10-K/APeriod: FY2008

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS, INC. /MO/ Annual Report (Amendment), Year Ended Dec 31, 2008

Filed April 30, 2009For Securities:CHTR

Summary

This 10-K filing from Charter Communications, Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, highlights a company undergoing significant financial restructuring, evidenced by its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in March 2009. The report details the board of directors and executive officers, emphasizing individuals with extensive experience in technology, media, and finance. Notably, Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, holds significant control as Chairman of the Board. The executive compensation section reveals a pay-for-performance philosophy, with a substantial portion of executive pay linked to company performance metrics like revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow. However, it also details significant executive compensation packages, including base salaries, bonuses, and long-term incentives, alongside provisions for termination and change-in-control events. The company's ongoing financial challenges and restructuring efforts are a critical context for understanding these compensation structures and the overall financial health of the company.

Key Highlights

  • 1Charter Communications, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March 2009, underscoring significant financial distress.
  • 2Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, exercises considerable influence as Chairman of the Board and a major shareholder, holding significant voting power.
  • 3The company's compensation philosophy emphasizes pay-for-performance, linking executive pay to metrics like revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow.
  • 4Significant executive compensation packages are detailed, including base salaries, bonuses, stock awards, and long-term incentives, with robust severance and change-in-control provisions.
  • 5The report lists a diverse board of directors and executive team with substantial experience in relevant industries.
  • 6Due to the bankruptcy filing, Charter's common stock was delisted from NASDAQ as of April 7, 2009.
  • 7The company has adopted a Code of Conduct and has procedures for reporting alleged violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of April 30, 2009, Charter Communications, Inc. had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 27, 2009. This indicates significant financial difficulties and a formal restructuring process is underway.

Neil Smit is the President and CEO. The Chairman of the Board is Paul G. Allen, co-founder of Microsoft, who also holds significant control. The executive team and board members possess considerable experience in telecommunications, technology, and finance.

The company follows a pay-for-performance philosophy. Executive compensation includes base salary, annual bonuses, and long-term incentives. Key performance metrics used for bonuses and incentives include revenue, adjusted EBITDA, unlevered free cash flow, and customer satisfaction.

The Chapter 11 filing led to the delisting of Charter's common stock from NASDAQ as of April 7, 2009. The company is undergoing a reorganization plan, which will impact its future operations and capital structure.