantage.

Difficult and volatile conditions in the capital, credit and commodities markets and in the overall economy could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

A worsening of global economic conditions, including concerns about sovereign debt and significant volatility in the capital, credit and commodities markets could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Difficult conditions in these markets and the overall economy affect our business in a number of ways. For example:

 

    in the event of volatility in commodity prices, we may encounter difficulty in achieving sustained market acceptance of past or future price increases, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows;

 

    under difficult market conditions there can be no assurance that borrowings under our revolving credit facility would be available or sufficient, and in such a case, we may not be able to successfully obtain additional financing on reasonable terms, or at all;

 

    in order to respond to market conditions, we may need to seek waivers from various provisions in our senior secured credit facilities. There can be no assurance that we can obtain such waivers at a reasonable cost, if at all;

 

    market conditions could cause the counterparties to the derivative financial instruments we may use to hedge our exposure to interest rate, commodity or currency fluctuations to experience financial difficulties and, as a result, our efforts to hedge these exposures could prove unsuccessful and, furthermore, our ability to engage in additional hedging activities may decrease or become more costly; and

 

    market conditions could result in our key customers experiencing financial difficulties and/or electing to limit spending, which in turn could result in decreased sales and earnings for us.

Our debt obligations may limit our flexibility in managing our business.

The 2020 Notes Indenture, the 2021 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes Indenture and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage and leverage ratios in certain situations and maintaining insurance coverage. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.” These covenants may limit our flexibility in our

 

34


operations, and breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness even if we had satisfied our payment obligations. If we were to default on the credit agreements or other debt instruments, our financial condition would be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Ownership of our Common Stock

CommScope Holding Company, Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own, and it depends on its subsidiaries for cash to fund all of its operations and expenses, including to make future dividend payments, if any.

Our operations are conducted almost entirely through our subsidiaries and our ability to generate cash to meet our debt service obligations or to make future dividend payments, if any, is highly dependent on the earnings and the receipt of funds from our subsidiaries via dividends or intercompany loans. We do not currently expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future; however, to the extent that we determine in the future to pay dividends on our common stock, the 2020 Notes Indenture, the 2021 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes Indenture and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities significantly restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise transfer assets to us. In addition, Delaware law may impose requirements that may restrict our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Volatility in the market price of our common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your common stock at or above the price you paid for your common stock. The market price of our common stock could fluctuate significantly for various reasons, including:

 

    our operating and financial performance and prospects;

 

    our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industry;

 

    the public’s reaction to our press releases, our other public announcements and our filings with the SEC;

 

    changes in, or failure to meet, earnings estimates or recommendations by research analysts who track our common stock or the stock of other companies in our industry;

 

    the failure of research analysts to cover our common stock;

 

    strategic actions by us, our customers or our competitors, such as acquisitions or restructurings;

 

    new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;

 

    changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;

 

    the impact on our profitability temporarily caused by the time lag between when we experience cost increases until these increases flow through cost of sales because of our method of accounting for inventory, or the impact from our inability to pass on such price increases to our customers;

 

    material litigations or government investigations;

 

    changes in general conditions in the U.S. and global economies or financial markets, including those resulting from war, incidents of terrorism or responses to such events;

 

    changes in key personnel;

 

    sales of common stock by us, Carlyle or members of our management team;

 

35


    termination of lock-up agreements with our management team and principal stockholders;

 

    the granting or exercise of employee stock options;

 

    volume of trading in our common stock; and

 

    the realization of any risks described under this “Risk Factors” section.

In addition, in the past , the stock market has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant impact on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including companies in our industry. The changes frequently appear to occur without regard to the operating performance of the affected companies. Hence, the price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company, and these fluctuations could materially reduce our share price and cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Further, in the past, market fluctuations and price declines in a company’s stock have led to securities class action litigations. If such a suit were to arise, it could have a substantial cost and divert our resources regardless of the outcome.

If we fail to maintain proper and effective internal controls over financial reporting, our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements could be impaired and investors’ views of us could be harmed.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management and our independent registered public accounting firm to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, with auditor attestation of the effectiveness of our internal controls, beginning with our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of shares of common stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by Nasdaq, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.

Our ability to successfully comply with Section 404 requires us to be able to prepare timely and accurate financial statements. Any delay in the implementation of, or disruption in the transition to, new or enhanced systems, procedures or controls, may cause our operations to suffer and we may be unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective and to obtain an unqualified report on internal controls from our auditors. Moreover, we cannot be certain that we will effectively implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Even if we were to conclude, and our independent registered public accounting firm were to concur, that our internal control over financial reporting provided reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect fraud or misstatements. This, in turn, could have an adverse impact on market price for our common stock, and could adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets.

We are controlled by Carlyle, whose interests in our business may be different than yours.

As of March 31, 2014, Carlyle owned approximately 65% of our common stock and is able to control our affairs in all cases. Following the completion of this offering, we expect that Carlyle will continue to own a majority of our equity and control our affairs in all cases. Pursuant to an amended and restated stockholders agreement, Carlyle has the right to designate up to nine of our eleven directors and a majority of the Board of Directors has been designated by Carlyle and will be affiliated with Carlyle. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.” As a result, Carlyle or its nominees to the Board of Directors have the ability to control the appointment of our management, the entering into of mergers, sales of substantially all of our assets and other

 

36


extraordinary transactions and influence amendments to our certificate of incorporation. So long as Carlyle continues to own a majority of our common stock, they will have the ability to control the vote in any election of directors and will have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires stockholder approval regardless of whether others believe the transaction is in our best interests. In any of these matters, the interests of Carlyle may differ from or conflict with the interests of our other stockholders. Moreover, this concentration of stock ownership may also adversely affect the trading price for our common stock to the extent investors perceive disadvantages in owning stock of a company with a controlling stockholder.

In addition, Carlyle is in the business of making investments in companies and may, from time to time, acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with our business, as well as businesses that are significant existing or potential customers. Carlyle may acquire or seek to acquire assets that we seek to acquire and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us or may be more expensive for us to pursue.

We do not intend to pay dividends on our common stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.

We do not intend to declare and pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. We currently intend to invest our future earnings, if any, to reduce our indebtedness and fund our growth. Therefore, you are not likely to receive any dividends on your common stock for the foreseeable future and the success of an investment in shares of our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in their value. There is no guarantee that shares of our common stock will appreciate in value. However, the payment of future dividends will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, statutory and contractual restrictions applying to the payment of dividends and other considerations that our Board of Directors deems relevant. The 2020 Notes Indenture, the 2021 Notes Indenture, the 2024 Notes Indenture and the credit agreements governing our senior secured credit facilities also effectively limit our ability to pay dividends. As a consequence of these limitations and restrictions, we may not be able to make, or may have to reduce or eliminate, the payment of dividends on our common stock.

Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and Delaware law might discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or changes in our management and, as a result, depress the trading price of our common stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company or changes in our management that the stockholders of our company may deem advantageous. These provisions:

 

    authorize 1,300,000,000 shares of common stock, which, to the extent unissued, could be issued without stockholder approval by the Board of Directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt;

 

    authorize the issuance, without stockholder approval, of blank check preferred stock that our Board of Directors could issue to increase the number of outstanding shares and to discourage a takeover attempt;

 

    grant to the Board of Directors the sole power to set the number of directors and to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors;

 

    limit the ability of stockholders to remove directors only “for cause” if Carlyle and its affiliates collectively cease to own more than 50% of our common stock and require any such removal to be approved by holders of at least three-quarters of the outstanding shares of common stock;

 

    prohibit our stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders if Carlyle and its affiliates collectively cease to own more than 50% of our common stock;

 

37


    prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which requires all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders, if Carlyle and its affiliates collectively cease to own more than 50% of our common stock;

 

    provide that the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to adopt, or to alter or repeal our bylaws;

 

    established advance notice and certain information requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings;

 

    established a classified Board of Directors, with three staggered terms; and

 

    require the approval of holders of at least three-quarters of the outstanding shares of common stock to amend the bylaws and certain provisions of the certificate of incorporation if Carlyle and its affiliates collectively cease to own more than 50% of our common stock.

In addition, we have opted out of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the “DGCL,” which, subject to some exceptions, prohibits business combinations between a Delaware corporation and an interested stockholder, which is generally defined as a stockholder who becomes a beneficial owner of 15% or more of a Delaware corporation’s voting stock for a three-year period following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

These anti-takeover defenses could discourage, delay or prevent a transaction involving a change in control of our company and may prevent our stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if the provisions are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and cause us to take corporate actions other than those you desire. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

Future sales of our common stock in the public market could lower our share price, and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of equity or convertible debt securities may dilute your ownership in us and may adversely affect us or the market price of our common stock.

We or our shareholders, including Carlyle, may sell additional shares of common stock in subsequent offerings. We may also issue additional shares of common stock or convertible debt securities. As of March 31, 2014, we had 1,300,000,000 shares of common stock authorized and 186,199,035 shares of common stock outstanding. This number includes 15,000,000 shares that the selling stockholder is selling in this offering (or 17,250,000 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full), which may be resold immediately in the public market. The remaining 106,341,970 shares (or 104,091,970 shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) held by Carlyle as well as the shares held by our directors and certain of our executive offers (including any shares that may be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options) will become available for sale following the expiration of the lock-up agreements entered into in connection with this offering, which expire 75 days after the date of this prospectus (subject to certain exceptions and automatic extensions in certain circumstances), subject to compliance with the applicable requirements under Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock (including sales that may occur pursuant to Carlyle’s registration rights and shares that may be issued in connection with an acquisition), or the perception that such sales could occur, may adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Shares Eligible for Future Sale.”

 

38


We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of Nasdaq and, as a result, qualify for, and rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. You will not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to such requirements.

Following the consummation of this offering, Carlyle will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our outstanding common stock. As a result, we will continue to be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the corporate governance standards of Nasdaq. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company is a “controlled company” and we currently elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including:

 

    the requirement that a majority of the Board of Directors consist of independent directors;

 

    the requirement that we have a compensation committee that is composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities; and

 

    the requirements that director nominees are selected, or recommended for selection by the Board of Directors, either by (1) independent directors constituting a majority of the Board’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate, or (2) a nominations committee comprised solely of independent directors, and that a formal written charter or board resolution, as applicable, addressing the nominations process is adopted.

We intend to continue to utilize these exemptions for as long as we continue to qualify as a “controlled company.” While exempt, we will not have a majority of independent directors and our nominating and compensation committees will not consist entirely of independent directors and such committees will not be subject to annual performance evaluations. Accordingly, our stockholders do not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance requirements of Nasdaq.

 

39


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Any statements made in this prospectus that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of our business plan and strategies. These statements often include words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “suggests,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,” “estimates,” “targets,” “projects,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “may,” “will,” “forecast,” and other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are contained throughout this prospectus, including the sections entitled “Prospectus Summary,” “Risk Factors,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business.” We base these forward-looking statements or projections on our current expectations, plans and assumptions that we have made in light of our experience in the industry, as well as our perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances and at such time. As you read and consider this prospectus, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. The forward-looking statements and projections are subject to and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements or projections. Although we believe that these forward-looking statements and projections are based on reasonable assumptions at the time they are made, you should be aware that many factors could affect our actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements and projections. Factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements and projections include:

 

    our dependence on customers’ capital spending on communication systems;

 

    concentration of sales among a limited number of customers or distributors;

 

    changes in technology;

 

    our ability to fully realize anticipated benefits from prior or future acquisitions or equity investments;

 

    industry competition and the ability to retain customers through product innovation, introduction and marketing;

 

    risks associated with our sales through channel partners;

 

    possible production disruptions due to supplier or contract manufacturer bankruptcy, reorganization or restructuring;

 

    the risk our global manufacturing operations suffer production or shipping delays causing difficulty in meeting customer demands;

 

    the risk that internal production capacity and that of contract manufacturers may be insufficient to meet customer demand or quality standards for our products;

 

    our ability to maintain effective information management systems and to successfully implement major systems initiatives;

 

    cyber-security incidents, including data security breaches or computer viruses;

 

    product performance issues and associated warranty claims;

 

    significant international operations and the impact of variability in foreign exchange rates;

 

    our ability to comply with governmental anti-corruption laws and regulations and export and import controls worldwide;

 

    risks associated with currency fluctuations and currency exchange;

 

    the divestiture of one or more product lines;

 

    political and economic instability, both in the U.S. and internationally;

 

40


    potential difficulties in realigning global manufacturing capacity and capabilities among our global manufacturing facilities, including delays or challenges related to removing, transporting or reinstalling equipment, that may affect ability to meet customer demands for products;

 

    possible future restructuring actions;

 

    possible future impairment charges for fixed or intangible assets, including goodwill;

 

    increased obligations under employee benefit plans;

 

    cost of protecting or defending intellectual property;

 

    changes in laws or regulations affecting us or the industries we serve;

 

    costs and challenges of compliance with domestic and foreign environmental laws and the effects of climate change;

 

    changes in cost and availability of key raw materials, components and commodities and the potential effect on customer pricing;

 

    risks associated with our dependence on a limited number of key suppliers;

 

    our ability to attract and retain qualified key employees;

 

    allegations of health risks from wireless equipment;

 

    availability and adequacy of insurance;

 

    natural or man-made disasters or other disruptions;

 

    income tax rate variability and ability to recover amounts recorded as value-added tax receivables;

 

    labor unrest;

 

    risks associated with future research and development projects;

 

    increased costs as a result of operating as a public company;

 

    our ability to comply with new regulations related to conflict minerals;

 

    risks associated with the seasonality of our business;

 

    substantial indebtedness and maintaining compliance with debt covenants;

 

    our ability to incur additional indebtedness;

 

    cash requirements to service indebtedness;

 

    ability of our lenders to fund borrowings under their credit commitments;

 

    changes in capital availability or costs, such as changes in interest rates, security ratings and market perceptions of the businesses in which we operate, or the ability to obtain capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all;

 

    continued global economic weakness and uncertainties and disruption in the capital, credit and commodities markets;

 

    the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to this offering and the related costs of being a public company;

 

    any statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing;

 

    other factors disclosed in this prospectus; and

 

    other factors beyond our control.

These cautionary statements should not be construed by you to be exhaustive and are made only as of the date of this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

41


MARKET PRICE OF OUR COMMON STOCK

Our common stock has been listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “COMM” since October 25, 2013. Prior to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sale prices of our common stock on Nasdaq.

 

     High      Low  

2013

     

Fourth Quarter (beginning October 25, 2013)

   $ 19.02       $ 14.72   

2014

     

First Quarter

   $ 24.68       $ 17.31   

Second Quarter (through May 30, 2014)

   $ 27.96       $ 23.02   

A recent reported closing price for our common stock is set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC is the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock. On March 31, 2014, we had 33 holders of record of our common stock.

 

42


USE OF PROCEEDS

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholder, including from any exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

 

43


DIVIDEND POLICY

Since January 1, 2011, we have declared and paid special cash dividends and distributions in an aggregate amount of $750.7 million to our equity holders.

Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, we have not otherwise paid dividends in the past and we do not intend to pay any cash dividends for the foreseeable future. We intend to retain earnings, if any, for the future operation and expansion of our business and the repayment of debt. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, cash requirements, financial condition, contractual restrictions, restrictions imposed by applicable laws and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Our ability to pay dividends to holders of our common stock is also dependent upon our subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions to us, which is limited by the terms of the agreements governing the terms of their indebtedness. Additionally, the negative covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness limit our ability to pay dividends and make distributions to our stockholders. For additional information on these limitations see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

 

44


CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our consolidated cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of March 31, 2014 on (a) an actual basis and (b) an as adjusted basis to give effect to (i) the issuance and sale of the New Notes and (ii) the use of the cash proceeds therefrom, including the 2019 Notes Discharge.

The information in this table should be read in conjunction with “Selected Historical Financial Information,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of March 31, 2014  
(dollars in millions, except per share data)    Actual     As adjusted  
     (unaudited)     (unaudited)  

Cash and cash equivalents(1)

   $ 305.2      $ 348.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Debt:

    

Senior secured credit facilities, consisting of the following(2):

    

Revolving credit facility(3)

     —          —     

Term loan due 2017

     348.3        348.3   

Term loan due 2018

     522.4        522.4   

2019 Notes

     1,100.0        —     

2020 Notes

     550.0        550.0   

2021 Notes

     —          650.0   

2024 Notes

     —          650.0   

Other indebtedness, including capital leases(4)

     0.7        0.7   

Original issue discount(5)

     (8.7     (8.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total debt

     2,512.6        2,712.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share: 200,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —          —     

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share: 1,300,000,000 shares authorized, 186,199,035 shares issued and shares outstanding

     1.9        1.9   

Additional paid-in capital

     2,107.5        2,107.5   

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)(6)

     (913.8     (984.0

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

     (26.2     (26.2

Treasury stock, at cost: 961,566 shares

     (10.6     (10.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,158.7        1,088.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 3,671.3      $ 3,801.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The proceeds from the sale of the New Notes increased our cash and cash equivalents by approximately $43.0 million, after (i) using a portion of the proceeds to finance the 2019 Notes Discharge and (ii) deducting estimated fees and expenses related to the offering of the New Notes.
(2) The senior secured credit facilities consist of (a) a $400.0 million revolving credit facility maturing January 2017 and (b) a senior secured first lien term loan facility consisting of a $348.3 million tranche maturing January 2017 and a $522.4 million tranche maturing January 2018. See Note 6 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Description of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.”
(3)

As of March 31, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under and approximately $345.0 million in additional borrowing capacity available under our revolving credit facility after giving effect to $55.0 million of outstanding letters of credit. Our borrowing capacity depends, in part, on inventory, accounts receivable and other assets that fluctuate from time to time and may further depend on lenders’ discretionary

 

45


  ability to impose reserves and availability blocks and to recharacterize assets that might otherwise incrementally increase borrowing availability.
(4) Certain of our subsidiaries are parties to lines of credit and letters of credit facilities that remained open after closing of the Acquisition Transactions. As of March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings and approximately $11.3 million of borrowing capacity under these lines of credit. We had approximately $4.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and approximately $2.4 million of remaining capacity under these letters of credit facilities.
(5) Original issue discount, net of accumulated accretion, as of March 31, 2014 of $7.6 million related to the term loans and $1.1 million related to the revolving credit facility.
(6) The sale of the New Notes resulted in an estimated increase to our accumulated deficit of $70.2 million related to the after-tax impact of (i) the premium required to redeem the 2019 Notes and (ii) the write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the 2019 Notes.

