EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 716133
Filing Year: 2025
Filename: 716133_10-K_2025_0000950170-25-041396.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview and Strategy
Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Cincinnati Bell," "we," "our," "us" or the "Company") provide integrated communications that keep consumer and enterprise customers connected with each other and with the world. The Company operates its businesses through one segment: Network. The Network segment serves customers in the Greater Cincinnati region, which includes Dayton, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio and expansion territories further into Southwest Ohio, through our altafiber brand and services customers in Hawaii through our Hawaiian Telcom brand.
On February 2, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with TowerBrook Capital Partners ("TowerBrook") in which TowerBrook would acquire the CBTS and OnX businesses (the "Disposal Group") from the Company for a purchase price of $670.0 million. Management determined that the CBTS and OnX operations that are covered by the Purchase Agreement would be reported as discontinued operations for all comparable periods beginning January 1, 2022. On December 2, 2024, Cincinnati Bell completed the transaction.
On March 13, 2020, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Red Fiber Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and RF Merger Sub Inc., an Ohio corporation and directly wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). On September 7, 2021 (the “Closing Date” or “Merger Date”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law (the “OGCL”), Merger Sub merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased, and the Company survived the Merger as a wholly owned private subsidiary of Parent.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each of Cincinnati Bell’s issued and outstanding Common Shares was converted into the right to receive $15.50 per share in cash, without interest. Trading of the Company’s Common Shares was suspended on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and the Common Shares were subsequently delisted from the NYSE. Additionally, the Company redeemed Depositary Shares simultaneously with the redemption of the 6 3/4% Preferred Shares, at a redemption price of $50 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $1,000 per 6 3/4% Preferred Share), and the Depositary Shares were then delisted from the NYSE. As a result of the Merger Agreement, the Company has ceased to be subject to the filing requirements under Sections 12(b), 12(g) and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; however, due to contractual provisions in certain indentures, the Company is required to voluntarily file certain periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
This Annual Report on Form 10-K provides an overview of Cincinnati Bell Inc.'s financial condition as of December 31, 2024 and our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Our results of operations as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements for these periods are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The Company provides high-speed data, video, and voice solutions to consumers and businesses over an expanding fiber network and a legacy copper network. During 2018, the Company acquired Hawaiian Telcom Holdco, Inc. ("Hawaiian Telcom"), the largest full service provider of communication services on all of Hawaii's major islands. This acquisition added operational scale to our business by adding access to both Honolulu, a well-developed, fiber-rich city on Oahu, as well as the growing neighbor islands. As a result of the acquisition, the Company operates an aggregate of approximately 23,100 fiber route miles. On May 2, 2022, the Company acquired Agile IWG Holdings, LLC ("Agile") for total cash consideration of $65.5 million. Agile delivers customers, primarily located in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with middle mile, last mile and campus connectivity services through hybrid fiber wireless networks that are designed, built and managed by Agile. On April 17, 2023, the Company acquired Ohio Transparent Telecom Inc. ("OTT") for an aggregate purchase price of $3.3 million. OTT provides network security, data connectivity, and unified communications solutions to commercial and enterprise customers across multiple sectors throughout Ohio and Michigan. The services and solutions provided by OTT complement the services offered by Agile.
The Company continues the transformation to a state-of-the art fiber company from a legacy copper-based telecommunications company. During 2024, we invested $323.8 million of capital to expand our fiber network, upgrade and increase related network capacity, and maintain our existing fiber and copper networks.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
During the year, we passed an additional 62,500 Fiber to the Premise ("FTTP") addresses in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Company is focused on building these addresses as FTTP has become a more relevant solution for our customers. As of December 31, 2024, the Company is able to deliver internet speeds up to six gigabits or more to approximately 898,700 FTTP customer locations, or more than 80% of the Greater Cincinnati operating territory. During 2024, we passed an additional 61,800 FTTP addresses in Hawaii, with internet speeds up to one gigabit or more now available to approximately 400,800 FTTP addresses, more than 60% of the operating territory in Hawaii, including Oahu and the neighbor islands.
During 2024, we continued the network expansion to Dayton, Ohio and Columbus, Ohio and in 2025 will continue the expansion further into Southwest Ohio with subsidy support of $50 million from a grant awarded in the third quarter of 2024 to build fiber routes to 38,000 addresses. In Hawaii, we continue to build out the network and expand our fiber footprint across Oahu and the neighbor islands while also retiring legacy copper assets.
High demand for Strategic revenue products resulted in $673.6 million of revenue for 2024, up $56.4 million compared to 2023 mitigating the decline in legacy products. The primary focus of our investments is the expansion of high-speed internet products which are designed to compete directly with the cable Multiple System Operators, such as Charter Communications, serving the Company’s operating territories. Year-over-year revenue and subscribers for these products are outlined in the tables below:
Year Ended December 31,
Greater Cincinnati Operating Territory
Strategic Revenue (in millions):
$
523.9
$
486.3
$
439.7
Subscribers (in thousands):
Internet
366.5
330.5
284.4
Video
112.8
121.5
123.1
Voice
195.5
218.6
242.1
Year Ended December 31,
Hawaii Operating Territory
Strategic Revenue (in millions):
$
149.7
$
130.9
$
110.4
Subscribers (in thousands):
Internet
105.5
87.4
70.6
Video
35.0
34.1
36.0
Voice
126.2
137.0
150.7
In 2024, the Company invested $62.9 million in Enterprise Fiber products, which includes fiber and IP-based core network technology as well as expenditures for Agile. These investments position the Company to meet increased business and carrier demand within Greater Cincinnati. In Hawaii, expenditures are for high-bandwidth data transport products, such as metro-ethernet, including the Southeast Asia to United States ("SEA-US") cable. We continue to evolve and optimize network assets to support the migration of legacy products to new technology, and as of December 31, 2024, the Company has:
•passed commercial addresses with fiber-based services (referred to as a lit address) totaling approximately 37,100 and 24,800 lit addresses in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii, respectively;
•expanded the fiber network to span more than 17,300 route miles in Greater Cincinnati and 6,900 route miles in Hawaii; and
•provided cell site back-haul services to approximately 85% of the 1,200 cell sites in the Greater Cincinnati market, all of which are lit with fiber, and more than 90% of the 1,065 cell sites in Hawaii, nearly all of which are lit with fiber.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company acquired fiber network assets from the City of Lawrenceburg for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million, and in the third quarter of 2023, the Company acquired fiber network assets from Bridgewired, LLC ("Bridgewired") for an aggregate purchase price of $6.7 million. In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement to acquire inter-island submarine and middle-mile terrestrial fiber infrastructure assets in Hawaii owned by the bankruptcy estate of the Paniolo Cable Company, LLC. The Paniolo transaction closed in August 2021 for an amount of $52.3 million, inclusive of transaction costs. The Company's expanding fiber assets allow us to support the ever-increasing demand for data, video and internet devices with speed, agility and security. We believe our fiber investments are a long-term solution for our customers' bandwidth needs.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Operations
As of December 31, 2024, the Company operated one segment: Network.
The Network segment provides products and services that can be categorized as either Strategic, Enterprise Fiber or Legacy. The table below demonstrates how our products and services are categorized:
Network
Strategic
Enterprise Fiber
Legacy
Data
Fiber to the Premise (“FTTP”)
Ethernet (>10Mb)
DSL (< 10 Mb) (3)
Dedicated Internet Access
DSL (> 10 Mb)
Wavelength
DS0 (4), DS1, DS3
IRU (1)
TDM (5)
Small Cell
Ethernet (<10 Mb)
SONET (2)
Fiber to the Node (“FTTN”)
Direct Colocation
Managed Towers
Data Connectivity
Voice
Voice (Fiber)
Traditional Voice
Consumer Long Distance
Business Long Distance
Switched Access
Digital Trunking
Unified Communications as a Services
Contact Center
Multi-Protocol Label Switching
Video
Television Service
(1)Indefeasible Right of Use
(2)Synchronous Optical Network
(3)Digital Subscriber Line
(4)Digital Signal
(5)Time Division Multiplexing
We provide products and services such as high-speed internet, data transport, local voice, video and other services. Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC ("CBT"), a subsidiary of the Company, is the incumbent local exchange carrier ("ILEC") for a geography that covers a radius of approximately 25 miles around Cincinnati, Ohio, and includes parts of northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. CBT has operated in this territory for over 150 years. In 2022, the Company announced that we will begin doing business as "altafiber" and started our network expansion outside of this territory to provide fiber services to adjacent markets. Voice and data services in the Enterprise Fiber and Legacy categories that are delivered beyond the Company's ILEC territory, particularly in Dayton and Mason, Ohio, are provided through the operations of Cincinnati Bell Extended Territories LLC ("CBET"), a subsidiary of CBT. Hawaiian Telcom, a subsidiary of the Company, is the ILEC for the State of Hawaii and the largest full service provider of communications services and products in that state. Originally incorporated in Hawaii in 1883 as Mutual Telephone Company, Hawaiian Telcom has a strong heritage of over 140 years as Hawaii’s communications carrier. Its services, including video, are offered on all of Hawaii’s major islands. On May 2, 2022, the Company acquired Agile, based in Canton, Ohio. Agile leases wireless infrastructure assets to third parties and provides connectivity through hybrid fiber wireless data networks primarily to customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. On April 17, 2023, the Company acquired OTT. OTT provides network security, data connectivity, and unified communications solutions to commercial and enterprise customers across multiple sectors throughout Ohio and Michigan. Our key products and services include the following:
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Data
The Company's data products include high-speed internet access, data transport and interconnection services. Consumer demand for increased internet speeds is accelerating, and more customers are opting for higher bandwidth solutions. To address this demand, the Company is focused on building out new FTTP addresses as well as overlaying Fiber to the Node ("FTTN") addresses, enabling these addresses to receive speeds up to six gigabits per second ("Gbps"). FTTP addresses now cover 80% of the market in Greater Cincinnati and more than 60% of the market in Hawaii.
As enterprise customers migrate from legacy products and copper-based technology, our metro-ethernet product becomes the access method of choice due to its ability to support multiple applications on a single physical connection. We are also expanding our metro-ethernet platform to deliver services across a wider geography to target enterprise customers beyond our ILEC footprint. The Company’s regional network connects Greater Cincinnati, as well as Indianapolis, Indiana, Chicago, Illinois, and Louisville, Kentucky.
As a result of the acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom, the Company gained access to the SEA-US trans-Pacific submarine cable system connecting Indonesia, the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii and the mainland United States. The system provides an initial 20 Terabytes per second ("Tbps") of capacity using state-of-the-art 100 Gbps technology to accommodate the increase in data consumption.
Voice
Voice represents local service over both copper and fiber. It also includes consumer and business long distance, digital trunking, switched access and other value-added services such as caller identification, voicemail, call waiting and call return. The Company's voice access lines over copper continue to decrease as its customers have increasingly employed wireless technologies in lieu of wireline voice services ("wireless substitution"), migrated to competitors, or migrated to VoIP services provided by the Company and others. Customers purchasing traditional long distance service can choose from a variety of long distance plans, which include unlimited long distance for a flat fee, purchase of minutes at a per-minute-of-use rate, or a fixed number of minutes for a flat fee. The Company's long distance lines and related minutes of use have continued to decline as a result of wireless substitution.
Video
In the Greater Cincinnati territory, the Company launched its high-speed internet products in 2009 and initially focused our fiber network investment on densely populated areas, such as apartments and condominiums. Since that time, high-speed internet with speeds up to six gigabits per second have been deployed over a much broader base and is now available to 80% of the Greater Cincinnati ILEC operating territory. As of December 31, 2024, we have 112,800 video subscribers in Greater Cincinnati. Our video customers enjoy access to over 400 entertainment channels, including digital music, local, movie and sports programming with over 150 high-definition channels, parental controls, HD DVR, video On-Demand and access to a live TV streaming application.
In Hawaii, the Company launched its next-generation television service on the island of Oahu in July 2011. The TV service is 100% digital with hundreds of local, national, international and music channels, including high-definition, premium, pay-per-view channels and video on-demand service. TV service has been deployed to 35,000 subscribers in Hawaii as of the end of 2024. The Company launched its TV service on Hawaii's neighbor islands in 2024.
Other
Other revenue is not further disaggregated as Strategic or Legacy and primarily consists of revenue generated from wiring projects for enterprise customers, support from the Connect America Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (see “Regulatory Matters and Competitive Trends” for further discussion of universal service), hardware sales, advertising, directory assistance, late payment and reactivation fees, maintenance and information services. Other revenue includes subsidized fiber build project revenue related to extending the Company’s fiber network in the Greater Cincinnati territory subsidized through our UniCity program and in Hawaii subsidized through a customer contract.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Sales and Distribution Channels
We utilize a number of distribution channels to acquire customers. As of December 31, 2024, the Company operated eight retail stores in the Greater Cincinnati area to market and distribute our suite of products. The Company works to locate retail stores in high traffic but affordable areas, with a distance between each store that considers optimal returns per store and customer convenience. The Company also offers fully-automated, end-to-end web-based sales of various other Company services and accessories for both the Cincinnati operating territory and the Hawaii operating territory. In addition, the Company utilizes a call center, as well as a door-to-door sales force, to target the sale of our consumer products to residents.
We utilize a business-to-business sales force and a call center organization to reach enterprise customers in our operating territories. Larger enterprise customers are supported by sales account representatives and solution architects and smaller enterprise customers are supported through a telemarketing sales force, customer representatives and store locations.
Suppliers and Product Supply Chain
The Company generally subjects purchases to competitive bids and selects its vendors based on price, service level, delivery terms, quality of product and terms and conditions.
The Company's primary purchases are for video content, network equipment, software, fiber cable and contractors to maintain and support the growth of the fiber network. The Company maintains facilities and operations for storing cable and other equipment, product distribution and customer fulfillment.
The Company purchases some of its programming directly from the program networks by entering into affiliation agreements with the programming suppliers. The Company also benefits from membership with the National Cable Television Cooperative (“NCTC”), which enables us to take advantage of volume discounts. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 68% of Cincinnati’s programming was sourced from the NCTC and approximately 52% of Hawaiian Telcom’s programming was sourced from the NCTC.
In addition, we have long-term commitments to outsource various services, such as certain information technology functions, cash remittance and accounts payable functions, call center operations and maintenance services.
Competition
The telecommunications industry is competitive, and the Company competes against larger, well-capitalized national providers.
The Company faces competition from other local exchange carriers, wireless service providers, and inter-exchange carriers, as well as cable, broadband, internet and fixed wireless service providers.
Employees and Human Capital Resources
At December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately 2,200 employees. Approximately 44% of its employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Approximately 24% of all employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Communications Workers of America (“CWA”), which is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, and approximately 20% of all employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1357. The collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW are effective until the second quarter of 2026 and third quarter of 2028, respectively.
The Company knows that our people are our most valuable assets and is committed to investing in them and their success. We have developed various programs and practices to support, develop and care for our employees throughout their careers with the Company.
Professional Development - Investing in the development of our people is a core value of the Company. As a result, the Company continually seeks to offer new and innovative ways to provide development opportunities to our employees throughout their careers including, but not limited to, on-demand training for both professional and industry-specific skills through our intranet site, certification programs to encourage employees to develop and enhance skills, technical talent programs to provide technical leadership and define job enrichment opportunities across the organization and leadership development programs to enable employees to grow and progress on the leadership path.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Employee Engagement - The Company seeks to create and communicate engagement opportunities for all employees for increased development and retention through surveys, periodic town hall meetings with leadership and other forms of direct employee feedback. In addition, the Company sponsors several resource groups which we believe are the cornerstone for personal and professional enrichment. Employees are encouraged to partner with the Company to pursue areas of passion including community outreach activities and volunteer programs.
Safety - The Company is focused on establishing safety as a core value among employees with the primary goal that every employee returns home safely at the end of the day. This applies not only to our field technicians and warehouse personnel but also to our employees working in an office environment. As a result, the Company has hired additional staff to increase safety training, observe and assist in building our overall safety culture.
Compensation and Benefits - The Company is committed to rewarding and supporting our employees, and therefore, we offer a comprehensive compensation program that includes market-competitive pay, healthcare benefits, a retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement programs, and paid time off and family leave. Additionally, employees have the benefit of working a hybrid schedule that provides flexibility to engage with others in the office as well as the ability to work from home on certain days of the week.
Environmental Sustainability
Efficiencies and Reducing Our Carbon Footprint - The Company is actively working to identify efficiencies in our energy usage and reduce our environmental impact by:
•Pursuing a science-based net zero emissions target by 2040, covering scope 1 and 2 emissions, with an interim target of 40% emissions reduction by December 31, 2030,
•Transitioning customers from copper-based network services to fiber network services,
•Investing in renewable energy or procurement contracts which also reduce utility cost volatility, and;
•Migrating to electric vehicles in our Greater Cincinnati fleet.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating us. Our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations could be materially affected by any of these risks.
Risks Related to Our Business, Operations and Industry
The Company operates in highly competitive industries, and customers may not continue to purchase products or services, which would result in reduced revenue and loss of market share.
The telecommunications industry is very competitive, and the Company competes against larger, well-capitalized national providers. Competitors may reduce pricing, create new bundled offerings, or develop new technologies, products or services that they can offer in expanded geographic regions. Our competitors are expected to continuously upgrade their service quality and offerings. If the Company cannot continue to offer reliable, competitively priced, value-added services, or if the Company does not keep pace with technological advances and upgrades, competitive forces could adversely affect it through a loss of market share or a decrease in revenue and profit margins.
We face competition from other local exchange carriers, wireless service providers, inter-exchange carriers, cable, broadband and internet service providers, other telecom companies, niche fiber companies and companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming over broadband Internet connections. Wireless providers, particularly those that provide unlimited wireless voice and data plans with no additional fees for long distance, offer customers a substitution for the Company’s services. Also, cable competitors that have existing service relationships with the Company's customers offer substitution services, such as VoIP and long distance voice services in the Company's operating areas. As a result of wireless substitution and increased competition, legacy voice lines decreased by 11% and 8% in Cincinnati and Hawaii, respectively, in 2024 compared to 2023.
In addition, our Strategic products, particularly our fiber-based products, face competition from a number of different sources including cable operators, other telecom companies, niche fiber companies, and companies that deliver movies, television shows and other video programming over broadband Internet connections. Increasingly, content owners are utilizing Internet-based delivery of content directly to consumers, some without charging a fee for access to the content. Furthermore, due to consumer electronics innovations, consumers are able to watch such Internet-delivered content on television sets and mobile devices. Increased customer migration to these non-traditional entertainment products could result in increased churn and decreased penetration in our Strategic Fiber products. If the Company is unable to effectively implement strategies to attract and retain video and high-speed internet subscribers, retain access lines and long distance subscribers, or replace such customers with other sources of revenue, our revenues will be adversely affected.
The Company may be unable to grow its revenues and cash flows despite the initiatives it has implemented.
We must produce adequate revenues and cash flows that, when combined with cash on hand and funds available under our revolving credit facilities, will be sufficient to service our debt, fund our capital expenditures, and fund our pension and other employee benefit obligations. We have identified some potential areas of opportunity and implemented several growth initiatives. We cannot be assured that these opportunities will be successful or that these initiatives will improve our financial position or our results of operations.
If the Company’s goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or long-lived assets become impaired, the Company may be required to record significant charges to earnings.
The Company has a substantial amount of goodwill, intangible assets and long-lived assets on its balance sheet. The Company reviews goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets for impairment annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. The impairment evaluation requires significant judgment and estimates by management, and unfavorable changes in these assumptions or other factors could result in future impairment charges and have a significant adverse impact on the Company’s reported earnings. Such factors include operating performance of the business, the execution of the Company’s network build plan, growth of consumer and business activations, achieving expected penetration rates in new markets, higher than anticipated churn, changes in customer behavior post-pandemic, changes in discount rates, or other key business initiatives. Additionally, the value of comparable companies may also impact the fair value of our reporting units, which could result in a write-down of goodwill and reduction to net income.
For further information on Cincinnati Bell’s evaluation of impairment for goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets, see “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” under Part II, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Failure to anticipate the need to introduce new products and services or to compete with new technologies may compromise the Company’s success in our industries.
The Company’s success depends, in part, on being able to anticipate the needs of current and future business, carrier and consumer customers. The Company seeks to meet these needs through new product introductions, service quality and technological improvements. New products and services are important to the Company’s success because our industry is technologically driven, such that new technologies can offer alternatives to the Company’s existing services. If our new products and services fail to gain acceptance in the marketplace, or if costs associated with the implementation and introduction of these new products and services materially increase, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenue, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
The Company’s access lines, which generate a significant portion of its cash flows and profits, are decreasing in number. If the Company continues to experience access line losses similar to the past several years, its revenues, earnings and cash flows from operations may be adversely impacted.
The Company generates a significant portion of its revenues by delivering voice and data services over access lines. The Company's local telecommunications subsidiaries have experienced substantial access line losses over the past several years due to a number of factors, including wireless and broadband substitution and increased competition. The Company expects access line losses to continue into the foreseeable future. Failure to retain access lines without replacing such losses with alternative sources of revenue would adversely impact the Company's revenues, earnings and cash flow from operations.
The Company has provided alternative sources of revenue by way of its Strategic products. In addition, as a larger portion of our customer base has already migrated to these new product offerings, a decreased growth rate of Strategic products can be expected. Moreover, we cannot provide assurance that the revenues generated from our new offerings will mitigate revenue losses from the reduced sales of our legacy products or that our new strategic offerings will be as successful as anticipated.
Negotiations with the providers of content for our video programming may not be successful, potentially resulting in our inability to carry certain programming channels, which could result in the loss of subscribers. In addition, due to the influence of some content providers, we may be forced to pay higher rates for some content resulting in increased costs.
We must negotiate with the content owners of the programming that we carry. These content owners are the exclusive provider of the channels they offer. If we are unable to reach a mutually-agreed upon contract with a content owner, our existing agreements to carry this content may not be renewed, resulting in the blackout of these channels. The loss of content could result in our loss of customers who place a high value on the particular content that is lost. In addition, many content providers own multiple channels. As a result, we typically have to negotiate the pricing for multiple channels rather than one, and carry and pay for content with which customers do not associate much value, in order to have access to other content with which customers do associate value. Some of our competitors have materially larger scale than we do and may, as a result, be better positioned than we are in such negotiations. As a result of these factors, the expense of content may continue to increase and have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.
Maintaining the Company's telecommunications networks requires significant capital expenditures, and the Company's inability or failure to maintain its telecommunications networks could have a material impact on the Company’s market share and ability to generate revenue.
Over the past several years, the Company has improved its wireline network through increased capital expenditures for fiber optic cable in areas of its operating network. The Company intends to continue its capital expenditures for fiber optic cable.
In order to provide appropriate levels of service to the Company's customers, the network infrastructure must be protected against damage from human error, natural disasters, unexpected equipment failure, power loss or telecommunications failures, terrorism, sabotage or other intentional acts of vandalism. The Company's networks may not address all of the problems that may be encountered in the event of a disaster or other unanticipated problems, which may result in disruption of service to customers.
The Company may also incur significant additional capital expenditures as a result of unanticipated developments, regulatory changes and other events that impact the business.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Company's failure to meet performance standards under its agreements could result in customers terminating their relationships with the Company or customers being entitled to receive financial compensation, leading to reduced revenues and/or increased costs.
The Company’s agreements with its customers contain various requirements regarding performance and levels of service. If the Company fails to provide the levels of service or performance required by its agreements, customers may be able to receive financial compensation or may be able to terminate their relationship with the Company. In order to provide these levels of service, the Company is required to protect against human error, natural disasters, equipment failure, power failure, sabotage and vandalism, and have disaster recovery plans available in the event of disruption of service. The failure to address these or other events may result in a disruption of service. In addition, any inability to meet service level commitments or other performance standards could reduce the confidence of customers. Decreased customer confidence could impair the Company’s ability to attract and retain customers, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to generate revenues and operating results.
The Company generates a substantial portion of revenue by serving a limited geographic area.
The Company generates a substantial portion of revenue by serving customers in Greater Cincinnati and the islands of Hawaii. An economic downturn or natural disaster occurring in any of these limited operating territories would have a disproportionate effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows compared to similar companies of a national scope and similar companies operating in different geographic areas. Furthermore, because of Hawaii’s geographic isolation, the successful operation and growth of the business in Hawaii is dependent on favorable economic and regulatory conditions in the state.
The customer base for telecommunications services in Hawaii is small and geographically concentrated. The population of Hawaii is approximately 1.4 million, approximately 70% of whom live on the island of Oahu. Any adverse economic conditions affecting Oahu, or Hawaii generally, could materially impair our ability to operate our business. Labor shortages or increased labor costs in Hawaii could also have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, we may be subject to increased costs for goods and services that we are unable to control or defray as a result of operating in this limited territory. Increased expenses including, but not limited to, energy and health care have adversely impacted operations due to rising costs and could continue to have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations if these costs continue to rise.
Increases in broadband usage may cause network capacity limitations resulting in service disruptions or reduced capacity for customers.
Video streaming services and peer-to-peer file sharing applications use significantly more bandwidth than traditional internet activity, such as web browsing and email. As utilization rates and availability of these services continue to grow, our high-speed internet customers may use much more bandwidth than in the past. If this continues to occur and our existing network capacity becomes unable to handle the increased demand, we could be required to make significant capital expenditures to increase network capacity in order to avoid service disruptions or reduced capacity for customers. We may not be able to recover the costs of the necessary network investments. This could result in an adverse impact to our results of operations and financial condition.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
An IT and/or network security breach or cyber-attack may lead to unauthorized use or disabling of our network, theft of customer data or other sensitive data, unauthorized use or publication of our confidential business information and could have a material adverse effect on our business.
Cyber-attacks and other breaches of network or information technology security could have an adverse effect on our business. Our business relies on the integrity and availability of our technology infrastructure and systems and the processes that deliver services to our customers and business partners. The security of data we create or collect is also important to our customers, business partners and stakeholders.
We have a comprehensive security program in place designed to mitigate risks to our business from:
•Physical and personnel security threats;
•Data breaches involving customer, employee and other confidential data;
•Malware, including ransomware;
•Denial of service threats;
•Unauthorized changes to technology systems and data;
•Fraud;
•Hacking, including nation-state sponsored attacks on critical infrastructure;
•Unauthorized or unintentional actions by third parties;
•Compliance failures;
•Disasters and business continuity events; and
•Misuse of our systems, products and services.
Although we take proactive and reasonable steps to address these risks, including the use of insurance, we understand that physical and cyber security incidents are possible and could have a material effect to our businesses. Costs associated with a major security incident could include material retention incentives offered to existing customers or business partners, lost revenues from business interruption, litigation and damage to our reputation, fines from regulatory authorities, and increased expenditures for technology, security measures, and incident response. These costs or any prolonged disruption to our business operations could result in a material adverse effect on our results and financial condition. To date, we have not experienced any material security incident and continue to evaluate security risks to our businesses. We proactively review our security posture and adopt new control measures that address current and future physical and cyber security threats.
Cyber-attacks or security breaches at third parties providing critical services or with access to or possession of sensitive data could also adversely impact business operations or result in regulatory actions, loss of customers, legal fees or increased costs, associated with incident response beyond current insurance limits. Cyber-attacks of technology that is used in the organization’s supply-chain to provide network and IT services or that are resold to customers could also have the same adverse impacts.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist acts or acts of war could cause damage to our infrastructure and result in significant disruptions to our operations.
Our business operations are subject to interruption by natural disasters, power outages, terrorist attacks, and other political instability, such as the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East related to the Israel-Hamas war, and other events beyond our control. Such events could cause significant damage to our infrastructure resulting in degradation or disruption of service to our customers. The potential liabilities associated with these events could exceed the insurance coverage we maintain. Our system redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. These events could also damage the infrastructure of suppliers that provide us with the equipment and services we need to operate our business and provide products to our customers. A natural disaster or other event causing significant physical damage could cause us to experience substantial losses resulting in significant recovery time and expenditures to resume operations as well as lost revenues from business interruption as well as damage to our reputation.
In particular, from time to time, the islands of Hawaii experience severe weather conditions such as high winds and heavy rainfall and natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami, which can overwhelm our employees, disrupt our services and severely damage our property. Such disruptions in service and damage to property could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Moreover, it is impossible to predict the extent to which climate change could cause extreme weather conditions to become more frequent or more extreme.
Damaging wildfires occurring on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawaii have caused damage to our infrastructure and adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our operations.
Beginning on August 8, 2023, wildfires ignited on Maui and Hawaii islands. The fires caused damage to Lahaina town on the island of Maui and the surrounding area, including physical loss and damage to certain of the Company’s fiber and copper assets and Company owned equipment located on customer premises. The Company experienced the loss of business income immediately following the fires and expects to continue to experience loss of income for an unknown amount of time. The Company has filed insurance claims for the physical loss and damages experienced in Lahaina and for business income losses resulting from the matter. Additionally, we have been named as a defendant in multiple civil lawsuits, which the risks associated with this litigation is discussed further on page 19 of Item 1A. Risk Factors.
It is also likely that the Maui economy will continue to be adversely impacted by the damage caused by the fires in Lahaina which had a negative impact on the tourism industry in west Maui subsequent to the fires in 2023 and throughout 2024. The Company continues to evaluate the extent of the damage to its property and equipment and initiated claims with its insurance carriers in the fourth quarter of 2023 and continued to submit claims in 2024. There can be no assurance that the Company’s insurance coverage will fully compensate the Company for its losses incurred in connection with the fire and related devastation, including the replacement cost of the equipment lost in the fire or the loss in revenue from the households that have been impacted by the fires. The Company could experience losses in excess of our insured limits, and further, claims for certain losses could be denied or subject to deductibles or exclusions under our insurance policies.
Volatile geopolitical turmoil, including popular uprisings, regional conflicts, terrorism and war could result in market instability, which could negatively impact our business results.
The Company primarily provides our services in the United States of America, but certain outsourced operations are located in Taiwan and India as well as to a lesser extent in other countries located in Europe and Asia. Additionally, vendors that the Company sources from are global in nature. Continued escalation in regional conflicts, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the conflicts involving Israel and the surrounding region and other disruptions to global and regional economies and markets, could limit the Company’s ability to source goods and services and could result in closure of our vendors' facilities. In addition, international conflict has resulted in: increased pressure on the supply chain, which has led to increased energy costs, and could result in further increased energy costs, which could continue to increase utility expense and transportation costs; inflation, which could result in increases in the cost to provide services, increased capital spend for the continued expansion of the network, decreased customer purchasing power, and increased price pressure; increased risk of cybersecurity attacks; and market instability, which could adversely impact financial results.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company could be negatively impacted by the widespread outbreak of an illness, any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis that results in economic and trade disruptions, including the disruption of global supply chains. The extent of the impact of any such public health crisis on our future operational and financial performance, including our ability to execute our business strategies and initiatives in the expected time frame, could depend on future developments, including the effect on our customers and demand for our products and services; our ability to sell and provide our products and services, including as a result of travel restrictions and people working remotely; the ability of our customers to pay for our solutions; execute our capital build plan for our fiber network and thereby cause delays in delivery of our services and solutions to our customers; and the impact of governmental actions or mandates imposed in response to any such public health crisis, all of which are uncertain and cannot be predicted. An extended period of global supply chain and economic disruption could materially affect our business, our results of operations, our access to sources of liquidity, the carrying value of our goodwill and intangible assets, and our financial condition.
The Company depends on a number of third-party providers and the loss of or problems with one or more of these providers may impede the Company’s growth, cause it to lose customers or materially and adversely impact its business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The Company depends on third-party providers to supply products and services. For example, many of the Company’s information technology, call center functions and certain accounting functions are performed by third-party providers, and network equipment is purchased from and maintained by vendors, some of which providers and vendors are located outside of the United States.
Events that adversely impact our third-party providers could impair our ability to obtain adequate and timely services or supplies. Such events include, among others, difficulties or problems associated with our third party providers’ businesses, the financial instability and labor problems of third party providers, natural or man-made disasters, inclement weather conditions, war, acts of terrorism and other political instability, economic conditions, shipment issues, and increased production costs. Our third-party providers may be forced to reduce their production, shut down their operations or file for bankruptcy. The occurrence of one or more of these events could impact our ability to get necessary inventory to build the fiber network, result in disruptions to our operations, increase our costs and decrease our profitability.
A failure of back-office information technology systems could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The efficient operation of the Company’s business depends on back-office information technology systems. The Company relies on back-office information technology systems to effectively manage customer billing, business data, communications, supply chain, order entry and fulfillment and other business processes. A failure of the Company’s information technology systems to perform as anticipated could disrupt the Company’s business and result in a failure to collect accounts receivable, transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, and the loss of sales and customers, causing the Company’s reputation and results of operations to suffer. In addition, information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond the Company’s control, including fire, natural disasters, systems failures, security breaches and viruses. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
We may be liable for the material that content providers distribute over our networks.
The law relating to the liability of private network operators for information carried on, stored or disseminated through their networks is still unsettled. As such, we could be exposed to legal claims relating to content disseminated on our networks. Claims could challenge the accuracy of materials on our network or could involve matters such as defamation, invasion of privacy or copyright infringement. If we need to take costly measures to reduce our exposure to these risks or are required to defend ourselves against such claims, our financial results would be negatively affected.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel could disrupt our business and affect the Company's ability to meet key financial and business objects.
Our future success depends partly on the continued service of the Company’s key engineering, sales, marketing, IT, executive and administrative personnel. We believe our pay levels are competitive within the regions in which we operate. However, labor shortages, inflationary pressure on wages, and increased attrition have intensified competition for talent in most fields across the geographic areas in which we operate, and it may become more difficult to retain key employees. If we fail to retain key personnel and are unable to hire highly qualified replacements, we may not be able to meet key objectives, such as meeting financial goals and maintaining or expanding the business.
The Company may be unable to achieve some or all of the strategic and financial benefits that it expects to achieve from the sale of the CBTS and OnX businesses.
We may not be able to realize the anticipated operational, financial, strategic and other benefits from the sale of the CBTS and OnX businesses. The anticipated benefits are based on a number of assumptions, some of which may prove incorrect, and could be affected by a number of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, without limitation, general economic conditions, increased operating costs, regulatory developments and the other risks described in these risk factors.
If the Company fails to extend or renegotiate its collective bargaining agreements with its labor unions when they expire, or if the Company’s unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, the Company’s business and operating results could be materially harmed.
The Company is a party to collective bargaining agreements with its labor unions in both the Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii operating territories, which represent approximately 44% of the Company’s employees. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to successfully extend or renegotiate its collective bargaining agreements in the future. If the Company fails to extend or renegotiate its collective bargaining agreements, if disputes with its union arise, or if its unionized workers engage in a strike or a work stoppage, the Company could experience a significant disruption of operations or incur higher ongoing labor costs, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. The collective bargaining agreements with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1357 are effective until the second quarter of 2026 and third quarter of 2028, respectively.
Risks Related to Our Indebtedness
The Company’s debt could limit its ability to fund operations, raise additional capital, and fulfill its obligations, which, in turn, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and prospects generally.
