WOW! REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2022 RESULTS

Full year High-Speed Data Revenue from continuing operations of $412.1 million, up 3% from 2021

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- WideOpenWest, Inc. ("WOW!" or the "Company") (NYSE: WOW), one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient, high-performing network that passes nearly 2.0 million residential, business and wholesale consumers, today announced financial and operating results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022.

Financial Highlights ⁽¹⁾⁽²⁾

• Fourth quarter Total Revenue from continuing operations of $180.5 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 1%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2021
• Full year Total Revenue from continuing operations of $704.9 million, a decrease of $20.8 million, or 3%, compared to the corresponding period of 2021
• Fourth quarter HSD Revenue from continuing operations totaled $107.1 million, an increase of $6.6 million, or 7%, compared to fourth quarter of 2021
• Full year HSD Revenue from continuing operations totaled $412.1 million, an increase of $13.0 million, or 3%, compared to the corresponding period of 2021
• Net Loss from continuing operations was $12.7 million and $2.5 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022
• Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale was $74.6 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 8%, compared to the fourth quarter of 2021
• Full year Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale was $280.1 million, an increase of $18.5 million, or 7%, compared to the corresponding period of 2021

Business Highlights

• First Greenfield market launched in Central Florida with strong initial penetration rates
• Repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares for $12.3 million during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 at an average price of $10.39 per share

"Our fourth quarter results, including record Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale, shows continued growth in high-speed data revenue, highlighting the strength of our strategy and our ability to execute it," said Teresa Elder, WOW!'s CEO. "We are seeing strong progress as we expand in both new Greenfield and Edge-out markets with exceptional early penetration rates."

"Our low leverage, high growth business model drove strong financial performance in 2022 including more than 7% growth in Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale as well as high-speed data revenue which approached 60% of our total revenue for the year," said John Rego, WOW!'s CFO. "We continue to focus our growth and expansion initiatives in a way that leverages the value of our products and services and strength of our balance sheet."

Revenue
Total Revenue from continuing operations was $180.5 million and $704.9 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, up $2.2 million and down $20.8 million as compared to the corresponding periods in 2021.

Total Subscription Revenue from continuing operations for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 was $163.1 million and $648.7 million, down $2.0 million, or 1%, and $23.3 million, or 3%, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2021. The decreases were primarily driven by a shift in service offering mix, as we continue to experience a reduction in Video and Telephony RGUs. These decreases were partially offset by increases in average revenue per unit ("ARPU"), as HSD customers continue to purchase higher speed tiers, as well as HSD and Video rate increases.

Other Business Services Revenue from continuing operations totaled $5.1 million and $21.2 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, down $0.3 million, or 6%, and $1.1 million, or 5%, as compared to the corresponding periods in 2021. These decreases were primarily due to decreases in data center revenue.

Other Revenue from continuing operations totaled $12.3 million and $35.0 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, up $4.5 million, or 58%, and $3.6 million, or 11%, compared to the corresponding periods in 2021. The increases are primarily related to a one-time receipt of government grant revenue.

Costs and Expenses
Operating Expenses (excluding Depreciation and Amortization) from continuing operations totaled $77.6 million and $327.0 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, down $11.9 million, or 13%, and $49.4 million, or 13%, compared to the corresponding periods in 2021 primarily due to lower direct operating expenses and decreases in call center and cash compensation related expenses.

Selling, General, and Administrative expenses from continuing operations totaled $48.1 million and $165.4 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022, up $5.7 million, or 13%, and down $9.8 million, or 6%, compared to the corresponding periods in 2021. The increase for the quarter-to-date period is primarily associated with an increase in restructuring costs related to employee severance charges and stock compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease in debt refinancing costs. The decrease for the year-to-date period is primarily attributable to decreases in costs associated with digital transformation initiatives, debt refinancing and marketing expenses, partially offset by increases in restructuring costs related to employee severance charges and stock compensation expense.