The table set forth above is based on the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 31, 2014. The table does not reflect:

 

    11,268,390 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of $7.26 per share; and

 

    share units that could, at our option, be settled with 579,506 shares of common stock (assuming a per share price at the time of settlement of $24.68, which was the closing price of our common stock on March 31, 2014) in lieu of cash to settle $14.3 million owed by us under outstanding share units as of March 31, 2014; and

 

    17,815,461 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our 2013 Plan, including 370,733 restricted stock units that were outstanding as of March 31, 2014.

 

46


SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial information. The selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 and the selected historical consolidated statements of operations data and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the period from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011 and the period from January 15, 2011 to December 31, 2011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that appear elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 and the selected historical consolidated statements of operations data and cash flow data for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of CommScope, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries not included in this prospectus. The selected historical financial information as of March 31, 2014 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, have been derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of March 31, 2013 have been derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements and, in the opinion of our management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the information set forth herein. Interim financial results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full fiscal year or any future reporting period.

On January 14, 2011, funds affiliated with Carlyle completed the Acquisition. Under the terms of the Acquisition, CommScope, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of CommScope Holding Company, Inc. As a result of the application of acquisition accounting, the assets and liabilities of CommScope, Inc. were adjusted to their estimated fair values as of the closing date of the Acquisition. Accordingly, financial information presented in the following table is presented separately for Predecessor and Successor accounting periods (defined below), which relate to the accounting periods preceding and succeeding the completion of the Acquisition. All references to “Successor” refer to CommScope Holdings and all its consolidated subsidiaries, including CommScope, Inc., for the period subsequent to the Acquisition. All references to “Predecessor” refer to CommScope, Inc. and all its consolidated subsidiaries for all periods prior to the Acquisition, which operated under a different ownership and capital structure.

 

47


Our selected historical consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    Predecessor     Successor  
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    January 1 –
January 14,
    January 15 –
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Three
months
ended

March 31,
    Three
months
ended
March 31,
 

(dollars and shares in thousands,
except per share data)

  2009     2010     2011     2011     2012     2013     2013     2014  

Net sales

  $ 3,024,859      $ 3,188,916      $ 89,016      $ 3,186,446      $ 3,321,885      $ 3,480,117      $ 804,689      $ 935,036   

Operating costs and expenses:

                 

Cost of sales

    2,159,455        2,251,707        70,753        2,374,357        2,261,204        2,279,177        539,615        597,325   

Selling, general and administrative

    404,562        449,875        63,571        517,903        461,149        502,275        108,982        113,028   

Research and development

    107,447        119,698        5,277        112,904        121,718        126,431        29,950        31,870   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets(1)

    85,217        83,056        3,119        171,229        175,676        174,887        43,280        44,298   

Restructuring costs, net(2)

    20,645        59,647        9        18,715        22,993        22,104        1,803        1,980   

Asset impairments(3)

    —          —          —          126,057        40,907        45,529        5,634        —     
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

    247,533        224,933        (53,713     (134,719     238,238        329,714        75,425        146,535   

Other expense, net(4)

    (11,227     (2,835     (41,421     (12,924     (15,379     (48,037     (3,441     (3,195

Interest expense

    (125,400     (103,065     (76,091     (187,733     (188,974     (208,599     (45,785     (42,280

Interest income

    4,648        5,161        85        3,741        3,417        3,107        704        1,104   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

    115,554        124,194        (171,140     (331,635     37,302        76,185        26,903        102,164   

Income tax benefit (expense)

    (37,755     (80,095     31,086        79,327        (31,949     (56,789     (11,003     (37,677
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 77,799      $ 44,099      $ (140,054   $ (252,308   $ 5,353      $ 19,396      $ 15,900      $ 64,487   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

                 

Basic

  $ 0.91      $ 0.47      $ (1.47   $ (1.63   $ 0.03      $ 0.12      $ 0.10      $ 0.35   

Diluted.

    0.86        0.46        (1.47     (1.63     0.03        0.12        0.10        0.34   

Weighted average shares outstanding:

                 

Basic

    85,091        94,731        95,530        154,400        154,708        160,641        154,881        185,942   

Diluted

    96,600        96,209        95,530        154,400        155,517        164,013        156,644        190,922   

Balance Sheet Data
(at end of period):

                 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

  $ 702,905      $ 706,066      $ 713,491      $ 317,102      $ 264,375      $ 346,320      $ 266,738      $ 305,188   

Property, plant and equipment, net

    412,388        343,318        341,352        407,557        355,212        310,143        342,401        303,364   

Total assets

    3,941,316        3,875,452        3,739,145        5,153,189        4,793,264        4,734,055        4,851,640        4,774,088   

Total debt

    1,544,478        1,346,598        1,345,989        2,563,004        2,470,770        2,514,552        2,568,649        2,512,639   

Net debt(5)

    841,573        640,532        632,498        2,245,902        2,206,395        2,168,232        2,301,911        2,207,451   

Total stockholders’ equity

    1,548,983        1,669,930        1,597,479        1,365,089        1,182,282        1,088,016        1,194,148        1,158,700   

Other Financial Data:

                 

Net cash provided by (used in):

                 

Operating activities

  $ 483,630      $ 226,287      $ (4,754   $ 135,749      $ 286,135      $ 237,701      $ (52,855   $ (35,489

Investing activities

    (71,951     14,525        1,259        (3,172,735     (35,525     (63,411     (37,941     (5,446

Financing activities

    (167,740     (191,281     11,395        2,643,881        (299,522     (89,669     95,214        941   

Capital expenditures

    (40,861     (35,399     (741     (38,792     (27,957     (36,780     (6,532     (6,675

 

(1) Amortization of purchased intangible assets excludes amortization amounts included in cost of sales of $14.5 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2010 due to a change in accounting policy at the time of the Acquisition. Amortization of purchased intangible assets excludes amortization amounts included in cost of sales of $0.5 million for the period from January 1, 2011 to January 14, 2011.
(2) During the year ended December 31, 2009, we recorded net restructuring charges of $20.6 million as a result of integration and cost reduction actions initiated in 2008 to realign and lower our cost structure and improve capacity utilization. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded net restructuring charges of $59.6 million, as a result of our restructuring actions to realign and lower our cost structure, improve capacity utilization and complete integration efforts related to the Andrew acquisition. To achieve these objectives, we closed manufacturing facilities in Omaha, Nebraska and Newton, North Carolina, among other actions. Much of the production capacity from these facilities has been shifted to other existing facilities or contract manufacturers. Beginning in the third quarter of 2011 and continuing into 2014, additional restructuring actions were initiated to realign and lower our cost structure primarily through workforce reductions at various U.S. and international facilities and the closure of certain manufacturing operations in the U.S. Net restructuring costs for the year ended December 31, 2013 reflected a gain of $18.7 million related to the sale of certain assets of the BiMetals business.

 

48


(3) During the year ended December 31, 2011, as a result of reduced expectations of future cash flows of reporting units within the Wireless segment, we determined that certain intangible assets were not recoverable and consequently recorded intangible asset impairment charges of $45.9 million and a goodwill impairment charge of $80.2 million. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we revised our outlook for a reporting unit within the Wireless segment that provides location-based mobile applications, resulting in a decrease in expected future cash flows. As a result of these reduced expectations of future cash flows of this reporting unit, a restructuring action was initiated and certain intangible assets and property, plant and equipment were determined to be impaired. An impairment charge of $35.0 million was recognized. Also during 2012, as a result of a shift in customer demand, we determined that the carrying value of certain equipment was no longer recoverable. An additional impairment charge of $5.9 million was recognized within the Wireless segment. During the year ended December 31, 2013, as a result of lower than expected sales and operating income in the Broadband segment reporting unit, management considered the longer term effect of market conditions and recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $36.2 million. Also during the year ended December 31, 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013, within the Wireless segment, we obtained new market data regarding a facility being marketed for sale and recorded an impairment charge of $3.6 million. In addition, we concluded that certain production equipment and intellectual property would no longer be utilized and recorded impairment charges of $5.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 and $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013.
(4) During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, included foreign exchange losses of $3.4 million, $2.1 million, $10.0 million, $7.0 million, $9.8 million, $0.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the net other expense also included losses of $8.6 million on the induced conversion of convertible debt securities. For the year ended December 31, 2011, net other expense also included $2.5 million of our share of losses in our equity investments and a pretax, non-deductible loss of $41.8 million on the extinguishment of CommScope, Inc.’s 3.25% convertible notes. For the year ended December 31, 2012, net other expense included our share of losses in our equity investments of $3.4 million and the impairment of one such investment of $2.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2013, net other expense included a charge of $33.0 million related to the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes, costs related to amending our senior secured credit facilities of $3.3 million, our share of losses in our equity investments of $1.4 million and the impairment of an equity investment of $0.8 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2014, net other expense also included our share of losses in our equity investments of $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively. Also included in net other expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was the write-off of an equity investment of $0.8 million. We also incurred costs of $1.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to amending our senior secured credit facilities.
(5) Net debt consists of total debt less cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments.

 

49


UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

On July 3, 2013, CommScope acquired Redwood Systems, Inc. (Redwood Systems), a provider of LED lighting solutions and integrated sensor networks for data centers and buildings. Redwood Systems was acquired for an initial payment of $9.8 million with the potential for additional consideration of up to $37.25 million and retention payments of up to $11.75 million, if net sales reach various levels of up to $55.0 million over various periods through July 31, 2015.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been derived from the audited financial statements of CommScope for the year ended December 31, 2013 and the unaudited financial statements of Redwood Systems for the six months ended June 30, 2013 included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations has been adjusted for the acquisition of Redwood Systems as if it had been completed on January 1, 2013. The pro forma adjustments are based on the best information available and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the circumstances. The assumptions underlying the pro forma adjustments are described in the accompanying notes, which should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations.

The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations is presented for illustrative and informative purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of what CommScope’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition of Redwood Systems actually occurred on the date indicated. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our audited financial statements and the audited and unaudited financial statements of Redwood Systems included elsewhere herein. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information also should not be considered representative of CommScope’s future results of operations or financial position.

The transaction was accounted for as an acquisition of Redwood Systems. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the purchase price was allocated to the underlying tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their respective estimated fair market values, with the excess purchase price allocated to goodwill. The purchase price allocation was based on estimates of the fair market value of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities of Redwood Systems. As of the date of this prospectus, the Company has substantially finalized the preliminary purchase price allocation and no further revisions are anticipated.

 

50


Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2013

(In millions, except share and per share amounts)

 

     CommScope     Redwood     Adjustments     Consolidated  

Net sales

   $ 3,480.1      $ 3.8      $ —        $ 3,483.9   

Operating costs and expenses:

        

Cost of sales

     2,279.2        2.8        —          2,282.0   

Selling, general and administrative

     502.3        3.6        —          505.9   

Research and development

     126.4        2.0        0.1 (A)      128.5   

Amortization of purchased intangibles

     174.9        —          0.6 (B)      175.5   

Asset impairment

     45.5        —          —          45.5   

Restructuring costs, net

     22.1        —          —          22.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating costs and expenses

     3,150.4        8.4        0.7        3,159.5   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     329.7        (4.6     (0.7     324.4   

Other income (expense), net

     (48.0     —          —          (48.0

Interest expense

     (208.6     (0.3     0.3 (C)      (208.6

Interest income

     3.1        —          —          3.1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     76.2        (4.9     (0.4     70.9   

Income tax benefit (expense)

     (56.8     —          1.8 (D)      (55.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 19.4      $ (4.9   $ 1.4      $ 15.9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

        

Basic

   $ 0.12          $ 0.10   

Diluted

   $ 0.12          $ 0.10   

Weighted average shares outstanding (in millions):

        

Basic

     160.6            160.6   

Diluted

     164.0            164.0   

See accompanying notes to unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

51


Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations

 

(A) Reflects the estimated additional depreciation as a result of increasing the value of Redwood Systems’ property, plant and equipment to estimated fair value. The allocation among income statement line items is based on Redwood Systems’ current classification of depreciation expense.
(B) Reflects the estimated amortization of the identifiable intangible assets, based on the preliminary valuation and estimated useful lives.
(C) Represents the reversal of all of the interest expense recognized by Redwood Systems as their outstanding debt was fully repaid in conjunction with the acquisition.
(D) Reflects the income tax impact of the pro forma adjustments and recognition of a tax benefit for the Redwood Systems losses at CommScope’s combined federal and state estimated marginal income tax rate of 36.2%.

 

52


MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations covers periods prior and subsequent to the Acquisition Transactions. The accompanying financial information presents separately the Predecessor and Successor accounting periods. To facilitate the discussion of the comparative periods, management presents certain financial information for the year ended December 31, 2011 on a combined basis. The year ended December 31, 2011 combined information includes the effects of purchase accounting and the related financing from the date of the acquisition. The year ended December 31, 2011 combined financial information represents the aggregation of the period from January 1, 2011 until January 14, 2011 and the period from January 15, 2011 until December 31, 2011. The combined financial information does not comply with U.S. GAAP and does not purport either to represent actual results or to be indicative of results we might achieve in future periods. It does not include the pro forma effects of the acquisition as if it had occurred on January 1, 2011. In addition, the following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements based upon current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Forward- Looking Statements” included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Overview

We are a leading global provider of connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks. We help our customers solve communications challenges by providing critical RF solutions, intelligent connectivity and cabling platforms, data center and intelligent building infrastructure and broadband access solutions.

We serve our customers through three operating segments: Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband. We believe that we are the only company in the world with a significant leadership position in connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for the wireless, enterprise and residential broadband networks. Through our Andrew brand, we are the global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions. Through our SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, we are the global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including connectivity and cables, enclosures, data center and network intelligence software, in-building wireless, advanced LED lighting systems management and network design services for enterprise applications and data centers. We are also a premier manufacturer of coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks globally.

During the periods presented below, the primary sources of revenue for our Wireless segment were (i) product sales of primarily passive transmission devices for the wireless infrastructure market including base station and microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cable connectors and backup power solutions and equipment primarily used by wireless operators, (ii) product sales of active electronic devices and services including power amplifiers, filters and tower-mounted amplifiers and (iii) engineering and consulting services and products like small cell DAS that are used to extend and enhance the coverage of wireless networks in areas where signals are difficult to send or receive such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems. Demand for Wireless segment products depends primarily on capital spending by wireless operators to expand their distribution networks or to increase the capacity of their networks.

The primary source of revenue for our Enterprise segment was sales of optical fiber and twisted pair structured cabling solutions and intelligent infrastructure products and software to large, multinational companies, primarily through a global network of distributors, system integrators and value-added resellers. Demand for Enterprise segment products depends primarily on information technology spending by enterprises, such as communications projects in new data centers, buildings or campuses, building expansions or upgrades of network systems within buildings, campuses or data centers.

 

53


During 2013, we acquired iTRACS, a provider of enterprise-class DCIM solutions, for $34.0 million, and Redwood Systems, a provider of advanced LED lighting control and high-density sensor solutions for data centers and buildings, for $22.2 million. The purchase price for Redwood Systems consisted of an initial payment of $9.8 million and contingent consideration with an estimated fair value of $12.4 million as of the acquisition date. The contingent consideration is payable in 2015 and could range from zero to $37.25 million. The amount to be paid for contingent consideration will be based on achievement of sales targets for Redwood Systems products with the maximum level of payout reached with $55.0 million of sales by July 31, 2015. There are also retention amounts payable in 2015 of up to $11.75 million, based on the same revenue targets. See “—Comparison of results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Successor) with the three months ended March 31, 2013 (Successor)—Enterprise Segment” and “—Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Successor) with the year ended December 31, 2012 (Successor)—Enterprise Segment.”

The primary source of revenue for our Broadband segment was product sales to cable television system operators, including cable and communications products that support the multichannel video, voice and high- speed data services of MSOs and coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks. Demand for our Broadband segment products depends primarily on capital spending by cable television system operators for maintaining, constructing and rebuilding or upgrading their systems.

Our future financial condition and performance will be largely dependent upon: global spending by wireless operators; global spending by business enterprises on information technology; investment by cable operators and communications companies in the video and communications infrastructure; overall global business conditions; and our ability to manage costs successfully among our global operations. We have experienced significant increases and greater volatility in raw material prices during the past several years as a result of increased global demand, supply disruptions and other factors. We attempt to mitigate the risk of increases in raw material price volatility through effective requirements planning, working closely with key suppliers to obtain the best possible pricing and delivery terms and implementing price increases. Delays in implementing price increases, failure to achieve market acceptance of price increases, or price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs has in the past and could in the future have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations. Our profitability is also affected by the mix and volume of sales among our various product groups and between domestic and international customers and competitive pricing pressures.

