Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the period ended June 30, 2003

or

[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from                      to

Commission File Number: 0-18307

Northland Cable Properties Eight Limited Partnership


(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
     
Washington   91-1423516

 
(State of Organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
         
101 Stewart Street, Suite 700, Seattle, Washington     98101  

   
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)     (Zip Code)  

(206) 623-1351


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes              X                      No

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)

Yes                    No                X

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Continuing Operations
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 Legal proceedings
ITEM 2 Changes in securities
ITEM 3 Defaults upon senior securities
ITEM 4 Submission of matters to a vote of security holders
ITEM 5 Other information
ITEM 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT 10.48
EXHIBIT 10.49
EXHIBIT 31.(A)
EXHIBIT 31.(B)
EXHIBIT 32.(A)
EXHIBIT 32.(B)


Table of Contents

PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BALANCE SHEETS — (UNAUDITED)

                       
          June 30,   December 31,
          2003   2002
         
 
ASSETS
               
Cash
  $ 538,157     $ 302,472  
Accounts receivable
    112,790       145,039  
Due from affiliates
    4,488       27,587  
Prepaid expenses
    42,858       27,391  
System sale receivable
    181,969        
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,346,120 and $6,808,895, respectively
    3,470,664       3,803,399  
Franchise agreements, net of accumulated amortization of $2,047,659
    3,321,069       3,321,069  
Loan fees, net of accumulated amortization of $60,017 and $58,142, respectively
    1,925       3,800  
Assets of discontinued operations
          2,010,715  
 
   
     
 
Total assets
  $ 7,673,920     $ 9,641,472  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
               
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
  $ 421,053     $ 336,206  
Due to General Partner and affiliates
    37,358       34,990  
Deposits
    5,900       4,751  
Subscriber prepayments
    185,893       166,389  
Term loan
    4,857,696       8,213,663  
Liabilities of discontinued operations
          149,710  
 
   
     
 
     
Total liabilities
    5,507,900       8,905,709  
 
   
     
 
Partners’ capital (deficit):
               
 
General Partner:
               
   
Contributed capital, net
    1,000       1,000  
   
Accumulated deficit
    (59,558 )     (73,861 )
 
   
     
 
 
    (58,558 )     (72,861 )
 
   
     
 
 
Limited Partners:
               
   
Contributed capital, net
    8,120,820       8,120,820  
   
Accumulated deficit
    (5,896,242 )     (7,312,196 )
 
   
     
 
 
    2,224,578       808,624  
 
   
     
 
     
Total partners’ capital
    2,166,020       735,763  
 
   
     
 
Total liabilities and partners’ capital
  $ 7,673,920     $ 9,641,472  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 


Table of Contents

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS — (UNAUDITED)

                       
          For the six months ended June 30,
         
          2003   2002
         
 
Service revenues
  $ 2,038,294     $ 2,094,541  
Expenses:
               
   
Operating (including $36,017 and $45,160, to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively), excluding depreciation and amortization shown below
    187,139       185,984  
   
General and administrative (including $221,179 and $250,516 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    526,678       526,281  
   
Programming (including $18,399 and $26,712 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    587,053       583,840  
   
Depreciation and amortization
    537,227       517,246  
 
   
     
 
 
    1,838,097       1,813,351  
 
   
     
 
Income from operations
    200,197       281,190  
Other income (expense):
               
     
Interest expense
    (109,900 )     (158,095 )
     
Interest income and other, net
    1,033       575  
     
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreements
          49,964  
     
Loss on disposal of assets
    (6,740 )     (3,002 )
 
   
     
 
 
    (115,607 )     (110,558 )
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 84,590     $ 170,632  
Discontinued operations (Note 4)
         
     
Income (loss) from operations of La Conner system, net (including gain on sale of system of $1,363,609 in 2003)
    1,345,667     (27,592 )
 
   
     
 
Net income
  $ 1,430,257     $ 143,040  
 
   
     
