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Shentel(SHEN) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Acquisition and Financial Transactions - Shenandoah Telecommunications Company completed the acquisition of Horizon Acquisition Parent LLC for 347millionincashand4,100,375sharesofcommonstock[22].ThecompanysolditstowerportfoliotoVerticalBridgeHoldco,LLCfor347 million in cash and 4,100,375 shares of common stock[22]. - The company sold its tower portfolio to Vertical Bridge Holdco, LLC for 309.9 million, receiving 305.8millionnetoftransactioncostsattheinitialclosing[24].ThecompanyanticipatesconveyingremainingtowersitestoVerticalBridgebytheendofMarch2025,representing99.9305.8 million net of transaction costs at the initial closing[24]. - The company anticipates conveying remaining tower sites to Vertical Bridge by the end of March 2025, representing 99.9% of the tower portfolio value[24]. - The company has been awarded grants totaling approximately 149.8 million to expand its broadband network and improve services to about 27,200 unserved homes in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio[146]. - As of December 31, 2024, the Company had borrowed 418.0millionintermloansunderitsCreditAgreement,whichincludesa418.0 million in term loans under its Credit Agreement, which includes a 150 million revolving credit facility due June 2026[152]. Customer Base and Service Offerings - As of December 31, 2024, the company served approximately 261,000 Revenue Generating Units (RGUs)[27]. - The Glo Fiber FTTH service passes approximately 346,000 homes and businesses, competing against various broadband providers[29]. - Approximately 28% of the company's broadband passings compete with a wireline broadband competitor, including 23% of cable passings[28]. - The company has satisfied its obligations to deploy 25/3 Mbps service to remaining unserved locations by July 15, 2024, after receiving an extension from the FCC[69]. Competition and Market Environment - The company faces increasing competition from various market participants, including FTTH providers and wireless broadband providers[20]. - The company faces intense competition in its commercial fiber business from several local and national providers, which may adversely affect its revenues[109]. - The company anticipates a decline in demand, price, and profitability of its video services due to ongoing "cord cutting" trends[107]. - Approximately 28% of the passings in the incumbent broadband business currently have a FTTH or cable competitor, including 23% of incumbent cable passings and 100% of FTTH passings in the Ohio incumbent telephone market[105]. Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The company is subject to a 5% cap on franchise fees, which includes in-kind contributions[52]. - The company operates under various federal and state privacy laws, including the Virginia consumer privacy law that requires compliance by January 2023[59]. - The company is required to comply with FCC regulations regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities in video programming services[61]. - The company faces potential regulatory changes that could impact its VoIP services and overall operations[63]. - The company is subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and audits related to the Universal Service Fund (USF) and Lifeline-supported broadband services[72][71]. Operational Challenges and Risks - The company faces significant risks related to business acquisitions, including potential adverse impacts on financial condition and cash flow due to future pandemics[118]. - Supply chain disruptions could adversely impact the company's growth and operations, potentially leading to reduced revenues and loss of customers[124]. - The integration of Horizon's business may require significant managerial resources, potentially diverting attention from ongoing operations[135]. - The company faces challenges in competing with larger providers that have greater resources and brand recognition, potentially impacting its ability to attract and retain customers[114]. - The company faces risks related to its level of indebtedness, which could adversely affect its financial health and ability to compete[153]. Employee and Workplace Culture - As of December 31, 2024, the company employed 1,089 people, with approximately 28% being female and 24% of management positions held by females[79]. - The company has achieved a competitive advantage in attracting talent through a market-driven compensation and benefits package[84]. - The company’s Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for developing and executing the human capital management strategy[80]. - The company has implemented a Positive People Philosophy to foster a collaborative and ethical workplace culture[82]. - The company conducted an annual employee satisfaction survey in 2024 to measure engagement and satisfaction levels[89]. Financial Performance and Projections - The company expects capital expenditures to exceed cash flow from continuing operations through 2026 as part of its expansion strategy[110]. - The company's sales, general and administrative (SG&A) costs are higher as a percentage of revenue compared to larger broadband companies, which may affect earnings and margins[123]. - Adverse economic conditions, such as high inflation or reduced consumer spending, could negatively impact the Company's results of operations[154]. - Changes to the FCC's Universal Service Fund framework could negatively impact the company's broadband revenue and financial performance[139].