Critical accounting policies and estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates and their underlying assumptions form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other objective sources. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revises its estimates, as appropriate, when changes in events or circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary.

The following critical accounting policies and estimates reflected in our financial statements are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events. While we have generally not experienced significant deviations from our critical estimates in the past, it is reasonably possible that these estimates may ultimately differ materially from actual results. See Note 2 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a description of all of our significant accounting policies.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been rendered, the selling price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The majority of

 

54


our revenue comes from product sales. Revenue from product sales is recognized when the risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer and revenue is measurable. Revenue is not recognized related to products sold to contract manufacturers that we anticipate repurchasing in order to complete the sale to the ultimate customer.

Revenue for certain of our products is derived from multiple-element contracts. The value of the revenue elements within these contracts is allocated based on the relative selling price of each element. The relative selling price is determined using vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price or other third party evidence of selling price, if available. If these forms of evidence are unavailable, revenue is allocated among elements based on management’s best estimate of the stand-alone selling price of each element.

Certain revenue arrangements are for the sale of software and services. Revenue for software products is recognized based on the timing of customer acceptance of the specific revenue elements. The fair value of each revenue element is determined based on vendor-specific objective evidence of fair value determined by the stand-alone pricing of each element. These contracts typically contain post-contract support, or “PCS,” services which are sold both as part of a bundled product offering and as a separate contract. Revenue for PCS services is recognized ratably over the term of the PCS contract. Other service revenue is typically recognized once the service is performed or over the period of time covered by the arrangement.

We record reductions to revenue for anticipated sales returns as well as customer programs and incentive offerings, such as discounts, allowances, rebates and distributor price protection programs. These estimates are based on contract terms, historical experience, inventory levels in the distributor channel and other factors.

Management generally believes it has sufficient historical experience to allow for reasonable and reliable estimation of these reductions to revenue. However, deteriorating market conditions could result in increased sales returns and allowances and potential distributor price protection incentives, resulting in future reductions to revenue. If management does not have sufficient historical experience to make a reasonable estimation of these reductions to revenue, recognition of the revenue is deferred until management believes there is a sufficient basis to recognize such revenue.

Inventory reserves

We maintain reserves to reduce the value of inventory based on the lower of cost or market principle, including allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. These reserves are based on management’s assumptions about and analysis of relevant factors including current levels of orders and backlog, forecasted demand, market conditions and new products or innovations that diminish the value of existing inventories. If actual market conditions deteriorate from those anticipated by management, additional allowances for excess and obsolete inventory could be required.

Product warranty reserves

We recognize a liability for the estimated claims that may be paid under our customer warranty agreements to remedy potential deficiencies of quality or performance of our products. The product warranties extend over periods ranging from one to twenty-five years from the date of sale, depending upon the product subject to the warranty. We record a provision for estimated future warranty claims based upon the historical relationship of warranty claims to sales and specifically identified warranty issues. We base our estimates on historical experience and on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances and revise our estimates, as appropriate, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that revisions may be necessary. Although these estimates are based on management’s knowledge of and experience with past and current events and on management’s assumptions about future events, it is reasonably possible that they may ultimately differ materially from actual results, including in the case of a significant product failure.

Tax valuation allowances, liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits and other tax reserves

We establish an income tax valuation allowance when available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that all or a portion of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance,

 

55


we consider the amounts, character, source and timing of expected future deductions or carryforwards and sources of taxable income that may enable utilization. We maintain an existing valuation allowance until sufficient positive evidence exists to support its reversal. Changes in the amount or timing of expected future deductions or taxable income may have a material impact on the level of income tax valuation allowances. If we determine that we will not be able to realize all or part of a deferred tax asset in the future, an increase to an income tax valuation allowance would be charged to earnings in the period such determination was made.

We recognize income tax benefits related to particular tax positions only when it is considered more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained if examined on its technical merits by tax authorities. The amount of benefit recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is evaluated to be greater than 50% likely to be realized. Considerable judgment is required to evaluate the technical merits of various positions and to evaluate the likely amount of benefit to be realized. Lapses in statutes of limitations, developments in tax laws, regulations and interpretations and changes in assessments of the likely outcome of uncertain tax positions could have a material impact on the overall tax provision.

We establish deferred tax liabilities for the estimated tax cost associated with foreign earnings that we do not consider permanently reinvested. These liabilities are subject to adjustment if we determine that foreign earnings previously considered to be permanently reinvested should no longer be so considered.

We also establish allowances related to value added and similar tax recoverables when it is considered probable that those assets are not recoverable. Changes in the probability of recovery or in the estimates of the amount recoverable are recognized in the period such determination is made and may be material to earnings.

Asset impairment reviews

Impairment reviews of goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment annually as of October 1 and on an interim basis when events occur or circumstances indicate the carrying value may no longer be recoverable. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level, which may be the same as a reportable segment or a level below a reportable segment. Step one of the goodwill impairment test is a comparison of the carrying value of a reporting unit to its estimated fair value. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit through the use of a discounted cash flow, or “DCF,” valuation model. The significant assumptions in the DCF model are the annual revenue growth rate, the annual operating income margin and the discount rate used to determine the present value of the cash flow projections. Among other inputs, the annual revenue growth rate and operating income margin are determined by management using historical performance trends, industry data, insight derived from customers, relevant changes in the reporting unit’s underlying business and other market trends that may affect the reporting unit. The discount rate is based on the estimated weighted average cost of capital as of the test date of market participants in the industry in which the reporting unit operates. The assumptions used in the DCF model are subject to significant judgment and uncertainty. Changes in projected revenue growth rates, projected operating income margins or estimated discount rates due to uncertain market conditions, loss of one or more key customers, changes in technology, or other factors, could result in one or more of our reporting units with a significant amount of goodwill failing step one of the goodwill impairment test in the future. It is possible that future impairment reviews may indicate additional impairments of goodwill, which could be material to our results of operations and financial position. Our historical or projected revenues or cash flows may not be indicative of actual future results.

 

56


The goodwill balances by reporting unit as of March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in millions):

 

Reportable segment

  

Reporting unit

   March 31,
2014
     December 31,
2013
     December 31,
2012
 

Wireless

   Cable Products    $ 280.1       $ 280.1       $ 280.1   

Wireless

   Base Station Antennas      169.2         168.3         172.0   

Wireless

   Microwave Antenna Group      131.1         131.1         131.1   

Wireless

   Distributed Coverage and Capacity Solutions      161.4         161.4         161.4   

Enterprise

   Enterprise      653.8         659.5         636.5   

Broadband

   Broadband      50.1         50.1         92.8   
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,445.7       $ 1,450.5       $ 1,473.9   

2013 Annual Goodwill Analysis

The annual test of goodwill was performed for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2013. The test was performed using a DCF valuation model. Based on the estimated fair values generated by our DCF models, no reporting units failed step one of the annual goodwill impairment test.

A summary of the excess (deficit) of estimated fair value over (under) the carrying value of the reporting unit as a percent of the carrying value as of the annual impairment test dates and the effect of changes in the key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, is as follows:

 

        Excess (deficit) of estimated fair value over (under)
the carrying value as a percent of carrying value
 

Reportable
segment

 

Reporting unit

  Actual
valuation
    Decrease of
0.5% in annual
revenue
growth rate
    Decrease of
0.5% in annual
operating
income margin
    Increase
of 0.5% in
discount
rate
 

Wireless

 

Cable Products

    42.3     39.7     38.2     35.7

Wireless

 

Base Station Antennas

    60.3        57.5        56.2        53.7   

Wireless

 

Microwave Antenna Group

    7.9        5.8        4.5        2.0   

Wireless

 

Distributed Coverage and Capacity Solutions

    139.7        134.7        134.8        127.6   

Enterprise

 

Enterprise

    48.9        45.6        45.1        39.4   

Broadband

 

Broadband

    7.4        6.3        2.1        3.4   

The weighted average discount rates used in the 2013 annual test were 11.8% for the Wireless reporting units and 11.0% for both the Enterprise and Broadband reporting units. These discount rates were slightly lower than those used in the 2012 annual goodwill impairment test.

2013 Interim Goodwill Analysis

During the first six months of 2013, the Broadband segment experienced lower than expected levels of sales and operating income. Management considered these results and the longer term effect of market conditions on the continued operations of the business and determined that an indicator of possible impairment existed. A step one goodwill impairment test was performed using a DCF valuation model. Based on the estimated fair values generated by the DCF model, the Broadband segment did not pass step one of the interim goodwill impairment test. Accordingly, a step two analysis was completed and a $36.2 million impairment charge was recorded. The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from lower projected operating results than those assumed during the 2012 annual impairment test. The weighted average discount rate used in the interim impairment test for the Broadband reporting unit was 11.0% compared to 11.5% that was used in the 2012 annual goodwill impairment test.

 

57


2012 Annual goodwill analysis

The annual test of goodwill was performed using a DCF valuation model for each of the reporting units with goodwill balances as of October 1, 2012. Based on the estimated fair values generated by our DCF models, no reporting units failed step one of the goodwill impairment test.

A summary of the excess (deficit) of estimated fair value over (under) the carrying value of the reporting unit as a percent of the carrying value as of the annual impairment test dates and the effect of changes in the key assumptions, assuming all other assumptions remain constant, is as follows:

 

         Excess (deficit) of estimated fair value over (under)
the carrying value as a percent of carrying value
 

Reportable
segment

  

Reporting unit

  Actual
valuation
    Decrease of
0.5% in annual
revenue

growth rate
    Decrease of
0.5% in annual
operating

income margin
    Increase
of 0.5% in
discount
rate
 

Wireless

  

Cable Products

    1.6     0.9     (0.7 )%      (2.6 )% 

Wireless

  

Base Station Antennas

    2.3        1.5        (0.3     (1.9

Wireless

  

Microwave Antenna Group

    4.2        3.2        1.6        (0.7

Wireless

  

Distributed Coverage and Capacity Solutions

    42.0        39.9        39.3        35.4   

Enterprise

  

Enterprise

    45.5        43.2        43.1        37.3   

Broadband

  

Broadband

    14.3        13.8        10.7        9.4   

The weighted average discount rates used in the 2012 annual test were 12.4% for the Wireless reporting units and 11.5% for both the Enterprise and Broadband reporting units. These discount rates were generally slightly lower than those used in the 2011 annual goodwill impairment test.

2011 Annual Goodwill Analysis

During 2011, we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $45.5 million and $34.7 million related to the Wireline and Microwave Antenna Group reporting units, respectively. The goodwill impairment charge resulted primarily from cash flow projections that were lower than those used in the purchase price allocation performed as of January 14, 2011.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets and Other Long-Lived Assets

Management reviews definite-lived intangible assets, investments and other long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be fully recoverable. This analysis differs from our goodwill impairment analysis in that an intangible asset impairment is only deemed to have occurred if the sum of the forecasted undiscounted future net cash flows related to the assets being evaluated is less than the carrying value of the assets. If the forecasted net cash flows are less than the carrying value, then the asset is written down to its estimated fair value. Changes in the estimates of forecasted net cash flows may cause additional asset impairments, which could result in charges that are material to our results of operations. The net carrying value of our definite-lived intangible assets was $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

During 2013, we recorded a $3.6 million impairment charge on a facility that was being marketed for sale and a $5.7 million pretax impairment charge for certain production equipment and intellectual property that will no longer be utilized. Both of these impairment charges were recorded in our Wireless segment.

During 2012, we revised our outlook for a reporting unit within the Wireless segment that provides location based mobile applications, resulting in a decrease in expected future cash flows. As a result of these reduced expectations, due in part to reduced expectations of customer demand, certain intangible assets and property,

 

58


plant and equipment were determined to be impaired. We recognized a pretax impairment charge of $35.0 million. Also during 2012, as a result of a shift in customer demand, we determined that the carrying value of certain production equipment was no longer recoverable. We recognized an additional pretax impairment charge of $5.9 million within the Wireless segment.

During 2011, as a result of reduced expectations of future cash flows from certain intangible assets identified in the Acquisition, we determined that these assets were impaired, and we recognized a pretax impairment charge in our Wireless segment of $45.9 million.

Results of operations

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, the consolidated statements of income items expressed as a percentage of total net sales.

 

    Predecessor     Successor           Successor  
    January 1 –
January 14,
    January 15 –
December 31,
    Combined
Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Year ended
December 31,
    Three
months
ended
March 31,
    Three
months
ended
March 31,
 
    2011     2011     2011     2012     2013     2013     2014  

Gross profit

    20.6     25.5     25.4     31.9     34.5     32.9     36.1

Selling, general and administrative expense

    71.5        16.3        17.8        13.9        14.4        13.5        12.1   

Research and development expense

    6.0        3.5        3.6        3.7        3.6        3.7        3.4   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

    3.5        5.4        5.3        5.3        5.0        5.4        4.7   

Restructuring costs, net

    —          0.6        0.6        0.7        0.6        0.2        0.2   

Asset impairments

    —          4.0        3.8        1.2        1.3        0.7        —     

Net interest expense

    85.4        5.8        7.9        5.6        5.9        5.6        4.4   

Other expense, net

    46.5        0.4        1.7        0.5        1.4        0.4        0.3   

Income tax (expense) benefit

    34.9        2.5        3.4        (1.0     (1.6     (1.4     (4.0

Net income (loss)

    (157.4     (7.9     (12.0     0.2        0.6        2.0        6.9   

Comparison of results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2014 (Successor) with the three months ended March 31, 2013 (Successor)

 

     Successor              
     Three months ended
March 31, 2013
    Three months ended
March 31, 2014
    2014 compared to
2013
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount      % of net
sales
    Amount      % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales

   $ 804.7         100   $ 935.0         100   $ 130.3        16.2

Gross profit

     265.1         32.9        337.7         36.1        72.6        27.4   

SG&A expense

     109.0         13.5        113.0         12.1        4.0        3.7   

R&D expense

     30.0         3.7        31.9         3.4        1.9        6.3   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     43.3         5.4        44.3         4.7        1.0        2.3   

Restructuring costs, net

     1.8         0.2        2.0         0.2        0.2        11.1   

Asset impairments

     5.6         0.7        —           —          (5.6     (100.0

Net interest expense

     45.1         5.6        41.2         4.4        (3.9     (8.6

Other expense, net

     3.4         0.4        3.2         0.3        (0.2     (5.9

Income tax expense

     11.0         1.4        37.7         4.0        26.7        242.7   

Net income

   $ 15.9         2.0   $ 64.5         6.9   $ 48.6        305.7

 

59


Net sales. The year-over-year increase in net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was due to substantially higher net sales in our Wireless segment and modestly higher net sales in our Enterprise segment. This sales growth was partially offset by lower net sales in our Broadband segment. As compared to the first quarter of 2013, net sales for the first quarter of 2014 were higher in most geographic regions, with particular strength in the U.S. and EMEA regions. The increases in these regions were somewhat offset by lower net sales in the CALA region. Foreign exchange rate changes had a slightly negative impact on net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same 2013 period. For further details by segment, see the section titled “—Segment Results” below.

Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales).The improvement in gross profit and gross profit margin for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable prior year period was primarily due to higher sales volumes, a favorable change in the mix of products sold and benefits from cost savings initiatives.

Selling, general and administrative expense. Selling, general and administrative, or “SG&A,” expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the corresponding 2013 period due to increases in cash incentive compensation expense and incremental costs from iTRACS and Redwood Systems which were acquired in 2013. In addition, we incurred $0.9 million of transaction costs during the first quarter of 2014, related to the secondary offering of our common stock held by affiliates of Carlyle. Offsetting these higher costs was a $5.4 million reduction of SG&A expense resulting from an adjustment to the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable related to the Redwood Systems acquisition.

Research and development. Research and development, or “R&D,” expense was higher for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable prior year period. The increase in R&D expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to incremental costs from iTRACS and Redwood Systems. R&D expense as a percentage of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was lower than the prior year period, mainly as a result of higher net sales. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the developing technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets was $1.0 million higher in the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year period, primarily due to additional amortization resulting from the acquisitions of iTRACS and Redwood Systems in 2013.

Restructuring costs. We recognized net restructuring costs of $2.0 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared with $1.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. The restructuring costs recognized in 2014 were primarily related to consolidating operations following the announced closings of manufacturing operations at two locations in the U.S. and continued efforts to realign and lower our cost structure. The 2013 restructuring costs were primarily related to workforce reductions and other cost reduction initiatives at various U.S. and international facilities.

We expect to incur additional pretax costs of $2.0 million to $3.0 million in 2014 related to completing actions announced to date. We expect to recognize an additional restructuring charge in the second half of 2014 related to the lease agreement at our Joliet, Illinois facility once operations cease at that facility and that charge may be material. However, we cannot currently estimate the charge. Additional restructuring actions may be identified and resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.

Asset impairments. We recognized impairment charges of $5.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to long-lived assets in the Wireless segment.

Net interest expense. We incurred net interest expense of $41.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $45.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Net interest expense for the first quarter of 2014 included $9.5 million of interest related to the 2020 Notes. Net interest expense for the first quarter of 2013 included a $0.5 million write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discount that

 

60


resulted from amending our senior secured term loan facility primarily to lower the interest rate. Excluding the charges related to last year’s refinancing, net interest expense decreased in the current year quarter as compared to the corresponding prior year period, primarily due to a favorable shift to lower rate debt, slightly lower debt balances and interest savings resulting from the amendments to the senior secured term loan facility.

Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount, was 6.73% as of March 31, 2014, 6.89% as of December 31, 2013 and 6.92% as of March 31, 2013.

Other expense, net. Foreign exchange losses of $2.3 million were included in other expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2014 compared to $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Other expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included our share of losses in our equity investments of $0.6 million compared to $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Also included in other expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was the write-off of one such equity investment of $0.8 million. Additionally, we incurred costs of $1.9 million that were included in other expense, net for the first quarter of 2013 related to amending our term loan facility.

Income taxes. Our effective income tax rate of 36.9% for the first quarter of 2014 was higher than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to losses in certain jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable, increases in valuation allowances on certain tax attributes, the provision for state income taxes and certain tax costs associated with repatriation of foreign earnings. These items were partially offset by benefits related to uncertain tax positions for which the statutes had lapsed and the $5.4 million pretax reduction in the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable, which is not subject to tax.

Our effective income tax rate of 40.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was higher than the statutory rate and did not reflect benefits for losses in certain foreign jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable. The effective tax rate for the first quarter of 2013 included a benefit for 2012 research and development tax credits as a result of legislation enacted early in 2013. This benefit was offset by additional expense related to uncertain tax positions and certain tax costs associated with repatriation of foreign earnings. Excluding these items, the effective tax rate was comparable to the statutory rate of 35%.

We expect to continue to provide for U.S. taxes on a substantial portion of our current year foreign earnings in anticipation that such earnings will be repatriated to the U.S.

 

61


Segment results

 

     Successor              
     Three months ended
March 31, 2013
    Three months ended
March 31, 2014
    2014 compared to
2013
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales by segment:

            

Wireless

   $ 496.5        61.7   $ 627.2        67.1   $ 130.7        26.3

Enterprise

     191.8        23.8        201.5        21.5        9.7        5.1   

Broadband

     118.1        14.7        107.5        11.5        (10.6     (9.0

Inter-segment eliminations

     (1.7     (0.2     (1.2     (0.1     0.5     
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated net sales

   $ 804.7        100.0   $ 935.0        100.0   $ 130.3        16.2
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total domestic sales

   $ 453.5        56.4   $ 562.9        60.2   $ 109.4        24.1

Total international sales

     351.2        43.6        372.1        39.8        20.9        6.0   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total worldwide sales

   $ 804.7        100.0   $ 935.0        100.0   $ 130.3        16.2
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income (loss) by segment:

            

Wireless

   $ 62.4        12.6   $ 127.6        20.3   $ 65.2        104.5

Enterprise

     15.4        8.0        22.6        11.2        7.2        46.8   

Broadband

     (2.4     (2.0     (3.7     (3.4     (1.3     NM   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 75.4        9.4   $ 146.5        15.7   $ 71.1        94.3
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

NM—Not meaningful

Wireless segment

We provide merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions. Our solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew brand, enable wireless operators to deploy both macro cell sites and small cell DAS solutions to meet 2G, 3G and 4G cellular coverage and capacity requirements. Our macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors, amplifiers, filters and backup power solutions. Our small cell DAS solutions are primarily composed of distributed antenna systems that allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems.

The Wireless segment experienced a substantial increase in net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable period in the prior year primarily as a result of higher capital spending by U.S. wireless operators, including 4G deployments. The Wireless segment recorded higher sales in all major geographic regions except the CALA region in the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Wireless segment net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the same period in 2013.

We expect demand for our Wireless products to be positively affected by wireless coverage and capacity expansion in emerging markets and growth in mobile data services (including 4G deployments) in developed markets.

Uncertainty in the global economy or a particular region may slow the growth or cause a decline in capital spending by wireless operators and negatively impact our net sales.

Wireless segment operating income increased $65.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable period in the prior year primarily due to the higher level of net sales, with additional

 

62


benefit from favorable mix of products sold and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives. These benefits were partially offset by higher cash incentive compensation expense. In addition, the Wireless segment recorded asset impairment charges of $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2013 and no such charges were recorded in 2014.

Enterprise segment

We provide enterprise connectivity solutions for data centers and commercial buildings. Our offerings include voice, video, data and converged solutions that support mission-critical, high-bandwidth applications including storage area networks, streaming media, data backhaul, cloud applications and grid computing. These comprehensive solutions, sold primarily under the SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cabling solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, intelligent building sensors, advanced LED lighting control systems and network design services.

Enterprise segment net sales increased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 in the U.S., CALA and APAC regions as compared to the comparable prior year period. Enterprise segment net sales were essentially unchanged in the EMEA region for the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013. The iTRACS and Redwood Systems acquisitions had an immaterial impact on sales in the first quarter of 2014. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Enterprise segment net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable 2013 period.

We expect long-term demand for Enterprise products to be driven by global information technology and data center spending as the ongoing need for bandwidth and intelligence in the network continues to create demand for high-performance structured connectivity solutions in the enterprise market. Uncertain global economic conditions, an ongoing slowdown in commercial construction activity, uncertain levels of information technology spending and reductions in the levels of distributor inventories may negatively affect demand for our products.

The increase in Enterprise segment operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year period was primarily attributable to higher net sales, a favorable shift in mix, the positive impact of cost reduction initiatives and a $5.4 million reduction in expense related to the adjustment of the estimated fair value of contingent consideration payable from the Redwood Systems acquisition. Excluding the positive impact of this adjustment to contingent consideration payable, iTRACS and Redwood Systems decreased operating income for the first quarter of 2014 by $4.5 million, as investments are made to develop product offerings and integrate the acquired businesses.

Broadband segment

We provide cable and communications products that support the multi-channel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by MSOs. We are a global manufacturer of coaxial cable for hybrid fiber coaxial networks and a supplier of fiber optic cable for North American MSOs.

Broadband segment net sales decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the comparable prior year period in the CALA and EMEA regions, while net sales were essentially unchanged in the U.S. and the APAC region. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Broadband segment net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 as compared to the prior year period.

We expect demand for Broadband products to continue to be influenced by ongoing maintenance requirements of cable networks, cable providers’ competition with telecommunication service providers and activity in the residential construction market. Spending by our Broadband customers on maintaining and upgrading networks is expected to continue to be influenced by uncertain regional and global economic conditions.

The Broadband segment recorded a larger operating loss during the three months ended March 31, 2014 than the prior year period primarily due to the impact of lower net sales and incremental costs associated with the closure

 

63


of our Statesville, North Carolina facility. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by benefits from cost reduction initiatives. We continue to evaluate alternatives to improve the performance of the Broadband segment. Future actions taken to improve performance could result in charges that may be material.

Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2013 (Successor) with the year ended December 31, 2012 (Successor)

 

     Successor        
     Year ended
December 31, 2012
    Year ended
December 31, 2013
    2013 compared
to 2012
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount      % of net
sales
    Amount      % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales

   $ 3,321.9         100.0   $ 3,480.1         100.0   $ 158.2        4.8

Gross profit

     1,060.7         31.9        1,200.9         34.5        140.2        13.2   

SG&A expense

     461.1         13.9        502.3         14.4        41.2        8.9   

R&D expense

     121.7         3.7        126.4         3.6        4.7        3.9   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     175.7         5.3        174.9         5.0        (0.8     (0.5

Restructuring costs, net

     23.0         0.7        22.1         0.6        (0.9     (3.9

Asset impairments

     40.9         1.2        45.5         1.3        4.6        11.2   

Net interest expense

     185.6         5.6        205.5         5.9        19.9        10.7   

Other expense, net

     15.4         0.5        48.0         1.4        32.6        211.7   

Income tax expense

     31.9         1.0        56.8         1.6        24.9        78.1   

Net income

   $ 5.4         0.2   $ 19.4         0.6   $ 14.0        259.3

Net sales. The increase in net sales for 2013 compared to 2012 was primarily attributable to higher sales to domestic wireless operators in the Wireless segment as they continued to expand 4G coverage and capacity. This increase was partially offset by lower net sales in the Broadband and Enterprise segments. In addition to the growth in the U.S., net sales were higher in the CALA and EMEA regions partially offset by lower sales in the APAC region for 2013 compared with 2012. Foreign exchange rates negatively affected net sales by less than 1% for 2013 as compared to 2012. Acquisitions had an immaterial favorable effect on 2013 net sales. For further details by segment, see the section titled “—Segment Results” below.

Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales). Gross profit and gross profit margin increased for 2013 primarily due to higher sales volumes, a favorable change in the mix of products sold and benefits from cost savings initiatives. Cost of sales for 2013 and 2012 included charges of $2.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to a warranty matter within the Broadband segment for products sold in 2006 and 2007.

Our gross profit margin for 2013 was 34.5% compared to 31.9% for the prior year. The higher gross profit margin for 2013 is primarily due to higher net sales, favorable changes in the mix of products sold, the benefit of cost savings initiatives and the impact of a favorable commodities environment.

Selling, general and administrative expense. SG&A expense increased for 2013 compared to 2012 primarily as a result of the $20.2 million fee paid to terminate the Carlyle management agreement, incremental SG&A costs from the iTRACS and Redwood Systems acquisitions, additional sales expense in certain target markets and increases in incentive compensation costs. These costs were partially offset by benefits from cost reduction initiatives and a decrease in bad debt expense.

Research and development. R&D expense was higher for 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to R&D spending added by the iTRACS and Redwood Systems acquisitions that was partially offset by the benefit of cost savings initiatives, which included the closure in 2012 of a facility in New Jersey. R&D expense as a percentage of net sales for 2013 was essentially unchanged compared to 2012. R&D activities generally relate to ensuring that our products are capable of meeting the developing technological needs of our customers, bringing new products to market and modifying existing products to better serve our customers.

 

64


Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets was $0.8 million lower in 2013 than 2012 due to the impairment that was recognized on certain intangible assets in 2012, partially offset by the additional amortization resulting from the acquisitions of iTRACS and Redwood Systems. The

amortization is primarily related to intangible assets established as a result of applying acquisition accounting following the 2011 Carlyle acquisition of CommScope, Inc.

Restructuring costs, net. We recognized net restructuring costs of $22.1 million during 2013 compared with $23.0 million during 2012. Restructuring costs of $40.8 million in 2013 were partially offset by a gain of $18.7 million on the sale of certain assets of our BiMetals business in the Broadband segment. The costs incurred in 2013 were primarily from the announced closing of two manufacturing operations in the U.S. and costs incurred to consolidate a portion of those operations into our existing facilities, as well as workforce reductions in a continued effort to realign and lower our cost structure. The restructuring costs recognized in 2012 were primarily related to announced workforce reductions at certain domestic and international facilities.

We expect to incur additional pretax costs of $5.0 million to $6.0 million in 2014 related to completing actions announced to date. We also anticipate an additional restructuring charge, that may be material, related to the leased manufacturing space at the Joliet, Illinois facility that is expected to be vacated in 2014. Additional restructuring actions may be identified and resulting charges and cash requirements could be material.

Asset impairments. We recognized impairment charges of $45.5 million in 2013 consisting of a $36.2 million impairment of goodwill in the Broadband segment and a $9.3 million impairment of long-lived assets in the Wireless segment. We recognized impairment charges of $40.9 million in 2012 related to long-lived assets in the Wireless segment. It is possible that we may incur additional asset impairment charges in future periods.

Net interest expense. We incurred net interest expense of $205.5 million for 2013 compared to $185.6 million for 2012. Interest expense on the 2020 Notes issued in May 2013 was $22.5 million during 2013. In addition, interest expense for 2013 included a write-off of deferred financing costs of $7.9 million related to the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes with the net proceeds of the Company’s IPO. As a result of amending our senior secured term loans and making a voluntary term loan repayment of $100.0 million during 2013, interest expense included a write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discount of $3.4 million. Partially offsetting these increases were interest savings from rate reductions that resulted from the term loan amendments. Interest expense for 2012 included a $3.1 million write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discount related to amendments to the senior secured term loan and asset-based revolving credit facility completed during 2012.

Our weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings, including the amortization of deferred financing costs and original issue discount and assuming the cash interest rate on the 2020 Notes, was 6.89% as of December 31, 2013 and 7.33% as of December 31, 2012.

Other expense, net. In connection with the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes in 2013, we paid a premium of $33.0 million that was recorded in other expense, net. Foreign exchange losses of $9.8 million were included in other expense, net for 2013 compared to $7.0 million for 2012. We incurred costs of $3.3 million during 2013 related to amending our senior secured term loans compared to costs of $1.7 million during 2012 related to the amendments of our senior secured term loan and revolving credit facility. Also included in other expense, net for 2013 was the Company’s share of losses in our equity investments of $1.4 million as compared to $3.4 million in 2012. Additionally, other expense, net included the impairment of one such investment of $0.8 million and $2.6 million for 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income taxes. For 2013, the effective income tax rate included the impact of a $36.2 million goodwill impairment charge that is not deductible for income tax purposes. In addition to the impairment charge, the effective tax rate for 2013 reflected increases in valuation allowances and losses in certain foreign jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable.

 

65


The effective income tax rate for 2012 was affected by various true-up items related to prior year tax returns, changes in valuation allowances and additional tax expense related to income tax uncertainties. In addition to these items, the effective income tax rate for the prior year was also impacted by losses in certain foreign jurisdictions where we did not recognize tax benefits due to the likelihood of them not being realizable.

Excluding the items listed above, the effective income tax rate for 2013 and 2012 was higher than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to the provision for state income taxes and certain tax costs associated with repatriation of foreign earnings. We generally expect that our effective income tax rate will continue to reflect a minimal benefit from lower tax rates on operations outside the U.S. due to our expectation that a significant portion of earnings from such operations will be repatriated to the U.S.

Segment results. Our three reportable segments, which align with the manner in which the business is managed, are Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

     Successor        
     Year ended
December 31, 2012
    Year ended
December 31, 2013
    2013 compared
to 2012
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales by segment:

            

Wireless

   $ 1,917.1        57.7   $ 2,174.2        62.5   $ 257.1        13.4

Enterprise

     846.5        25.5        827.9        23.8        (18.6     (2.2

Broadband

     564.0        17.0        484.6        13.9        (79.4     (14.1

Inter-segment eliminations

     (5.7     (0.2     (6.6     (0.2     (0.9     15.8   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated net sales

   $ 3,321.9        100.0   $ 3,480.1        100.0   $ 158.2        4.8
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total domestic sales

   $ 1,754.3        52.8      $ 1,903.0        54.7      $ 148.7        8.5   

Total international sales

     1,567.6        47.2        1,577.1        45.3        9.5        0.6   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total worldwide sales

   $ 3,321.9        100.0   $ 3,480.1        100.0   $ 158.2        4.8
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income (loss) by segment:

            

Wireless

   $ 106.7        5.6   $ 303.4        14.0   $ 196.7        184.3   

Enterprise

     119.6        14.1        66.7        8.1        (52.9     (44.2

Broadband

     11.9        2.1        (40.4     (8.3     (52.3     NM   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ 238.2        7.2   $ 329.7        9.5   $ 91.5        38.4   
  

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

NM—Not meaningful

Wireless segment

We are the global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions. Our solutions, marketed primarily under the Andrew brand, enable wireless operators to deploy both macro cell sites and small cell DAS solutions to meet 2G, 3G and 4G cellular coverage and capacity requirements. Our macro cell site solutions can be found at wireless tower sites and on rooftops and include base station antennas, microwave antennas, hybrid fiber-feeder and power cables, coaxial cables, connectors, amplifiers, filters and backup power solutions. Our small cell DAS solutions are primarily comprised of distributed antenna systems that allow wireless operators to increase spectral efficiency and thereby extend and enhance cellular coverage and capacity in challenging network conditions such as commercial buildings, urban areas, stadiums and transportation systems.

The Wireless segment net sales increased in all major geographic regions for 2013 compared to 2012. Net sales growth was particularly strong in the U.S. as a result of higher investment in 4G/LTE solutions by U.S. wireless operators. Sales to a major Middle Eastern wireless operator also benefited Wireless segment net sales in 2013. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Wireless segment net sales for 2013 compared to 2012.

 

66


We expect demand for our Wireless products to continue to be positively affected by wireless coverage and capacity expansion in emerging markets and growth in mobile data services (including 4G deployments) in developed markets. Uncertainty in the global economy or a particular region may slow the growth or cause a decline in capital spending by wireless operators and negatively impact our net sales.

Wireless segment operating income increased $196.7 million in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily due to the higher level of net sales, a favorable mix of products sold and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives. In addition to these improvements, the Wireless segment also experienced a $31.6 million reduction in asset impairment charges. These increases to operating income were partially offset by the portion of the Carlyle management agreement termination fee that was allocated to the Wireless segment ($11.6 million) and $2.4 million of higher restructuring charges.

Enterprise segment

We are the global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions for data centers and commercial buildings. We provide voice, video, data and converged solutions that support mission-critical, high-bandwidth applications, including storage area networks, streaming media, data backhaul, cloud applications and grid computing. These comprehensive solutions, sold primarily under the SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, include optical fiber and twisted pair structured cabling solutions, intelligent infrastructure software, network rack and cabinet enclosures, intelligent building sensors, advanced LED lighting control systems and network design services.

The Enterprise segment experienced a decrease in net sales for 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to lower net sales in the APAC and EMEA regions that were partially offset by an increase in sales in the CALA region. Enterprise segment net sales in North America were essentially unchanged in 2013 as compared to 2012. Net sales for 2013 that resulted from the 2013 acquisitions of iTRACS and Redwood Systems were not significant to the Enterprise segment. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Enterprise segment net sales for 2013 as compared to 2012.