 
Allocation of net income:
               
     
General Partner
  $ 14,303     $ 1,430  
 
   
     
 
     
Limited Partners
  $ 1,415,954     $ 141,610  
 
   
     
 
Net income per limited partnership unit:
               
 
(19,087 units)
  $ 74     $ 7  
 
   
     
 
Net income per $1,000 investment
  $ 148     $ 14  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 


Table of Contents

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS — (UNAUDITED)

                       
          For the three months ended June 30,
         
          2003   2002
         
 
Service revenues
  $ 1,019,775     $ 1,053,948  
Expenses:
               
   
Operating (including $19,344 and $24,205 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively), excluding depreciation and amortization shown below
    93,880       91,164  
   
General and administrative (including $122,618 and $120,212 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    276,734       264,288  
   
Programming (including $10,144 and $8,628 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    285,093       293,372  
   
Depreciation and amortization
    263,244       260,118  
 
   
     
 
 
    918,951       908,942  
 
   
     
 
Income from operations
    100,824       145,006  
Other income (expense):
               
     
Interest expense
    (58,729 )     (61,381 )
     
Interest income and other, net
    434       79  
     
Loss on disposal of assets
    (6,739 )      
 
   
     
 
 
    (65,034 )     (61,302 )
 
   
     
 
Income from continuing operations
  $ 35,790     $ 83,704  
Discontinued operations (Note 4)
         
     
Loss from operations of La Conner system, net
        (2,702 )
 
   
     
 
Net income
  $ 35,790     $ 81,002  
 
   
     
 
Allocation of net income:
               
     
General Partner
  $ 358     $ 810  
 
   
     
 
     
Limited Partners
  $ 35,432     $ 80,192  
 
   
     
 
Net income per limited partnership unit:
               
 
(19,087 units)
  $ 2     $ 4  
 
   
     
 
Net income per $1,000 investment
  $ 4     $ 8  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 


Table of Contents

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS — (UNAUDITED)

                     
        For the six months ended June 30,
       
        2003   2002
       
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income
  $ 1,430,257     $ 143,040  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
               
 
Depreciation and amortization
    568,172       602,712  
 
Amortization of loan costs
    1,875       6,293  
 
(Gain) loss on sale of assets
    (1,356,869 )     3,002  
 
Unrealized gain on interest rate swap agreements
          (49,964 )
 
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
               
   
Accounts receivable
    53,439       (2,718 )
   
Due from affiliates
    23,075       (8,942 )
   
Prepaid expenses
    (13,526 )     24,639  
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities
       
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (13,777 )     (90,357 )
   
Due to General Partner and affiliates
    (5,856 )     (11,361 )
   
Subscriber prepayments and deposits
    (26,106 )     24,564  
 
   
     
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    660,684       640,908  
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchase of property and equipment
    (204,693 )     (210,258 )
Proceeds from sale of system
    3,064,021        
 
   
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    2,859,328       (210,258 )
 
   
     
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Principal payments on borrowings
    (3,355,967 )     (237,575 )
Loan Fees
          (4,987 )
 
   
     
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,355,967 )     (242,562 )
 
   
     
 
INCREASE IN CASH
    164,045       188,088  
CASH, beginning of period
    374,112       272,876  
 
   
     
 
CASH, end of period
  $ 538,157     $ 460,964  
 
   
     
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
 
Cash paid during the period for interest
  $ 145,186     $ 250,637  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 


Table of Contents

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

NOTES TO UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Basis of Presentation

These unaudited financial statements are being filed in conformity with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X regarding interim financial statement disclosure and do not contain all of the necessary footnote disclosures required for a fair presentation of the balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of management, this data includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring accruals, necessary to present fairly the Partnership’s financial position at June 30, 2003, its statements of operations for the six and three months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002, and its statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2003 and 2002. Results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

Effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long lived assets and associated asset retirement obligations (“ARO”). Under the scope of this pronouncement, the Partnership has ARO associated with the removal of equipment from poles and headend sites that are leased from third parties. Based on management’s analyses, the Partnership has concluded that for the reasons mentioned below, it is not able to reasonably estimate the fair values of the ARO. First, to operate the cable television network, the Partnership will always need to have equipment deployed at these poles and headend sites. Additionally, the Partnership has not historically incurred any ARO and, given the length of time in the future when any potential obligations might exist, management believes that estimating any probability at this time is not practical. As a result, upon adoption, of SFAS No. 143 the Partnership did not record any ARO associated with the obligation to remove the equipment.

