Windstream 2015 Annual Report Download - page 9
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| 7
2015 COMPANY PERFORMANCE IN REVIEW
Strategic Highlights
2015 was a transformative year for Windstream and much was accomplished operationally and strategically
to lay a foundation for future success. Our vision is to provide a best-in-class customer experience through our
world-class network and our people. Our “network first” strategy entails leveraging our existing infrastructure and
investing in the latest technologies to create significant value for both our customers and our shareholders.
We implemented a new business unit organizational structure, creating four business segments, aligned to our
core customer relationships and added new talent in key areas to strengthen our ability to achieve our operational,
strategic and financial goals. These changes improved financial performance throughout 2015. We allocated capital
to high return initiatives that enhanced our network capabilities and returned value to shareholders through both a
dividend and a share repurchase program.
During 2015, we completed strategic transactions, including the spin-off of CS&L and the sale of our data
center business, utilizing the proceeds from these transactions to reduce debt by approximately $3.5 billion and to
reinvest in the business. We also refinanced high-coupon debt and reduced near-term maturities to further optimize
the balance sheet. The following table illustrates our 2015 Company achievements:
Executing Focused
Operational Strategy Allocating Capital & Returning
Value Optimizing the Balance
Sheet
• Implemented business unit
structure with clear, focused
strategies
• Hired new talent in key areas
• Improved financial performance;
achieved guidance
• Significantly advanced network
capabilities
ü Completed key broadband
network upgrades
ü Expanded carrier network to
focus on key growth areas
• Paid a dividend to shareholders
and repurchased 7.5 million shares,
whichrepresentedapproximately7%
of total shares outstanding
• Completed spin-off of real estate
assets to CS&L
• Divested data center business at
an attractive valuation
• Reduced debt by $3.5 billion
• Improved debt maturity profile
and reduced interest expense