We expect long-term demand for Enterprise products to be driven by global information technology spending and the ongoing need for bandwidth, which creates demand for high-performance structured cabling solutions in the enterprise market. Uncertain global economic conditions, an ongoing slowdown in commercial construction activity, uncertain levels of information technology spending and reduction in the levels of distributor inventories may negatively affect demand for our products.

The decrease in Enterprise segment operating income for 2013 as compared to 2012 was primarily attributable to lower sales (mainly resulting from an increase in discounting for certain projects), $4.8 million of higher restructuring costs, the allocation of $5.4 million of the Carlyle management agreement termination fee and the impact of iTRACS and Redwood Systems, as investments are made to develop product offerings and integrate the acquired businesses.

Broadband segment

We are a global leader in providing cable and communications products that support the multichannel video, voice and high-speed data services provided by MSOs. We believe we are the leading global manufacturer of coaxial cable for HFC networks and a leading supplier of fiber optic cable for North American MSOs.

Broadband segment net sales decreased for 2013 as compared to 2012 in all major geographic regions primarily as a result of the completion of large international projects and the impact of decreased U.S. federal stimulus spending. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negligible negative impact on Broadband segment net sales for 2013 as compared to 2012.

We expect demand for Broadband products to continue to be influenced by ongoing maintenance requirements of cable networks, cable providers’ competition with telecommunication service providers and activity in the

 

67


residential construction market. Spending by our Broadband customers on maintaining and upgrading networks is expected to continue, though it may be influenced by the extent to which residential construction activity improves and by continued uncertain regional and global economic conditions.

Broadband segment operating income decreased $52.3 million in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to goodwill impairment charges of $36.2 million in 2013, lower sales volumes, less favorable pricing and mix of products sold and the allocation of $3.2 million of the Carlyle management agreement termination fee. These decreases were partially offset by an $8.1 million reduction in net restructuring costs, which included an $18.7 million gain on the sale of certain assets of the BiMetals business. Broadband segment operating income (loss) for 2013 and 2012 included charges of $2.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, related to a warranty matter for products sold in 2006 and 2007.

Comparison of results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2012 (Successor) with the combined periods January 15—December 31, 2011 (Successor) and January 1—January 14, 2011 (Predecessor)

 

     Predecessor     Successor        
     January 1 –
January 14, 2011
    January 15 –
December 31, 2011
    Year ended
December 31, 2012
    2012 compared to
combined 2011
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales

   $ 89.0        100.0   $ 3,186.4        100.0   $ 3,321.9        100.0   $ 46.5        1.4

Gross profit

     18.3        20.6        812.1        25.5        1,060.7        31.9        230.3        27.7   

SG&A expense

     63.6        71.5        517.9        16.3        461.1        13.9        (120.4     (20.7

R&D expense

     5.3        6.0        112.9        3.5        121.7        3.7        3.5        3.0   

Amortization of purchased intangible assets

     3.1        3.5        171.2        5.4        175.7        5.3        1.4        0.8   

Restructuring costs, net

     —          —          18.7        0.6        23.0        0.7        4.3        23.0   

Asset impairments

     —          —          126.1        4.0        40.9        1.2        (85.2     (67.6

Net interest expense

     76.0        85.4        184.0        5.8        185.6        5.6        (74.4     (28.6

Other expense, net

     41.4        46.5        12.9        0.4        15.4        0.5        (38.9     (71.6

Income tax (expense) benefit

     31.1        34.9        79.3        2.5        (31.9     (1.0     (142.3     NM   

Net income

   $ (140.1     (157.4 )%    $ (252.3     (7.9 )%    $ 5.4        0.2   $ 397.8        NM   

 

NM—Not meaningful

Net sales. The increase in net sales during 2012 compared to 2011 was attributable to our Wireless and Broadband segments, which included $72.1 million of incremental sales from the 2011 acquisitions of Argus and LiquidxStream Systems Inc., or “LiquidxStream Systems.” Offsetting these improvements was a decrease in Enterprise segment net sales. Strong net sales in the U.S. were partially offset by lower net sales in the EMEA and CALA regions. Foreign exchange rates negatively affected net sales by approximately 1% for 2012 as compared to 2011. For further details by segment, see the section titled “—Segment results” below.

Gross profit (net sales less cost of sales). Cost of sales for 2012 included charges of $8.9 million related to a warranty matter within the Broadband segment for products sold in 2006 and 2007. Cost of sales for 2011 included the negative impact of $106.0 million of purchase accounting adjustments, primarily related to the increase in cost of sales resulting from the step-up of inventory to its estimated fair value less the estimated costs associated with its sale. Also included in 2011 cost of sales was a litigation charge of $7.0 million related to a settlement of a lawsuit.

Our gross profit margin for 2012 was 31.9% compared to 25.4% for the prior year. Excluding the impact of the warranty charge, purchase accounting adjustments and the litigation charge, gross profit for 2012 and 2011 was 32.2% and 28.8%, respectively. The higher adjusted gross profit margin for 2012 is primarily due to the impact of lower raw materials costs, the benefit of cost savings initiatives and favorable changes in the mix of products sold.

 

68


Selling, general and administrative expense. SG&A expense for 2012 decreased as compared to 2011 primarily as the result of acquisition-related costs of $132.6 million incurred in 2011 as well as the impact of cost reduction initiatives on 2012. These benefits were partially offset by higher incentive compensation costs during 2012. Excluding the acquisition-related costs, SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 13.7% for 2011. The increase in SG&A as a percentage of sales for 2012 as compared to the prior year period is due to higher incentive compensation costs partially offset by the positive impact of cost reduction initiatives on 2012.

Research and development. R&D expense was slightly higher for 2012 as compared to 2011. R&D expense as a percentage of net sales increased to 3.7% for 2012 compared to 3.6% for 2011, primarily due to the acquisitions during 2011 of LiquidxStream Systems and Argus.

Amortization of purchased intangible assets. The amortization of purchased intangible assets was $1.4 million higher in 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily as a result of additional amortization related to the acquisitions of Argus and LiquidxStream Systems as well as recognizing a full first quarter of amortization in 2012 as compared to a partial first quarter in 2011 related to the Acquisition. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in amortization due to impairments of certain intangible assets recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the third quarter of 2012. The amortization is primarily related to intangible assets established as a result of applying purchase accounting following the Acquisition.

Restructuring costs, net. We recognized net pretax restructuring costs of $23.0 million during 2012 compared with $18.7 million in 2011. The restructuring costs recognized in 2012 were primarily related to announced workforce reductions at certain domestic and international facilities. The restructuring costs recognized in 2011 were primarily related to restructuring actions that were initiated in 2011 and have resulted in workforce reductions, mainly at certain manufacturing facilities. Equipment relocation costs and adjustments to the estimated cost of workforce reductions that were related to restructuring initiatives that began in 2010 were also recognized as restructuring costs in 2011.

Net interest expense. We incurred net interest expense of $185.6 million during 2012 compared to $260.0 million for 2011. As a result of amending the term loan facility and revolving credit facility during 2012, interest expense included the write-off of $3.1 million of original issue discount and deferred financing costs. Net interest expense for 2011 included a charge of $48.0 million for the interest make-whole payment related to the repayment of CommScope, Inc.’s 3.25% convertible notes and $26.0 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs in connection with the repayment of the pre-Acquisition debt. Excluding these charges, net interest expense decreased in 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of decreased levels of outstanding debt and lower interest rates on outstanding borrowings.

Other expense, net. Foreign exchange losses of $7.0 million and $10.0 million are included in net other expense for 2012 and 2011, respectively. Also included in net other expense for 2012 are our share of losses in our equity investments of $3.4 million and the impairment of one such investment of $2.6 million. For 2011, net other expense included $2.5 million of our share of losses in our equity investments. Net other expense for 2011 includes a pretax, non-deductible loss of $41.8 million on the extinguishment of CommScope, Inc.’s 3.25% convertible notes.

Income taxes. The effective income tax rate for 2012 was higher than the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to certain tax costs associated with repatriation of foreign earnings, not reflecting benefits for current year losses in certain jurisdictions where we have determined that these benefits are not likely to be realized and various true- up items related to prior year U.S., state and foreign tax returns.

The effective income tax rate for 2011 included the impact of $89.8 million of acquisition-related costs that are not deductible for tax purposes as well as $126.1 million of goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges for which we recognized $16.7 million in income tax benefits. The income tax benefit for 2011 was affected by increases in the valuation allowance and additional tax expense recognized related to income tax uncertainties.

 

69


Segment results. As a result of implementing a new product management structure as of the beginning of 2012, we reorganized our reportable segments. Our three reportable segments, which align with the manner in which the business is managed, are Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband. Prior year amounts have been restated to conform to the current year presentation. Percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

 

     Predecessor     Successor              
     January 1 –
January 14, 2011
    January 15 –
December 31, 2011
    Year ended
December 31, 2012
    2012 compared to
combined 2011
 
(dollars in millions)    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    Amount     % of net
sales
    $
change
    %
change
 

Net sales by segment:

                  

Wireless

   $ 52.5        59.0   $ 1,774.1        55.7   $ 1,917.1        57.7   $ 90.5        5.0

Enterprise

     23.1        26.0        881.6        27.7        846.5        25.5        (58.2     (6.4

Broadband

     13.6        15.2        536.4        16.8        564.0        17.0        14.0        2.5   

Inter-segment eliminations

     (0.2     (0.2     (5.7     (0.2     (5.7     (0.2     0.2        NM   
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated net sales

   $ 89.0        100.0   $ 3,186.4        100.0   $ 3,321.9        100.0   $ 46.5        1.4
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total domestic sales

   $ 45.1        50.7      $ 1,638.2        51.4      $ 1,754.3        52.8      $ 71.0        4.2   

Total international sales

     43.9        49.3        1,548.2        48.6        1,567.6        47.2        (24.5     (1.5
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Total worldwide sales

   $ 89.0        100.0   $ 3,186.4        100.0   $ 3,321.9        100.0   $ 46.5        1.4
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Operating income (loss) by segment:

                  

Wireless

   $ (34.2     (65.1 )%    $ (213.4     (12.0 )%    $ 106.7        5.6   $ 354.3        NM   

Enterprise

     (12.6     (54.5     85.6        9.7        119.6        14.1        46.6        63.8   

Broadband

     (6.9     (50.7     (6.9     (1.3     11.9        2.1        25.7        NM   
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Consolidated operating income (loss)

   $ (53.7     (60.3 )%    $ (134.7     (4.2 )%    $ 238.2        7.2   $ 426.6        NM   
  

 

 

       

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

NM—Not meaningful

Wireless segment

Net sales of Wireless segment products increased primarily as a result of $67.1 million of incremental net sales from the Argus acquisition, and higher investment in 4G/LTE solutions by telecommunication providers, particularly in the U.S., during 2012. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact on segment net sales of approximately 2% for 2012 as compared to 2011.

The increase in operating income for the Wireless segment for 2012 as compared to 2011 reflects the negative impact of $79.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments included in the 2011 operating loss. The operating loss for 2011 also included incremental acquisition-related costs of $75.1 million, a litigation charge of $7.0 million related to the settlement of a lawsuit, incremental charges related to impairments of long-lived assets of $85.2 million and a gain of $2.2 million related to the sale of a product line. Operating income for 2012 included a gain of $1.5 million on the sale of a subsidiary and a charge of $2.0 million related to prior years’ customs and duties obligations. Restructuring charges were $8.6 million higher in 2012 as compared to 2011 while amortization of purchased intangible assets decreased $2.8 million for 2012 as compared to the prior year period. Excluding these items, Wireless segment operating income increased for 2012 as compared to 2011 primarily as a result of higher sales, favorable change in the mix of products sold, the impact of lower materials costs and the benefit of cost reduction initiatives partially offset by higher incentive compensation costs.

 

70


Enterprise segment

Enterprise segment net sales decreased primarily due to a slowdown in corporate and government information technology spending in all major geographic regions. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact on Enterprise segment net sales of approximately 1% for 2012 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in Enterprise segment operating income for 2012 as compared 2011 was primarily due to a $32.8 million decrease of acquisition-related costs compared to prior year as well as the negative effect of $16.8 million of purchase accounting adjustments recognized in 2011. Also included in 2012 operating income is an increase of $2.6 million in amortization of purchased intangible assets partially offset by a decrease of $0.9 million in restructuring costs. Excluding these items, Enterprise segment operating income was essentially unchanged for 2012 as compared to 2011. Lower net sales and an unfavorable change in the mix of products sold were offset by lower materials costs and benefits from cost reduction initiatives implemented during 2011 and 2012.

Broadband segment

Broadband segment net sales increased due to higher sales in the U.S. and APAC region that were partially offset by a decrease in the EMEA and CALA regions. Foreign exchange rate changes had a negative impact on Broadband segment sales of approximately 1% for 2012 as compared to the prior year.

The increase in Broadband segment operating income for 2012 was primarily due to an $18.3 million decrease of acquisition-related costs as well as $8.7 million of purchase accounting adjustments for 2011 partially offset by $8.9 million of 2012 warranty charges for products sold in 2006 and 2007. Amortization of purchased intangible assets included in the Broadband segment was $1.6 million higher in 2012 than in the prior year primarily as a result of the LiquidxStream Systems acquisition. Restructuring costs for the 2012 were lower by $3.5 million than in 2011.

Excluding these items and despite higher R&D expense to support LiquidxStream Systems, Broadband segment operating income for 2012 as compared to 2011 increased primarily due to lower materials costs and benefits from cost reduction efforts.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Three months ended March 31, 2014 (Successor) compared to three months ended March 31, 2013 (Successor)

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:

 

     As of              

(dollars in millions)

   December 31,
2013
    March 31,
2014
    Dollar
change
    % change  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 346.3      $ 305.2      $ (41.1     (11.9 )% 

Working capital(1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt of $9.5 million and $9.1 million, respectively

     523.2        673.0        149.8        28.6   

Availability under revolving credit facility

     308.7        345.0        36.3        11.8   

Long-term debt, including current portion

     2,514.6        2,512.6        (2.0     (0.1

Total capitalization(2)

     3,602.6        3,671.3        68.7        1.9   

Long-term debt, including current portion, as a percentage of total capitalization

     69.8     68.4    

 

(1) Working capital consists of current assets of $1,547.0 million less current liabilities of $577.9 million as of March 31, 2014. Working capital consists of current assets of $1,453.4 million less current liabilities of $593.4 million as of December 31, 2013.
(2) Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, and stockholders’ equity.

 

71


Our principal sources of liquidity on a short-term basis are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations and availability under credit facilities. On a long-term basis, our potential sources of liquidity also include raising capital through the issuance of debt and/or equity. The primary uses of liquidity include funding working capital requirements (primarily inventory and accounts receivable, net of accounts payable and other accrued liabilities), debt service requirements (including voluntary debt payments), capital expenditures, acquisitions, payment of certain restructuring costs, and pension and other postretirement obligations.

The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the first three months of 2014 was primarily driven by the use of cash to fund operations. The increase in working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt is primarily due to the increase in the levels of accounts receivable resulting from higher net sales in the first quarter of 2014 as compared with the fourth quarter of 2013 and higher inventory expected to be needed to meet demand in the second and third quarters. The slight decrease in long-term debt as compared to December 31, 2013 was primarily the result of mandatory payments under our senior secured term loan facility. The net change in total capitalization during the first three months of 2014 primarily reflects current year earnings.

Cash flow overview

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, net cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities:

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Dollar
change
 

(in millions)

   2013     2014    

Net cash used in operating activities

   $ (52.9   $ (35.5   $ 17.4   

Net cash used in investing activities

   $ (37.9   $ (5.4   $ 32.5   

Net cash generated by financing activities

   $ 95.2      $ 0.9      $ (94.3

Operating Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $35.5 million of cash was used in operating activities compared to $52.9 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013. Less cash was used to fund operations during the first quarter of 2014 as compared to the first quarter of 2013 due to improved operating performance partially offset by higher working capital requirements. In particular, accounts receivable increased period over period as a result of higher net sales. This use of cash was partially offset by lower cash paid for interest, which reflects a favorable shift to lower rate debt and changes in the timing of certain interest payments.

We expect to generate net cash from operating activities during the remainder of 2014. The first quarter is generally the weakest cash generation quarter of the year.

Investing Activities

Investment in property, plant and equipment during the first quarter of 2014 was $6.7 million and primarily related to supporting improvements to manufacturing operations as well as investments in information technology (including internally developed software). We currently expect total capital expenditures of $40 million to $45 million in 2014.

During the first quarter of 2013, we paid $34.0 million related to the acquisition of iTRACS. We received $4.7 million in April 2014 related to the final determination of the iTRACS purchase price.

Financing Activities

During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we made a required payment of $2.2 million under our senior secured term loans. We also borrowed and repaid $15.0 million under our $400 million revolving credit facility.

 

72


As of March 31, 2014, availability under our revolving credit facility was approximately $345.0 million, reflecting a borrowing base of $400.0 million reduced by $55.0 million of letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility. During the first quarter of 2014, we received proceeds of $2.0 million and recognized $1.5 million of excess tax benefits related to the exercise of stock options.