On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its cable system in and around La Conner, Washington. The accompanying financial statements have been restated to report the discontinued operations of the Partnership, effected for this sale.

(2) Intangible Assets

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Partnership does not amortize goodwill or any other intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value or if the fair value of intangible assets with indefinite lives falls below their carrying value on an annual basis. The book value of the Partnership’s intangible assets, effecting for the sale of the La Conner System described in note 4, is presented in the following table:

                                                   
      June 30, 2003   December 31, 2002
     
 
      Gross           Net   Gross           Net
      Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying   Carrying   Accumulated   Carrying
      Amount   Amortization   Amount   Amount   Amortization   Amount
     
 
 
 
 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
                                               
 
Franchises
  $ 5,368,728     $ (2,047,659 )   $ 3,321,069       5,368,728       (2,047,659 )     3,321,069  
Definite-lived intangible assets:
                                               
 
Loan fees
    61,942       (60,017 )     1,925       61,942       (58,142 )     3,800  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
 
  $ 5,430,670     $ (2,107,676 )   $ 3,322,994       5,430,670       (2,105,801 )     3,324,869  
 
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

 


Table of Contents

Amortization of loan fees is expected to be $1,925 for the remainder of 2003.

(3) Term Loan

In February 2003, the Partnership amended its term loan agreement to extend its maturity to June 30, 2004. The agreement requires principal payments of $200,000 per quarter and the maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a Funded Debt to Cash Flow Ratio of no more than 4.25 to 1, a Cash Flow Coverage Ratio of no less than 1.10 to 1, and a limitation on the maximum amount of annual capital expenditures of $1,200,000, among other restrictions. As of June 30, 2003, the Partnership was in compliance with the terms of its Partnership agreement.

As of the date of this filing, the balance under the credit facility is $4,857,696, bearing interest at a LIBOR based rate of 4.125%. This interest rate expires September 30, 2003, at which time a new rate will be established. The above rates include a margin paid to the lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnership’s leverage fluctuates.

In August 2003, the Partnership agreed to certain terms and conditions with its existing lender and amended its credit agreement. The terms of the amendment extend the maturity of the existing credit agreement to December 31, 2007 and modify the principal repayment schedule to require quarterly principal payments of $200,000 per quarter with the balance due upon maturity. Based on these terms, the Partnership is required to make principal payments during the remainder of 2003 through maturity according to the following schedule:

         
    Amended Principal
    Payments
   
2003
  $ 400,000  
2004
    800,000  
2005
    800,000  
2006
    800,000  
2007
    2,057,696  
 
   
 
Total
  $ 4,857,696  
 
   
 

(4) System Sale

On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its cable system in and around the community of La Conner, Washington (the “La Conner System”). The La Conner System served approximately 1,600 subscribers, and was sold at a price of approximately $3,200,000 of which the Partnership received approximately $3,000,000 at closing. The sales price was adjusted at closing for the proration of certain revenues and expenses and approximately $200,000 is being held in escrow and will be released to the Partnership one year from the closing of the transaction, subject to general representations and warranties. Historically, the Partnership has entered into similarly structured transactions, and collected the amount held in escrow. Substantially all of the proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Partnership’s term loan agreement. The transaction resulted in the recognition of a gain of $1,363,609, which is included in discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations.