In connection with the Merger, in September 2021, the Company entered into a new credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") and terminated the Company’s existing corporate credit agreement. The Credit Agreement was subsequently amended in November 2021 and provides for (i) a five-year $400 million senior secured revolving credit facility including both a letter of credit subfacility of up to $40 million and a swingline loan subfacility of up to $10 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), (ii) a seven-year $500 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-1 Loans”), and (iii) a seven-year $650 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-2 Loans” and together with the Term B-1 Loans, the “Term Loans”). The Company has subsequently entered into additional amendments in 2023 and 2024, that provide additional tranches of debt totaling $500.0 million with terms similar to the Term Loans.
The Revolving Credit Facility matures in August 2028, and the Term Loans mature in November 2028. Borrowings under the Term Loans were used in part to refinance existing Company indebtedness and for working capital and general corporate purposes. At December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $400.0 million available.
The Company’s debt has important consequences, including the following:
•the Company is required to use a substantial portion of its cash flow from operations to pay principal and interest on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances, and other general corporate requirements;
•there is a variable interest rate on a portion of its debt which will increase if the market interest rates increase;
•the Company’s debt increases its vulnerability to adverse changes in the credit markets, which adverse changes could increase the Company's borrowing costs and limit the availability of financing;
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
•the Company’s debt service obligations limit its flexibility to plan for or react to changes in its business and the industries in which it operates;
•the Company’s level of debt and shareowners’ deficit may restrict it from raising additional financing on satisfactory terms to fund working capital, capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances, and other general corporate requirements; and
•the Company’s debt instruments contain limitations on the Company and require the Company to comply with specified financial ratios and other restrictive covenants. Failure to comply with these covenants, if not cured or waived, could limit availability to the cash required to fund the Company's operations and general obligations and could result in the Company’s dissolution, bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization.
The Company’s Credit Agreement and other indebtedness impose significant restrictions on the Company.
The Company’s debt instruments impose, and the terms of any future debt may impose, operating and other restrictions on the Company. These restrictions affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, the Company’s ability to:
•incur additional indebtedness;
•create liens;
•make investments;
•enter into transactions with affiliates;
•sell assets;
•guarantee indebtedness;
•declare or pay dividends or make other distributions to shareholders;
•repurchase equity interests;
•enter into agreements that restrict dividends or other payments from subsidiaries;
•issue or sell capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries;
•consolidate, merge, or transfer all or substantially all of our assets and the assets of our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and
•change our fiscal year.
The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to achieve and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios.
The restrictions contained in the terms of the Credit Agreement and our other debt instruments could:
•limit the Company’s ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or otherwise restrict the Company’s activities or business plans; and
•adversely affect the Company’s ability to finance our operations, strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances, other capital needs, or to engage in other business activities that would be in our interest.
A breach of any of the debt's restrictive covenants or the Company’s inability to comply with the required financial ratios would result in a default under some or all of the debt agreements. During the occurrence and continuance of a default, the lenders may elect to declare all outstanding borrowings, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable. Additionally, under the Credit Agreement, the lenders may elect not to provide loans under the Revolving Credit Facility until such default is cured or waived. The Company’s debt instruments also contain cross-acceleration provisions, which generally cause each instrument to be subject to early repayment of outstanding principal and related interest upon a qualifying acceleration of any other debt instrument, subject to certain materiality thresholds. Failure to comply with these covenants, if not cured or waived, would limit the cash available to the Company required to fund operations and our general obligations and could result in the Company’s dissolution, bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Company depends on its revolving credit facility and receivables facilities to provide for its short-term financing requirements in excess of amounts generated by operations, and the availability of those funds may be reduced or limited.
The Company depends on the Revolving Credit Facility and the Network Receivables Facility to provide for short-term financing requirements in excess of amounts generated by operations. The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of August 2028. On January 31, 2023, the Company executed amendments to the Receivables Facility which, among other things, separate the Receivables Facility into two separate facilities, with (A) the existing Receivables Facility (the “Network Receivables Facility” and (B) a new facility (the “CBTS Receivables Facility”). See Note 8 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for further details regarding amendments to the Receivables Facility. The CBTS Receivables Facility was terminated in conjunction with the sale of the Disposal Group.
In December, 2024, the Company executed an amendment to the Network Receivables Facility to extend the renewal date to April 9, 2025. At December 31, 2024, the Network Receivables Facility had a termination date of January 2026 with the next renewal occurring in April 2025.
The Company's ability to borrow under its Revolving Credit Facility is subject to the Company's compliance with covenants, including covenants requiring compliance with specified financial ratios. Failure to satisfy these covenants would constrain or prohibit our ability to borrow under these facilities. Additionally, if one or more of these banks is not able to fulfill its funding obligations, the Company’s financial condition could be adversely affected.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings and $25.0 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Network Receivables Facility, leaving $30.0 million remaining availability on the total borrowing capacity of $55.0 million. The available borrowing capacity is calculated monthly based on the amount and quality of outstanding accounts receivable and thus may be lower than the maximum borrowing limit. If the quality of the Company’s accounts receivables deteriorates, this will negatively impact the available capacity under this facility.
The servicing of the Company’s indebtedness is dependent on its ability to generate cash, which could be impacted by many factors beyond the Company’s control.
The Company’s ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond its control. The Company cannot provide assurance that its business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, that additional sources of debt financing will be available or that future borrowings will be available under its Revolving Credit Facility or Network Receivables Facility, in each case, in amounts sufficient to enable the Company to service its indebtedness or to fund other liquidity needs. If the Company cannot service its indebtedness, the Company will have to take actions such as reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments and alliances, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing indebtedness or seeking additional equity capital, which may adversely affect its shareholders, debt holders and customers. The Company may not be able to negotiate remedies on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt instruments may restrict the Company from adopting any of these alternatives. The Company’s inability to generate the necessary cash flows could result in its dissolution, bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization.
Risks Related to Our Financial Condition
The Company may need additional financing in the future to meet our capital needs or to make opportunistic acquisitions, and such financing may not be available on terms favorable to the Company, if at all.
The Company may need to seek additional financing to support the build out of the Company’s fiber network in out of territory markets. For example, the Company may need to increase its capital spend or need funds to make acquisitions. The Company may be unable to obtain any desired additional financing on favorable terms, if at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, the Company may be unable to fund fiber expansion in out of territory markets. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, we may be subject to further limitations on our operations in addition to increased interest payments that could negatively impact our cash flow.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Growing inflation, supply chain disruption and other increased operating costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Global demand inflation, supply chain disruptions, interest rate increases, civil unrest, tariffs and government regulations, which are beyond our control, could adversely affect operating costs and administrative expenses such as wages, benefits, supplies and inventory costs, insurance costs and costs of borrowing. Any such increase could impact results of operations and cash flows if we do not choose, or are unable, to pass the increased costs to our customers.
We rely on a limited number of suppliers for capital purchases needed to construct the fiber network and certain other supplies we use in our operations. Our ability to secure such equipment and supplies from alternative sources as needed may be time-consuming or expensive or may cause a temporary disruption in our supply chain. Shortages or interruptions in the supply chain could occur for reasons within or beyond the control of us and the supplier.
Decreased fuel supplies resulted in significant increases to fuel prices, most notably in Hawaii, which adversely impacted our transportation costs for the field technicians and third parties who are assisting us with the network build in addition to the utilities spend in Hawaii where oil is relied on to produce electricity for the state. Increased fuel costs adversely affected the profit margins in 2022 and 2023, but to a lesser extent in 2024. Due to the uncertainty around fuel costs, the Company could experience adverse effects on our business and results of operations similar to 2022 and 2023 if fuel prices increase in future years.
The uncertain economic environment, including uncertainty in the U.S. and world securities markets, could impact the Company's business and financial condition.
The uncertain economic environment could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and financial liquidity. Current global conflicts have created additional uncertainty in the economic environment and world securities markets. The Company’s primary source of cash is customer collections. As a result of current adverse economic conditions, some customers have cancelled or requested discounts on future contracted services or have had difficulty paying their accounts receivable. Additional customers may cancel or request discounts on future contracted services or have difficulty paying their accounts receivable, especially if economic conditions worsen. Some competitors have lowered prices or offered promotions as a result of economic conditions, and others may do so as well, which has exerted, and could further exert, pricing pressure on the Company. If the economies of the U.S. and the world continue to deteriorate, this could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Adverse changes in the value of assets or obligations associated with the Company’s employee benefit plans could negatively impact shareowners’ equity and liquidity.
The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for eligible management employees, non-management employees and certain former executives. The Company also provides healthcare and group life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. The Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets indirectly reflect the value of all plan assets and benefit obligations under these plans. The accounting for employee benefit plans is complex as is the process of calculating the benefit obligations under the plans. Adverse changes in interest rates or market conditions, among other assumptions and factors, could cause a significant increase in the Company’s benefit obligations or a significant decrease of the asset values, without necessarily impacting the Company’s net income. In addition, the Company’s benefit obligations could increase significantly if it needs to unfavorably revise the assumptions used to calculate the obligations. These adverse changes could have a significant negative impact on the Company’s shareowners’ equity. Additionally, the Company’s postretirement costs are adversely affected by increases in medical and prescription drug costs. Further, if there are adverse changes to plan assets or if medical and prescription drug costs increase significantly, the Company could be required to contribute additional material amounts of cash to the plans or to accelerate the timing of required payments.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Intellectual Property, Tax, Regulatory, and Litigation Risks
The Company’s future cash flows could be adversely affected if it is unable to fully realize its deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had deferred tax assets of $260.6 million, the largest component of which is the deferred tax asset of $177.6 million associated with federal ($163.1 million) and state ($14.5 million) net operating loss carryforwards. The Company has recorded partial valuation allowances against deferred tax assets related to U.S. federal net operating losses, certain state and local net operating losses and other deferred tax assets due to uncertainty in the Company’s ability to utilize the assets. The use of the Company’s deferred tax assets enables it to satisfy current and significant future tax liabilities without the use of the Company’s cash resources. The Company’s net operating losses face potential limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 382 and similar state provisions. If the Company is unable for any reason to generate sufficient taxable income to fully realize its deferred tax assets, including its net operating losses, the Company’s net income, equity and future cash flows would be adversely affected.
The Company has been named in litigation associated with the wildfires occurring on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has resulted in the Company paying significant amounts in legal expenses and could require the payment of damages or settlements.
The Company’s Hawaiian Telcom subsidiary, along with many other parties, including governmental entities, landowners, utilities and other telecommunication providers, has been named as a defendant in multiple civil lawsuits brought by individual plaintiffs, a putative class, and subrogation plaintiffs in state and federal court in Hawaii arising out of the August 2023 windstorm and wildfires on the island of Maui.
The parties to the litigations, including Hawaiian Telcom, have engaged in confidential mediation and discussions regarding a global settlement of the litigations. On August 2, 2024, the defendants, individual plaintiffs, and class plaintiffs entered into a term sheet that contemplates a global resolution of all claims arising out of the August 2023 windstorm and wildfires on Maui that does not include any admission of liability in which the defendants would collectively pay an aggregate of $4.037 billion. The settlement also would resolve all claims among the defendants. Hawaiian Telcom’s contribution is a total of $100.0 million. There can also be no assurances that the final settlement will be approved for this amount. The Company's current contribution amount is covered by our insurance policies resulting in a liability and an offsetting insurance receivable being recorded to the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In 2024, the Company incurred significant legal fees related to this matter of $11.6 million. The Company has recorded a $8.4 million insurance receivable as a result of agreement by our insurance provider to reimburse a portion of the professional fees incurred.
Changes in tax laws and regulations, and actions by federal, state and local taxing authorities related to the interpretation and application of such tax laws and regulations, could have a negative impact on the Company's financial results and cash flows.
The Company calculates, collects and remits various federal, state, and local taxes, surcharges, and regulatory fees to numerous federal, state and local governmental authorities, including but not limited to federal Universal Service Fund contributions, sales tax, regulatory fees and use tax on purchases of goods and services used in our business. Tax laws are subject to change, and new interpretations of how various statutes and regulations should be adhered to are frequently issued. In many cases, the application of tax laws are uncertain and subject to differing interpretations, especially when evaluated against the Company’s new and evolving technologies and services. In the event that we have incorrectly calculated, assessed, or remitted amounts due to governmental authorities, or if revenue and taxing authorities disagree with positions we have taken, we could be subject to additional taxes, fines, penalties, or other adverse actions. In the event that federal, state, or local municipalities were to significantly increase taxes on goods and services used to construct and maintain our network, operations, or provision of services, or seek to impose new taxes, there could be a material adverse impact on financial results.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The regulation of the Company’s businesses by federal and state authorities may, among other things, place the Company at a competitive disadvantage, restrict our ability to price our products and services competitively, participate in new regulatory programs and threaten our operating licenses.
Several of the Company’s subsidiaries are subject to regulatory oversight of varying degrees at both the state and federal levels, which may differ from the regulatory scrutiny faced by the Company’s competitors. A significant portion of the Company’s revenue is derived from pricing plans that are subject to regulatory review and approval. These regulated pricing plans limit the rates the Company can charge for some services while the competition has typically been able to set rates for services with limited or no restriction. In the future, regulatory initiatives that would put the Company at a competitive disadvantage or mandate lower rates for our services would result in lower profitability and cash flows for the Company. In addition, different regulatory interpretations of existing regulations or guidelines may affect the Company’s revenues and expenses in future periods.
At the federal level, the Company’s telecommunications services are subject to the Communications Act of 1934 as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, including rules adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). In addition, certain aspects of the Company’s communications facilities and operations are subject to oversight by the Department of Justice and the Department of Defense relative to assessing and mitigating national security risks. Violations of the terms of the agreements with these agencies could result in the revocation of the Company’s FCC licenses which would affect its business operations in the future. The Company’s submarine cable facilities and operations are also subject to requirements imposed by the national security and law enforcement agencies (e.g., the Departments of Justice, Defense and Homeland Security). At the state level, Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC (“CBT”) operates as the incumbent local exchange carrier (“ILEC”) and carrier of last resort in portions of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, while Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. (“HTI”) serves as the ILEC and carrier of last resort in Hawaii. As the ILEC in those states, these entities are subject to regulation by the Public Utilities Commissions in those states. Various regulatory decisions or initiatives at the federal or state level may from time to time have a negative impact on CBT’s and HTI’s ability to compete in their respective markets. In addition, although less heavily regulated than the Company’s ILEC operations, other subsidiaries are authorized to provide competitive local exchange service, long distance, and cable television service in various states, and consequently are also subject to various state and federal telecommunications and cable regulations that could adversely impact their operations.
There are currently many regulatory actions under way and being contemplated by federal and state authorities regarding issues, including national security and law enforcement matters, that could result in significant changes to the business conditions in the telecommunications industry. On April 4, 2020, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 13913 Establishing the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector (the “Committee”), which formalized the ad-hoc foreign investment review process (formerly referred to as “Team Telecom”) applicable to FCC licenses and transactions. The Executive Order empowers the Committee to review FCC license and transfer applications involving foreign participation to determine whether grant of the requested license or transfer approval may pose a risk to the national security or law enforcement interests of the United States, and to review existing licenses to identify any additional or new risks to national security or law enforcement interests that did not exist when a license was first granted. Following an investigation, the Committee may recommend that the FCC revoke or modify existing licenses or deny or condition approval of new licenses and license transfers. It is not possible for the Company to determine whether it may be subject to a proceeding to revoke or modify our existing licenses or predict the outcome of a review of new license or transfer applications by the Committee in the future. A review of existing licenses and/or a review of new licenses and transfers by the Committee may result in additional compliance obligations that may affect the Company’s expenses and business operations in the future.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
In addition, in connection with our internet access offerings, we could become subject to laws and regulations as they are adopted or applied to the internet. There is currently only limited regulation applicable to these services although court decisions, legislative action and/or changes in regulatory policy could lead to greater regulation of the internet (including internet access services). The Company cannot provide any assurances that changes in current or future regulations adopted by the FCC or state regulators, or other legislative, administrative, or judicial initiatives relating to the telecommunications industry, will not have an adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
From time to time, different regulatory agencies conduct audits to ensure that the Company is in compliance with the respective regulations. The Company could be subject to fines and penalties if found to be out of compliance with these regulations, and these fines and penalties could be material to the Company’s financial condition.
As a winning bidder in the FCC’s Connect America Fund II ("CAF II") and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) auction, the Company must comply with numerous FCC and state requirements prior to and after receiving such funding. If the Company fails to comply with those requirements, the FCC could consider us in default of the CAF II and RDOF program rules, and we could incur substantial penalties or forfeitures of future revenues, most significantly in Hawaii. For example, if the Company fails to attain certain specific buildout milestones and performance requirements under the CAF II and RDOF programs, the FCC could withhold future support payments until those shortcomings are corrected. Failure to comply with the rules and requirements for the CAF II and RDOF program could result in the Company being suspended or disbarred from future governmental programs or contracts for a significant period of time, which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Third parties may claim that the Company is infringing upon their intellectual property, and the Company could suffer significant litigation or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products.
The Company may be unaware of intellectual property rights of others that may cover some of our technology, products or services. Any litigation growing out of third-party patents or other intellectual property claims could be costly and time-consuming and would divert the Company’s management and key personnel from our business operations. The complexity of the technology involved and the uncertainty of intellectual property litigation increases these risks. Resolution of claims of intellectual property infringement might also require the Company to enter into costly license agreements. Likewise, the Company may not be able to obtain license agreements on acceptable terms. The Company also may be subject to significant damages or injunctions against the development and sale of certain of our products or services. Further, the Company often relies on licenses of third-party intellectual property for its businesses. The Company cannot ensure these licenses will be available in the future on favorable terms or at all.
Third parties may infringe upon the Company’s intellectual property, and the Company may expend significant resources enforcing its rights or suffer competitive injury.
The Company’s success significantly depends on the competitive advantage it gains from our proprietary technology and other valuable intellectual property assets. The Company relies on a combination of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secrets protections, confidentiality provisions and licensing arrangements to establish and protect its intellectual property rights. If the Company fails to successfully enforce its intellectual property rights, its competitive position could suffer, which could harm its operating results.
The Company may also be required to spend significant resources to monitor and police its intellectual property rights. The Company may not be able to detect third-party infringements and its competitive position may be harmed before the Company does so. In addition, competitors may design around the Company’s technology or develop competing technologies. Furthermore, some intellectual property rights are licensed to other companies, allowing them to compete with the Company using that intellectual property.
The Company could be subject to a significant amount of litigation, which could require the Company to pay significant damages or settlements.
The industry that the Company operates in faces a substantial risk of litigation, including, from time to time, patent infringement lawsuits, antitrust class actions, securities class actions, wage and hour class actions, personal injury claims and lawsuits relating to our advertising, sales, billing and collection processes. We may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits. In addition, we may be required to pay significant awards and settlements.
The Company could incur significant costs resulting from complying with, or potential violations of, environmental, health and human safety laws.
The Company’s operations are subject to laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, health, and human safety, including those governing the management and disposal of, and exposure to, hazardous materials and the clean-up of contamination, and the emission of radio frequencies. While the Company believes its operations are in substantial compliance with environmental, health, and human safety laws and regulations, as an owner or operator of property and in connection with the current and historical use of hazardous materials and other operations at its sites, the Company could incur significant costs resulting from complying with or violations of such laws, the imposition of clean-up obligations and third-party suits. For instance, a number of the Company’s sites formerly contained underground storage tanks for the storage of used oil and fuel for back-up generators and vehicles.
Form 10-K Part I
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
As of December 31, 2024, the Company owned or maintained properties throughout Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii. Our headquarters is located in Cincinnati, Ohio where we lease and occupy approximately 90,000 square feet for executive, administrative and business offices for the Company as well as own approximately 365,000 square feet for central office switching, network technical support offices and additional administrative and business offices. In addition to the spaces in Cincinnati, we own a building with approximately 465,000 square feet of office space in Honolulu, Hawaii for the Hawaiian Telcom operations.
Our properties include copper and fiber warehouses and associated equipment in each of our local operating markets. Each of the Company’s subsidiaries maintains some investment in furniture and office equipment, computer equipment and associated operating system software, application system software, leasehold improvements and other assets.
With regard to its Greater Cincinnati operations, the Company owns substantially all of the central office switching stations and the land upon which they are situated. Some business and administrative offices are located in leased facilities, which are recorded as operating leases. The Company’s network assets include a fiber network warehouse, internet protocol and circuit switches and integrated access terminal equipment. In addition, as of year-end, we leased eight Company-run retail locations with an additional two locations expected to open in the first quarter of 2025.
With regard to its Hawaii operations, the Company has properties consisting of both owned and leased properties, including our administrative facilities and facilities for call centers, customer service sites for the television business, switching equipment, fiber optic networks, cable head-end equipment, coaxial distribution networks, routers and servers used in our telecommunications business. Leased properties are recorded as operating leases.
For additional information about the Company’s properties, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Cincinnati Bell and its subsidiaries are involved in a number of legal proceedings. Liabilities are established for legal claims as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, including most class action lawsuits, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has been incurred or to estimate the amount of the liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case a liability will not be recognized until that time. Based on information currently available, consultation with counsel, available insurance coverage and recognized liabilities, the Company believes that except as otherwise described in Note 10 under Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, the eventual outcome of all claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
PART II

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Prior to the Merger, shares of Cincinnati Bell Common Stock and Preferred Stock were registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the ticker symbol CBB. As a result of the Merger, effective on September 7, 2021, the Company requested that the NYSE withdraw the shares of Cincinnati Bell Common Stock and Preferred Stock from listing on the NYSE and filed a Form 25 with the SEC to report that Cincinnati Bell Common Stock and Preferred Stock are no longer listed on the NYSE. Red Fiber Parent is the sole record holder of Cincinnati Bell Common Stock. No other shares remain issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]
Not applicable.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Annual Report on Form 10-K and the documents incorporated by reference herein contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and results that are subject to the "safe harbor" provisions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements.
Introduction
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis section provides an overview of Cincinnati Bell Inc.'s financial condition as of December 31, 2024 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Our results of operations as reported in our Consolidated Financial Statements for these periods are prepared in accordance with GAAP.
Our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this document generally discusses 2024 and 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2024 and 2023. Discussions of 2022 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022 that are not included in this document can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on March 25, 2024.
Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("altafiber," "Cincinnati Bell," "we," "our," "us," or the "Company") provide integrated communications that keep consumer and enterprise customers connected with each other and with the world. Through our Network segment, the Company provides Data, Video, and Voice solutions to consumer and enterprise customers over an expanding fiber network and a legacy copper network.
Sale of IT Services Business
On February 2, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with TowerBrook Capital Partners ("TowerBrook") in which TowerBrook would acquire the CBTS and OnX businesses (the "Disposal Group") from the Company for a purchase price of $670.0 million (the "Proceeds"). Management evaluated the criteria to report the Disposal Group as held for sale and concluded that all of the criteria were met as of February 2024. As a result, the Company reported the assets and the liabilities included in the Disposal Group as held for sale and the operations as discontinued for interim periods and comparable prior year periods beginning with the year ended December 31, 2022. The revenue and operating income contributed by Hawaii operations and certain Communications customers, as well as the associated assets and liabilities, previously reported in the Company's IT Services and Hardware Segment, were retained by the Company and excluded from the Disposal Group. These operations have been reported in the Network segment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
On December 2, 2024 (the "Closing Date"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law ("OGCL"), the Divestiture was completed. The Proceeds from the Purchase Agreement included cash from TowerBrook in the amount of $688.4 million. The final cash proceeds could be further adjusted for post closing adjustments defined in the Purchase Agreement. These proceeds were used to pay on the Closing Date (1) $180.0 million of existing debt and accrued interest under the Credit Agreement, (2) $214.3 million of existing debt and accrued interest under the Company's Network and CBTS Receivables Facilities, (3) $23.9 million of consideration payable to executives, and (4) transaction costs of $7.1 million primarily related to legal costs and acquisition-related advisory fees associated with the sale.
altafiber Brand
In March 2022, the Company announced that we would begin doing business as “altafiber” in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana as we continue to expand our geographic reach and invest in our fiber network that delivers broadband connectivity. The branding change did not impact our Hawaiian Telcom business.
Discussion of Operating Segment Results
The Company manages its business based upon product and service offerings. For the year ended December 31, 2024 we operated as one reportable business segment. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we operated two reportable business segments: Network and IT Services and Hardware. Certain corporate general and administrative expenses have been allocated to our business segment based upon the nature of the expense.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Network segment provides products and services in which revenue is categorized as Strategic, Legacy, or Other. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company realigned the classification of products and services to these categories within the Network segment to better align revenue across geographies as well as reclass certain nonrecurring revenue to Other. Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC ("CBT"), a subsidiary of the Company, is the incumbent local exchange carrier ("ILEC") for a geography that covers a radius of approximately 25 miles around Cincinnati, Ohio, and includes parts of northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana. CBT has operated in this territory for over 150 years. In 2022, the Company announced that we will begin doing business as "altafiber" and started our network expansion outside of this territory to provide fiber services to adjacent markets. Voice and data services that are delivered beyond the Company's ILEC territory, particularly in Dayton, Mason, and Columbus, Ohio, are provided through the operations of Cincinnati Bell Extended Territories LLC ("CBET"), a subsidiary of CBT. On July 2, 2018, the Company acquired Hawaiian Telcom. Hawaiian Telcom is the ILEC for the State of Hawaii and the largest full-service provider of communications services and products in the state. Originally incorporated in Hawaii in 1883 as Mutual Telephone Company, Hawaiian Telcom has a strong heritage of over 140 years as Hawaii’s communications carrier. Its services are offered on all of Hawaii’s major islands, with recent expansion of its video service from Oahu to all neighboring islands. On May 2, 2022, the Company acquired Agile, based in Canton, Ohio. Agile leases wireless infrastructure assets to third parties and provides connectivity through hybrid fiber wireless data networks primarily to customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. On April 17, 2023, the Company acquired Ohio Transparent Telecom Inc. ("OTT"). OTT provides network security, data connectivity, and unified communications solutions to commercial and enterprise customers across multiple sectors throughout Ohio and Michigan.
As a result of the Purchase Agreement, revenue contributed by Hawaii operations and certain Communications revenue previously reported in the IT Services and Hardware segment are now reported in the Network segment for the years ended 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Strategic products include internet access for speeds that meet or exceed 100 megabits per second and Enterprise Fiber, each categorized below as Data as well as Video. The Company is able to deliver speeds of up to six gigabits per second to 80% of the Cincinnati ILEC operating territory and 60% of Hawaii’s total addressable market. Enterprise Fiber products include metro-ethernet, dedicated internet access, wavelength, IRU contracts, connectivity services provided by Agile, and wireless backhaul to macro-towers and small cells. Hawaiian Telcom Enterprise Fiber revenue also includes revenue from the SEA-US cable system. As enterprise customers migrate from legacy products and copper-based technology, our metro-ethernet product becomes the preferred method of transport due to its ability to support multiple applications on a single physical connection.
Legacy products include internet access for speeds of less than 100 megabits per second, traditional voice lines, consumer and business long distance, switched access, digital trunking, DSL, DS0, DS1, DS3, and other value-added services such as caller identification, voicemail, call waiting and call return. As a result of the Purchase Agreement, Legacy products also include certain communications services including data and VoIP services, tailored solutions that include converged IP communications of data, voice and mobility applications, MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and conferencing services.
Other revenue is comprised of wire care, time and materials projects, advertising, management of distributed antenna systems, certain pass-through fees such as franchise fees and regulatory fees, other fees that are not billed on a monthly recurring basis, and subsidized fiber build project revenue related to extending the Company's fiber network in the Greater Cincinnati territory subsidized through our UniCity program and in Hawaii subsidized through a customer contract. As a result of the Purchase Agreement, Other revenue also includes revenue contributed by Hawaiian Telcom for the sale of hardware and maintenance contracts as well as installation projects and cloud services which include storage, SLA-based monitoring and management, cloud computing and cloud consulting.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
$ Change
% Change
$ Change
% Change
(dollars in millions)
2024 vs. 2023
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs 2022
2023 vs 2022
Revenue:
Data
$
581.3
$
552.8
$
28.5
%
$
518.6
$
34.2
%
Video
178.5
180.8
(2.3
)
%
179.4
1.4
%
Voice
228.2
256.4
(28.2
)
%
278.0
(21.6
)
(8
)%
Other
108.3
110.1
(1.8
)
%
115.5
(5.4
)
(5
)%
Total Revenue
1,096.3
1,100.1
(3.8
)
%
1,091.5
8.6
%
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of services and products
530.8
533.7
(2.9
)
%
518.2
15.5
%
Selling, general and administrative
235.9
241.7
(5.8
)
%
221.9
19.8
%
Depreciation and amortization
338.7
369.2
(30.5
)
%
408.4
(39.2
)
(10
)%
Impairment of assets
3.1
-
3.1
n/m
2.7
(2.7
)
n/m
Restructuring and severance related charges
59.3
10.3
49.0
n/m
-
10.3
n/m
Transaction costs
-
0.1
(0.1
)
n/m
-
0.1
n/m
Total operating costs and expenses
1,167.8
1,155.0
12.8
%
1,151.2
3.8
%
Operating (loss) income
$
(71.5
)
$
(54.9
)
$
(16.6
)
%
$
(59.7
)
$
4.8
(8
)%
Operating margin
(6.5
)%
(5.0
)%
(1.4) pts
(5.5
)%
(0.9) pts
Capital expenditures
$
533.0
$
620.9
$
(87.9
)
%
$
460.5
$
160.4
%
Change
% Change
Change
% Change
Metrics information (in thousands):
2024 vs. 2023
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
2023 vs. 2022
Greater Cincinnati
Strategic
Internet*
366.5
330.5
36.0
%
284.4
46.1
%
Video
112.8
121.5
(8.7
)
(7
)%
123.1
(1.6
)
(1
)%
Enterprise Fiber - Ethernet Bandwidth
15,928
12,815
3,113
%
10,923
1,892
%
Units passed FTTP**
898.7
836.2
62.5
%
657.2
179.0
%
Legacy
Internet***
19.4
39.6
(20.2
)
(51
)%
64.3
(24.7
)
(38
)%
Voice Lines
195.5
218.6
(23.1
)
(11
)%
242.1
(23.5
)
(10
)%
* Internet speeds of 100mbps or more
** Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP). In the first quarter of 2024, the Company updated the definition and reporting method used to calculate units passed in Cincinnati. Units passed as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 has also been updated to reflect the change in definition and reporting method.
*** Internet speeds of less than 100mbps
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Change
% Change
Change
% Change
Metrics information (in thousands):
2024 vs. 2023
2024 vs. 2023
2023 vs. 2022
2023 vs. 2022
Hawaii
Strategic
Internet*
105.5
87.4
18.1
%
70.6
16.8
%
Video
35.0
34.1
0.9
%
36.0
(1.9
)
(5
)%
Enterprise Fiber - Ethernet Bandwidth
8,272.0
6,749
1,523.0
%
4,885.0
1,864.0
%
Units passed FTTP**
400.8
339.0
61.8
%
268.0
71.0
%
Legacy
Internet***
24.0
29.3
(5.3
)
(18
)%
37.3
(8.0
)
(21
)%
Voice Lines
126.2
137.0
(10.8
)
(8
)%
150.7
(13.7
)
(9
)%
* Internet speeds of 100mbps or more
** Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP); includes units passed for both consumer and business on Oahu and neighboring islands.
*** Internet speeds of less than 100mbps
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Revenue
Strategic
Internet
$
277.1
$
64.6
$
341.7
$
236.3
$
51.3
$
287.6
$
198.0
$
41.3
$
239.3
Enterprise Fiber
96.8
56.6
153.4
99.7
49.1
148.8
94.4
37.0
131.4
Video
150.0
28.5
178.5
150.3
30.5
180.8
147.3
32.1
179.4
Total Strategic
523.9
149.7
673.6
486.3
130.9
617.2
439.7
110.4
550.1
Legacy
Voice
136.1
92.1
228.2
157.4
99.0
256.4
172.3
105.7
278.0
Internet
22.5
14.9
37.4
37.2
18.0
55.2
50.7
21.3
72.0
Data
28.3
20.5
48.8
34.7
26.5
61.2
39.5
36.4
75.9
Total Legacy
186.9
127.5
314.4
229.3
143.5
372.8
262.5
163.4
425.9
Other
43.6
64.7
108.3
44.2
65.9
110.1
60.7
54.8
115.5
Total Network Revenue
$
754.4
$
341.9
$
1,096.3
$
759.8
$
340.3
$
1,100.1
$
762.9
$
328.6
$
1,091.5
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Strategic
Strategic internet revenue increased $54.1 million for 2024 compared to 2023 due to the increase in the FTTP internet subscriber base. The internet subscriber base continues to increase as we focus attention on growing the strategic internet subscriber base, adding 36,000 strategic internet subscribers in Greater Cincinnati and 18,100 strategic internet subscribers in Hawaii during 2024. In Greater Cincinnati, we passed 62,500 addresses in 2024 primarily related to multi-dwelling units, and single family homes in Dayton, Ohio and in Columbus, Ohio, while in Hawaii our accelerated fiber build pace enabled us to pass 61,800 addresses during the year. The Average Revenue Per User (“ARPU”) for 2024 increased for internet in both Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii compared to the prior year primarily due to price increases and more customers subscribing to higher broadband tiers.
Enterprise Fiber revenue increased $4.6 million for 2024 compared to the prior year due to increased revenue in Hawaii of $7.5 million, primarily associated with the IRU contract related to the SEA-US cable system, more than offsetting decreases in Greater Cincinnati as a result of pricing pressures to provide higher speeds at lower costs. In addition, revenue was favorably impacted in each geography as a result of customers migrating from legacy product offerings to higher bandwidth fiber solutions as evidenced by the 24% and 23% increases in Ethernet Bandwidth in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii, respectively.
Legacy
Legacy revenue decreased $58.4 million for 2024 compared to the prior year due to the decline in voice lines and internet subscribers. Voice lines declined 11% and 8% in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii, respectively, as traditional voice lines become less relevant. Legacy internet subscribers continue to decrease in Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii as subscribers demand the higher speeds that can be provided by fiber. In addition, declines in DS1, DS3 and digital trunking have contributed to the Legacy revenue decline in 2024 compared to the prior year as customers migrate away from these solutions to fiber-based solutions.
Other
Other revenue decreased $1.8 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreased revenue from subsidized fiber build projects of $5.4 million and Hawaii hardware sales of $4.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by increased revenue from professional services projects of $4.7 million, miscellaneous billing increases of $2.3 million, and nonrecurring rent revenue billing adjustments of $1.4 million.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Cost of services and products decreased $2.9 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreases in network related expenses of $13.9 million, operating materials of $2.3 million related to the decommissioning of certain copper assets as customers continue to migrate from copper-based services to fiber-based services and payroll of $1.0 million as a result of headcount reductions carried out in the first quarter of 2024. These decreases were partially offset by increases in software related expenses of $9.4 million due to increased subscription costs related to the delivery of our video product and increased operating taxes of $5.2 million.