During the first quarter of 2013, we amended our senior secured term loan primarily to lower the interest rate. The amendment resulted in the repayment of $32.0 million to certain lenders who exited the senior secured term loan and the receipt of $32.0 million in proceeds from new lenders and existing lenders who increased their positions. We also borrowed $135.0 million and repaid $35.0 million under the revolving credit facility and repaid $2.5 million of our senior secured term loan during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Future Cash Needs

We expect that our primary future cash needs will be debt service, funding working capital requirements, capital expenditures, paying certain restructuring costs, tax payments (including the cost of repatriation), and funding pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. We paid $6.8 million of restructuring costs during the first three months of 2014 and expect to pay an additional $15.0 million to $17.0 million by 2015 related to restructuring actions that have been initiated. Any future restructuring actions would likely require additional cash expenditures and such requirements may be material. As of March 31, 2014, we have an unfunded obligation related to pension and other postretirement benefits of $36.6 million. We made contributions of $1.0 million to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and currently expect to make additional contributions of $18.3 million during the balance of 2014. These contributions include those required to comply with an agreement with the PBGC. We expect that our noncurrent employee benefit liabilities will be funded from existing cash balances and cash flow from future operations. In addition to the $9.8 million we paid in July 2013 for the acquisition of Redwood Systems, we may be required to pay up to an additional $49.0 million of additional consideration and retention payments in 2015 if certain net sales targets are met. We expect to pay the interest on the 2020 Notes in cash during 2014. We may also pay existing debt or repurchase our 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes and 2024 Notes, if market conditions are favorable and the applicable indenture permits such repayment or repurchase. We may also pursue additional strategic acquisition opportunities, which may impact our future cash requirements.

Although there are no financial maintenance covenants under the terms of our 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes or 2024 Notes, there is a limitation, among other limitations, on certain future borrowings based on an adjusted leverage ratio or a fixed charge coverage ratio. These ratios are based on financial measures similar to Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus, which also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and cost savings initiatives. For the twelve months ended March 31, 2014, our pro forma adjusted EBITDA as measured pursuant to our notes indentures was $755.9 million, which included the impact of cost reduction initiatives ($24.5 million) and acquisitions (a loss of $1.6 million) so that their impacts are fully reflected in the twelve-month period used in the calculation of the ratios. In addition to limitations under our notes indentures, our senior secured credit facilities contain customary negative covenants. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under our senior secured credit facilities.

As of March 31, 2014, approximately 73% of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside the United States. Income taxes have been provided on foreign earnings to repatriate substantially all of this cash. We do not anticipate significant incremental income tax expense related to repatriating existing cash balances. However, the cash tax requirements to repatriate existing funds may vary from year to year.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs. We currently hold 2.2 million shares of Hydrogenics Corporation and we may sell a substantial portion of that investment. We may, from time to time, increase borrowings under our revolving credit facility or issue securities, if market conditions are favorable, to meet our future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs.

 

73


Year ended December 31, 2013 (Successor) compared to year ended December 31, 2012 (Successor)

The following table sets forth, as of the dates indicated, certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:

 

     As of              

(dollars in millions)

   December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2013
    Dollar
change
    % change  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 264.4      $ 346.3      $ 81.9        31.0

Working capital(1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt of $10.8 million and $9.5 million, respectively

     484.0        523.2        39.2        8.1   

Availability under revolving credit facility

     330.8        308.7        (22.1     (6.7

Long-term debt, including current portion

     2,470.8        2,514.6        43.8        1.8   

Total capitalization(2)

     3,653.1        3,602.6        (50.5     (1.4

Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization

     67.6     69.8    

 

(1) Working capital consists of current assets of $1,453.4 million less current liabilities of $593.4 million as of December 31, 2013. Working capital consists of current assets of $1,287.3 million less current liabilities of $549.6 million as of December 31, 2012.
(2) Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, and stockholders’ equity.

The increase in cash and cash equivalents during 2013 was primarily driven by cash flow from operations and proceeds from our initial public offering, net of debt paydowns, capital expenditures and investments in acquisitions. During 2013, we used net proceeds from the issuance of $550.0 million of the 2020 Notes along with existing liquidity to pay $550.0 million in distributions to our shareholders and option holders. Also during 2013, we used the net proceeds from our IPO to redeem $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes. In addition, we made a voluntary repayment of $100.0 million on our senior secured term loans. The increase in long-term debt was primarily the result of the issuance of $550.0 million of the 2020 Notes, substantially offset by debt repayments. The decrease in total capitalization was primarily the result of the distributions to shareholders and option holders partially offset by the net proceeds from the initial public offering and the net increase in long-term debt.

Cash flow overview

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, net cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities:

 

     Year ended
December 31
    Dollar
change
    %
change
 

(in millions)

   2012     2013      

Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities

   $ 286.1      $ 237.7      $ (48.4     (16.9 )% 

Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities

   $ (35.5   $ (63.4   $ (27.9     78.6

Net cash generated by (used in) financing activities

   $ (299.5   $ (89.7   $ 209.8        (70.1 )% 

Operating Activities

During 2013, operating activities generated $237.7 million of cash compared to $286.1 million during 2012. The decrease in cash flow from operations for 2013 was primarily due to an increase in working capital, the payment of a premium of $33.0 million related to the redemption of $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes, $20.2 million paid to terminate our management agreement with Carlyle and $27.2 million in higher cash interest paid, which mainly resulted from the interest on the 2020 Notes and an acceleration of interest upon the $400.0 million redemption of the 2019 Notes. These outflows were partially offset by improved operating results.

 

74


Uses of cash during 2013 included $199.3 million paid for interest, $80.9 million paid for taxes, $23.6 million paid to fund pension and postretirement benefit obligations and a combined increase in inventories and accounts receivable of $74.0 million. These uses of cash were more than offset by positive operating results and an increase of $57.6 million in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities.

We currently do not expect a significant change in working capital requirements in 2014. We expect higher cash interest related to the 2020 Notes to be more than offset by the impact of lower debt balances and lower interest rates resulting from the term loan amendments. Cash paid for taxes is dependent upon the geographic mix of earnings and the cost of repatriation, both of which can vary from year to year.

Investing Activities

During 2013, we paid $43.8 million related to our acquisitions of iTRACS and Redwood Systems. We also paid $12.0 million during 2013 in connection with the 2011 acquisition of Argus. We received proceeds of $26.7 million during 2013 from the sale of businesses or subsidiaries. This primarily related to the sale of our BiMetals business in 2013 and additional proceeds received from the 2012 sale of our filter manufacturing subsidiary in Shenzhen, China. These proceeds are included in other investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Investment in property, plant and equipment during 2013 was $36.8 million and primarily related to supporting improvements to manufacturing operations as well as investments in information technology (including internally developed software). We currently expect total capital expenditures of $40 million to $45 million in 2014.

Financing Activities

In May 2013, we issued $550.0 million in principal amount of the 2020 Notes for net proceeds of $538.8 million. The net proceeds from the note issuance were combined with existing liquidity to pay distributions of $550.0 million to our shareholders and option holders. Although we have paid cash dividends from time to time in the past while we were a privately-held company, we do not currently intend to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of any dividends in the future may be limited by contractual restrictions, including covenants under the indentures governing our senior notes and senior secured credit facilities.

In October 2013, we received net proceeds of $434.0 million from the issuance of common stock in connection with our initial public offering. The net proceeds from the IPO were used to redeem $400.0 million of the 2019 Notes.

In March and December 2013, we amended our senior secured term loan facility, which resulted in the repayment of $172.3 million to certain lenders who exited our term loan syndicate and the receipt of $172.3 million in proceeds from new lenders and existing lenders who increased their positions.

In connection with the December amendment, we made a voluntary repayment of $100.0 million. Also during 2013, we made scheduled repayments of $9.7 million under our senior secured term loans and borrowed and repaid $225.0 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2013, remaining availability under our $400.0 million revolving credit facility was approximately $308.7 million, reflecting a borrowing base of $362.8 million reduced by $54.1 million of outstanding letters of credit.

During 2012, we paid a dividend of $200.0 million to our shareholders. Also during 2012, we amended our senior secured term loan and asset-based revolving credit facilities and the amendment process resulted in the repayment of $104.6 million to certain lenders who exited the senior secured term loan and the receipt of $104.6 million in proceeds from new lenders and existing lenders who increased their positions. We also made net repayments of $71.5 million ($205.0 million of additional borrowings and $276.5 million of repayments) under the revolving credit facility and made scheduled repayments of $10.0 million on our senior secured term loan during 2012.

 

75


Year ended December 31, 2012 (Successor) compared to year ended December 31, 2011 (Combined Predecessor and Successor)

The following table summarizes certain key measures of our liquidity and capital resources:

 

     As of December 31     Dollar
change
    %
change
 

(dollars in millions)

   2011     2012      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 317.1      $ 264.4      $ (52.7     (16.6 )% 

Working capital(1), excluding cash and cash equivalents and current portion of long-term debt of $12.3 million and $10.8 million, respectively

     548.8        484.0        (64.8     (11.8

Availability under revolving credit facility

     182.1        330.8        148.7        81.7   

Long-term debt, including current portion

     2,563.0        2,470.8        (92.2     (3.6

Total capitalization(2)

     3,928.1        3,653.1        (275.0     (7.0

Long-term debt, including current portion, as a percentage of total capitalization

     65.2     67.6    

 

(1) Working capital consists of current assets of $1,367.3 million less current liabilities of $513.7 million as of December 31, 2011. Working capital consists of current assets of $1,287.3 million less current liabilities of $549.6 million as of December 31, 2012.
(2) Total capitalization includes long-term debt, including the current portion, and stockholders’ equity.

Cash flow overview

 

     Predecessor      Successor     2012 compared to
combined 2011
 
     January 1 –
January 14,
2011
     January 15 –
December 31,
2011
    Year ended
December 31,
2012
   

(dollars in millions)

          Dollar
change
    %
change
 

Net cash generated by (used in) operating activities

   $ (4.8    $ 135.7      $ 286.1      $ 155.2        118.6

Net cash generated by (used in) investing activities

   $ 1.3       $ (3,172.7   $ (35.5   $ 3,135.9        NM   

Net cash generated by (used in) financing activities

   $ 11.4       $ 2,643.9      $ (299.5   $ (2,954.8     (111.3 )% 

 

NM—Not meaningful

Operating activities

During 2012, operating activities generated $286.1 million of cash compared to $131.0 million during 2011. The improvement in cash flow from operations for 2012 was primarily due to $105.9 million of costs related to the Acquisition that reduced 2011 cash flow from operations as well as $15.1 million paid to settle our interest rate swap liability during 2011. Cash flow from operations during 2012 benefitted from a decrease in working capital and better operating results which were partially offset by increases of $57.3 million, $38.7 million and $13.3 million in interest paid, taxes paid and contributions to our pension and postretirement benefit plans, respectively.

During 2012, uses of cash included $172.1 million paid for interest, $81.1 million paid for taxes, $34.1 million paid to fund pension and postretirement benefit obligations and an increase in accounts receivable of $15.9 million. These uses of cash were offset by positive operating results and an increase of $45.8 million in accounts payable and other liabilities and a decrease in inventories of $18.2 million.

 

76


Investing activities

During 2012, we paid $12.2 million in connection with the Argus acquisition and received proceeds, net of cash sold, of $4.0 million from the sale of our filter manufacturing subsidiary in Shenzhen, China. These proceeds are included in other investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Investment in property, plant and equipment in 2012 was $28.0 million and primarily related to supporting improvements to manufacturing operations as well as investments in information technology (including internally developed software).

During 2011 we paid $3.0 billion to acquire the outstanding shares of CommScope, Inc. and $62.1 million to settle equity based compensation awards in connection with the Acquisition. We also paid $38.5 million (net of cash acquired) and $45.6 million (net of cash acquired) to acquire LiquidxStream Systems and Argus, respectively, and invested $39.5 million in property, plant and equipment.

Financing activities

During 2012, we paid a dividend of $200.0 million to our shareholders. Also during 2012, we amended our term loan facility and revolving credit facility primarily to lower the interest rates and extend the term on the revolving credit facility. The amendment process resulted in the repayment of $104.6 million to certain lenders who exited the term loan facility and revolving credit facility syndicates and the receipt of $104.6 million in proceeds from new lenders and existing lenders who increased their positions. We also made voluntary net repayments of $71.5 million ($205.0 million of additional borrowings and $276.5 million of repayments) under the revolving credit facility and made scheduled repayments of $10.0 million of our term loan facility during 2012. As of December 31, 2012, remaining availability under our $400 million revolving credit facility was approximately $330.8 million, reflecting a borrowing base of $364.2 million reduced by $33.4 million of letters of credit issued under the revolving credit facility.

To finance the Acquisition during 2011, we borrowed $2.71 billion and received an equity contribution of $1.61 billion from Carlyle and certain members of management. We paid $87.0 million in financing costs associated with Acquisition-related debt. In connection with the Acquisition, we repaid $1.05 billion of our previous senior secured term loans and paid $377.3 million to redeem our 3.25% convertible notes (composed of $287.5 million of face value and $89.8 million of additional cash that holders were entitled to receive as a result of the Acquisition). During 2011, we borrowed an additional $15.0 million under our revolving credit facility and repaid $158.5 million.

Future cash needs

We expect that our primary future cash needs will be debt service, funding working capital requirements, capital expenditures, paying certain restructuring costs, tax payments (including the cost of repatriation), and funding pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. We paid $31.4 million of restructuring costs during 2013 and expect to pay an additional $23 million to $26 million by 2015 related to restructuring actions that have been initiated. Any future restructuring actions would likely require additional cash expenditures and such requirements may be material. As of December 31, 2013, we have an unfunded obligation related to pension and other postretirement benefits of $37.0 million. We made contributions of $23.6 million and $1.0 million to our pension and other postretirement benefit plans during 2013 and the three months ended March 31, 2014, respectively, and currently expect to make additional contributions of $18.3 million during the balance of 2014. These contributions include those required to comply with an agreement with the PBGC. We expect that our noncurrent employee benefit liabilities will be funded from existing cash balances and cash flow from future operations. In addition to the $9.8 million we paid in July 2013 for the acquisition of Redwood Systems, we may be required to pay up to an additional $49.0 million of additional consideration and retention payments in 2015 if certain net sales targets are met. We may also pay existing debt or repurchase the 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes or 2024 Notes, if market conditions are favorable and the applicable indenture permits such repayment or repurchase. We may also pursue additional strategic acquisition opportunities, which may impact our future cash requirements.

 

77


As of December 31, 2013, approximately 72% of our cash and cash equivalents was held outside the United States. Income taxes have been provided on foreign earnings to repatriate substantially all of this cash. We do not anticipate significant incremental tax expense related to repatriating existing cash balances. However, the cash tax requirements to repatriate existing funds may vary from year to year.

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents and cash flows from operations, combined with availability under our revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our presently anticipated future cash needs over the next twelve months. We may, from time to time, increase borrowings under our revolving credit facility or issue securities, if market conditions are favorable, to meet our future cash needs or to reduce our borrowing costs.

Description of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Revolving credit facilities

In connection with the Acquisition Transactions, we entered into senior secured asset-based revolving credit facilities, consisting of a tranche A revolving credit facility available to our U.S. subsidiaries designated as co-borrowers therein, or the “U.S. Borrowers,” and a tranche B revolving credit facility available to the U.S. Borrowers and to certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries, or the “European Co-Borrowers.” Our revolving credit facilities provide for revolving loans and letters of credit in an aggregate amount of up to $250 million for the tranche A revolving credit facility and up to $150 million for the tranche B revolving credit facility, in each case, subject to borrowing base capacity. Letters of credit are limited to $130 million for tranche A and tranche B in the aggregate. Subject to certain conditions, the revolving credit facilities may be expanded by up to $150 million in the aggregate in additional commitments. Loans under the tranche A revolving credit facility are denominated in U.S. dollars and loans under the tranche B revolving credit facility may be denominated, at our option, in either U.S. dollars, euros, pounds sterling or Swiss francs. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. acts as administrative agent for the tranche A revolving credit facility and collateral agent for the revolving credit facilities, and J.P. Morgan Europe Limited acts as administrative agent for the tranche B revolving credit facility. Each revolving credit facility matures in January 2017. We use borrowings under our revolving credit facilities to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions and other investments. We amended and restated our revolving credit facility in March 2012 to, among other things, reduce pricing and certain fees. As of March 31, 2014, we had no outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and $55.0 million of outstanding letters of credit.

Borrowings under our revolving credit facilities are limited by several jurisdictionally-specific borrowing base calculations based on the sum of specified percentages of eligible accounts receivable and, in certain instances, eligible inventory minus the amount of any applicable reserves. Borrowings bear interest at a floating rate, which (i) in the case of tranche A loans can be either adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or, at our option, a base rate plus an applicable margin, and (ii) in the case of tranche B loans shall be adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin. We may borrow only up to the lesser of the level of our then-current respective borrowing bases and our committed maximum borrowing capacity of $400 million in the aggregate. Our ability to draw under our revolving credit facilities or issue letters of credit thereunder is conditioned upon, among other things, our delivery of prior written notice of a borrowing or issuance, as applicable, our ability to reaffirm the representations and warranties contained in our credit agreements and the absence of any default or event of default under our revolving credit facilities.

Our obligations under the revolving credit facilities are guaranteed by us and all of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of excluded U.S. subsidiaries), and the obligations of the European Co-Borrowers under the tranche B revolving credit facility are guaranteed by certain of our indirect non-U.S. subsidiaries. The revolving credit facilities are secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets, and each of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries’ current and fixed assets (subject to certain exceptions), and the tranche B revolving credit facility is also secured by certain of the current assets of the non-U.S. borrowers and guarantors. The

 

78


revolving credit facilities have a first priority lien on the above-referenced current assets, and a second priority lien on all other assets (second in priority to the liens securing the term loan facility referred to below), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.