Net (Loss) Income
Net (Loss) Income for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 was ($12.7) million and ($2.5) million, compared to $230.6 million and $770.5 million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021. The net profit margin was (7.0)% and (0.4)% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to a net profit margin of 119.7% and 74.5% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale
Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 was $74.6 million and $280.1 million, an increase of $5.6 million and $18.5 million, compared to the corresponding periods in 2021. Adjusted EBITDA Margin Post Asset Sale was 41.3% and 39.7% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to 38.7% and 36.0% for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2021.

Subscribers
WOW! reported Total Subscribers from continuing operations of 530,600 as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of 2,300 compared to December 31, 2021, down 7,500 compared to September 30, 2022. HSD RGUs totaled 511,600 as of December 31, 2022, a decrease of 100 compared to December 31, 2021, down 7,000 compared to September 30, 2022.

Edge-Outs
Edge-Out Projects from continuing operations reached a total of 81,100 homes passed and 20,300 Subscribers since inception.

The 2020 Edge-Out projects from continuing operations include 800 Subscribers, which represents 23.5% penetration on such nodes. The 2021 Edge-Out projects from continuing operations include 900 Subscribers, which represents 45.0% penetration on such nodes. The 2022 Edge-Out projects from continuing operations include 600 Subscribers, which represents 20.7% penetration on such nodes.

Capital Expenditures
Capital Expenditures from continuing operations totaled $167.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing a $4.9 million, or 3%, increase compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase is primarily related to an increase in line extensions as we focus on expanding our network through our greenfield initiatives, partially offset by decreases in support capital and customer premise equipment ("CPE") expenditures. Core Capital Expenditures, or total capital expenditures excluding expansion capital expenditures, equated to 18% of Total Revenue from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Liquidity and Leverage
As of December 31, 2022, the total outstanding amount of long-term debt and finance lease obligations was $742.7 million, and cash and cash equivalents were $31.0 million. Total Net Leverage as of December 31, 2022 was 2.6X on a LTM Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale basis, in line with September 30, 2022, and undrawn revolver capacity totaled $236.4 million.

Share Repurchase Program
On November 3, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a new share repurchase program with authorization to purchase up to $50 million of shares of its common stock over an eighteen-month period.  WOW! may repurchase shares from time to time through open market purchases, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means, including through the use of trading plans intended to qualify under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. The timing and total amount of stock repurchases will depend upon business, economic and market conditions, corporate and regulatory requirements, prevailing stock prices, and other considerations. The authorization expires on May 3, 2024, and may be suspended or discontinued at any time and does not obligate the company to acquire any amount of shares of common stock. WOW repurchased approximately 1.2 million shares for $12.3 million during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022.

Executive Appointments
WOW! is pleased to announce the promotion of two key executives—Roger Seiken to General Counsel and Leslie Peabody to Chief People Officer.

Mr. Seiken has been with WOW! for more than six years and oversees programming and business development opportunities. Prior to joining WOW!, he was the Associate General Counsel of Legal Affairs at Verizon Communications, Inc. Mr. Seiken received his Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America, Columbus Law School in 1996, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He succeeds Craig Martin, who joined the company at its founding in 1999, participated in taking the Company public and has overseen merger and acquisition activity among many other initiatives. After a successful 24 years with the Company, Craig will depart in the second quarter of 2023 and will be available as an advisor as needed through a transition period.

Ms. Peabody succeeds David Brunick, Chief Human Resources Officer, who will be leaving the company in the second quarter of 2023 and will be available as an advisor as needed through a transition period. David built the human resources department and led WOW! to five national Best and Brightest Company to Work For awards. Ms. Peabody brings more than 15 years of senior human resource experience, including more than 5 years with WOW!, most recently as Senior Vice President of HR Operations. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration, HR Management from the University of Phoenix.

Webcast
WOW! will host a webcast on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern to discuss the operating and financial results contained in this press release. The conference call and webcast will be broadcast live on the Company's investor relations website at ir.wowway.com. Those parties interested in participating can use the information as follows:

A replay of the call will be available on February 23, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. ET, on the investor relations website or by telephone. To access the telephone replay, which will be available until March 9, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. ET, please dial (800) 770-2030 and use conference ID 4844814.