SG&A expenses decreased $5.8 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreased contract services of $7.1 million and advertising expenses of $3.2 million. The decrease in contract services costs is primarily due to elevated general liability insurance expenses incurred in 2023 related to the wildfires in Hawaii compared to 2024 as additional expenses are now covered by our insurance policies. Favorable advertising expenses were driven by reduced marketing campaigns and promotional events. These decreased costs were partially offset by increased legal fees of $3.6 million related to the ongoing work related to the wildfire settlement agreement and increased software development expenses of $1.9 million due to internal software projects and higher software support fees.
Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased $30.5 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to certain assets that were given a shorter useful life when recorded at fair value on the Company's merger date, September 7, 2021, and were fully depreciated by 2023 in addition to declining amortization expense on certain intangibles.
Impairment of asset charges of $3.1 million were recorded in 2024 related to fixed assets and operating lease assets that will no longer be utilized by the business as a result of the Company's decision to no longer pursue an ancillary product offering.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Restructuring and severance related charges of $59.3 million were recorded in 2024, an increase of $49.0 million compared to the prior year primarily due to a restructuring plan executed in the fourth quarter of 2024 consisting of an organizational restructuring to centralize the Company’s management, align resources with strategic product lines and reduce costs associated with certain functions (the “Organizational Restructuring”). Certain employees were offered enhanced severance benefits under the 2024 voluntary severance program ("2024 VSP"). The Organizational Restructuring has resulted in the elimination of certain positions and termination of employment for certain employees.
Restructuring and severance charges recorded in 2023 are related to a severance program to reduce costs and identify efficiencies that can be achieved by further integrating operations between Greater Cincinnati and Hawaii. In the fourth quarter of 2023, severance charges of $7.2 million were recorded related to a voluntary severance program and severance charges of $3.1 million were recorded related to involuntary severance charges.
Capital Expenditures
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Greater Cincinnati
Hawaii
Total
Fiber Network Capital Expenditures
Construction
$
112.1
$
66.8
$
178.9
$
191.4
$
73.6
$
265.0
$
149.5
$
48.8
$
198.3
Installation
89.9
28.5
118.4
88.8
35.4
124.2
67.9
24.1
92.0
Other
22.3
4.2
26.5
14.2
5.4
19.6
11.6
4.7
16.3
Total Fiber Network
224.3
99.5
323.8
294.4
114.4
408.8
229.0
77.6
306.6
Enterprise Fiber
39.3
23.6
62.9
43.3
26.6
69.9
19.0
21.0
40.0
Other
56.9
89.4
146.3
64.5
77.7
142.2
46.0
67.9
113.9
Total Network Capital Expenditures
$
320.5
$
212.5
$
533.0
$
402.2
$
218.7
$
620.9
$
294.0
$
166.5
$
460.5
Capital expenditures in Greater Cincinnati are incurred to expand our fiber network, upgrade and increase capacity for our networks, and to maintain our fiber and copper networks. The Company is focused on building FTTP addresses, and during 2024, we passed 62,500 FTTP addresses in Greater Cincinnati. As of December 31, 2024, the Company is able to deliver internet speeds up to six gigabits or more to 898,700 residential and commercial addresses, or approximately 80% of our operating territory in Greater Cincinnati. Greater Cincinnati construction capital expenditures decreased $79.3 million for 2024 compared to 2023 due to passing fewer doors compared to the prior period. Greater Cincinnati installation capital expenditures increased $1.1 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher costs to install.
Enterprise Fiber capital expenditures in Greater Cincinnati are related to success-based fiber builds, including associated equipment, for enterprise and carrier projects to provide ethernet services as well as network refresh projects that ensure that we continue to grow our capacity and services within the network core. Greater Cincinnati Enterprise Fiber capital expenditures decreased $4.0 million for 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to decreased capital expenditures by Agile of $6.5 million in 2023 compared to the prior year, partially offset by increased network capacity upgrades of $2.4 million. Other capital expenditures are related to IT projects, cable and equipment maintenance and capacity additions, real estate upgrades and maintenance, plus other minor capital purchases.
Hawaii construction capital expenditures decreased $6.8 million for 2024 compared to 2023 due to the timing of capital expenditures, which does not necessarily coincide with the timing of when addresses become available. Hawaii installation capital expenditures decreased $6.9 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to the timing of expenditures for customer premise equipment ("CPE") utilized for installations and lower costs to install in 2024 compared to the prior year. Enterprise Fiber capital in Hawaii is primarily driven by new ethernet customers as well as upgrades to Ethernet Bandwidth for a large carrier across the network due to significant contracts signed in 2022 and 2023. Hawaii capital expenditures classified as Other include IT projects, real estate projects, road jobs or plant damage projects, and network upgrades or optimization projects.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Corporate
Corporate is comprised primarily of general and administrative costs that have not been allocated to the Network business segment and transaction and integration costs. Corporate costs totaled $33.2 million in 2024, $26.2 million in 2023 and $26.4 million in 2022.
Corporate costs increased by $7.0 million for 2024 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher transaction and integration costs of $3.6 million, increased software development expenses of $4.2 million related to internal software projects, increased payroll of $1.1 million and increased charges of $0.7 million related to the continuation of the Company's organizational restructuring plan which resulted in severance charges in the fourth quarter of 2024. These increased costs were partially offset by lower contract termination costs of $2.5 million compared to the prior year.
Interest expense increased $15.3 million for 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to interest expense incurred on the Incremental Term B-2 Loans entered into in the second quarter of 2024 which provided an additional $300 million to the Company's existing variable-rate borrowings. The increase in interest expense was partially offset by decreased borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility throughout 2024 compared to the prior year.
Other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans (benefit) expense decreased for 2024 compared to the prior year due to the annual remeasurement of the pension and postretirement projected benefit obligation that resulted in decreased expense due to lower interest cost on projected benefit obligations and increased benefit from expected return on plan assets as well as settlement gains recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2024. Settlement gains recorded were the result of the Company's purchase of a group annuity contract to transfer a portion of its pension liability and the related responsibility for benefit payments within existing defined benefit plans as well as the distribution of lump sum payments.
Other expense (income), net totaled income of $37.2 million for 2024 primarily due to recording gains associated with the Company's interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements of $23.1 million. In addition, the Company recorded a patronage distribution of $6.1 million from one of the syndicated lenders of the Term B-1 Loans and Term B-3 Loans in the Company's Credit Agreement.
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes totaled $237.5 million resulting in an increase in the loss of $13.4 million compared to the prior year as the increase in operating loss and interest expense was only partially offset by favorable changes to other expense (income), net and other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans (benefit) expense.
The income tax provision for 2024 was a benefit of $13.9 million which was lower than the period's income at the statutory rate, due primarily to a valuation allowance recorded against federal net operating loss carryforwards. The income tax provision for 2023 was a benefit of $16.4 million. The income tax benefit recorded in 2024 was lower than the benefit recorded in the prior year, due primarily to additional valuation allowance recorded against federal net operating loss carryforwards in 2024.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
Capital Investment, Resources and Liquidity
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had an accumulated deficit of $480.1 million and $1,765.8 million of outstanding indebtedness.
The Company's primary source of cash is generated by operations. The Company generated $236.8 million and $106.0 million of cash flows from operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $890.7 million of short-term liquidity, comprised of $460.7 million of cash and cash equivalents, $400.0 million of undrawn capacity on our Revolving Credit Facility, and $30.0 million available under the Network Receivables Facility.
In August 2023, Parent committed to make capital contributions of $600.0 million to the Company, of which $400.0 million was received in the third quarter of 2023 and $200.0 million was received in the fourth quarter of 2024. The capital contributions received were used to repay borrowings on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, fund capital expenditures, and fund working capital.
The Company’s primary uses of cash are for working capital requirements, capital expenditures and debt service and, to a lesser extent, to fund pension and retiree medical obligations.
Capital expenditures decreased $87.9 million for 2024 compared to 2023 primarily due to lower construction capital expenditures in Greater Cincinnati associated with the expansion of our fiber network.
Interest payments were $175.7 million in 2024, an increase of $18.7 million compared to 2023. Interest payments increased for 2024 compared to the prior year due to higher interest rates on the Company's variable-rate borrowings in addition to interest payments related to $300.0 million of incremental Term B-2 Loans entered into in the second quarter of 2024, partially offset by decreased borrowings on the Revolving Credit Facility and accounts receivable securitization facilities. Our contractual debt maturities in 2025, including finance lease obligations, are $49.2 million and contractual interest payments are expected to be approximately $120 million.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings and $25.0 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Network Receivables Facility on a borrowing capacity of $55.0 million. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company executed an amendment to the Network Receivables Facility to extend the renewal date to April 9, 2025. The other material terms and conditions of the Network Receivables Facility were unchanged by the amendment.
Capacity on the Network Receivables Facility is calculated based on the quantity and quality of outstanding accounts receivables. Therefore if the Company experiences declines in revenue or extends discounts to customers, the capacity could be negatively impacted and reduce our short term liquidity. While we expect to continue to renew the Network Receivables Facility, we would be required to use cash, our Revolving Credit Facility, or other sources to repay any outstanding balances on the facility if it were not renewed.
The Company's CBTS Receivables Facility was terminated in conjunction with the sale of the Disposal Group.
In 2021, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") that initially provided for (i) a five-year $275 million senior secured revolving credit facility, including both a letter of credit subfacility of up to $40 million and a swingline loan subfacility of up to $10 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a seven-year $150 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-1 Loans”). The Revolving Credit Facility matures in September 2026 and the Term B-1 Loans mature in September 2028. Borrowings under the Term B-1 Loans were used to refinance existing company indebtedness, finance a portion of the fees and expenses relating to the acquisition of the Company and the establishment of the Credit Agreement, and for working capital and general corporate purposes.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
In November 2021, the Company entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment No. 1”) to the Credit Agreement to provide for, among other things, (i) a $125.0 million upsize to the Revolving Credit Facility, increasing the total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility to $400.0 million, (ii) a $350.0 million incremental increase to the Term B-1 Loans (the “Incremental Term B-1 Loans Increase”), increasing the aggregate principal amount of Term B-1 Loans to $500.0 million, and (iii) the incurrence of a new tranche of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured term loans (the “Term B-2 Loans”). The proceeds of the Incremental Term B-1 Loans Increase and the Term B-2 Loans were used by the Company to redeem in full all of the Company’s existing 7.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) and 8.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), and to pay fees and expenses in connection thereto. The Term B-2 Loans mature in November 2028. The Amendment No. 1 also extended the maturity of all Term B-1 Loans to November 2028 and reduced the interest applicable to the Term B-1 Loans and the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amendment No. 1 also provided for the transition of the benchmark rate of interest under the Credit Agreement from LIBOR to Term SOFR.
In May 2023, the Company entered into an Incremental Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Incremental Amendment”) to provide for the incurrence of a new tranche of $200.0 million senior secured term loans (the “Term B-3 Loans”). The proceeds of the Term B-3 Loans were used to repay a portion of the loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, repay in full the remaining 7 1/4% Notes due 2023 upon maturity in the second quarter of 2023, and for other general corporate purposes. The Term B-3 Loans will mature in November 2028. All other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by the Incremental Amendment. In addition, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $1.9 million related to the issuance of the Term B-3 Loans and capitalized the amount as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance in 2023.
In May 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 3") to the Credit Agreement to provide for (i) a $300 million incremental increase to the existing Term B-2 Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (the “Incremental Term B-2 Loans”) and (ii) the extension of the maturity date for the commitments under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility to August 2028. The Incremental Term B-2 Loans are part of the same class of Loans as the existing Term B-2 Loans and have the same terms as such Term B-2 Loans. The proceeds of the Incremental Term B-2 Loans were used (a) to repay the outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, (b) to repay a portion of borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization facility, (c) to pay fees, expenses and other transaction costs related to Amendment No. 3 and the transactions contemplated thereby and (d) for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by Amendment No. 3.
In June 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 4") to the Credit Agreement to provide for a reduction in the interest rate margin applicable to the Term B-3 Loans under the Credit Agreement. The other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by Amendment No. 4.
In December 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 5") to the Credit Agreement to provide for (i) a reduction in the interest rate margin applicable to the Term B-1 Loans and the Term B-3 Loans under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the incurrence of a new tranche of $930,590,472 senior secured term loans (the "Term B-4 Loans"). The proceeds of the Term B-4 Loans were used to refinance in full the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Term B-2 Loans and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the refinancing of the Term B-2 Loans.
One of the syndicated lenders of the Term B-1 Loans and Term B-3 Loans in the Credit Agreement is a cooperative bank owned by its customers. Annually, this bank distributes patronage in the form of cash and stock in the cooperative based on the Company’s average outstanding loan balance. The Company will recognize the patronage, generally as declared, in “Other income, net.” The stock component will be recognized at its stated cost basis. The Company received $6.1 million and $5.0 million in patronage dividends for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The Credit Agreement has a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 5.75 to 1.00 when the utilization under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds 35%. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain investments, prepay other indebtedness, sell, transfer, lease, or dispose of assets and enter into, or undertake, certain liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default (which are in some cases subject to certain exceptions, thresholds and grace periods), including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, failure to perform or observe covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, cross-defaults with certain other indebtedness, certain bankruptcy-related events or proceedings, final monetary judgments or orders, ERISA defaults, invalidity of loan documents or guarantees, and certain change of control events. If the Company was to violate any of its covenants and was unable to obtain a waiver, it would be considered a default. If the Company was in default under the Credit Agreement, no additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility would be available until the default was waived or cured. See Item 1A. Risk Factors in this Form 10-K where a more in-depth explanation of default consequences appears.
The Term B-1 Loans, Term B-2 Loans (replaced by the Term B-4 Loans), and Term B-3 Loans are subject to the same affirmative and negative covenants and events of default as the Revolving Credit Facility, except that a breach of the financial covenants will not result in an event of default under the Term B-4 Loans unless and until the agent or a majority in interest of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility have terminated their commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility and accelerated the loans then outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility in response to such breach in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company was in compliance with the Credit Agreement covenants and ratios.
While the Company is no longer subject to the filing requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, following the merger transaction, certain covenants included in the indenture for the Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes due 2028 require the Company to make ongoing voluntary filings with the SEC.
Management believes that cash on hand, operating cash flows, its Revolving Credit Facility, its Network Receivables Facility, and the expectation that the Company will continue to have access to capital markets to refinance debt and other obligations as they mature and come due, should allow the Company to meet its cash requirements for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flows
Cash provided by operating activities in 2024 totaled $236.8 million, an increase of $130.8 million compared to the prior year. The increase is due to changes in the amount of accounts receivable sold on the CBTS Receivables Facility which resulted in increased cash flows of $49.8 million in 2024 compared to the prior year and improved working capital associated with the Disposal Group. Additionally, $21.9 million of gains were realized on the Company's interest rate hedges and caps, an increase of $4.4 million compared to 2023. These increases were partially offset by higher interest payments of $18.7 million primarily due to higher interest rates, higher legal and professional fees of $11.3 million associated with the Maui fire global settlement and restructuring payments of $33.3 million in 2024 associated with initiatives executed in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of $30.0 million compared to payments of $3.3 million in the prior year.
Cash provided by investing activities in 2024 totaled $124.3 million, an increase of $778.5 million compared to $654.2 million used in investing activities in the prior year. In 2024, proceeds received from the sale of the Disposal Group in the fourth quarter of 2024 of $672.2 million and receipt of $7.0 million of insurance reimbursements related to the physical loss and damage claims filed as a result of the wildfires in Hawaii more than offset capital expenditures of $553.5 million. Additionally, capital expenditures in 2024 decreased by $87.9 million compared to 2023 as the Company slowed the pace of the build of the fiber network.
Cash provided by financing activities totaled $92.1 million in 2024 primarily due to the issuance of $300.0 million of Incremental Term B-2 Loans and a capital contribution from Parent of $200.0 million. These financing inflows were partially offset by net payments on the Revolving Credit Facility and receivables facilities of $152.5 million and $245.5 million, respectively, and required payments totaling $13.4 million on the Term B-1, B-2 and B-3 Loans. Cash provided by financing activities totaled $547.8 million in 2023 primarily due to a capital contribution from Parent of $400.0 million, the issuance of $200.0 million of Term B-3 Loans and net borrowings on the receivables facilities of $58.7 million. These increases were partially offset by net payments on the Revolving Credit Facility of $70.5 million and debt repayments of $47.8 million consisting of the repayment of the remaining $22.3 million outstanding principal amount of its 7 1/4% Notes due 2023 upon the maturity date of the notes in the second quarter of 2023 and payments related to the Term B-1 Loans, Term B-2 Loans, Term B-3 Loans and finance leases.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Future Operating Trends
We continue to mitigate the revenue decline experienced with our Legacy products with increases in revenue of our fiber-based products. In addition, the merger with Hawaiian Telcom has allowed us to build scale and fiber density to help capitalize on the growing demands for internet speeds that only a fiber network can provide. We expect the desire by customers for increased internet speeds will only continue as evidenced by the fact that approximately 95% of Greater Cincinnati’s internet customers subscribe to speeds of 100 megabits or more, compared to approximately 90% and 80% subscribed to such speeds in 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 81% of internet customers in Hawaii subscribed to speeds of 100 megabits or more, compared to approximately 75% and 65% subscribed to such speeds in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Efforts to expand our fiber network continued in 2024 with delivering additional addresses in Dayton, Ohio throughout the year and continued build plans in 2025. In addition, in 2024 we started building in Columbus, Ohio and will continue to build addresses throughout 2025. The Company will also work to identify new opportunities for further expansion in 2025 in addition to the planned construction build to Southwest Ohio with subsidy support of $50 million from a grant awarded in the third quarter of 2024 to build fiber to 38,000 addresses in that region.
During 2025, we expect continued competition for internet, voice and video services as the cable competitor in the Greater Cincinnati market continues to target areas where we have copper and FTTN. Due to this competition, as well as customers migrating to obtaining video programming over broadband Internet connections, we expect to continue to see a decline in video subscribers as well as FTTN and DSL internet subscribers. In the Hawaii market, we also expect continued competition for internet, voice and video services as the cable competitor has increased advertising subsequent to our acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom.
In 2025, we plan to invest more than $400 million to expand our fiber network, including construction, installation and other value-added services.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our material contractual obligations and borrowings as of December 31, 2024:
Payments due by Period
(dollars in millions)
Total
Within the next 12 months
Beyond the next 12 months
Long-term debt, excluding finance leases and other financing arrangements (1)
Principal amount
$
1,710.8
$
16.3
$
1,694.5
Interest payments (2)
478.5
121.8
356.7
Finance leases (3)
Principal amount
47.9
10.4
37.5
Interest payments (2)
8.6
3.1
5.5
Non-cancellable operating lease obligations
166.6
11.9
154.7
Purchase obligations (4)
379.4
329.8
49.6
Pension and postretirement benefits obligations (5)
41.5
11.3
30.2
Unrecognized tax benefits (6)
67.8
-
67.8
Other liabilities (7)
66.9
5.6
61.3
Total
$
2,968.0
$
510.2
$
2,457.8
(1)Excludes net unamortized discounts and fair value adjustments recorded on the Merger Date. Excludes financing obligation incurred in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Paniolo in 2021 as it was paid off in February 2025. Other bank debt is excluded due to a repayment date of January 2, 2025.
(2)Assumes no early payment of debt in future periods. The interest rate applied on variable rate borrowings is the rate in effect as of December 31, 2024. Excludes financing obligation incurred in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Paniolo in 2021 as it was paid off in February 2025. Refer to Note 8 for details.
(3)Includes finance lease obligations primarily related to vehicles, network equipment used in the deployment of our fiber network, and wireless towers assumed from our discontinued wireless operations.
(4)Includes amounts under open purchase orders and open blanket purchase orders for purchases of network, IT and telephony equipment, video content, and other goods; contractual obligations for services such as software maintenance and outsourced services; and other purchase commitments.
(5)Includes payments for Cincinnati and Hawaii Pension and Postretirement Plans as well as other employee retirement agreements. Amounts due within the next 12 months include approximately $7 million expected to be contributed for postretirement benefits. Although the Company expects to continue operating the plans past the next 12 months, its contractual obligation related to postretirement obligations only extends through 2025. Amounts for 2025 through 2034 include approximately $21.2 million of estimated cash contributions to the qualified pension plans with approximately $2 million of cash contributions due within the next 12 months. Expected qualified pension plan contributions are based on current plan design, legislation and current actuarial assumptions. Any changes in plan design, legislation or actuarial assumptions may also affect the expected contribution amount.
(6)Includes the portion of liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits. If the timing of payments cannot be reasonably estimated for unrecognized tax benefits, these liabilities are included in the "Beyond the next 12 months" column of the table above.
(7)Includes contractual obligations primarily related to asset removal obligations and liabilities related to the pole license agreement obligation.
The amount of these obligations can be expected to change over time as new contracts are initiated and existing contracts are completed, terminated, or modified.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Contingencies
We are subject to various lawsuits, actions, proceedings, claims and other matters asserted under laws and regulations in the normal course of business. We believe that the amounts provided in our consolidated financial statements, as prescribed by generally accepted accounting principles, are adequate in light of those contingencies that are probable and able to be estimated. However, there can be no assurances that the actual amounts required to satisfy alleged liabilities from various legal proceedings, claims, tax examinations, and other matters, including the matters discussed below and to comply with applicable laws and regulations, will not exceed the amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements. As such, costs, if any, that may be incurred in excess of those amounts provided as of December 31, 2024, cannot be reasonably determined. For additional details refer to Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements.
Based on information currently available, consultation with counsel, available insurance coverage and established reserves, management believes that the eventual outcome of all outstanding claims will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Indemnifications
During the normal course of business, the Company makes certain indemnities, commitments, and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include: (a) intellectual property indemnities to customers in connection with the use, sale, and/or license of products and services, (b) indemnities to customers in connection with losses incurred while performing services on their premises, (c) indemnities to vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on negligence or willful misconduct, (d) indemnities involving the representations and warranties in certain contracts, and (e) outstanding letters of credit which totaled $25.0 million as of December 31, 2024. In addition, the Company has made contractual commitments to several employees providing for payments upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events. The majority of these indemnities, commitments, and guarantees do not provide for any limitation on the maximum potential for future payments.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates or judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates or judgments. Certain accounting policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.
Our most significant accounting policies are presented in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Management views critical accounting policies to be those policies that are highly dependent on subjective or complex judgments, estimates or assumptions, and where changes in those estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements. We have discussed our most critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates with our Audit Committee.
The discussion below addresses major judgments used in:
•business combinations
•reviewing the carrying values of goodwill and definite-lived intangible assets;
•accounting for income taxes; and
•accounting for pension and postretirement obligations.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Business Combinations - In accounting for business combinations, we apply the accounting requirements of FASB ASC 805, “Business Combinations,” which requires the recording of net assets of acquired businesses at fair value. The Company utilizes management estimates and an independent third-party valuation firm to assist in determining the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities. In developing estimates of the fair value of net assets, the Company analyzes a variety of factors including market data, estimated future cash flows of the acquired operations, industry growth rates, current replacement cost for fixed assets, and market rate assumptions for contractual obligations. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to the intangible assets and network assets. The Company reports in its consolidated financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which accounting is incomplete. Goodwill is adjusted for any changes to provisional amounts made within the measurement period.
Reviewing the Carrying Values of Goodwill and Definite-lived Intangible Assets - We amortize intangible assets over their useful lives unless we determine such lives to be indefinite. We evaluate goodwill annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. For impairment testing, goodwill has been assigned to reporting units which consist of the Company’s Greater Cincinnati operations, Hawaii operations and Agile operations.
The Company adheres to the guidance under ASC 350-20 in testing goodwill for impairment. Under this guidance, the Company has the option of performing a qualitative assessment for impairment prior to performing the quantitative tests. We perform our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter on October 1st when our long term plan is updated based on the following steps:
Step 0 or qualitative assessment - Evaluate qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. The factors we consider include, but are not limited to, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance or events specific to that reporting unit. If or when we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, including goodwill, we would perform a Step 1 quantitative test.
Step 1 or quantitative test - Compare the fair value for each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. Fair value is determined based on a combination of valuation methods, including both income-based and market-based methods. The income-based approach utilizes a discounted cash flow model using projected cash flows derived from the long term plan, adjusted to reflect market participants' assumptions. Expected future cash flows are discounted at the weighted average cost of capital applying a market participant approach. The market-based approach utilizes earnings multiples from comparable publicly-traded companies. A goodwill impairment charge is recognized for the amount that the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. If a reporting unit’s fair value exceeds the carrying value, no further work is performed and no impairment charge is necessary.
The Company performed a quantitative analysis of goodwill in 2024 for all reporting units and determined that the fair value of all reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired. In 2023, a qualitative assessment for Agile goodwill was used due to the limited amount of time that passed from the acquisition date and the testing date and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value exceeded the carrying value and goodwill was not impaired. For all other reporting units, a quantitative analysis was utilized for 2023. No goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment losses were recognized in 2024, 2023 and 2022.
We use the income approach to determine the fair value of our definite-lived trade names and customer relationships intangible assets. Our projections used in the income approach to determine the fair value of our definite-lived trade names and customer relationships intangible assets include assumptions for growth rates of sales, costs, and profits, which are based on various long-range financial and operational plans. Additionally, discount rates used in the definite-lived intangible analysis are based on a weighted-average cost of capital, driven by interest rates, as well as credit ratings and financing abilities, among other factors.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Changes in certain assumptions could have a significant impact on the impairment tests for goodwill. The most critical assumptions are projected future growth rates, EBITDA margin, terminal growth rate, discount rate selection, peer group determination and market multiples. These assumptions are subject to change as the Company's long-term plans and strategies are updated each year. As of the annual testing date, each reporting unit's fair value exceeded the carrying value of the reporting unit, and as such, there is no goodwill impairment. However, the quantitative analysis of goodwill for the Hawaii reporting unit indicated that the cushion between its estimated fair value and carrying value was less than 10% as of the October 1, 2024 assessment date. Goodwill associated with the Hawaii reporting unit at December 31, 2024 is $144.0 million. The estimated fair value determination requires judgment and is sensitive to changes in the underlying assumptions discussed above. Accordingly, if current cash flow assumptions are not realized or other macroeconomic factors adversely impact other assumptions, it is possible that an impairment charge may be recorded in the future.
Accounting for Income Taxes - The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various state and local jurisdictions. The Company’s previous tax filings are subject to normal reviews by regulatory agencies until the related statute of limitations expires. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations for years prior to 2020.
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards at the federal, state and local levels. Federal net operating loss carryforwards are available to offset taxable income in current and future periods. The next material tranche of Federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire, if not utilized, in 2031. The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax assets depends upon our ability to generate future taxable income during the periods in which basis differences and other deductions become deductible and prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards. The Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it expects that sufficient future taxable income will be generated to allow it to realize its existing deferred tax assets. Based on this analysis, there are not sufficient sources of future taxable income (e.g. reversing deferred tax liabilities) for management to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize all available federal net operating losses and federal and state carryforwards for interest expense deductions that are limited under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions, so an additional partial valuation allowance was recorded in 2024. In addition, realization of certain state and local net operating losses, as well as other deferred tax assets, is not certain, so valuation allowances have been recorded against certain of those deferred assets as well. Changes in our current estimates due to such factors as unanticipated market conditions and legislative developments could have a material effect on our ability to utilize deferred tax assets. Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions place potential limitations on the Company’s ability to fully utilize existing deferred tax assets related to federal and state net operating losses.
Valuation allowances of $82.9 million and $28.0 million have been recognized as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These valuation allowances are against U.S. federal, state and local net operating losses, as well as federal and state carryforwards for interest expense deductions that are limited under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits were $67.8 million and $19.4 million, respectively. The liability is representative of tax positions taken where tax authorities' interpretation of the appropriate tax treatment may differ from the position the Company has taken. As of December 31, 2024, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $67.2 million. Accrued interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is recognized in interest expense.
Accounting for Pension and Postretirement Obligations - In accounting for pension and postretirement expenses, we apply ASC 715, "Compensation - Retirement Benefits." A liability has been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets for the unfunded status of the pension and postretirement plans. Actuarial (gains) losses and prior service costs (benefits) that arise during the period are recognized as a component of "Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for eligible management employees, non-management employees, and certain former senior executives. We also provide healthcare and group life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. The measurement date for our pension and postretirement obligations is as of December 31. When changes to the plans occur during interim periods, management reviews the changes and determines if a remeasurement is necessary. In the third quarter of 2024, an amendment was approved to transfer a portion of the Company's pension liability and related responsibility for benefit payments of certain participants and beneficiaries within the existing defined benefit plans to a group annuity contract. Effective December 31, 2023, an amendment was approved to merge the Hawaiian Telcom Management Pension Plan into the Cincinnati Bell Management Pension Plan. With the exception of the previously discussed amendments, no other amendments to the plans were made during 2024 or 2023.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The measurement of our pension and postretirement projected benefit obligations involves significant assumptions and estimates. Each time we remeasure our projected benefit obligations, we reassess the significant assumptions and estimates. The actuarial assumptions attempt to anticipate future events and are used in calculating the expenses and liabilities related to these plans. The most significant of these numerous assumptions, which are reviewed annually, include the discount rate, rate of return and healthcare cost trend rates.
Discount rate
A discount rate is used to measure the present value of projected benefit obligations. The discount rate for each plan is individually calculated based upon the timing of expected future benefit payments. Our discount rates are derived based upon a yield curve developed to reflect yields available on high-quality corporate bonds as of the measurement date. As of December 31, 2024, the average discount rate used to value the Cincinnati pension plans and postretirement plans was 5.60%. As of December 31, 2023, the average discount rate used to value the Cincinnati pension plans and postretirement plans was 5.00%. As of December 31, 2024, the average discount rate used to value the Hawaii pension plan for union employees was 5.40% while the average discount rate used to value the Hawaii postretirement plans was 5.70%. As of December 31, 2023, the average discount rate used to value the Hawaii pension plan for union employees was 5.00% while the average discount rate used to value the Hawaii postretirement plans was 5.10%. Higher rates of interest available on high-quality corporate bonds drove the increase in the discount rates in 2024.
Expected rate of return
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, developed using the building block approach, is based on the mix of investments held directly by the plans and the current view of expected future returns, which is influenced by historical averages. The required use of an expected versus actual long-term rate of return on plan assets may result in recognized pension expense or income that is greater or less than the actual returns of those plan assets in any given year. Over time, however, the expected long-term returns are designed to approximate the actual long-term returns. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the estimated long-term rate of return was 6.30% for the Cincinnati pension plan assets and 6.00% for the union Hawaii pension plan assets. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the estimated long-term rate of return was 6.00% for the Cincinnati pension plan assets, 5.50% for the union Hawaii pension plan assets and 5.00% for the nonunion Hawaii pension plan assets. The long-term rate of return on the Cincinnati and Hawaii postretirement plan assets was estimated to be zero for the disclosed periods as these plans have minimal assets with a low rate of return. Actual asset returns for the Cincinnati pension trusts were gains of 7.24% in 2024 and 13.02% in 2023. Actual asset returns for the Hawaii pension trust were gains of 4.29% in 2024 and 11.32% in 2023. In our pension calculations, the market-related value of assets is equal to the fair market value. Differences between actual and expected returns are recognized in the market-related value of plan assets over five years.
Healthcare cost trend
Our healthcare cost trend rate is developed based on historical cost data, the near-term outlook and an assessment of likely long-term trends. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the healthcare cost trend rate used to measure the Cincinnati postretirement health benefit obligations was 7.5% and 7.0%, respectively. As of December 31, 2024, the healthcare cost trend rate for the Cincinnati plans is assumed to decrease gradually to 4.8% by the year 2036. As of both December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Hawaii postretirement plans have exceeded the per capita cost caps, and therefore, the healthcare cost trend does not apply.
The actuarial assumptions used may differ materially from actual results due to the changing market and economic conditions and other changes. Revisions to and variations from these estimates would impact liabilities, equity, cash flow and other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans expense.
The following table represents the sensitivity of changes in certain assumptions related to the Cincinnati pension and postretirement plans as of December 31, 2024:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
% Point
Increase in
Increase in
Increase in
Increase in
(dollars in millions)
Change
Obligation
Expense
Obligation
Expense
Discount rate
+/- 0.5%
($14.1)/$14.1
$0.7/($0.7)
($1.7)/$1.8
$(0.2)/$0.2
Expected return on assets
+/- 0.5%
n/a
($1.3)/$1.3
n/a
($0)/$0
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The following table represents the sensitivity of changes in certain assumptions related to the Hawaii pension and postretirement plans as of December 31, 2023:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
(Decrease)/
% Point
Increase in
Increase in
Increase in
Increase in
(dollars in millions)
Change
Obligation
Expense
Obligation
Expense
Discount rate
+/- 0.5%
($1.3)/$1.4
$0/($0.2)
($2.6)/$2.9
($0.5)/$0.6
Expected return on assets
+/- 0.5%
n/a
($0.5)/$0.5
n/a
n/a
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, unrecognized actuarial net gains were $45.6 million and $42.5 million, respectively. The unrecognized net gains (losses) have been primarily generated by differences between assumed and actual rates of return on invested assets, changes in discount rates, healthcare costs and the amendment to the Hawaii postretirement health and life insurance plans in 2022. Because gains and losses reflect refinements in estimates, as well as real changes in economic values, and because some gains in one period may be offset by losses in another or vice versa, we are not required to recognize these gains and losses in the periods that they occur. Unrecognized actuarial gains or losses that exceed 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average life expectancy of the participant group for the Cincinnati pension plans and Hawaii pension plans, the average future working lifetime of active employees for the Cincinnati postretirement plans and the average remaining service period of active employees for the Hawaii postretirement plans.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Regulatory Matters and Competitive Trends
Federal - The Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") was enacted with the goal of establishing a pro-competitive, deregulatory framework to promote competition and investment in advanced telecommunications facilities and services to all Americans. From 1996 to 2008, federal regulators considered a multitude of proceedings aimed at promoting competition and deregulation. Although the 1996 Act called for a deregulatory framework, the FCC continued to maintain significant regulatory restraints on the traditional ILECs while increasing opportunities for new competitive entrants and new services by applying minimal regulation. Since 2009, federal regulators have devoted considerable attention to initiatives aimed at promoting investment in, and adoption of, advanced telecommunications services, particularly broadband Internet access services. Simultaneously, the FCC has been adopting measures that it believes would promote competition, protect consumers, reform universal service, and enhance public safety and national security. From 2017 through 2020, the FCC increasingly focused on eliminating burdensome and unnecessary regulations that impede broadband investment. The Biden Administration’s FCC focused on a number of items including net neutrality, digital discrimination, data privacy and transparency. Some of their initiatives were implemented, such as requiring broadband labels and all-in pricing, but others have run into legal challenges. We continue to monitor the changing regulatory environment for any potential impacts, particularly on the following proceedings.