The sale was made pursuant to an offer by Wave Division Networks, LLC, which was formalized in a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 28, 2002. Based on the offer made by Wave Division Networks, LLC, management determined that acceptance would be in the best economic interest of the Partnership, and that the sale was not a result of declining or deteriorating operations nor was it necessary to create liquidity or reduce outstanding debt. It is the opinion of management that the Partnership could have continued existing operations and met all obligations as they became due.

 


Table of Contents

The assets and liabilities attributable to the La Conner System as of December 31, 2002 have been reported as assets and liabilities from discontinued operations in the accompanying balance sheets, and consist of the following:
           
      As of
      December 31, 2002
     
Cash
  $ 71,640  
Accounts receivable
    16,017  
Prepaid expenses
    1,941  
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $2,028,616)
    1,238,536  
Franchise agreements (net of accumulated amortization of $716,725)
    682,581  
 
   
 
 
Total assets
  $ 2,010,715  
 
   
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    102,951  
Deposits and subscriber prepayments
    46,759  
 
   
 
 
Total liabilities
  $ 149,710  
 
   
 

In addition, the revenue, expenses and other items attributable to the operations of the La Conner System for the period from January 1, 2003 to March 11, 2003 (the date of the sale of the La Conner System), and for the six and three months ended June 30, 2002 have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations, and include the following:
                   
      For the six months
      ended June 30,
     
      2003   2002
     
 
Service revenues
  $ 185,282     $ 484,024  
Expenses:
               
 
Operating (including $12,568 and $12,457 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    14,239       49,892  
 
General and administrative (including $20,277 and $57,041 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    54,459       135,473  
 
Programming (including $11,346 and $21,412 to affiliates in 2003 and 2002, respectively)
    66,420       159,277  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    30,945       85,466  
 
   
     
 
 
    166,063       430,108  
 
   
     
 
Income from operations
    19,219       53,916  
Other income (expense):
               
 
Interest expense
    (37,161 )     (81,508 )
 
Gain on sale of system
    1,363,609        
 
   
     
 
 
La Conner System, net
  $ 1,345,667     $ (27,592 )
 
   
     
 

 


Table of Contents

           
      For the three months
      ended June 30,
      2002
     
Service revenues
  $ 241,768  
Expenses:
       
 
Operating (including $5,596 paid to affiliates)
    25,055  
 
General and administrative (including $31,942 paid to affiliates)
    69,222  
 
Programming (including $15,980 paid to affiliates)
    78,075  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    43,235  
 
   
 
 
    215,587  
 
   
 
Income from operations
    26,181  
Other income (expense):
       
 
Interest expense
    (28,883 )
 
   
 
Loss from operations of La Conner System, net
  $ (2,702 )
 
   
 

In accordance with EITF 87-24, “Allocation of Interest Expense to Discontinued Operations,” the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnership’s term loan and approximately $2,956,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the term loan as a result of the sale of the La Conner System.

 


Table of Contents

PART I (continued)

ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

Revenues totaled $2,038,294 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, representing a decrease of approximately 3% over the same period in 2002. Of these revenues, $1,620,912 (80%) was derived from basic services, $144,050 (7%) from premium services, $72,088 (3%) from expanded basic services, $14,128 (1%) from digital services, $54,184 (3%) from advertising, $48,531 (2%) from late fees and $84,401 (4%) from other sources.

Cable system operating expenses, which consist primarily of salary and benefit costs, totaled $187,139 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2002.

General and administrative expenses, which include revenue based expenses, such as management and franchise fees, and other overhead costs, totaled $526,678 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2002.

Programming expenses, which primarily represent costs charged by various program suppliers, totaled $587,053 for the six months ended June 30, 2003, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2002.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the six months ended June 30, 2003 increased $19,981 or approximately 4% over the same period in 2002. Such increase is primarily attributable to depreciation of recent purchases related to the upgrade of plant and equipment, offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.

