Back to GetFilings.com
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
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: 0-23252
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 58-2301135
- ------------------------------- -------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc.
1241 O.G. Skinner Drive
West Point, Georgia 31833
--------------------------------------- ------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (706) 645-3880
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Not Applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
--------------------------------------
Title of Class
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
---- ----
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [_]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based upon the closing price of the registrant's common stock as of
March 15, 1999, is $409,071,581.50. */
-
The number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common
stock, as of the latest practicable date is:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of March 15, 1999:
51,553,197 shares
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
List hereunder the following documents incorporated by reference and the Part
of the Form 10-K into which the document is incorporated:
None.
*/ Solely for the purposes of this calculation, all directors and executive
- -
officers of the registrant and all stockholders beneficially owning more than 5%
of the registrant's common stock are considered to be affiliates.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
PART I
Item 1. Business........................................... 3
Item 2. Properties......................................... 43
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.................................. 43
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 43
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters........................ 44
Item 6. Selected Financial Data............................ 45
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results Operations................... 47
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risk........................................ 69
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data........ 69
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure................ 69
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. 70
Item 11. Executive Compensation............................. 73
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management..................................... 82
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..... 85
PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K................................ 87
GLOSSARY.................................................................. 98
SIGNATURES................................................................ 102
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................ F-1
2
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, members of ITC/\DeltaCom's
senior management may, from time to time, make certain forward-looking
statements concerning ITC/\DeltaCom's operations, performance and other
developments. ITC/\DeltaCom's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors,
including those set forth under the caption "Business--Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as factors which may be
identified from time to time in ITC/\DeltaCom's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Unless the context suggests otherwise, references in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K to "we," "us", "our," and "ITC/\DeltaCom" mean ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and
its subsidiaries and predecessors. Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts
over $1 million have been rounded to one decimal place and dollar amounts less
than $1 million have been rounded to the nearest thousand. See the "Glossary"
appearing elsewhere herein for more detailed definitions of numerous terms used
in this Form 10-K.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
OVERVIEW
ITC/\DeltaCom provides integrated voice and data telecommunication services to
mid-sized and major regional businesses in the southern United States and is a
leading regional provider of wholesale long-haul services to other
telecommunications companies. In connection with these businesses, ITC/\DeltaCom
owns, operates and manages an extensive fiber optic network in the southern
United States. ITC/\DeltaCom had revenues of approximately $171.8 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998, which represents a 50% increase over revenues
of $114.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
ITC/\DeltaCom provides integrated retail telecommunications services to mid-
sized and major regional businesses in the southern United States in a single
bundled package tailored to the business customer's specific needs. These
services include local exchange services, long distance services, 800/888
calling, calling card and operator services, Asynchronous Transfer Mode or ATM,
frame relay, high capacity broadband private line services, as well as Internet,
Intranet and Web page hosting and development services, and customer premise
equipment sales, installation and repair. ITC/\DeltaCom refers to these services
collectively as its Retail Services. As of December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom
provided Retail Services to approximately 10,700 business customers.
ITC/\DeltaCom currently offers Retail Services in 22 metropolitan areas
(including local exchange services in 20 markets) in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida,
Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to provide a full range of Retail Services in a total of
approximately 42 metropolitan areas throughout the southern United States over
the next five years. For the year ended December 31, 1998, revenue from the
Retail Services was $119.9 million and EBITDA as a percentage of revenue or
EBITDA Margin for the Retail Services was (5)%.
ITC/\DeltaCom provides wholesale long-haul services to other
telecommunications carriers, including AT&T Corp., MCI WorldCom, Inc., Sprint
Corporation, Qwest Communications International Inc., Cable & Wireless
Communications, Inc., Allnet Communications, Inc. d/b/a Frontier Communications
Services and IXC Communications, Inc. ITC/\DeltaCom refers to these wholesale
long-haul services as its Carriers' Carrier Services. ITC/\DeltaCom's fiber
optic network reaches over 80 points of presence, or POPs, in ten southern
states, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. This network extends
approximately 7,800 route miles, of which approximately 4,150 miles are owned by
ITC/\DeltaCom. The remaining approximately 3,650 miles are owned and operated
principally by three public utilities, Duke Power Company, Florida Power & Light
Company and Entergy Technology Company, but are managed and marketed by
ITC/\DeltaCom. For the year ended December 31, 1998, revenue from the Carriers'
Carrier Services was $51.9 million and EBITDA Margin for the Carriers' Carrier
Services was 58%. As of
3
December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had remaining future long-term contract
commitments for Carriers' Carrier Services totaling approximately $139.7
million. These contracts expire on various dates through 2008 and are expected
to generate approximately $122.4 million in revenues to ITC/\DeltaCom through
2003, of which approximately $34.2 million are expected to be realized in 1999.
In connection with offering local exchange services, ITC/\DeltaCom has entered
into an interconnection agreement with BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. to (1)
resell BellSouth's local exchange services and (2) interconnect ITC/\DeltaCom's
network with BellSouth's network for the purpose of immediately gaining access
to all of BellSouth's unbundled network elements. ITC/\DeltaCom has also entered
into similar interconnection agreements with GTE Corporation for its Alabama
market and with Sprint Corporation for Sprint's Florida markets. ITC/\DeltaCom
intends to complete interconnection agreements with GTE Corporation, SBC
Communications, Inc. and Sprint Corporation for certain other markets that it
serves or intends to serve. These agreements allow ITC/\DeltaCom to enter new
markets with minimal capital expenditures and to offer local exchange services
to its current customer base.
ITC/\DeltaCom was incorporated in Delaware. ITC/\DeltaCom's principal
executive offices are located at 1241 O.G. Skinner Drive, West Point, Georgia
31833, and its telephone number is (706) 645-3880.
HISTORY OF ITC/\DELTACOM
ITC/\DeltaCom was incorporated in March 1997 as a wholly owned subsidiary of
ITC Holding Company, Inc., to acquire and operate ITC Holding's Retail Services
and Carriers' Carrier Services businesses. ITC/\DeltaCom acquired such
businesses on July 25, 1997 in the Reorganization described below.
Background. ITC Holding began providing operator and directory assistance
services in March 1992 through its subsidiary, Eastern Telecom, Inc., which did
business as InterQuest. Carriers' Carrier Services have been offered since April
1992 through Interstate FiberNet, a partnership originally formed by ITC Holding
(with a 49% interest) and SCANA Communications, Inc. (with a 51% interest). In
August 1994, ITC Holding acquired SCANA's interest in Interstate FiberNet
through ITC Transmission Systems II, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC
Holding. Also in August 1994, ITC Holding and SCANA formed a second partnership,
Gulf States FiberNet, to construct and operate a fiber optic route primarily
between Atlanta, Georgia and Shreveport, Louisiana with several supplemental
spur routes. In a transaction consummated in March 1997 (the "Gulf States
Acquisition"), ITC Holding acquired SCANA's 64% partnership interest in Gulf
States FiberNet and certain fiber and fiber-related assets, including a
significant customer contract for network services in Georgia (the "Georgia
Fiber Assets"). Following the Gulf States Acquisition, ITC Holding contributed
the remaining 64% interest in Gulf States FiberNet to Gulf States Transmission
Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding, and the Georgia Fiber
Assets to ITC Transmission Systems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC
Holding. Several current members of ITC/\DeltaCom's management have been
managing the businesses of both Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet
since their inception.
In January 1996, through its acquisition (the "DeltaCom Acquisition") of
ITC/\DeltaCom Communications Inc., formerly DeltaCom, Inc., ("DeltaCom"), ITC
Holding entered the retail long distance business and acquired several fiber
optic routes within the state of Alabama that complemented the existing networks
operated by Interstate FiberNet, including a fiber optic route from Atlanta,
Georgia to Columbus, Georgia, and Gulf States FiberNet. DeltaCom, a provider of
telecommunications services since its inception in 1982, provides integrated
telecommunications services to mid-sized and major regional businesses primarily
in the southern United States. In July 1996,
4
DeltaCom purchased substantially all of the assets of Viper Computer Systems,
Inc. ("ViperNet"), which provides Internet access, Intranet services, Web-
hosting and Web page development services to business customers.
To finance the DeltaCom Acquisition and to refinance existing DeltaCom debt,
ITC Holding incurred approximately $74.0 million of indebtedness, which was
pushed down to ITC/\DeltaCom (the "DeltaCom Indebtedness"). The aggregate
consideration paid by ITC Holding in the Gulf States Acquisition was
approximately $27.9 million, of which $10.0 million consisted of an unsecured
note (the "SCANA Note") which was repaid in November 1997, and $17.9 million
consisted of ITC Holding preferred stock. In connection with the Gulf States
Acquisition, Gulf States Transmission borrowed $41.6 million under a bridge
credit facility with NationsBank, N.A., to refinance a project loan incurred by
Gulf States FiberNet, which was repaid with proceeds from ITC/\DeltaCom's 1997
Notes Offering, as defined below, on July 25, 1997.
1997 Notes Offering; Redemption. On June 3, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the
sale (the "1997 Notes Offering") of $200.0 million principal amount of its 11%
Senior Notes due 2007 (the "1997 Notes"). The net proceeds from the sale of
the 1997 Notes, other than the portion of such proceeds invested in U.S.
government securities pledged to secure and fund the first six scheduled
interest payments on the 1997 Notes, were released to ITC/\DeltaCom upon
consummation of the Reorganization described below. On April 2, 1998
ITC/\DeltaCom used approximately $77.7 million of the net proceeds of the
initial public offering, as discussed below, to redeem $70.0 million principal
amount of the 1997 Notes at a redemption price of 111% of such principal amount,
plus accrued and unpaid interest to April 2, 1998. ITC/\DeltaCom recorded a pre-
tax extraordinary loss of approximately $10.6 million (approximately $8.4
million after tax), consisting of a $7.7 million premium and a $2.9 million
write off of debt issue costs related to the early redemption of this debt.
Reorganization. On July 25, 1997, ITC Holding contributed to ITC/\DeltaCom in
a series of transactions the businesses of Interstate FiberNet, Gulf States
FiberNet, DeltaCom and InterQuest. In connection with such transactions,
approximately $31.0 million of the $74.0 million of the DeltaCom Indebtedness
was forgiven by ITC Holding and contributed to ITC/\DeltaCom as additional
equity. Following the Reorganization, ITC/\DeltaCom repaid the remaining $43.0
million of the DeltaCom Indebtedness, accrued interest on all $74.0 million of
such indebtedness and the $41.6 million of indebtedness outstanding under the
bridge facility and accrued interest thereon with a portion of the net proceeds
from the 1997 Notes Offering. On October 20, 1997, as part of a reorganization
of the ITC Holding group of companies, ITC Holding transferred all of its assets
(other than its stock in ITC/\DeltaCom) and all of its liabilities to another
entity (which is now called ITC Holding Company, Inc.) and then merged with and
into ITC/\DeltaCom, which was the surviving corporation in the merger. On
December 31, 1997, Gulf States Transmission merged with and into Interstate
FiberNet, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom. The foregoing
transactions are collectively referred to herein as the "Reorganization."
Initial Public Offering. On October 29, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom completed an
initial public offering of its common stock, par value $.01 per share, in which
it issued 11,500,000 shares at a price of $8.25 per share.
March 1998 Notes Offering; Modification of Credit Facility. On March 3, 1998,
ITC/\DeltaCom completed the sale (the "March 1998 Notes Offering") at a price of
99.9% of $160.0 million principal amount of its 8-7/8% Senior Notes due 2008
(the "March 1998 Notes"). Additionally, ITC/\DeltaCom modified its secured
revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") to, among other things,
reduce available borrowings from $100.0 million to $50.0 million.
Two-For-One Stock Split. On July 29, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom announced a two-for-
one stock split of its common stock to be effected in the form of a stock
dividend. The record date for the stock split was August 18, 1998 and the
payment date was September 4, 1998. The common stock began trading giving
effect to the stock split on September 8, 1998. All references to number of
shares,
5
except shares authorized, and to per share information in this Form 10-K have
been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a retroactive basis.
November 1998 Notes Offering; Modification of Credit Facility. On November 5,
1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the sale (the "November 1998 Notes Offering") of
$125.0 million principal amount of 9-3/4% Senior Notes due 2008 (the "November
1998 Notes"), yielding net proceeds of approximately $121 million (the November
1998 Notes, the March 1998 Notes and the 1997 Notes are collectively referred to
herein as the "Notes"). Additionally, ITC/\DeltaCom modified its Credit Facility
to, among other things, permit the issuance of and payment on the November 1998
Notes, and to maintain the lenders' commitment under the facility at $50.0
million.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The long distance and local telecommunications markets are currently
undergoing substantial changes, including fundamental changes resulting from the
February 8, 1996 enactment of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the
"Telecommunications Act"), and ITC/\DeltaCom believes that it is well
positioned to take advantage of these developments.
Long Distance Services. Until 1984, AT&T largely monopolized local and long
distance telephone services in the United States. Technological developments
gradually enabled others to compete with AT&T in the long distance market. In
1984, largely as the result of a court decree, AT&T was required to divest its
local telephone systems but was permitted to retain its long distance
operations. Since 1984, competition in the long distance market has increased,
service levels have improved, product offerings have increased and prices for
long distance services have generally declined, all of which has resulted in
increased consumer demand and significant market growth for long distance
services. The increase in competition among long distance providers has also
resulted in a growing trend toward industry consolidation.
Local Services. The market for local exchange services consists of a number
of distinct service components. These service components are defined by specific
regulatory tariff classifications including:
. local network services, which generally include basic dial tone, enhanced
calling features and data services (dedicated point-to-point and frame relay
service)
. network access services, which consist of access provided by local exchange
carriers to long distance network carriers
. short-haul long distance network services, which include intraLATA long
distance calls and
. other varied services, including the publication of "white page" and "yellow
page" telephone directories.
Industry sources have estimated that the 1997 aggregate revenues for all local
exchange carriers approximated $104 billion. Until recently, there was
virtually no competition in the local exchange markets, particularly for local
network and network access services.
Since 1984, several factors have served to promote competition in the local
exchange market, including:
. rapidly growing customer demand for an alternative to the local exchange
carrier monopoly, spurred partly by the development of competitive activities
in the long distance market
. advances in the technology for transmission of data and video, which require
significant capacity and reliability levels
. the development of fiber optics and digital electronic technology, which
reduced network construction costs while increasing transmission speeds,
capacity and reliability as compared to copper-based networks
. the significant access charges interexchange carriers are required to pay to
local exchange carriers to access the local exchange carriers' networks, and
6
. a willingness on the part of legislators to enact and regulators to enforce
legislation and regulations permitting and promoting competition in the local
exchange market.
In particular, the Telecommunications Act requires all local exchange carriers
to "unbundle" their local network offerings and allow other providers of
telecommunications services to interconnect with their facilities and equipment.
Most significantly, the incumbent local exchange carriers will be required to
complete local calls originated by ITC/\DeltaCom's customers and switched by
ITC/\DeltaCom and to deliver inbound local calls to ITC/\DeltaCom for
termination to its customers, assuring customers of unimpaired local calling
ability. ITC/\DeltaCom expects to obtain access to incumbent carrier local
"loop" facilities (the transmission lines connecting customers' premises to the
public telephone network) on an unbundled basis at reasonable rates. In
addition, local exchange carriers are obligated to provide local number
portability and dialing parity upon request and make their local services
available for resale by competitors. Local exchange carriers also are required
to allow competitors non-discriminatory access to local exchange carrier pole
attachments, conduit space and other rights-of-way. Moreover, states may not
erect "barriers to entry" of local competition, although they may regulate such
competition.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that, as a result of continued regulatory and
technological changes and competitive trends, competitive local
telecommunications companies have substantial opportunities for growth.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
ITC/\DeltaCom's objectives are to maintain its position as a leading provider
of Carriers' Carrier Services and to become a leading provider of Retail
Services in the southern United States. ITC/\DeltaCom intends to increase its
market share in existing markets and expand into new markets.
The principal elements of ITC/\DeltaCom's business strategy are to:
. Provide Integrated Telecommunications Services to Its Existing Base of Mid-
sized and Major Regional Business Customers.
By providing additional telecommunications services such as local telephone
service to its existing, well-established base of long distance customers,
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to be able to increase revenues at relatively low
incremental cost. ITC/\DeltaCom believes that bundling a variety of
telecommunications services and presenting customers with one fully integrated
monthly billing statement for all of those services will allow it to penetrate
its target markets rapidly and build customer loyalty. ITC/\DeltaCom believes
that there is substantial demand in its target markets among mid-sized and major
regional business customers for an integrated package of telecommunications
services that meets all of their telecommunications needs.
ITC/\DeltaCom provides local exchange services by reselling the services of
incumbent local exchange carriers and, in some of its markets, by using its own
local switching facilities. Over time, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to provide local
exchange services by primarily using its own switching facilities and its
existing fiber optic network, supplemented by unbundled facilities of incumbent
local exchange carriers or other competitive local exchange carriers. To access
the unbundled network elements of incumbent local exchange carriers,
ITC/\DeltaCom collocates its access nodes in the incumbent local exchange
carrier's central office. These access nodes operate in conjunction with our
Nortel DMS-500 switches to provide facilities-based local services. As of
December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had collocated 30 such access nodes. Because
access nodes are less expensive to purchase and install than Nortel DMS-500
switches and can be installed more quickly than Nortel DMS-500 switches,
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that it will be able to enter new markets at less expense
than many of its competitors. At present, ITC/\DeltaCom does not expect to
construct intra-city local loop facilities.
7
. Leverage Its Extensive Fiber Optic Network.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to leverage its extensive fiber optic network, which
currently reaches over 80 POPs, by (1) continuing to provide switched and
transport services to other communications carriers throughout its region to
enable such carriers to diversify their routes and expand their networks;
(2) targeting customers that need to transmit large amounts of data within
ITC/\DeltaCom's service region, such as banks and local and state governments;
and (3) offering local exchange services to its business customers as part of
its integrated package of telecommunications services.
. Focus on the Southern United States.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to continue to focus on the southern United States in
order to leverage its extensive telecommunications network in the region.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that its regional focus will enable it to take advantage
of economies of scale in management, network operations and sales and marketing.
The regional concentration of ITC/\DeltaCom's network also provides an
opportunity for improved margins because a high portion of ITC/\DeltaCom's
customers' telecommunications traffic originates and terminates within the
region. ITC/\DeltaCom also believes that its regional focus will enable it to
build on its long-standing customer and business relationships in the region.
. Build Market Share Through Personalized Customer Service.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that the key to revenue growth in its target markets is
capturing and retaining customers by emphasizing marketing, sales and customer
service. Management believes that customers prefer one company to be accountable
for their telecommunications services, and that a consultative, face-to-face
sales and service strategy is the most effective method of acquiring and
maintaining a high quality customer base. ITC/\DeltaCom seeks to obtain long-
term commitments from its business customers by responding rapidly and
creatively to their telecommunications needs.
ITC/\DeltaCom currently operates 23 branch offices in 22 markets in Alabama,
Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missis
sippi, North Carolina and South
Carolina. Each branch office is staffed by personnel capable of marketing all of
ITC/\DeltaCom's products and providing comprehensive support to ITC/\DeltaCom's
customers. As part of its strategy to continue to grow its retail services
business, ITC/\DeltaCom plans to open branch offices in Texas by the end of 1999
and increase its provision of local exchange services to Internet service
providers ("ISPs"). In the future, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to expand significantly
its direct sales force and open branch offices in additional major and secondary
population centers in the southern United States.
. Expand Its Fiber Optic Network and Switching Facilities.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to expand its fiber optic telecommunications network and
switching facilities to include additional markets within the southern United
States. ITC/\DeltaCom currently owns and operates approximately 4,150 route
miles of fiber optic network extending from Florida to Texas and expects to add
an additional approximately 700 owned and operated route miles by the end of
1999.
ITC/\DeltaCom also markets and manages capacity on approximately 3,650
additional network route miles through its strategic relationships principally
with public utilities. In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom has a buy-sell agreement with
Carolinas Fibernet, LLC, which manages fiber optic facilities in North Carolina
and South Carolina. This agreement enables the parties to buy and sell capacity
on each other's networks and allows ITC/\DeltaCom to provide customers with
access to POPs throughout those states.
8
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that, by continuing to combine its owned network with
the networks of public utilities and by adding switching facilities throughout
its network, it will be able to achieve capital efficiencies and rapidly expand
its network in a cost-effective manner.
. Benefit from the Experience of its Proven Management Team.
ITC/\DeltaCom's management team consists of experienced telecommunications
managers who in the past have successfully implemented a customer-focused long
distance telecommunications strategy in the southern United States. Members of
the team include Andrew Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Foster McDonald,
President, and Douglas Shumate, Chief Financial Officer.
SERVICES AND FACILITIES
Services. ITC/\DeltaCom currently provides two basic services: (1) Retail
Services and (2) Carriers' Carrier Services.
Retail Services. Retail Services involve the provision of voice, data or
video telecommunications services to end users or resellers. Retail Services
include:
. basic long distance services (switched, dedicated, and calling card)
. dedicated Internet access
. Intranet services
. Web page hosting and development
. data network solutions (frame relay, ATM, point-to-point)
. local exchange services and
. the sale, installation and repair of customer premise equipment.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to provide additional types of Retail Services in the
future and expand the markets in which it offers local services as part of a
bundled "one-stop" integrated telecommunications service which will offer
customers a wide range of switch-based value-added services. ITC/\DeltaCom's
customer-focused software and network architecture permits ITC/\DeltaCom to
present its customers with one fully integrated monthly billing statement for
the entire package of Retail Services.
Set forth below are brief descriptions of ITC/\DeltaCom's Retail Services:
Local Services. ITC/\DeltaCom currently provides local exchange services by
(1) reselling the services of incumbent local exchange carriers and (2) using
its own local switching facilities. Over time, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to
provide local services primarily using ITC/\DeltaCom's own switching
facilities and existing regional fiber optic network, supplemented by
unbundled facilities of incumbent local exchange carriers or other competitive
local exchange carriers. ITC/\DeltaCom offers local exchange services in 20 of
the 22 markets in which it currently provides Retail Services and expects to
offer local services in a total of 30 markets by the end of 1999.
Long Distance. ITC/\DeltaCom offers a full range of retail long distance
services, including traditional switched and dedicated long distance, 800/888
calling, international, calling card and operator services.
Data Services. ITC/\DeltaCom provides high quality data services to its
customers primarily using frame relay switches distributed strategically
throughout ITC/\DeltaCom's network, which enables customers to use a single
network connection to communicate with multiple sites throughout
ITC/\DeltaCom's fiber optic network. ITC/\DeltaCom provides ATM services both
on a resale basis and by using its own network, providing data services to
customers that need to transmit large amounts of data within ITC/\DeltaCom's
service region, such as banks and local
9
and state governments. ITC/\DeltaCom will continue to seek, through strategic
business relationships with other providers, to interconnect its fiber optic
network with the fiber optic networks of other companies. ITC/\DeltaCom
anticipates increased demand for data services in the future, and expects that
in the future a larger percentage of its revenues will be derived from the
sale of dedicated data services.
Internet Access, Intranet Services and Web Development. Since its
acquisition in 1996 of substantially all of the assets of ViperNet, an
Internet access provider and Web page developer for business customers,
ITC/\DeltaCom has provided dedicated (frame relay) Internet access and
Intranet services, electronic mail, Web page design and Web hosting services.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects that mid-sized and larger businesses will require faster
Internet access and larger bandwidth in the future, and intends to offer
products that will meet that demand.
ISP Local Telecommunications Services. ITC/\DeltaCom provides local
wholesale telecommunications services to ISPs such as primary rate interface
connectivity between ITC/\DeltaCom's network and the network of the ISP and
equipment collocation services whereby the ISP can collocate its modems,
routers and/or network servers with ITC/\DeltaCom's switching facilities.
Customer Premise Equipment. ITC/\DeltaCom sells, installs and repairs
customer premise equipment such as telephones, office switchboard systems and,
to a lesser extent, private branch exchanges, or PBX, for customers in the
Huntsville, Mobile, Birmingham, Dothan, Florence, Anniston and Montgomery,
Alabama; Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Charlotte,
North Carolina; Pensacola, Florida; and Greenville and Columbia, South
Carolina markets. ITC/\DeltaCom intends to offer customer premise equipment
sales, installation and repair in additional markets in the future, with the
goals of (1) enhancing and supporting ITC/\DeltaCom's sale of local and long
distance services and (2) enhancing customer retention.
Carriers' Carrier Services. ITC/\DeltaCom's Carriers' Carrier Services are
used by customers, such as major telecommunications carriers and non-facilities
based carriers that have switches but do not own transmission facilities, to
transport their already-switched traffic between LATAs. Calls being transmitted
over a long-haul circuit for a customer are generally routed by the customer
through a switch to a receiving terminal in ITC/\DeltaCom's network.
ITC/\DeltaCom transmits the signals over a long-haul circuit to the terminal
where the signals are to exit ITC/\DeltaCom's network. The signals are then
routed by the customer through another switch and to the call recipient through
a local exchange carrier. ITC/\DeltaCom provides DS-1, DS-3 and OC-N services.
OC-N services are used by ITC/\DeltaCom's customers for very high capacity
inter-city connectivity and specialized high speed data networking. The
interface between ITC/\DeltaCom's network and the customer's facilities is by
either local exchange carrier or a direct connection between ITC/\DeltaCom's
network and the facilities of the customer. ITC/\DeltaCom typically bills the
customers a fixed monthly rate depending on the capacity and length of the
circuit, regardless of the amount the circuit is actually used.
Facilities. ITC/\DeltaCom owns or manages approximately 7,800 route miles of a
high quality fiber optic network which covers portions of ten states in the
southern United States and extends to over 80 POPs. These POPs are located in
almost all major population centers in the areas covered by the fiber optic
network and in a significant number of smaller cities where ITC/\DeltaCom's only
competitor is the incumbent local exchange carrier.
ITC/\DeltaCom owns approximately 4,150 route miles of its fiber optic network,
which ITC/\DeltaCom has built or acquired since 1992. In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom
has strategic relationships principally with three public utilities, Duke Power
Company, Florida Power & Light Company and Entergy Technology Company, pursuant
to which ITC/\DeltaCom markets, sells and manages capacity on approximately
3,650 route miles of network owned and operated by the utilities.
10
In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom is able to purchase network capacity to certain
cities not covered by ITC/\DeltaCom's owned and managed network in North
Carolina and South Carolina pursuant to a buy-sell agreement with Carolinas
Fibernet, LLC, which manages fiber optic facilities in North Carolina and South
Carolina. This agreement enables the parties to buy and sell capacity on each
other's networks at pre-established prices, which are generally favorable to the
prices for such capacity available in the open market. Under this agreement,
neither party is responsible for network maintenance charges relating to the
other party's network.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to add approximately 700 owned and operated route miles
to its fiber network by the end of 1999 through a combination of construction
and long-term dark fiber leases. In addition, as part of its strategy,
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to continue to evaluate the potential expansion of its
network through a combination of new construction, long-term dark fiber leases
and fiber swap transactions, depending on the extent of capital required over
the economic life of the fiber assets to be deployed.
ITC/\DeltaCom's decision to further expand its fiber optic network will be
based on various factors, including:
. the number of its customers in a market
. the anticipated operating cost savings associated with such construction,
and
. any strategic relationships with owners of existing infrastructure (e.g.,
utilities and cable operators).
Through its strategic relationships with public utility companies, ITC/\DeltaCom
believes that it will be able to achieve capital efficiencies in constructing
and expanding its fiber optic network in a rapid and cost-effective manner.
ITC/\DeltaCom also believes that its fiber optic network, in combination with
its personalized approach to customer service, will create an attractive
customer-focused platform for the provision of local, long distance and enhanced
services.
ITC/\DeltaCom has implemented electronic redundancy throughout its network,
which enables traffic to be rerouted to another fiber in the same fiber sheath
in the event of a partial fiber cut or electronic failure. Approximately 51% of
ITC/\DeltaCom's owned and operated fiber optic network is also protected by
geographically diverse routing, a network design (also called a "self healing
ring") which enables traffic to be rerouted to an entirely different fiber
optic cable (assuming capacity is available) in the event of a total cable cut.
ITC/\DeltaCom is continuing to increase the geographic diversity of its fiber
optic network, and expects to have approximately 64% of its network protected in
this manner by the end of 1999.