Universal Service
The federal Universal Service Fund ("USF") is funded via an assessment on the interstate end-user revenue of all telecommunications carriers and interconnected VoIP providers. The assessment is used to support high cost, low income, rural healthcare, and schools and libraries programs. During 2024, the quarterly USF assessment rate remained at historic highs, continuing to lead for calls from industry and consumer groups for the FCC to re-evaluate the USF contribution mechanism. The Company will monitor any changes made by the FCC to the program as a result of the incoming Republican controlled Congress. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled the Universal Service Fund unconstitutional. The Court had two main issues with the current USF structure (1) it acts as a tax, rather than a fee as the FCC asserts, which means it needs to originate in Congress, and (2) the FCC has delegated its authority to Universal Service Administration Company (“USAC”), a private company, to administer the program and effectively rubberstamps the quarterly USF assessment rate determined by USAC. Because this ruling is contrary to recent decisions of the 6th and 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear this matter. It is expected to be heard in late March 2025.
In August 2018, bidding concluded in the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II auction (“Auction 903”). Under this reverse auction, up to $2 billion in support over a 10-year period was available to expand fixed broadband service into additional unserved high-cost areas of the country. There were 103 winning bidders and the total amount of support that will be provided to these bidders over the 10-year term is $1.5 billion. Winning bidders must build out their broadband networks within the winning geographic areas (specific census block groups covering 713,176 locations in 45 states) within the first six years of the support term. CBT and Hawaiian Telcom were both winning bidders. As a result, CBT will receive $1.1 million to extend its broadband service to 342 unserved locations and Hawaiian Telcom will receive $18.2 million to build to 3,936 unserved locations. CBT and Hawaiian Telcom auction support distributions began in May 2019 and will continue until May 2029. The build out to all funded auction locations must be completed by December 31, 2025.
In January 2020, the FCC adopted a Report and Order establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”), which will be used to distribute $20.4 billion over ten years to expand broadband in areas that remain unserved at the conclusion of the CAF II price cap support program. The funds will be awarded via two reverse auctions. The Phase I auction (“Auction 904”) began on October 29, 2020 and concluded on November 25, 2020 with 180 winning bidders for a 10-year support amount of $9.23 billion to serve over 5 million locations. The remaining $11 billion will be distributed via a second auction to be held at a later date when more accurate broadband availability data becomes available. Cincinnati Bell was a winning bidder for $26.9 million of support over the 10-year period to reach 11,131 locations in Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Cincinnati Bell assigned the Hawaii winning bids ($24.3 million for 8,049 locations) to Hawaiian Telcom and the Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio winning bids ($2.6 million for 3,082 locations) to Cincinnati Bell Telephone. The funding is being distributed in monthly installments over a 10-year period concluding in 2029 with buildout milestones beginning in 2024.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
On November 15, 2021, President Biden signed the $1 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law No. 117-58) (“IIJA”), which contains $65 billion for various broadband initiatives.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (“BEAD”) Program: The IIJA includes $42.5 billion which will be distributed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) to states for awards to public and private entities to expand broadband deployment to currently unserved or underserved areas. In June 2023, the NTIA announced its allocation of funds that will be made available to each state based upon the determination of unserved and underserved areas from the FCC’s broadband map released in June 2023. The NTIA is still finalizing its rules for the BEAD grants and the individual state broadband offices are developing their plans for awarding funds within their respective states. The Company is closely monitoring the federal and state procedural rules drafting processes and continues to evaluate initiatives that will lay the foundation for potential participation within each state and will pursue opportunities for funding where it deems it to be beneficial.
Middle Mile Grants (“MMG”) Program: The IIJA appropriated $1 billion for the MMG Program to be used to “encourage the expansion and extension of middle mile infrastructure to reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas to the backbone of the internet” and to “promote broadband connection resiliency through the creation of alternative network connection paths that can be designed to prevent single points of failure on a broadband network.” The NTIA accepted middle-mile applications through November 1, 2022 and on June 15, 2023 announced that $930 million was awarded for projects covering 35 states and Puerto Rico. Hawaiian Telcom applied for $37.4 million to partially fund an economically and environmentally sustainable open access middle mile infrastructure to benefit unserved and underserved communities and improve the resiliency of existing broadband services in the state of Hawaii by building new terrestrial and undersea fiber routes in the state. In June 2023, the NTIA awarded Hawaiian Telcom $37.4 million for the project.
Broadband Consumer Labels: The IIJA contains a requirement for broadband internet access service providers to display consumer labels for stand-alone broadband Internet service plans that discloses information to consumers regarding the broadband Internet service plans available to them. The labels contain information about offered speed, price, contract requirements, expected download/upload speed, latency, etc. On April 10, 2024, the rules went into effect to have consumer labels available at points of sale for all standalone broadband internet service plans. On October 10, 2024, the requirement to have labels for all available service plans in a machine-readable format online and having the label available in consumer online accounts went into effect. altafiber and Hawaiian Telcom have been working towards making these labels a reality, and compliant broadband consumer labels are in place as of the effective date(s).
IP Transition
In late 2013, the FCC opened a proceeding to explore how to transition from the legacy circuit-switched TDM networks to Internet Protocol (“IP”) networks. Examination of the myriad of technical, legal and policy issues surrounding the IP transition moved to the forefront during 2014, and during 2015 and 2016, the FCC adopted several orders imposing additional requirements on service providers seeking to transition their networks from copper to fiber. However, during the second quarter of 2017, the FCC opened several proceedings aimed at removing barriers to wireline and wireless broadband deployment and proposed reversing several of the additional requirements imposed in 2015 and 2016. Following this review, in November 2017, the FCC revised its rules to streamline the ILEC copper retirement process and the approval process for discontinuing legacy TDM service to speed the transition from legacy copper-based TDM services to IP services. It also reformed the pole attachment rules to make it easier for providers to attach equipment necessary for next-generation networks. In 2018, the FCC adopted additional changes aimed at streamlining the pole attachment process and preempting state and local processes considered to be detrimental to broadband deployment, particularly the small cells that will be used for 5G networks. The Company does not anticipate any significant financial impact due to these proceedings, although the streamlined processes will help facilitate a smooth transition as the Company migrates from its legacy copper network to a fiber-based IP network.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Broadband Internet Access/Net Neutrality
During the October 2023 FCC meeting, the Commission proposed a net neutrality framework which would reclassify broadband Internet access as a Title II telecommunications service. Although the proposal suggested forbearing from applying certain telecommunications regulations to broadband internet access, it would have subjected broadband internet to significant regulation relative to its current unregulated status. Most notable were the proposals regarding privacy, security and outage reporting. Although outright ex ante price regulation is not proposed, the proposal clearly suggested that the Commission has the right under sections 201 and 202 of the Communications Act to determine in a subsequent period if broadband rates are just and reasonable. The Order implemented by the FCC was challenged and assigned to the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. In December 2024, the Court, in a unanimous opinion, rejected the FCC’s authority to reclassify broadband as a Title II telecommunications service.
Robocalls
During 2019, the FCC took several steps to mitigate the impact of illegal robocalls and spoofed calls on consumers and businesses, including the Chairman calling on the largest voice service providers to “voluntarily” adopt the secure telephone identity revisited signature-based handling of asserted information using tokens (“STIR/SHAKEN”) call authentication standards developed by the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Standards (“ATIS”). In addition, in December 2019, Congress passed and President Trump signed into law the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (“Pallone-Thune TRACED Act”). Under the Pallone-Thune Traced Act, voice service providers must implement the STIR/SHAKEN framework in their IP networks and take reasonable measures to implement an effective call authentication framework in their non-IP networks. Beginning in 2020, the FCC adopted several Orders to implement the provisions of the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act that require voice service providers to take proactive steps to mitigate the origination of illegal robocalls from their networks. The Company continues to take all steps necessary to comply with the new requirements.
State - On April 4, 2023 altafiber successfully filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (“PUCO”) a request for exemption of Ohio Revised Code (“ORC”) Section 4927.12 requirements, per Section 4927.123. All altafiber’s Ohio exchanges have been determined to qualify for alternative regulation of basic local exchange service (“BLES”) by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and therefore removes the annual $2 price cap increase of basic local exchange service.
In Hawaii, the legislature and the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (“HPUC”) have taken steps over the last decade to reduce rate regulation of some of the services of the Company’s Hawaiian Telcom subsidiaries. In 2009 and 2010, the Hawaii State Legislature required the HPUC to treat all intrastate retail telecommunications services, including intrastate toll (i.e., inter island), central exchange (“Centrex”), most residential and business local exchange services, integrated service digital network (“ISDN”) private lines and special assemblies, and directory assistance, as “fully competitive” under the HPUC’s rules with certain qualifications. As a result, HPUC approval and cost support filings were no longer required to establish or reduce rates or to bundle service offerings; however, all service offerings were required to be priced above the service’s long run incremental cost and HPUC retained the ability to suspend and investigate any offering. In 2012, the Hawaii State Legislature passed legislation that gave Hawaiian Telcom pricing flexibility to increase tariffed intrastate rates for any retail telecommunications service without approval from the HPUC, with the exception of basic exchange service (i.e., single line residential and single line business services).
In May 2019, the Hawaii State Legislature granted nearly full pricing flexibility to telecommunications carriers, including Hawaiian Telcom, for intrastate telecommunications services. Rate changes for retail telecommunications services no longer need to be filed with and approved by the HPUC except for any price increase greater than $6.50 on an annual basis for basic exchange services in counties with a population of less than 500,000. In addition, the traditional cost-of-service regulatory framework that required cost support for retail telecommunications service offerings and pricing above a service’s long run incremental cost are no longer applicable; however, the HPUC retains the ability to investigate any offering. The legislation also eliminated the requirements for providers of fully competitive retail telecommunications services to obtain HPUC approval for financing and the sale or encumbrance of regulated property and assets, except when such sale or encumbrance occurs as part of a merger or consolidation with any other public utility. Additional relief was also granted on reporting affiliated transactions and accidents.
Based on these regulatory reforms, the Company can now compete more effectively in Hawaii by making decisions based on marketplace dynamics and other economic information.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cable Franchises - Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana - The states of Ohio and Indiana permit statewide video service authorization. The Company is now authorized by Ohio and Indiana to provide service in its self-described territory with only 10-day notification to the local government entity and other providers. The authorization can be amended to include additional territories upon notification to the state. A franchise agreement with each local franchising authority is required in Kentucky. The Company has agreements with fifty-three franchising authorities in Kentucky.
Hawaii - In Hawaii, cable franchises must be approved by the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (“DCCA”). Since 2011, the Company’s Hawaiian Telcom Services Company, Inc. (“HTSC”) subsidiary has held a cable franchise authorizing it to provide video services throughout the island of Oahu. In late 2023, HTSC applied for cable franchises for the island of Kauai and the counties of Hawaii and Maui, which were granted by DCCA in July 2024.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Refer to Note 2 of the consolidated financial statements for further information on recently issued accounting standards.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Safe Harbor Cautionary Statement
This Form 10-K contains "forward-looking" statements which are based on our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions and restructuring, and business trends are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “predicts,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “continues,” “endeavors,” “strives,” “will,” “may,” “proposes,” “potential,” “could,” “should,” “outlook,” or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of future financial performance, anticipated growth and trends in businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. There are a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors. The following important factors, among other things, could cause or contribute to actual results being materially and adversely different from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
•the Company operates in highly competitive industries, and customers may not continue to purchase products or services, which would result in reduced revenue and loss of market share;
•the Company may be unable to grow its revenues and cash flows despite the initiatives it has implemented;
•if the Company’s goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets or long-lived assets become impaired, the Company may be required to record significant charges to earnings;
•failure to anticipate the need to introduce new products and services or to compete with new technologies may compromise the Company’s success in our industries;
•the Company’s access lines, which generate a significant portion of its cash flows and profits, are decreasing in number. If the Company continues to experience access line losses similar to the past several years, its revenues, earnings and cash flows from operations may be adversely impacted;
•negotiations with the providers of content for our video programming may not be successful, potentially resulting in our inability to carry certain programming channels, which could result in the loss of subscribers. In addition, due to the influence of some content providers, we may be forced to pay higher rates for some content resulting in increased costs;
•maintaining the Company's telecommunications networks requires significant capital expenditures, and the Company's inability or failure to maintain its telecommunications networks could have a material impact on the Company’s market share and ability to generate revenue;
•the Company's failure to meet performance standards under its agreements could result in customers terminating their relationships with the Company or customers being entitled to receive financial compensation, leading to reduced revenues and/or increased costs;
•the Company generates a substantial portion of revenue by serving a limited geographic area;
•increases in broadband usage may cause network capacity limitations resulting in service disruptions or reduced capacity for customers;
•IT and/or network security breach or cyber-attack may lead to unauthorized use or disabling of our network, theft of customer data or other sensitive data, unauthorized use or publication of our confidential business information and could have a material adverse effect on our business;
•weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist acts or acts of war could cause damage to our infrastructure and result in significant disruptions to our operations;
•damaging wildfires occurring on the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Hawaii have caused damage to our infrastructure and adversely affected, and could continue to adversely affect, our operations;
•volatile geopolitical turmoil, including popular uprisings, regional conflicts, terrorism and war could result in market instability, which could negatively impact our business results;
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
•the widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, or any other public health crisis, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition;
•the Company depends on a number of third-party providers and the loss of or problems with one or more of these providers may impede the Company’s growth, cause it to lose customers or materially and adversely impact its business, financial condition, and results of operations;
•a failure of back-office information technology systems could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and financial condition;
•we may be liable for the material that content providers distribute over our networks;
•our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel could disrupt our business and affect the Company's ability to meet key financial and business objects;
•the Company may be unable to achieve some or all of the strategic and financial benefits that it expects to achieve from the Divestiture;
•if the Company fails to extend or renegotiate its collective bargaining agreements with its labor unions when they expire, or if the Company’s unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage, the Company’s business and operating results could be materially harmed;
•the Company’s debt could limit its ability to fund operations, raise additional capital, and fulfill its obligations, which, in turn, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and prospects generally;
•the Company’s Credit Agreement and other indebtedness impose significant restrictions on the Company;
•the Company depends on its revolving credit facility and receivables facilities to provide for its short-term financing requirements in excess of amounts generated by operations, and the availability of those funds may be reduced or limited;
•the servicing of the Company’s indebtedness is dependent on its ability to generate cash, which could be impacted by many factors beyond the Company’s control;
•the Company may need additional financing in the future to meet our capital needs or to make opportunistic acquisitions, and such financing may not be available on terms favorable to the Company, if at all;
•growing inflation, supply chain disruption and other increased operating costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations;
•the uncertain economic environment, including uncertainty in the U.S. and world securities markets, could impact the Company's business and financial condition;
•adverse changes in the value of assets or obligations associated with the Company’s employee benefit plans could negatively impact shareowners’ equity and liquidity;
•the Company’s future cash flows could be adversely affected if it is unable to fully realize its deferred tax assets;
•the Company has been named in litigation associated with the wildfires occurring on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which has resulted in the Company paying significant amounts in legal expenses and could require the payment of damages or settlements;
•changes in tax laws and regulations, and actions by federal, state and local taxing authorities related to the interpretation and application of such tax laws and regulations, could have a negative impact on the Company's financial results and cash flows;
•the regulation of the Company’s businesses by federal and state authorities may, among other things, place the Company at a competitive disadvantage, restrict our ability to price our products and services competitively, participate in new regulatory programs and threaten our operating licenses;
•third parties may claim that the Company is infringing upon their intellectual property, and the Company could suffer significant litigation or licensing expenses or be prevented from selling products;
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
•third parties may infringe upon the Company’s intellectual property, and the Company may expend significant resources enforcing its rights or suffer competitive injury;
•the Company could be subject to a significant amount of litigation, which could require the Company to pay significant damages or settlements;
•the Company could incur significant costs resulting from complying with, or potential violations of, environmental, health and human safety laws;
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. The Company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
The Company borrows funds at a combination of fixed and variable rates. The Company has exposure to interest rate risk, primarily in the form of variable-rate borrowings from its Term B-1 Loans, Term B-3 Loans, Term B-4 Loans, Revolving Credit Facility, Network Receivables Facility, Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement and Digital Access Ohio Advance, as well as changes in current rates compared to that of its fixed rate debt. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement and Network Receivables Facility use the secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the benchmark for establishing the rate of interest. In the third quarter of 2023, the Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement was amended to replace the use of LIBOR with SOFR. Borrowings under the Digital Access Ohio Advance use the long term applicable federal rate.
The Company's management periodically employs derivative and other financial instruments to manage exposure to interest rate risk and variable cash flows. The use of these types of instruments to hedge a portion of our exposure to changes in interest rates carries additional risks, such as counterparty credit risk and the legal enforceability of hedging contracts.
The Company had $87.9 million principal amount of fixed-rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2024, excluding debt with a variable rate that is effectively fixed by non-designated interest rate contracts. The estimated aggregate fair market value of this debt was $83.3 million as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, the weighted average interest rate on fixed-rate debt was 6.3%.
At December 31, 2024, $975.0 million of our variable-rate debt was subject to non-designated floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps and $375.0 million of our variable-rate debt was subject to non-designated interest rate cap agreements. If the underlying SOFR rate increases or decreases by 100 basis points, the aggregate fair market value of the swaps at December 31, 2024 would increase by $12.6 million or decrease by $12.9 million. If the underlying SOFR rate increases or decreases by 100 basis points, the aggregate fair market value of the caps at December 31, 2024 would increase by $4.5 million or decrease by $3.7 million.
At December 31, 2024, the Company had variable-rate borrowings of $1,644.3 million. The estimated aggregate fair market value of this debt was $1,672.2 million as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, the weighted average interest rate on this variable-rate debt was 7.2%. A hypothetical increase or decrease of 100 basis to the market interest rates associated with this variable-rate debt would result in our annual interest expense increasing or decreasing by $17.8 million.
For further information, see Footnote 11 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
Commodity Price Risk
Certain of our operating costs are subject to price fluctuations caused by the volatility of the underlying commodity prices, such as gas utilized primarily by our field operations group, and network and building materials, such as steel, fiber and copper, used in the construction of our networks.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
Page
Consolidated Financial Statements:
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP - PCAOB ID #238)
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Financial Statement Schedule:
For each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024:
II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Financial statement schedules other than those listed above have been omitted because the required information is contained in the financial statements and notes thereto, or because such schedules are not required or applicable.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2024, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
March 18, 2025
/s/ Leigh R. Fox
Leigh R. Fox
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Joshua T. Duckworth
Joshua T. Duckworth
Chief Financial Officer
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareowners of Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of comprehensive income (loss), of equity (deficit) and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, including the related notes and schedule of valuation and qualifying accounts for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024 listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Goodwill Impairment Assessment - Hawaii Reporting Unit
As described in Notes 1 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $566.7 million as of December 31, 2024, and the goodwill associated with the Hawaii segment was $144.0 million. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of a reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. The fair value of a reporting unit is based on a combination of valuation methods, including both income-based and market-based methods. The income approach relies on management’s estimates of future revenue growth rates, terminal growth rates, EBITDA margin assumption, and discount rates. The market approach requires the determination of an appropriate peer group, which is utilized to derive estimated fair values based on selected market multiples.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill impairment assessment of the Hawaii reporting unit is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing the fair value estimate of the reporting unit; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to (a) future revenue growth rates, terminal growth rate, EBITDA margin assumption, and discount rate for the income approach and (b) peer group determination and market multiples selection for the market approach; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included, among others, (i) testing management’s process for developing the fair value estimate of the Hawaii reporting unit; (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the valuation methods; (iii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in the methods; and (iv) evaluating the significant assumptions used by management related to (a) future revenue growth rates, terminal growth rate, EBITDA margin assumption, and discount rate for the income approach and (b) peer group determination and market multiple selections for the market approach. Evaluating management’s assumptions related to future revenue growth rates and EBITDA margin assumption involved evaluating whether the assumptions used by management were reasonable considering (i) the current and past performance of the reporting unit; (ii) the consistency with external market and industry data; and (iii) whether the assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating (i) the appropriateness of the Company’s valuation methods and (ii) the reasonableness of management’s assumptions related to terminal growth rate, discount rate, peer group determination, and market multiples selection.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 18, 2025
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2022.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in millions)
December 31,
December 31,
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
460.7
$
7.8
Receivables, less allowances of $15.0 and $14.8
96.4
94.1
Inventory, materials and supplies
82.3
88.6
Prepaid expenses
23.1
25.7
Other current assets
10.3
20.7
Current assets held for sale from discontinued operations
-
460.0
Total current assets
672.8
696.9
Property, plant and equipment, net
2,625.3
2,385.7
Operating lease right-of-use assets
77.4
63.9
Goodwill
566.7
566.7
Intangible assets, net
353.4
415.7
Deferred income tax assets
0.1
3.5
Other noncurrent assets
166.7
52.9
Noncurrent assets held for sale from discontinued operations
-
570.2
Total assets
$
4,462.4
$
4,755.5
Liabilities and Shareowners' Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
$
45.6
$
20.4
Accounts payable
174.8
188.9
Unearned revenue and customer deposits
50.6
46.7
Accrued taxes
10.2
8.9
Accrued interest
0.9
3.6
Accrued payroll and benefits
36.4
35.0
Accrued restructuring
40.4
10.2
Other current liabilities
26.8
31.8
Current liabilities held for sale from discontinued operations
-
338.5
Total current liabilities
385.7
684.0
Long-term debt, less current portion
1,720.2
1,830.1
Operating lease liabilities
77.5
60.2
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
111.3
127.9
Pole license agreement obligation
37.8
40.8
Deferred income tax liabilities
20.4
5.4
Other noncurrent liabilities
238.5
127.9
Noncurrent liabilities held for sale from discontinued operations
-
85.7
Total liabilities
2,591.4
2,962.0
Shareowners' equity
Additional paid-in capital
2,316.1
2,116.1
Accumulated deficit
(480.1
)
(350.8
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
35.0
28.2
Total shareowners' equity
1,871.0
1,793.5
Total liabilities and shareowners' equity
$
4,462.4
$
4,755.5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenue
$
1,096.3
$
1,100.1
$
1,091.5
Costs and expenses
Cost of services and products, excluding items below
530.8
533.7
518.2
Selling, general and administrative, excluding items below
263.7
266.8
244.3
Depreciation and amortization
338.9
369.5
408.8
Restructuring and severance related charges
60.5
10.8
-
Transaction and integration costs
4.0
0.4
3.6
Impairment of assets
3.1
-
2.7
Total operating costs and expenses
1,201.0
1,181.2
1,177.6
Operating loss
(104.7
)
(81.1
)
(86.1
)
Interest expense
175.5
160.2
89.5
Other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans (benefit) expense
(5.5
)
0.7
(7.8
)
Other income, net
(37.2
)
(17.9
)
(11.5
)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
(237.5
)
(224.1
)
(156.3
)
Income tax benefit
(13.9
)
(16.4
)
(8.0
)
Loss from continuing operations
(223.6
)
(207.7
)
(148.3
)
Income from discontinued operations (net of tax)
94.3
15.0
17.4
Net loss
$
(129.3
)
$
(192.7
)
$
(130.9
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Dollars in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Net loss
$
(129.3
)
$
(192.7
)
$
(130.9
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
(6.5
)
2.6
(6.2
)
Accumulated foreign currency translation loss divested of in discontinued operations
11.5
-
-
Defined benefit plans
Net gain arising from remeasurement during the period, net of tax of $2.6, $0.7, $7.8
8.1
10.5
25.1
Amortization of prior service benefits included in net income, net of tax of ($0.2), ($0.2)
(0.6
)
(0.6
)
-
Amortization of net actuarial gain included in net income, net of tax of ($1.0), ($1.2), ($0.2)
(3.0
)
(3.8
)
(0.6
)
Reclassification adjustment for pension settlement benefits included in net income, net of tax of ($0.8)
(2.7
)
-
-
Total other comprehensive income
6.8
8.7
18.3
Comprehensive loss
$
(122.5
)
$
(184.0
)
$
(112.6
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in millions)
Accumulated
Additional
Other
Paid-in
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Capital
Deficit
Income
Total
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
1,716.1
$
(27.2
)
$
1.2
$
1,690.1
Net loss
-
(130.9
)
-
(130.9
)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
18.3
18.3
Balance at December 31, 2022
1,716.1
(158.1
)
19.5
1,577.5
Net loss
-
(192.7
)
-
(192.7
)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
8.7
8.7
Capital contributions by Red Fiber Parent LLC
400.0
-
-
400.0
Balance at December 31, 2023
2,116.1
(350.8
)
28.2
1,793.5
Net loss
-
(129.3
)
-
(129.3
)
Other comprehensive income
-
-
6.8
6.8
Capital contributions by Red Fiber Parent LLC
200.0
-
-
200.0
Balance at December 31, 2024
$
2,316.1
$
(480.1
)
$
35.0
$
1,871.0
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities
Net loss
$
(129.3
)
$
(192.7
)
$
(130.9
)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
344.6
449.6
497.1
Loss on impairment of long-lived assets
3.1
-
2.7
Provision for credit loss on receivables
9.7
9.1
8.4
Unrealized (gain) loss on interest rate swaps
(1.2
)
4.4
(13.7
)
Noncash portion of interest expense
8.7
7.5
5.4
Deferred income taxes
15.5
(40.6
)
(42.3
)
Pension and other postretirement payments in excess of expense
(14.4
)
(7.7
)
(16.1
)
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
(93.7
)
-
-
Other, net
(10.4
)
(2.4
)
(1.3
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in receivables
87.0
(54.5
)
(9.1
)
Decrease (increase) in inventory, materials, supplies, prepaid expenses and other current assets
3.9
(14.6
)
(48.1
)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable
(20.4
)
(54.7
)
69.2
Increase (decrease) in accrued and other current liabilities
31.2
2.7
(1.4
)
Increase in other noncurrent assets
(19.2
)
(5.1
)
(5.2
)
Increase in other noncurrent liabilities
21.7
5.0
7.3
Net cash provided by operating activities
236.8
106.0
322.0
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures
(553.5
)
(641.4
)
(482.8
)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
-
(3.2
)
(65.5
)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations, net of cash divested
672.2
-
-
Insurance proceeds received for damage to equipment
7.6
0.3
0.4
Purchase of indefinite-lived intangibles
-
-
(6.8
)
Acquisition of fiber and cable assets
(1.5
)
(8.6
)
-
Other, net
(0.5
)
(1.3
)
1.0
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
124.3
(654.2
)
(553.7
)
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital contributions by Red Fiber Parent LLC
200.0
400.0
-
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
331.7
211.4
2.7
Net (decrease) increase in corporate credit facility with initial maturities less than 90 days
(152.5
)
(70.5
)
223.0
Proceeds from borrowings on receivables facilities
1,279.9
1,706.5
1,150.8
Payments on receivables facilities
(1,525.4
)
(1,647.8
)
(1,116.9
)
Repayment of debt
(36.2
)
(47.8
)
(20.3
)
Debt issuance costs
(5.4
)
(4.0
)
(0.7
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
92.1
547.8
238.6
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
0.1
-
(0.1
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
453.3
(0.4
)
6.8
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
12.5
12.9
6.1
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
$
465.8
$
12.5
$
12.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.Description of Business and Accounting Policies
Organization - On March 13, 2020, the Company (as defined below), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Red Fiber Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”), and RF Merger Sub Inc., an Ohio corporation and directly wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). On September 7, 2021 (the “Closing Date” or “Merger Date”), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Ohio General Corporation Law (the “OGCL”), Merger Sub merged with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation (the “Merger”). At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), the separate corporate existence of Merger Sub ceased, and the Company survived the Merger as a wholly owned private subsidiary of Parent. As a result of the Merger, the Company has ceased to be a registrant, however due to contractual terms in certain indentures, the Company is required to voluntarily file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). As a result of the Merger, for accounting purposes, Parent is the acquirer and Cincinnati Bell Inc. is the acquiree.
Description of Business - Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries ("Cincinnati Bell," "we," "our," "us" or the "Company") provides diversified telecommunications and technology services. The Company generates a large portion of its revenue by serving customers in two distinct regions. These regions are defined by the Company as 1) Greater Cincinnati, which includes Cincinnati, Ohio, a radius of approximately 25 miles around Cincinnati, Ohio, including parts of northern Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, Dayton, Ohio, and Columbus, Ohio and 2) Hawaii, which includes the island of Oahu and the neighboring islands. An economic downturn or natural disaster occurring in these, or a portion of these, limited operating territories could have a disproportionate effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows compared to similar companies of a national scope and similar companies operating in different geographic areas.
As of December 31, 2024, we operate our business through one segment: Network
The Company has approximately 2,200 employees as of December 31, 2024. Approximately 44% of total employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with the Communications Workers of America (“CWA”) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW)" Local 1357. The effective dates for collective bargaining agreements with the CWA and IBEW range through the second quarter of 2026 and third quarter of 2028, respectively.
In August 2023, Parent committed to make capital contributions of $600.0 million to the Company, of which $400.0 million and $200.0 million was received by the Company in the third quarter of 2023 and fourth quarter of 2024, respectively, and recorded to "Additional paid-in capital" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The capital contributions received in the third quarter of 2023 were used to repay borrowings on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, fund capital expenditures, and fund working capital. The capital contributions received in the fourth quarter of 2024 will be used for the Company's continued capital investments that are planned for 2025.
Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position and cash flows for each period presented.
Basis of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the consolidated accounts of Cincinnati Bell Inc. and its majority-owned subsidiaries over which it exercises control. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
The sale of the CBTS and OnX businesses (the "Disposal Group") on December 2, 2024 represented a strategic shift in our business. Therefore, assets, liabilities and results of operations from the Disposal Group are reported as discontinued operations in our financial statements. Accordingly, the Company has recast its prior period financial position and results of operations to be comparable with the current discontinued operations presentation with the exception of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. See Note 3 for all required disclosures.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Use of Estimates -The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and judgments include: the carrying value of property, plant and equipment; the valuation of credit losses for receivables and deferred income taxes; reserves recorded for income tax exposures; assets and liabilities related to employee benefits; the valuation of deferred costs under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, “Revenue Recognition”; purchase price allocation for acquired businesses; and the valuation of intangible assets and goodwill. In the normal course of business, the Company is also subject to various regulatory and tax proceedings, lawsuits, claims and other matters. The Company believes adequate provision has been made for all such asserted and unasserted claims in accordance with GAAP. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties and outcomes that are not predictable with assurance. We periodically review our estimates in light of changes in circumstances, facts and experience. The effects of material revisions in estimates are reflected in our financial statements prospectively from the date of the change in estimate.
Business Combinations - In accounting for business combinations, we apply the accounting requirements of Accounting Standards Codification 805 (“ASC 805”), “Business Combinations,” which requires the recording of net assets of acquired businesses at fair value. In developing fair value estimates for acquired assets and assumed liabilities, management analyzes a variety of factors including market data, estimated future cash flows of the acquired operations, industry growth rates, current replacement cost for fixed assets, and market rate assumptions for contractual obligations. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, particularly with respect to the intangible assets. In addition, any contingent consideration is presented at fair value at the date of acquisition, and transaction costs are expensed as incurred. The Company reports in its consolidated financial statements provisional amounts for the items for which accounting is incomplete. Goodwill is adjusted for any changes to provisional amounts made within the measurement period. See Note 5 for disclosures related to mergers and acquisitions.
Variable Interest Entity - The Company holds an interest in a limited liability company, Digital Access Ohio LLC (“DAO”), that is considered a variable interest entity ("VIE") in accordance with the guidance of ASC 810 “Consolidation.” DAO is considered a VIE as it has insufficient equity capital to finance its activities without additional financial support. The Company is the primary beneficiary of DAO as it has the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of DAO and has the obligation to absorb expected losses and the right to receive expected benefits that could be significant to DAO. As a result, the Company consolidated DAO, and all significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, results of operations of DAO were not considered significant.
Funding of DAO is provided in the form of cash contributions, debt issuance and grants that include a free standing warrant that allows the holder of the warrant at its option to convert the warrant into a class A-2 share of DAO at any time during the period commencing on the 2nd anniversary of the funding agreement and ending on the 10th anniversary of the funding agreement date. The Company has recorded the fair value associated with the warrant to "Other noncurrent liabilities" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will continue to assess whether it has a controlling financial interest and whether it is the primary beneficiary at each reporting period.
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Cash consists of funds held in bank accounts. Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Restricted cash as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consists of funds held by DAO. Restricted cash as of December 31, 2022 consists of funds held in an escrow account related to a cost method investment and funds held by DAO. Restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. A reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash to the Consolidated Balance Sheets follows:
(dollars in millions)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Cash and cash equivalents
$
460.7
$
7.8
$
7.7
Cash and cash equivalents included in Current assets held for sale from discontinued operations
-
1.3
$
1.7
Restricted cash included in Other noncurrent assets
5.1
3.4
3.5
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash per Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
$
465.8
$
12.5
$
12.9
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Receivables - Receivables consist principally of trade receivables from customers and are generally unsecured and due within 21 - 90 days. Unbilled receivables arise from services rendered but not yet billed. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, unbilled receivables totaled $2.7 million and $2.8 million, respectively. Expected credit losses related to trade receivables are recorded as an allowance for credit losses in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company establishes the allowances for uncollectible accounts using percentages of aged accounts receivable balances to reflect the historical average of credit losses as well as specific provisions for certain identifiable, potentially uncollectible balances. When internal collection efforts on accounts have been exhausted, the accounts are written off and the associated allowance for uncollectible accounts is reduced.
Factoring Arrangements - In the second quarter of 2018, the Company executed an amendment of its Receivables Facility that includes an option for Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC (“CBF”) to sell certain receivables, on a non-recourse basis, directly to PNC Bank. The terms of the factoring arrangement provides for the factoring of certain receivables, which are purchased at the face amount of the receivable discounted at the annual rate of LIBOR plus a bank determined spread on the purchase date. In the second quarter of 2022, the Company executed an amendment of its Receivables Facility, which replaced LIBOR with SOFR, a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company executed certain amendments (the "Amendments") to the Receivables Facility to, among other things, separate the Receivables Facility into two separate facilities, with (A) the existing Receivables Facility (the “Network Receivables Facility”), as amended by the Amendments, covering receivables originated by certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company including Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC, Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc. and certain of their respective subsidiaries and (B) a new facility (the “CBTS Receivables Facility”) covering receivables originated by certain U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries in the Company's IT Services and Hardware segment including CBTS Technology Solutions LLC and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd. The Amendments also moved the receivables monetization arrangements from the Network Receivables Facility to the CBTS Receivables Facility. The CBTS Receivables Facility was terminated in conjunction with the sale of the Disposal Group.
Inventory, Materials and Supplies - Inventory, materials and supplies consists of network components, various telephony and IT equipment to be sold to customers, maintenance inventories, and other materials and supplies, which are carried at the lower of average cost or market.
Property, Plant and Equipment - Property, plant and equipment is stated at original cost and presented net of accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred while improvements, which extend an asset's useful life or increase its functionality, are capitalized and depreciated over the asset's remaining life. The majority of the network property, plant and equipment used to generate its voice and data revenue is depreciated using the group method, which develops a depreciation rate annually based on the average useful life of a specific group of assets rather than for each individual asset as would be utilized under the unit method. Provision for depreciation of other property, plant and equipment, except for leasehold improvements, is based on the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful life. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is based on a straight-line method over the lesser of the economic useful life of the asset or the term of the lease, including optional renewal periods if renewal of the lease is reasonably assured.