Interest expense allocated to continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2003 decreased approximately 31% over the same period in 2002 due primarily to a decrease in the Partnership’s effective interest rate from 5.37% in the first half of 2002 to 4.55% in the first half of 2003 and required principal payments. In addition, the Partnership’s average bank debt outstanding decreased from $8,693,752 during the first half of 2002 to $6,381,100 during the same period in 2003, due primarily to the fact that the proceeds from the sale of the La Conner System were used to repay debt in March of 2003.

In accordance with EITF 87-24, “Allocation of Interest Expense to Discontinued Operations,” the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnership’s term loan and approximately $2,956,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the term loan as a result of the sale of the La Conner System.

The Partnership has elected not to designate its interest rate swap agreements as hedges under SFAS No. 133. Agreements in place as of December 31, 2001 expired during the first quarter of 2002, and the Partnership has elected not to enter into any new agreements.

Three Months Ended June 30, 2003 and 2002

Revenues totaled $1,019,775 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, representing a decrease of approximately 3% over the same period in 2002. Of these revenues, $810,105 (79%) was derived from basic services, $70,815 (7%) from premium services, $36,912 (4%) from expanded basic services, $6,984 (1%) from digital services, $32,084 (3%) from advertising, $24,506 (2%) from late fees and $38,369 (4%) from other sources.

Cable system operating expenses totaled $93,880 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2002.

General and administrative expenses totaled $276,734 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, representing an increase of $12,446 or approximately 5% over the same period in 2002. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in marketing expenses, certain professional fees and other general overhead costs.

 


Table of Contents

Programming expenses totaled $285,093 for the three months ended June 30, 2003, representing a decrease of $8,279 or approximately 3% over the same period in 2002. This is due primarily to a decrease in premium programming expenses, which is a result of lower average premium subscribers during the second quarter of 2003 compared to the same period in 2002.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended June 30, 2003 remained relatively constant with the same period in 2002.

Interest expense for the three months ended June 30, 2003 decreased approximately 4% over the same period in 2002 as a result of required principal payments that were made in 2002 and 2003, offset by an increase in the Partnership’s effective interest rate increased from 4.05% in the second quarter of 2002 to 4.63% in the second quarter of 2003. The Partnership’s average bank debt outstanding decreased from $8,592,656 during the second quarter of 2002 to $4,991,029 during the same period in 2003, due primarily to the fact that the proceeds from the sale of the La Conner System were used to repay debt in March of 2003.

In accordance with EITF 87-24, “Allocation of Interest Expense to Discontinued Operations,” the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnership’s term loan and approximately $2,956,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the term loan as a result of the sale of the La Conner System.

The Partnership has elected not to designate its interest rate swap agreements as hedges under SFAS No. 133. Agreements in place as of December 31, 2001 expired during the first quarter of 2002, and the Partnership has elected not to enter into any new agreements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Partnership’s primary source of liquidity is cash flow provided from operations. The Partnership generates cash through the monthly billing of subscribers for cable services. Losses from uncollectible accounts have not been material. Based on management’s analysis, the Partnership’s cash flow from operations will be sufficient to cover future operating costs and planned capital expenditures over the next twelve-month period.

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $660,684 for the six months ended June 30, 2003. Adjustments to the $1,430,257 net income for the period to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of a gain of $1,356,869 related primarily to the sale of the La Conner System, and decreases in operating liabilities of $45,739, offset by decreases in operating assets of $62,988 and depreciation and amortization of $568,172.

Net cash provided by investing activities consisted of proceeds from the sale of the La Conner System of $3,064,021, offset by $204,693 in capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2003.

Net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2003, consisted of $3,355,967 in principal payments on long-term debt, due primarily to the sale of the La Conner System.

Term Loan

In February 2003, the Partnership amended its term loan agreement to extend its maturity to June 30, 2004. The agreement requires principal payments of $200,000 per quarter and the maintenance of certain financial covenants, including a Funded Debt to Cash Flow Ratio of no more than 4.25 to 1, a Cash Flow Coverage Ratio of no less than 1.10 to 1, and a limitation on the maximum amount annual capital expenditures of $1,200,000, among other restrictions. As of June 30, 2003, the Partnership was in compliance with the terms of its loan agreement.