About WOW!
WOW! is one of the nation's leading broadband providers, with an efficient, high-performing network that passes nearly 2.0 million residential, business and wholesale consumers. WOW! provides services in 15 markets located in Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. With an expansive portfolio of advanced services, including high-speed Internet services, cable TV, phone, business data, voice, and cloud services, the company is dedicated to providing outstanding service at affordable prices. WOW! also serves as a leader in exceptional human resources practices, having been recognized seven times by the National Association for Business Resources as a Best & Brightest Company to Work For, winning the award for the last four consecutive years. Visit www.wowway.com for more information.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  These forward-looking statements represent our goals, beliefs, plans and expectations about our prospects for the future and other future events. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical fact and can be identified by terms such as "may," "intend," "might," "will," "should," "could," "would," "anticipate," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "plan," "project," "predict," "potential," or the negative of these terms. Although these forward-looking statements reflect our good-faith belief and reasonable judgment based on current information, these statements are qualified by important factors, many of which are beyond our control that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors and other risks that could cause our actual results to differ materially are set forth in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and other reports subsequently filed with the SEC. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this report are made as of the date hereof or the date specified herein, based on information available to us as of such date. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this release, including Adjusted EBITDA. These terms, as defined herein, are not intended to be considered in isolation, as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). These terms may vary from the use of similar terms by other companies in our industry due to different methods of calculation and therefore are not necessarily comparable.

We believe that these non-GAAP measures enhance an investor's understanding of our financial performance. We believe that these non-GAAP measures are useful financial metrics to assess our operating performance from period to period by excluding certain items that we believe are not representative of our core business. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide investors with useful information for assessing the comparability between periods of our ability to generate cash from operations sufficient to pay taxes, to service debt and to undertake Capital Expenditures. We use these non-GAAP measures for business planning purposes and in measuring our performance relative to that of our competitors. We believe these non-GAAP measures are measures commonly used by investors to evaluate our performance and that of our competitors.

Adjusted EBITDA eliminates the impact of expenses that do not relate to overall business performance and is defined by WOW! as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (including impairments), impairment losses on intangibles and goodwill, write-off of any asset, loss on early extinguishment of debt, integration and restructuring expenses and all non-cash charges and expenses (including stock compensation expense) and certain other income and expenses. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (loss), operating income or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance, operating cash flows or liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale takes into account the 2021 sales of five service areas as though such transactions had occurred prior to the periods presented.

Adjusted EBITDA Margin Post Asset Sale is defined as Adjusted EBITDA Post Asset Sale divided by total revenue, expressed as a percentage. Adjusted EBITDA Margin should not be considered as an alternative to Net Profit margin.  

Refer to "Reconciliations of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures" and the accompanying tables below for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income which is the most directly comparable to their corresponding GAAP financial measure.

Subscriber Information
The Company uses the terms defined below throughout this release.

Homes passed are reported as the number of serviceable addresses, such as single residence homes, apartments and condominium units, and businesses passed by our broadband network and listed in our database.

We deliver multiple services to our customers, as such we report Total Subscribers as the number of Subscribers who receive at least one of our HSD, Video or Telephony services, without regard to which or how many services they subscribe. We define each of the individual HSD Subscribers, Video Subscribers and Telephony Subscribers as a Revenue Generating Unit ("RGU").

While we take appropriate steps to ensure subscriber information is presented on a consistent and accurate basis at any given balance sheet date, we periodically review our policies in light of the variability we may encounter across our different markets due to the nature and pricing of products and services and billing systems. Accordingly, we may from time to time make appropriate adjustments to our subscriber information based on such reviews.

The following table provides an unaudited summary of our continuing operations subscriber information:

Additional Information Available on Website:
The information in this press release should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and footnotes contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which will be posted on our investor relations website at ir.wowway.com, when it is filed with the SEC. A slide presentation to accompany the conference call and a trending schedule containing historical customer and financial data will also be available on our website.

Contact:
Andrew Posen
Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
303-927-4935
andrew.posen@wowinc.com

Debra Havins
Vice President, Corporate Communications
720-527-8214
debra.havins@wowinc.com

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SOURCE WideOpenWest, Inc.