The following fees are applicable under each revolving credit facility: (i) an unused line fee of either 0.375% or 0.25% per annum (depending on usage of the revolving credit facilities), of the unused portion of the respective revolving credit facility; (ii) a letter of credit participation fee on the aggregate stated amount of each letter of credit equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar rate loans, as applicable; and (iii) certain other customary fees and expenses of the lenders and agents. We are required to make prepayments under our revolving credit facilities at any time when, and to the extent that, the aggregate amount of the outstanding loans and letters of credit under such revolving credit facility exceed the lesser of the aggregate amount of commitments in respect of such revolving credit facility and the applicable borrowing base.

Our revolving credit facilities contain customary covenants, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability and that of our subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets subject to their security interest, make acquisitions, loans, advances or investments, pay dividends, sell or otherwise transfer assets, optionally prepay or modify terms of any junior indebtedness, enter into transactions with affiliates or change our line of business. Our revolving credit facilities require the maintenance of a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 to 1.0 at the end of each fiscal quarter when excess availability for both tranche A and tranche B in total is less than the greater of $32.5 million and 10% of the aggregate borrowing base of both tranche A and tranche B in total. Such fixed charge coverage ratio is tested at the end of each quarter until such time as excess availability exceeds the level set forth above. This ratio and other ratios related to incurrence-based covenants (measured only upon the taking of certain actions, including the incurrence of additional indebtedness) under our revolving credit facility, our term loan facility, the 2020 Notes, the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes are calculated in part based on financial measures similar to Adjusted EBITDA as presented in this prospectus, which also give pro forma effect to certain events, including acquisitions, synergies and cost savings initiatives. These incremental adjustments, as calculated pursuant to such agreements, provide us with a net EBITDA benefit for ratio calculation purposes of approximately $22.9 million for the LTM Period. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under our revolving credit facilities.

Our revolving credit facilities provide that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, our obligations thereunder may be accelerated and the lending commitments terminated. Such events of default include payment defaults to the lenders, material inaccuracies of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to other material indebtedness, voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy proceedings, material money judgments, material pension-plan events, certain change of control events and other customary events of default.

Term loan facility

In connection with the Acquisition Transactions, we also entered into a senior secured term loan facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and certain other agents and lenders, in an aggregate principal amount of $1,000 million, which was fully drawn on the closing date of the Acquisition Transactions. The term loan facility was used to fund the Acquisition, in part. We amended and restated our term loan facility in March 2012, March 2013 and December 2013 to, among other things, reduce pricing. The December 2013 amendment and restatement refinanced the term loan into two tranches, one of which was in the amount of $350.0 million and is due January 2017 (the 2017 term loan) and the other was in the amount of $525.0 million and is due January 2018 (the 2018 term loan). In connection with the December 2013 amendment, we also prepaid $100 million of outstanding term loans. As of March 31, 2014, we had $348.3 million outstanding under the 2017 term loan and $522.4 million outstanding under the 2018 term loan.

Subject to certain conditions, our term loan facility, without the consent of the then existing lenders (but subject to the receipt of commitments), may be expanded (or a new term loan facility added) by up to the greater of $200

million in the aggregate or such amount as will not cause the net senior secured debt ratio to exceed 2.75 to 1.00 (as amended in December 2013).

 

79


Borrowings under our term loan facility amortize in equal quarterly installments in an amount equal to 1.00% per annum of the principal amount at the time of the December 2013 amendment, with the remaining balance of each tranche of term loans due at its respective final maturity date. The interest rate margin applicable to the term loans is, at the Company’s option, either (1) the base rate (which is the highest of the then current Federal Funds rate plus 0.5%, the prime rate most recently announced by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and the one-month Eurodollar rate (taking into account the Eurodollar rate floor, if any, plus 1.0%)) plus a margin of 1.50% or (2) one-, two-, three- or six-month LIBOR or, if available from all lenders, nine- or twelve-month LIBOR (selected at the Company’s option) plus a margin of 2.50%. The amendment also eliminated the 1.0% LIBOR floor with respect to the 2017 term loan and reduces it to 0.75% with respect to the 2018 term loan. Due to the December 2013 amendment and restatement, we are now subject to a 101% “soft call” prepayment premium, applicable to any repricing transaction that occurs on or prior to the date that is six months after the date of such amendment and restatement.

We may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under our term loan facility, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice but without premium or penalty (other than the “soft call” noted above).

We must prepay our term loan facility with the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales, the incurrence or issuance of specified refinancing indebtedness and 50% of excess cash flow (such percentage subject to reduction based on the achievement of specified senior secured leverage ratios), in each case, subject to certain reinvestment rights and other exceptions.

Our obligations under the term loan facility are guaranteed by us and all of our direct and indirect wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries (subject to certain permitted exceptions based on immateriality thresholds of aggregate assets and revenues of excluded U.S. subsidiaries). The term loan facility is secured by a lien on substantially all of our assets and each of our direct and indirect U.S. subsidiaries’ current and fixed assets (subject to certain exceptions), and the term loan facility has a first priority lien on the above-referenced fixed assets, and a second priority lien on all current assets (second in priority to the liens securing the revolving credit facilities referred to above), in each case, subject to other permitted liens.

Our term loan facility contains customary negative covenants consistent with those applicable to the 2021 Notes and the 2024 Notes, including, but not limited to, restrictions on our ability and that of our restricted subsidiaries to merge and consolidate with other companies, incur indebtedness, grant liens or security interests on assets, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, sell or otherwise transfer assets, or enter into transactions with affiliates. We are currently in compliance with the covenants under our term loan facility.

Our term loan facility provides that, upon the occurrence of certain events of default, our obligations thereunder may be accelerated. Such events of default are consistent with those described above for the revolving credit facilities.

Description of the 2019 Notes

On January 14, 2011, in connection with the Acquisition Transactions, CommScope, Inc. closed the issuance of $1,500.0 million principal amount of the 2019 Notes. As of March 31, 2014, CommScope, Inc. had $1,100.0 million principal amount of 2019 Notes outstanding, which bear interest at a rate of 8.25% and mature on January 15, 2019. On May 30, 2014, concurrently with the consummation of the offering of the New Notes, we satisfied and discharged the 2019 Notes Indenture, by irrevocably depositing with the trustee for the 2019 Notes funds for the benefit of the holders of the 2019 Notes that will be sufficient to redeem on June 16, 2014 the entire outstanding amount of 2019 Notes at a rate of $1,041.25 for each $1,000 in principal amount of 2019 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest on such notes to but not including the redemption date, plus a make whole amount.

Description of the 2020 Notes

On May 28, 2013, CommScope Holdings issued the 2020 Notes, which mature on June 1, 2020. As of March 31, 2014, we had $550.0 million principal amount of 2020 Notes outstanding. Interest on the 2020 Notes is payable

 

80


semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1. Interest for the initial interest period ending December 1, 2013 was payable entirely in cash. For each subsequent interest period, we are required to pay interest on the 2020 Notes entirely in cash, unless the “Applicable Amount,” as defined in the 2020 Notes Indenture, is less than the applicable semi-annual requisite cash interest payment amount, in which case, we may elect to pay a portion of the interest due on the 2020 Notes for such interest period by increasing the principal amount of the 2020 Notes or by issuing new notes for up to the entire amount of the interest payment, in each case, “PIK Interest,” to the extent described in the 2020 Notes Indenture. For the purposes of the 2020 Notes Indenture, “Applicable Amount” generally refers to CommScope, Inc.’s then current restricted payment capacity under the instruments governing its indebtedness less $20 million plus CommScope Holdings’ cash and cash equivalents less $10 million. Cash interest on the 2020 Notes accrues at the rate of 6.625% per annum. PIK Interest on the 2020 Notes accrues at the rate of 7.375% per annum until the next payment of cash interest.

The 2020 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon certain change of control events. Prior to June 1, 2016, the 2020 Notes will be redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the 2020 Notes Indenture), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 1, 2016, under certain circumstances, we may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2020 Notes at a redemption price of 106.625% plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Beginning on June 1, 2016, the 2020 Notes may be redeemed at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.

 

Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 1,

   Percentage  

2016

     103.313

2017

     101.656

2018 and thereafter

     100.000

The 2020 Notes Indenture limits the ability of us and most of our subsidiaries to:

 

    incur additional debt or issue certain capital stock unless a fixed charge coverage ratio is satisfied or certain other exceptions apply;

 

    pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or repurchase or retire subordinated indebtedness;

 

    make certain investments;

 

    sell assets;

 

    create liens;

 

    consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

    enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

    permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions.

There are no financial maintenance covenants in the 2020 Notes Indenture. Events of default under the 2020 Notes Indenture include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults.

Description of the New Notes

On May 30, 2014, CommScope, Inc. closed the issuance of (i) $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.000% and mature on June 15, 2021, and (ii) $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, which bear interest at a rate of 5.500% and mature on June 15, 2024. The interest on both series of the New Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15.

 

81


2021 Notes

All of CommScope, Inc.’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the senior secured credit facilities jointly, severally and unconditionally guarantee the 2021 Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The 2021 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon certain change of control events. Prior to June 15, 2017, the 2021 Notes will be redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the 2021 Notes Indenture), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, we may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes at a redemption price of 105.000% plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Beginning on June 15, 2017, the 2021 Notes become redeemable at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.

 

Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15,

   Percentage  

2017

     102.500

2018

     101.250

2019 and thereafter

     100.000

2024 Notes

All of CommScope, Inc.’s existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that guarantee the senior secured credit facilities jointly, severally and unconditionally guarantee the 2024 Notes on a senior unsecured basis. The 2024 Notes may be redeemed at the option of the holders at 101% of their face amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, upon certain change of control events. Prior to June 15, 2019, the 2024 Notes will be redeemable at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, plus a make-whole premium (as defined in the 2024 Notes Indenture), plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. On or prior to June 15, 2017, under certain circumstances, we may also redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes at a redemption price of 105.500% plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date using the proceeds of certain equity offerings.

Beginning on June 15, 2019, the 2024 Notes become redeemable at the redemption prices listed below, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.

 

Redemption in twelve-month period beginning June 15,

   Percentage  

2019

     102.750

2020

     101.883

2021

     100.917

2022 and thereafter

     100.000

Restrictions Under the New Notes

The 2021 Notes Indenture and the 2024 Notes Indenture limit the ability of CommScope, Inc. and most of its subsidiaries to:

 

    incur additional debt or issue certain capital stock unless a fixed charge coverage ratio is satisfied or certain other exceptions apply;

 

    pay dividends on, repurchase or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or repurchase or retire subordinated indebtedness;

 

    make certain investments;

 

    sell assets;

 

82


    create liens;

 

    consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

    enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

    permit restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions.

There are no financial maintenance covenants in the either 2021 Notes Indenture or the 2024 Notes Indenture. Events of default under the 2021 Notes Indenture and the 2024 Notes Indenture include, among others, nonpayment of principal or interest when due, covenant defaults, bankruptcy and insolvency events and cross defaults.

Description of Certain Other Indebtedness

Certain of our subsidiaries are parties to capital leases, other loans and lines of credit. As of March 31, 2014, $0.7 million of capital leases and other loans were outstanding. Certain of our subsidiaries are parties to lines of credit and letters of credit facilities that remained open after closing of the Acquisition Transactions. As of March 31, 2014, there were no borrowings and approximately $11.3 million of borrowing capacity under these lines of credit. We had approximately $4.4 million in letters of credit outstanding and approximately $2.4 million of remaining capacity under these letters of credit facilities.

Contractual Obligations, Contingent Liabilities and Commitments

A summary of contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

     Payments due by period  

(in millions)

   Total      2014      2015 – 2016      2017 – 2018      Thereafter  

Long-term debt, including current maturities(a)

   $ 2,523.9       $ 9.5       $ 17.8       $ 846.6       $ 1,650.0   

Interest on long-term debt(a)(b)

     787.1         153.6         306.5         272.0         55.0   

Operating leases

     92.1         23.7         30.7         19.1         18.6   

Purchase obligations(c)

     16.2         16.2         —           —           —     

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities(d)

     58.3         24.3         17.3         5.9         10.8   

Restructuring costs, net

     18.6         17.5         1.1         —           —     

Redwood Systems acquisition payments(e)

     —           —           —           —           —     

Unrecognized tax benefits(f)

     —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 3,496.2       $ 244.8       $ 373.4       $ 1,143.6       $ 1,734.4   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) No prepayment or redemption of any of our long-term debt balances has been assumed. Refer to “—Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Note 6 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for information regarding the terms of our long-term debt agreements.
(b) Interest on long-term debt excludes the amortization of deferred financing fees and original issue discount. Interest on variable rate debt is estimated based upon rates in effect as of December 31, 2013. In October 2013, we used the net proceeds to us from the IPO, plus cash on hand, to redeem a portion of the 2019 Notes. See “—Description of the 2019 Notes.”
(c) Purchase obligations include minimum amounts owed under take-or-pay or requirements contracts. Amounts covered by open purchase orders are excluded as there is no contractual obligation until goods or services are received.
(d) Amounts reflect expected contributions related to payments under the postretirement benefit plans through 2023 and expected pension contributions of $20.9 million in 2014 and $10.4 million in 2015–2016. See Note 10 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

83


(e) Additional payments of up to $49.0 million related to the acquisition of Redwood Systems could be due in 2015 if net sales of Redwood Systems products reach various levels of up to $55.0 million over various periods through July 31, 2015.
(f) Due to the uncertainty in predicting the timing of tax payments related to our unrecognized tax benefits, $82.1 million has been excluded from the presentation. We anticipate a reduction of up to $21.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 11 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The table below presents a summary of contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2013 after giving effect to the offering of the New Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom, including the 2019 Notes Discharge:

 

     Payments due by period  

(in millions)

   Total      2014      2015 – 2016      2017 – 2018      Thereafter  

Long-term debt, including current maturities(a)

   $ 2,723.9       $ 9.5       $ 17.8       $ 846.6       $ 1,850.0   

Interest on long-term debt(a)(b)

     1,001.3         183.4         261.5         227.0         329.4   

Operating leases

     92.1         23.7         30.7         19.1         18.6   

Purchase obligations(c)

     16.2         16.2         —           —           —     

Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities(d)

     58.3         24.3         17.3         5.9         10.8   

Restructuring costs, net

     18.6         17.5         1.1         —           —     

Redwood Systems acquisition payments(e)

     —           —           —           —           —     

Unrecognized tax benefits(f)

     —           —           —           —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 3,910.4       $ 274.6       $ 328.4       $ 1,098.6       $ 2,208.8   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Reflects the offering of the New Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom to discharge the 2019 Notes. No prepayment or redemption of any of our long-term borrowings under the senior secured credit facilities, the 2020 Notes or the New Notes has been assumed. Refer to “—Liquidity and capital resources” and Note 6 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for information regarding the terms of our long-term debt agreements.
(b) Interest on long-term debt excludes the amortization of deferred financing fees and original issue discount. Interest on variable rate debt is estimated based upon rates in effect as of December 31, 2013, and interest on the 2020 Notes is assumed to be incurred at the cash interest rate. Interest on the New Notes is based on a rate of 5.000% for the 2021 Notes and 5.500% for the 2024 Notes. Does not include the estimated $93.9 million redemption premium resulting from the 2019 Notes Discharge.
(c) Purchase obligations include minimum amounts owed under take-or-pay or requirements contracts. Amounts covered by open purchase orders are excluded as there is no contractual obligation until goods or services are received.
(d) Amounts reflect expected contributions related to payments under the postretirement benefit plans through 2023 and expected pension contributions of $20.9 million in 2014 and $10.4 million in 2015–2016. See Note 10 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
(e) Additional payments of up to $49.0 million related to the acquisition of Redwood Systems could be due in 2015 if net sales of Redwood Systems products reach various levels of up to $55.0 million over various periods through July 31, 2015.
(f) Due to the uncertainty in predicting the timing of tax payments related to our unrecognized tax benefits, $82.1 million has been excluded from the presentation. We anticipate a reduction of up to $21.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. See Note 11 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update 2014-09-Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which establishes a single comprehensive model for revenue

 

84


recognition. Under the new guidance, revenue will be recognized when control over goods or services has been transferred to a customer. When multiple goods or services are sold under a single arrangement, revenue will be allocated based on the relative standalone selling prices of the various elements. We will be required to adopt the standard as of January 1, 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. Transition alternatives include full retrospective adoption or a modified retrospective adoption. We have not determined the transition approach that we will utilize and we cannot currently estimate the impact of the new accounting standard.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not a party to any significant off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating leases.

Effects of Inflation and Changing Prices

We continually attempt to minimize the effect of inflation on earnings by controlling our operating costs and adjusting our selling prices. The principal raw materials purchased by us (copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and other polymers, bimetals and optical fiber) are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and other factors. Prices for copper, fluoropolymers and certain other polymers derived from oil and natural gas have been highly volatile at various times over the last several years. As a result, we have increased our prices for certain products and may have to increase prices again in the future. To the extent that we are unable to pass on cost increases to customers without a significant decrease in sales volume or must implement price reductions in response to a rapid decline in raw material costs, these cost changes could have a material adverse impact on the results of our operations.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We may utilize derivative financial instruments, among other methods, to hedge some of these exposures. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes.