Additions and improvements, including interest and certain labor costs incurred during the construction period, are capitalized. The Company records the fair value of a legal liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period it is incurred. The estimated removal cost is initially capitalized and depreciated over the remaining life of the underlying asset. The associated liability is accreted to its present value each period. Once the obligation is ultimately settled, any difference between the final cost and the recorded liability is recognized as gain or loss on disposition.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Accounting for Impacts of Involuntary Events and Contingencies - Assets destroyed or damaged as a result of involuntary events are written off or reduced in carrying value to their salvage value. When recovery of all or a portion of the amount of property damage loss or other covered expenses through insurance proceeds is demonstrated to be probable, a receivable is recorded and offsets the loss or expense up to the amount of the total loss or expense. Proceeds ultimately received from insurance claims for business interruption, direct expenditures and amounts for capital assets in excess of net book value will be recorded to results of operations when collected. No gain is recorded until all contingencies related to the insurance claim have been resolved.
Goodwill - Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired and recorded in connection with business acquisitions. Goodwill is allocated at the business segment level. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets may be impaired using either a qualitative or quantitative approach. An impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value of a reporting unit over its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. For the year ended in 2024, to calculate fair value of the reporting units, management used a combination of methods, including both income-based and market-based methods. The income approach relies on estimates of future revenue growth rates, terminal growth rates, EBITDA margin assumptions, and discount rates. The market approach requires the determination of an appropriate peer group, which is utilized to derive estimated fair values based on selected market multiples. No impairment losses were recognized in goodwill for the years ended in 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets - Intangible assets represent purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or legal rights, or because the asset is capable of being separately sold or exchanged. Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") licenses for wireless spectrum and other perpetual licenses represent indefinite-lived intangible assets. The Company may renew the wireless licenses in a routine manner every ten years for a nominal fee, provided the Company continues to meet the service and geographic coverage provisions required by the FCC. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. No impairment losses were recognized on indefinite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Long-Lived Assets - Management reviews the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and other long-lived assets, including intangible assets with definite lives, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of an asset (or group of assets) and its eventual disposition is less than its carrying amount. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Long-lived intangible assets are amortized based on the estimated economic value generated by the asset in future years. For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a loss on impairment of long-lived assets of $3.1 million for the write-off of certain fixed assets and operating lease right-of-use assets that will no longer be utilized as a result of the Company's decision in the third quarter to no longer pursue an ancillary product offering. No impairment losses were recognized on long-lived assets for the year ended December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a loss on impairment of long-lived assets of $2.7 million related to the impairment of leasehold improvements at the Company’s headquarters. In addition, amortization of the remaining leasehold improvements at the Company’s headquarters was accelerated to reflect the update to management’s estimate of the remaining useful life.
Cost Method Investments - Certain of our cost method investments do not have readily determinable fair values. These investments are measured at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The carrying value of these investments was $10.1 million and $10.0 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and was included in "Other noncurrent assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Investments are reviewed at least annually to determine if changes in circumstances exist that would indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. If indicators are present then an analysis is performed to determine if carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. No impairment losses were recognized for cost method investments for the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. A nominal impairment was recognized for the cost method investments for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Leases - The Company adheres to lease accounting principles described in ASC 842, “Leases.” Under ASC 842, the Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception based on the facts and circumstances present. In lease transactions where the Company acts as the lessor, the lease component is accounted for in accordance with ASC 842, and the non-lease component is accounted for in accordance with ASC 606. Although separation of lease and non-lease components is required, certain practical expedients are available that release the Company from this requirement. Adoption of the practical expedient allows the Company to account for each lease component and the related non-lease component together as a single component provided that the timing and patterns of revenue recognition for the components are the same and the combined, single unit of account would be classified as an operating lease. The Company's operating leases for certain services that include Customer Premise Equipment, including handsets and set-top boxes, have lease and non-lease components. In these arrangements, management has concluded that the non-lease components are the predominant characteristic, and, as a result, the Company has elected to account for these arrangements as one single non-lease component recorded as "Revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in accordance with ASC 606.
Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Certain adjustments to the right-of-use asset may be required for items such as initial direct costs paid or incentives received.
The Company's lease terms include options to extend, terminate or buyout the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Leases that have contract prices based on variable factors, such as power usage, are recognized as variable lease expense in the period in which the obligation for those payments are incurred. Lease expense for variable lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Revenue Recognition - The Company adheres to revenue recognition principles described in ASC 606. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when the Company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. A good or service is considered to be transferred when the customer obtains control.
Revenues from local telephone, special access, internet product and video services, which are billed monthly prior to performance of service, are not recognized upon billing or cash receipt but rather are deferred until the service is provided. Consumer long distance, switched access and other usage based charges are billed monthly in arrears. The Company bills service revenue in regular monthly cycles, which are spread throughout the days of the month. As the last day of each billing cycle rarely coincides with the end of the reporting period for usage-based services such as long distance and switched access, we must estimate service revenues earned but not yet billed. These estimates are based upon historical usage, and we adjust these estimates during the period in which actual usage is determinable, typically in the following reporting period.
Pricing of local voice services is generally subject to oversight by both state and federal regulatory commissions. Such regulation also covers services, competition, and other public policy issues. Various regulatory rulings and interpretations could result in increases or decreases to revenue in future periods.
For long-term indefeasible right of use, or IRU, contracts for fiber circuit capacity, the Company may receive up-front payments for services to be delivered for a period of up to 25 years. In these situations, the Company defers the revenue and amortizes it on a straight-line basis to earnings over the term of the contract. See Note 4 for further information.
Advertising Expenses - Costs related to advertising are expensed as incurred. Advertising costs were $21.7 million, $25.0 million and $23.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Legal Expenses and Contingencies - In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. Legal claim accruals and contingencies are recorded once determined to be both probable and estimable.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Income, Operating, and Regulatory Taxes
Income taxes - The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction as well as various state and local jurisdictions. The provision for income taxes is based upon income in the consolidated financial statements, rather than amounts reported on the income tax return. The income tax provision consists of an amount for taxes currently payable and an amount for tax consequences deferred to future periods. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial statement and income tax assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are recalculated annually at rates then in effect. The Company recognizes future tax benefits, such as net operating losses and tax credits, to the extent that realizing these benefits is considered to be more likely than not. Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce deferred tax assets to amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The ultimate realization of the deferred income tax assets depends upon the ability to generate future taxable income during the periods in which basis differences and other deductions become deductible and prior to the expiration of the net operating loss carryforwards.
Previous tax filings are subject to normal reviews by regulatory agencies until the related statute of limitations expires.
Operating taxes - Certain operating taxes such as property, sales, use, and gross receipts taxes are reported as expenses in operating income primarily within cost of services. These taxes are not included in income tax expense because the amounts to be paid are not dependent on our level of income. Liabilities for audit exposures are established based on management's assessment of the probability of payment. The provision for such liabilities is recognized as either property, plant and equipment, operating tax expense, or depreciation expense depending on the nature of the audit exposure. Upon resolution of an audit, any remaining liability not paid is released against the account in which it was originally recorded.
Regulatory taxes - The Company incurs federal and state regulatory taxes on certain revenue producing transactions. We are permitted to recover certain of these taxes by billing the customer; however, collections cannot exceed the amount due to the federal regulatory agency. These federal regulatory taxes are presented in revenue and cost of services on a gross basis because, while the Company is required to pay the tax, it is not required to collect the tax from customers and, in fact, does not collect the tax from customers in certain instances. The amounts recorded as revenue totaled $30.5 million, $34.0 million and $32.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The amounts recorded as expense totaled $34.8 million, $38.0 million and $36.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. We record all other federal taxes collected from customers on a net basis.
Deferred Compensation Plans - In September 2021, subsequent to the Merger, Parent granted officers and key employees of the Company cash-settled awards that vest ratably over a 4-year period beginning with the first anniversary of the grant date with the final 20% vesting upon the occurrence of a liquidity event, defined as a change of control or qualified public offering. In the absence of a liquidity event, the awards will expire in eight years. The ultimate payment of the awards upon the occurrence of a liquidity event is based on the i) number of vested awards and ii) an amount determined from the excess of the proceeds received from the liquidity event over the invested capital, adjusted for internal rates of return. No compensation expense was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Prior to the Merger, the Company granted officers and key employees cash-settled awards of $10.5 million in place of performance-based restricted awards and time-based restricted awards. Per the terms of the award, one-fourth of these cash-settled awards accelerated and vested as of the Merger Date. Subsequent to the Merger Date, one-fourth of these cash-settled awards vested at the end of six months, and the remaining awards vested at the end of 18 months. Expense incurred for cash payment awards was $0.3 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans - The Company maintains qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans, and also provides postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits for eligible employees. We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans as either an asset or liability. Changes in the funded status of these plans are recognized as a component of comprehensive income (loss) in the year they occur. Pension and postretirement healthcare and life insurance benefits earned during the year and interest on the projected benefit obligations are accrued and recognized currently in net periodic benefit cost. Prior service costs and credits are amortized over the average remaining life expectancy of plan participants or remaining service period, based upon whether plan participants are mostly retirees or active employees. Net gains or losses resulting from differences between actuarial estimates or from changes in actuarial assumptions are recognized as a component of annual net periodic benefit cost. Unrecognized actuarial gains or losses that exceed 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average life expectancy of the participant group for the Cincinnati pension plans and Hawaii pension plans, the average future working lifetime of current active plan participants for the Cincinnati postretirement plans and the average remaining service period of active employees for the Hawaii postretirement plans.
Derivative Financial Instruments - The Company accounts for derivative financial instruments by recognizing derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value and recognizing the resulting gains or losses as adjustments to the Consolidated Statements of Operations or "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" in stockholder's equity and reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. To receive hedge accounting treatment, cash flow hedges must be highly effective in offsetting changes to expected future cash flows on hedged transactions. Derivatives that do not qualify as hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings in the current period. All cash flows associated with the Company’s derivative instruments are classified as operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Fair Value Measurements - Fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities is defined as the price representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is utilized to measure certain investments on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements are also utilized to determine the initial value of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination, to perform impairment tests, and for disclosure purposes.
Management uses quoted market prices and observable inputs to the maximum extent possible when measuring fair value. In the absence of quoted market prices or observable inputs, fair value is determined using valuation models that incorporate assumptions that a market participant would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Fair value measurements are classified within one of three levels, which prioritize the inputs used in the methodologies of measuring fair value for assets and liabilities, as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted market prices for identical instruments in an active market;
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (i.e., interest rates, yield curves, etc.), and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means (market corroborated inputs); and
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that reflect management's determination of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. These inputs are developed based on the best information available, including our own data.
The determination of where an asset or liability falls in the hierarchy requires significant judgment.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
2.Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Accounting Standards Recently Adopted
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU is intended to provide temporary optional expedients and exceptions to the U.S. GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. ASU 2020-04 was amended in December 2022 by the provisions of ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848. These amendments are effective as of any date from the beginning of an interim period that includes or is subsequent to March 12, 2020 and may be applied prospectively to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated on or before December 31, 2024. The Company adopted the standard effective January 1, 2024. The Company applied the amendment on a prospective basis, and the changes did not have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The ASU is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments within ASU 2023-07 are required to be applied on a retrospective basis. The Company adopted the new standard in the fourth quarter of 2024 and applied the amendment on a retrospective basis. The Company’s adoption of the standard provides enhanced disclosure surrounding its Chief Operating Decision Maker and the relevant measure of segment profit or loss used to assess performance and allocate resources for the Network business, the Company’s single reportable segment. The newly adopted standard also provides further clarity surrounding significant segment expenses within the Company’s Network segment, presented in Note 16 Business Segment Information.
Accounting Standards yet to be Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires reporting entities to disclose disaggregated information about the entity's effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, although early adoption is permitted. The amendments in this ASU will be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures and will adopt the standard for the annual period beginning January 1, 2025.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“DISE”), which aims to increase expense reporting requirements, with enhanced disclosure surrounding the nature of expenses presented within the income statement, including selling expenses. The ASU is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The amendments within this ASU will be applied on a prospective basis with the option for retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this standard on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies that do not require adoption until a future date are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements upon adoption.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
3.Discontinued Operations
On February 2, 2024, the Company entered into a definitive purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with TowerBrook Capital Partners ("TowerBrook") in which TowerBrook would acquire the Disposal Group from the Company for a purchase price of $670.0 million. On December 2, 2024, Cincinnati Bell completed the transaction. Pursuant to terms of the Purchase Agreement, TowerBrook acquired the Divested Business for the purchase price of $670.0 million plus an incremental $18.4 million for certain working capital changes that occurred between the date of the Purchase Agreement and December 2, 2024.
A pre-tax gain on sale of the Disposal Group of $93.7 million was recorded upon closing of the sale and was determined as the proceeds received (net of cash divested) less costs to sell in excess of the Disposal Group’s carrying value. A post-closing selling price adjustment and completion of other Purchase Agreement provisions in connection with the sale could result in adjustments to the gain on sale amount.
Management evaluated the criteria to report a disposal group as held for sale and concluded that all of the criteria were met as of February 2024. Accordingly, the Company has reported the results of operations for the Disposal Group as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations through the date of sale. The related held for sale assets and liabilities have been reported as assets and liabilities of discontinued operations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, through the date of sale. These changes have been applied to all periods presented.
The revenue and operating income contributed by Hawaii operations and certain Communications customers, as well as the associated assets and liabilities, that were previously reported in the IT Services and Hardware segment that have been retained by the continuing operation and excluded from the Disposal Group have been reported in the Network segment for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
All depreciation and amortization expense associated with intangible assets, property, plant and equipment and right of use assets associated with the Disposal Group ceased as of February 2, 2024.
Financial results of the Disposal Group for the period from January 1, 2024 through the date of sale, and the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 reported as Income from discontinued operations (net of tax) on the Consolidated Statements of Operations are as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Revenue
$
669.7
$
734.8
$
722.3
Costs and expenses
Cost of services and products, excluding items below
453.8
491.4
486.5
Selling, general and administrative, excluding items below
145.2
159.3
149.0
Depreciation and amortization
5.7
80.1
88.3
Restructuring and severance related charges
3.0
3.0
2.0
Transaction costs
25.1
2.5
7.7
Total operating costs and expenses
632.8
736.3
733.5
Operating income (loss)
36.9
(1.5
)
(11.2
)
Interest expense
1.0
1.0
0.6
Other (income) expense, net
(2.4
)
0.3
(2.1
)
Gain on sale of disposition
93.7
-
-
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
132.0
(2.8
)
(9.7
)
Income tax expense (benefit)
37.7
(17.8
)
(27.1
)
Net Income from discontinued operations
$
94.3
$
15.0
$
17.4
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Disposal Group's assets and liabilities presented as held for sale as of December 31, 2023 are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
December 31, 2023
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1.3
Receivables, less allowances of $2.9
400.9
Inventory, materials and supplies
18.8
Prepaid expenses
27.6
Other current assets
11.4
Total current assets from discontinued operations
460.0
Property, plant and equipment, net
73.4
Goodwill
154.3
Intangible assets, net
300.2
Deferred income tax assets
2.8
Other noncurrent assets
39.5
Total noncurrent assets from discontinued operations
570.2
Total assets from discontinued operations
$
1,030.2
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
$
6.7
Accounts payable
264.9
Unearned revenue and customer deposits
25.3
Accrued taxes
4.3
Accrued payroll and benefits
16.5
Other current liabilities
20.8
Total current liabilities from discontinued operations
338.5
Long-term debt, less current portion
6.3
Deferred income tax liability
52.3
Other noncurrent liabilities
27.1
Total noncurrent liabilities from discontinued operations
85.7
Total liabilities from discontinued operations
$
424.2
The following is selected operating and investing cash flow activity from discontinued operations included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Depreciation and amortization
$
5.7
$
80.1
Gain on Sale of Discontinued Operations
$
93.7
$
-
Capital expenditures
$
18.7
$
20.3
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
4.Revenue
The Network segment provides products and services to both residential and commercial customers that can be categorized as Strategic, Legacy, and Other. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company realigned the classification of products and services to these categories within the Network segment to better align revenue across geographies as well as reclass certain nonrecurring revenue to Other. The products and services within the Strategic and Legacy categories can be further categorized as either Data, Video or Voice. Strategic and Legacy revenue include both residential and commercial customers.
As a result of the Purchase Agreement, revenue contributed by certain Hawaii operations and Communications revenue previously reported in the IT Services and Hardware segment are now reported in the Network segment for all comparable periods.
Residential customers have implied month-to-month contracts. Commercial customers, with the exception of contracts associated with the Southeast Asia to United States ("SEA-US") trans-Pacific submarine cable system, typically have contracts with an initial duration of one to five years and automatically renew on a month-to-month basis. Customers are invoiced on a monthly basis for services rendered. Contracts for projects that are included within the Other revenue stream are typically short in duration and less than one year. Contracts associated with the SEA-US cable system typically range from 15 to 25 years and payment is prepaid.
The Company has elected the practical expedient described in ASC 606-10-32-18 that allows an entity to not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component if the entity expects that the period of time between the transfer of a promised good or service to the customer and when the customer pays for such good or service will be one year or less. Customers are typically billed immediately upon the rendering of services or the delivery of products. Payment terms for customers are between 30 and 120 days. Subsequent to the acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom Holdco., Inc. ("Hawaiian Telcom"), the Company began recognizing a financing component associated with the up-front payments for services to be delivered under indefeasible right of use ("IRU") contracts for fiber circuit capacity. The IRU contracts are associated with the SEA-US cable system and other dedicated fiber routes. The IRU contracts typically have a duration ranging from 15 to 25 years.
Performance Obligations
A performance obligation is a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer, or a series of distinct goods or services, and is the unit of account defined in ASC Topic 606. The transaction price identified in the contract is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Contract modifications for changes to services provided are routine throughout the term of our contracts. In most instances, contract modifications are for the addition or reduction of services that are distinct, and price changes are based on the stand-alone selling price of the service and, as such, are accounted for on a prospective basis as a new contract.
Goods and services are sold individually, or a contract may include multiple goods or services. For contracts with multiple goods and services, the transaction price identified in the contract is allocated to each performance obligation using the stand-alone selling price of each distinct good or service in the contract.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Performance obligations are satisfied either over time as services are performed or at a point in time. Substantially all of our service revenue is recognized over time. For services transferred over time, the Company has elected the practical expedient to recognize revenue based on amounts invoiced to the customer as the Company has concluded that the invoice amount directly corresponds with the value of services provided to the customer. Management considers this a faithful depiction of the transfer of control as services are provided evenly over the month and are substantially the same over the life of the contract. As the Company has elected the practical expedients detailed at ASC 606-10-50-13, revenue for these unsatisfied performance obligations that will be billed in future periods has not been disclosed.
As of December 31, 2024, our estimated revenue, including a financing component, expected to be recognized in the future related to performance obligations associated with customer contracts that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) is $214.9 million. In the third quarter of 2024, the Company was awarded a contract of $50.0 million to subsidize further broadband expansion in Southwest Ohio. The revenue is expected to be recognized in 2026 and 2027. Certain IRU contracts extend for periods of up to 30 years and are invoiced at the beginning of the contract term. The revenue from such contracts is recognized over time as services are provided over the contract term. The expected revenue to be recognized for existing customer contracts is as follows:
(dollars in millions)
$
18.0
50.3
37.2
9.6
9.7
Thereafter
90.1
The Company has identified four distinct performance obligations, namely Data, Voice, Video and Other. For each of the Data, Voice and Video services, service is delivered to the customer continuously and in a substantially similar manner for each period of the agreement, the customer takes full control over the services as the service is delivered, and as such, Data, Voice and Video are identified to be a series of distinct services. Services provided can be categorized into three main categories that include Strategic, Legacy and Other. The Strategic and Legacy categories may include one or more of the aforementioned performance obligations. Data services include internet access, digital subscriber lines, ethernet, routed network services, SONET (Synchronous Optical Network), dedicated internet access, wavelength, digital signal, IRU revenue, and revenue associated with the SEA-US cable system. Video services are offered through our fiber network to residential and commercial customers based on various standard plans with the opportunity to add premium channels. To receive video services, customers are required to use the Company's set top boxes that are billed as part of the monthly recurring service. Set top boxes are not considered a separate performance obligation from video because the equipment is necessary for the service to operate and the customer has no alternative use for the equipment. Voice services include traditional and fiber voice lines, switched access, digital trunking, consumer and business long distance calling, and, as a result of the Purchase Agreement, certain communications services including data and VoIP services, tailored solutions that include converged IP communications of data, voice and mobility applications, MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and conferencing services.
Services and products not included in Data, Voice or Video are included in Other revenue and are comprised of wire care, time and materials projects, advertising, management of distributed antenna systems, certain pass through fees including processing, franchise and regulatory fees, subsidized fiber build projects and other fees that are generally nonrecurring in nature.
As a result of the Purchase Agreement, Other revenue also includes revenue contributed by Hawaiian Telcom for the sale of hardware and maintenance contracts as well as installation projects and cloud services which include storage, SLA-based monitoring and management, cloud computing and cloud consulting. The sale of hardware and maintenance contracts is recognized at a point in time while transfer of control of the other services and products is evaluated on an individual project basis and can occur over time or at a point in time.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Company uses multiple methods to determine stand-alone selling prices. For Internet products categorized as Strategic, included within the Data performance obligation, and Voice, Legacy Data and Other performance obligations, stand-alone selling prices are determined based on a list price, discount off of list price, a tariff rate, a margin percentage range, or a minimum margin percentage.
For the sale of hardware, the Company evaluated whether it is the principal or the agent. The Company has concluded it acts as an agent because it does not control the inventory before it is transferred to customers, it does not have the ability to direct the product to anyone besides the purchasing customer, and it does not integrate the hardware with any of its own goods or services. Based on this assessment, the performance obligation is to arrange a sale of hardware between the vendor and the customer. In the instance where there is an issue with the hardware, the Company coordinates with the manufacturer to facilitate a return in accordance with the standard manufacturer warranty. Hardware returns are not significant to the Company.
For hardware sales, revenue is recognized net of the cost of product and is recognized when the hardware is shipped or delivered in accordance with the terms of the contract. For certain projects within Voice and Other, revenue is recognized when the customer communicates acceptance of the services performed. For contracts with freight on board shipping terms, management has elected to account for shipping and handling as activities to fulfill the promise to transfer the good, and therefore has not evaluated whether shipping and handling activities are promised services to its customers.
Contract Balances
The Company recognizes incremental fulfillment costs as an asset when installation expenses are incurred as part of performing the agreement for Data, Voice and Video product offerings in which the contract life is longer than one year. These fulfillment costs are amortized ratably over the expected life of the customer, which is representative of the expected period of benefit of the asset capitalized. The expected life of the customer is determined utilizing the average churn rate for each product. The Company calculates average churn based on the historical average customer life. We also recognize an asset for incremental fulfillment costs for certain Voice services that require us to incur installation and provisioning expenses and are amortized over the average contract term. Customer churn rates and average contract term assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. Fulfillment costs are capitalized to “Other noncurrent assets.” The related amortization expense is recorded to “Cost of services and products.”
The Company recognizes an asset for the incremental costs of acquiring a contract with a customer if we expect the benefit of those costs to be longer than one year. We have determined that certain sales incentive programs related to Data, Voice and Video services meet the requirements to be capitalized. The contract asset established for the costs of acquiring a contract is recorded to “Other noncurrent assets.” Sales incentives are amortized ratably over the period that services are delivered using either an average churn rate or average contract term, both representative of the expected period of benefit of the asset capitalized. Customer churn rates and average contract term assumptions are reviewed on an annual basis. The related amortization expense is recorded to “Selling, general and administrative.”
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Management has elected to use the practical expedient detailed in ASC 340-40-25-4 to expense any costs to fulfill a contract and costs to obtain a contract as they are incurred when the amortization period would be one year or less. This practical expedient has been applied to fulfillment costs that include installation costs associated with wiring projects. In addition, this practical expedient has been applied to acquisition costs associated with revenue from certain Voice projects.
The following table presents the activity for the Company’s contract assets:
(dollars in millions)
Fulfillment Costs
Costs of Acquisition
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021*
$
1.0
$
3.4
$
4.4
Additions
2.2
11.3
13.5
Amortization
(0.4
)
(2.6
)
(3.0
)
Balance as of December 31, 2022
2.8
12.1
14.9
Additions
2.2
11.8
14.0
Amortization
(0.8
)
(5.5
)
(6.3
)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
4.2
18.4
22.6
Additions
2.2
12.8
15.0
Amortization
(1.8
)
(7.6
)
(9.4
)
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
4.6
$
23.6
$
28.2
*The beginning balance for December 31, 2021 includes amounts transferred from the Disposal Group for fulfillment costs and costs of acquisition of $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
The Company recognizes a liability for cash received up-front for IRU contracts. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $4.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of contract liabilities were included in "Other current liabilities." At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $89.4 million and $79.5 million, respectively, of contract liabilities were included in "Other noncurrent liabilities."
Disaggregated Revenue
The following table presents revenues disaggregated by product and service lines:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Data
$
581.3
$
552.8
$
518.6
Video
178.5
180.8
179.4
Voice
228.2
256.4
278.0
Other
108.3
110.1
115.5
Total Revenue
$
1,096.3
$
1,100.1
$
1,091.5
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
5.Mergers and Acquisitions
Acquisition of Bridgewired Fiber Assets
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company acquired fiber network assets from Bridgewired, LLC ("Bridgewired") for an aggregate purchase price of $6.7 million, consisting of $5.9 million in cash and $0.8 million in contingent consideration. In 2024, the Company remitted the $0.8 million of contingent consideration. The Company accounted for the Bridgewired fiber asset acquisition as an asset acquisition under ASC 805-10-55 “Business Combinations” because the assets acquired do not include an assembled workforce, and the gross value of the assets acquired meets the screen test in ASC 805-10-55-5A related to substantially all of the fair value being concentrated in a single asset or group of assets (i.e., the fiber infrastructure assets) and, thus, the assets are not considered a business. The fiber network assets will help to support and expand the Company's existing network. The assets are recorded as network equipment in “Property, plant and equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Acquisition of Ohio Transparent Telecom Inc.
On April 17, 2023 ("OTT Acquisition Date"), the Company acquired 100% of Ohio Transparent Telecom Inc. ("OTT"), a private company that provides network security, data connectivity, and unified communications solutions to commercial and enterprise customers across multiple sectors throughout Ohio and Michigan for an aggregate purchase price of $3.3 million, consisting of $3.2 million in cash and $0.1 million in contingent consideration. The services and solutions provided by OTT will complement the services offered by Agile (defined below), which the Company acquired in the second quarter of 2022.
The valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on estimated fair values at the OTT Acquisition Date. The allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed reflects various fair value estimates and analyses, including work performed by third-party valuation specialists. The determination of the final purchase price allocation to specific assets acquired and liabilities assumed is complete.
In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill of $1.1 million attributable to an acquired workforce with industry expertise in addition to other expected synergies with Agile. The amount of goodwill related to this acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.
Acquisition of Lawrenceburg Fiber Assets
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company acquired fiber network assets from the City of Lawrenceburg for an aggregate purchase price of $3.0 million consisting of $2.7 million in cash and $0.3 million in contingent consideration. In 2024, $0.2 million of the contingent consideration was remitted and $0.1 million remains outstanding. The Company accounted for the Lawrenceburg fiber asset acquisition as an asset acquisition under ASC 805-10-55 “Business Combinations” because the assets acquired do not include an assembled workforce, and the gross value of the assets acquired meets the screen test in ASC 805-10-55-5A related to substantially all of the fair value being concentrated in a single asset or group of assets (i.e., the fiber infrastructure assets) and, thus, the assets are not considered a business. The fiber network assets will help to support and expand the Company's existing network. The assets are recorded as network equipment in “Property, plant and equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Acquisition of Agile IWG Holdings, LLC
On May 2, 2022 (“Agile Acquisition Date”), the Company acquired Agile IWG Holdings, LLC ("Agile"), based in Canton, Ohio for total cash consideration of $65.5 million. Agile delivers customers, primarily located in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with middle mile, last mile and campus connectivity services through hybrid fiber wireless networks that are designed, built and managed by Agile.
The purchase price was funded through borrowings under the Company's former Receivables Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility (see Note 8).
The valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based on estimated fair values at the Agile Acquisition Date. The allocation of consideration to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed reflects various fair value estimates and analyses, including work performed by third-party valuation specialists. The determination of the final purchase price allocation to specific assets acquired and liabilities assumed is complete.
No expenses related to the Agile acquisition were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company incurred $0.3 million and $2.1 million in acquisition expenses related to the Agile acquisition in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These expenses are recorded in "Transaction and integration costs" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Based on fair value estimates, the purchase price has been allocated to individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Agile
Assets acquired
Receivables and other current assets
$
1.8
Property, plant and equipment
10.2
Operating lease right-of-use assets
27.8
Intangible assets
19.4
Goodwill
35.0
Total assets acquired
94.2
Liabilities assumed
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
2.5
Operating lease liabilities
25.7
Other noncurrent liabilities
0.5
Total liabilities assumed
28.7
Net assets acquired
$
65.5
In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded goodwill attributable to a diversified customer base and acquired workforce with industry expertise. The amount of goodwill related to this acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
In the second quarter of 2023, the Company recorded a measurement period adjustment to reflect the tax impact on the fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired which resulted in a decrease to "Deferred income tax liability" and to "Goodwill" of $4.4 million. In the fourth quarter of 2022, a measurement period adjustment was recorded to reflect the tax impact on the estimated fair value of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired which resulted in an increase to “Deferred income tax liability” and to “Goodwill” of $4.4 million. In addition, the Company recorded a measurement period adjustment considered to be immaterial in nature which impacted "Receivables and other current assets" and "Goodwill" in the fourth quarter of 2022. During the third quarter of 2022, the Company recorded measurement period adjustments for Agile to reflect refinements in fair value estimates in addition to a working capital adjustment of $0.4 million that increased the purchase price to $65.5 million. Most significant adjustments recorded were related to the acquired operating leases included in "Operating lease right-of-use assets” and "Operating lease liabilities,” deferred tax liabilities included in “Other noncurrent liabilities” and “Intangible assets.” The offset to these adjustments were recorded as a net decrease to “Goodwill.” Measurement period adjustments related to the acquisition of Agile were applied retrospectively to the Agile Acquisition Date.
Based on fair value estimates, the identifiable intangible assets acquired are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Fair Value
Useful Lives
Customer relationships
$
16.0
15 years
Trade names
2.3
10 years
Technology
1.1
7 years
Total identifiable intangible assets
$
19.4
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
6.Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is comprised of the following:
December 31,
Depreciable
(dollars in millions)
Lives (Years)
Land and rights-of-way
$
136.3
$
133.5
20 - Indefinite
Buildings and leasehold improvements
240.2
218.3
5 - 40
Network equipment
2,821.1
2,412.5
3 - 50
Office software, furniture, fixtures and vehicles
207.2
130.6
3 - 17
Construction in process
149.4
139.4
n/a
Gross value
3,554.2
3,034.3
Accumulated depreciation
(928.9
)
(648.6
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
2,625.3
$
2,385.7
Depreciation expense on Property, plant, and equipment, including assets accounted for as finance leases, totaled $276.3 in 2024, $300.3 million in 2023, and $335.9 million in 2022. The portion of depreciation expense associated with cost of providing services was 86%, 90% and 94% in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. There are numerous assets included within network equipment resulting in a range of depreciable lives between 3 and 50 years, the majority of which fall within the range of 7 to 22 years.
The Company recorded a loss on impairment of long-lived assets of $2.9 million in 2024 related to a write-off of certain fixed assets that will no longer be utilized as a result of the Company's decision to no longer pursue an ancillary product offering. No asset impairment losses were recognized on Property, plant, and equipment in the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company recorded a loss on impairment of long-lived assets of $2.7 million in the third quarter of 2022 related to the impairment of leasehold improvements at the Company’s headquarters.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
7.Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Goodwill
The changes in the Company's goodwill consisted of the following:
(dollars in millions)
Network
Goodwill, balance as of December 31, 2022
$
570.0
Activity during the year:
Adjustments to prior year acquisition of Agile
(4.4
)
Acquisition of OTT
1.1
Goodwill, balance as of December 31, 2023 and 2024
$
566.7
The goodwill balance for all comparable periods is adjusted to reflect the goodwill reclassified to the Network segment from the Disposal Group based on the relative fair value of the retained operations.
During 2023, goodwill decreased by $4.4 million due to an adjustment made to the prior year acquisition of Agile and increased by $1.1 million due to the acquisition of OTT. See Note 5 for further information related to the Agile and OTT acquisitions.
No impairment losses were recognized in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. During the annual review performed in the fourth quarter of 2024, we completed a Quantitative assessment and determined that the fair value of all of our reporting units exceeded their carrying amounts, including goodwill and, therefore, goodwill was not impaired.
Intangible Assets
The Company’s intangible assets consisted of the following:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Gross
Gross
Carrying
Accumulated
Net
Carrying
Accumulated
Net
(dollars in millions)
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Amount
Amortization
Amount
Intangible assets subject to amortization
Customer relationships
$
545.0
$
(208.2
)
$
336.8
$
545.0
$
(150.6
)
$
394.4
Trade names
22.4
(20.6
)
1.8
22.4
(15.8
)
6.6
Technology
1.1
(0.5
)
0.6
1.1
(0.3
)
0.8
Total
568.5
(229.3
)
339.2
568.5
(166.7
)
401.8
Intangible assets not subject to amortization
FCC licenses and spectrum usage rights
7.4
-
7.4
7.1
-
7.1
Perpetual licenses
6.8
-
6.8
6.8
-
6.8
Total intangible assets
$
582.7
$
(229.3
)
$
353.4
$
582.4
$
(166.7
)
$
415.7
As a result of the acquisition of OTT, the Company recorded a nominal finite-lived intangible asset representing the preliminary fair value at the OTT Acquisition Date. Due to the acquisition of Agile, the Company recorded $19.4 million of finite-lived intangible assets representing the fair values at the Agile Acquisition Date. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the acquisitions of OTT and Agile. The finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives based on a number of assumptions including the estimated period of economic benefit and utilization.
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the Company purchased perpetual licenses for a block of IP addresses to be used as the Company continues to extend our fiber network and add internet subscribers.
The amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets was $62.6 million in 2024, $69.2 million in 2023, and $72.9 million in 2022. No impairment losses were recognized on intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The estimated useful lives for each finite-lived intangible asset class are as follows:
Customer relationships
15 years
Trade names
3 to 10 years
Technology
7 years
The annual estimated amortization expense for future years is as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Year ended December 31,
$
53.4
48.9
44.4
39.8
35.2
Thereafter
117.5
Total
$
339.2
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
8.Debt and Other Financing Arrangements
The Company’s debt consists of the following:
December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Current portion of long-term debt:
Credit Agreement - Term B-1 Loans
$
5.0
$
5.0
Credit Agreement - Term B-2 Loans
-
6.5
Credit Agreement - Term B-3 Loans
2.0
2.0
Credit Agreement - Term B-4 Loans
9.3
-
Other bank debt
18.9
-
Paniolo Fiber Assets Financing Arrangement
0.5
0.5
Finance lease liabilities
9.9
6.4
Current portion of long-term debt
45.6
20.4
Long-term debt, less current portion:
Network Receivables Facility
-
36.1
CBTS Receivables Facility
-
209.9
Credit Agreement - Revolving Credit Facility
-
152.5
Credit Agreement - Term B-1 Loans
480.0
485.0
Credit Agreement - Term B-2 Loans
-
630.5
Credit Agreement - Term B-3 Loans
195.0
197.0
Credit Agreement - Term B-4 Loans
921.3
-
Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone notes (1)
93.8
95.1
Paniolo Fiber Assets Financing Arrangement
20.9
21.4
Digital Access Ohio Advance
10.3
6.3
Finance lease liabilities
37.7
36.4
1,759.0
1,870.2
Net unamortized discount
(5.8
)
(5.5
)
Unamortized note issuance costs
(33.0
)
(34.6
)
Long-term debt, less current portion
1,720.2
1,830.1
Total debt
$
1,765.8
$
1,850.5
(1)As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the net carrying amount of the Various Cincinnati Bell Telephone notes included an unamortized fair value adjustment recorded on the Company's merger date, September 7, 2021, of $5.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively. The adjustment is amortized over the life of the notes and is recorded as a reduction of interest expense.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Credit Agreement
In connection with the Merger Agreement, at the Effective Time (the date on which the Effective Time occurred, the “Closing Date”), the Company entered into a new Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") and terminated the former Corporate Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement initially provided for (i) a five-year $275 million senior secured revolving credit facility, including both a letter of credit subfacility of up to $40 million and a swingline loan subfacility of up to $10 million (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and (ii) a seven-year $150 million senior secured term loan facility (the “Term B-1 Loans”). The Revolving Credit Facility matures in September 2026 and the Term B-1 Loans mature in September 2028. Borrowings under the Term B-1 Loans were used to refinance existing company indebtedness, finance a portion of the fees and expenses relating to the acquisition of the Company and the establishment of the Credit Agreement, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to provide ongoing working capital as well as for other general corporate purposes of the Company.
The Company (i) incurred deferred financing costs of $32.0 million related to the issuance of the Term B-1 Loans and capitalized as a reduction to the outstanding debt balances as of the Merger Date and (ii) incurred deferred financing costs of $6.1 million related to the issuance of the Revolving Credit Facility and capitalized to “Other noncurrent assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the Merger Date.
In November 2021, the Company entered into an Amendment (the “Amendment No. 1”) to the Credit Agreement to provide for, among other things, (i) a $125.0 million upsize to the Revolving Credit Facility, increasing the total commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility to $400.0 million, (ii) a $350.0 million incremental increase to the Term B-1 Loans (the “Incremental Term B-1 Loans Increase”), increasing the aggregate principal amount of Term B-1 Loans to $500.0 million, and (iii) the incurrence of a new tranche of $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured term loans (the “Term B-2 Loans”). The proceeds of the Incremental Term B-1 Loans Increase and the Term B-2 Loans were used by the Company to redeem in full all of the Company’s existing 7.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) and 8.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “2025 Notes”), and to pay fees and expenses in connection thereto. The Term B-2 Loans mature in November 2028. The Amendment No. 1 also extended the maturity of all Term B-1 Loans to November 2028 and reduced the interest applicable to the Term B-1 Loans and the Revolving Credit Facility. The Amendment No. 1 also provided for the transition of the benchmark rate of interest under the Credit Agreement from LIBOR to Term SOFR. At December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, leaving $400 million available.
As a result of the Amendment No. 1 in 2021, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $4.3 million and $9.7 million related to the Incremental Term B-1 Loans Increase and the Term B-2 Loans, respectively, and capitalized the amounts as a reduction to the outstanding debt balances in 2021. In addition, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $1.3 million related to increasing the capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility and capitalized the amount to “Other noncurrent assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in 2021.
In May 2023, the Company entered into an Incremental Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Incremental Amendment”) to provide for the incurrence of a new tranche of $200.0 million senior secured term loans (the “Term B-3 Loans”). The proceeds of the Term B-3 Loans were used to repay a portion of the loans outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, repay in full the remaining 7 1/4% Notes due 2023 upon maturity in the second quarter of 2023, and for other general corporate purposes. The Term B-3 Loans will mature in November 2028. All other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by the Incremental Amendment.
The Company incurred deferred financing costs of $1.9 million related to the issuance of the Term B-3 Loans and capitalized the amount as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance in 2023.
In May 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 3") to the Credit Agreement to provide for (i) a $300 million incremental increase to the existing Term B-2 Loans (as defined in the Credit Agreement) (the “Incremental Term B-2 Loans”) and (ii) the extension of the maturity date for the commitments under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility to August 2028. The Incremental Term B-2 Loans are part of the same class of Loans as the existing Term B-2 Loans and have the same terms as such Term B-2 Loans. The proceeds of the Incremental Term B-2 Loans were used (a) to repay the outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, (b) to repay a portion of borrowings under the Company’s accounts receivable securitization facility, (c) to pay fees, expenses and other transaction costs related to Amendment No. 3 and the transactions contemplated thereby and (d) for working capital and other general corporate purposes. The other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by Amendment No. 3.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
As a result of Amendment No.3, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $2.4 million related to the Incremental Term B-2 Loans and capitalized the amounts as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance. In addition, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.6 million related to the extension of the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to August 2028 and capitalized the amounts to "Other noncurrent assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in 2024.
In June 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 4") to the Credit Agreement to provide for a reduction in the interest rate margin applicable to the Term B-3 Loans under the Credit Agreement. The other material terms, conditions and covenants of the Credit Agreement were unchanged by Amendment No. 4.
As a result of Amendment No. 4, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.7 million related to the Term B-3 Loans and capitalized the amounts as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance in 2024.
In December 2024, the Company entered into an amendment (the "Amendment No. 5") to the Credit Agreement to provide for (i) a reduction in the interest rate margin applicable to the Term B-1 Loans and the Term B-3 Loans under the Credit Agreement and (ii) the incurrence of a new tranche of $930,590,472 senior secured term loans (the "Term B-4 Loans"). The proceeds of the Term B-4 Loans were used to refinance in full the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Term B-2 Loans and to pay fees and expenses in connection with the refinancing of the Term B-2 Loans.
The Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.9 million related to the issuance of the Term B-4 Loans and capitalized the amount as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance in 2024. In addition, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.7 million and $0.3 million related to Term B-1 Loans and Term B-3 Loans, respectively, related to the reduction in the interest rate margin and capitalized the amounts as a reduction to the outstanding debt balance in 2024.
The May and June 2024 amendments were accounted for as modifications of the original Term Loan B-2, Term Loan B-3 and Revolving Credit Facility. Accordingly, no loss was recorded and new financing costs deferred are being amortized over the new and amended maturities of the term loan and revolver. The December 2024 amendment was also accounted for as a modification of the Term Loans. Accordingly, no loss was recorded and new financing costs deferred are being amortized over the new and amended maturities of the term loan.
Borrowings under the Term B-1 and Term B-3 Loans will, following the Amendment No. 5, bear interest, initially, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either:
•a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate (determined for any day as the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System of the United States arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the business day next succeeding such day) plus 1/2 of 1%, (ii) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Goldman Sachs as its “prime rate” in effect at its principal office in New York City and notified to the Company, and (iii) to the extent ascertainable, one month Adjusted Term SOFR (determined as set forth below) plus 1.00%, plus, in any such case, 2.00%; or
•Adjusted Term SOFR determined by reference to the forward-looking term rate based on the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 3.00%.
Borrowings under the Term B-4 Loans will bear interest, initially, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either:
•a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate (determined for any day as the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System of the United States arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the business day next succeeding such day) plus 1/2 of 1%, (ii) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Goldman Sachs as its “prime rate” in effect at its principal office in New York City and notified to the Company, and (iii) to the extent ascertainable, one month Adjusted Term SOFR (determined as set forth below) plus 1.00%, plus, in any such case, 1.75%; or
•Adjusted Term SOFR determined by reference to the forward-looking term rate based on the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 2.75%.
•
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will, following the Amendment No. 1, bear interest, initially, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either:
•a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the Federal Funds Rate (determined for any day as the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System of the United States arranged by federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on the business day next succeeding such day) plus 1/2 of 1%, (ii) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by Goldman Sachs as its “prime rate” in effect at its principal office in New York City and notified to the Company, and (iii) to the extent ascertainable, one month Adjusted Term SOFR (determined as set forth below) rate plus 1.00%, plus, in any such case, 2.00%; or
•Adjusted Term SOFR determined by reference to the forward-looking term rate based on the secured overnight financing rate as administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus a credit spread adjustment equal to 0.10%, 0.15% or 0.25% for interest periods of one month, three months and six months, respectively, plus, in each case, 3.00%.
From and after the delivery by the Company to the administrative agent for the Credit Agreement of financial statements for the first fiscal quarter ended after the effective date of the Amendment No. 1, the applicable margin over the base rate or Adjusted Term SOFR for the Revolving Credit Facility will be in the range of 2.75% and 3.00% (for SOFR loans) and 1.75% and 2.00% (for base rate loans) based on a pricing grid as determined by reference to the applicable Secured Net Leverage Ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period for which financial statements have been delivered.
The base rate is subject to a 0.00% floor. The Adjusted Term SOFR is subject to a floor equal to (i) for the Revolving Credit Facility, 0.00%, (ii) for the Term B-1 Loans, 0.25%, and (iii) for the Term B-3 Loans, 0.25% and (iv) for the Term B-4 Loans, 0.50%.
In addition, the Company will be required to pay a commitment fee on any unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility at a rate of 0.50% per annum, or, if the Secured Net Leverage Ratio for the most recent four fiscal quarter period for which financial statements have been delivered is equal to or less than 3.25 to 1.00, 0.375% per annum. The Company will also pay customary letter of credit fees, including a fronting fee equal to 0.125% per annum of the dollar equivalent of the maximum amount available to be drawn under all outstanding letters of credit, as well as customary issuance and administration fees.
One of the syndicated lenders of the Term B-1 Loans and Term B-3 Loans is a cooperative bank owned by its customers. Annually, this bank distributes patronage in the form of cash and stock in the cooperative based on the Company’s average outstanding loan balance. The Company will recognize the patronage, generally as declared, in “Other income, net.” The stock component will be recognized at its stated cost basis.
The Company may voluntarily repay and reborrow outstanding loans under the Revolving Credit Facility at any time without a premium or a penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs with respect to SOFR revolving loans.
Guarantors and Security Interests, Credit Agreement
All obligations under the Term B-1 Loans, Term B-3 Loans, Term B-4 Loans and Revolving Credit Facility are unconditionally guaranteed by the direct parent of the Company and each of the existing and future direct and indirect material, wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of the Company, subject to certain exceptions (including for Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC (and any other similar special purpose receivables financing subsidiary), the Company's joint ventures, subsidiaries prohibited by applicable law or contractual obligation from becoming guarantors, immaterial subsidiaries, unrestricted subsidiaries, foreign subsidiaries, and other customary exceptions as more fully described in the Credit Agreement). Obligations outstanding under the Credit Agreement are secured by perfected first priority pledges of and security interests in (i) the equity interests of the Company held by its direct parent and (ii) substantially all of the assets of the Company and each subsidiary guarantor (subject to customary exceptions as more fully described in the Credit Agreement), including equity interests of each subsidiary guarantor under the Credit Agreement.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Facility
Cincinnati Bell Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have an accounts receivable securitization facility ("Receivables Facility"). In the first quarter of 2023, the Company executed certain amendments (the "Amendments") to the Receivables Facility to, among other things: (i) increase the total maximum borrowing capacity to $280.0 million, (ii) separate the Receivables Facility into two separate facilities, with (A) the existing Receivables Facility (the “Network Receivables Facility”), as amended by the Amendments, covering receivables originated by certain U.S. subsidiaries of the Company including Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC, Hawaiian Telcom Communications, Inc. and certain of their respective subsidiaries having a maximum borrowing capacity of $55.0 million and (B) a new facility (the “CBTS Receivables Facility”) covering receivables originated by certain U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries in the Company's IT Services and Hardware segment including CBTS Technology Solutions LLC and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd. having a maximum borrowing capacity of $225.0 million, (iii) move the receivables monetization arrangements from the Network Receivables Facility to the CBTS Receivables Facility, and (iv) make applicable technical and conforming changes thereto. In addition, the Amendments extend the renewal dates of each facility to January 2025 and the termination dates of each facility to January 2026. The CBTS Receivables Facility was terminated in conjunction with the sale of the Disposal Group in December 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had no borrowings and $25.0 million of letters of credit outstanding under the Network Receivables Facility, leaving $30.0 million remaining availability on the total borrowing capacity of $55.0 million. The maximum borrowing limit for loans and letters of credit under the Network Receivables Facility is $55.0 million, in the aggregate. The available borrowing capacity on the facility is calculated monthly based on the quantity and quality of outstanding accounts receivable, and thus may be lower than the maximum borrowing limit.
In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company executed an amendment to the Network Receivables Facility to extend the renewal date to April 9, 2025. The other material terms and conditions of the Network Receivables Facility were unchanged by the amendment.
Interest on the Network Receivables Facility is based on the SOFR rate plus 1.4% for borrowings. The average interest rate on the Network Receivables Facility in 2024 was 6.2%. The Company pays letter of credit fees on letters of credit drawn under the securitization facility and also pays commitment fees on the unused portions of the total facility.
Under the Network Receivables Facility, certain U.S. subsidiaries, as originators, sell their respective trade receivables on a continuous basis to Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC (“CBF”), wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries of the Company. Although CBF is a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary of the Company, CBF is legally separate from the Company and each of the Company’s other subsidiaries. Upon and after the sale or contribution of the accounts receivable to CBF, such accounts receivable are legally assets of CBF and, as such, are not available to creditors of other subsidiaries or the parent company.
The transferors sell their respective trade receivables on a continuous basis to CBF. In turn, CBF grants, without recourse, a senior undivided interest in the pooled receivables to various purchasers, including commercial paper conduits, in exchange for cash while maintaining a subordinated undivided interest in the form of over-collateralization in the pooled receivables. The transferors have agreed to continue servicing the receivables for CBF at market rates; accordingly, no servicing asset or liability has been recorded.
For the purposes of consolidated financial reporting, the Network Receivables Facility and the CBTS Receivables Facility, prior to the termination date, are accounted for as secured financing. Because CBF has the ability to prepay the Network Receivables Facility and CBFC and CBTSF have the ability to prepay the CBTS Receivables Facility at any time by making a cash payment, the transfers do not qualify for "sale" treatment on a consolidated basis under ASC 860, "Transfers and Servicing."
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Bell Telephone Notes
In 1998, CBT's predecessor issued $150.0 million in aggregate principal of 6.30% unsecured senior notes due 2028 (the "CBT Notes"), which are guaranteed on a subordinated basis by the Company but not its subsidiaries. The indenture related to the CBT Notes does not subject the Company or CBT to restrictive financial covenants, but it does contain a covenant providing that if CBT incurs certain liens on its property or assets, CBT must secure the outstanding CBT Notes equally and ratably with the indebtedness or obligations secured by such liens. The liens under the Credit Agreement resulted in the CBT Notes being secured equally and ratably with the collateral granted by CBT that secures the obligations under the Credit Agreement.
The maturity date of the CBT notes is in 2028, and the CBT Notes may be redeemed at any time at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the CBT Notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest to maturity, plus accrued interest to the redemption date. The indenture governing the CBT Notes provides for customary events of default, including for failure to make any payment when due and for one or more defaults of any other existing debt instruments of the Company or CBT that exceeds $20.0 million, in the aggregate.
Other Bank Debt
The Company operates multiple bank accounts that are funded and swept daily. On December 31, 2024, the Company experienced a temporary overdraft of $18.9 million in one of its bank accounts as a result of a miscommunication on payroll dates and the associated funding requirements related to the holiday. Sufficient cash reserves were available at another financial institution to fully cover the amount. The issue was promptly identified and the account was subsequently funded on January 2, 2025, resulting in full payment of the outstanding debt.
Paniolo Fiber Assets Financing Arrangement
In connection with the acquisition of the assets of Paniolo in the third quarter of 2021, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hawaiian Telcom Inc. (“HTI”), entered into a purchase money financing agreement to finance a portion of the Paniolo Acquisition. The Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement provides for a five-year $23.0 million loan secured by the Paniolo assets acquired in the transaction.
In the third quarter of 2023, the Company executed an amendment to the Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement to replace LIBOR, the benchmark rate of interest, with Adjusted Term SOFR which is defined in the amendment as Term SOFR plus 0.1%. As a result of the amendment, borrowings under the Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to Adjusted Term SOFR plus 3.0%. All other material terms and conditions of the Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement were unchanged by the amendment. The Company guarantees HTI’s borrowings under the Paniolo fiber assets financing arrangement.
In February 2025, the Company extinguished the debt associated with the financing arrangement at a discounted rate of 99.25%. The Company paid the outstanding debt balance as well as the accrued and unpaid interest as of the extinguishment date. As a result of the debt extinguishment, a nominal gain was recorded.
Digital Access Ohio Advance
The Company holds an interest in DAO (Note 1), which entered into a secured promissory note ("Digital Access Ohio Advance") to finance a portion of DAO's operations. The Digital Access Ohio Advance matures in July 2033, and the total borrowings shall not exceed $20.0 million in the aggregate. Borrowings under the Digital Access Ohio Advance bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the long term applicable federal rate plus 1.0%. The interest will continue to accrue and is due either upon maturity in July 2033 or upon repayment if that occurs prior to the maturity date. The Company guarantees DAO's borrowings under the Digital Access Ohio Advance. As of December 31, 2024, borrowings under the Digital Access Ohio Advance totaled $10.3 million.
Finance Lease Liabilities
Finance lease liabilities represent our obligation for certain leased assets, including vehicles and various equipment. These leases generally contain renewal or buyout options.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Debt Maturity Schedule
The following table summarizes our annual principal maturities of debt and other financing arrangements, excluding lease obligations, for the five years subsequent to December 31, 2024, and thereafter:
(dollars in millions)
Debt
Year ended December 31,
$
35.7
37.2
16.3
1,651.6
-
Thereafter
10.3
1,751.1
Net unamortized discount
(5.8
)
Unamortized note issuance costs
(33.0
)
Total debt
$
1,712.3
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are costs incurred in connection with obtaining long-term financing and renewing revolving credit agreements. Deferred financing costs are amortized on the effective interest method. In 2024, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $2.4 million related to the Incremental Term B-2 Loans, $0.6 million related to the extension of the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility, $0.7 million related to the Term B-3 Loans amendment for a reduction in the interest rate margin, $0.9 million related to the issuance of the Term B-4 Loans, and $0.7 million and $0.3 million related to the reduction in the interest rate margin for Term B-1 Loans and Term B-3 Loans. In 2023, the Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.4 million and $1.7 million related to amendments to the Network Receivables Facility and CBTS Receivables Facility, respectively, and $1.9 million related to the issuance of the Term B-3 loans. The Company incurred deferred financing costs of $0.1 million related to amending the Receivables Facility in 2022.
The Company records costs incurred in connection with obtaining revolving credit agreements as an asset. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, deferred financing costs recorded to "Other non-current assets" totaled $3.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively. Amortization of deferred financing costs, included in "Interest expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations, totaled $9.1 million in 2024, $8.4 million in 2023, and $7.1 million in 2022.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Debt Covenants
Credit Agreement
The Credit Agreement has a financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain a Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) of 5.75 to 1.00 when the utilization under the Revolving Credit Facility exceeds 35%. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to, restrictions on the Company's ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, pay dividends, make certain investments, and prepay other indebtedness, sell, transfer, lease, or dispose of assets and enter into, or undertake, certain liquidations, mergers, consolidations or acquisitions.
The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default (which are in some cases subject to certain exceptions, thresholds and grace periods), including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, failure to perform or observe covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, cross-defaults with certain other indebtedness, certain bankruptcy-related events or proceedings, final monetary judgments or orders, ERISA defaults, invalidity of loan documents or guarantees, and certain change of control events. If the Company was to violate any of its covenants and was unable to obtain a waiver, it would be considered a default. If the Company was in default under the Credit Agreement, no additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility would be available until the default was waived or cured.
The Term B-1 Loans, Term B-3 Loans and Term B-4 Loans are subject to the same affirmative and negative covenants and events of default as the Revolving Credit Facility, except that a breach of the financial covenants will not result in an event of default under the Term B-4 Loans unless and until the agent or a majority in interest of the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility have terminated their commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility and accelerated the loans then outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility in response to such breach in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
9.Leases
Lessee Disclosures
The Company primarily leases real estate for offices, retail stores and central offices, as well as equipment, cell towers, designated space on third party towers and fleet vehicles. The Company leases its real estate for terms between 1 and 70 years, its equipment for terms between 3 and 10 years, its cell towers for terms between 5 and 21 years, its designated space on third party cell towers for terms between 4 and 55 years and its vehicles for terms of 5 years. Our leases have various expiration dates through 2094, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 15 years.
Upon adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company elected not to recognize leases with terms of one-year or less on the balance sheet. The Company's leases generally do not provide an implicit rate, and therefore the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate when measuring operating lease liabilities. The incremental borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate the Company would incur at lease commencement to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to the Company's leases was as follows:
December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
Operating lease assets, net of amortization
Operating lease right-of-use assets
$
77.4
$
63.9
Finance lease assets, net of amortization
Property, plant and equipment, net
19.8
9.2
Operating lease liabilities:
Current operating lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
6.4
9.5
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
77.5
60.2
Total operating lease liabilities
83.9
69.7
Finance lease liabilities:
Current finance lease liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt
9.9
6.4
Noncurrent finance lease liabilities
Long-term debt, less current portion
37.7
36.4
Total finance lease liabilities
$
47.6
$
42.8
The components of lease expense were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Operating lease cost
$
12.7
$
10.1
$
8.2
Short-term lease cost
0.7
0.5
0.3
Variable lease cost
-
0.2
0.6
Finance lease cost:
Depreciation on leased assets
2.2
0.7
0.4
Interest on lease liabilities
3.4
3.1
3.0
Total lease cost
$
19.0
$
14.6
$
12.5
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Supplemental Cash Flows Information *
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases
$
3.9
$
3.9
$
3.4
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
10.7
$
13.4
$
11.1
Financing cash flows from finance leases
$
14.2
$
12.4
$
8.3
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:
New operating leases
$
23.1
$
15.7
$
12.2
New finance leases
$
14.0
$
14.4
$
12.3
*Supplemental cash flows information includes cash flows from discontinued operations through the disposal date of December 2, 2024.
Additional quantitative information related to leases was as follows:
December 31,
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term
Operating leases
16.72 years
15.80 years
Finance leases
5.18 years
5.68 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases
7.90
%
7.65
%
Finance leases
7.40
%
7.60
%
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Operating Leases
Finance Leases
Year ended December 31,
$
11.9
$
13.5
11.4
11.7
10.6
11.8
10.4
10.5
9.5
8.8
Thereafter
112.8
0.2
Total future minimum lease payments
166.6
56.5
Less imputed interest
(81.6
)
(8.6
)
Total
$
85.0
$
47.9
As of December 31, 2024, we have additional future payments on operating leases that have not yet commenced for $1.1 million. These leases will commence in 2025 and have lease terms of 3-55 years. As of December 31, 2024, we have additional future payments for a finance lease that has not yet commenced for $0.3 million. This lease will commence in 2025 and has a lease term of 5 years.
Lessor Disclosures
The Company has operating leases related to its dark fiber arrangements for terms between 1 and 30 years. Our leases have various expiration dates through 2048, some of which include options to extend the lease. The Company recorded lease income, inclusive of sublease income, related to operating lease payments of $4.3 million in 2024, $3.4 million in 2023, and $3.0 million in 2022.
The Company recorded $0.8 million as lessor revenue in 2024 for the sublease of its corporate headquarter office space in Cincinnati, Ohio and a warehouse space in Hawaii.
The Company owns the underlying assets associated with its operating leases, excluding the office and warehouse space that the Company subleases, and records them in "Property, plant and equipment, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Future minimum lease payments to be received under non-cancellable leases as of December 31, 2024 are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Operating Leases
Year ended December 31,
$
4.6
4.3
4.3
4.1
3.7
Thereafter
11.6
Total future minimum lease payments
32.6
Less imputed interest
(8.7
)
Total
$
23.9
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
10.Commitments and Contingencies
Other Installment Financing Arrangements
Prior to the acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom in July 2018, Hawaiian Telcom had an open dispute related to jointly-owned utility poles. Each of the electric utilities for the four counties in the State of Hawaii had separate agreements with Hawaiian Telcom for the joint ownership and maintenance of utility poles along with other third parties, such as the State of Hawaii. The agreements set forth various circumstances requiring pole removal, installation and replacement and the sharing of costs among the joint pole owners. The agreements allowed for the cost of work done by one joint pole owner to be shared by the other joint pole owners based on the apportionment of costs in the agreements. Generally, the electric utilities had maintained, replaced and installed the majority of the jointly-owned poles and had billed the other joint pole owners for their respective share of the costs. Hawaiian Telcom had a disagreement with the common owner of the utilities in three of the counties in Hawaii regarding the amount the utilities were requesting for their share of the capitalized costs.
The agreement approved by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission in October 2018 provided for the transfer of Hawaiian Telcom’s ownership responsibility of the poles to Hawaiian Electric Company (“HEC”) and Hawaiian Telcom to pay a fixed annual fee to HEC for continued use of the poles. The agreement, referred to as the Pole License Agreement, has a duration of 10 years at a fixed rate with two renewal options each for five year terms. Due to the continuing involvement by the Company, this transaction does not meet the requirements to be accounted for as a sale-leaseback, and therefore it has been treated as a financing obligation. In connection with the Merger, the carrying value of the financing obligation was remeasured and includes a fair value step-up of $12.2 million recorded as of the Merger Date. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a liability recorded of $40.8 million related to the payments for the use of the poles, of which $3.0 million is recognized within "Other current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a liability recorded of $43.6 million related to the payments for the use of the poles, of which $2.8 million is recognized within “Other current liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The future minimum payments under the base agreement, as well as the renewal options for the arrangement which the Company expects to exercise, are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Year ended December 31,
$
5.1
5.1
5.0
4.0
4.0
Thereafter
32.0
Total future minimum financing obligation payments
55.2
Less imputed interest
(14.4
)
Total
$
40.8
Trans-Pacific Submarine Cable
Commensurate with the acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom, the Company gained access to the SEA-US cable. In August 2014, Hawaiian Telcom joined several other telecommunication companies to form a consortium to build and operate the SEA-US cable. The total system cost was $235.0 million and was primarily composed of a supply contract with the lead contractor. The Company has a fractional ownership in the system and recognizes its fractional share at cost. In addition, the Company constructed a cable landing station in Hawaii and provides cable landing services. The system was completed in August 2017.
The Company has excess capacity on its share of the SEA-US cable that it makes available to other carriers for a fee. The Company has contracted and expects to enter into additional IRU agreements with other carriers for use of this excess fiber circuit capacity. The Company may receive up-front payments for services to be delivered over a period of up to 25 years. The Company has a remaining obligation related to the sale of capacity and other services of $17.1 million and $18.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, recorded in "Other noncurrent liabilities" and $1.7 million and $1.6 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, recorded in "Other current liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which was previously received in up-front payments. The Company is recognizing revenue for the cable on a straight-line basis over the contract term. The Company recognizes a financing component in accordance with ASC 606 associated with the up-front payments as the contract terms range up to 25 years.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Dedicated Fiber Agreement
In 2021, the Company entered into an IRU agreement to provide dedicated fiber routes for a period of 20 years. During 2024, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred costs of $4.7 million, $16.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, related to the dedicated fiber route build, with all such costs capitalized. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has a liability of $65.7 million for services to be delivered related to up-front payments previously received, of which $2.2 million is recorded in “Other current liabilities” and $63.5 million is recorded in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company has a liability of $58.6 million for services to be delivered related to up-front payments previously received, of which $2.1 million is recorded in “Other current liabilities” and $56.5 million is recorded in “Other noncurrent liabilities” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company will receive additional up-front payments for the remaining contract revenue upon completing certain milestones related to the build of the dedicated fiber routes. Revenue for the IRU agreement will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the contract term. The Company recognizes a financing component in accordance with ASC 606 associated with the up-front payments as the contract term is 20 years.
Involuntary Events and Contingencies
In August 2023, wildfires ignited on Maui and Hawaii islands and spread rapidly due to extreme wind conditions caused in part by Hurricane Dora which traveled 800 miles offshore west of Maui. The fires caused widespread damage to Lahaina town on the island of Maui and the surrounding area, including physical loss and damage to certain of the Company’s fiber and copper assets and Company owned equipment located on customer premises. The Company experienced the loss of business income immediately following the fires and is expected to continue to experience loss of business income for an unknown amount of time. The Company has filed insurance claims for the physical loss and damages experienced in Lahaina and for business income losses resulting from the matter. In 2024, the Company received insurance reimbursements of $7.0 million that exceeded the net book value related to the physical loss and damage claims, and recorded the amount to "Other income, net" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company’s Hawaiian Telcom subsidiary, along with many other parties, including governmental entities, landowners, utilities and other telecommunication providers, has been named as a defendant in multiple civil lawsuits brought by individual plaintiffs, a putative class, and subrogation plaintiffs in state and federal court in Hawaii arising out of the August 2023 windstorm and wildfires on the island of Maui. Among other things, the lawsuits allege that the defendants were responsible for, and/or were negligent in failing to prevent, the wildfires that led to severe destruction of property and loss of life. Hawaiian Telcom has denied any responsibility for the damages caused by the wildfires.
The parties to the litigations, including Hawaiian Telcom, have engaged in confidential mediation and discussions regarding a global settlement of the litigations. On August 2, 2024, the defendants, individual plaintiffs, and class plaintiffs entered into a term sheet that contemplates a global resolution of all claims arising out of the August 2023 windstorm and wildfires on Maui that does not include any admission of liability in which the defendants would collectively pay an aggregate of $4.037 billion. The settlement also would resolve all claims among the defendants. Hawaiian Telcom’s contribution is a total of $100.0 million and includes the $2.5 million previously contributed for the One ‘Ohana Fund. Settlement payments are expected to be made no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2025 following necessary judicial review and approvals. However, until final settlement documents are signed by all the parties to the term sheet, there can be no assurances that a settlement will be completed, or that Hawaiian Telcom will be able to settle the lawsuits against it on the terms set forth in the term sheet. If the settlement is not completed, Hawaiian Telcom intends to vigorously defend the lawsuits in which it is named as defendant.
As a result, the Company concluded that, with the agreement to the term sheet related to the August 2023 wildfires on Maui, the global settlement was probable, and the related loss was reasonably estimable. Accordingly, the Company recognized an incremental liability of $93.5 million recorded to “Other Noncurrent liabilities” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets offset by an insurance receivable included in “Other noncurrent assets” as of December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2024, the general liability of $97.5 million related to this matter remains recorded in "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a general liability recorded related to this matter of $4.0 million, of which $2.0 million was recorded in "Other current liabilities" and $2.0 million was recorded in "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2024 an offsetting receivable of $96.6 million associated with amounts expected to be reimbursed by insurance has been recorded in "Other noncurrent assets," in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had recorded $2.0 million to "Other noncurrent assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The Company incurred legal fees related to this matter of $11.6 million in 2024. The Company has recorded a $8.4 million insurance receivable to "Receivables, Net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a result of agreement by the Company's insurance provider to reimburse a portion of professional fees incurred. Accordingly, in 2024, net expense of $3.2 million was recorded to "Selling, General and Administrative" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations exist for certain assets. In conjunction with the acquisition of Hawaiian Telcom, the Company recognized certain asset retirement obligations related to underground tanks and environmental remediation that will occur prior to the retirement of certain assets. These obligations are recorded in "Other noncurrent liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table presents the activity for the Company’s asset retirement obligations:
Year Ended
Year Ended
(dollars in millions)
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
Balance, beginning of period
$
7.3
$
7.2
Liabilities incurred
-
-
Liabilities settled
(0.3
)
(0.2
)
Accretion expense
0.3
0.3
Balance, end of period
$
7.3
$
7.3
Indemnifications
During the normal course of business, the Company makes certain indemnities, commitments, and guarantees under which it may be required to make payments in relation to certain transactions. These include (a) intellectual property indemnities to customers in connection with the use, sale, and/or license of products and services, (b) indemnities to customers in connection with losses incurred while performing services on their premises, (c) indemnities to vendors and service providers pertaining to claims based on negligence or willful misconduct of the Company, (d) indemnities involving the representations and warranties in certain contracts, and (e) outstanding letters of credit which totaled $25.0 million as of December 31, 2024. In addition, the Company has made contractual commitments to several employees providing for payments upon the occurrence of certain prescribed events. The majority of these indemnities, commitments, and guarantees do not provide for any limitation on the maximum potential for future payments that the Company could be obligated to make.
As permitted under Ohio law, the Company has agreements whereby the Company indemnifies its officers and directors for certain events or occurrences while the officer or director is, or was, serving at the Company's request in such capacity. The term of the indemnification period is for the lifetime of the officer or director. The maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification agreements is unlimited; however, the Company has a director and officer insurance policy that limits the Company's exposure and enables the Company to recover a portion of any future amounts paid. As a result of the Company's insurance policy coverage, the Company believes the estimated fair value of these indemnification agreements is minimal. The Company has no liabilities recorded for these agreements as of December 31, 2024 or 2023.
Purchase Commitments
The Company primarily has purchase commitments and blanket purchase requisitions related to certain goods and services and generally has the right to cancel open purchase orders prior to delivery and to terminate the contracts without cause. These agreements typically range from one to three years. In 2024, as part of its fiber network expansion efforts the Company entered into a noncancellable purchase commitment with a strategic vendor for approximately $84 million to purchase capital materials for network construction over a three-year period.
Litigation
Cincinnati Bell and its subsidiaries are subject to various lawsuits, actions, proceedings, claims and other matters asserted under laws and regulations in the normal course of business. We believe the liabilities accrued for legal contingencies in our consolidated financial statements, as prescribed by GAAP, are adequate in light of the probable and estimable contingencies. However, there can be no assurances that the actual amounts required to satisfy alleged liabilities from various legal proceedings, claims, tax examinations, and other matters, and to comply with applicable laws and regulations, will not exceed the amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements. As such, costs, if any, that may be incurred in excess of those amounts provided as of December 31, 2024, cannot be reasonably determined.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
11.Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements
Cash Flow Hedging
Cash Flow Hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
The Company uses non-designated cash flow hedges including interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements to minimize its exposure to interest rate fluctuations on variable rate debt borrowings. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments and do not represent an actual exchange of the underlying notional amounts between parties. Interest rate caps provide that the counterparty will pay the purchaser at the end of each contractual period in which the index interest rate exceeds the contractually agreed upon cap rate.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Company entered into a forward starting non-amortizing interest rate swap to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The interest rate swap has a notional amount of $200.0 million resulting in interest payments based on an average fixed rate per swap of 4.3030%, plus the applicable margin per the requirements in the Credit Agreement. The interest rate swap expires in July 2025.