As of the date of this filing, the balance under the credit facility is $4,857,696, bearing interest at a LIBOR based rate of 4.125%. This interest rate expires September 30, 2003, at which time a new rate will be established. The above rates include a margin paid to the lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnership’s leverage fluctuates.

In August 2003, the Partnership agreed to certain terms and conditions with its existing lender and amended its credit agreement. The terms of the amendment extend the maturity of the existing credit agreement to December 31, 2007 and modify the principal repayment schedule to require quarterly principal payments of $200,000 per quarter with the balance due upon maturity. Based on these terms, the Partnership is required to make principal payments during the remainder of 2003 through maturity according to the following schedule:

 


Table of Contents

           
      Amended Principal
      Payments
     
 
2003
  $ 400,000  
 
2004
    800,000  
 
2005
    800,000  
 
2006
    800,000  
 
2007
    2,057,696  
 
 
   
 
Total
  $ 4,857,696  
 
 
   
 

System Sale

On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its cable system in and around the community of La Conner, Washington (the “La Conner System”). The La Conner System served approximately 1,600 subscribers, and was sold at a price of approximately $3,200,000 of which the Partnership received approximately $3,000,000 at closing. The sales price was adjusted at closing for the proration of certain revenues and expenses and approximately $200,000 will be held in escrow and released to the Partnership one year from the closing of the transaction, subject to general representations and warranties. Historically, the Partnership has entered into similarly structured transactions, and collected the amount held in escrow. Substantially all of the proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Partnership’s term loan agreement.

The sale was made pursuant to an offer by Wave Division Networks, LLC, which was formalized in a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 28, 2002. Based on the offer made by Wave Division Networks, LLC, management determined that acceptance would be in the best economic interest of the Partnership, and that the sale was not a result of declining or deteriorating operations nor was it necessary to create liquidity or reduce outstanding debt. It is the opinion of management that the Partnership could have continued existing operations and met all obligations as they became due.

Obligations and Commitments

In addition to working capital needs for ongoing operations, the Partnership has capital requirements for (i) annual maturities and interest payments related to the term loan and (ii) required minimum operating lease payments. The following table summarizes the contractual obligations of the Partnership, after effecting for the sale of the La Conner System and the amendment to the Partnership’s credit agreement, and the anticipated effect of these obligations on the Partnership’s liquidity for the remainder of 2003 and in future years:

                                                 
    2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   Total
   
 
 
 
 
 
Term loan
  $ 400,000     $ 800,000     $ 800,000     $ 800,000     $ 2,057,696     $ 4,857,696  
Interest payments (current weighted average interest rate of 4.13%)
    96,065       167,380       134,380       101,380       72,505       571,710  
Minimum operating lease payments
    7,700       10,725       3,300       3,300       3,300       28,325  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
Total contractual cash obligations (a)
  $ 503,765     $ 978,105     $ 937,680     $ 904,680     $ 2,133,501     $ 5,457,731  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 


(a)   These contractual obligations do not include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which are expected to be paid in 2003.

Capital Expenditures

During the first six months of 2003, the Partnership incurred approximately $205,000 in capital expenditures, which included costs for the initial phase of a system upgrade to 450 MHz in the Aliceville, Alabama system. Planned expenditures for the remainder of 2003 will consist primarily of continuing the upgrade of the Aliceville, Alabama system to 450 MHz.