ITC/\DeltaCom's switching facilities currently consist of a Nortel DMS-250
switch in Arab, Alabama and Nortel DMS-500 switches in the following locations:
. Anniston and Birmingham, Alabama
. Ocala, Florida
. Atlanta, Georgia
. Gulfport, Mississippi
. Columbia, South Carolina
The Nortel DMS-500 switches are capable of handling both local and long distance
traffic while the Nortel DMS-250 switch is capable on handling long distance
only.
These installations enable ITC/\DeltaCom to market its Retail Services,
including local services, on a switch-based facilities basis in, among other
markets:
. Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile, Alabama
. Jacksonville, Ocala and Orlando, Florida
. Atlanta, Georgia
11
. Gulfport, Mississippi
. Greenville, Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina
. Charlotte, North Carolina.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to place a Nortel DMS-500 switch into service in
Greensboro, North Carolina by the end of the first quarter of 1999 and one into
service in Montgomery, Alabama by the end of 1999.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to place additional switches strategically along its
fiber optic network over the next five years. ITC/\DeltaCom also intends to
deploy a significant number of Nortel Access Nodes in the majority of the
markets, which ITC/\DeltaCom intends to serve. The additional switches and nodes
will allow ITC/\DeltaCom to perform local and long distance switching in its
markets on a host/remote type relationship to the applicable Nortel DMS-500
switch. The Nortel Access Nodes will be connected to ITC/\DeltaCom's Nortel DMS-
500 switching platform, utilizing ITC/\DeltaCom's fiber optic network wherever
possible. This networking design, together with the BellSouth interconnection
agreement, will enable ITC/\DeltaCom to be a facilities-based provider of local
and long distance services in all of the markets that it intends to enter.
ITC/\DeltaCom is a member of the Associated Communications Companies of
America (the "ACCA"), a 9-member trade association that negotiates with carriers
for wholesale telecommunications services for its members. The collective buying
power of its members enables the ACCA to negotiate as if it were one of the
larger long distance providers in the United States.
ITC/\DeltaCom's data network currently consists of fourteen Ascend 9000 frame
relay switches located in:
. Atlanta (two switches) and West Point, Georgia
. Birmingham (two switches), Montgomery, Mobile, Anniston (two switches) and
Arab, Alabama
. Ocala, Florida
. Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi
. Columbia, South Carolina.
ITC/\DeltaCom's data network connects with BellSouth's and other carriers' frame
relay networks to provide nationwide connectivity for ITC/\DeltaCom's customers.
ITC/\DeltaCom's Ascend frame relay switches have the capability to provide ATM
connectivity, and ITC/\DeltaCom has one ATM connection to the Internet.
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to strategically locate additional frame relay and ATM
switch sites over the next five years. These frame relay and ATM switches will
be collocated with ITC/\DeltaCom's Nortel DMS-500 switches at strategic network
facility locations where possible, and will create a data backbone which will
support ITC/\DeltaCom's data services.
SALES AND MARKETING
Retail Services. ITC/\DeltaCom focuses its sales efforts on mid-sized and
major regional businesses in the southern United States. ITC/\DeltaCom believes
that it can effectively compete for business customers based upon service,
product diversity, price and reliability. ITC/\DeltaCom's sales force, composed
of direct sales personnel, technical consultants and technicians, markets
ITC/\DeltaCom's telecommunications services. ITC/\DeltaCom's management believes
that high quality employee training is a prerequisite for superior customer
service, and as a result each member of ITC/\DeltaCom's sales force is required
to complete ITC/\DeltaCom's intensive training program. ITC/\DeltaCom's
marketing strategy is built upon the belief that customers prefer to hold one
company accountable for all of their telecommunications services. Each branch
office provides technical assistance for its voice, data, Internet and customer
premise equipment as required. Customers are assured a single point of contact,
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
12
Approximately 160 direct sales personnel conducted marketing of
ITC/\DeltaCom's Retail Services to mid-sized and major regional businesses as of
December 31, 1998. Such personnel are located in 23 branch offices in 22 markets
in the southern United States. ITC/\DeltaCom significantly expanded its sales
force in 1998 and expects to continue to expand its direct sales force and open
branch offices in additional major and secondary population centers in the
southern United States during 1999. ITC/\DeltaCom's sales personnel make direct
calls to prospective and existing business customers, conduct analyses of
business customers' usage histories and service needs, and demonstrate how
ITC/\DeltaCom's service package will improve a customer's communications
capabilities and costs. Sales personnel locate potential business customers by
several methods, including customer referral, market research, telemarketing and
other networking alliances such as endorsement agreements with trade
associations and local chambers of commerce. ITC/\DeltaCom's sales personnel
work closely with ITC/\DeltaCom's network engineers and information systems
consultants to design new service products and applications. ITC/\DeltaCom's
branch offices are also primarily responsible for coordinating service and
customer premise equipment installation activities. Technicians survey
customers' premises to assess power and space requirements, and coordinate
delivery, installation and testing of equipment.
A primary element of ITC/\DeltaCom's Retail Services marketing strategy is to
enter into contracts with its customers. Those agreements generally provide for
payment in arrears based on minutes of use for switched services and in advance
for private line services. The agreements generally also provide that the
customer may terminate the affected service without penalty in the event of
substantial and prolonged outages arising from causes within ITC/\DeltaCom's
control, and for certain other defined causes. Generally, the agreements provide
that the customer must utilize at least a minimum dollar amount (measured by
dollars or minutes of use) of switched long distance services per month for the
term of the agreement.
In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom markets its business communication services through
advertisements, event sponsorships, trade journals, direct mail and trade
forums. Because ITC/\DeltaCom intends to distinguish its retail products largely
on the convenience of its single communications bundle and the benefits of
ITC/\DeltaCom's comprehensive, individualized and innovative customer support,
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that advertising will play a larger role in its marketing
strategy than it has in the past.
Carriers' Carrier Services. ITC/\DeltaCom has long-haul circuit contracts with
major long distance carriers, including AT&T, MCI WorldCom, Sprint, Qwest, Cable
& Wireless, Frontier and IXC. As of December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had
remaining future long term contract commitments totaling approximately $139.7
million. These contracts expire on various dates through 2008 and are expected
to generate approximately $122.4 million in revenues to ITC/\DeltaCom through
2003, of which $34.2 million are expected to be realized in 1999. ITC/\DeltaCom
also provides long-haul transmission to customers after contract expiration on a
month-to-month basis. ITC/\DeltaCom's long-haul contracts provide for fixed
monthly payments, generally in advance. Although sales volumes from particular
customers vary from year to year, ITC/\DeltaCom has historically enjoyed high
customer retention and circuit renewal rates.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that it can continue to compete effectively in the
wholesale, carrier-to-carrier market on the basis of price, reliability, state-
of-the-art technology, route diversity, ease of ordering and customer service.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that demand for its Carriers' Carrier Services will
increase as the incumbent local exchange carriers begin competing in the long
distance market.
COMPETITION
The telecommunications industry is highly competitive. ITC/\DeltaCom competes
primarily on the basis of price, availability, transmission quality,
reliability, customer service and variety of product offerings. The ability of
ITC/\DeltaCom to compete effectively will depend on its ability to
13
maintain high quality services at prices generally equal to or below those
charged by its competitors. In particular, price competition in the retail and
carrier's carrier long distance markets has generally been intense and is
expected to increase. ITC/\DeltaCom's competitors include AT&T, Sprint and MCI
WorldCom on an interexchange basis and BellSouth on an intraLATA basis. These
companies, among others, have substantially greater financial, personnel,
technical, marketing and other resources, larger numbers of established
customers and more prominent name recognition than ITC/\DeltaCom and utilize
more extensive transmission networks than ITC/\DeltaCom. In addition, IXC, Qwest
and Williams Communications are constructing nationwide fiber optic systems,
including routes through portions of the southern United States. ITC/\DeltaCom
will also increasingly face competition in the long distance market from local
exchange carriers, switchless resellers, and satellite carriers and may
eventually compete with public utilities and cable companies. ITC/\DeltaCom also
may increasingly face competition from firms offering long distance data and
voice services over the Internet. Such firms could enjoy a significant cost
advantage because at this time they do not pay carrier access charges or
universal service fees.
ITC/\DeltaCom's principal competitor for local exchange services will be the
incumbent local exchange carrier in the particular market, including BellSouth
in virtually all of ITC/\DeltaCom's initial market areas. The incumbent local
exchange carriers will enjoy substantial competitive advantages arising from
their historical monopoly position in the local telephone market, including
their preexisting customer relationship with all or virtually all end users.
Furthermore, ITC/\DeltaCom will be highly dependent on the competing incumbent
local exchange carrier ("ILEC") for local network facilities and wholesale
services required in order for ITC/\DeltaCom to assemble its own local retail
products. ITC/\DeltaCom will also face competition from competitive local
exchange carriers ("CLEC"), some of whom have already established local
operations in ITC/\DeltaCom's target markets. In addition, incumbent local
exchange carriers are expected to compete in each other's markets in some cases.
BellSouth has plans to provide local services within its geographic region in
competition with independent telephone companies. Wireless telecommunications
providers may develop into effective substitutes for wireline local telephone
service. See "Risk Factors--If We Are Unable To Interconnect With BellSouth
and Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers on Acceptable Terms, Our Ability To Offer
Local Telephone Services Will Be Adversely Affected."
Local and long distance marketing is converging as other carriers besides
ITC/\DeltaCom offer integrated retail product lines. For example, large long
distance carriers such as AT&T, Sprint and MCI WorldCom have begun to offer
local services in certain markets and CLEC's typically offer long distance
services to their customers. ITC/\DeltaCom also competes with numerous direct
marketers and telemarketers and equipment vendors and installers with respect to
certain portions of its business.
Similarly, Regional Bell Operating Companies ("RBOCs") such as BellSouth are
now allowed to provide interLATA long distance services outside their home
regions, as well as interLATA mobile services within their regions. Under the
Telecommunications Act, the RBOCs will be allowed to provide interLATA long
distance services within their regions after meeting certain requirements
intended to foster opportunities for local telephone competition. The RBOCs
already have extensive fiber optic cable, switching, and other network
facilities in their respective regions that can be used for their long distance
services. BellSouth and other RBOCs are already beginning to take steps toward
obtaining approval to provide in-region long distance services. The Federal
Communications Communication (the "FCC") forced the withdrawal of the first RBOC
request for in-region long distance authority, and has rejected several other
applications, including applications by BellSouth to provide interLATA service
in South Carolina and Louisiana. However, additional interLATA applications are
expected to be filed in 1999. There can be no assurance that such approvals
will be delayed until local competition is established.
A continuing trend toward consolidation, mergers, acquisitions and strategic
alliances in the telecommunications industry could also increase the level of
competition faced by ITC/\DeltaCom or ITC/\DeltaCom's carrier customers. For
example, WorldCom acquired MCI in September 1998 and
14
AT&T acquired Tele-Communications, Inc. in March 1999. Merger plans have been
announced by SBC and Ameritech as well as Bell Atlantic and GTE. AT&T also
announced plans to enter into a joint venture with British Telecommunications
plc to combine the international assets and operations of each company,
including their existing international networks. In addition, SBC has announced
a strategic alliance with Williams Communications Group Inc., a long distance
company, pursuant to which the two companies would supply services to each
other. The telecommunications market is very dynamic, and additional competitive
changes are likely in the future.
REGULATION
Overview. ITC/\DeltaCom's services are subject to federal, state and local
regulation. ITC/\DeltaCom, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, holds various
federal and state regulatory authorizations. The FCC exercises jurisdiction over
telecommunications common carriers to the extent they provide, originate or
terminate interstate or international communications. The FCC also establishes
rules and has other authority over certain issues related to local telephone
competition. State regulatory commissions retain jurisdiction over
telecommunications carriers to the extent they provide, originate or terminate
intrastate communications. Local governments may require ITC/\DeltaCom to obtain
licenses, permits or franchises in order to use the public rights of way
necessary to install and operate its networks.
Federal Regulation. ITC/\DeltaCom is categorized as a non-dominant carrier by
the FCC, and as a result is subject to relatively limited regulation of its
interstate and international services. Certain general policies and rules apply,
as well as certain reporting requirements, but ITC/\DeltaCom's rates are not
reviewed. ITC/\DeltaCom has all the operating authority required by the FCC to
conduct its long distance business. As a non-dominant carrier, ITC/\DeltaCom may
install and operate additional facilities for the transmission of domestic
interstate communications without prior FCC authorization, except to the extent
that radio licenses are required.
The FCC's role with respect to local telephone competition arises principally
from the Telecommunications Act, which became effective February 8, 1996. The
Telecommunications Act preempts state and local laws to the extent that they
prevent competitive entry into the provision of any telecommunications service.
Subject to this limitation, however, the state and local governments retain
telecommunications regulatory authority. The Telecommunications Act imposes a
variety of new duties on local exchange carriers, including non-incumbent local
exchange carriers such as ITC/\DeltaCom, in order to promote competition in
local exchange and access services. These duties include requirements to:
. complete calls originated by competing carriers on a reciprocal basis
. permit resale of services
. permit users to retain their telephone numbers when changing carriers
. provide competing carriers access to poles, ducts, conduits and rights-of-
way at regulated prices
Incumbent local exchange carriers are also subject to additional requirements.
These duties include obligations of the incumbent local exchange carriers to:
. interconnect their networks with competitors
. offer collocation of competitors' equipment at their premises
. make available elements of their networks (including network facilities,
and capabilities) on non-discriminatory, cost-based terms
. offer wholesale versions of their retail services for resale at discounted
rates
Collectively, these requirements recognize that local exchange competition is
dependent upon cost-based and non-discriminatory interconnection with and use of
incumbent local exchange carrier networks. Failure to achieve such
interconnection arrangements could have an adverse impact on the ability of
ITC/\DeltaCom or other entities to provide competitive local exchange services.
15
Under the Telecommunications Act, incumbent local exchange carriers are required
to negotiate in good faith with carriers requesting any or all of the above
arrangements. In addition, in August 1996, the FCC released a decision (the
"Interconnection Decision") implementing the interconnection portions of the
Telecommunications Act. The FCC subsequently adopted further specific rules to
implement these requirements. The Interconnection Decision has been the subject
of significant legal dispute. In January 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected
challenges to the Interconnection Decision and affirmed the authority of the FCC
to establish rules governing interconnection. ITC/\DeltaCom believes that
additional disputes regarding the Interconnection Decision and other related FCC
actions are likely.
There can be no assurance that the FCC's rules, together with rules adopted by
state public utility commissions, will be implemented in a manner that will
permit local telephone competition to develop to a substantial extent and
without significant delays. For example, many new carriers, including
ITC/\DeltaCom, have experienced problems with respect to the operational support
systems used by new carriers to order and receive network elements and wholesale
services from the incumbent local exchange carriers. These systems are necessary
for new carriers like ITC/\DeltaCom to provide local service to customers on a
timely and competitive basis. The FCC has created a task force to examine
problems that have slowed the development of local telephone competition but as
yet has taken no enforcement actions. The FCC also will be reconsidering the
circumstances in which it is necessary for new carriers to use particular
network elements of the incumbent exchange carriers. Any restriction on the
availability of network elements could have a materially adverse effect on
ITC/\DeltaCom.
ITC/\DeltaCom has entered into an interconnection agreement with BellSouth.
This interconnection agreement currently allows ITC/\DeltaCom to provide local
service on either a resale basis or by purchasing all unbundled network elements
required to provide local service on a facilities basis, without using Company-
owned facilities. ITC/\DeltaCom and BellSouth have agreed on interim pricing
terms for such resale and purchase of unbundled network elements. The terms of
the interconnection agreement were approved by the public utilities commissions
(the "PUCs") regulating ITC/\DeltaCom's markets. The BellSouth interconnection
agreement however does not resolve all operational issues, particularly those
relating to the collocation of ITC/\DeltaCom's equipment with that of BellSouth.
ITC/\DeltaCom and BellSouth are continuing to negotiate to resolve such issues.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects that the BellSouth interconnection agreement will provide
a foundation for it to provide local service on a reasonable commercial basis,
but there can be no assurance in this regard and important issues remain
unsettled. See "Risk Factors--If We Are Unable To Interconnect With BellSouth
and Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers on Acceptable Terms, Our Ability To Offer
Local Telephone Services Will Be Adversely Affected."
ITC/\DeltaCom has negotiated similar interconnection agreements with other
incumbent local exchange carriers, including interconnection agreements with GTE
and Sprint for Alabama and Florida, respectively. However, other carriers who
have preceded ITC/\DeltaCom in the negotiation process with certain of these
incumbent local exchange carriers have expressed dissatisfaction with some of
the terms of their agreements, or with the operational support systems by which
they obtain the interconnection they require to provide local services to end
users.
The Telecommunications Act also eliminates previous prohibitions on the
provision of interLATA long distance services by the RBOCs and GTE. The RBOCs
are permitted to provide interLATA long distance service outside those states in
which they provide local exchange service ("out-of-region long distance
service") upon receipt of any necessary state and/or federal regulatory
approvals that are otherwise applicable to the provision of intrastate and/or
interstate long distance service. Under the Telecommunications Act, the RBOCs
will be allowed to provide long distance service within the regions in which
they also provide local exchange service ("in-region service") on a state-by-
state basis upon specific approval of the FCC and satisfaction of other
conditions, including a checklist of interconnection requirements intended to
open local telephone markets to competition. As of the date hereof, the FCC has
not found that any RBOC has met these interconnection requirements. If the FCC
does permit BellSouth to provide long distance service in its local service
regions before
16
meeting ITC/\DeltaCom's local interconnection needs, BellSouth would be able to
duplicate our integrated local and long distance services and could have a
significant competitive advantage in marketing those services to its existing
local customers.
The Telecommunications Act also imposes other restrictions on the RBOCs in
connection with their entry into the interLATA long distance services market.
Among other things, for the first three years (unless extended by the FCC) the
RBOCs must pursue such activities only through separate subsidiaries with
separate books and records, financing, management and employees. In addition,
affiliate transactions with these subsidiaries must be conducted on a non-
discriminatory basis.
In the future, an important element of providing competitive services may
be the ability to offer customers high-speed broadband local connections. The
FCC is considering a proposal that would allow incumbent local exchange carriers
to offer these and other services through separate affiliates, in which case
their network elements for providing these services would not need to be made
available to us or other competitors. AT&T has announced that it is entering
into arrangements with cable companies for the exclusive use of their local
networks for broadband telecommunications and several cable companies are
offering broadband Internet access over their network facilities. If
ITC/\DeltaCom is unable to meet future demands of its customers for broadband
local access on a timely basis at competitive rates, ITC/\DeltaCom may be at a
significant competitive disadvantage.
The FCC also regulates the interstate access rates charged by incumbent local
exchange carriers for the origination and termination of interstate long
distance traffic. These access rates make up a significant portion of the cost
of providing long distance service. The FCC is in the process of implementing
access policy changes that overtime are expected to reduce access rates, and
hence the cost of providing long distance service, especially to business
customers. However, further FCC action in this area is necessary and the full
impact of the FCC's decisions will not be known until those decisions are
implemented over the next several years.
In a related proceeding, the FCC has adopted changes to the methodology by
which access has been used in part to subsidize universal telephone service and
other public policy goals. Telecommunications providers like ITC/\DeltaCom now
pay a fee calculated as a percentage of their revenues to support these goals.
Certain individual states are also implementing universal service funds. The
full implications of these decision also remain uncertain and subject to change.
In addition, the FCC continues to consider related questions regarding the
applicability of access charge and universal service fees to ISPs. Currently
ISPs are not subject to these expenses and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
Eighth Circuit (the "Eighth Circuit") has upheld the FCC's decision not to
impose such fees. However, the incumbent local exchange carriers and other
parties argue that this exemption unfairly advantages ISPs, particularly when
they provide data, voice or other services in direct competition with
conventional telecommunications ITC/\DeltaCom is not in a position to determine
how these access and universal service matters will be resolved in the future,
and whether or not such resolution will be harmful to its competitive position.
The FCC also imposes prior approval requirements on transfers of control and
assignments of radio licenses and operating authorizations. The FCC has the
authority generally to condition, modify, cancel, terminate or revoke licenses
and operating authority for failure to comply with federal laws and/or the
rules, regulations and policies of the FCC. Fines or other penalties also may be
imposed for such violations. There can be no assurance that the FCC or third
parties will not raise issues with regard to ITC/\DeltaCom's compliance with
applicable laws and regulations.
As a general matter, no assurance is possible regarding how quickly or how
adequately ITC/\DeltaCom will be able to take advantage of the opportunities
created by the Telecommunications Act. ITC/\DeltaCom could be adversely affected
if the court decision reversing some of the new FCC rules, or problems in the
related arbitration and negotiation process, result in
17
increasing the cost of using incumbent local exchange carrier network elements
or services, or if such actions otherwise result in delays in the implementation
of the Telecommunications Act or impediments to the development of local
telephone competition.
The FCC has granted incumbent local exchange carriers certain flexibility in
pricing their interstate special and switched access services. Under this
pricing scheme, local exchange carriers may establish pricing zones based on
access traffic density and charge different prices for access provided in each
zone. ITC/\DeltaCom anticipates that the FCC will grant incumbent local exchange
carriers increasing pricing flexibility as the number of interconnection
agreements and competitors increases. In a pending rulemaking proceeding
scheduled for completion soon, the FCC is expected to announce new and more
specific policies regarding the conditions and timing under which incumbent
local exchange carriers will be eligible for such increased pricing flexibility.
There can be no assurance that such pricing flexibility will not place
ITC/\DeltaCom at a competitive disadvantage, either as a purchaser of access for
its long distance operations, or as a vendor of access to other carriers or end
user customers.
State Regulation. ITC/\DeltaCom is also subject to various state laws and
regulations. Most PUCs require providers such as ITC/\DeltaCom to obtain
authority from the commission prior to the initiation of service. In most
states, including Alabama, Georgia and Florida, ITC/\DeltaCom also is required
to file tariffs setting forth the terms, conditions and prices for services that
are classified as intrastate. ITC/\DeltaCom also is required to update or amend
its tariffs when it adjusts its rates or adds new products, and is subject to
various reporting and record-keeping requirements.
Many states also require prior approval for transfers of control of certified
carriers, corporate reorganizations, acquisitions of telecommunications
operations, assignment of carrier assets, carrier stock offerings and incurrence
by carriers of significant debt obligations. Certificates of authority can
generally be conditioned, modified, canceled, terminated or revoked by state
regulatory authorities for failure to comply with state law and/or the rules,
regulations and policies of state regulatory authorities. Fines or other
penalties also may be imposed for such violations. There can be no assurance
that PUCs or third parties will not raise issues with regard to ITC/\DeltaCom's
compliance with applicable laws or regulations.
ITC/\DeltaCom has all necessary authority to offer intrastate long distance
services in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,
District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,
Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New
Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas,
Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
ITC/\DeltaCom is authorized to provide intrastate long distance service in the
state of Arizona while a certificate in that state is pending. An application
for authority to provide intrastate long distance is pending in Hawaii. An
application will be filed, in the near future, in Alaska. ITC/\DeltaCom seeks
authority to provide long distance service in states outside of its target
markets to enhance its ability to attract business customers with offices, or
whose employees travel, outside of ITC/\DeltaCom's target markets.
ITC/\DeltaCom now provides local exchange services in its region by reselling
the retail local services of the incumbent local exchange carrier in a given
territory and, in some established markets, using its own local switching
facilities. ITC/\DeltaCom has obtained competitive local exchange carrier
certification in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi,
North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. An application for such
authority is pending in Arkansas.
Many issues remain open regarding how new local telephone carriers will be
regulated at the state level. For example, although the Telecommunications Act
preempts the ability of states to forbid local service competition, the
Telecommunications Act preserves the ability of states to impose reasonable
terms and conditions of service and other regulatory requirements. However,
these
18
statutes and related questions arising from the Telecommunications Act will be
elaborated further through rules and policy decisions made by PUCs in the
process of addressing local service competition issues.
ITC/\DeltaCom also will be affected by state PUC decisions related to the
incumbent local exchange carriers despite the recent U.S. Supreme Court
decisions upholding the FCC's rule making power under the Telecommunications
Act. For example, PUCs have responsibility under the Telecommunications Act to
oversee relationships between incumbent local exchange carriers and their new
competitors with respect to such competitors' use of the incumbent local
exchange carriers' network elements and wholesale local services. PUCs arbitrate
interconnection agreements between the incumbent local exchange carriers and new
competitors such as ITC/\DeltaCom when necessary. Important issues remain open
regarding both the scope of PUC authority in this area and the extent to which
PUCs will adopt policies that promote local exchange competition. It is too
early to evaluate how these matters will be resolved, or their impact on the
ability of ITC/\DeltaCom to pursue its business plan.
States also regulate the intrastate carrier access services of the incumbent
local exchange carriers. ITC/\DeltaCom is required to pay such access charges to
originate and terminate its intrastate long distance traffic. ITC/\DeltaCom
could be adversely affected by high access charges, particularly to the extent
that the incumbent local exchange carriers do not incur the same level of costs
with respect to their own intrastate long distance services. In a related
development, states also will be developing intrastate universal service charges
parallel to the interstate charges created by the FCC. For example, incumbent
local exchange carriers such as BellSouth advocate the formation of state-level
funds that would be supported by potentially large payments by firms such as
ITC/\DeltaCom based on their total intrastate revenues. Another issue is use by
certain incumbent local exchange carriers, with the approval of PUCs, of
extended local area calling that converts otherwise competitive intrastate toll
service to local service. States also are or will be addressing various
intraLATA dialing parity issues that may affect competition. ITC/\DeltaCom's
business could be adversely affected by these or other developments.
ITC/\DeltaCom also will be affected by how states regulate the retail prices
of the incumbent local exchange carriers with which it competes. ITC/\DeltaCom
believes that, as the degree of intrastate competition increases, the states
will offer the incumbent local exchange carriers increasing pricing flexibility.
This flexibility may present the incumbent local exchange carriers with an
opportunity to subsidize services that compete with ITC/\DeltaCom's services
with revenues generated from non-competitive services, thereby allowing
incumbent local exchange carriers to offer competitive services at lower prices
than they otherwise could. In a related development, BellSouth is seeking
authority to create "CLEC" affiliates that would operate on a much less
regulated basis and therefore could provide significant competition in the
business market whether or not the traditional BellSouth local business receives
more pricing flexibility. Currently, only Kentucky and Tennessee have placed
limitations on such CLEC affiliates. ITC/\DeltaCom cannot predict the extent to
which these developments may occur or their impact on ITC/\DeltaCom's business.
Local Government Authorizations and Related Rights of Way. ITC/\DeltaCom is
required to obtain street use and construction permits and licenses and/or
franchises to install and expand its fiber optic networks using municipal rights
of way. In some municipalities where ITC/\DeltaCom has installed or anticipates
constructing networks, it will be required to pay license or franchise fees
based on a percentage of gross revenues or on a per linear foot basis. There can
be no assurance that, following the expiration of existing franchises, fees will
remain at their current levels. In many markets, the incumbent local exchange
carriers do not pay such franchise fees or pay fees that are substantially less
than those required to be paid by ITC/\DeltaCom, although the Telecommunications
Act requires that in the future such fees be applied in a competitively neutral
manner. To the extent that, notwithstanding the Telecommunications Act,
competitors do not pay the same level of fees as ITC/\DeltaCom, ITC/\DeltaCom
could be at a competitive disadvantage. Termination of the existing franchise or
license agreements prior to their expiration dates or a failure to renew the
franchise or license agreements and a requirement that ITC/\DeltaCom remove
19
its facilities or abandon its network in place could have a material adverse
effect on ITC/\DeltaCom. In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom would be adversely affected
if it is unable to obtain additional authorization for new construction on
reasonable terms. Furthermore, open issues exist regarding the ability of new
local service providers to gain access to commercial office buildings to serve
tenants.
General. The telecommunications market is in a period of substantial change
and uncertainty. As the Telecommunications Act and related FCC and state actions
are implemented, new issues are likely to arise that can affect ITC/\DeltaCom
and its business plan. No assurance can be given that future regulatory
developments will not have a materially adverse impact on ITC/\DeltaCom.
DESCRIPTION OF SIGNIFICANT INDEBTEDNESS
Credit Facility
ITC/\DeltaCom's wholly owned subsidiary, Interstate FiberNet, Inc. (the
"Borrower"), has a credit agreement with NationsBank and certain other lenders
(the "Credit Agreement"), which provides for a $50.0 million revolving Credit
Facility to be used for working capital and other purposes, including capital
expenditures and permitted acquisitions. To date, no amounts have been borrowed
under the Credit Facility.