Interest rate risk

The table below summarizes the expected interest and principal payments associated with our variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2013 (mainly the variable rate term loan and borrowings under the revolving credit facility). The principal payments presented below are based on scheduled maturities and assume the borrowings under the revolving credit facility. The interest payments presented below assume the interest rate in effect as of December 31, 2013. (See Note 6 in the Notes to Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.) The impact of a 1% increase in interest rates on projected future interest payments of the variable rate debt is also included in the table below.

 

     For the year ending December 31,        

(dollars in millions)

   2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     Thereafter  

Principal and interest payments on variable rate debt

   $ 35.9      $ 35.1      $ 34.8      $ 360.9      $ 503.3      $ —     

Average cash interest rate

     3.05     3.05     3.05     3.23     3.25     —     

Impact of 1% increase in interest rates

   $ 6.0      $ 6.0      $ 5.9      $ 2.7      $ 0.1      $ —     

 

85


We also have $1.85 billion aggregate principal amount of fixed rate senior and PIK toggle notes. The table below summarizes our expected interest and principal payments related to our fixed rate debt at December 31, 2013 (assuming we make all of our interest payments on the 2020 Notes at the 6.625% cash-pay interest rate), after giving effect to the offering of the New Notes and the use of proceeds therefrom, including the 2019 Notes Discharge.

 

     For the year ending December 31,        

(dollars in millions)

   2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     Thereafter  

Principal and interest payments on fixed rate debt(a)

   $ 157.0      $ 104.7      $ 104.7      $ 104.7      $ 104.7      $ 2,179.4   

Average cash interest rate

     8.89     5.66     5.66     5.66     5.66     5.51

 

(a) Does not include the estimated $93.9 million redemption premium resulting from the 2019 Notes Discharge.

Foreign currency risk

Approximately 40% of our net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 45%, 47% and 49% of our 2013, 2012 and 2011 net sales, respectively, were to customers located outside the U.S. Significant changes in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely affect our international sales levels and the related collection of amounts due. In addition, a significant decline in the value of currencies used in certain regions of the world as compared to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect product sales in those regions because our products may become more expensive for those customers to pay for in their local currency. Conversely, significant increases in the value of foreign currencies as compared to the U.S. dollar could adversely affect profitability as certain product costs increase relative to a U.S. dollar-denominated sales price. The foreign currencies to which we have the greatest exposure include the Chinese yuan, euro, Brazilian real, Indian rupee and Australian dollar. Local manufacturing provides a natural hedge, and we continue to evaluate additional alternatives to help us reasonably manage the market risk related to foreign currency exposures.

We use derivative instruments such as forward exchange contracts to manage the risk of fluctuations in the value of certain foreign currencies. At March 31, 2014, we had foreign exchange contracts with a negative net fair value of $0.3 million, with maturities ranging from one to seven months with an aggregate notional value of $309 million (based on exchange rates as of March 31, 2014). These instruments are not leveraged and are not held for trading or speculation. These contracts are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes and are marked to market each period through earnings and, as such, there were no unrecognized gains or losses as of December 31, 2013 or 2012. See Note 7 in the Notes to the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. We expect to increase our use of derivative instruments to manage our economic exposure to foreign currency risk.

Commodity price risk

Materials, in their finished form, account for a large portion of our cost of sales. These materials, such as copper, aluminum, steel, plastics and other polymers, bimetals and optical fiber, are subject to changes in market price as they are influenced by commodity markets and supply and demand levels, among other factors. Management attempts to mitigate these risks through effective requirements planning and by working closely with key suppliers to obtain the best possible pricing and delivery terms. As of March 31, 2014, as a result of evaluating our commodity pricing exposures, we had forward purchase commitments outstanding for certain metals to be used in the normal course of business. As of March 31, 2014, we were obligated to purchase approximately $20.8 million of metals under take-or-pay contracts through the second quarter of 2014 that we expect to take and consume in the normal course of operations. In the aggregate, these commitments are at prices approximately 8% above market prices as of March 31, 2014. We may begin to use derivative financial instruments and/or increase our use of forward purchase commitments to manage our economic exposure to commodity price risk.

 

86


BUSINESS

Company Overview

We are a leading global provider of connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks. We help our customers solve communications challenges by providing critical RF solutions, intelligent connectivity and cabling platforms, data center and intelligent building infrastructure and broadband access solutions. Demand for our offerings is driven by the rapid growth of data traffic and need for bandwidth from the continued adoption of smartphones, tablets, machine-to-machine communication and the proliferation of data centers, Big Data, cloud-based services and streaming media content. Our solutions are built upon innovative RF technology, service capabilities, technological expertise and intellectual property, including approximately 2,600 patents and patent applications worldwide. We have a team of approximately 14,500 people to serve our customers in over 100 countries through a network of more than 20 world-class manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located around the globe. Our customers include substantially all of the leading global wireless operators as well as thousands of enterprise customers, including many Fortune 500 enterprises, and leading MSOs. We have long-standing, direct relationships with our customers and serve them through a sales force consisting of more than 600 employees and a global network of channel partners.

Our offerings for wireless and wired networks enable delivery of high-bandwidth data, video and voice applications. To drive incremental revenue and profit, wireless operators and enterprises around the world are utilizing our solutions to deploy or expand next-generation communications networks, such as the continued deployment of 4G, including LTE wireless networks.

The table below summarizes our offerings, global leadership positions and LTM Period performance:

 

LOGO

 

(1) Excludes inter-segment eliminations.

 

87


We are the #1 provider of connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions across each of our end-markets globally. Our leadership position is built upon innovative technology; broad, high-quality and cost-effective solutions; industry-leading brands and global manufacturing and distribution scale. During the LTM Period, our net sales were 58% from North America, 20% from the EMEA region, 15% from the APAC region and 7% from the CALA region.

Our market leadership, as well as our diversified customer base, market exposure, and product and geographic mix, provide a strong and resilient business model with strong cash flow generation. In 2013, we generated net sales of $3,480.1 million, net income of $19.4 million, Adjusted Operating Income of $620.1 million and Adjusted Net Income of $262.1 million. During the LTM Period, we generated net sales of $3,610.5 million, net income of $68.0 million, Adjusted Operating Income of $679.8 million and Adjusted Net Income of $302.4 million. For our definition of Adjusted Operating Income and Adjusted Net Income and a reconciliation, as applicable, from operating income or net income, see “Prospectus Summary—Summary Historical Audited and Unaudited Consolidated Financial Information.”

CommScope’s History of Value Creation

Since our founding as an independent company in 1976, we have consistently played a significant role in many of the world’s leading communication networks. Our evolution has been supported by technology innovation and strategic acquisitions to expand product lines and complement existing solutions. We have continued to drive sales growth through development of new markets across the globe while expanding our offerings to a broad portfolio of wired and wireless connectivity solutions for next-generation communication networks. CommScope solutions are the “backbone” of communication networks and provide customers with connectivity and essential infrastructure solutions to support the explosive growth in demand for bandwidth.

We transformed our business through the successful acquisitions of Avaya’s Connectivity Solutions in 2004 and Andrew in 2007, establishing our global leadership position in enterprise and wireless communication infrastructure solutions, respectively. The integration and optimization of these acquisitions have helped make us the leading global provider of connectivity solutions for wireless, business enterprise and residential broadband networks. Our history includes a strong track record of operational excellence through optimizing our manufacturing processes and successfully integrating acquisitions to drive profitability. We have also demonstrated a strong track record of managing cash flow, reducing debt and delivering operating income growth through multiple economic cycles.

 

LOGO

 

88


The Acquisition and Post-Acquisition Accomplishments

Since the Acquisition by Carlyle, we have successfully implemented several value creation initiatives. These initiatives helped us grow our Adjusted Operating Income by 62.9% from $380.5 million in 2011 to $679.8 million for the LTM Period. Adjusted Operating Income margins increased from 12% of net sales in 2011 to 19% during the LTM Period. Among other factors, we believe the following value creation initiatives have contributed to our growth and profitability:

 

    We have increased our relevance to our customers and improved overall margins of our products by accelerating our focus on selling solutions versus individual components to our customers. We believe that our integrated, solution-based approach differentiates our businesses by aligning us more closely with our customers. For example, our RF cell site solution offering enables wireless operators to reduce cost and enhance performance of new cellular base stations, increasing our relevance to the customer and improving the overall margins of our products.

 

    We have enhanced our future growth prospects by executing the following strategic acquisitions:

 

    June 2011: Acquired LiquidxStream Systems to broaden our existing offering of broadband solutions for the MSO market.

 

    September 2011: Acquired Argus to pair our global reach with Argus’ robust antenna research and technology expertise.

 

    March 2013: Acquired iTRACS to complement our existing data center intelligence software creating one of the industry’s broadest DCIM platforms.

 

    July 2013: Acquired Redwood Systems to add innovative LED lighting control capabilities to our intelligent building infrastructure solutions.

 

    Through disciplined product management, we have optimized our portfolio of products and solutions by exiting certain non-core products such as select merchant RF subsystems and parts of our geolocation business.

 

    We have further strengthened our sales channels and expanded our sales efforts in India and China to better position us for future growth. Within our Wireless segment, we have significantly strengthened our relationships with wireless operators by intensifying our focus on collaborating with the operators to create solutions that solve key communications challenges of our end-users.

 

    We have grown our R&D investments since the Acquisition to strengthen our competitive position and drive growth. Additionally, we have focused on R&D efficiency through initiatives such as Breakthrough Enabling Technologies, or “BETs,” which is a formalized program to rapidly accelerate new growth products to commercialization.

As of March 31, 2014, we had approximately $2.5 billion of outstanding indebtedness on a consolidated basis, including approximately $2.0 billion attributable to the Acquisition Transactions and approximately $550.0 million attributable to dividend payments made since the Acquisition Transactions. Despite the incurrence of additional indebtedness, our net leverage ratio at March 31, 2014 was lower than it was immediately following the Acquisition Transactions. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Dividends.”

Industry Background

We participate in the large and growing global market for connectivity and essential communications infrastructure. This market is being driven by the growth in bandwidth demand associated with the continued adoption of smartphones, tablets, machine-to-machine communication and the proliferation of data centers, Big Data, cloud-based services and streaming media content.

 

89


Wireless operators are deploying 4G networks and next-generation network solutions to monetize the dramatic growth in bandwidth demand. As users consume more data on smartphones, tablets and computers, enterprises are faced with a growing need for higher bandwidth networks, in-building cellular coverage and more robust, efficient and intelligent data centers. MSOs are investing in their networks to deliver a competitive triple-play of services (voice, video and high-speed data) and to maintain service quality.

Carrier Investments in 4G Wireless Infrastructure

4G was developed to handle wireless data more efficiently and allows for faster, more reliable and more secure mobile service than existing 2G and 3G networks. The faster data transfer capabilities of 4G LTE networks enable a rich mobile computing experience for users. LTE networks are more efficient and cost effective for wireless operators, in part, because LTE networks improve spectral efficiency, allowing for greater throughput of data in a fixed amount of spectrum.

Wireless operators have started deploying LTE globally and are making the necessary wireless infrastructure investments to accommodate the growing demand for next-generation mobile communication services. A December 2013 Gartner, Inc. report estimates that mobile infrastructure spending for LTE was $5.9 billion worldwide in 2012 and is forecasted to reach $28.8 billion by 2016, a CAGR of 49%. LTE investment is expected to be deployed in several phases globally and to last for many years. North American wireless operators have made the largest LTE investments in building their initial LTE coverage. We expect investments to continue through 2014 and to be followed by investments in coverage by smaller North American carriers and investments in capacity by all North American wireless operators. Many wireless operators in Europe, Asia and Latin America are expected to commence their substantial LTE investment cycle in 2014 and beyond.

As wireless operators deploy LTE or other 4G technologies, they must manage increasingly complex networks. As a result, we believe wireless operator 4G coverage and capacity investments will drive demand for our comprehensive offerings such as small cell DAS, multi-frequency base station antennas, hybrid fiber and coaxial cables, connectors, filters and microwave antennas.

Small Cell Distributed Antenna Systems Enhance and Expand Wireless Coverage and Capacity

The traditional macro cell network requires mobile users to connect directly to macro cell base stations. Macro cells are primarily designed to provide coverage over wide areas and typically transmit powerful signals; however, they have high site acquisition costs. Additionally, they are not optimal for dense urban areas where physical structures often create coverage gaps and capacity is frequently constrained. Adding new macro cells has been the traditional way to increase mobile capacity and will continue as the solution of choice in many closer to the ground applications. Small cell DAS solutions address these challenges encountered in dense urban areas and complement existing macro cell sites by cost-effectively extending coverage and increasing capacity.

A 2012 Cisco Systems, Inc. report estimated that close to 80% of mobile data usage worldwide is indoors and nomadic. As a result, wireless operators view in-building coverage as a critical component of their network deployment strategies. Key challenges for wireless operators in providing in-building cellular coverage are signal loss while penetrating building structures and interference created by mobile devices while connected to macro cell sites from inside a building. In-building DAS solutions bring the antenna significantly closer to the user, which results in better coverage and reduced interference. Additionally, in-building DAS provides field-proven, seamless signal handover for a user between indoor and outdoor zones that can support multi-operator, multi- frequency and multi-protocol (2G, 3G, 4G) applications, making it the most effective small cell solution. The benefits of small cell DAS have become increasingly important with the trend towards BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the enterprise market.

Small cell DAS solutions also address outdoor capacity issues in urban areas. Industry sources have estimated that at peak usage 50% of mobile data is carried by only 15% of the macro cell sites creating significant stress on

 

90


mobile network capacity. This urban network capacity issue can be solved by deploying small cell DAS solutions to create small coverage areas that enable re-use of spectrum. Re-use of spectrum allows wireless operators to optimize capacity of existing licensed spectrum by significantly increasing repeated usage of the same frequencies within a defined coverage area. According to the Small Cell Forum, over the last 45 years, spectrum re-use has increased network capacity by 1,600 times compared to an increase of only 25 times as a result of availability of new licensed spectrum.

Growth in Data Center Spending

Organizations are increasingly utilizing data centers to provide products and services to individuals and businesses. Data center investment is driven by the increase in demand for computing power and improved network performance, which is greatest for large enterprise data centers and cloud service providers.

An increase in average data center size and the number of assets in a data center significantly raises the total cost of ownership and the complexity of managing data center infrastructure. Data center operators strive to manage their resources efficiently and to reduce energy consumption by monitoring all elements within the data center. DCIM software helps operators improve operational efficiency, maximize capability and reduce costs by providing clear insight into cooling capacity, power usage, utilization, applications and overall performance. According to a 2013 IDC report, the global DCIM market is estimated to grow from $335 million in 2012 to $829 million in 2017, representing a CAGR of 20%.

Transition to Intelligent Buildings

Business enterprises are managing the proliferation of wireless devices, the impact of cloud computing and emergence of wireless and wired business applications. This increasing complexity creates the need for infrastructure to support growing bandwidth requirements, in-building cellular coverage and capacity and software that monitors the physical layer. These enterprises are also investing in common communications and building automation systems to enhance energy efficiency, improve productivity and increase comfort. These intelligent building infrastructure solutions often include integrated network software, small cell DAS and advanced LED lighting controls and sensor networks.

Our Strategy

We believe we are at the core of key secular growth trends in the markets we serve. It is our strategy to capitalize on these opportunities and to:

Continue Product Innovation

We plan to build on our legacy of innovation and on our worldwide portfolio of patents and patent applications by continuing to invest in research and development. Technology innovation such as our base station antenna technology, small cell DAS and intelligent enterprise infrastructure solutions build upon our leadership position by providing new, high-performance communications infrastructure solutions for our customers.

Enhance Sales Growth

We expect to capitalize on our scale, market position and broad offerings to generate growth opportunities by:

 

    Offering existing products and solutions into new geographies. For example, we have recently strengthened sales channels in India and China, thereby positioning us favorably for Enterprise growth in these markets.

 

    Cross-selling our offerings into new markets. We intend to build upon our RF technology expertise with small cell DAS solutions to develop in-building cellular solutions for enterprises, and we will continue to look for complementary opportunities to cross-sell our offerings.

 

91


    Continuing to drive solutions offerings. We intend to focus on selling solution offerings to our customers consistent with their evolving needs and enhancing our position as a strategic partner to our customers.

 

    Making strategic acquisitions. We have a disciplined approach to evaluating and executing complementary and strategic acquisitions.

Continue to Enhance Operational Efficiency and Cash Flow Generation

We continuously pursue opportunities to optimize our resources and reduce manufacturing costs by executing strategic initiatives aimed at improving our operating performance and lowering our cost structure. We believe that we have a strong track record of improving operational efficiency and successfully executing on formalized annual profit improvement plans, cost-savings initiatives and modest working capital improvements to drive future profitability and cash flows. We intend to utilize the cash that we generate to invest in our business, make strategic acquisitions and reduce our indebtedness.

Our Segments

We serve our customers through three operating segments: Wireless, Enterprise and Broadband. Through our Andrew brand, we are the global leader in providing merchant RF wireless network connectivity solutions and small cell DAS solutions. Through our SYSTIMAX and Uniprise brands, we are the global leader in enterprise connectivity solutions, delivering a complete end-to-end physical layer solution, including connectivity and cables, enclosures, data center and network intelligence software, in-building wireless, advanced LED lighting systems management and network design services for enterprise applications and data centers. We are also a premier manufacturer of coaxial and fiber optic cable for residential broadband networks globally.

Net revenue is distributed amongst the three segments as follows:

 

     Year ended December 31,     Three months
ended March 31,
    Twelve
months ended
March 31, 2014
 
     <