 


Table of Contents

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 - Effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership adopted SFAS No. 143, “ Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long lived assets and associated asset retirement obligations (“ARO”). Under the scope of this pronouncement, the Partnership has ARO associated with the removal of equipment from poles and headend sites that are leased from third parties. Based on management’s analyses, the Partnership has concluded that for the reasons mentioned below, it is not able to reasonably estimate the fair values of the ARO. First, to operate the cable television network, the Partnership will always need to have equipment deployed at these poles and headend sites. Additionally, the Partnership has not historically incurred any ARO and, given the length of time in the future when any potential obligations might exist, management believes that estimating any probability at this time is not practical. As a result, upon adoption, of SFAS No. 143 the Partnership did not record any ARO associated with the obligation to remove the equipment.

 


Table of Contents

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 – In April of 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and other hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. Adoption of SFAS No. 149 will not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on the Partnership’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following critical accounting policies, which have been chosen among alternatives, require a more significant amount of management judgment than other accounting policies the Partnership employs.

Revenue Recognition - Cable television service revenue, including service and maintenance, is recognized in the month service is provided to customers. Advance payments on cable services to be rendered are recorded as subscriber prepayments. Revenues resulting from the sale of local spot advertising are recognized when the related advertisements or commercials appear before the public.

Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs of additions and substantial improvements, which include materials, labor, and other indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities, are capitalized. Indirect costs include employee salaries and benefits, travel and other costs. These costs are estimated based on historical information and analysis. The Partnership periodically performs evaluations of these estimates as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.

In accordance with SFAS No. 51, “Financial Reporting by Cable Television Companies,” the Partnership also capitalizes costs associated with initial customer installations. The costs of disconnecting service or reconnecting service to previously installed locations is expensed in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are also charged to operating expense, while equipment replacements, including the replacement of drops, are capitalized.

Intangible Assets - In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” the Partnership does not amortize goodwill or any other intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value or if the fair value of intangible assets with indefinite lives falls below their carrying value on an annual basis.

Management believes the franchises have indefinite lives because the franchises are expected to be used by the Partnership for the foreseeable future and effects of obsolescence, competition and other factors are minimal. In addition, the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the future cash flows expected from the franchises are not material in relation to the carrying value of the franchises. While the franchises have defined lives based on the franchising authority, renewals are routinely granted, and management expects them to continue to be granted. This expectation is supported by management’s experience with the Partnership’s franchising authorities and the franchising authorities of the Partnership’s affiliates.

 


Table of Contents

ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The Partnership is subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates. The Partnership’s primary interest rate exposure results from changes in LIBOR or the prime rate, which are used to determine the interest rate applicable to the Partnership’s debt facilities. The Partnership has from time to time entered into interest rate swap agreements to partially hedge interest rate exposure. Interest rate swaps have the effect of converting the applicable variable rate obligations to fixed or other variable rate obligations. As of the date of this filing, the Partnership is not involved in any interest rate swap agreements. The potential loss over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate of all of the Partnership’s variable rate obligations would be approximately $48,000.

Cautionary statement for purposes of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “believe”, “intends”, “may”, “will”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms.

ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, the General Partner’s Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) have concluded that the Partnership’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

There were no significant changes in the Partnership’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 


Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 Legal proceedings

     None

ITEM 2 Changes in securities

     None

ITEM 3 Defaults upon senior securities

     None

ITEM 4 Submission of matters to a vote of security holders

     None

ITEM 5 Other information

     None

ITEM 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

     (a)  Exhibit Index

     
10.48   Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Northland Cable Properties Eight Limited Partnership and U.S. Bank National Association dated February 6, 2003
10.49   Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between Northland Cable Properties Eight Limited Partnership and U.S. Bank National Association dated August 11, 2003
31(a)   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated August 13, 2003 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31(b)   Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated August 13, 2003 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32(a)   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated August 13, 2003 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32(b)   Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the General Partner, dated August 13, 2003 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

     None

 


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES EIGHT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

BY: Northland Communications Corporation,
General Partner

             
    SIGNATURES   CAPACITIES   DATE
   
 
 
             
/s/   RICHARD I. CLARK
Richard I Clark
  Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary   8-13-03
             
             
/s/   GARY S. JONES
Gary S. Jones
  President   8-13-03