Set forth below is a summary of the material provisions of the Credit
Facility. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is subject
to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, the Credit Agreement.
Certain capitalized terms used in this description of the Credit Facility are
defined at the end of this section while the remaining undefined capitalized
terms are defined in the Credit Agreement.
Amounts drawn under the Credit Facility will bear interest, at the Borrower's
option, at either the Base Rate or the LIBOR Rate, plus an Applicable Margin.
The Applicable Margin will be an annual rate which will fluctuate based on the
Borrower's Total Leverage Ratio and which will be between 0% and 1.125% for Base
Rate borrowings and between 1.0% and 2.125% for LIBOR Rate borrowings.
The Credit Agreement requires the Borrower to repay indebtedness outstanding
under the Credit Facility with the net cash proceeds from certain sales of
assets by ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower or the Borrower's subsidiaries other than
in the ordinary course of business and from certain public or private issuances
of equity securities or debt securities by ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower or the
Borrower's subsidiaries. In addition, the amount of credit available to the
Borrower under the Credit Agreement would be permanently reduced in the amount
and manner required by the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower's obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by
ITC/\DeltaCom and the Borrower's subsidiaries and are secured by a first
priority lien on all current and future assets and properties of the Borrower
and its subsidiaries, except for certain contract rights and interests in real
estate, and by a first priority pledge of the stock of the Borrower and its
subsidiaries.
The Credit Agreement contains negative covenants limiting the ability of the
Borrower, the Borrower's current and future subsidiaries and ITC/\DeltaCom to
incur debt, create liens, pay dividends, make distributions or stock
repurchases, make investments or capital expenditures, change their name, issue
capital stock, engage in transactions with affiliates, sell assets, engage in
mergers and acquisitions and assume or make guaranties. In addition, the Credit
Agreement contains affirmative covenants, including covenants requiring
engagement primarily in the business of telecommunications and activities
related thereto, compliance with applicable laws, maintenance of corporate
existence, licenses, properties and insurance, payment of taxes and performance
of other material obligations and the delivery of financial and other
information.
20
The Credit Agreement restricts the Borrower from declaring and paying
dividends or other distributions to ITC/\DeltaCom. However, the Borrower is
permitted to pay dividends to ITC/\DeltaCom to pay scheduled cash interest due
and payable on:
. the 1997 Notes, beginning after the sixth scheduled interest payment
. the March 1998 Notes
. the November 1998 Notes
unless at the time of such dividend an event of default (other than an event of
default resulting solely from the breach of a representation or warranty) under
the Credit Agreement exists or would be caused by such dividend; provided that,
with respect to any event of default (other than a payment default, a bankruptcy
event with respect to ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower or (with respect to the March
1998 Notes and the November 1998 Notes) any Significant Subsidiary of
ITC/\DeltaCom, or an event in which any portion of the assets of the Borrower
and its subsidiaries that has generated more than 5% of the Operating Cash Flow
for the most recently completed twelve-month period shall not be operating for a
period in excess of 30 days), the Borrower will not be prohibited for more than
180 consecutive days from paying dividends to ITC/\DeltaCom to pay scheduled
cash interest due and payable on the Notes.
The Credit Agreement also requires the Borrower to comply with certain
financial tests and to maintain certain financial ratios on a consolidated
basis. The Borrower must maintain:
(1) a Total Leverage Ratio no greater than 9.5 to 1.0 through June 30, 1999,
8.75 to 1.0 from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000, 7.5 to 1.0 from July 1,
2000 to June 30, 2001, 6.0 to 1.0 from July 1, 2001 to June 30, 2002 and
4.5 to 1.0 from July 1, 2002 and thereafter, provided that compliance
with this ratio is not required until such time, if any, as the Borrower
obtains an extension of credit under the Credit Agreement;
(2) a Senior Leverage Ratio no greater than 2.75 to 1.0 through June 30, 2000
and 2.25 to 1.0 from July 1, 2000 and thereafter, provided that
compliance with this ratio is not required until such time, if any, as
the Borrower obtains an extension of credit under the Credit Agreement;
(3) an Interest Coverage Ratio no less than 1.50 to 1.0 (or, in the event
ITC/\DeltaCom does not redeem 35% of the 1997 Notes within 60 days
after the closing date of the Credit Agreement, 1.75 to 1.0) through June
30, 2000 and 1.75 to 1.0 from July 1, 2000 and thereafter, provided that
compliance with this ratio is not required until such time, if any, as
the Borrower obtains an extension of credit under the Credit Agreement;
and
(4) capital expenditures made by ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower and its
subsidiaries no greater than $150,000,000 for fiscal year 1998,
$130,000,000 for fiscal year 1999, $90,000,000 for fiscal year 2000,
$60,000,000 for fiscal year 2001 and for each fiscal year thereafter;
provided, that (A) to the extent that less than such amount is used by
ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower and its subsidiaries for any fiscal year, the
limitation on capital expenditures for succeeding fiscal years may be increased
by the amount of such unused amount and (B) the Borrower may add 50% of the net
proceeds from any issuance of equity by ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower, or any of
its subsidiaries plus additional $50,000,000 in the aggregate to the maximum
amounts set forth above, provided that at the time the Borrower elects to
increase the maximum amount by any portion of the foregoing, there exists no
default or event of default.
Failure to satisfy any of the financial covenants constitutes an event of
default under the Credit Facility, notwithstanding the ability of the Borrower
to meet its debt service obligations. The Credit Agreement also includes other
customary events of default, including, without limitation, a cross-default to
other indebtedness, material undischarged judgments, bankruptcy and a change of
control.
21
As used in this section:
"Annualized Operating Cash Flow" means Operating Cash Flow for the six-month
period most recently ended, multiplied by two.
"Interest Coverage Ratio" means, for ITC/\DeltaCom on a consolidated basis
for any period, the ratio of Annualized Operating Cash Flow to the aggregate
amount of interest due and payable by ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower and the
Borrower's subsidiaries with respect to Total Debt during such period net of
interest on the 1997 Notes funded by pledged securities and Permitted
Subordinated Debt, interest income for such period, interest actually paid-in-
kind, any one-time facility fees paid in connection with the Credit Facility and
in connection with any pre-existing debt of ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower or the
Borrower's subsidiaries, up to $9.5 million of accrued interest paid by the
Borrower to ITC Holding prior to September 17, 1997, one-time prepayment
penalties incurred as a result of the extinguishment on the closing date of the
Credit Agreement of interest rate protection agreements of the Borrower in an
amount not in excess of $2,800,000 and any interest expense associated
exclusively with the mark to market on such closing date of interest rate
protection agreements of the Borrower in an amount not in excess of $2,800,000.
"Operating Cash Flow" for any period means the consolidated net income
(loss) of ITC/\DeltaCom, the Borrower and the Borrower's subsidiaries for such
period plus the following amounts for such period, to the extent included in the
determination of such income (loss): depreciation expense, amortization expense
and other non-cash charges reducing income, net interest expense, and income tax
expense.
"Permitted Subordinated Debt" means all debt of the Borrower pursuant to
subordinated notes between the Borrower and ITC/\DeltaCom containing certain
specified terms and conditions and otherwise acceptable to the administrative
agent and a majority of the lenders.
"Senior Leverage Ratio" means the ratio of Senior Debt (Total Debt minus the
aggregate outstanding principal amount, and accrued and unpaid interest, on the
Notes plus all permitted subordinated debt) to Annualized Operating Cash Flow.
"Total Debt" means the aggregate indebtedness of ITC/\DeltaCom for borrowed
money on a consolidated basis.
"Total Leverage Ratio" means at any date, for ITC/\DeltaCom on a consolidated
basis, the ratio of Total Debt (net of cash balances in excess of $5,000,000
plus the balance of pledged securities securing the 1997 Notes plus all
Permitted Subordinated Debt) on such date to Annualized Operating Cash Flow.
1997 Notes
On June 3, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the sale of $200.0 million principal
amount of its 1997 Notes. Interest on the 1997 Notes is payable semiannually in
cash, on each June 1 and December 1.
The 1997 Notes are unsubordinated indebtedness of ITC/\DeltaCom, ranking pari
passu in right of payment with all of our existing and future unsubordinated
indebtedness, including the March 1998 Notes and the November 1998 Notes. At
December 31, 1998, approximately $20.0 million of the net proceeds from the sale
of the 1997 Notes were being held in a pledged account as security for and to
fund the balance of the first six interest payments on the 1997 Notes.
22
The 1997 Notes will mature on June 1, 2007. The 1997 Notes are redeemable at
our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 1, 2002, initially
at 105.5% of their principal amount, declining ratably to 100% of their
principal amount, plus accrued interest, on or after June 1, 2004.
The indenture pursuant to which the 1997 Notes were issued (the "1997 Note
Indenture") contains certain covenants that affect, and in certain cases
significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, ITC/\DeltaCom's ability to
incur indebtedness, pay dividends, prepay subordinated indebtedness, repurchase
capital stock, make investments, engage in transactions with stockholders and
affiliates, create liens, sell assets and engage in mergers and consolidations.
If ITC/\DeltaCom fails to comply with these covenants, ITC/\DeltaCom's
obligation to repay the 1997 Notes may be accelerated. However, these
limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions.
In particular, while the 1997 Note Indenture restricts ITC/\DeltaCom's ability
to incur additional indebtedness by requiring compliance with specified leverage
ratios, it permits ITC/\ DeltaCom and its subsidiaries to incur an unlimited
amount of additional indebtedness to finance the acquisition of equipment,
inventory and network assets and up to $100.0 million of additional
indebtedness.
Upon a "Change of Control" of ITC/\DeltaCom (as defined in the 1997 Note
Indenture), ITC/\ DeltaCom will be required to make an offer to purchase the
1997 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus
accrued interest.
March 1998 Notes
On March 3, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the sale of $160.0 million principal
amount of its March 1998 Notes. Interest on the March 1998 Notes is payable
semiannually in cash, on each March 1 and September 1.
The March 1998 Notes are unsubordinated indebtedness of ITC/\DeltaCom, ranking
pari passu in right of payment with all of our existing and future
unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 1997 Notes and the November 1998
Notes.
The March 1998 Notes will mature on March 1, 2008. The March 1998 Notes are
redeemable at ITC/\DeltaCom's option, in whole or in part, at any time on or
after March 1, 2003, initially at 104.4375% of their principal amount, declining
ratably to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, on or after
March 1, 2006.
The indenture pursuant to which the March 1998 Notes were issued (the "March
1998 Note Indenture") contains certain covenants that affect, and in certain
cases significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to incur
indebtedness, pay dividends, prepay subordinated indebtedness, repurchase
capital stock, make investments, engage in transactions with stockholders and
affiliates, create liens, sell assets and engage in mergers and consolidations.
If we fail to comply with these covenants, our obligation to repay the March
1998 Notes may be accelerated. However, these limitations are subject to a
number of important qualifications and exceptions. In particular, while the
March 1998 Note Indenture restricts our ability to incur additional indebtedness
by requiring compliance with specified leverage ratios, it permits us and our
subsidiaries to incur an unlimited amount of additional indebtedness to finance
the acquisition of equipment, inventory and network assets and up to $150.0
million of additional indebtedness.
Upon a "Change of Control" of ITC/\DeltaCom (as defined in the March 1998
Note Indenture), ITC/\DeltaCom will be required to make an offer to purchase the
March 1998 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount,
plus accrued interest.
23
November 1998 Notes
On November 5, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the sale of $125.0 million
principal amount of its November 1998 Notes. Interest on the November 1998
Notes is payable semiannually in cash, on each May 15 and November 15.
The November 1998 Notes are unsubordinated indebtedness of ITC/\DeltaCom,
ranking pari passu in right of payment with all of our existing and future
unsubordinated indebtedness, including the 1997 Notes and the March 1998 Notes.
The November 1998 Notes will mature on November 15, 2008. The November 1998
Notes are redeemable at ITC/\DeltaCom's option, in whole or in part, at any time
on or after November 15, 2003, initially at 104.875% of their principal amount,
declining ratably to 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, on
or after November 15, 2006.
The indenture pursuant to which the November 1998 Notes were issued (the
"November 1998 Note Indenture") contains certain covenants that affect, and in
certain cases significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability
to incur indebtedness, pay dividends, prepay subordinated indebtedness,
repurchase capital stock, make investments, engage in transactions with
stockholders and affiliates, create liens, sell assets and engage in mergers and
consolidations. If ITC/\DeltaCom fails to comply with these covenants,
ITC/\DeltaCom's obligation to repay the November 1998 Notes may be accelerated.
However, these limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications
and exceptions. In particular, while the November 1998 Note Indenture restricts
our ability to incur additional indebtedness by requiring compliance with
specified leverage ratios, it permits us and our subsidiaries to incur an
unlimited amount of additional indebtedness to finance the acquisition of
equipment, inventory and network assets and up to $150.0 million of additional
indebtedness.
Upon a "Change of Control" of ITC/\DeltaCom (as defined in the November 1998
Note Indenture), ITC/\DeltaCom will be required to make an offer to purchase the
November 1998 Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount,
plus accrued interest.
24
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had over 1,100 full-time employees,
none of whom was represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining
agreement. ITC/\DeltaCom believes that its relationship with its employees is
good. In connection with the construction and maintenance of its fiber optic
network and the conduct of its other business operations, ITC/\DeltaCom uses
third party contractors, some of whose employees may be represented by unions or
covered by collective bargaining agreements.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following is a list of the executive officers of ITC/\DeltaCom, together
with biographical summaries of their experience. The ages of persons set forth
below are as of December 31, 1998.
NAME AGE POSITION(S) WITH COMPANY
Campbell B. Lanier, III 48 Chairman, Director
Andrew M. Walker 57 Chief Executive Officer, Director
Foster O. McDonald 36 President
Douglas A. Shumate 33 Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
Steven D. Moses 49 Senior Vice President-
Network Services
J. Thomas Mullis 55 Senior Vice President-
General Counsel, Secretary
Roger F. Woodward 46 Senior Vice President, Sales,
Marketing and Customer Support
Sara L. Plunkett 49 Vice President-Finance, Treasurer
Campbell B. Lanier, III has been Chairman of ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997.
Mr. Lanier also is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of ITC
Holding and has served as a director of ITC Holding since its inception in 1985
through a predecessor company. In addition, Mr. Lanier serves as a director of
Innotrac Corporation ("Innotrac") (a provider of marketing support services),
KNOLOGY Holdings, Inc. ("KNOLOGY") (a broadband telecommunications services
company) (formerly known as CyberNet Holding, Inc.), MindSpring Enterprises,
Inc. ("MindSpring") (a company that provides Internet services), Vista Eyecare,
Inc. (formerly known as National Vision Associates, Ltd.) (a full service
optical retailer) and K&G Men's Centers (a discount retailer of men's clothing),
Vice Chairman of the Board of AvData Systems, Inc. ("AvData") (a company
providing data communications networks) and Chairman of the Board of Powertel,
Inc. (formerly InterCel, Inc.) ("Powertel") (a wireless telecommunications
services company). He has served as a Managing Director of South Atlantic
Private Equity Fund IV, Limited Partnership since 1997.
Andrew M. Walker has been Chief Executive Officer of ITC/\DeltaCom since March
1997and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ITC/\DeltaCom since April
1998. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the managing partner
of each of Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet from November 1994 until
March 1997. Mr. Walker has served as a director of KNOLOGY since July 1996, and
he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of KNOLOGY from July 1996 to
February 1997. Mr. Walker worked for MCI from 1990 to 1994 as Vice President
Carrier Services. From 1986 to 1990, Mr. Walker served as a Division President
for Telecom*USA, Inc. Prior to 1986, Mr. Walker held different positions with
the Christian Broadcasting Network, M/A-Com and Comsat Laboratories.
25
Foster O. McDonald has been President of ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997. He
served as President of DeltaCom from January 1991 until March 1997. From
February 1996 until March 1997, Mr. McDonald also served as Chief Executive
Officer of DeltaCom. From May 1984 through December 1990, Mr. McDonald served as
Vice President and General Manager of DeltaCom. He also serves as a director of
Brindlee Mountain Telephone Company.
Douglas A. Shumate has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of ITC/\ DeltaCom since March 1997. He served as Chief Financial Officer of the
Managing Partners of each of Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet from
January 1995 until March 1997. From May 1991 to January 1995, he served as Vice
President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Interstate Telephone Company
("Interstate Telephone"), a local telephone service provider and wholly owned
subsidiary of ITC Holding. From December 1986 through April 1991, Mr. Shumate
was employed as a C.P.A. at Arthur Andersen LLP.
Steven D. Moses has been Senior Vice President-Network Services of
ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997. He served as Vice President of Interstate
FiberNet from January 1992 until April 1995 and Chief Operating Officer of
Interstate FiberNet from April 1995 until March 1997. From May 1991 to January
1992, Mr. Moses served as Director-Special Projects of Interstate Telephone and
Valley Telephone Company (a local telephone service provider and a wholly owned
subsidiary of ITC Holding).
J. Thomas Mullis has been Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
of ITC/\ DeltaCom since March 1997. Mr. Mullis served as General Counsel and
Secretary of DeltaCom from May 1985 to March 1997 and as Executive Vice
President of DeltaCom from January 1994 to November 1996. From November 1996 to
March 1997, he also served as Senior Vice President of DeltaCom. From January
1990 to December 1993, Mr. Mullis served as President, General Counsel and
Secretary of both Southern Interexchange Services, Inc. (a switched services
carrier) and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (a private line carriers'
carrier).
Roger F. Woodward has been Senior Vice President-Sales, Marketing and Customer
Support of ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997. Mr. Woodward served as Senior Vice
President-Sales of DeltaCom from October 1996 until March 1997. From March 1990
until July 1996, Mr. Woodward served in a variety of positions, including
Regional Sales Director and Vice President-Sales, with Allnet Communications,
Inc., which was acquired by Frontier in August 1995.
Sara L. Plunkett has been Vice President-Finance and Treasurer for
ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997. She served as Vice President-Finance of DeltaCom
from October 1996 until March 1997. From May 1989 through October 1996, she
served as Chief Financial Officer of DeltaCom.
26
RISK FACTORS
In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, set forth below are cautionary statements
identifying important factors that could cause our actual results to differ
materially from those projected in any of our forward-looking statements made by
or on behalf of us, whether oral or written. These forward-looking statements
can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes,"
"expects," "may," "will," "should," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or
other variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of
strategy that involve risks and uncertainties. We wish to ensure that any
forward-looking statements are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements
in order to maximize to the fullest extent possible the protections of the safe
harbor established in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Accordingly, any such statements are qualified in their entirety by reference
to, and are accompanied by, the following important factors, among others, that
could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in our
forward-looking statements.
We expect to continue to have operating losses and negative cash flow after
capital expenditures which may result in our failure to meet our working capital
and debt service requirements
As we have implemented our business strategy to expand our telecommunications
service offerings, expand our fiber optic network and enter new markets, we have
experienced operating losses and negative cash flow after capital expenditures.
We expect this will continue during the next several years as we continue to
expand our business and make substantial capital expenditures. If we cannot
achieve or sustain operating profitability and positive net cash flow, we may
not be able to obtain the funds necessary to continue our operations or to repay
amounts due on our outstanding indebtedness. We cannot assure you that we will
achieve or sustain profitability or positive net cash flow in the future. See
"--We May Not Have, or Be Able to Obtain, the Significant Amounts of Capital
That We Need to Expand Our Network, Operations and Services as Planned."
We may not have, or be able to obtain, the significant amounts of capital that
we need to expand our network, operations and services as planned
We need significant capital to expand our network, operations and services in
accordance with our business plans. We have continued to accelerate expansion of
our fiber optic network and our Retail Services segment for which we have made
significant capital expenditures. During 1998, we made capital expenditures of
approximately $148 million on a consolidated basis. We currently estimate that
our capital expenditures will total approximately $125 million in 1999. In
addition, we expect to make substantial capital expenditures after 1999 and are
in the process of evaluating those requirements. If our estimates are inaccurate
and/or we do not have access to the capital that we require, we will need to
change our business plans. This could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our planned capital expenditures primarily will be for:
. continued development and construction of our fiber optic network, including
transmission equipment;
. continued addition of facilities-based local telephone service to our bundle
of integrated telecommunications services, including acquisition and
installation of switches and related equipment;
. the addition of switching capacity, electrical equipment and additional
collocation space in connection with the expansion of our provision of local
telecommunications services to ISPs;
27
. market expansion; and
. infrastructure enhancements, principally for information systems.
We expect to have sufficient funds to enable us to expand our business as
currently planned through the second quarter of 2001. We believe that these
funds will be provided by:
. cash on hand, which amounted to approximately $184.2 million at December 31,
1998;
. cash flow from operations; and
. borrowings available under our $50.0 million Credit Facility with NationsBank.
However, we cannot assure you that our capital resources will permit us to fund
the planned expansion of our network, operations and services.
If our current sources of funds are unavailable to fund our business plans, we
may need to seek additional funds. These additional funds may come from public
and private equity and debt financings, but we cannot assure you that we will be
able to obtain any additional funds on a timely basis, on terms that are
acceptable to us or at all. Our inability to obtain the capital that we need to
implement our current business plans could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "--Description of
Significant Indebtedness."
After the second quarter of 2001, or sooner if our estimates are not accurate
for any reason, we may need to seek additional financing:
. to fund capital expenditures;
. for working capital;
. to fund new business activities related to our current and planned businesses;
and
. to acquire, or enter into joint ventures and strategic alliances with, other
businesses.
These additional funds may come from public and private equity and debt
financings, or from borrowing from one or more lenders. We cannot assure you
that we will be able to obtain any additional funds on a timely basis, on terms
that are acceptable to us, or at all. If we cannot generate or obtain these
additional funds, we may have to delay or abandon some or all of our future
plans or expenditures. This could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our estimate of future capital requirements is a "forward-looking statement"
within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The actual amount and timing of our future
capital requirements may differ substantially from our estimate due to factors
such as:
. regulatory, technological, or competitive developments;
. unforeseen delays;
. cost overruns;
. changes in demand for our services; and
. new market developments and opportunities.
28
We have significant debt and we may be unable to service that debt
We have significant debt. Set forth below are some of our recent results on a
consolidated basis, adjusted to reflect our issuance of the November 1998 Notes
as if it had occurred on the date, or at the beginning of the periods, shown.
Year ended Year ended
------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
At December 31, 1998 December 31, 1997 December 31, 1998
- ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------ ---------------------------------------
Indebtedness of $417.9 Earnings insufficient to cover Earnings insufficient to cover fixed
million fixed charges by $13.7 million charges by $32.4 million
Stockholders' equity of EBITDA, as adjusted, less capital EBITDA, as adjusted, less capital
$118.2 million expenditures and interest expense expenditures and interest expense
of negative $43.5 million of negative $156.7 million
See "Item 6. Selected Financial Data."
We cannot assure you that we will be able to improve our earnings before fixed
charges or that we will be able to meet our debt service obligations. We will be
in default under the terms of our debt obligations if:
. we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise obtain funds
necessary to make required payments or
. we otherwise fail to comply with the various covenants in our debt
obligations. A default would permit the holders of the indebtedness to
accelerate its maturity.
This, in turn, could cause defaults under our other indebtedness and would
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations. See "--Description of Significant Indebtedness."
Even if we are able to meet our debt service obligations, the amount of debt
we have could adversely affect us in a number of ways, including by:
. limiting our ability to obtain any necessary financing in the future for
working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements or other
purposes;
. limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our
business;
. placing us at a competitive disadvantage relative to our competitors who have
lower levels of debt;
. making us more vulnerable to a downturn in our business or the economy
generally; and
. requiring us to use a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to
pay principal and interest on our debt, instead of contributing those funds to
other purposes, such as working capital and capital expenditures.
To be able to meet our debt service requirements we must successfully
implement our business strategy. Therefore, we will need to:
. expand our network;
29
. obtain and retain a significant number of customers; and
. experience significant and sustained growth in our cash flow.
We cannot assure you that we will successfully implement our business strategy
or that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operating
activities to meet our debt service obligations and working capital
requirements. Our ability to meet our obligations will be dependent upon our
future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic conditions and
to financial, business and other factors.
If the implementation of our business strategy is delayed or unsuccessful, or
if we do not generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service and working
capital requirements, we may need to seek additional financing. If we are unable
to obtain such financing on terms that are acceptable to us, we could be forced
to dispose of assets to make up for any shortfall in the payments due on our
indebtedness under circumstances that might not be favorable to realizing the
highest price for those assets. A substantial portion of our assets consist of
intangible assets, the value of which will depend upon a variety of factors,
including without limitation the success of our business. As a result, we cannot
assure you that our assets could be sold quickly enough, or for amounts
sufficient, to meet our obligations.
Our current indebtedness contains restrictive covenants
We are subject to restrictions under:
. the indenture pursuant to which our $125.0 million principal amount of 9-3/4%
Senior Notes due November 15, 2008 were issued;
. the indenture pursuant to which our $160.0 million principal amount of 8-7/8%
Senior Notes due March 1, 2008 were issued;
. the indenture pursuant to which our $200.0 million principal amount of 11%
Senior Notes due June 1, 2007 were issued; and
. the Credit Facility.
These restrictions affect, and in certain cases significantly limit or
prohibit, among other things, our ability and the ability of our subsidiaries
to:
. incur additional indebtedness;
. create liens;
. make investments;
. issue stock; and
. sell assets.
The November 1998 Note Indenture, the March 1998 Note Indenture and the 1997
Note Indenture (collectively, the "Indentures") restrict our ability to incur
indebtedness, other than indebtedness to finance the acquisition of equipment,
inventory or network assets, by requiring compliance with specified leverage
ratios. In addition, if and when we borrow funds under the Credit Facility, the
Credit Facility will require us to maintain certain financial ratios. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to maintain the required ratios following such
borrowing. In addition, these restrictive covenants may adversely affect our
ability to finance our future operations or capital
30
needs, or to engage in other business activities that may be in our interest.
See "--Description of Significant Indebtedness."
We may not be able to manage our growth successfully
The expansion and development of our business will depend upon, among other
things, our ability to:
. successfully implement our sales and marketing strategy;
. evaluate markets;
. design fiber routes;
. secure financing;
. install facilities;
. acquire rights of way;
. obtain any required government authorizations;
. interconnect to, and collocate with, facilities owned by incumbent local
exchange carriers; and
. obtain appropriately priced unbundled network elements and wholesale services
from the incumbent local exchange carriers.
These all must be accomplished in a timely manner, at reasonable cost and on
satisfactory terms and conditions. Our rapid growth, particularly in the
provision of Retail Services, has placed, and the growth we anticipate in our
other services may in the future also place, a significant strain on our
administrative, operational and financial resources. Our ability to continue to
manage our growth successfully will require us to:
. enhance our operational, management, financial and information systems and
controls; and
. hire and retain qualified sales, marketing, administrative, operating and
technical personnel.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so. In addition, as we
increase our service offerings and expand our targeted markets, there will be
additional demands on customer support, sales and marketing, administrative
resources and network infrastructure. These demands will be intensified if we
continue to accelerate our expansion plans. Our inability to manage our growth
effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Development and expansion of our business, including through acquisitions, is
subject to regulatory and market risks
The successful implementation of our business strategy to provide an
integrated bundle of telecommunications services and expand our operations will
be subject to a variety of risks, including:
. competition and pricing;
31
. the availability of capital on favorable terms;
. regulatory uncertainties;
. operating and technical problems;
. the need to establish and maintain interconnection and collocation
arrangements with incumbent local exchange carriers in our target markets; and
. the potential difficulties of offering local exchange services.
In addition, the expansion of our business may involve acquisitions of other
telecommunications businesses and assets that, if made, could divert our
resources and management time and could require integration with our existing
operations. We cannot assure you that any acquisitions could be successfully
integrated into our operations or that any acquired business will perform as
expected. Our failure to implement our expansion and growth strategy
successfully would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
Our business is subject to significant competitive pressures
Our industry is highly competitive, and the level of competition, particularly
with respect to pricing, is increasing. For example, prices for long distance
services and for data transmission services have declined substantially in
recent years. These prices are expected to continue to decline, which will
adversely affect our gross margins as a percentage of revenues. In addition,
many of our existing and potential competitors have financial, technical and
other resources and customer bases and name recognition far greater than our
own. We cannot assure you that we will be able to achieve or maintain adequate
market share or revenues, or compete effectively in any of our markets.
