Windstream Buys Hosted Solutions

November 12, 2010

Positive Q3 Earnings

Windstream reported third-quarter results highlighted by improved revenue trends and growth in adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA).

 Highlights:

• WIN raises full-year outlook for expected free cash flow - expects $814 million to $859 million, resulting in lower dividend payout ratio of 54 percent to 57 percent
• Grows adjusted OIBDA 1 percent year-over-year on a pro forma basis through growth in data and integrated solutions and strong demand for special access circuits
• Adds approximately 15,700 new high-speed Internet Customers and more than 13,000 new digital TV Customers on a pro forma basis
• Continues industry-leading 3.7 percent year-over-year access line decline on a pro forma basis

 Windstream to acquire data center provider Hosted Solutions

On Thursday, November 4, Windstream announced a definitive agreement with ABRY Partners to acquire Hosted Solutions, LLC (Hosted Solutions), a privately held leading regional data center provider based at Raleigh, N.C.  The transaction is valued at $310 million.  President CEO, Jeff Gardner, calls it an "incredibly important" transaction that fits well with our transformation strategy.