In the first quarter of 2023, the Company entered into three forward starting non-amortizing interest rate swaps to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The interest rate swaps have notional amounts of $150.0 million, $150.0 million and $100.0 million resulting in interest payments based on an average fixed rate per swap of 3.6875%, 3.6500% and 3.5095%, respectively, plus the applicable margin per the requirements in the Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps expire in March 2027.
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company entered into two interest rate cap agreements to limit exposure to interest rate risk on variable rate debt. The interest rate caps each have a cap rate of 3.0% with notional amounts of $200.0 million and $175.0 million and deferred premiums of $6.7 million and $5.3 million, respectively. The deferred premiums will be paid on a monthly basis over the term of the respective interest rate cap. The interest rate caps expire in May 2026.
In the second quarter of 2022, the Company entered into three forward starting non-amortizing interest rate swaps to convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. The interest rate swaps have notional amounts of $175.0 million, $115.0 million and $85.0 million resulting in interest payments based on an average fixed rate per swap of 2.9185%, 2.8520% and 2.8605%, respectively, plus the applicable margin per the requirements in the Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps expire in May 2026.
The fair value of the Company's interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are impacted by the credit risk of both the Company and its counterparties. The Company has agreements with its derivative financial instrument counterparties that contain provisions providing that if the Company defaults on the indebtedness associated with its derivative financial instruments, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative financials instruments obligations. In addition, the Company minimizes nonperformance risk on its derivative instruments by evaluating the creditworthiness of its counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions.
The Company does not apply hedge accounting to the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps and records all mark-to-market adjustments directly to "Other income, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The fair values of the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are categorized as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as they are based on well-recognized financial principles and available market data.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
As of December 31, 2024, the fair values of the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Quoted Prices in
Significant
Significant
December 31,
Active Markets
Observable Inputs
Unobservable Inputs
(dollars in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Interest Rate Swap
Other current assets
$
6.5
$
-
$
6.5
$
-
Interest Rate Swap
Other noncurrent assets
$
2.8
$
-
$
2.8
$
-
Interest Rate Cap
Other current assets
$
1.1
$
-
$
1.1
$
-
Interest Rate Cap
Other noncurrent assets
$
0.2
$
-
$
0.2
$
-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Swap
Other current liabilities
$
0.1
$
-
$
0.1
$
-
As of December 31, 2023, the fair values of the interest rate swaps and interest rate caps are recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Quoted Prices in
Significant
Significant
December 31,
Active Markets
Observable Inputs
Unobservable Inputs
(dollars in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Interest Rate Swap
Other current assets
$
10.7
$
-
$
10.7
$
-
Interest Rate Swap
Other noncurrent assets
$
1.8
$
-
$
1.8
$
-
Interest Rate Cap
Other current assets
$
3.2
$
-
$
3.2
$
-
Liabilities:
Interest Rate Swap
Other noncurrent liabilities
$
3.8
$
-
$
3.8
$
-
Interest Rate Cap
Other noncurrent liabilities
$
2.6
$
-
$
2.6
$
-
The following table summarizes the location of gains in the Consolidated Statements of Operations that were recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, in addition to the derivative contract type:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Statement of Operations Location
Interest Rate Swap
Other income, net
$
(17.0
)
$
(9.3
)
Interest Rate Cap
Other income, net
$
(6.1
)
$
(3.8
)
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Disclosure on Financial Instruments
The carrying values of the Company's financial instruments approximate the estimated fair values as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, except for the Company's long-term debt and other financing arrangements. The carrying and fair values of these items are as follows:
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2023
(dollars in millions)
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Carrying Value
Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current portion*
$
1,751.2
$
1,755.5
$
1,842.3
$
1,815.1
Other financing arrangements
40.8
39.2
43.6
37.7
* Excludes finance leases, other financing arrangements and note issuance costs
In connection with the Merger, the carrying values of the Company's long-term debt and other financing arrangements include fair value adjustments as of the Merger Date. The fair value of our long-term debt was based on closing or estimated market prices of the Company’s debt at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, which is considered Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the other financing arrangements was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that incorporates current borrowing rates for obligations of similar duration, which is considered Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. As of December 31, 2024, the current borrowing rate was estimated by applying the Company's credit spread to the risk-free rate for a similar duration borrowing.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
12.Pension and Postretirement Plans
Savings Plans
The Company sponsors several defined contribution plans covering substantially all employees. The Company's contributions to the plans are based on matching a portion of the employee contributions. Both employer and employee contributions are invested in various investment funds at the direction of the employee. Employer contributions to the defined contribution plans were $8.3 million in 2024, $8.0 million in 2023, and $7.6 million in 2022.
Pension and Postretirement Plans
Unrecognized actuarial net gains and losses for the Cincinnati Plans (defined below) and the Hawaii Plans (defined below) are primarily generated by differences between assumed and actual rates of return on invested assets, changes in discount rates and healthcare costs. Additionally, in Hawaii, a favorable amendment to the postretirement health and life insurance plan generated unrecognized gains in the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Because gains and losses reflect refinements in estimates, as well as real changes in economic values, and because some gains in one period may be offset by losses in another or vice versa, we are not required to recognize these gains and losses in the periods that they occur. Instead, if the gains and losses exceed a 10% corridor defined in the accounting literature, the excess is amortized over a defined term. Unrecognized actuarial gains or losses that exceed 10% of the projected benefit obligation are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average life expectancy of the participant group for the Cincinnati pension plans and Hawaii pension plans, the average future working lifetime of active employees for the Cincinnati postretirement plans and the average remaining service period of active employees for the Hawaii postretirement plans. Additionally, the market-related value of assets is equal to the fair market value.
In 2024, the Company purchased a group annuity contract to transfer a portion of its pension liability and related responsibility for benefit payments of certain participants and beneficiaries within our existing defined benefit plans. Additionally, lump sum payments of $16.4 million resulting in a reduction of the benefit obligation of $16.4 million were made in the year ended December 31, 2024. The Company recorded a pension settlement gain of $3.5 million in 2024 as a result of the annuity purchases and the lump sum payments to the plan participants exceeding the sum of the service cost and the interest cost component of the net pension cost for each of the pension plans.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Cincinnati Plans
The Company sponsors three noncontributory defined benefit pension plans: one for eligible management employees, one for non-management employees, and one supplemental, nonqualified, unfunded plan for certain former senior executives (collectively the "Cincinnati Plans"). The management pension plan ("CBMPP") is a cash balance plan in which the pension benefit is determined by a combination of compensation-based credits and annual guaranteed interest credits. The non-management pension plan ("CBPP") is also a cash balance plan in which the combination of service and job-classification-based credits and annual interest credits determine the pension benefit. Benefits for the supplemental plan are based on eligible pay, adjusted for age and service upon retirement. We fund both the management and non-management plans in an irrevocable trust through contributions, which are determined using the traditional unit credit cost method. We also use the traditional unit credit cost method for determining pension cost for financial reporting purposes.
The Company also provides healthcare and group life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. As of October 1, 2023, healthcare benefits and other group life insurance benefits are funded through general funds of the Company. Prior to October 1, 2023, we funded healthcare benefits and other group life insurance benefits using Voluntary Employee Benefit Association ("VEBA") trusts. It is our practice to fund amounts as deemed appropriate from time to time. Contributions are subject to Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") limitations developed using the traditional unit credit cost method. The actuarial expense calculation for our postretirement health plan is based on numerous assumptions, estimates, and judgments including healthcare cost trend rates and cost sharing with retirees. Retiree healthcare benefits were phased out as of December 31, 2018 for all employees, with the exception of a small group of grandfathered employees. The postretirement health plan also includes liabilities associated with employees who have special death benefits only.
Hawaii Plans
The Company sponsors one noncontributory defined benefit plan for union employees, one cash balance pension plan for nonunion employees, and two postretirement health and life insurance plans for Hawaiian Telcom employees (collectively the "Hawaii Plans").
On December 31, 2023, the cash balance pension plan for nonunion employees ("HTMPP") under the Hawaii plans was merged into the management pension plan ("CBMPP") under the Cincinnati Plans. Pension plan assets and liabilities in the HTMPP were transferred to the CBMPP and remeasured at December 31, 2023.
During 2022, Hawaiian Telcom's pension plans made lump sum payments of $7.5 million resulting in a reduction of the plan benefit obligation of $7.5 million and a nominal pension settlement cost.
The postretirement health and life insurance plan was amended in the fourth quarter of 2022 to limit the amount of Medicare Part-B premium reimbursements to the standard amount resulting in an actuarial gain of $4.7 million recorded to “Accumulated other comprehensive income."
Components of Net Periodic Cost
The following information relates to noncontributory defined benefit pension plans, postretirement healthcare plans, and life insurance benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 for the Cincinnati Plans and the Hawaii Plans. In accordance with ASU 2017-07, only the service cost component of net benefit cost is eligible for capitalization, which was immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Pension and postretirement costs (benefits) for these plans were comprised of:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)
Service cost
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
0.4
$
0.5
$
0.8
Other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans expense:
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
18.8
22.0
16.3
5.0
5.2
4.2
Expected return on plan assets
(21.0
)
(20.8
)
(27.5
)
-
-
-
Amortization of:
Prior service benefit
-
-
-
(0.8
)
(0.7
)
(0.2
)
Actuarial gain
(0.2
)
(0.3
)
-
(3.8
)
(4.7
)
(0.6
)
Pension settlement gain
(3.5
)
-
-
-
-
-
Pension/postretirement (benefit) cost
$
(5.9
)
$
0.9
$
(11.2
)
$
0.8
$
0.3
$
4.2
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Amortization of prior service benefit and actuarial (gain) loss in the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 represent reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income.
The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in measuring the net periodic cost of the pension and postretirement benefits:
Cincinnati Plans
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
Discount rate
5.00
%
5.40
%
2.70
%
5.00
%
5.40
%
2.80
%
Expected long-term rate of return
6.30
%
6.00
%
5.80
%
-
-
-
Cash balance interest credit rate
4.00
%
4.00
%
4.00
%
-
-
-
Hawaii Plans
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
Discount rate
5.00
%
5.40
%
3.90
%
5.10
%
5.50
%
3.70
%
Expected long-term rate of return
6.00
%
5.50
%
5.00
%
-
-
-
Cash balance interest credit rate
-
5.10
%
1.90
%
-
-
-
The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets, developed using the building block approach, for each of the plans is based on the mix of investments held directly by the plans and the current view of expected future returns, which is influenced by historical averages. Changes in actual asset return experience and discount rate assumptions can impact the Company’s operating results, financial position and cash flows.
The Company utilized the Pri-2012/MP-2021 mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries to measure the benefit obligations as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Benefit Obligation and Funded Status
Changes in the plans' benefit obligations and funded status are as follows:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
$
433.7
$
439.5
$
102.1
$
102.4
Service cost
-
-
0.4
0.5
Interest cost
18.8
22.0
5.0
5.2
Plan Amendment
-
0.1
-
-
Actuarial (gain) loss (a) (b)
(13.0
)
8.8
(6.2
)
1.1
Benefits paid
(28.3
)
(36.7
)
(8.8
)
(9.1
)
Settlements (c)
(112.9
)
-
-
-
Other
-
-
1.9
2.0
Benefit obligation at end of period
$
298.3
$
433.7
$
94.4
$
102.1
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
$
397.8
$
390.6
$
3.1
$
3.2
Actual return (loss) on plan assets
12.4
41.7
-
-
Employer contributions
2.7
2.2
6.4
6.9
Benefits paid
(28.3
)
(36.7
)
(6.6
)
(7.0
)
Settlements (c)
(112.9
)
-
-
-
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
271.7
397.8
2.9
3.1
Unfunded status
$
(26.6
)
$
(35.9
)
$
(91.5
)
$
(99.0
)
(a)The actuarial (gain) recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 for the pension plans was primarily driven by an increase in the discount rate. The actuarial loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023 for the pension plans was primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rate.
(b)The actuarial (gain) recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 for the postretirement plans was primarily driven by an increase in the discount rate. The actuarial loss recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 for the postretirement plans was primarily driven by a decrease in the discount rate.
(c)Group annuity contracts and participant elections to take lump sum payments that exceeded the settlement accounting threshold and have been categorized as settlements.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The following are the weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for and measuring the projected benefit obligations:
Cincinnati Plans
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
December 31,
December 31,
Discount rate
5.60
%
5.00
%
5.60
%
5.00
%
Cash balance interest credit rate
4.00
%
4.00
%
-
-
Hawaii Plans
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
December 31,
December 31,
Discount rate
5.40
%
5.00
%
5.70
%
5.10
%
Cash balance interest credit rate
-
-
-
-
The assumed healthcare cost trend rate used to measure the postretirement health benefit obligation is shown below:
Cincinnati Plans
December 31,
Healthcare cost trend
7.50
%
7.00
%
Rate to which the cost trend is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)
4.80
%
4.80
%
Year the rates reach the ultimate trend rate
The unfunded balance of the projected benefit obligation is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
December 31,
December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Other noncurrent assets
$
2.1
$
2.1
$
-
$
-
Accrued payroll and benefits
1.4
1.5
7.7
7.9
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
27.3
36.5
83.8
91.1
Total
$
26.6
$
35.9
$
91.5
$
99.0
Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets which have not yet been recognized in net pension costs consisted of the following:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
December 31,
December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Prior service cost, net of tax of ($0.6), ($0.4)
$
-
$
-
$
(1.8
)
$
(1.2
)
Actuarial gain, net of tax of ($0.6), ($0.8), $9.5, $8.9
6.3
5.8
30.5
28.6
Total
$
6.3
$
5.8
$
28.7
$
27.4
Amounts recognized in "Accumulated other comprehensive income" on the Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit) and the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) are shown below:
Pension Benefits
Postretirement and Other Benefits
(dollars in millions)
Prior service cost recognized:
Reclassification adjustments
$
-
$
-
$
(0.8
)
$
(0.8
)
Actuarial gain (loss) recognized:
Reclassification adjustments
(3.7
)
(0.3
)
(3.8
)
(4.7
)
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period
4.4
12.0
6.3
(0.8
)
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Plan Assets, Investment Policies and Strategies
Cincinnati and Hawaii Plans
The primary investment objective for the trusts holding the assets of the pension and postretirement plans is preservation of capital with a reasonable amount of long-term growth and income without undue exposure to risk. The investment follows a glide path approach toward liability-driven investing that shifts a higher portfolio weighting to fixed income as the plan’s funded status increases. The current target allocations are 20% equity securities and 80% investment grade fixed income securities for the CBMPP assets, 30% equity securities and 70% investment grade fixed income securities for the CBPP assets, and 10% equity securities and 90% investment grade fixed income securities for the Hawaii union pension plan assets as a result of each plan's funded status. Equity securities are primarily held in the form of passively managed funds that seek to track the performance of a benchmark index. Equity securities include investments in growth and value common stocks of companies located in the United States, which represents approximately 50% of the equity securities held by the pension plans at December 31, 2024, as well as stock of international companies located in both developed and emerging markets around the world. Fixed income securities primarily include holdings of funds, which generally invest in a variety of intermediate and long-term investment grade corporate bonds from diversified industries and U.S. Treasuries. The postretirement plan assets held by the Cincinnati plan are currently invested in a group insurance contract.
The fair values of the pension plan assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023 by asset category are as follows:
(dollars in millions)
December 31,
Quoted prices
in active
markets
Level 1
Significant
observable
inputs
Level 2
Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
Mutual funds
U.S. equity index funds
$
29.7
$
29.7
$
-
$
-
International equity index funds
28.9
28.9
-
-
Fixed income bond funds
212.0
212.0
-
-
Fixed income short-term money market funds
1.1
1.1
-
-
Group insurance contract
2.9
-
-
-
Total
$
274.6
$
271.7
$
-
$
-
(dollars in millions)
December 31,
Quoted prices
in active
markets
Level 1
Significant
observable
inputs
Level 2
Significant
unobservable
inputs
Level 3
Mutual funds
U.S. equity index funds
$
72.9
$
72.9
$
-
$
-
International equity index funds
72.6
72.6
-
-
Fixed income bond funds
252.0
252.0
-
-
Fixed income short-term money market funds
0.3
0.3
-
-
Group insurance contract
3.1
-
-
-
Total
$
400.9
$
397.8
$
-
$
-
The fair values of Level 1 investments are based on quoted prices in active markets.
The group insurance contract is valued at contract value plus accrued interest and has not been included in the fair value hierarchy but is included in the totals above.
Contributions to our qualified pension plans were $0.8 million in 2024, $0.2 million in 2023 and there were no contributions to our qualified pension plans in 2022. Contributions to our non-qualified pension plans were $1.9 million in 2024, $2.0 million in 2023, and $2.2 million in 2022.
Based on current assumptions, contributions are expected to be approximately $2 million to both the qualified plans and the non-qualified plans in 2025. Management expects to make cash payments of approximately $7 million related to its postretirement health plans in 2025.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid over the next ten years:
(dollars in millions)
Pension
Benefits
Postretirement
and Other
Benefits
Medicare
Subsidy
Receipts
$
37.9
$
7.8
$
(0.1
)
33.0
7.7
(0.1
)
31.1
7.7
(0.1
)
29.3
7.5
(0.1
)
26.1
7.4
-
Years 2030 - 2034
114.9
34.9
(0.1
)
13.Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Shareowners’ equity includes accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that is comprised of pension and postretirement unrecognized prior service benefit (cost) and unrecognized actuarial gain (loss), and foreign currency translation gain (loss).
The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component were as follows:
(dollars in millions)
Unrecognized
Net Periodic
Pension and
Postretirement
Benefit (Cost)
Foreign
Currency
Translation Gain
(Loss)
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
27.1
$
(7.6
)
$
19.5
Remeasurement of benefit obligations
10.5
-
10.5
Reclassifications, net
(4.4
)
(a)
-
(4.4
)
Foreign currency gain
-
2.6
2.6
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
33.2
$
(5.0
)
$
28.2
Remeasurement of benefit obligations
8.1
-
8.1
Reclassifications, net
(6.3
)
(a)
-
(6.3
)
Foreign currency loss
-
(6.5
)
(6.5
)
Accumulated foreign currency translation loss divested of in discontinued operations
-
11.5
(b)
11.5
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
35.0
$
-
$
35.0
(a)These reclassifications are included in the other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans expense and represent amortization of prior service benefit and actuarial gain, net of tax. The other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit plans expense are recorded in "Other components of pension and postretirement benefit plans expense (benefit)" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 12 for further disclosures.
(b)The accumulated foreign currency translation loss represents the cumulative translation adjustment included in accumulated other comprehensive income that was adjusted as a result of the sale of the Disposal Group. See Note 3 for further disclosures.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
14.Income Taxes
Income tax expense (benefit) for continuing operations consisted of the following:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Current:
Federal
$
-
$
-
$
-
State and local
0.1
-
-
Foreign
-
-
-
Total current
0.1
-
-
Deferred:
Federal
(47.0
)
(48.3
)
(31.0
)
State and local
(11.8
)
(7.0
)
(6.6
)
Foreign
-
-
-
Total deferred
(58.8
)
(55.3
)
(37.6
)
Valuation allowance
44.8
38.9
29.6
Total
$
(13.9
)
$
(16.4
)
$
(8.0
)
The following is a reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate with the effective tax rate for each period:
Year ended December 31,
U.S. federal statutory rate
21.0
%
21.0
%
21.0
%
State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax
2.9
3.2
3.1
Non-Deductible meals and entertainment
(0.2
)
(0.2
)
(0.2
)
State net operating loss adjustments
1.1
(0.7
)
0.4
Change in valuation allowance, net of federal income tax
(18.9
)
(17.4
)
(19.0
)
Change in uncertain tax positions
-
0.2
-
Research and development credits
0.5
1.1
-
Other differences, net
(0.6
)
-
(0.2
)
Effective tax rate
5.8
%
7.2
%
5.1
%
The income tax (benefit) provision was charged to continuing operations or accumulated other comprehensive income as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Income tax (benefit) provision related to:
Continuing operations
$
(13.9
)
$
(16.4
)
$
(8.0
)
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
0.6
(0.7
)
7.6
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards
$
177.6
$
206.4
Finance and operating lease obligations
17.1
18.9
Pension and postretirement benefits
28.3
32.8
Employee benefits
3.3
3.8
Interest limitation
76.1
41.5
State tax credit
1.6
1.6
Deferred revenue
26.0
9.1
Other
13.5
13.2
Total deferred tax assets
343.5
327.3
Valuation allowance
(82.9
)
(28.0
)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
$
260.6
$
299.3
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment and intangibles
$
(270.9
)
$
(293.0
)
Other
(10.0
)
(8.2
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
(280.9
)
(301.2
)
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
(20.3
)
$
(1.9
)
As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $776.7 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards with a deferred tax asset value of $163.1 million and $14.5 million in deferred tax assets related to state and local net operating loss carryforwards. The next remaining material tranche of Federal net operating loss carryforwards will expire in 2031, if unused before then. U.S. tax laws limit the annual utilization of net operating loss carryforwards of acquired entities.
The Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it expects that sufficient future taxable income will be generated to allow it to realize its existing deferred tax assets. Based on this analysis, there are not sufficient sources of future taxable income (e.g. reversing deferred tax liabilities) for management to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize all available federal net operating losses and federal and state carryforwards for interest expense deductions that are limited under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions, so an additional partial valuation allowance was recorded in 2024. In addition, realization of certain state and local net operating losses, as well as other deferred tax assets, is not certain, so valuation allowances have been recorded against certain of those deferred assets as well.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had valuation allowances of $82.9 million and $28.0 million, respectively, recorded against other deferred tax assets consisting primarily of federal, state and local net operating loss carryforwards, as well as federal and state carryforwards for interest expense deductions that are limited under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions. Management has concluded that it is more likely than not that it will realize all other deferred tax assets.
The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate is $67.2 million at December 31, 2024 and $18.9 million at December 31, 2023. Accrued interest and penalties on income tax uncertainties were immaterial as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Balance, beginning of year
$
19.4
$
19.3
$
19.3
Change in tax positions for the current year
48.4
0.1
-
Balance, end of year
$
67.8
$
19.4
$
19.3
The change in positions for the current year represents a tax benefit reserve recorded related to the Company's tax basis in the Disposal Group, in connection with the CBTS and OnX businesses disposal transaction. The tax impact of the reserve is recorded in Income from discontinued operations (net of tax).
The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations for years before 2020.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
15.Restructuring and Severance
Liabilities have been established for employee separations and contract terminations. A summary of activity in the restructuring and severance liability is shown below:
(dollars in millions)
Employee Separation
Contract Terminations
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
0.1
$
-
$
0.1
Charges
-
-
-
Utilizations
(0.1
)
-
(0.1
)
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
-
$
-
$
-
Charges
10.8
-
10.8
Utilizations
(0.6
)
-
(0.6
)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
10.2
$
-
$
10.2
Charges
59.9
0.6
60.5
Utilizations
(29.9
)
(0.4
)
(30.3
)
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
40.2
$
0.2
$
40.4
In the fourth quarter of 2024, management undertook a review of the business operations of the Company including departments supporting the operations and contrasted those with the Company's strategic priorities and requirements for 2025 and beyond. Based on that review, the Company's management approved a plan to centralize its management of certain functions and systems, deprioritize certain product offerings and cease sales and support for certain product lines.
The Company executed a restructuring plan consisting of an organizational restructuring to centralize the Company’s management, align resources with strategic product lines and reduce costs associated with certain functions (the “Organizational Restructuring”). Certain employees were offered enhanced severance benefits under the 2024 voluntary severance program ("2024 VSP"). The Organizational Restructuring has resulted in the elimination of certain positions and termination of employment for certain employees in the Network segment and the Corporate function. These charges were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024 at the time management resolved to undertake the Organizational Restructuring and are expected to be paid in the first half of 2025. Severance charges of $54.2 million were recorded related to the 2024 VSP and $5.7 million were recorded related to an involuntary severance program in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.
Restructuring and severance charges recorded in 2023 in the Network segment and for certain Corporate employees are related to a severance program as the Company continues to reduce costs and identify efficiencies that can be achieved by further integrating operations between Cincinnati and Hawaii. In the fourth quarter of 2023, severance charges of $7.3 million were recorded related to a 2023 voluntary severance program and severance charges of $3.5 million were recorded related to an involuntary severance program.
Contract termination costs consist of payments due to vendors to exit contractual agreements that will no longer be utilized as a result of the Company's decision to cease operations of an ancillary business as part of its ongoing integration. Contract termination costs in 2024 consisted of amounts due to vendors to terminate contractual agreements. Contract termination costs are expected to be paid out in the first quarter of 2025.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
A summary of restructuring activity is presented below:
(dollars in millions)
Network
Corporate
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2021
$
0.1
$
-
$
0.1
Charges
-
-
-
Utilizations
(0.1
)
-
(0.1
)
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
-
$
-
$
-
Charges
10.3
0.5
10.8
Utilizations
(0.6
)
-
(0.6
)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
9.7
$
0.5
$
10.2
Charges
59.3
1.2
60.5
Utilizations
(29.8
)
(0.5
)
(30.3
)
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
39.2
$
1.2
$
40.4
At December 31, 2024 and 2023, $40.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively, are disclosed as "Accrued restructuring" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as all amounts accrued are expected to be paid in 2025.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
16.Business Segment Information
The Company’s operations are managed and reported to its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), the Company’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). The CODM evaluates the performance of two regions, Greater Cincinnati, which services customers through the altafiber brand, and Hawaii, which services customers through our Hawaiian Telcom brand, and allocates resources based on geography. These operating segments are aggregated into one reportable segment, Network, due to similarities in the nature and economics of the regions, suppliers utilized, operating processes, and long-term financial performance. The accounting policies for the Network segment are consistent with those described in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
The CODM uses Operating Income to evaluate income or loss generated from each region and to guide decisions on capital investments. These decisions may include capital expenditures and/or acquisitions. See Note 4 for a description of the Company's disaggregated revenues by product line. Significant segment expenses are presented in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Additional disaggregated significant segment expenses that are reviewed by the CODM, that are not separately presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, are presented below. Segment asset information is not used by the CODM to allocate resources.
Certain corporate administrative expenses have been allocated to the Network segment based upon the nature of the expense.
Our business segment information is as follows:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Revenue
Network
$
1,096.3
$
1,100.1
$
1,091.5
Total revenue
$
1,096.3
$
1,100.1
$
1,091.5
Operating loss
Network
$
(71.5
)
$
(54.9
)
$
(59.7
)
Corporate
(33.2
)
(26.2
)
(26.4
)
Total operating loss
$
(104.7
)
$
(81.1
)
$
(86.1
)
Expenditures for long-lived assets*
Network
$
534.8
$
632.7
$
532.8
Corporate
1.8
0.2
0.1
Total expenditures for long-lived assets
$
536.6
$
632.9
$
532.9
Depreciation and amortization
Network
$
338.7
$
369.2
$
408.4
Corporate
0.2
0.3
0.4
Total depreciation and amortization
$
338.9
$
369.5
$
408.8
*Includes cost of acquisitions in the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and the purchase of perpetual licenses in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The following table provides information about the Network segment significant expenses that are reviewed by the CODM, that are not separately presented on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations:
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Network Revenue
$
1,096.3
$
1,100.1
$
1,091.5
Less: Significant and other segment expenses
Employee and related costs
225.0
228.9
224.7
Programming expense
150.2
151.6
146.2
Network expense
33.7
47.6
53.1
Contract services
92.9
97.3
89.9
Other expenses
268.0
250.1
228.9
Depreciation and amortization expense
338.7
369.2
408.4
Restructuring and severance related charges
59.3
10.3
-
Network operating costs and expenses
1,167.8
1,155.0
1,151.2
Network operating loss
$
(71.5
)
$
(54.9
)
$
(59.7
)
Programming expense and Network expense are recorded to Cost of services and products. Employee and related costs, Contract services and Other expenses are recorded to Cost of services and products and Selling, general and administrative. All costs and expenses not specifically identified in the table above have been aggregated as Other expenses.
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
17.Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Year ended December 31,
(dollars in millions)
Capitalized interest expense
$
9.8
$
8.2
$
3.1
Cash paid for:
Interest
175.7
157.0
84.6
Income taxes, net of refunds
6.9
6.6
6.4
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of property by assuming debt and other financing arrangements
3.7
7.4
10.5
Acquisition of property on account
71.1
93.7
79.1
Form 10-K Part II
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
No reportable information under this item.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, such controls and procedures were effective.
(b)Management's annual report on internal control over financial reporting.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is set forth in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(c)Changes in internal control over financial reporting.
There were no changes to Cincinnati Bell Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2024 that materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting.

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
No reportable information under this item.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Board of Directors
There are currently eight directors on the Company’s Board of Directors. The directors are elected in accordance with the terms of the Red Fiber Holdings limited liability company agreement, which gives certain investors in Red Fiber Holdings LLC ("Red Fiber Holdings") the right to designate managers of Red Fiber Holdings, who then also serve as directors of the Company. Parent is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Red Fiber Holdings. Two directors of the Company must be independent directors domiciled in Hawaii. The Chief Executive Officer of the Company does not serve on the Board.
Scott L. Graves served as a director of the Company from September 7, 2021 until his resignation effective February 29, 2024.
F. Gregory Guerra served as a director of the Company from October 18, 2021 until his resignation effective March 31, 2024.
Douglas C. Wiest served as a director of the Company from September 7, 2021 until his resignation effective February 1, 2024.
Christina M. Wire served as a director of the Company from September 30, 2021 until her resignation effective October 24, 2024.
The directors of the Company as of December 31, 2024 were:
Kelly C. Atkinson
Ms. Atkinson resigned from Brinks Home Security in 2022 as Chief Commercial Officer of Brinks Home Security, a security company that offers home security systems. Prior positions include Head of Marketing, Consumer and SMB for Charter Communications (2018-2020), a broadband connectivity company and cable operator; and Executive Vice President of Consumer Cable and Content for Rogers Communications (2015-2018), a communications and media company. Ms. Atkinson was appointed a Director of Rise Broadband, Inc., a fixed wireless broadband service provider, in 2023. Age: 58; Director since 2021.
Felix A. Bernshteyn
Mr. Bernshteyn joined Ares Management in 2017 and continues to serve as a Partner in the Opportunistic Group. Ares Management is a global alternative investment manager operating in the credit, private equity and real estate markets. Age: 41; Director since 2021.
Mikhail Y. Dyadyuk
Mr. Dyadyuk joined Macquarie Asset Management in 2013 and serves as Regional Head of Financing Strategy for Macquarie Asset Management's Real Assets division. Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager, integrated across public and private markets. Mr. Dyadyuk was appointed as a Director effective February 12, 2024. Age: 40,
Colleen W. Hanabusa
Ms. Hanabusa currently serves as an attorney at law in her private law practice since 2019. Previously, she served as a U.S. Congresswoman, representing the First Congressional District of the State of Hawaii from 2017-2018. Age: 74; Director since 2021.
John T. Komeiji
Mr. Komeiji resigned from Kamehameha Schools as Vice President and General Counsel in 2022. Kamehameha Schools is a private school system that offers a variety of educational programs and scholarship services for Hawaiian learners of all ages in Hawaii. Prior positions at Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. include President and General Manager (2018-2020) and Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel (2016-2018). Hawaiian Telcom, Inc. is a telecommunications company that provides high-speed internet, phone, wireless and other services for homes and businesses. Age: 71; Director since 2021.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Steven R. Kutos
Mr. Kutos joined Ares Management in 2017 and serves as a Principal in the Opportunistic Credit Group. Ares Management is a global alternative investment manager operating in the credit, private equity and real estate markets. Mr. Kutos was appointed as a Director effective February 29, 2024. Age: 33.
Anton Z. Moldan
Mr. Moldan joined Macquarie Asset Management in 2006 and serves as Senior Managing Director. Macquarie Asset Management is a global asset manager, integrated across public and private markets. Age: 40; Director since 2021.
John L. Scarano
Mr. Scarano is a communications infrastructure services executive. He currently serves on several non-public company boards. Previously, he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Graduate Engineering School (2016-2020). Mr. Scarano was appointed as a Director effective April 1, 2024. Age: 59.
None of the directors have any familial relationships with any other directors or executives of the Company.
Executive Officers of the Registrant
The names, ages and positions of the executive officers of the Company as of December 31, 2024 were as follows:
Name
Age
Title
Leigh R. Fox
President and Chief Executive Officer
Joshua T. Duckworth
Chief Financial Officer
Christi H. Cornette
Chief Administrative Officer
Mary E. Talbott
Chief Legal Officer
Officers are elected annually but are removable in accordance with the Red Fiber Holding’s limited liability company agreement.
LEIGH R. FOX, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since May 31, 2017; President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from September 2016 to May 2017; Chief Financial Officer of the Company from October 2013 to September 2016; Chief Administrative Officer of the Company from July 2013 to October 2013; Senior Vice President of Finance and Operations from December 2012 to July 2013; Vice President of Finance at Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions Inc. (CBTS) from October 2008 to December 2012.
JOSHUA T. DUCKWORTH, Chief Financial Officer of the Company since December 1, 2021; Vice President of Treasury, Corporate Finance and Inventor Relations of the Company from October 2017 to December 1, 2021; Vice President, Investor Relations and Controller of the Company from July 2013 to October 2017; Assistant Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations for the Company from August 2012 to July 2013; Assistant Controller for the Company from August 2010 to August 2012; Deloitte & Touche LLP's audit practice from October 2004 to August 2010.
CHRISTI H. CORNETTE, Chief Administrative Officer of the Company since March 2023; Chief Culture Officer of the Company from June 2017 to March 2023; Senior Vice President, Marketing of the Company from August 2013 to June 2017; Vice President, Marketing of the Company from October 2008 to August 2013; Director of CBTS Marketing from October 2002 to October 2008.
MARY E. TALBOTT, Chief Legal Officer of the Company since March 2023; Deputy General Counsel of the Company from September 2022 to March 2023; Chief Legal Officer and Secretary for Gravity Diagnostics from September 2020 to May 2021; Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Tennant Company from January 2019 to July 2020.
Code of Ethics
The Company’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer is posted on the Company’s website at http://www.altafiber.com. Within the period of time required by the SEC, the Company will post on its website any amendment to its Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers and any waiver of such code relating to such senior financial officers.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Other
Following the Merger, certain oversight functions with respect to the business and affairs of the Company were assumed by Red Fiber Holdings, including functions previously performed by the Audit and Finance and Compensation Committees of the Company's Board of Directors, which were discontinued.