. We face intense competition from incumbent local exchange carriers,
especially Bellsouth
Local telephone and intraLATA long distance services substantially similar to
those that we offer are also offered by the incumbent local exchange carriers
serving the markets that we serve or plan to serve. BellSouth is the incumbent
local exchange carrier and a particularly strong competitor in most of these
markets. BellSouth and other incumbent local exchange carriers already have
relationships with every customer. These carriers may be able to subsidize
services of the type we offer from service revenues not subject to effective
competition, which could result in even more intense price competition.
. Other competitors and technologies in our industries may further increase
competition
Providers of long distance services and Carriers' Carrier Services. We
-------------------------------------------------------------------
compete with long distance carriers in the provision of interLATA long distance
services and Carriers' Carrier Services. The interLATA long distance market
consists of three major competitors, AT&T, MCI WorldCom and Sprint. Other
companies operate or are building networks in the southern United States and
other geographic areas. Our other competitors in the long distance services and
Carriers' Carrier Services markets are likely to include RBOCs providing out-of-
region and, with the future removal of regulatory barriers, in-region long
distance services, other competitive local exchange carriers, microwave and
satellite carriers, and private networks owned by large end-users. We also
compete with direct marketers, equipment vendors and installers, and
telecommunications management companies with respect to certain portions of our
business.
32
Wireless providers. In the future, providers of wireless services may offer
-------------------
products that increasingly become a substitute for, rather than only supplement,
a customer's wireline communications services. Competition with providers of
wireless telecommunications services may be intense. Many of our potential
wireless competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing,
sales, manufacturing and distribution resources than our own. In recent years,
the FCC has made additional spectrum available through public auction for use in
wireless communications, including broadband local loops.
New transmission technologies. We also may increasingly face competition
------------------------------
from companies offering long distance data and voice services over the Internet.
Such companies could enjoy a significant cost advantage because at present they
do not pay carrier access charges or universal service fees. Other competitors
are also deploying new transmission technologies in their networks to upgrade
capacity and reduce costs. For example, in June 1998, Sprint announced its
intention to offer voice, data and video services over its nationwide ATM
network, which Sprint anticipates will significantly reduce its cost to provide
such services. Sprint plans to bill its customers based upon the amount of
traffic carried, without regard to the time required to send the traffic or the
traffic's destination. Other advanced networks are being deployed by other
carriers.
Competitive local exchange carriers. We will face competition in the markets
------------------------------------
in which we operate from one or more competitive local exchange carriers
operating fiber optic networks, in some cases in conjunction with the local
cable television operator. AT&T, MCI WorldCom, Sprint and others have begun to
offer local telecommunications services, either directly or in conjunction with
other competitive local exchange carriers in certain locations, and are expected
to expand that activity as opportunities created by the Telecommunications Act
develop. BellSouth has announced plans to provide local service in areas of its
region where it is not the incumbent local exchange carrier, and to establish
its own less regulated "competitive local exchange carrier" subsidiaries.
. Business combinations and strategic alliances may increase competition
A continuing trend toward business combinations and strategic alliances in the
telecommunications industry may further increase competition. For example, the
national long distance carrier WorldCom has merged with MCI. WorldCom also has
acquired competitive local exchange carriers, including MFS Communications
Company, Inc. and Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc. AT&T has acquired another
competitive local exchange carrier, Teleport Communications Group Inc., as well
as Tele-Communications, Inc., a major cable television operator, and has
announced plans to provide services in conjunction with Time Warner Inc. AT&T
has also announced plans to enter into a joint venture with British
Telecommunications plc to combine the international assets and operations of
each company, including their existing international networks. On May 11, 1998,
SBC and Ameritech announced their merger which, if approved, would mean that the
seven original RBOCs have been reduced to four. Other proposed or completed
acquisitions include:
. Qwest's acquisition of LCI International, Inc. in June 1998 which created the
nation's fourth-largest long distance carrier
. Bell Atlantic's proposed acquisiton of GTE announced in July 1998
. SBC's proposed strategic alliance with Williams Communcations
These types of strategic alliances and business combinations could put us at a
significant competitive disadvantage.
. Recent legislation and regulation may also increase competition
Long distance services. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 creates the
-----------------------
foundation for increased competition in the long distance market from the
incumbent local exchange carriers. Such competition could affect the successful
implementation of our business plans. For example, certain
33
provisions of the Telecommunications Act eliminate previous prohibitions on the
provision of both retail and carriers' carrier interLATA long distance services
by the RBOCs, subject to compliance by such companies with requirements set
forth in the Telecommunications Act and implemented by the FCC. The FCC has
rejected RBOC applications to provide interLATA services, including applications
from BellSouth covering the states of South Carolina and Louisiana. However, the
FCC, states and other parties are actively considering actions that could
expedite approval of interLATA service. BellSouth has filed new applications to
provide such service in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and North Carolina and is
expected to apply for authority in other states in the near future. In addition,
legislation to relax the interLATA restriction may be considered in Congress. We
could be adversely affected if the RBOCs, and particularly BellSouth, are
allowed to provide wireline interLATA long distance services within their own
regions before local competition is established.
Broadband local services. The FCC has proposed new rules that would give the
-------------------------
major incumbent local exchange carriers more freedom in these areas if they
offer such services through separate subsidiaries. Specifically, incumbent local
exchange carriers would be allowed to offer advanced data services through such
subsidiaries without dominant carrier regulation and without the obligation to
make network facilities and services of that affiliate available to competitors.
The FCC is expected to take action on this matter during 1999. We are evaluating
how such actions would impact our ability to compete with BellSouth and other
incumbent local exchange carriers. In a related development, cable operators
are beginning to offer customers broadband access to the Internet, and AT&T has
made arrangements to acquire the use of such cable network for
telecommunications services on an exclusive basis. ITC/\DeltaCom could be
adversely affected if in the future it is not able to offer broadband services
to certain customers due to limitations on its ability to reach such customers
over broadband local network facilities.
Additional flexibility for incumbent local exchange carriers. The FCC is
-------------------------------------------------------------
considering proposed new policies and rules that would grant the incumbent local
exchange carriers additional flexibility in the pricing of interstate access
services, and states are considering or are expected to consider incumbent local
exchange carrier requests for similar regulatory relief with respect to
intrastate services. Such flexibility is likely to come first for services
offered in the business market. Any pricing flexibility or other significant
deregulation of the incumbent local exchange carriers could have a material
adverse effect on our business. If the incumbent local exchange carriers are
permitted to engage in increased volume and discount pricing practices prior to
full competition in local services, or if the incumbent local exchange carriers
seek to delay implementation of interconnection by competitors to their networks
or charge excessive interconnection fees, our results of operations and
financial condition could be adversely affected.
Access charges; universal service. We also could be adversely affected by
----------------------------------
FCC or state regulatory decisions affecting access charges and universal
service. Such decisions could increase our costs of providing service or limit
our ability to recover those costs from rates charged to customers. The effect
on us would be particularly adverse to the extent that it bears a
disproportionate share of these costs compared to its competitors. These matters
are the subject of ongoing regulation, and important issues regarding the future
of access and universal service charges remain to be resolved.
We face significant challenges in offering local services, including the need to
make significant investments and compete with established providers
We will have to continue to make significant operating and capital
investments, and address numerous operating complexities, to implement our local
exchange services strategy. We are required to:
. develop new products, services and systems;
. develop new marketing initiatives;
34
. train our sales force in connection with selling these services; and
. implement the necessary billing and collecting systems for these services.
In addition, we expect to continue to face significant pricing and product
competition from the RBOCs, whose core business is providing local dial tone
service and who are currently the dominant providers of services in their
markets. We also will face significant competitive product and pricing pressures
from other incumbent local exchange carriers and from other companies like us
which attempt to compete in the local services market.
We also expect that the addition of local service to our bundle of
telecommunications services will continue to have a negative impact on our gross
margin as a percentage of revenues. This is because the gross margin on the
resale of local services through incumbent local exchange carrier facilities is
lower than the gross margin on our other lines of business. Gross margin means
gross revenues less cost of services.
The long distance transmission industry is subject to pricing pressures and
risks of industry over-capacity
Since shortly after the AT&T divestiture in 1984, the long distance
transmission industry generally has experienced over-capacity and declining
prices. These trends have exerted downward pressure affecting our Carriers'
Carrier Services and we anticipate that prices for our Carriers' Carrier
Services will continue to decline over the next several years. Dramatic and
substantial price reductions in the long distance industry could force us to
reduce our prices significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We expect these price declines will occur because:
. some long distance carriers are expanding their capacity generally;
. other existing long distance carriers and potential new carriers are
constructing new fiber optic and other long distance transmission networks in
the southern United States, and BellSouth is likely to receive authority to
use its excess capacity to market in-region interLATA services;
. expansion and new construction of transmission networks is likely to create
substantial excess capacity relative to demand in the short or medium term.
Persons building such lines are likely to install fiber that provides
substantially more transmission capacity than will be needed because the cost
of the actual fiber is a relatively small portion of the overall cost of
constructing new lines;
. recent technological advances may also greatly expand the capacity of existing
and new fiber optic cable; and
. the marginal cost of carrying an additional call over existing fiber optic
cable is extremely low.
An increase in the capacity of our competitors could adversely affect our
business, even if we are also able to increase our capacity. If industry
capacity expands so much that available capacity exceeds overall demand along
any of our routes, severe additional pricing pressure could develop. See "--Our
Business is Subject to Significant Competitive Pressures."
35
The local and long distance industries are subject to significant government
regulation, and the regulations may change
We are required to obtain authorizations from the FCC and state public utility
commissions to offer some of our telecommunications services. We are also
required to file tariffs for many of our services and to comply with local
license or permit requirements relating to installation and operation of our
network. Any of the following could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition:
. failure to maintain proper federal and state tariffs;
. failure to maintain proper state certifications;
. failure to comply with federal, state or local laws and regulations;
. failure to obtain and maintain required licenses and permits;
. burdensome license or permit requirements to operate in public rights-of-way;
and
. burdensome or adverse regulatory requirements or developments.
In addition, we recently entered the newly-created competitive local
telecommunications services industry. The local telephone services market was
opened to competition through the passage of the Telecommunications Act in 1996
and subsequent state and federal regulatory actions arising from the
Telecommunications Act. Because the FCC and the states are still implementing
many of the rules and policies necessary for local telephone competition, and
addressing other related issues, it is uncertain how successful the
Telecommunications Act will be in creating local competition. There is little
practical experience under the decisions that have been made to date. If we are
required to change or delay our offering of local services as a result of
changes in regulatory requirements, we may experience adverse effects on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
We depend on access service from incumbent local exchange carriers to provide
long distance and interexchange private services, and we could be adversely
affected if we do not benefit from reduced access charges at least as much as
our competitors
We depend on incumbent local exchange carriers to provide access service for
the origination and termination of our toll long distance traffic and
interexchange private lines. Historically, charges for such access service have
made up a significant percentage of the overall cost of providing long distance
service. In 1998, the FCC implemented changes to its interstate access rules
that, among other things, have reduced per-minute access charges and substituted
new per-line flat rate monthly charges. The FCC also approved reductions in
overall access rates, and established new rules to recover subsidies to support
universal service and other public policies. Additional access charge
adjustments will be implemented in the future. The impact of these changes on us
or our competitors is not yet clear. We could be adversely affected if we do not
experience access cost reductions proportionally equivalent to those of our
competitors. Insofar as new Internet-based competitors continue to be exempt
from these charges, they could enjoy a significant cost advantage in this area.
If we are unable to interconnect with Bellsouth and incumbent local exchange
carriers on acceptable terms, our ability to offer local telephone services will
be adversely affected
In August 1996, the FCC adopted rules and policies (1) implementing the local
competition provisions of the Telecommunications Act and (2) imposing
obligations on the incumbent local exchange carriers, including the RBOCs, to
enter into interconnection agreements with new
36
competitive entrants like ITC/\DeltaCom. We depend on our interconnection
agreements with incumbent local exchange carriers such as BellSouth, GTE and
Sprint to:
. provide local telephone service through access to local loops, termination
service and, in some markets, central office switches of such carriers;
. resell local telephone services that we obtain from the incumbent local
exchange carriers on a wholesale basis; and
. obtain operational support to ensure timely delivery to us of network elements
and wholesale services from the incumbent local exchange carriers.
In January 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the FCC's authority to adopt
and implement these rules, but many aspects of such implementation remain to be
determined. For example, the FCC will be reconsidering the circumstances in
which it is necessary for new carriers to use particular network elements of the
incumbent exchange carriers. Any restriction on the availability of network
elements could have a materially adverse effect on ITC/\DeltaCom.
Incumbent local exchange carriers meet their obligations under the
Telecommunications Act through the use of interconnection agreements negotiated
with competitive local exchange carriers under regulatory supervision. Such
agreements have been the subject of ongoing disputes, and key issues remain
open. Our ability to successfully negotiate interconnection agreements on a
timely basis and on favorable terms is critical to our ability to provide local
services on a competitive and profitable basis. We cannot assure you that we
will be able to enter into or renew interconnection agreements that permit us to
offer local services at rates that are both profitable and competitive. Any
successful effort by the incumbent local exchange carriers to deny or
substantially limit our access to their network elements or wholesale services
would have a material adverse effect on our ability to provide local telephone
services. This would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
Our interconnection agreement with BellSouth is our most significant
interconnection agreement, enabling us to provide local services in all nine
markets in which BellSouth operates. That agreement currently allows us to
provide local service on a resale basis or by purchasing all unbundled network
elements required to provide local service on a facilities basis, without having
to buy or build our own facilities. The terms of that interconnection agreement,
including interim pricing terms to which we and BellSouth have agreed, have been
approved by state regulatory authorities in all states in which BellSouth
operates. These interim pricing terms remain subject to review and modification
by such authorities. In addition, the BellSouth interconnection agreement does
not resolve all operational issues. We and BellSouth are continuing to negotiate
to resolve those issues.
The BellSouth interconnection agreement expires on July 1, 1999. We have begun
negotiations with BellSouth to renew the terms of the interconnection agreement.
In the event we fail to agree with BellSouth on renewal terms by July 1, 1999,
the agreement provides that the parties will continue to exchange traffic under
the current agreement until such time as renewal terms, conditions and prices
are ordered by a state commission or negotiated by the parties. The new terms,
conditions and prices would then be effective retroactive to July 1, 1999. We
cannot assure you that we will be able to renew the interconnection agreement
with BellSouth on favorable terms, or at all.
Under the Telecommunications Act, the RBOCs will not be permitted to provide
in-region interLATA long distance services until there is adequate competition
in the local services industry. This provides some incentive to the RBOCs to
provide access to their facilities to competitive new entrants such as
ITC/\DeltaCom. We cannot assure you, however, that once BellSouth or other RBOCs
are permitted to offer long distance service, they will continue to be willing
to enter into
37
interconnection agreements with us that will enable us to provide local services
on competitive and profitable terms.
We are dependent upon rights of way and other third party agreements to expand
and maintain our fiber optic network
To construct and maintain our fiber optic network, we have obtained easements,
rights of way, franchises and licenses from various private parties, including
actual and potential competitors and local governments. We cannot assure you
that we will continue to have access to existing rights of way and franchises
after the expiration of our current agreements, or that we will obtain
additional rights necessary to extend our network on reasonable terms. If a
franchise, license or lease agreement were terminated and we were forced to
remove or abandon a significant portion of our network, such termination could
have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and
financial condition. Similarly, our business plans could be adversely affected
if our network expansion is hindered through delays or denials of rights of way,
easements or related licenses on competitive terms.
We are dependent on our network infrastructure, portions of which we do not own
Network agreements may be terminated. We have effectively extended our
-------------------------------------
network with minimal capital expenditures by entering into marketing and
management agreements with three southern public utility companies to sell long-
haul private line services on the fiber optic networks owned by these companies.
Under these agreements, which have remaining terms ranging from three to six
years, we generally earn a commission based upon a percentage of the gross
revenues generated by the sale of capacity on the utility's networks. We also
have an agreement to buy and sell capacity with Carolinas Fibernet, which
manages fiber optic facilities in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Cancellation or non-renewal of any of these agreements could materially
adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
Some of our agreements are non-exclusive. In addition, two of our three
-----------------------------------------
agreements with the public utility companies are nonexclusive, and we may
encounter competition for capacity on the utilities' networks from other service
providers that enter into comparable arrangements with the utilities. Any
reduction in the amount of capacity that is made available to us could adversely
affect us. To the extent that we are unable to establish similar arrangements in
new markets, we may be required to make additional capital expenditures to
extend our fiber optic network.
We may experience network equipment failures or cable cuts. Our business
-----------------------------------------------------------
also could be materially adversely affected by a cable cut or equipment failure
in our fiber optic network. A substantial portion of our owned and managed fiber
optic network is not protected by electronic redundancy in the event of a total
cable cut. Electronic redundancy enables us to reroute traffic to another fiber
in the same fiber sheath in the event of a partial fiber cut or electronics
failure.
We are dependent on certain large customers for a significant percentage of our
revenues and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain those customers
The table below sets forth, for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998,
the percentage of our consolidated revenues accounted for by our two largest
Carriers' Carrier customers and our five largest Retail Services customers.
38
Year ended Year ended
-------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
December 31, 1997 December 31, 1998
-------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Two largest Carriers' Carrier Approximately 12.5% of Approximately 13.1% of
customers consolidated revenues consolidated revenues
Five largest Retail Services Approximately 10.0% of Approximately 8.5% of
customers consolidated revenues consolidated revenues
We cannot assure you that we will be able to retain our customers. The loss
of, or a significant decrease of business from, any of our largest customers
would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
For both Carriers' Carrier Services and Retail Services, our customers
generally have concurrent arrangements with more than one service provider. This
enables our customers to reduce their use of our services and switch to other
providers without incurring significant expense. Our agreements with our
customers generally provide that the customer may terminate service without
penalty in the event of specified types of outages in service and for other
defined causes. As of December 31, 1998, our Carriers' Carrier business had
remaining future long-term contract commitments totaling approximately $139.7
million. Some of those contractual commitments provide that, if the customer is
offered lower pricing with respect to any circuit by another carrier, the
customer's commitment to us will be reduced to the extent we do not match the
price for such circuit and the customer purchases such circuit from the other
carrier.
We are dependent on sophisticated billing, customer service and information
systems
We depend on sophisticated information and processing systems to grow, monitor
costs, bill customers, provision customer orders and achieve operating
efficiencies. As we increase our provision of dial tone and switched local
access services, the need for enhanced billing and information systems will also
increase. Our inability to identify adequately all of our information and
processing needs, or to upgrade systems as necessary, could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to reach our objectives and on our financial
condition and results of operations.
Failure to obtain Year 2000 compliance may have adverse effects on us
The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs using two digits,
rather than four, to define the applicable year. Because of this programming
convention, software, hardware or firmware may recognize a date using "00" as
the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result in system failures,
miscalculations or errors causing disruptions of operations or other business
problems, including, among others, a temporary inability to process
transactions, send invoices, or engage in similar normal business activities.
Our Year 2000 readiness program is described below. However, we cannot know the
actual effects of the Year 2000 issue on our business and operations until the
Year 2000. If we and/or our major vendors, third party network service
providers, and other material service providers and customers fail to adequately
address our respective Year 2000 issues in a timely manner, this could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial
condition.
We have undertaken a comprehensive program to address the Year 2000 issue with
respect to the following:
. our information technology and operating systems, including our network
switching, customer service, call detail and billing systems;
39
. our non-information technology systems, such as buildings, plant, equipment
and other infrastructure systems that may contain embedded microcontroller
technology;
. the systems of our major vendors, third party network service providers and
other material service providers, insofar as they relate to our business; and
. our major Carriers' Carrier and Retail Services customers.
Our Year 2000 program involves:
. a wide-ranging assessment of the Year 2000 problems that may affect us;
. the development of remedies to address the problems discovered in the
assessment phase;
. testing of the remedies; and
. the preparation of contingency plans to deal with worst case scenarios.
As part of the assessment phase of this program, we have identified
substantially all of the major components of the systems described above. To
determine the extent to which those systems are vulnerable to the Year 2000
issue, we:
. evaluated our internally developed software applications; and
. made inquiries of substantially all of our significant hardware, software and
other equipment vendors, third party network service providers, other material
service providers and material customers requesting detailed, written
information related to Year 2000 compliance.
To date, we have received and analyzed responses from a substantial majority
of our major vendors and service providers and from our significant Carriers'
Carrier and Retail Services customers. We are investigating, and intend to
closely monitor, the Year 2000 readiness of the three public utilities that own
and operate approximately 3,650 miles of our approximately 7,800-mile fiber
optic network. All of those utilities have indicated that they are addressing
the issue. In addition, we have begun to follow up with respect to those
entities that have not yet responded to our Year 2000 inquiries.
Based upon the results to date of our assessment efforts, we have begun our
remediation and testing phase. We intend to complete this phase by the second
quarter of 1999. After we complete our internal, integrated systems testing, we
intend to conduct laboratory-simulated integrated systems testing in an effort
to demonstrate Year 2000 compliance of our systems as they interface with
external systems and equipment of major vendors, third party network providers,
other material service providers and customers. We have begun to develop
contingency plans to handle our most reasonably-likely worst case Year 2000
scenarios, which have not yet been identified fully. We intend to complete our
determination of worst case scenarios after we have received and analyzed
responses to substantially all of the inquiries we have made. Following that
phase, we intend to develop a timetable for completing our contingency plans.
Through the end of 1998, we incurred approximately $1.1 million in costs for
our Year 2000 program. We currently estimate that, in 1999, we will incur
additional expenses which are not expected to exceed approximately $1.0 million
to complete our Year 2000 compliance work. These costs, which may vary from the
estimates, have been, and will continue to be, expensed as incurred.
40
We are subject to risks associated with rapid changes in technology
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in
technology. In addition, we may be required to select in advance one emerging
technology over another, but it will be impossible to predict with any
certainty, at the time we are required to make our investment, which technology
will prove to be the most economic, efficient or capable of attracting customer
usage. Unexpected developments, or our failure to adapt to them, could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain key personnel
Our business is currently managed by a small number of key management and
operating personnel. We do not have any employment agreements with, nor do we
maintain "key man" insurance on, these employees. The loss of the services of
key personnel, or the inability to attract, recruit and retain sufficient or
additional qualified personnel, could have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operating results could vary significantly from period to period primarily
due to high expenses
Our revenues and operating results could vary significantly from period to
period for many reasons, including:
. significant expenses associated with the construction and expansion of our
network and services;
. competition and regulatory developments;
. changes in market growth rates for our products and services;
. availability or announcement of alternative technologies; and
. general economic conditions.
These factors and any resulting fluctuations in our operating results will
make period to period comparisons of our financial condition less meaningful and
could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
We have several large stockholders who may influence our affairs
As of December 31, 1998, Campbell B. Lanier, III beneficially owned
approximately 16% of the outstanding common stock. See "Item 12. Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management." To the extent that Mr.
Lanier exercises his voting and investment rights in concert with other
stockholders, Mr. Lanier and such other stockholders may be able to exercise
control over our business by virtue of their voting power with respect to the
election of directors and other actions requiring stockholder approval.
We do not pay dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock and we
do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See "Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder MattersDividend
Policy." Additionally, our Indentures and our Credit
41
Facility contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. See
"--Description of Significant Indebtedness."
Several provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could have
effects that conflict with the interests of our stockholders
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a
third party to acquire control of us, even if such change in control would be
beneficial to our stockholders. In particular, the classification of our Board
of Directors may delay or impede the removal of incumbent directors and
therefore could have the effect of delaying a change in control. In addition,
the Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board of Directors to issue
shares of our preferred stock, in one or more series, without further
stockholder approval and upon such terms and conditions, and having such rights,
privileges and preferences, as the Board of Directors may determine. Any such
issuances of preferred stock could make it more difficult for a third party to
acquire control of us.
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated signficantly
The market price of our common stock has fluctuated over a wide range since it
began trading publicly after our initial public offering in October 1997. The
market price may continue to fluctuate in the future. See "Item 5. Market for
Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters."
The market price of our common stock could be subject to significant
fluctuations in response to various factors and events, including, among other
things,
. the depth and liquidity of the trading market for our common stock
. quarterly variations in actual or anticipated operating results and growth
rates
. changes in estimates by analysts
. market conditions in the industry
. announcements by competitors
. regulatory actions and
. general economic conditions.
In addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced significant
price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated to the operating
performance of companies. These fluctuations have particularly affected the
market prices of the stocks of telecommunications companies.
Any of these events would likely result in a material adverse effect on the
market price of our common stock.
42
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
ITC/\DeltaCom leases its corporate headquarters space in West Point, Georgia
from KNOLOGY. See "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
Construction of ITC/\DeltaCom's new corporate headquarters office in West Point,
Georgia is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 1999. ITC/\DeltaCom
also owns a switch site in Birmingham, Alabama and leases space for a network
operations center and a switch site in Arab, Alabama. ITC/\DeltaCom also leases
space for its switch sites in:
. Columbia, South Carolina
. Ocala, Florida
. Gulfport, Mississippi
. Atlanta, Georgia
In the third quarter of 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the construction of a
multi-service facility in Anniston, Alabama to function as a centralized
switching control center for ITC/\ DeltaCom's network and an operator services
center. In the fourth quarter of 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the construction
of an administrative office in Arab, Alabama.
ITC/\DeltaCom operates branch offices in:
. Atlanta (two offices) and Columbus, Georgia
. Pensacola, Ocala, Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida
. Columbia, Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina
. Charlotte, North Carolina
. New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana
. Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi
. Little Rock, Arkansas
. Huntsville, Mobile, Dothan, Florence, Montgomery, Anniston and Birmingham,
Alabama
The leases for these offices expire from 1999 through 2003.
As part of its fiber optic network and switched service system, ITC/\DeltaCom
owns or leases rights of way, land, office space and towers throughout the
southern United States.
ITC/\DeltaCom owns land and microwave transmission towers at various locations
in Alabama.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to lease or purchase additional office space and
switching and other network facilities in connection with the planned expansion
of its telecommunications network system.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that all of its properties are well maintained.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
ITC/\DeltaCom is a party to legal proceedings in the ordinary course of its
business, including disputes with contractors or vendors, which ITC/\DeltaCom
believes are not material to ITC/\ DeltaCom or its business. ITC/\DeltaCom also
is a party to regulatory proceedings affecting the relevant segments of the
communications industry generally.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
None.
43
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Price range of common stock
ITC/\DeltaCom completed its initial public offering on October 29, 1997, at a
price per share of common stock of $8.25. The common stock is traded on The
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "ITCD." The following table sets forth
for the periods indicated the high and low sales prices per share of the common
stock as reported by The Nasdaq National Market.
1997 High Low
- ---- -------- -------
Fourth Quarter (from October 23, 1997) $10.188 $ 6.938
1998 High Low
- ---- -------- -------
First Quarter $16.625 $ 8.312
Second Quarter 21.500 13.312
Third Quarter 25.500 14.500
Fourth Quarter 20.500 8.500
On March 22, 1999, the last reported sale price of the common stock on The
Nasdaq National Market was $19.375 per share and there were 708 holders of
record of the common stock.
Dividend Policy
ITC/\DeltaCom has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its capital
stock and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its common stock in the
foreseeable future. It is the current policy of the Board of Directors to retain
earnings to finance the expansion of ITC/\DeltaCom's operations. Future
declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be determined in light of the
then-current conditions, including ITC/\DeltaCom's earnings, operations, capital
requirements, financial condition, restrictions in financing agreements and
other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Additionally, the
Indentures and the Credit Facility contain restrictions on ITC/\DeltaCom's
ability to pay dividends. See "Item 1. Business -- Description of Significant
Indebtedness."
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
None.
44
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data for
ITC/\DeltaCom. The selected historical statement of operations data for each of
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and the selected
historical balance sheet data for the years then ended, have been derived from
the consolidated financial statements that have been audited by Arthur Andersen
LLP, independent public accountants.
(In thousands, except share data)
Year Ended December 31,
--------------------------------------
1994(a)(b) 1995 1996(c) 1997(d)(e) 1998
--------------- ------------ ----------------------- ----------- ------------
Income Statement Data:
Operating revenues $ 4,946 $ 5,751 $ 66,518 $ 114,590 $ 171,838
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Cost of services 2,485 3,149 38,756 54,550 82,979
Selling, operations, and
administration expense 948 1,627 18,876 38,255 64,901
Depreciation and amortization 738 1,268 6,438 18,332 30,887
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses 4,171 6,044 64,070 111,137 178,767
Operating income (loss) 775 (293) 2,448 3,453 (6,929)
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated subsidiaries (97) (258) (1,590) 0 0
Interest expense (274) (297) (6,173) (21,367) (32,828)
Interest and other income (other
expense) 82 41 172 4,251 7,397
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes,
preacquisition earnings (losses)
and extraordinary item 486 (807) (5,143) (13,663) (32,360)
Income tax provision (benefit) 113 (303) (1,233) (3,324) (6,454)
Preacquisition (earnings) loss (236) 0 0 74 0
Extraordinary item (net of tax) 0 0 0 (508) (8,436)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 137 $ (504) $ (3,910) $ (10,773) $ (34,342)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per
common share: (f)
Before extraordinary loss $0.00 $(0.01) $(0.10) $(0.26) $(0.51)
Extraordinary loss 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01) (0.16)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $0.00 $(0.01) $(0.10) $(0.27) $(0.67)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding (f) (g) 38,107,350 38,107,350 38,107,350 40,249,816 50,972,361
Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding (f) (g) 38,203,852 38,203,852 38,203,852 40,249,816 50,972,361
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital (deficit) $ 255 $ (242) $ 3,415 $ 116,446 $ 190,118
Total assets 20,062 20,922 113,208 386,104 587,517
Long-term debt, advances from ITC
Holding and capital lease obligations,
including current portions 4,014 3,144 75,443 203,889 417,934
Stockholders' equity 13,761 14,307 19,257 148,266 118,200
Other Financial Data:
Capital expenditures 3,704 1,806 6,173 43,874 147,842
Cash flows provided by
operating activities 979 1,437 8,189 6,302 9,512
Cash flows used in investing
activities 10,704 1,479 72,694 93,854 118,166
Cash flows provided by
financing activities 10,102 180 65,150 180,625 198,447
EBITDA, as adjusted (h) 1,513 975 8,886 21,785 23,958
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (i) 2.65x -- -- -- --
45
(a) Through August 17, 1994, ITC/\DeltaCom owned a 49% interest in Interstate
FiberNet and accounted for this investment under the equity method. On
August 17, 1994, ITC/\DeltaCom purchased the remaining 51% interest in
Interstate FiberNet. Interstate FiberNet's revenues and expenses have been
included in the consolidated statement of operations effective January 1,
1994, with the preacquisition earnings attributable to the previous owner
deducted to determine consolidated net income for 1994.
(b) On August 17, 1994, ITC/\DeltaCom entered into the Gulf States FiberNet
partnership. ITC/\ DeltaCom obtained a 36% general partnership interest, and
the investment was accounted for under the equity method.
(c) On January 29, 1996, ITC Holding purchased DeltaCom. DeltaCom's results of
operations are included in the historical statement of operations data since
the date of acquisition. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements.
(d) On March 27, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom purchased the Georgia Fiber Assets. The
results of operations for the Georgia Fiber Assets are included in the
consolidated statements of operations beginning March 27, 1997. See Note 11
to the consolidated financial statements.
(e) On March 27, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom purchased the remaining 64% partnership
interest in Gulf States FiberNet. Gulf States FiberNet's revenues and
expenses have been included in the consolidated statement of operations
data effective January 1, 1997 with the preacquisition loss attributable to
the previous owner deducted to determine the consolidated net loss for the
year ended December 31, 1997. See Note 11 to the consolidated financial
statements.
(f) On July 29, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom announced a two-for-one stock split of its
common stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend. The record
date for the Stock Split was August 18, 1998 and the payment date was
September 4, 1998. The common stock began trading giving effect to the
Stock Split on September 8, 1998. All references to number of shares,
except shares authorized, and to per share information in the consolidated
financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a
retroactive basis.
(g) Pursuant to SAB 98, for periods prior to the completion of the initial
public offering, basic net loss per share is computed using the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period.
Diluted net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of
shares of common stock outstanding during the period and nominal issuances
of common stock and common stock equivalents, regardless of whether they are
anti-dilutive.
(h) EBITDA, as adjusted, represents earnings before extraordinary item,
preacquisition (earnings) loss, equity in losses of unconsolidated
subsidiaries, net interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.
EBITDA, as adjusted, is provided because it is a measure commonly used in
the industry. EBITDA, as adjusted, is not a measurement of financial
performance under generally accepted accounting principles and should not be
considered an alternative to net income as a measure of performance or to
cash flow as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA, as adjusted, is not
necessarily comparable with similarly titled measures for other companies.
(i) Earnings consist of income before income taxes, plus fixed charges. Fixed
charges consist of interest charges and amortization of debt issuance costs
and the portion of rent expense under operating leases representing interest
(estimated to be one-third of such expense). Earnings were insufficient to
cover fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996, 1997 and
1998 by $0.8 million, $5.1 million, $13.7 million and $32.4 million,
respectively.
46
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, members of ITC/\DeltaCom's
senior management may, from time to time, make certain forward-looking
statements concerningITC/\DeltaCom's operations, performance and other
developments. ITC/\DeltaCom's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors,
including those set forth under the caption "Business--Risk Factors" and
elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-k, as well as factors which may be
identified from time to time in ITC/\DeltaCom's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Unless the context suggests otherwise, references in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K to the "ITC/\DeltaCom" mean ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and its subsidiaries
and predecessors. Unless otherwise indicated, dollar amounts over $1 million
have been rounded to one decimal place and dollar amounts less than $1 million
have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
OVERVIEW
ITC/\DeltaCom provides integrated voice and data telecommunications services
to mid-size and major regional businesses in the southern United States and is a
leading regional provider of wholesale long-haul services to other
telecommunications companies. In connection with these businesses, ITC/\DeltaCom
owns, operates and manages an extensive fiber optic network in the southern
United States. ITC/\DeltaCom had revenues of $171.8 million, $114.6 million and
$66.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
ITC/\DeltaCom provides wholesale long-haul services through its Carriers'
Carrier Services to other telecommunications carriers, including AT&T, Sprint,
MCI WorldCom, Qwest, Cable & Wireless, Frontier and IXC. During 1998,
ITC/\DeltaCom extended its fiber network approximately 1,500 route miles to
approximately 7,800 route miles that consists of approximately 4,150 owned miles
and approximately 3,650 managed, monitored and marketed miles. ITC/\DeltaCom's
Carriers' Carrier business generated revenues of $51.9 million, $31.0 million
and $6.6 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
ITC/\DeltaCom also provides integrated retail telecommunications services to
mid-sized and major regional businesses in a bundled package tailored to the
business customer's specific needs. ITC/\DeltaCom's Retail Services include
local exchange services; long distance services; 800/888 calling, calling card
and operator services; ATM, frame relay and high capacity broadband private line
services; Internet, Intranet and Web page hosting and development services; and
customer premise equipment sale, installation and repair. At December 31, 1998,
ITC/\DeltaCom provided Retail Services to approximately 10,700 business
customers in 22 metropolitan areas and had sold approximately 42,000 access
lines, of which approximately 32,200 had been installed. ITC/\DeltaCom added
seven branch offices, four Nortel DMS-500 voice switches, eight frame relay
switches and six ATM switches to its existing network during 1998. ITC/\DeltaCom
intends to provide a full range of Retail Services in a total of approximately
42 metropolitan areas throughout the southern United States over the next five
years. ITC/\DeltaCom's Retail Services business generated revenues of $119.9
million, $83.6 million and $59.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, respectively.
Company Background. ITC/\DeltaCom was incorporated in March 1997 as a wholly
owned subsidiary of ITC Holding to acquire and operate ITC Holding's Retail
Services and Carriers' Carrier Services businesses. As discussed in Note 1 to
the consolidated financial statements, this reorganization has been accounted
for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests.
ITC/\DeltaCom has provided operator and directory assistance services since
March 1992 through InterQuest. Carriers' Carrier Services have been offered
since late 1992 through Interstate
47
FiberNet, a partnership originally formed by ITC Holding (with a 49% interest)
and SCANA (with a 51% interest). In August 1994, ITC Holding acquired SCANA's
interest in Interstate FiberNet. Also in August 1994, ITC Holding formed a
second partnership with SCANA, Gulf States FiberNet, to construct and operate a
fiber optic route primarily from Atlanta, Georgia to Shreveport, Louisiana with
several supplemental spur routes. In the Gulf States Acquisition, ITC Holding
acquired SCANA's 64% partnership interest in Gulf States FiberNet and the
Georgia Fiber Assets, which included one customer contract representing $3.5
million in annual revenues through August 2001, the term of the contract.
Members of ITC/\DeltaCom's management have been managing the businesses of both
Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet since their inception.
In January 1996, as a result of the DeltaCom Acquisition, ITC/\DeltaCom
entered the retail long distance business and acquired several fiber optic
routes within Alabama that complemented the existing networks operated by
Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet. DeltaCom, a provider of
telecommunications services since its inception in 1982, provides long distance
services to mid-sized and major regional businesses in the southern United
States.
Carriers' Carrier. ITC/\DeltaCom provides Carriers' Carrier Services using its
owned and managed fiber optic network. This network reaches over 80 POPs in the
following ten southern states:
. Alabama
. Arkansas
. Florida
. Georgia
. Louisiana
. Mississippi
. North Carolina
. South Carolina
. Tennessee
. Texas
Of the network's approximately 7,800 route miles, approximately 4,150 are
Company-owned and operated and approximately 3,650 are owned and operated
principally by three public utilities (Duke Power Company, Florida Power & Light
Company and Entergy Technology Company) with which ITC/\DeltaCom has marketing
and management arrangements. ITC/\DeltaCom's arrangement with Entergy is
exclusive. In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom has a buy-sell agreement with Carolinas
FiberNet, LLC, which manages fiber optic facilities in North Carolina and South
Carolina. This agreement enables the parties to buy and sell capacity on each
other's networks and allows ITC/\DeltaCom to provide customers with access to
POPs throughout those states.
In addition, as part of its strategy, ITC/\DeltaCom intends to continue to
evaluate the potential expansion of its network through a combination of new
construction, long-term dark fiber leases and fiber swap transactions, depending
on the extent of capital required over the economic life of the fiber assets to
be deployed. To the extent that ITC/\DeltaCom elects to expand its network
through long-term leases in lieu of construction or fiber swap transactions,
ITC/\DeltaCom expects such leases to have a negative effect on EBITDA, as
adjusted; however, ITC/\DeltaCom expects any such expansion of its network would
provide opportunities to generate additional revenues, which would partly offset
such negative effects. ITC/\DeltaCom expects to add approximately 700 owned and
operated route miles to its fiber network by the end of 1999 through a
combination of construction and long-term dark fiber leases on various routes.
ITC/\DeltaCom derives commission revenues from the marketing, sale and
management of capacity on the utility-owned portions of ITC/\DeltaCom's network.
Negligible incremental costs are associated with these commissions, because
ITC/\DeltaCom uses the same marketing and sales force in servicing the utility-
owned portions of the network as it does for the portions owned by ITC/\
DeltaCom. ITC/\DeltaCom's commission revenues from these arrangements amounted
to
48
approximately $0.2 million, $1.5 million and $3.8 million for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. ITC/\DeltaCom expects
commissions associated with the utility-owned portions of the network to
continue to increase in 1999.
ITC/\DeltaCom provides wholesale long-haul services to its carrier customers
on a "take or pay" long-term basis, on an individual circuit basis, or on a
month-to-month basis after the initial term of the "take or pay" or individual
circuit contract. As of December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had remaining future
long-term contract commitments totaling approximately $139.7 million. These
contracts expire on various dates through 2008 and are expected to generate
approximately $122.4 million in revenues to ITC/\DeltaCom through 2003.
During 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom accelerated its deployment of dense wave division
multiplexing ("DWDM") optronics on high-density routes. ITC/\DeltaCom plans to
continue this strategy during 1999 as it strives to increase the efficiency of
its network. At December 31, 1998, 51% of ITC/\ DeltaCom's network was protected
by self healing rings which is a network design that enables traffic to be
rerouted to an alternate fiber optic cable. ITC/\DeltaCom expects to increase
the number of routes that are ring protected during 1999 to approximately 64%,
as it believes that diverse path routing with automatic switching during
catastrophic failure events are key differentiators in the marketplace.
Retail Services. Retail Services involve the provision of voice, data or
video telecommunications services to end users or resellers. Retail Services
include:
Local Services. ITC/\DeltaCom currently provides local service by using its
own facilities and by reselling the services of incumbent local exchange
carriers. Over time, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to migrate a majority of the local
service onto its own facilities. At December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom offered
local exchange services in 20 of the 22 markets in which it provided Retail
Services. Local service revenue comprised approximately 40% of all new Retail
Services revenues purchased by customers during 1998.
In connection with offering local exchange services, ITC/\DeltaCom has entered
into an interconnection agreement with BellSouth to (1) resell BellSouth's local
exchange services and (2) interconnect ITC/\DeltaCom's network with BellSouth's
network for the purpose of gaining immediate access to all of BellSouth's
unbundled network elements. This agreement allows ITC/\DeltaCom to enter new
markets with minimal capital expenditures and to offer local exchange service to
its current customer base. The BellSouth interconnection agreement currently
allows ITC/\DeltaCom to provide local service on a resale basis or by purchasing
all unbundled network elements required to provide local service on a facilities
basis, without using Company-owned facilities. The terms of this interconnection
agreement, including interim pricing terms agreed to by ITC/\DeltaCom and
BellSouth, have been approved by state regulatory authorities in all states in
which BellSouth operates, although they remain subject to review and
modification by such authorities. In addition, the BellSouth interconnection
agreement does not resolve all operational issues, which issues ITC/\DeltaCom
and BellSouth are continuing to negotiate to resolve. ITC/\DeltaCom believes
that this interconnection agreement provides a foundation for it to provide
local service on a reasonable commercial basis, but there can be no assurance in
this regard and important issues remain unsettled as a result of legal and
regulatory developments and related matters.
The BellSouth interconnection agreement expires July 1, 1999. ITC/\DeltaCom
and BellSouth are negotiating to renew the terms of this agreement. In the
event the parties fail to agree on such renewal terms by July 1, 1999,
the agreement provides that the parties will continue to exchange traffic under
the current agreement until such time as renewal terms, conditions and prices
are ordered by a state commission or negotiated by the parties with such terms,
conditions and prices becoming effective retroactive to July 1, 1999. There can
be no assurance, however, that ITC/\DeltaCom will be able to renew the BellSouth
interconnection agreement under favorable terms, or at all. ITC/\DeltaCom has
also entered into similar interconnection agreements
49
with GTE Corp. for its Alabama market and with Sprint Corporation for Sprint's
Florida markets and ITC/\DeltaCom intends to complete interconnection agreements
with GTE Corp., SBC Communications, Inc. and Sprint Corporation for certain
other markets that it serves or intends to serve.
ITC/\DeltaCom's strategy is ultimately to offer facilities-based local service
in a majority of its markets by collocating its equipment with that of BellSouth
and other incumbent local exchange carriers with which it has concluded
interconnection agreements. ITC/\DeltaCom began collocating its equipment in
certain BellSouth central office locations during the first quarter of 1998. As
of December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had completed physical collocation of
switching equipment in 30 BellSouth markets, and was offering its "Unity"
product in 16 markets. The Unity product, which ITC/\DeltaCom markets primarily
to mid-sized and major regional businesses, utilizes a direct T-1 connection
from the customer's location to a Company switch and provides the customer with
both local and long distance calling on any of 24 available channels.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to add an additional 45 collocations during 1999 bringing
its total collocations to 75.
Pursuant to the BellSouth interconnection agreement, ITC/\DeltaCom began
billing BellSouth for reciprocal interconnection charges related to the
provision by ITC/\DeltaCom of facilities-based local exchange services during
1998. A significant amount of such charges are attributable to call terminations
by ITC/\DeltaCom to customers that are ISPs. BellSouth has stated that it views
termination to such ISPs as not included under the reciprocal charge
arrangements set forth in the interconnection agreement, and has refused to pay
compensation for such terminations either to ITC/\ DeltaCom or to other CLECs
operating under similar interconnection agreements. The Alabama PUC, in response
to a request from ITC/\DeltaCom, scheduled a hearing for September 3, 1998, at
which the issue reviewed was the failure by BellSouth to pay the disputed
charges. The Alabama PUC rendered a ruling in favor of the CLECs on this issue
and, on March 4, 1999, issued an order requiring BellSouth to pay all withheld
reciprocal compensation sums within 20 days. BellSouth is expected to appeal
this order.
ITC/\DeltaCom is reviewing all potential remedies and claims in remaining
jurisdictions. This same issue is a matter of dispute between incumbent local
exchange carriers and CLECs across the country. In view of BellSouth's stated
position that such charges with respect to ISPs are excluded from the reciprocal
charge arrangements set forth in the interconnection agreement, and the fact
that the ultimate outcome of this controversy before the state regulatory
authorities and in the courts is uncertain, ITC/\DeltaCom does not record any
revenue for these charges until received and reserves directly against the
amounts billed to BellSouth. For the year ended December 31, 1998, such charges
to BellSouth amounted to approximately $7.4 million. As of December 31, 1998,
ITC/\DeltaCom had recognized revenue of an amount equal to approximately 10% of
the total cumulative local interconnection billings. The 10% payment reflects
BellSouth's estimate of the local minutes terminated to ITC/\DeltaCom exclusive
of any minutes related to traffic terminated to an ISP. Accordingly,
ITC/\DeltaCom recognized approximately $756,000 in operating revenues during
1998 and continued to reserve against the remaining $6.6 million of cumulative
local interconnection billings.
ITC/\DeltaCom believes its position with respect to the remaining $6.6 million
of billings is supported by the terms of the BellSouth interconnection
agreement, as do other CLECs who are strongly contesting refusals by incumbent
local exchange carriers to pay compensation in these circumstances. Many
regulatory authorities that have addressed the issue have ruled in favor of
CLECs, but the issue generally remains under appeal in those circumstances. In
Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, the state utility commissions
have ruled in favor of the CLECs. The issue in these states is under appeal by
the ILECs. The issue is still pending in Kentucky, Louisiana and South Carolina.
Mississippi has issued an unfavorable ruling against CLECs on this issue.
Although the provision of facilities-based local services involves high fixed
costs, associated variable costs are generally low. Consequently, a resolution
of the controversy with respect to payment of such charges by BellSouth in favor
of ITC/\DeltaCom could have a positive impact on both gross margin and EBITDA,
as adjusted. Assuming current levels of such local minutes continue or
50
increase, ITC/\DeltaCom expects such charges to BellSouth to be at least $6.0
million through the first two quarters of 1999. The BellSouth interconnection
agreement expires, however, on July 1, 1999. Although discussions have taken
place between the parties, there can be no assurance that the interconnection
agreement will be renewed on the same terms with respect to the disputed
charges, or at all. Therefore, even if the controversy regarding such charges is
resolved in favor of ITC/\ DeltaCom under the current interconnection agreement,
there can be no assurance that any positive effect on ITC/\DeltaCom's financial
position will continue beyond July 1, 1999.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects that as it increases its provision of local service on a
facilities basis rather than on a resale basis, it will (1) reduce its own
access costs when it sells its end users long distance, and (2) realize
increased revenues from the originating and terminating switched access services
it provides to other carriers originating and/or terminating calls for
ITC/\DeltaCom's local end user customers. Certain incumbent local exchange
companies, including BellSouth, have taken the position that when a carrier
seeking to provide local service obtains all necessary elements (loops and
switches) from the incumbent local exchange carrier in a combined form, the
incumbent local exchange carrier retains the right to receive the access
revenues associated with service to the customers served on that basis. Further
legal challenges are likely and important issues related to this form of
interconnection remain open including issues related to when a competitor can
obtain network elements used for, among other things, access purposes.
ITC/\DeltaCom anticipates that an increasing portion of its revenue will be
derived from local services, primarily those provided pursuant to the
BellSouth interconnection agreement and similar agreements with other local
exchange carriers. Management expects that gross margin associated with
facilities based local Retail Services will be slightly better than gross margin
associated with long distance Retail Services, but that, in general, gross
margin associated with Retail Services will be lower than that associated with
Carriers' Carrier Services. There can be no assurance that ITC/\DeltaCom will be
able to enter into additional interconnection agreements on terms acceptable to
ITC/\DeltaCom or at all, or that the incumbent local exchange carriers will
provide the operational support required for ITC/\DeltaCom to provide local
services to end users.
Long Distance. ITC/\DeltaCom offers a full range of retail long distance
services, including traditional switched and dedicated long distance, 800/888
calling, international, calling card and operator services.
Data Services. ITC/\DeltaCom provides high quality data services to its
customers primarily using frame relay switches distributed throughout
ITC/\DeltaCom's network, which enables customers to use a single network
connection to communicate with multiple sites throughout ITC/\DeltaCom's fiber
optic network. ITC/\DeltaCom currently provides ATM services on a facilities
based and resale basis. ITC/\DeltaCom will continue to seek, through strategic
business relationships with other providers, to interconnect its fiber optic
network with the fiber optic networks of other companies. ITC/\DeltaCom
anticipates increased demand for data services in the future, and expects that
in the future a larger percentage of its revenues will be derived from the sale
of dedicated data services.
Internet Access, Intranet Services and Web Development. ITC/\DeltaCom provides
dedicated, frame relay Internet access and Internet and Intranet services,
electronic mail, e-commerce, Web page design and Web hosting services.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects that mid-sized and larger businesses will require faster
Internet access and larger bandwidth in the future, and intends to develop and
offer products and services that will respond to that demand using
ITC/\DeltaCom's network and enhanced technology. During 1998 ITC/\DeltaCom
increased its focus on providing services to the Internet marketplace by
expanding its existing service offering to the ISP market segment. ITC/\DeltaCom
offers local service to ISPs via Primary Rate Interface connectivity, including
the collocation of the ISPs terminal equipment such as modems, routers and/or
network servers. ITC/\DeltaCom increased its capital expenditures related to
this service significantly during the second half of 1998 and expects to
continue to allocate an increasing amount of capital to these services during
1999.
51
In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom has begun supporting and reselling iCat Electronic
Commerce Suite, which enables users to create, manage and deliver sophisticated
e-commerce with secure transaction processing across the Internet. With
ITC/\DeltaCom's ability to bundle its Web design and hosting services with the
iCat product, ITC/\DeltaCom has positioned itself to offer Internet solutions to
major regional accounts.
During 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom became an Internet2 Corporate Partner and began
providing high speed fiber optic connectivity and data switching services to
various universities. Internet2, organized as the University Corporation of
Advanced Internet Development, represents a consortium of over 130 universities
nationwide that desire to connect their research and computing centers together
over a network at speeds many times greater than that available through the
existing Internet. ITC/\DeltaCom provides high-speed fiber optic connectivity
and data switching services that help to expand this nationwide facility
throughout the southeastern United States. ITC/\DeltaCom currently provides
connectivity to universities in Alabama, Florida and Georgia. During 1999,
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to pursue additional opportunities with other universities
in its 10-state region.
Customer Premise Equipment Sale, Installation and Repair. ITC/\DeltaCom sells,
installs and repairs customer premise equipment such as telephones, office
switchboard systems and, to a lesser extent, PBX for customers in the following
markets:
. Anniston, Birmingham, Dothan, Florence, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery,
Alabama
. Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia
. Pensacola, Florida
. Baton Rouge, Lousiana
. Charlotte, North Carolina
. Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina
ITC/\DeltaCom intends to offer customer premise equipment sales, installation
and repair in additional markets in the future, with the goals of (1) enhancing
and supporting ITC/\DeltaCom's sale of local and long distance services and (2)
enhancing customer retention. ITC/\DeltaCom plans to form relationships with
local customer premise equipment installation companies in all of its markets
for the purpose of selling and installing customer premise equipment not
otherwise provided by ITC/\DeltaCom.
Although ITC/\DeltaCom expects that a majority of its revenue growth will come
from its Retail Services business, ITC/\DeltaCom does not expect its Retail
Services to obtain a significant share of the market for telecommunications
services in the southern United States. The customer contracts for Retail
Services generally provide for payment in arrears based on minutes of use for
switched services and payment in advance for private line services. The
contracts generally also provide that the customer may terminate the affected
services without penalty in the event of certain outages in service, and for
certain other defined causes. The contracts also typically provide that the
customer must use at least a minimum dollar amount of switched long distance
services per month for the term of the contract. During the past several years,
market prices for many telecommunications services segments have been declining,
which ITC/\DeltaCom believes will likely continue. In response to these and
other competitive pressures, ITC/\DeltaCom has modified certain of its retail
contracts to extend to certain customers lower rates over longer terms as a
means of maintaining and developing ITC/\DeltaCom's customer base. In the
future, in response to competitive considerations, ITC/\DeltaCom may decide to
modify certain other retail customer contracts in a similar manner, emphasizing
lower pricing and longer commitment periods. A substantial portion of
ITC/\DeltaCom's total revenues is from retail long distance services. Revenue
per minute from such services has been declining and is expected to continue to
decline.
Operating Expenses. ITC/\DeltaCom's principal operating expenses consist of
cost of services, selling, operations and administration expenses, and
depreciation and amortization.
52
Cost of Services. Cost of services related to Retail Services consists
primarily of access charges and local facility charges paid to local exchange
carriers, as well as wholesale carrier origination, termination and
interexchange facility charges paid to other interexchange carriers. Cost of
services related to Carriers' Carrier Services are substantially all fixed costs
attributable to:
. the leasing of dark fiber under long-term operating leases,
. the leasing of capacity outside ITC/\DeltaCom's owned or managed network (off-
net capacity) to meet customer requirements
. network costs associated with the provision of SS7 Services.
ITC/\DeltaCom purchases off-net capacity to provide Carriers' Carrier Services
in cases where ITC/\DeltaCom plans to construct its own network to replace the
off-net portion of certain fiber routes. ITC/\DeltaCom also purchases off-net
capacity in connection with an existing customer contract, pursuant to which
ITC/\DeltaCom is the exclusive provider of network capacity to such customer.
Although ITC/\DeltaCom is substantially able to meet the requirements of such
customer on ITC/\ DeltaCom's network, ITC/\DeltaCom purchases off-net capacity
to fill such customer's requirements that cannot be met on ITC/\DeltaCom's
network.
Selling, operations and administration. Selling, operations and administration
expenses consist of expenses of selling and marketing, field personnel engaged
in direct network maintenance and monitoring, customer service and corporate
administration.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization include
depreciation of ITC/\ DeltaCom's telecommunications network and equipment and
amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets related to acquisitions,
primarily the DeltaCom Acquisition.
As ITC/\DeltaCom continues to expand into new geographic markets, add new
branch offices and facilities and enlarge its current product offerings, cost of
services and selling, operations and administration expenses are expected to
increase substantially. Therefore, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to incur increasing
operating losses over the next few years. Although ITC/\DeltaCom anticipates
that it will continue to generate positive cash flow from operations, it expects
that such cash flows will be more than offset by capital expenditures during the
next several years as it implements its business plan. In addition,
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to experience a negative impact on EBITDA, as adjusted,
through 1999 as a result of its plan to continue accelerate the roll out of its
Retail Services business. ITC/\DeltaCom expects that its gross margins from its
bundle of telecommunications services will continue to be adversely affected by
its local service product, because the gross margin on the resale of local
services through incumbent local exchange carrier facilities will be lower than
the gross margin on ITC/\DeltaCom's existing businesses. As ITC/\DeltaCom
increasingly uses incumbent local exchange carrier unbundled network elements
instead of resold services, ITC/\DeltaCom expects gross margin on local service
to improve. Such improvement is expected to result from reduced access charges
and from efficiencies realized through increased reliance on ITC/\DeltaCom's
owned network. Competitive market pressures to reduce prices for Retail
Services, as discussed above, however, could offset improved margins that may
result from shifting away from resold local exchange services.
There can be no assurance that growth in ITC/\DeltaCom's revenues or customer
base will continue or that ITC/\DeltaCom will be able to achieve or sustain
profitability or positive net cash flows. In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom may from
time to time engage in discussions involving potential acquisitions, joint
venture or strategic alliances. Depending upon the circumstances, ITC/\DeltaCom
may not disclose material acquisitions until completion of a definitive
agreement. Any significant transaction, shortfalls in anticipated revenue, or
increases in expenses could have a material adverse effect on ITC/\DeltaCom's
liquidity and capital resources and on its ability to meet its strategic
objectives, and could require ITC/\DeltaCom to seek additional private or public
equity or debt financing. There can be no assurance that ITC/\DeltaCom will be
able to raise any required capital on terms acceptable to ITC/\DeltaCom, or at
all.