Since the Company’s Board is elected in accordance with the requirements of the Red Fiber Holdings limited liability company agreement, the Company does not maintain procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board. Since the Board does not have an Audit Committee and the functions formerly performed by its Audit Committee have been assumed by the Audit Committee of Red Fiber Holdings, the Board has not made a determination as to whether it has an “audit committee financial expert” (as defined in rules adopted by the SEC).
The Company has not adopted insider trading policies and procedures governing the purchase, sale and/or other dispositions of its securities by its directors, officers and employees, or by the Company itself,because all of the equity securities of the Company are owned by Red Fiber Parent LLC and are not traded.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the 2024 compensation program established by the Compensation Committee, the Board and the Red Fiber Holdings shareholders (the "Compensation Approvers") for our named executive officers (“NEOs”). Our named executive officers for 2024 were:
Name
Position
Leigh R. Fox
President and Chief Executive Officer
Joshua T. Duckworth
Chief Financial Officer
Christi H. Cornette
Chief Administrative Officer
Mary E. Talbott
Chief Legal Officer
Compensation Program Objectives
Our executive compensation program’s primary objectives are:
•To attract and retain high-quality executives by offering competitive compensation packages; and
•To motivate and reward executives for the attainment of financial and strategic goals, both short-term and long-term, thereby increasing the Company’s value while at the same time discouraging unnecessary or excessive risk-taking.
Elements of Compensation
Base Salary
Base salaries are provided to the Company’s NEOs for performing their day-to-day responsibilities. The base salaries of our NEOs are based on a review of the competitive market data for comparable executive positions by the Compensation Approvers. NEOs received merit increases equivalent to 3% of their current base salary on May 19, 2024.
Annual Incentives
Annual incentives are intended to motivate and reward senior executives for achieving the short-term business objectives of the Company.
Each year the Compensation Approvers establish a target annual incentive award opportunity for each NEO. The 2024 target of 100% of each officer’s annual base salary was prorated to reflect the change in base salary in May, 2024.
Annual incentives are payable for the achievement of annual financial performance goals established by the Compensation Approvers. Payouts, if any, could range from 0% to 200% of the total target annual incentive, depending on the level of achievement of financial goals between threshold and superior levels of performance.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
For 2024, the financial performance goals include Adjusted EBITDA (see below for a definition) and Capital Expenditures for the Network segment of the Company, which were key measures of profitability of the Company. The Compensation Approvers established the target Adjusted EBITDA goal at $346 million and the Capital Expenditures goal at $474 million.
Financial Objective
Threshold (50% Payout)
Adjusted Target (100% Payout)
Superior (200% Payout)
2024 Actual Results
Adjusted EBITDA
50%
$
346 M
200%
$
349 M
Capital Expenditures
50%
$
474 M
200%
$
481 M
For purposes of the annual incentive plan, Adjusted EBITDA was defined as operating loss (calculated in accordance with GAAP), plus depreciation, amortization, restructuring and severance related charges, transaction and integrations costs, transaction related employee retention agreements, employee contract termination costs, Hawaii wildfire costs, network expansion related costs, financial transformation project expenses and other special items.
Long-Term Incentives
Upon the closing of the Merger, Red Fiber Holdings established the Red Fiber Holdings LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), which replaced the restricted cash award granted in 2021. Each LTIP award generally vests as follows: (i) 80% of the award vests in four equal annual installments, subject to accelerated vesting on a qualified public offering or a change in control (collectively a “liquidity event”), and (ii) 20% of the award vests only upon a liquidity event, in each case subject to continued employment. The LTIP provides for the funding of an award pool upon a liquidity event, provided that the liquidity event occurs prior to the 8th anniversary of the closing of the Merger. The amount of the award pool would be based on the extent to which certain investment return hurdles were satisfied in connection with the applicable liquidity event. Assuming that a liquidity event occurs within the designated time period, each participating employee (including each of the NEOs) would be entitled to a cash payment from Red Fiber Holdings equal to a percentage of the funded award pool. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is obligated to fund the payments, if any, earned under the LTIP. In exchange for these awards, each participating employee agreed to comply with certain non-competition, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and confidentiality covenants. A participant would forfeit all of his or her award under the LTIP (whether vested or unvested) upon a violation of any of these restrictive covenants.
Benefits
NEOs hired prior to January 1, 2009 participate in the Cincinnati Bell Management Pension Plan (the “Management Pension Plan”) on the same basis as all other eligible salaried and certain non-union hourly employees. The Management Pension Plan is a qualified defined benefit plan with a nonqualified provision that applies to the extent that eligible earnings or benefits exceed the applicable Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified plans. The Company makes all required contributions to this plan. The Management Pension Plan was frozen in 2009 and no further credits, other than interest, are made to the plan. The executives, along with all other salaried employees, also participate in a 401(k) savings plan, which includes a Company matching contribution feature that vests 100% of such matching contributions in the employee’s account as they are made to the plan.
The value of the Company’s retirement program is not considered in any of the compensation decisions made with respect to other elements of NEO compensation, because the Company believes that the alignment of the interests of executives and shareholders is most effectively accomplished through its short- and long-term incentive compensation programs.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Determination of the Target Compensation Levels
The Compensation Approvers determine target compensation levels based on competitive market data.
Other Compensation Policies
Employment Agreements, Severance and Change in Control Payments and Benefits
The Company generally enters into employment agreements with the NEOs for several reasons. Employment agreements give the Company flexibility to make changes in key executive positions with or without a showing of cause, if terminating the executive is determined by the Company or the Board to be in the best interests of the Company. The agreements also minimize the potential for litigation by establishing separation terms in advance and requiring that any dispute be resolved through an arbitration process. The severance, change in control ("CIC") payments and benefits provided under the employment agreements as described in more detail in Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control are important to ensure the retention of the NEOs.
Depending on the circumstances of their termination, the NEOs are eligible to receive severance benefits in the form of a multiple of annual base salary as a lump sum payment, continued access to Company-provided healthcare benefits for a defined period post-employment, and accelerated vesting of all equity as determined by the provisions in their employment agreements, which are discussed in detail in Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control. Under a dismissal without cause or constructive discharge following a CIC, the Company provides the severance benefits because it serves the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to have executives focus on the business merits of possible change in control situations without undue concern for their personal financial outcome. In the case of a termination without cause or constructive discharge absent a CIC, the Company believes it is appropriate to provide severance at these levels to ensure the financial security of these executives, particularly in view of the non-compete provisions which state that, for 12 months (24 months in the case of the Chief Executive Officer) following termination, the executive will not compete with the Company or solicit customers or employees of the Company. Because these potential payments are triggered under very specific circumstances, such payments are not considered in setting pay or other elements of executive compensation. The Compensation Approvers have a policy that the Company will not enter into any new or materially amended employment agreements with NEOs providing for excise tax gross-up provisions with respect to payments contingent upon a CIC, and no NEO has an excise tax gross-up provision.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this report on Form 10-K with management. Based on our review and discussions with management, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE of Red Fiber Holdings
Kelly C. Atkinson
Mikhail Y Dyadyuk
Anton Z. Moldan
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Compensation Tables
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our NEOs for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
Name,
Principal Position
Year
Salary
($)
Bonus
($) (a)
Stock
Awards
($)
Option
Awards
($)
Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan
Compensation
($) (b)
Change in
Pension Value
and
Non-Qualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($) (c)
All Other
Compensation
($) (d)
Total
($)
Leigh R. Fox
702,840
1,764,013
-
-
843,523
-
12,060
3,322,436
President and
690,100
-
-
-
2,260,113
13,552
9,900
2,973,665
Chief Executive Officer
690,100
-
-
-
1,479,765
-
12,200
2,182,065
Joshua T. Duckworth
387,015
529,204
-
-
464,482
-
10,350
1,391,051
Chief Financial Officer
380,000
-
-
-
516,020
-
9,900
905,920
380,000
-
-
-
450,575
-
12,200
842,775
Christi H. Cornette
410,585
458,643
-
-
492,768
5,383
13,197
1,380,576
Chief Administrative Officer
403,142
-
-
-
554,833
42,949
13,200
1,014,124
403,142
-
-
-
481,709
-
7,735
892,586
Mary E. Talbott
397,766
-
-
-
476,705
-
13,800
888,271
Chief Legal Officer
372,692
-
-
-
359,868
-
7,808
740,368
(a)The 2024 amounts reflect the cash payments made to certain NEOs upon completion of the sale of CBTS LLC. The amounts were established by the Compensation Approvers at the time of the sale based on each executive’s contribution to the sale process.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(b)Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents amounts earned under the Company’s annual incentive plan for the applicable year. In connection with the closing of the Merger, the 2023 amounts also reflect the payment of 50% of the 2020-2022 restricted cash award upon the 18-month anniversary of the closing of the Merger. The 2022 amounts also reflect the payment of 25% of the 2020-2022 restricted cash award upon the six-month anniversary of the closing of the Merger. The restricted cash awards are payable as follows: (i) 25% within 15 days following the closing of the Merger, (ii) 25% on the six-month anniversary of the closing of the Merger, and (iii) 50% on the 18-month anniversary of the closing of the Merger, generally subject to the executive’s continued employment on each payment date.
(c)The amounts shown in this column for Mr. Fox and Ms. Cornette represent the one-year change in the value of their qualified defined benefit plan and nonqualified excess plan for 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively, projected forward to age 65 for each executive with interest credited at 4.0%, and then discounted back to the respective year at the discount rate (5.6% for 2024, 5.0% for 2023, and 5.4% for 2022) required under Accounting Standards Codification Topic (“ASC”) 960. The Company froze participation in its qualified pension plan for management employees in 2009; therefore, Mr. Duckworth and Ms. Talbott are not entitled to any benefits under this plan. As a result of the higher discount rate in 2024, the 2024 actuarial present value of the qualified defined benefit plan decreased by $8,480 for Mr. Fox and increased by $5,383 for Ms. Cornette versus 2023. Pursuant to SEC rules, we are not permitted to report negative changes in pension value in the Summary Compensation Table. Thus, the negative change in pension value is reported in the table above as $0. None of the executives receive any preferential treatment or above-market interest under the Company’s retirement plans.
(d)For each NEO, the amount includes the Company’s 401(k) match. Under the terms of the Cincinnati Bell Inc. Retirement Savings Plan, the Company’s matching contribution is equal to 100% on the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% of contributions made to the plan by the participant. Eligible compensation generally includes base wages plus any annual incentive paid to eligible participants.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth information concerning annual incentive plan awards to the NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2024:
Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards (a)
Name
Threshold
($)
Target
($)
Maximum
($)
Leigh R. Fox
Annual cash incentive
351,468
702,936
1,405,872
Joshua T. Duckworth
Annual cash incentive
193,534
387,068
774,136
Christi H. Cornette
Annual cash incentive
205,320
410,640
821,280
Mary E. Talbott
Annual cash incentive
198,627
397,254
794,508
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Discussion of Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
During 2024, all of the NEOs were employed pursuant to agreements with the Company. Each employment agreement sets forth, among other things, the NEO’s base salary, annual incentive opportunities, entitlement to participate in the Company’s benefit and pension plans and to receive equity awards and post-termination benefits and obligations.
In connection with the Merger, each NEO received a new employment agreement, which is summarized below:
Each employment agreement has a term of one year, which automatically renews on the anniversary date for a period of one year, until termination of the NEO’s employment. Under certain termination scenarios, the NEO may be entitled to additional compensation as follows: 	
•Disability - a payment equal to the sum of the NEO’s accrued but unpaid base salary plus accrued but unused vacation to date of termination
•Death - a payment equal to the NEO’s accrued but unpaid compensation will be paid to NEO’s estate
•Termination for Cause - a payment equal to the NEO’s accrued but unpaid compensation
•Termination without Cause - a payment equal to accrued but unpaid compensation plus two times’ the NEO’s then current base salary plus a lump sum payment equal to the employer’s portion of the NEO’s current elections under medical, dental and vision benefit plans for a period of 18 months
The agreement provides that the executive will not compete with the Company, nor solicit customers or employees of the Company, nor interfere with the Company’s business in any other way for a period of two years following termination. Because these potential payments are triggered under very specific circumstances, such payments are not considered in setting pay or other elements of executive compensation.
The payments to the NEOs upon termination, including termination following a CIC as of December 31, 2024 are described in Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
Our NEOs did not hold any equity awards as of December 31, 2024 and therefore we have omitted this table.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
Our NEOs did not hold any equity awards as of December 31, 2024 and therefore we have omitted this table.
Pension Benefits
In February 2009, the Company made significant changes to the Management Pension Plan. The Company froze pension benefits for plan participants who were not grandfathered participants (as previously described in Discussion of Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table). Thereafter, the Company amended the Management Pension Plan to stop accruals based upon compensation paid after June 30, 2013 or services after the pay period ended June 29, 2013 for all participants, including grandfathered participants. Mr. Fox is not a grandfathered participant and no longer accrues additional benefits under such plan based on current compensation or service. Ms. Cornette is a grandfathered participant but no longer accrues additional benefits under such plan based on current compensation or service. In addition, any employee hired on or after January 1, 2009 was not eligible to participate in the Management Pension Plan. As a result, Mr. Duckworth and Ms. Talbott are not eligible to participate in the Management Pension Plan.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
The following table sets forth information regarding pension benefits:
Name
Plan Name
Number of
Years Credited
Service
(#) (a)
Present Value
of Accumulated
Benefit
($) (b)(c)
Payments
During
Last
Fiscal
Year ($)
Leigh R. Fox
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan (d)
91,926
-
Non-Qualified Excess Plan (e)
-
-
-
Total
91,926
-
Christi H. Cornette
Qualified Defined Benefit Plan (d)
535,785
-
Non-Qualified Excess Plan (e)
29,057
-
Total
564,842
-
(a)This column reflects the years of credited service under the plans rather than actual years of service with the Company, which are higher for each of the NEOs noted. Participants were no longer credited years of service upon the freezing of pension benefits.
(b)Amounts in this column represent the accumulated benefit obligations computed using the same assumptions as used for financial reporting purposes, described in more detail in Note 12 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements contained in “Part II. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
(c)If any of the above-identified executive officers had retired on December 31, 2024, they would have been entitled to a benefit based on the balance then credited to them, without any reduction, under the Management Pension Plan (both the tax-qualified defined benefit plan portion and the non-qualified excess plan portion) as of that date. They may elect a lump-sum or equivalent annuity form of payment subject to any payment restrictions in place due to the funding status.
(d)Management Pension Plan.
(e)Nonqualified ERISA Excess Provisions of the Management Pension Plan.
A participant’s account under the Management Pension Plan is also generally credited with assumed interest for each calendar year at a certain interest rate. Such interest rate for 2024 was 4.0% per annum.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
Potential Payments upon Termination of Employment or a Change in Control
The following table shows potential payments to the NEOs directly and indirectly on their behalf under existing contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements, whether written or unwritten, for various scenarios involving a CIC or termination of employment, assuming a December 31, 2024 termination.
Name
Executive Payment on Termination
Involuntary
Not for
Cause
Termination
($)
Change in
Control
($)
Death
($)
Disability
($)
Leigh R. Fox
Base Salary
1,421,606
-
-
-
Annual Incentive (a)
843,523
-
-
-
Long-Term Incentive (b)
-
-
-
-
Basic Benefits (c)
38,372
-
-
-
Total
2,303,501
-
-
-
Joshua T. Duckworth
Base Salary
782,800
-
-
-
Annual Incentive (a)
464,482
-
-
-
Long-Term Incentive (b)
-
-
-
-
Basic Benefits (c)
38,372
-
-
-
Total
1,285,654
-
-
-
Christi H. Cornette
Base Salary
830,472
-
-
-
Annual Incentive (a)
492,768
-
-
-
Long-Term Incentive (b)
-
-
-
-
Basic Benefits (c)
14,688
-
-
-
Total
1,337,928
-
-
-
Mary E. Talbott
Base Salary
803,400
-
-
-
Annual Incentive (a)
476,705
-
-
-
Long-Term Incentive (b)
-
-
-
-
Basic Benefits (c)
24,235
-
-
-
Total
1,304,340
-
-
-
(a)NEOs employed as of December 31, 2024 are eligible to receive the annual incentive payment on the same terms and timing as actively employed participants. There is no forfeiture and no acceleration of any benefit. The amount shown reflects the actual amount earned under the 2024 incentive plan for NEOs.
(b)If a sale of CBI occurred on December 31, 2024, the units under the LTIP would have no value because the investment return hurdles would not have been satisfied.
(c)Basic benefits represent the lump sum value of the COBRA cost for medical, dental and vision benefits for 18 months.
If any of the executives elects to voluntarily terminate employment with the Company, or if they are terminated by the Company for cause, they are entitled to no payments from the Company other than those benefits which they have a non-forfeitable vested right to receive (the “vested amounts”), which include vested amounts under the Company’s pension and savings plans.
In addition to any applicable “vested amounts,” an executive will be entitled to receive certain additional benefits under their employment agreements described on page 118 above. If one of the four termination scenarios detailed in the above table and discussed below occurs, regardless of the termination scenario, the NEOs will continue to be bound by the non-disclosure, non-compete and non-solicitation provisions of their employment agreements.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
If an executive is terminated by the Company without cause (an involuntary not for cause termination), the executive will be entitled to the following:
•A lump-sum cash payment equal to 2.0 times the executive’s base salary;
•Access to medical, dental and vision benefits following the executive’s termination of employment for a maximum period of 18 months. Employer will subsidize the cost of coverage at the same rate as was in effect for the employee until such time as the employee begins coverage under another employer's plan or 18 months, whichever occurs first. Employer may elect to provide a lump sum payment, less applicable withholding taxes in lieu of a monthly subsidy.
•Accelerated vesting to the next tranche vesting date under the Red Fiber Holdings LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan.
If an executive is terminated following a CIC, the executive will be not be entitled to any payments beyond compensation accrued to the date of termination.
If an executive is “terminated” because of his or her death, the executive’s beneficiary will be entitled to unpaid compensation accrued to the date of death.
If an executive is terminated by reason of disability, the executive will be entitled to the following:
•Accrued but unpaid base salary to the date of termination;
•Payment for accrued but unused vacation to the date of termination;
•Accrued and earned annual incentive for the year prior to the year of termination; and
•Earned and vested benefits under any Employer benefit plan to the date of termination subject to offset for any amounts received pursuant to the disability plans
Receipt of the above-described payments (other than the “vested amounts”) is conditioned upon the executive executing a release of claims in favor of the Company.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
CEO Pay Ratio
As required by the SEC, we are providing the following information about the relationship between the annual total compensation (“ATC”) of our employees and the ATC of Mr. Fox, our President and Chief Executive Officer (the “PEO”).
For 2024, our last completed fiscal year,
•The ATC of the median employee of the Company was $91,192; and
•The ATC for our PEO was $3,322,436
Based on this information, for 2024 the resulting pay ratio between the ATC of the PEO to the ATC of the median employee was 36:1.
To identify the median employee, we took the following steps:
1.We determined the median employee by analyzing annual total compensation data for all active employees as of December 31, 2024.
2.Once we identified the median employee, we determined the ATC for the median employee in the same manner used to determine Mr. Fox’s ATC as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table in Compensation Tables.
Director Annual Compensation Program
The Director Annual Compensation Program provides for an annual retainer of $100,000 per director and is only payable to Colleen W. Hanabusa and John T. Komeiji. None of the other directors received compensation from the Company for their service on the board.
2024 Director Compensation
The following table shows the compensation paid to our non-employee directors for the 2024 fiscal year:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Name
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
Stock
Awards ($)
Option
Awards ($)
Total ($)
Colleen Hanabusa
100,000
-
-
100,000
John T. Komeiji
100,000
-
-
100,000

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
As of December 31, 2024, there were 100 common shares of the Company issued and outstanding, all of which were held by Red Fiber Parent. Red Fiber Parent is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Red Fiber Holdings. Directors and executive officers of the Company do not beneficially own any of the Company’s common shares.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not maintain any compensation plans (including any individual compensation arrangements) under which equity securities of the Company were authorized for issuance.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is the Company’s preference to avoid related party transactions. Current SEC rules define a related party transaction to include any transaction, arrangement or relationship: (i) in which the Company is a participant, (ii) in which the transaction has an aggregate value greater than $120,000, and (iii) in which any of the following persons has or will have a direct or indirect material interest:
•an executive officer, director or director nominee of the Company;
•any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's common shares;
•any person who is an immediate family member (as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K) of an executive officer or director;
•nominee or beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Company's common shares; or
•any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is employed or is a partner or principal or in a similar position or in which such person, together with any other of the foregoing persons, has a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
The Company's Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers require officers and all other members of the workforce to avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or even appear to cause a conflict of interest. The Company’s Corporate Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers generally require (i) a director to promptly disclose any potential or actual conflict of interest involving him or her and (ii) an employee, including the executive officers, to promptly disclose a conflict of interest to the Chief Legal Counsel. The Chief Legal Counsel determines an appropriate resolution to actual or potential conflicts of interest on a case-by-case basis. All directors are expected to recuse themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional interests.
In 2024, there were no related party transactions requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules.
Director Independence
Since the Merger, the Company is no longer subject to the director independence requirements of the federal securities laws or the rules of any stock exchange. Accordingly, the Board has not made any determination that any director who has served on the Board since the Merger is independent under any such requirements. Further, since the Merger, the Board no longer has an audit, nominating or compensation committee (the functions of which have been assumed by Red Fiber Holdings) and, therefore, is no longer subject to any director independence requirement of the federal securities laws or the rules of any stock exchange with respect to any such committee.
Form 10-K Part III
Cincinnati Bell Inc.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”) was the Company's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the 2024 and 2023 fiscal years. Aggregate fees for professional services rendered by PwC for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were as follows:
Audit fees
$
3,105,000
$
2,044,000
Tax fees
224,000
151,000
All other fees
2,200
4,000
Total
$
3,331,200
$
2,199,000
Audit Fees
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company incurred audit fees from PwC of $3,105,000 and $2,044,000, respectively. The audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were in connection with the audit of the Company's annual financial statements and review of quarterly financial statements included in the Company's reports filed with the SEC. The audit of the Company's 2024 financial statements also included work related to the divesture of the Disposal Group completed December 2, 2024 and the audit of stand-alone financial statements to support the financing of the transaction by TowerBrook.
Tax Fees
Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were incurred for services rendered by PwC related to the preparation of various tax filings and tax consultations.
All Other Fees
All other fees incurred in the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were related to software license fees.
Engagement of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and Pre-Approval Policy
In accordance with its charter, the Audit Committee has the sole authority and responsibility to select, evaluate and, if necessary, replace the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee has the sole authority to approve all audit engagement fees and terms. In addition, the Audit Committee, or the chair of the Audit Committee between regularly scheduled meetings, must pre-approve all services provided to the Company by the Company's Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Pursuant to Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee pre-approved every engagement of PwC to perform audit or non-audit services on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements
Consolidated financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8.
Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. All other schedules are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable.
Exhibits
Exhibits identified in parenthesis below, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated herein by reference as exhibits hereto.
Exhibit
Number
Description
(2.1)
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 13, 2020, by and among Cincinnati Bell Inc., Red Fiber Parent LLC and RF Merger Sub Inc. (Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report March 13, 2020, File No. 1-8519).
(2.2)
Equity Purchase Agreement dated as of February 2, 2024 among Cincinnati Bell Inc., CBTS Borrower, LLC, and CBTS LLC (Exhibit 2.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report December 2, 2024, File No. 1-8519).
(3.1)
Second Amended Articles of Incorporation of Cincinnati Bell Inc. (Exhibit 3.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
(3.2)
Fourth Amended and Restated Regulations of Cincinnati Bell Inc. (Exhibit 3.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report September 19, 2024, File No. 1-8519).
(4.1)
Indenture dated July 1, 1993, between Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Issuer, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s 71/4% Notes Due June 15, 2023 (Exhibit 4-A to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report July 12, 1993, File No. 1-8519). (P)
(4.2)
Indenture dated as of November 30, 1998, among Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company, as Issuer, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Exhibit 4-A to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report November 30, 1998, File No. 1-8519).
(4.3)
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 31, 2004 to the Indenture dated as of November 30, 1998, among Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company, as Issuer, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(c)(iii)(2) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 1-8519).
(4.4)
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 10, 2005 to the Indenture dated as of November 30, 1998, among Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC (as successor entity to Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company), as Issuer, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Exhibit (4)(c)(ii)(3) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, File No. 1-8519).
(4.5)
Indenture, dated September 22, 2016, among Cincinnati Bell Inc., the guarantor parties thereto and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report September 22, 2016, File No. 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(4.6)
First Supplemental Indenture dated April 3, 2017 among Cincinnati Bell Inc., SunTel Services LLC and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report April 3, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.7)
Second Supplemental Indenture dated May 31, 2017 among Cincinnati Bell Inc., Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company LLC, Cincinnati Bell Extended Territories LLC, and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 31, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.8)
Third Supplemental Indenture dated October 2, 2017 among Cincinnati Bell Inc., Cincinnati Bell Shared Services LLC, Data Center South Holdings, LLC, Twin Acquisition Corp. and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report October 2, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.9)
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 22, 2017 among Cincinnati Bell Inc., CBTS Holdco LLC, and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report December 22, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.10)
Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2018, by and among Cincinnati Bell Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Regions Bank, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report July 2, 2018, File No. 1-8519).
(4.11)
Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2020, among Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Issuer, each subsidiary of the Issuer identified as a Guarantor, and Regions Bank, as Trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report July 6, 2020, File No. 1-8519).
(4.12)
Indenture, dated October 6, 2017, between CB Escrow Corp. and Regions Bank, as trustee (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report October 6, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.13)
Assumption Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2018, by and among Cincinnati Bell Inc., the guarantors party thereto and Regions Bank, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report July 2, 2018, File No. 1-8519).
(4.14)
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 2, 2020, among Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Issuer, each subsidiary of the Issuer identified as a Guarantor, and Regions Bank, as Trustee. (Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report July 6, 2020, File No. 1-8519).
(4.15)
Escrow Agreement, dated October 6, 2017, by and among CB Escrow Corp., Regions Bank, as trustee, and Regions Bank, as Escrow Agent (Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report October 6, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(4.16)
No other instrument which defines the rights of holders of long term debt of the registrant is filed herewith pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A). Pursuant to this regulation, the registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the SEC upon request.
(10.1)
Credit Agreement, dated as of September 7, 2021, among Red Fiber Parent LLC, RF Merger Sub Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative and collateral agent, each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, each other Lender, Cincinnati Bell Inc. (and as successor in interest to RF Merger Sub Inc.) and the other parties thereto from time to time. (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report September 7, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(10.2)
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 23, 2021, among Red Fiber Parent LLC, RF Merger Sub Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative and collateral agent, each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender, each other Lender, Cincinnati Bell Inc. (and as successor in interest to RF Merger Sub Inc.) and the other parties thereto from time to time. (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report November 23, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
(10.3)
Incremental Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of May 3, 2023, by and among Red Fiber Parent LLC, Cincinnati Bell Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, and CoBank ACB, as the Term B-3 Lender (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 3, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.4)
Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of May 30, 2024, by and among Red Fiber Parent LLC, Cincinnati Bell Inc., each of the Guarantors party hereto, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent for the Lenders, the Incremental Term B-2 Lender and each of the 2024 Extended Revolving Credit Lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 30, 2024, File No. 1-8519).
(10.5)
Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 14, 2024, by and among Red Fiber Parent LLC, Cincinnati Bell Inc., each of the Guarantors party hereto, and the Term B-3 Lender, and acknowledged by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent for the Lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report June 14, 2024, File No. 1-8519).
(10.6)
Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement dated as of December 19, 2024, by and among Red Fiber Parent LLC, Cincinnati Bell Inc., each of the Guarantors party hereto, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent for the Lenders, the Term B-1 Lender, the Term B-3 Lender and the Term B-4 Lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report December 19, 2024, File No. 1-8519).
(10.7)
Third Amended and Restated Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, among the Various Entities list on Schedule I thereto, as Originators, Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Servicer (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.8)
Receivables Financing Agreement dated as of May 10, 2018, among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 10, 2018, File No. 1-8519).
(10.9)
First Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of November 21, 2018, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report November 21, 2018, File No. 1-8519).
(10.10)
Second Amendment to Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2019, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time parties thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets, as Structuring Agent. (Exhibit 99.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 9, 2019, File 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(10.11)
Third Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2020, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets, as Structuring Agent. (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 7, 2020, File No. 1-8519).
(10.12)
Fourth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2021, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank Canada Branch as issuer of Letters of Credit and Lender, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets, as Structuring Agent. (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report April 9, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
(10.13)
Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2021, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank Canada Branch as issuer of Letters of Credit and Lender, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and Letter of Credit Bank, and PNC Capital Markets, as Structuring Agent. (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report November 15, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
(10.14)
Sixth Amendment to the Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2022, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., as Borrowers, Cincinnati Bell Inc. and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicers, the Lenders, Letter of Credit Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank Canada Branch as issuer of Letters of Credit and Lender, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and issuer of Letters of Credit, and PNC Capital Markets, as Structuring Agent. (Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, File No. 1-8519).
(10.15)
Amended and Restated Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC as Borrower, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Servicer, the various Lenders, LC Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association as the Administrator and LC Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.16) +
First Amendment to Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of October 10, 2024, among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC as Borrower, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Servicer, the various Lenders, LC Participants and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association as the Administrator and LC Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC as Structuring Agent.
(10.17)
Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 10, 2018 among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC, as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 10, 2018, File No. 1-8519).
(10.18)
First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2019, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC, as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc., as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer. (Exhibit 99.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 9, 2019, File 1-8519).
(10.19)
Second Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 7, 2020, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc. as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer. (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 7, 2020, File No. 1-8519).
(10.20)
Third Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 9, 2021, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc. as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer. (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report April 9, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(10.21)
Fourth Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 12, 2021, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc. as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer. (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report November 15, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
(10.22)
Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 3, 2022, by and among Cincinnati Bell Funding LLC, as Seller, Cincinnati Bell Inc. as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer. (Exhibit 10.2 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2022, File No. 1-8519).
(10.23)
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, the Various Entities listed on Schedule I thereto, as Originators, CBTS Funding LLC, and CBTS Technology Solutions LLC, as Servicer (Exhibit 99.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.24)
Receivables Financing Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, CBTS Funding LLC and Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada LTD., as Borrowers, CBTS Technology Solutions LLC and OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd, as Servicers, the Lenders and Group Agents from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator and LC Bank, and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.4 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.25)
Amended and Restated Canadian Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, among the Various Entities listed on Schedule I thereto, Cincinnati Bell Funding Canada Ltd., OnX Enterprise Solutions Ltd., as Servicer, and PNC Bank, National Association, as Administrator (Exhibit 99.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.26)
Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2023, by and among CBTS Funding LLC, as Seller, CBTS Technology Solutions LLC, as Servicer, PNC Bank, National Association, as Buyer, and PNC Capital Markets, LLC, as Structuring Agent (Exhibit 99.6 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report January 31, 2023, File No. 1-8519).
(10.27)*
Cincinnati Bell Inc. Pension Program, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2005 (Exhibit (10)(iii)(A)(3) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, File No. 1-8519).
(10.28)*
Amendment to Cincinnati Bell Inc. Pension Program, effective December 31, 2011 (Exhibit 10.12 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-8519).
(10.29)*
Restatement of the Cincinnati Bell Management Pension Plan executed December 22, 2016 (Exhibit 10.28 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 1-8519).
(10.30)*
Restatement of the Cincinnati Bell Pension Plan executed December 22, 2016 (Exhibit 10.29 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 1-8519).
(10.31)*
Amendment to Cincinnati Bell Management Pension Plan executed December 22, 2016 (Exhibit 10.30 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 1-8519).
(10.32)*
Amendment to the Cincinnati Bell Pension Plan executed December 22, 2016 (Exhibit 10.31 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, File No. 1-8519).
(10.33)*
Cincinnati Bell Inc. Form of Long-Term Restricted Cash Retention Award (Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, File 1-8519).
(10.34)*
Cincinnati Bell Inc. Form of Long-Term Restricted Cash Retention Award (Exhibit 10.1 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, File 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(10.35)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Leigh R. Fox effective as of September 7, 2021 (Exhibit 10.31 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.36)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Joshua T. Duckworth dated as of December 1, 2021 (Exhibit 10.32 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.37)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Christi H. Cornette effective as of September 7, 2021 (Exhibit 10.33 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.38)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Mary E. Talbott effective as of March 8, 2023 (Exhibit 10.34 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.39)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Thomas E. Simpson effective as of September 7, 2021 (Exhibit 10.35 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.40)*
Release of Claims Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Thomas E. Simpson dated as of March 27, 2023 (Exhibit 10.36 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.41)*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Christopher J. Wilson effective as of September 7, 2021 (Exhibit 10.37 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.42)*
Release of Claims Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Christopher J. Wilson dated as of March 27, 2023 (Exhibit 10.38 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, File 1-8519).
(10.43)*
Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Shannon M. Mullen effective as of December 1, 2017 (Exhibit 10.7 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report December 1, 2017, File No. 1-8519).
(10.44)*
Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Mark J. Fahner effective as of September 16, 2018 (Exhibit 10.3 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, File 1-8519).
(10.45)*
Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Suzanne E. Maratta effective May 12, 2019. (Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report May 15, 2019, File 1-8519).
(10.46)*
Employment Agreement between Cincinnati Bell Inc. and Angela J. Huber effective December 1, 2021 (Exhibit 10.63 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, File No. 1-8519).
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
(14)
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, as adopted pursuant to Section 406 of Regulation S-K (Exhibit (10)(iii)(A)(15) to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, File No. 1-8519).
(21) +
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
(24) +
Powers of Attorney.
(31.1) +
Certificate of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a)
(31.2) +
Certificate of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 15d-14(a).
(97)*
Executive Compensation Recoupment/Clawback Policy effective as of January 1, 2011 (Exhibit 99.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K, date of Report October 29, 2010, File No. 1-8519).
The following financial statements from Cincinnati Bell Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 were formatted in iXBRL (Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Equity (Deficit), (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
+ Filed herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(a)(3) of the Instruction to Form 10-K.
(P) Paper exhibits
The Company's reports on Form 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other information are available free of charge at the following website: http://www.altafiber.com. The Company has ceased to be a registrant but continues to voluntarily file annual, quarterly and certain other information with the SEC due to contractual provisions included in certain indentures.
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
Additions
(dollars in millions)
Beginning
of Period
Charge (Benefit)
to Expenses
(To) From
Other Accounts
Deductions
End of
Period
Year 2024
$
14.8
$
9.5
$
-
$
9.3
$
15.0
Year 2023
$
10.2
$
8.0
$
-
$
3.4
$
14.8
Year 2022
$
3.3
$
6.9
$
-
$
-
$
10.2
Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance
Additions
(dollars in millions)
Beginning
of Period
Charge (Benefit)
to Expenses
(To) From
Other Accounts
Deductions
End of
Period
Year 2024
$
28.0
$
54.9
$
-
$
-
$
82.9
Year 2023
$
8.1
$
21.7
$
(1.8
)
$
-
$
28.0
Year 2022
$
2.8
$
4.2
$
1.1
$
-
$
8.1
Form 10-K Part IV
Cincinnati Bell Inc.