53
Statistical Data*
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
1997 1998 1998 1998 1998
------------ ---------- --------- -------------- -------------
Statistical Data:
Cumulative markets 15 16 19 21 22
Business customer served -
Retail Services 7,700 8,100 9,600 10,000 10,700
Route miles 6,300 6,800 7,000 7,000 7,800
Collocations 0 4 8 14 30
Voice switches 3 3 4 6 7
ATM switches 0 2 4 5 6
Frame relay switches 6 7 10 11 14
Number of employees 650 740 870 1,025 1,125
Lines sold cumulative 8,700 16,000 23,200 33,200 42,000
Lines installed cumulative 3,450 10,800 17,800 25,500 32,200
Lines installed/Lines sold
percentage 40% 67% 77% 77% 77%
*Data rounded except as to markets, collocations and switches
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables set forth certain historical financial data for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 for the Carriers' Carrier Services and
Retail Services businesses.
The comparability of the historical financial data for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997 has been affected by the DeltaCom Acquisition and the
Gulf States Acquisition. The historical financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 1996 include the results of operations for DeltaCom since its
acquisition on January 29, 1996. For the year ended December 31, 1996, ITC/\
DeltaCom's 36% interest in Gulf States FiberNet's results of operations is
reflected using the equity method. Due to the Gulf States Acquisition on March
27, 1997, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1997 reflect
the total revenues and expenses from January 1, 1997 attributable to Gulf States
FiberNet with the preacquisition loss attributable to the previous owner from
January 1, 1997 through March 27, 1997, deducted to determine ITC/\DeltaCom's
consolidated net loss for 1997. The results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 1997 also reflect the revenues and expenses of Georgia Fiber since
March 27, 1997.
Results of Operations
(In thousands)
Carriers' Carrier Services
---------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
1996 % 1997 % 1998 %
-------- ----- ---------- ---- ---------- ----
Revenues $ 6,598 100% $31,024 100% $ 51,902 100%
Cost of services 2,363 36 3,908 13 7,642 15
------- ------- --------
Gross margin 4,235 64 27,116 87 44,260 85
------- ------- --------
Selling, operations and
administration 1,826 28 8,401 27 14,411 28
Depreciation and
amortization 1,657 25 12,077 39 19,136 37
------- ------- --------
Total operating expenses 3,483 53 20,478 66 33,547 65
------- ------- --------
Operating income $ 752 11 $ 6,638 21 $ 10,713 20
======= ======= ========
54
Retail Services
-------------------------------------------------
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1996 % 1997 % 1998 %
------- --- ------- --- -------- ---
Revenues $59,920 100% $83,566 100% $119,936 100%
Cost of services 36,393 61 50,642 61 75,337 63
------- ------- --------
Gross margin 23,527 39 32,924 39 44,599 37
------- ------- --------
Selling, operations and
administration 17,050 28 29,854 36 50,490 42
Depreciation and amortization 4,781 8 6,255 7 11,669 10
------- ------- --------
Total operating expenses 21,831 36 36,109 43 62,159 52
------- ------- --------
Operating income (loss) $ 1,696 3 $(3,185) (4) $(17,560) (15)
======= ======= ========
Year Ended December 31, 1998 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1997
Revenues
Total revenue increased $57.2 million (49.9%), from $114.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 to $171.8 million for the year ended December 31,
1998. Revenues from Retail Services increased $36.3 million (43.4%), from $83.6
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $119.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998. The increase in the Retail Services segment revenue was
primarily attributable to:
. continued geographic expansion including the opening of seven new branch
sales offices
. the maturation of existing sales offices
. continued product expansion as local exchange services and data services
increased as a percentage of total Retail Services revenue
. an increase in the customer base from approximately 7,700 to approximately
10,700
. increase in long distance minutes of use
. continued stability from period to period in the rate of revenue loss from
lost customers.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to see its percentage of revenues derived from local
exchange services and data services to continue to increase as a percentage of
total Retail Services revenue during 1999 as these services are sold to new and
existing customers. Additionally, ITC/\DeltaCom expects to see increased
revenues in all of its products as each of its sales offices matures and
ITC/\DeltaCom opens new sales offices to penetrate new markets. ITC/\DeltaCom
completed one acquisition during 1998, IT Group Communications, a Jackson,
Mississippi-based long distance carrier, but the majority of ITC/\DeltaCom's
revenue growth during 1998 was a result of ITC/\DeltaCom's execution of its
business plan through internal expansion efforts.
Revenues from Carriers' Carrier Services increased $20.9 million (67.4%), from
$31.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $51.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998. The increase in revenue for the Carriers' Carrier
segment was primarily attributable to continued:
. increases in the existing customer base as a result of increasing demand for
bandwidth
. expansion of owned and operated routes
. growth in commissions derived from the managed, monitored, and marketed
routes.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects revenues from its Carriers' Carrier segment to continue to
increase as demand for bandwidth increases. Although new competitors are
expected to enter the market creating pricing pressure on primary route
segments, ITC/\DeltaCom believes this pressure will be mitigated by the
increasing demand for bandwidth. No single Carriers' Carrier or Retail Services
customer represented over 10% of ITC/\DeltaCom's total consolidated revenues for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
55
Cost of Services
Total cost of services increased $28.4 million, from $54.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 to $83.0 million for the year ended December 31,
1998. Cost of services for Retail Services operations increased $24.7 million,
from $50.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $75.3 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. The cost of services as a percentage of revenue
for Retail Services operations increased from 61% in 1997 to 63% in 1998. The
increase in cost of services as a percentage of revenue for Retail Services was
primarily attributable to:
. a significant increase in the local service offering in 1998, mostly on a
resale basis which has a lower gross margin than ITC/\DeltaCom's other
services
. trunking and routing inefficiencies as ITC/\DeltaCom installed 4 new Nortel
DMS-500 switches as well as other telecommunications facilities in new
markets.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects that over time the cost of services as a percentage of
revenue will decrease as more customers are brought onto ITC/\DeltaCom's
facilities and utilization of fixed cost facilities is improved.
Cost of services for the Carriers' Carrier operations increased $3.7 million,
from $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $7.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1998. The cost of services as a percentage of revenue
for Carriers' Carrier operations increased from 13% in 1997 to 15% in 1998. The
increase in the cost of services as a percentage of revenue for the Carriers'
Carrier Services was primarily attributable to:
. acceptance of fibers under a long term dark fiber operating lease for a route
from Dallas to Longview, Texas in April 1998
. pricing pressures encountered as new competitors entered the market.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects the increase in cost of services related to the Dallas to
Longview, Texas lease will be offset during 1999 by traffic brought on-net
during 1998. ITC/\DeltaCom believes the pricing pressures will be offset in the
future by an increasing demand for bandwidth allowing for continued revenue
growth.
Selling, Operations and Administration Expense
Total selling, operations and administration expense increased $26.6 million,
from $38.3 million (33% as a percentage of revenue) for the year ended December
31, 1997 to $64.9 million (38% as a percentage of revenue) for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
Selling, operations and administration expense attributable to Retail Services
increased $20.6 million, from $29.9 million (36% as a percentage of revenue) for
the year ended December 31, 1997 to $50.5 million (42% as a percentage of
revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1998. The increase in selling,
operations and administration expense as a percentage of revenue for the Retail
Services segment was related to:
. increase in the number of employees, primarily sales, information system and
provisioning personnel
. continued geographic expansion including opening seven new branch offices
. expansion of existing service offerings, primarily local services
. external costs associated with ITC/\DeltaCom's Year 2000 readiness program,
which amounted to approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 31,
1998 (none in 1997).
Selling, operations and administration expense attributable to the Carriers'
Carrier segment increased $6.0 million, from $8.4 million (27% as a percentage
of revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $14.4 million (28% as a
percentage of revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1998.
56
The increase in selling, operations, and administration expense for the
Carrier's Carrier segment resulted from the increased cost of personnel
necessitated by geographic and service capability expansion of the network.
Selling, operations, and administration expenses are expected to continue to
increase as a percentage of revenue early in 1999, due to the continued
expansion of the Retail Services segment, both geographically and in terms of
products offered. ITC/\DeltaCom expects that by mid-1999, selling, operations
and administration expenses will improve as a percentage of revenue as a
majority of its planned market expansion will be completed.
Depreciation and Amortization
Total depreciation and amortization increased $12.6 million, from $18.3
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $30.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998. Retail Services accounted for $5.4 million of the increase,
which was primarily related to installation of new telecommunications equipment.
Carriers' Carrier Services accounted for $7.1 million of the increase which was
primarily attributable to network expansion. ITC/\DeltaCom expects depreciation
and amortization to continue to increase during 1999 as ITC/\DeltaCom adds new
switches and other facilities to its network and expands into new markets.
Interest Expense
Total interest expense increased $11.4 million, from $21.4 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997 to $32.8 million for the year ended December 31,
1998. The increase in interest expense in 1998 was due to interest expense
incurred on the March 1998 Notes, the November 1998 Notes and five additional
months interest on the 1997 Notes. ITC/\DeltaCom expects interest expense to
increase during 1999 as a result of incurring interest for a full year on the
outstanding notes.
Interest Income
Interest income increased $5.5 million, from $4.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 to $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1998 as a
result of short-term investment of proceeds from ITC/\DeltaCom's senior notes.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects the amount of interest income to decrease during 1999 as
ITC/\DeltaCom uses the proceeds from its notes offerings to expand the network.
Other Expense
In March 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom changed the accounting for its interest rate swap
agreement from a hedge of an anticipated transaction to a trading security
resulting in a non-cash charge against earnings of approximately $2.5 million.
This change in classification required ITC/\DeltaCom to record the interest rate
swap agreement on the consolidated balance sheet at fair market value at the
time of receipt of the proceeds from the March 1998 Notes Offering. The
interest rate swap agreement is marked to market on a monthly basis. For the
year ended December 31, 1998, ITC/\ DeltaCom recognized approximately $2.4
million expense from the mark to market of the interest rate swap.
57
Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom included the taxable
income of ITC Holding, through the date of the merger, in its consolidated tax
return. As a result of tax sharing arrangements with ITCHolding, ITC/\DeltaCom
received benefits for certain of its net operating losses. The benefit received
as a percentage of taxable income was 24% for the year ended December 31, 1997.
During 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom recorded a $3.9 million receivable related from the
carrying back of its current year net operating loss. The benefit received as a
percentage of taxable income was 20% for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Extraordinary Loss
ITC/\DeltaCom recorded a pre-tax loss of $10.6 million, or $8.4 million after
tax, related to the redemption on April 2, 1998 of $70 million of the 1997
Notes. The extraordinary loss consisted of a $7.7 million redemption premium
and a $2.9 million write-off of related debt issuance costs.
EBITDA, as adjusted
EBITDA, as adjusted, increased $2.2 million, from $21.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 1997 to $24.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1998.
EBITDA, as adjusted, attributable to Retail Services for the year ended December
31, 1998 was $(5.9) million, a decrease of $9.0 million, compared to $3.1
million for the year ended December 31, 1997. EBITDA, as adjusted, attributable
to Retail Services decreased from 4% of revenues for the year ended December 31,
1997 to (5)% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998. EBITDA, as
adjusted, attributable to Carriers Carrier Services for the year ended December
31, 1998 was $29.9 million, an increase of $11.2 million, compared to $18.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1997. As ITC/\DeltaCom begins to migrate
more of its new and existing traffic onto its own facilities and as certain of
its markets mature, ITC/\DeltaCom expects EBITDA, as adjusted, as a percentage
of revenue for its Retail Services will increase.
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1996
Revenues
Total revenue increased $48.1 million (72.3%), from $66.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 to $114.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Revenues from Retail Services increased $23.7 million (39.6%), from $59.9
million for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $83.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Results for the year ended December 31, 1996 exclude revenue
of $5.3 million related to revenues earned before the acquisition of DeltaCom,
Inc. on January 29, 1996. The increase in the Retail Services segment revenue
was primarily attributable to continued geographic expansion through the opening
of branch sales offices, continued product expansion through sales of new
products to existing customers, and continuing low rates of customer revenue
turnover (churn). Revenues from Carriers' Carrier Services increased $24.4
million (370%), from $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $31.0
million for the year ended December 31, 1997. Results for the year ended
December 31, 1997 reflect $19.8 million of revenues related to revenues earned
by Gulf States FiberNet in 1997. Gulf States FiberNet was not consolidated in
ITC/\DeltaCom's 1996 financial statements. The increase in revenue for the
Carriers' Carrier segment was primarily attributable to continued increasing
demand for bandwidth, continued owned and operated route expansions and the
continued growth in the managed, monitored, and marketed routes.
58
Cost of Services
Total cost of services increased $15.8 million, from $38.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 1996 to $54.6 million for the year ended December 31,
1997. Cost of services for Retail Services operations increased $14.2 million,
from $36.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $50.6 million for the
year ended December 31, 1997. Cost of services for the Carriers' Carrier
operations increased $1.5 million, from $2.4 million for the year ended December
31, 1996 to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. The cost of
services as a percentage of revenue for Retail Services operations remained
consistent at a rate of approximately 61%. The cost of services as a percentage
of revenue for Carriers' Carrier operations, 13% in 1997 vs. 36% in 1996,
decreased significantly due to the acquisition of Gulf States FiberNet in March
1997 and the increased margins associated with this line of business.
Selling, Operations and Administration Expense
Total selling, operations and administration expense increased $19.4 million,
from $18.9 million (28% as a percentage of revenue) for the year ended December
31, 1996 to $38.3 million (33% as a percentage of revenue) for the year ended
December 31, 1997.
Selling, operations and administration expense attributable to Retail Services
increased $12.7 million, from $17.1 million (29% as a percentage of revenue) for
the year ended December 31, 1996 to $29.9 million (36% as a percentage of
revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in selling,
operations and administration expense as a percentage of revenue for the Retail
Services segment is related to continued geographic expansion and introduction
of new services, primarily local services.
Selling, operations and administration expense attributable to the Carriers'
Carrier segment increased $6.6 million, from $1.8 million (28% as a percentage
of revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $8.4 million (27% as a
percentage of revenue) for the year ended December 31, 1997. The increase in
selling, operations, and administration expense for the Carrier's Carrier
segment relate specifically to an increase in personnel stemming from the
geographic expansion and various costs associated with those personnel.
Depreciation and Amortization
Total depreciation and amortization increased $11.9 million, from $6.4 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $18.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Retail Services accounted for $1.5 million of the increase,
which was primarily related to installation of new central office equipment.
Carriers' Carrier Services' operations accounted for $10.4 million of the
increase, with $8.2 million related to the acquisition of Gulf States FiberNet.
Interest Expense
Total interest expense increased $15.2 million, from $6.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 to $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
The increase in interest expense was primarily due to interest expense incurred
on the 1997 Notes.
Income Taxes
As a result of tax sharing arrangements with ITC Holding, ITC/\DeltaCom
received benefits for certain of its net operating losses. The benefit received
as a percentage of taxable income was 24.3% and 24.0% for the years ended
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
59
EBITDA, as adjusted
EBITDA, as adjusted, increased $12.9 million, from $8.9 million for the year
ended December 31, 1996 to $21.8 million for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Carriers' Carrier Services accounted for $16.3 million of the increase. EBITDA,
as adjusted, attributable to Retail Services for the year ended December 31,
1997 was $3.1 million compared to $6.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1996. EBITDA, as adjusted, attributable to Retail Services decreased from 11%
of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996 to 4% of revenues for the year
ended December 31, 1997, primarily due to increased costs associated with the
opening of new branch offices and the employment of additional support personnel
to position the Retail Services segment for expansion.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared With Year Ended December 31, 1995
Revenues
Revenues increased from $5.8 million in 1995 to $66.5 million in 1996. The
$60.7 million increase was primarily attributable to revenues of $59.9 million
generated by DeltaCom since it was acquired on January 29, 1996. Revenues from
Carriers' Carrier Services increased approximately $800,000 in 1996 (15%),
primarily due to the growth in new SS7 Services and directory assistance
products and growth in demand for Carriers' Carrier Services.
Cost of Services
Cost of services increased from $3.1 million in 1995 to $38.8 million in 1996.
DeltaCom's operations accounted for $36.4 million of this increase. Carriers'
Carrier Services accounted for a decrease of $700,000 primarily due to
intersegment eliminations related to its utilization of DeltaCom's network
infrastructure.
Selling, Operations and Administration Expense
Selling, operations and administration expense increased from $1.6 million in
1995 to $18.9 million in 1996. DeltaCom's operations accounted for $17.1 million
of the increase. Carriers' Carrier Services accounted for $200,000 of the
increase.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $1.3 million in 1995 to
$6.4 million in 1996. Of this $5.1 million increase, $4.8 million was
attributable to DeltaCom, including $1.3 million of intangible amortization on
$54.6 million of intangibles pushed down to ITC/\DeltaCom. Carriers' Carrier
Services accounted for $300,000 of the increase as a result of additional
capital expenditures made for the provision of SS7 Services, capital
expenditures associated with ITC/\DeltaCom's network management systems required
to support the various management and marketing agreements with various
utilities, and small electronic overbuilds on existing network segments.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense increased from $200,000 in 1995 to $1.4 million in 1996.
ITC/\DeltaCom's share of Gulf States FiberNet's partnership losses accounted for
$1.3 million of this increase, which was partially offset by a $100,000 increase
in other interest and miscellaneous income. Gulf States FiberNet began full
operations in late 1995 and, accordingly, the effect of a full year of
operations was not reflected until 1996. Gulf States FiberNet recorded a pretax
loss of $4.4 million in 1996,
60
compared to a pretax loss of $700,000 in 1995. As of December 31, 1995 and 1996,
ITC/\DeltaCom owned 36% of Gulf States FiberNet and recorded losses of $300,000
and $1.6 million, respectively, from such interest.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased from $300,000 in 1995 to $6.2 million in 1996. The
increase was primarily attributable to the increase in ITC/\DeltaCom's aggregate
indebtedness resulting from the $74.0 million of DeltaCom Indebtedness.
ITC/\DeltaCom incurred interest expense of $5.8 million related to such
indebtedness in 1996.
EBITDA, as adjusted
EBITDA, as adjusted, increased from $1.0 million in 1995 to $8.9 million in
1996. DeltaCom accounted for $6.5 million and Carriers' Carrier Services
accounted for $1.4 million of the increase. The increased EBITDA, as adjusted,
attributable to Carriers' Carrier Services is a result of an increase in
revenues with minimal increases in associated variable costs.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
ITC/\DeltaCom has historically generated positive cash flow from operations
from its existing lines of business, but has required equity infusions and
advances from ITC Holding to finance a significant portion of its investing and
financing activities. In addition, during 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom generated
approximately $121.4 million and $155.2 million in net proceeds from the
November 1998 Notes Offering and the March 1998 Notes Offering, respectively,
for a total of $276.6 million. ITC/\ DeltaCom generated net cash from operating
activities of $8.2 million, $6.3 million, and $9.5 million for 1996, 1997 and
1998, respectively. The components of cash flow from operations (consisting of
net loss adjusted for depreciation, amortization, deferred income taxes, equity
in losses of investee, preacquisition loss, extraordinary item-loss on
extinguishment of debt and other) totaled $4.7 million, $11.3 million, and $2.9
million for 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. Changes in working capital were
$3.5 million in 1996, ($5.0 million) in 1997 and $6.7 million in 1998.
. The change in 1996 was primarily due to an increase in accrued interest,
accounts payable and unearned revenue, partially offset by an increase in
accounts receivable resulting primarily from the DeltaCom Acquisition.
. The change in 1997 was primarily due to increases in unearned revenue and
accrued liabilities, offset by increases in accounts receivable. Of this
increase in accounts receivable and unearned revenue, $2.3 million and $1.3
million, respectively, resulted from the Gulf States Acquisition, with the
remaining increase in accounts receivable attributable to increased earned and
unearned revenue in the Carriers' Carrier Services and Retail Services.
. The change in 1998 was primarily due to an increase in accounts payable,
interest and other accruals and unearned revenue partially offset by increases
in accounts receivable.
Cash used for investing activities was $72.7 million, $93.9 million, and
$118.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
. The cash used in 1996 was primarily for the investment of $63.5 million, net
of cash received, used to complete the DeltaCom Acquisition in January 1996.
. The cash used in 1997 was primarily for the purchase of restricted investments
held by a trustee to fund the first six interest payments on the 1997 Notes,
as required by the 1997 Notes Indenture, and to fund capital expenditures.
. The cash used in 1998 was primarily for the funding of capital expenditures.
61
ITC/\DeltaCom made capital expenditures of $6.2 million, $43.9 million, and
$147.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
. Of the $6.2 million of capital expenditures in 1996, $4.1 million related to
Retail Services and $2.1 million related to Carriers' Carrier Services. In
addition, ITC/\DeltaCom contributed an additional $2.4 million to Gulf States
FiberNet in 1996 to meet debt service requirements and to fund additional
capital requirements of that business.
. Of the $43.9 million of capital expenditures for the year ended December 31,
1997, $27.5 million related to Carriers' Carrier Services and $16.4 million
related to Retail Services.
. Of the $147.8 million of capital expenditures for the year ended December 31,
1998, $80.4 million related to Carriers' Carrier Services and $67.4 million
related to Retail Services.
Cash provided by financing activities was $65.1 million, $180.6 million, and
$198.4 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively.
. For 1996, cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to
the DeltaCom Indebtedness, which was advanced to ITC/\DeltaCom by ITC Holding.
. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 1997
consisted primarily of net proceeds of $192.1 million from the sale of the
1997 Notes and $87.5 million from the initial public offering, less $43.2
million of repayment of advances from ITC Holding, net repayments of other
long-term debt and capital leases of $52.6 million and $3.3 million of other
cash used in financing activities.
. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 1998
consisted primarily of net proceeds of $121.4 million from the sale of
November 1998 Notes, $155.2 million from the sale of the March 1998 Notes and
$1.3 million from exercise of common stock options less $70 million of
repayment of 1997 Notes, $7.7 million premium paid on early retirement of 1997
Notes, net repayment of other long-term debt and capital leases of $1.8
million.
ITC Holding partially financed the DeltaCom Acquisition and the Gulf States
Acquisition with debt, which consists of the following:
. a $74.0 million term loan under a bank facility incurred in connection with
the DeltaCom Acquisition and pushed down to ITC/\DeltaCom (the DeltaCom
Indebtedness);
. a $41.6 million bridge facility incurred in connection with the Gulf States
Acquisition, which required the refinancing of Gulf States FiberNet's existing
project facility; and
. a $10.0 million unsecured note issued in connection with the Gulf States
Acquisition and assumed by a subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom. In November 1997,
this note was repaid in full (approximately $9.0 million) with a portion of
the net proceeds from the initial public offering.
On July 25, 1997, in connection with the Reorganization, approximately $62.7
million of the $192.1 million of net proceeds from the sale of the 1997 Notes
was used to purchase U.S. government securities, held by the 1997 Notes trustee
in a pledged account to fund the first six scheduled interest payments on the
1997 Notes. The balance of the net proceeds from the 1997 Notes Offering,
approximately $129.4 million, was released to ITC/\DeltaCom. A portion of the
released proceeds was applied on July 25, 1997 as follows: (1) to repay
approximately $57.8 million of indebtedness to ITC Holding (including
approximately $9.5 million of accrued interest) associated with the DeltaCom
Acquisition and advances used by ITC/\DeltaCom for capital expenditures; and (2)
to repay approximately $41.6 million of indebtedness incurred under the bridge
facility (together with approximately $200,000 of accrued interest). In
connection with the Reorganization, $31.0 million of the DeltaCom Indebtedness
was forgiven by ITC Holding and contributed to ITC/\DeltaCom as additional
equity.
In September 1997, Interstate FiberNet, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
ITC/\DeltaCom, entered into a credit agreement with NationsBank of Texas, N.A.
for a five-year $100.0 million term
62
and revolving credit facility to be used for working capital and other corporate
purposes, including refinancing existing indebtedness, capital expenditures and
permitted acquisitions. In February 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom amended the Credit
Facility to provide, among other things, for a $50.0 million revolving credit
facility. See "Item 1. BusinessDescription of Significant Indebtedness."
ITC/\DeltaCom recorded a loss of approximately $2.5 million in connection with
the reclassification of ITC/\ DeltaCom's interest rate swap agreement converting
a hedge of an anticipated transaction to a trading security as a result of the
March 1998 Notes Offering described below. See Note 5 to the consolidated
financial statements for further discussion of this interest rate swap
agreement. The Credit Facility contains restrictions on Interstate FiberNet,
Inc. and its subsidiaries and requires Interstate FiberNet, Inc. to comply with
certain financial tests and to maintain certain financial ratios. The Credit
Facility is guaranteed by ITC/\DeltaCom and DeltaCom and is secured by a first
priority lien on all current and future assets of Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and
its subsidiaries and a first priority pledge of the stock of Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
On October 29, 1997, ITC/\DeltaCom completed the initial public offering in
which it issued 5,750,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, at a
price of $16.50 per share. After giving effect to the two-for-one stock split
ITC/\DeltaCom completed in the third quarter of 1998, the initial public
offering would have been 11,500,000 shares at a per share price of $8.25.
On March 3, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom issued $160 million principal amount of its
March 1998 Notes, at a price of 99.9%, yielding net proceeds of approximately
$155 million. ITC/\DeltaCom is using the proceeds (1) to replace portions of the
proceeds from ITC/\DeltaCom's initial public offering in October 1997, which
ITC/\DeltaCom used in April 1998 to redeem $70 million of its 1997 Notes at a
redemption price of 111%, (2) to fund continued market and fiber optic expansion
and (3) to replace funds that would have otherwise been available under
ITC/\DeltaCom's Credit Facility, which was modified to, among other things,
reduce available borrowings thereunder from $100 million to $50 million.
On April 2, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom redeemed $70.0 million principal amount of
the 1997 Notes, with proceeds remaining from the initial public offering, at a
redemption price of 111% of such principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid
interest. ITC/\DeltaCom recorded an extraordinary loss of approximately $10.6
million related to the early redemption of this debt. In connection with the
redemption, the trustee for the 1997 Notes released to ITC/\DeltaCom
approximately $18.0 million held by the trustee as security for the payment of
remaining interest through June 1, 2000 on the 1997 Notes being redeemed. See
"Item 1. Business--Description of Significant Indebtedness--1997 Notes."
On May 20, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom completed its acquisition of certain assets and
liabilities of IT Group Communications, a Jackson, Mississippi-based long
distance carrier. ITC/\DeltaCom issued 177,106 shares of common stock and
assumed liabilities of approximately $1.2 million to consummate the transaction.
ITC/\DeltaCom acquired approximately 900 customers, predominately located in
Mississippi and an important network point of presence in Jackson, Mississippi.
On November 5, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom issued, in a private offering, $125 million
principal amount of its November 1998 Notes, yielding net proceeds of
approximately $122 million. ITC/\ DeltaCom intends to use the net proceeds from
the private offering to fund market expansion, the on-going development and
construction of ITC/\DeltaCom's fiber optic network, product development and
general corporate purposes. Concurrently with the issuance of the November 1998
Notes, ITC/\ DeltaCom amended its secured revolving credit facility with
NationsBank, N.A., to permit the issuance of and payments on the November 1998
Notes, and to maintain the lenders' commitment under the Credit Facility at $50
million.
At December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom had entered into agreements with vendors
to purchase approximately $22 million of equipment and services, and, for the
year ended December 31, 1998, had made capital expenditures of $147.8 million.
ITC/\DeltaCom currently estimates that its aggregate capital requirements will
total approximately $125.0 million in 1999
63
(inclusive of the $22 million in commitments as of December 31, 1998).
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to make substantial capital expenditures thereafter.
Capital expenditures in 1999 will be primarily for the following:
. continued addition of facilities-based local telephone service to its bundle
of integrated telecommunications services, including acquisition and
installation of switches and related equipment
. continued addition of switching capacity, electrical equipment and additional
collocation space in connection with the expansion of ITC/\DeltaCom's ISP
local telecommunications services
. market expansion
. continued development and construction of its fiber optic network (including
transmission equipment)
. infrastructure enhancements, principally for information systems.
The actual amount and timing of ITC/\DeltaCom's capital requirements may differ
materially from the foregoing estimate as a result of regulatory, technological
and competitive developments (including market developments and new
opportunities), or in the event ITC/\DeltaCom decides to make acquisitions or
enter into joint ventures and strategic alliances in ITC/\DeltaCom's industry.
See "Item 1. Business--Risk Factors--We May Not Have, Or Be Able to Obtain, the
Significant Amounts of Capital that We Need to Expand Our Network, Operations
and Services as Planned."
ITC/\DeltaCom may require additional capital to fund its growth, as well as to
fund continued operating losses and working capital. ITC/\DeltaCom believes that
cash on hand, cash flow from operations and borrowings under the Credit Facility
(subject to compliance with applicable covenants), will provide sufficient funds
to enable ITC/\DeltaCom to expand its business as currently planned through the
second quarter of 2001, after which ITC/\DeltaCom may need to seek additional
financing to fund capital expenditures and working capital. If the Credit
Facility or other sources of funds are unavailable, ITC/\DeltaCom may not have a
ready source of liquidity. In the event that ITC/\DeltaCom's plans or
assumptions change or prove to be inaccurate, the foregoing sources of funds may
prove to be insufficient to fund ITC/\DeltaCom's currently planned growth and
operations. In addition, if ITC/\DeltaCom makes acquisitions, ITC/\DeltaCom may
be required to seek additional capital sooner than currently anticipated.
Additional sources may include equity and debt financing and other financing
agreements, such as vendor financing. There can be no assurance that ITC/\
DeltaCom will be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that
additional financing arrangements will be available, or if available, that they
can be concluded on terms acceptable to ITC/\ DeltaCom. Inability to generate or
obtain sufficient funds would result in delay or abandonment of some or all of
ITC/\DeltaCom's development and expansion plans, which could have a material
adverse effect on ITC/\DeltaCom.
Although ITC/\DeltaCom's liquidity has improved, ITC/\DeltaCom's level of
indebtedness and debt service obligations significantly increased as a result of
ITC/\DeltaCom's issuance of the 1997 Notes, the March 1998 Notes and the
November 1998 Notes. The successful implementation of ITC/\ DeltaCom's strategy,
including expansion of its network and obtaining and retaining a significant
number of customers, and significant and sustained growth in ITC/\DeltaCom's
cash flow are necessary for ITC/\DeltaCom to be able to meet its debt service
requirements. There can be no assurance that ITC/\DeltaCom will successfully
implement its strategy or that ITC/\DeltaCom will be able to generate sufficient
cash flow from operating activities to improve its earnings before fixed
charges, or to meet its debt service obligations and working capital
requirements. The ability of ITC/\ DeltaCom to meet its obligations will be
dependent upon the future performance of ITC/\DeltaCom, which will be subject to
prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors.
64
Year 2000
The Year 2000 Issue. The Year 2000 issue is the result of a computer
- --------------------
programming practice first utilized during the 1960s when storage space was very
expensive and processing capability was limited. By shortening the year portion
of date field entries to two digits rather than four, programmers could save
valuable storage space and increase data processing speeds. This method of date
entry became the standard method for programmers for mainframes, personal
computers, and hardware, including processor chips. Because of this programming
convention, software, hardware, or firmware may recognize a date field using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. If left uncorrected, this
could possibly result in system failures, miscalculations, or errors causing
disruptions in software-dependent operations.
ITC/\DeltaCom's Program. ITC/\DeltaCom has undertaken a comprehensive program
- -----------------------
to address the Year 2000 issue with respect to the following:
. ITC/\DeltaCom's information technology and operating systems (including
network switching, customer service, call detail and billing systems)
. ITC/\DeltaCom's non-information technology systems (such as buildings, plant,
equipment and other infrastructure systems that may contain embedded
microcontroller technology)
. the systems of its major vendors, third party network service providers, and
other material service providers (insofar as they relate to ITC/\DeltaCom's
business)
. ITC/\DeltaCom's major Carrier's Carrier and Retail Services customers.
As explained below, the program involves:
. a wide-ranging assessment of the Year 2000 problems that may affect
ITC/\DeltaCom
. the development of remedies to address the problems discovered in the
assessment phase
. testing of the remedies
. the preparation of contingency plans to deal with failure scenarios.
These steps will vary to meet the particular needs of a system or Company
Division and, in some cases, will overlap. Assessment, for example, is an on-
going element of ITC/\DeltaCom's Year 2000 program.
Assessment Phase. As part of the assessment phase of this program,
- -----------------
ITC/\DeltaCom has identified substantially all of the major components of the
systems described above. In order to determine the extent to which such systems
are vulnerable to the Year 2000 issue, ITC/\DeltaCom:
. evaluated its internally developed software applications
. inventoried and assessed the facilities and equipment utilized by
ITC/\DeltaCom
. contacted substantially all of its significant hardware, software, and other
equipment vendors, third party network service providers, other material
service providers, and material customers, requesting detailed, written
information related to their Year 2000 compliance and the compliance status of
the products or services they provide to ITC/\ DeltaCom, if any.
In addition, ITC/\DeltaCom performs a Year 2000 readiness assessment of all
potential purchases, leases, or contracts in an effort to prevent the
acquisition of a non-compliant system or facility.
To date, ITC/\DeltaCom has received and analyzed responses from substantially
all of its major vendors and service providers. ITC/\DeltaCom has also received
responses from approximately one fifth of its customers to which inquiries were
sent. The responses received included ITC/\DeltaCom's major Carrier's Carrier
and Retail Services customers.
Based upon the responses received to date, and assuming contradictory
responses are not received in the future from the third parties who have been
solicited, ITC/\DeltaCom believes that its
65
third party computer operating systems dedicated to ITC/\DeltaCom's customer
service, call detail records and billing systems and its Nortel and Ascend
system switches are now Year 2000 compliant. ITC/\DeltaCom is in the process of
investigating, and intends to closely monitor, the Year 2000 readiness of the
three public utilities that own and operate approximately 3,650 miles of ITC/\
DeltaCom's approximately 7,800-mile fiber optic network. Two of these utilities
have indicated that they intend to be Year 2000 compliant by year-end and one
has stated that its goal is to be compliant by mid-1999. ITC/\DeltaCom has been
informed by the financial institutions that provide services to ITC/\DeltaCom
that they each have undertaken Year 2000 programs and expect to be Year 2000
compliant. ITC/\DeltaCom's two largest Carrier's Carrier customers, which
together represented approximately 13% of ITC/\DeltaCom's consolidated revenues
for the fiscal year 1998, have responded that they are on target to have
mission-critical systems Year 2000 compliant by the end of the first quarter of
1999 in one instance, and by the end of the second quarter of 1999 in the other
instance. Of ITC/\DeltaCom's five largest Retail Services customers, which
represented an aggregate of approximately 9% of ITC/\DeltaCom's consolidated
revenues for the fiscal year 1998, four have either informed ITC/\DeltaCom or
made public disclosures that their mission-critical systems are now Year 2000
compliant.
Remediation and Testing. Based upon the results of ITC/\DeltaCom's assessment
- -----------------------
efforts, ITC/\ DeltaCom conducted remediation and testing of the at-risk systems
identified by the assessment. The activities conducted during this phase were
intended to affirmatively address potential Year 2000 problems in ITC/\DeltaCom-
developed computer software in its information technology and non-information
technology systems, and then demonstrate that the remediation was effective when
the system is used within normal operating parameters. In this phase,
ITC/\DeltaCom first evaluated a program application and, if a potential Year
2000 problem was identified, steps were taken to remediate the problem, and the
application is then individually tested to confirm that the remediating changes
were effective and did not adversely affect the functionality of that
application. Similar remediation and testing was undertaken with respect to the
hardware and other equipment that operates or is operated by the software. After
the individual applications and system components were remediated and tested,
integrated testing was conducted to demonstrate functional integrated systems
operation.
ITC/\DeltaCom has now completed the remediation and testing of its internally
developed code and the systems that operate and are operated by such software,
and ITC/\DeltaCom has placed the remediated systems and software into
production.
As ITC/\DeltaCom completes this remediation, it has arranged to conduct
laboratory-simulated integrated systems testing in an effort to demonstrate Year
2000 compliance of ITC/\ DeltaCom's integrated telecommunications systems as
they interface with external systems and the equipment of major vendors, third
party network providers, other material service providers and customers. This
testing effort covers ITC/\DeltaCom's essential network configurations and
integration configurations with the most common network components which are
utilized by customers and other third parties who interconnect with
ITC/\DeltaCom's network.
Contingency Plans. ITC/\DeltaCom is working on identifying and developing
- ------------------
contingency plans to handle its most reasonably likely worst case Year 2000
scenarios. ITC/\DeltaCom intends to complete its determination of the reasonably
likely worst case scenarios after the information received from third party
inquiries are compiled and the results of the network integration testing become
available to ITC/\DeltaCom. ITC/\DeltaCom anticipates that the bulk of its
contingency planning will primarily address potential year 2000 problems due to
failures to remediate major systems successfully, and the potential failure of
ITC/\DeltaCom's interconnecting carriers' and vendors' Year 2000 remediation
efforts.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to complete its contingency plans by the end of the third
quarter of 1999. These contingency plans will continue to be refined and updated
through the end of 1999 based upon, among other things, responses from third
party inquiries. A failure to meet this target could materially impact
ITC/\DeltaCom's operations.
66
Program Execution and Oversight. ITC/\DeltaCom has established a Year 2000
- --------------------------------
project office, and ITC/\DeltaCom's executive management reviews ITC/\DeltaCom's
progress on Year 2000 efforts on a monthly basis. The board of directors has
designated the Year 2000 oversight role to the Board's Audit Committee, and that
Committee receives periodic updates and progress reports on ITC/\ DeltaCom's
Year 2000 preparations.
To execute its Year 2000 program, ITC/\DeltaCom is utilizing both internal and
external resources to identify, correct, reprogram, and test its systems for
Year 2000 compliance. ITC/\ DeltaCom's use of internal resources to achieve the
aims of its Year 2000 program has not had a material adverse effect on its
ability to develop new products and services or to maintain and upgrade, if
necessary, its existing products and services. ITC/\DeltaCom's use of external
resources to achieve the aims of its Year 2000 program has not had a material
adverse effect on ITC/\ DeltaCom's operations or earnings.
Costs Related to the Year 2000 Issue. ITC/\DeltaCom has incurred, and expects
- -------------------------------------
to incur in the future, internal labor as well as consulting and other expenses
necessary to prepare its systems for the year 2000. Through the end of 1998,
ITC/\DeltaCom incurred approximately $1.1 million in external costs for its Year
2000 program. ITC/\DeltaCom currently estimates that it will incur additional
external expenses during 1999 to complete its Year 2000 compliance work, which
are not expected to exceed approximately $1 million. These costs, which may vary
from the estimates, have been, and will continue to be, expensed as incurred.
Risks Related to the Year 2000 Issue. ITC/\DeltaCom is implementing a detailed
- -------------------------------------
process to minimize the possibility of service interruptions or adverse effects
related to the Year 2000 issue. Although ITC/\DeltaCom's Year 2000 efforts are
intended to minimize the potential adverse effects of the Year 2000 issue on
ITC/\DeltaCom's business and operations, the actual effects of the issue cannot
and will not be known until the Year 2000. Failure by ITC/\DeltaCom and/or its
major vendors, third party network service providers, and other material service
providers and customers to adequately address their respective Year 2000 issues
in a timely manner (insofar as they relate to ITC/\ DeltaCom's business) could
have a material adverse effect on ITC/\DeltaCom's business, results of
operations, and financial condition.
Like all telecommunication service providers, ITC/\DeltaCom's ability to
provide service is dependent on its interconnecting carriers and third party
vendors, including non-telecommunications related services providers. If these
third parties fail to achieve Year 2000 compliance on a timely basis,
ITC/\DeltaCom could be adversely impacted by their failure.
There is a potential for some revenue erosion caused by reduced
telecommunications service demand by both Carrier's Carrier customers and Retail
Services customers because of their Year 2000 failures. ITC/\DeltaCom has taken
steps to raise customer awareness of the Year 2000 issue and to encourage its
customers to develop and implement plans to become Year 2000 compliant.
ITC/\DeltaCom's failure to correct a material Year 2000 problem could result
in an interruption or a failure of ITC/\DeltaCom's normal business activities
and operations. Such failures could materially and adversely affect
ITC/\DeltaCom's results of operations, liquidity, and financial condition. At
this time, ITC/\DeltaCom is unable to determine whether the consequences of Year
2000 failures will have a material impact on ITC/\DeltaCom's results of
operations, liquidity, or financial condition due to the general uncertainty
inherent with the Year 2000 problem, caused in part from the uncertainty of the
interconnecting carriers' and vendors' Year 2000 readiness, as well as
uncertainties related to ITC/\DeltaCom's ongoing remediation program.
ITC/\DeltaCom's Year 2000 program is expected to reduce significantly
ITC/\DeltaCom's level of uncertainty about the year 2000 problem and, in
particular, about the year 2000 compliance and readiness of ITC/\DeltaCom's
major vendors, third party network service providers, and other material service
providers and customers. ITC/\DeltaCom believes that, with the internal
implementation of remediated information and network systems, its
interconnecting carriers and
67
primary vendors Year 2000 readiness, and completion of the Year 2000 compliance
plan as scheduled, it will maintain normal operations for all dates after
December 31, 1999.
EFFECTS OF NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive Income, issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board, establishes standards for reporting and display of
comprehensive income and its components (revenues, expenses, gains, and losses)
in a full set of general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 requires
that all items that are required to be recognized under accounting standards as
components of comprehensive income be reported in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements. ITC/\DeltaCom
adopted SFAS No. 130, effective January 1, 1998, with no material impact on the
consolidated financial statements.
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information, establishes standards for the way that public business enterprises
report information about operating segments, in annual financial statements and
requires that those enterprises report selected information about operating
segments in interim financial reports issued to shareholders. SFAS No. 131 also
establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. ITC/\DeltaCom adopted SFAS No. 131,
effective January 1, 1998, with no material impact on the consolidated financial
statements.
SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and for Hedging Activities,
establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring that every derivative
instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts) be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability
measured at its fair value. SFAS No. 133 requires that changes in the
derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific
hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for qualifying hedges
allows a derivative's gains and losses to offset related results on the hedged
item in the income statement, and requires that a company must formally
document, designate and assess the effectiveness of transactions that receive
hedge accounting. SFAS No. 133 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 1999. A company may also implement SFAS No. 133 as of the beginning of
any fiscal quarter after June 15, 1998. SFAS No. 133 cannot be applied
retroactively. SFAS No. 133 must be applied to (1) derivative instruments and
(2) certain derivative instruments embedded in hybrid contracts that were
issued, acquired, or substantively modified after December 31, 1997.
ITC/\DeltaCom expects to implement SFAS No. 133 for the fiscal year beginning
January 1, 2000, and does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 133 will have a
material affect on its consolidated financial statements.
Statement of Position 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software
Developed or Obtained for Internal Use, provides guidance on accounting for the
costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use and is
required to be adopted no later than ITC/\DeltaCom's 1999 fiscal year.
ITC/\DeltaCom does not expect adoption of this statement to have a material
impact on its consolidated financial statements.
INFLATION
ITC/\DeltaCom does not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on
ITC/\DeltaCom's consolidated operations.
68
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
ITC/\DeltaCom is exposed to interest rate risk related to its interest rate
swap agreement and its borrowings under the Credit Agreement. There were no
borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement as of December 31, 1998.
Additionally, ITC/\DeltaCom is exposed to fair value risk related to its fixed-
rate, long-term debt. ITC/\DeltaCom's market risk sensitive instruments do not
subject ITC/\DeltaCom to material market risk exposures.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
The consolidated financial statements of ITC/\DeltaCom, including
ITC/\DeltaCom's consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
and consolidated statements of operations, consolidated statements of cash
flows, and consolidated statements of stockholders' equity for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, and notes to consolidated financial
statements, together with a report thereon of Arthur Andersen LLP, dated
February 12, 1999, are attached hereto as pages F-2 through F-27.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
69
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
Information as to Nominees and Continuing Directors
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Board of
Directors' three nominees for election as directors at ITC/\DeltaCom's 1999
annual meeting of stockholders and those directors who will continue to serve as
such after the annual meeting.
Age at
March 31, Director For Term Position(s) Held
1999 Since(1) to Expire with ITC/\DeltaCom
------------- ------------- -------------- -------------------------
Nominees:
- ----------
Robert A. Dolson(2) 53 1997 1999 Director
O. Gene Gabbard(2)(3) 58 1997 1999 Director
William H. Scott, III(3) 51 1997 1999 Director
Continuing Directors:
- ----------------------
Campbell B. Lanier, III 48 1997 2000 Chairman, Director
Andrew M. Walker 57 1997 2000 Vice Chairman,
Chief Executive
Officer, Director
Donald W. Burton 55 1997 2001 Director
Malcolm C. Davenport, V 45 1997 2001 Director
William T. Parr(3) 62 1997 2001 Director
William B. Timmerman 52 1997 2000 Director
- ----------------------------------------
(1) ITC/\DeltaCom was incorporated in March 1997.
(2) Member of the Audit Committee.
(3) Member of the Compensation Committee.
The principal occupations for the past five years of each of the three
nominees for director and the six directors whose terms of office will continue
after this year's annual meeting are set forth below.
Campbell B. Lanier, III. Campbell B. Lanier, III, has been Chairman of
ITC/\DeltaCom since March 1997. Mr. Lanier has served as Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of ITC Holding since its inception in 1985. In
addition, Mr. Lanier serves as an officer and director of several ITC Holding
subsidiaries. He also is a director of Innotrac (a provider of marketing support
services), KNOLOGY (a broadband telecommunications services company) (formerly
known as CyberNet Holding, Inc.), MindSpring (an Internet service provider),
Vista Eyecare, Inc. ( formerly known as National Vision Associates, Ltd.) (a
full service optical retailer) and K&G Men's Centers ("K&G") (a discount
retailer of men's clothing), Vice Chairman of the Board of AvData (a company
providing data communications networks) and Chairman of the Board of Powertel (a
wireless telecommunications services company). He has served as a Managing
Director of South Atlantic Private Equity Fund IV, Limited Partnership since
1997.
Andrew M. Walker. Mr. Walker has been Chief Executive Officer of ITC/\DeltaCom
since March 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ITC/\DeltaCom
since April 1998. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
managing partner of each of Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet from
November 1994 until March 1997. Mr. Walker has served as a director of KNOLOGY
since July 1996, and he served as Chief Executive Officer and President of
KNOLOGY from July 1996 to February 1997. Mr. Walker worked for MCI from 1990 to
1994 as Vice President, Carrier Services. From 1986 to 1990, Mr. Walker served
as a Division President for Telecom*USA, Inc.
70
("Telecom*USA"). Prior to 1986, Mr. Walker held different positions with the
Christian Broadcasting Network, M/A-Com and Comsat Laboratories.
Donald W. Burton. Mr. Burton has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since March
1997. He has served as the Managing General Partner of South Atlantic Venture
Funds since 1983 and as the General Partner of The Burton Partnership, Limited
Partnership since 1979. Since 1981, he has served as President of South Atlantic
Capital Corporation. Mr. Burton serves as director of Powertel, K&G, MTL, Inc.
(a bulk transportation service company), the Heritage Group of Mutual Funds and
several private companies.
Malcolm C. Davenport, V. Mr. Davenport has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom
since March 1997. He has operated his own C.P.A. and law practices since 1979
and 1983, respectively. Mr. Davenport has also served as a director of ITC
Holding since 1989 and serves as a director of several of its former
subsidiaries, including Spintek Gaming Technologies, Inc. (a gaming technology
provider) and American Artists Film Corporation (a motion picture production
company).
Robert A. Dolson. Mr. Dolson has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since March
1997. He has served as President and Chairman of Continental Water Company (a
holding company for regulated water utilities) since 1982 and 1989,
respectively. He has served as President and Chairman of National Enterprises,
Inc. (the parent company of Continental Water Company) since 1984 and 1989,
respectively. He has served as a director of ITC Holding since December 1993. He
also serves as a director of several private companies.
O. Gene Gabbard. Mr. Gabbard has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since March
1997. He has worked independently as an entrepreneur and consultant since
February 1993. Mr. Gabbard has served as a director of ITC Holding since 1993
and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Clear Source, Inc. (a provider
of broadband telecommunications services) and as a director of Powertel and
MindSpring. From August 1990 through January 1993, he served as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of MCI. He served in various senior
executive capacities, including Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of Telecom*USA, Inc., from December 1988 until Telecom's
merger with MCI in August 1990. From July 1984 to December 1988, he was Chairman
and/or President of SouthernNet, Inc. (''SouthernNet''), a long distance
telecommunications company which was the predecessor to Telecom*USA. Mr. Gabbard
has served as a Managing Director of South Atlantic Private Equity Fund IV,
Limited Partnership since 1997.
William T. Parr. Mr. Parr has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since March
1997. Mr. Parr has served as Vice Chairman of J. Smith Lanier & Co. (an
insurance placement company) since 1980. He has served as a director of ITC
Holding since 1989. He also serves as a director of AvData, J. Smith Lanier &
Co. and Industrial Distribution Group, Inc. (a supplier of maintenance, repair,
operating and production products). Mr. Parr previously served as a director of
SouthernNet and several subsidiaries of ITC Holding.
William H. Scott, III. Mr. Scott has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since
March 1997. Mr. Scott has served as President of ITC Holding since December 1991
and as a director of ITC Holding since May 1989. Mr. Scott is a director of
Innotrac, Powertel, AvData, KNOLOGY and MindSpring. From 1989 to 1991, he served
as Executive Vice President of ITC Holding.
William B. Timmerman. Mr. Timmerman has been a director of ITC/\DeltaCom since
March 1997. Since 1978 he has served in a variety of management positions at
SCANA (a diversified utility company), including Chief Executive Officer,
President, Senior Vice President, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer. Mr. Timmerman is also director of SCANA Corporation, Powertel and
Liberty Corporation (a life insurance company) and has served as a director of
ITC Holding since 1996.
71
Information as to Executive Officers
Information required by this item with respect to executive officers is provided
in "Item 1 Business--Executive Officers."
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), requires ITC/\DeltaCom's directors, officers and beneficial
owners of more than 10% of the common stock to file with the SEC initial reports
of ownership of ITC/\DeltaCom's equity securities and to file subsequent reports
when there are changes in such ownership. Officers, directors and beneficial
owners of more than 10% of the common stock are required by SEC regulations to
furnish ITC/\ DeltaCom with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based on its review of these reports and on written representations from the
reporting persons that no other reports were required, ITC/\DeltaCom believes
that during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom's officers,
directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all
applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements with the exception of one Form 4
each for Campbell B. Lanier, Jr. and Douglas A. Shumate which were filed late.
72
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION
Directors of ITC/\DeltaCom who are also employees of ITC/\DeltaCom receive no
directors fees. Non-employee directors receive directors fees of $750 for each
Board meeting attended in person, $200 for each Board meeting attended by
telephone and $200 for each Board committee meeting attended (whether in person
or by telephone conference). In addition, directors are reimbursed for their
reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenditures incurred. Directors of
ITC/\DeltaCom are also eligible to receive grants of stock options under the
Director Stock Option Plan.
The Director Stock Option Plan provides for the "formula" grant of options
that are not intended to qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422
of the Internal Revenue Code to directors of ITC/\DeltaCom who are not officers
or employees of ITC/\DeltaCom or any subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom (each an
"Eligible Director"). The Director Stock Option Plan authorizes the issuance of
up to 481,500 shares of common stock pursuant to options granted under the
Director Stock Option Plan (subject to anti-dilution adjustments in the event of
a stock split, recapitalization or similar transaction). The option exercise
price for options granted under the Director Stock Option Plan will be 100% of
the fair market value of the shares of common stock at the close of business on
the date of grant of the option. Under the Director Stock Option Plan, each
Eligible Director will be granted an option to purchase 32,100 shares of common
stock upon such person's initial election or appointment to serve as a director.
Options granted will generally become exercisable with respect to 50% of the
shares subject to the options on the second anniversary of the date of grant and
with respect to 25% of the shares subject to the options on each of the third
and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. The options will expire ten years
and 30 days after the date of grant. The Board of Directors may amend or
terminate the Director Stock Option Plan with respect to shares of common stock
as to which options have not been granted.
At December 31, 1998, stock options to purchase 192,600 shares of common stock
were outstanding pursuant to the Director Stock Option Plan.
Other than the compensation described above, none of the directors received
any other compensation from ITC/\DeltaCom in 1998 in connection with their
service as directors.
73
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the cash and
non-cash compensation paid during the periods indicated to the Chief Executive
Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive officers of
ITC/\DeltaCom whose combined salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 during the
fiscal years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 (the "Named Executive Officers").
Long Term
Annual Compensation
Compensation Awards
--------------------------- -------------------
Securities
Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Year (1) Salary Bonus (2) Options (3) Compensation
- -------------------------------------- --------- ------------- ------------ ------------------- ------------------
Andrew M. Walker 1998 $158,308 $101,314 23,302 $ 18,134.40(4)
Vice Chairman, Chief Executive 1997 147,063 99,069 401,250 12,837.67(5)
Officer, Director
Foster O. McDonald 1998 139,880 84,429 13,982 22,059.49(6)
President 1997 133,606 69,351 240,750 32,912.23(7)
J. Thomas Mullis 1998 136,225 40,363 11,140 9,210.16(8)
Senior Vice President--General 1997 124,033 35,239 128,400 4,071.41(9)
Counsel, Secretary
Roger F. Woodward 1998 129,519 46,885 10,372 18,482.83(10)
Senior Vice President--Sales, 1997 123,708 11,538 160,500 32,474.35(11)
Marketing and Customer Support
Steven D. Moses 1998 116,092 68,794 11,392 7,154.62(12)
Senior Vice President--Network 1997 103,444 51,722 160,500 6,971.18(13)
Services
- ----------------
(1) Under rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC" or the "Commission"), since ITC/\DeltaCom was not a reporting
company during the three immediately preceding fiscal years, only
information with respect to the most recently completed two fiscal years is
noted in this Summary Compensation Table. Information presented is for the
full fiscal year. For the period prior to ITC/\DeltaCom's formation, the
Named Executive Officers were compensated by entities that became
subsidiaries of ITC/\DeltaCom.
(2) Bonuses paid in fiscal year 1998 by ITC/\DeltaCom were based on both
individual and corporate performance during fiscal year 1997 while bonuses
paid in fiscal year 1997 were based on both individual and corporate
performance during fiscal year 1996.
(3) Excludes options granted by ITC Holding prior to the formation of
ITC/\DeltaCom on March 24, 1997. Option totals have been adjusted to
reflect ITC/\DeltaCom's stock split in September 1998.
(4) Represents $2,394.00 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Walker, $6,400.00 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom to the , Inc. 401(k) Plan (the "401(k) Plan") on behalf of
Mr. Walker, $4,447.97 in travel allowances and an automobile allowance of
$4,892.43 paid to Mr. Walker by ITC/\DeltaCom.
(5) Represents $3,287.67 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Walker, $4,750.00 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Walker, and an automobile
allowance of $4,800.00 paid to Mr. Walker by ITC/\DeltaCom.
74
(6) Represents $546.48 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. McDonald, $6,400.00 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom on behalf of Mr. McDonald to the 401(k) Plan, $8,512.91 in
travel allowances and an automobile allowance of $6,600.10 paid to
Mr. McDonald by ITC/\DeltaCom.
(7) Represents $4,653.13 in matching contributions made by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. McDonald to the 401(k) Plan, an automobile allowance of
$6,600.00 paid to Mr. McDonald by ITC/\DeltaCom and the reimbursement by
ITC/\DeltaCom of $21,659.10 in moving expenses incurred during 1997 by
Mr. McDonald.
(8) Represents $2,520.00 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Mullis, $5,714.28 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom on behalf of Mr. Mullis to the 401(k) Plan and $975.88 in
travel allowances paid to Mr. Mullis by ITC/\DeltaCom.
(9) Represents $4,071.41 in matching contributions made by ITC/\DeltaCom to the
401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Mullis.
(10) Represents $995.28 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Woodward, $6,207.67 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom on behalf of Mr. Woodward to the 401(k) Plan and $4,679.78 in
travel allowances and $6,600.10 in an automobile allowance paid to Mr.
Woodward by ITC/\DeltaCom.
(11) Represents an automobile allowance of $6,600.00 paid to Mr. Woodward by
ITC/\DeltaCom as well as the reimbursement by ITC/\DeltaCom of $25,874.35
in moving expenses incurred during 1997 by Mr. Woodward.
(12) Represents $633.36 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Moses, $5,000.00 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Moses, $1,150.76 in
travel allowances paid to Mr. Moses by ITC/\DeltaCom and the value of the
personal use of a Company vehicle calculated under Internal Revenue Service
regulations to be $370.50.
(13) Represents $925.18 in life insurance premiums paid by ITC/\DeltaCom on
behalf of Mr. Moses, $4,750.00 in matching contributions made by
ITC/\DeltaCom to the 401(k) Plan on behalf of Mr. Moses, and the value of
the personal use of a Company vehicle calculated under Internal Revenue
Service regulations to be $1,296.00.
75
Option Grants
The following table sets forth information with respect to grants of
stock options to each of the Named Executive Officers during the year ended
December 31, 1998.
Individual Grants (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Percentage Potential Realized
Number of of Total Value at
Securities Options Assumed Annual
Underlying Granted to Rates of Stock
Options Employees in Exercise Expiration Price Appreciation
Name Granted Fiscal Year Price Grant Date Date for Option Term(2)
- ----------------------- ---------- ------------- -------- ------------- ------------- ----------------------
5% 10%
-------- --------
Andrew M. Walker 23,302 1.8% $13.6875 Mar. 13, 1998 Mar. 13, 2008 $200,688 $508,275
Foster O. McDonald 13,982 1.0 13.6875 Mar. 13, 1998 Mar. 13, 2008 120,420 304,982
J. Thomas Mullis 11,140 0.9 13.6875 Mar. 13, 1998 Mar. 13, 2008 95,943 242,991
Roger F. Woodward 10,372 0.8 13.6875 Mar. 13, 1998 Mar. 13, 2008 89,329 226,239
Steven D. Moses 11,392 0.9 13.6875 Mar. 13, 1998 Mar. 13, 2008 98,114 248,488
- ----------------------------
(1) All options granted to the Named Executive Officers were granted pursuant to
ITC/\DeltaCom's 1997 Stock Option Plan ("1997 Plan"). All options are
exercisable for shares of common stock and all options will become
exercisable with respect to one-half of the shares subject to such options
on the second anniversary of the date of the grant of the options, with an
additional one-quarter becoming exercisable on each of the third and fourth
anniversaries of the date of grant of the options.
(2) Based on exercise price.
76
Aggregate Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Values
The following table sets forth information with respect to the Named Executive
Officers concerning the exercise of options during fiscal year 1998, the number
of securities underlying unexercised options at the end of 1998 and the year-end
value of all unexercised in-the-money options held by such individuals.
Value of Unexercised
Shares Number of Unexercised In-the-Money Options
Acquired Options at Fiscal Year-End(1) at Fiscal Year-End(2)
on Value --------------------------------------- ---------------------
Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- ---------------------
Andrew M. Walker -- $ -- 120,092 523,504 $1,511,658 $6,434,334
Foster O. McDonald -- -- 38,558 328,022 471,644 4,036,662
J. Thomas Mullis -- -- 29,378 195,918 359,353 2,366,678
Roger F. Woodward -- -- 29,378 214,940 340,605 2,614,754
Steven D. Moses 10,000 130,744 83,925 200,077 1,155,977 2,456,907
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes grants of stock options by ITC/\DeltaCom in fiscal year 1997 of
401,250, 240,750, 128,400, 160,500, and 160,500 to Messrs. Walker, McDonald,
Mullis, Woodward and Moses, respectively, pursuant to the 1997 Plan.
Additionally, prior to the Reorganization, Messrs. Walker, McDonald, Mullis,
Woodward and Moses were granted options to purchase shares of common stock
of ITC Holding under ITC Holding's incentive stock option plan. In
connection with the Reorganization, these options were assumed by
ITC/\DeltaCom and were converted into options to purchase shares of
ITC/\DeltaCom's common stock. Upon conversion, Messrs. Walker, McDonald,
Mullis, Woodward and Moses received options to purchase 219,044, 111,848,
85,756, 73,446 and 122,110 shares of Company common stock, respectively.
These options will continue to vest according to the schedule set forth in
each Named Executive Officer's respective stock option agreement unless such
Named Executive Officer's employment with ITC/\DeltaCom is terminated, in
which case options that have not vested at that time will terminate. The
Reorganization is discussed in greater detail in "Item 1. Business - History
of ITC/\DeltaCom - Reorganization."
(2) Represents the difference between the exercise price and the closing price
of the common stock on The Nasdaq National Market at fiscal year-end on
December 31, 1998.
77
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Gabbard, Parr and
Scott.
For a description of certain other transactions, see "Item 13. Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions."
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has prepared the
following report on ITC/\DeltaCom's policies with respect to the compensation of
executive officers for 1998.
The Board of Directors appointed the Compensation Committee in March 1997.
Since that time, decisions on compensation of ITC/\DeltaCom's executive officers
have been made by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee also
administers ITC/\DeltaCom's stock option plans. No member of the Compensation
Committee is an employee of ITC/\DeltaCom. During 1998, the Compensation
Committee consisted of Messrs. Gabbard, Parr and Scott.
Compensation Policies Toward Executive Officers
The compensation policies of ITC/\DeltaCom are designed to (1) attract,
motivate and retain experienced and qualified executives, (2) increase the
overall performance of ITC/\DeltaCom, (3) increase stockholder value, and (4)
increase the performance of individual executives. The Compensation Committee
seeks to provide competitive salaries based upon individual performance together
with annual cash bonuses awarded based on ITC/\DeltaCom's overall performance
relative to corporate objectives, taking into account individual contributions,
teamwork and performance levels. In addition, it is the policy of ITC/\DeltaCom
to grant stock options to executives upon their commencement of employment with
ITC/\DeltaCom and annually thereafter in order to strengthen the alliance of
interest between such executives and ITC/\DeltaCom's stockholders and to give
executives the opportunity to reach the top compensation levels of the
competitive market depending on ITC/\DeltaCom's performance (as reflected in the
market price of the common stock).
The following describes in more specific terms the elements of compensation
that implement the Compensation Committee's compensation policies, with specific
reference to compensation reported for 1998.
Base Salaries. Base salaries of executives are initially determined by
evaluating the responsibilities of the position, the experience and knowledge of
the individual, and the competitive marketplace for executive talent, including
a comparison to base salaries for comparable positions at peer public companies
in ITC/\DeltaCom's geographic region. Base salaries for executive officers are
reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee based upon, among other things,
individual performance and responsibilities.
Annual salary adjustments are recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and
President by evaluating the performance of each executive officer after
considering new responsibilities and the previous year's performance. The
Compensation Committee performs the same review of the Chief Executive Officer's
and President's performance. Individual performance ratings take into account
such factors as achievement of specific goals that are driven by ITC/\DeltaCom's
strategic plan and attainment of specific individual objectives. The factors
affecting base salary levels are not assigned specific weights but are subject
to adjustments by the Compensation Committee.
Bonuses. ITC/\DeltaCom's annual bonuses to its executive officers are based on
both corporate and individual performance, as measured by reference to factors
which reflect objective performance criteria over which management generally has
the ability to exert some degree of control. These corporate performance factors
consist of revenue and earnings targets established in ITC/\DeltaCom's annual
budget. Bonuses for 1996 (paid in 1997) and for 1997 (paid in 1998) are based
upon the achievement of such financial and operating factors.
78
Stock Options. A third component of executive officers' compensation is the
1997 Plan, pursuant to which ITC/\DeltaCom grants executive officers and other
key employees options to purchase shares of common stock.
The Compensation Committee grants stock options to ITC/\DeltaCom's executives
in order to align their interests with the interests of the stockholders. Stock
options are considered by the Compensation Committee to be an effective long-
term incentive because the executives' gains are linked to increases in the
value of the common stock, which in turn provides stockholder gains. The
Compensation Committee generally grants options to new executive officers and
other key employees upon their commencement of employment with ITC/\DeltaCom and
annually thereafter. The options generally are granted at an exercise price
equal to the closing market price of the common stock at the date of the grant.
Options granted to executive officers typically vest over a period of two to
four years following the date of grant. The maximum option term is ten years.
The full benefit of the options is realized upon appreciation of the stock price
in future periods, thus providing an incentive to create value for
ITC/\DeltaCom's stockholders through appreciation of stock price. Management of
ITC/\DeltaCom believes that stock options have been helpful in attracting and
retaining skilled executive personnel.
Stock option grants made to executive officers in 1998 reflect significant
individual contributions relating to ITC/\DeltaCom's operations and
implementation of ITC/\DeltaCom's development and growth programs. Certain
newly-hired executive officers also received stock option grants at the time of
their employment with ITC/\DeltaCom. During 1998, ITC/\DeltaCom granted stock
options to purchase an aggregate of 1,289,354 shares of common stock to 547
employees, including options to purchase an aggregate of 70,188 shares of common
stock to ITC/\DeltaCom's five most highly compensated executive officers. The
per share option exercise prices of such options ranged from $9.78 to $22.875,
which generally equaled the fair market value of a share of common stock on the
respective dates of grant.
Other. ITC/\DeltaCom has adopted a contributory retirement plan, the 401(k)
Plan, for all of its employees (including executive officers) age 21 and over
with at least one year and 1,000 hours of service to ITC/\DeltaCom. The 401(k)
Plan provides that each participant may contribute up to 15% of his or her
salary (not to exceed the annual statutory limit). ITC/\DeltaCom generally makes
matching contributions to each participant's account equal to 100% of the first
2% and 50% of the next 4% of such participant's annual contribution by salary
and/or bonus deferral to the 401(k) Plan.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation
The executive compensation policy described above is applied in setting Mr.
Walker's compensation. Mr. Walker generally participates in the same executive
compensation plans and arrangements available to the other senior executives.
Accordingly, his compensation also consists of annual base salary, annual bonus,
and long-term equity-linked compensation. The Compensation Committee's general
approach in establishing Mr. Walker's compensation is to be competitive with
peer companies, but to have a large percentage of his target compensation based
upon the long-term performance of ITC/\DeltaCom, as reflected in part in the
market price of the common stock.
Mr. Walker's compensation for the year ended December 31, 1998 included
$158,308 in base salary and a $101,314 cash bonus. Mr. Walker's salary and bonus
payments for 1998 were based on, among other factors, ITC/\DeltaCom's
performance and the 1997 compensation of chief executive officers of comparable
companies, although his compensation was not linked to any particular group of
these companies.
79
Compensation Deductibility Policy
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and applicable Treasury
regulations, no tax deduction is allowed for annual compensation in excess of $1
million paid to any of ITC/\DeltaCom's five most highly compensated executive
officers. However, performance-based compensation that has been approved by
stockholders is excluded from the $1 million limit if, among other requirements,
the compensation is payable only upon attainment of pre-established, objective
performance goals and the board committee that establishes such goals consists
only of "outside directors" as defined for purposes of Section 162(m). All of
the members of the Compensation Committee qualify as "outside directors." The
Compensation Committee intends to maximize the extent of tax deductibility of
executive compensation under the provisions of Section 162(m) so long as doing
so is compatible with its determinations as to the most appropriate methods and
approaches for the design and delivery of compensation to ITC/\DeltaCom's
executive officers.
Respectfully submitted,
Compensation Committee
O. Gene Gabbard
William T. Parr
William H. Scott, III
80
Comparative Stock Performance
The following chart sets forth comparative information regarding
ITC/\DeltaCom's cumulative stockholder return on its common stock since
ITC/\DeltaCom completed its initial public offering on October 29, 1997 through
December 31, 1998. Total stockholder return is measured by dividing total
dividends (assuming dividend reinvestment) plus share price change for a period
by the share price at the beginning of the measurement period. ITC/\DeltaCom's
cumulative stockholder return based on an investment of $100 at October 24,
1997, when the common stock was first traded on The Nasdaq National Market, at
its opening price of $8.25, is compared to the cumulative total return of the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the Nasdaq Telecommunications Index,
comprised of publicly traded companies which are principally in the
telecommunications business, during that same period.
Comparison of Cumulative Total Returns
Comparison of Two Month Cumulative Total Return*
Among , Inc., The S&P 500 Stock Index
and The Nasdaq Telecommunications Index
[Graph Appears Here]
Years Ending
------------------------------------------
Oct. 24, 1997 Dec. 97 Dec. 98
ITC/\DELTACOM 100 100 185
S&P 500 INDEX 100 115 140
NASDAQ TELECOM 100 90 85
- ------------------------
* $100 invested on October 24, 1997. Fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
81
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.
Stock Owned by Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the common stock as of March 15, 1999 by (1) each director and
nominee for director of ITC/\DeltaCom, (2) each Named Executive Officer and
(3) all executive officers and directors as a group.
Amount of
Beneficial
Ownership Percentage
Name of Beneficial Owner (a)(b) of Class
- -------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------
Donald W. Burton (c).......................................... 2,393,654 4.6%
Malcolm C. Davenport, V (d)................................... 406,580 *
Robert A. Dolson (e).......................................... 4,058,266 7.9
O. Gene Gabbard............................................... 244,224 *
Campbell B. Lanier, III (f)................................... 8,239,655 16.0
Foster O. McDonald (g)........................................ 646,998 1.3
Steven D. Moses (h)........................................... 200,684 *
J. Thomas Mullis.............................................. 124,443 *
William T. Parr (i)........................................... 292,523 *
Sara L. Plunkett.............................................. 106,300 *
William H. Scott, III (j)..................................... 2,216,872 4.3
Douglas A. Shumate (k)........................................ 222,119 *
William B. Timmerman (l)...................................... 4,096,840 7.9
Andrew M. Walker (m).......................................... 383,310 *
Roger F. Woodward............................................. 123,214 *
---------- -------------------
All executive officers and directors as a group 23,383,248 45.4%
(15 persons)................................................
- ------------------------------
* Less than one percent.
(a) In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to
be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of common
stock if such person has or shares voting power or investment power with
respect to such security, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership
at any time within 60 days from March 15, 1999. As used herein, "voting
power" is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and "investment
power" is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Unless
otherwise indicated, each stockholder listed has sole voting and investment
power with respect to the shares shown as beneficially owned by such
stockholder.
(b) Includes the following shares that the individuals named below have the
right to purchase within 60 days from March 15, 1999 pursuant to options:
Donald W. Burton..................... 16,050
Malcolm C. Davenport, V.............. 39,002
Robert A. Dolson..................... 39,002
O. Gene Gabbard...................... 48,054
Campbell B. Lanier, III................ 701,778
Foster O. McDonald..................... 184,392
Steven D. Moses........................ 181,322
J. Thomas Mullis....................... 113,191
William T. Parr........................ 34,411
Sara L. Plunkett....................... 97,772
William H. Scott, III.................. 711,616
Douglas A. Shumate..................... 169,639
William B. Timmerman................... 39,002
Andrew M. Walker....................... 254,924
Roger F. Woodward...................... 109,628
------------------------
Total............................ 2,739,783
------------------------
82
- --------------------------
(c) Includes 123,838 shares held of record by The Burton Partnership, Limited
Partnership, of which Mr. Burton is the sole general partner; 217,296 shares
held of record by South Atlantic Venture Fund II, Limited Partnership, of
which South Atlantic Venture Partners II, Limited Partnership is the sole
general partner, of which Mr. Burton is the managing general partner;
1,125,380 shares held of record by South Atlantic Venture Fund III, Limited
Partnership, of which South Atlantic Venture Partners III, Limited
Partnership is the sole general partner, of which Mr. Burton is the managing
partner; 361,516 shares held of record by South Atlantic Venture Fund IV,
L.P., of which Mr. Burton is a general partner; 556,572 shares held of
record by South Atlantic Venture Fund IV (QP), L.P., of which Mr. Burton is
a general partner. Also includes 9,052 unexercised but vested options held
of record by South Atlantic Venture Fund II, Limited Partnership.
(d) Includes 296,622 shares held of record by the Malcolm C. Davenport, V Family
Trust, of which Mr. Davenport is co-trustee.
(e) Includes 4,017,264 shares held of record by National Enterprises, Inc., of
which Mr. Dolson is President.
(f) Includes 2,412 shares in the aggregate held of record by Mr. C. Lanier,
III's wife; 257,674 shares held of record by the Lanier Family Foundation,
of which Mr. C. Lanier, III, is co-trustee; and 114,760 shares held of
record by the Campbell Lanier, Jr. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, of
which Mr. C. Lanier, III, is co-trustee.
(g) Includes 351,618 shares held of record by three McDonald family trusts, of
which Mr. McDonald is trustee and 228 shares held of record by Mr.
McDonald's wife.
(h) Includes 550 shares held of record by Mr. Moses' wife and 8,812 owned
jointly with his son.
(i) Includes 2,000 shares held of record by Mr. Parr's wife.
(j) Includes 2,524 shares held of record by Mr. Scott's wife; 458 shares held of
record by Mr. Scott's minor daughter; 257,674 shares held of record by the
Lanier Family Foundation, of which Mr. Scott is co-trustee; 114,760 shares
held by the Campbell Lanier, Jr. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, of which
Mr. Scott is co-trustee; 809,428 shares held of record by Campbell B.
Lanier, III Charitable Remainder Trust, of which Mr. Scott is trustee;
47,162 shares held in trust for Mr. Scott's minor daughter, of which Mr.
Scott's wife is co-trustee.
(k) Includes 2,422 shares held of record by Mr. Shumate's wife; 10 shares held
of record by Mr. Shumate's daughter; and 54 shares held of record by Mr.
Shumate's son.
(l) Includes 4,055,838 shares held of record by SCANA Communications Inc., a
wholly owned subsidiary of SCANA. Mr. Timmerman is Chief Executive Officer
of SCANA.
(m) Includes 228 shares held of record by Mr. Walker's wife.
83
Principal Holders of Voting Securities
The following table sets forth information as of March 15, 1999 with
respect to the ownership of shares of common stock by each person believed by
management to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of
ITC/\DeltaCom's outstanding common stock. The information is based on the most
recent Schedule 13D or 13G filed with the SEC on behalf of such persons or other
information made available to ITC/\DeltaCom. Except as otherwise indicated, the
reporting persons have stated that they possess sole voting and sole dispositive
power over the entire number of shares reported.
Amount of ----------------------
Beneficial Percentage
Name of Beneficial Owner Ownership(a) of Class
- ----------------------------------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------
SCANA Communications, Inc. (b) 4,055,838 7.9%
National Enterprises, Inc. (c) 4,017,264 7.9
J. Smith Lanier (d) 3,813,552 7.4
Robert A. Dolson (e) 4,058,266 7.9
Campbell B. Lanier, III (f) 8,239,655 16.0
William B. Timmerman (g) 4,096,840 7.9
- -------------------------------
(a) In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, a person is deemed to
be the beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of common
stock if such person has or shares voting power or investment power with
respect to such security, or has the right to acquire beneficial ownership
at any time within 60 days from March 15, 1999. As used herein, "voting
power" is the power to vote or direct the voting of shares and "investment
power" is the power to dispose or direct the disposition of shares. Unless
otherwise indicated, each stockholder listed has sole voting and investment
power with respect to the shares shown as beneficially owned by such
stockholder.
(b) Excludes 1,480,771 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the
1,480,771 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock held of record by
SCANA Communications, Inc. The address of SCANA Communications, Inc. is 440
Knox Abbott Drive, Suite 240, Cayce, SC 29033.
(c) The address of National Enterprises, Inc. is 535 North New Ballas Road, St.
Louis, MO 63141.
(d) Includes 648,798 shares held of record by Mr. J. Smith Lanier's wife;
257,674 shares held of record by the Lanier Family Foundation, of which Mr.
J. Smith Lanier is co-trustee; 114,760 shares held of record by the Campbell
Lanier, Jr. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, of which Mr. J. Smith Lanier
is co-trustee; and 600,000 shares held of record by the J. Smith Lanier
Charitable Remainder Trust. Also includes 22,952 shares of common stock
that Mr. J. Smith Lanier has the right to purchase within 60 days from March
15, 1999 pursuant to options.
(e) Includes 4,019,264 shares held of record by National Enterprises, Inc., of
which Mr. Dolson is President. Also includes 39,002 shares of common stock
that Mr. Dolson has the right to purchase within 60 days from March 15, 1999
pursuant to options.
(f) Includes 2,412 shares in the aggregate held of record by Mr. C. Lanier,
III's wife; 257,674 shares held of record by the Lanier Family Foundation,
of which Mr. C. Lanier, III, is co-trustee; and 114,760 shares held of
record by the Campbell Lanier, Jr. Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, of
which Mr. C. Lanier, III, is co-trustee. Also includes 701,778 shares of
common stock that Mr. C. Lanier, III, has the right to purchase within 60
days from March 15, 1999 pursuant to options.
(g) Includes 4,055,838 shares held of record by SCANA. Mr. Timmerman is the
Chief Executive Officer of SCANA Corporation, SCANA's parent company. Also
includes 39,002 shares of common stock that Mr. Timmerman has the right to
purchase within 60 days from March 15, 1999 pursuant to options.
84
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
ITC/\DeltaCom has adopted a policy requiring that any material transactions
between ITC/\DeltaCom and persons or entities affiliated with officers,
directors or principal stockholders of ITC/\DeltaCom be on terms no less
favorable to ITC/\DeltaCom than reasonably could have been obtained in arm's-
length transactions with independent third parties.
The following is a summary of certain transactions and relationships :
. between ITC/\DeltaCom and ITC Holding prior to the Reorganization
. between ITC/\DeltaCom and other entities in which ITC Holding prior to the
Reorganization held more than 10% of the equity interests
. among ITC/\DeltaCom and its directors, executive officers and stockholders and
its associated entities.
In connection with the Reorganization, ITC Holding merged with and into
ITC/\DeltaCom.
ITC/\DeltaCom entered into an arrangement in January 1998 to lease its
executive offices in West Point, Georgia from KNOLOGY for approximately $11,000
per month. ITC/\DeltaCom paid KNOLOGY $160,000 in connection with this lease for
the year ended December 31, 1998.
ITC/\DeltaCom, through Interstate FiberNet, Inc. (and formerly through
Interstate FiberNet, a Georgia general partnership), sells capacity on its fiber
optic network to several former ITC Holding subsidiaries and affiliates,
including Powertel and Powertel PCS, Inc., Globe, InterCall, KNOLOGY and
MindSpring. Together, these entities paid Interstate FiberNet, Inc.,
approximately $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1998.
ITC/\DeltaCom, through DeltaCom, provides long distance and carrier switched
long distance service to several former ITC Holding subsidiaries and affiliates,
including KNOLOGY, InterCall, Interstate Telephone, Valley Telephone, Powertel
and MindSpring. Together, these entities paid DeltaCom approximately $9.1
million for the year ended December 31, 1998. DeltaCom also earns commissions
by serving as agent for certain interexchange carriers doing business with
Powertel, InterCall, Eastern Telecom, Inc. (dba InterQuest) and MindSpring.
Under these agreements, DeltaCom contracts with the interexchange carrier and
rebills the appropriate access charges plus a margin to Powertel, InterCall and
MindSpring. Together, Powertel, InterCall and MindSpring paid DeltaCom
commissions totaling approximately $1.6 million for the year ended December 31,
1998.
ITC/\DeltaCom, through Interstate FiberNet, Inc. (and formerly through
InterQuest), provides directory assistance and operator service to Powertel,
Interstate Telephone and Valley Telephone. Revenues recorded by ITC/\DeltaCom
for these services were approximately $1.2 million for the year ended December
31, 1998.
ITC/\DeltaCom purchased feature group access and other services from
Interstate Telephone, Valley Telephone and InterCall totaling approximately
$457,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998.
InterCall provides conference calling services to ITC/\DeltaCom. ITC/\DeltaCom
paid approximately $26,000 for such services for the year ended December 31,
1998.
ITC Holding, through certain of its subsidiaries, from time to time provides
ITC/\DeltaCom (and its subsidiaries) with administrative, staff and air travel
services. ITC/\DeltaCom paid $375,000 to ITC Holding and its affiliates for air
travel services during the year ended December 31, 1998. ITC/\DeltaCom did not
purchase any administrative or staff services during the year ended December 31,
1998.
85
ITC/\DeltaCom leases real property from entities controlled by Mr. Sidney L.
McDonald, a stockholder of DeltaCom's predecessor and the father of Foster
McDonald, President of ITC/\DeltaCom. Under the lease agreements, ITC/\DeltaCom
paid approximately $164,000 in 1998 and is obligated to pay approximately
$155,000 annually from 1999 through 2005. The lease agreements are cancelable by
either of the parties with 24 months notice.
86
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K.
(a)(1) The following Consolidated Financial Statements of and report of
independent public accountants are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
Report of Independent Public Accountants.
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997.
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996.
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(a)(2) The following financial statement schedule is filed as part of this
report and is attached hereto as pages S-1 and S-2:
Report of Independent Public Accountants on the Financial Statement
Schedule.
Schedule II--Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Commission either have been included in the Consolidated
Financial Statements of ITC/\DeltaCom or the notes thereto, are not required
under the related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been
omitted.
(a)(3) The following exhibits are either provided with this Form 10-K or are
incorporated herein by reference:
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
-------- -------------------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Registration
Statement on Form S-1, as amended, File No. 333-36683 ("Form S-1") and incorporated herein
by reference).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-1
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1 Capacity Agreement dated as of February 1, 1997 between Interstate FiberNet and Entergy
Technology Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, as
amended, File No. 333-31361 (the "1997 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2 License Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Interstate FiberNet and Metropolitan
Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
87
10.3 Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated March 26, 1993 between Interstate
FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.3.1 Network Products Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 24, 1997, by and between
Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.3.1 to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, File No. 000-23253 (the "1997 Form 10-K"), filed with
the Commission on March 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4 First Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated as of September 9,
1993 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.5 Second Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated as of January 19,
1994 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6 Sixth Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated as of November 21,
1996 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (which supersedes the Third and
the Fourth Amendment to this Agreement) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.7 Seventh Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated as of April 15, 1997
between Interstate FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (which supersedes the Fifth
Amendment to this Agreement) (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.8 Master Capacity Lease dated July 22, 1996 between Interstate FiberNet and InterCel PCS
Services, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.9 First Amendment to Master Capacity Lease dated as of August 22, 1996 between Interstate
FiberNet and InterCel PCS Services, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.10 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997 by and among Gulf States
Transmission Systems, Inc., the Lenders parties thereto and NationsBank, N.A. (filed as
Exhibit 10.10 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11 Promissory Note dated March 27, 1997 between Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. and
NationsBank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.12 Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997 between Gulf States
FiberNet and Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. and NationsBank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit
10.12 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13 Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997 between Gulf States FiberNet
and Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.14 Term Agreement dated as of August 11, 1994 between Gulf States FiberNet and Illinois
Central Railroad Company (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.15 Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement dated as of June 9, 1995
among Southern Development and Investment Group, Inc., on behalf of itself and as agent for
Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power
Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric Generating Company and
Southern Company Services, Inc. and MPX Systems, Inc., which was assigned in part by MPX
Systems, Inc. to Gulf States FiberNet pursuant to an Assignment dated as of July 25, 1995
(filed as Exhibit 10.15 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15.1 Release, Waiver, and Assumption Agreement, dated as of December 31, 1997, between Southern
88
Development Investment Group, Inc., on behalf of itself and as agent for Alabama Power
Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah
Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric Generating Company and Southern Company
Services, Inc. and Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.15.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15.2 Amendment to the Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement, dated
as of January 1, 1998, by and among Southern Company Energy Solutions, Inc. (f/k/a Southern
Development Group, Inc.), on behalf of itself and as agent for Alabama Power Company,
Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and
Power Company, Southern Electric Generating Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. and
Interstate FiberNet, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.15.2 to Quarterly Report Form 10-Q (the
"November 1998 Form 10-Q"), filed with the Commission of November 16, 1998, and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.16 First Amendment to Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement dated
as of July 24, 1995 between Southern Development and Investment Group, Inc. on behalf of
itself and as agent for others and MPX Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17 Partial Assignment and Assumption of Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and
Services Agreement dated July 25, 1995 between MPX Systems, Inc. and Gulf States FiberNet
(filed as Exhibit 10.17 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.17.1 Amendment to Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement, dated July
15, 1997, by and among Southern Development and Investment Group, Inc., on behalf of itself
and its agent for Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company,
Mississippi Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric
Generating Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. (collectively "SES"), ITC
Transmission Systems, Inc. (as managing partner of Interstate Fibernet) and Gulf States
Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.17.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.18 Consent for Assignment of Interest dated February 20, 1997 among SCANA Communications,
Inc., Gulf States FiberNet, Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. and Southern Development
and Investment Groups, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.19 Second Partial Assignment and Assumption of Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and
Services Agreement dated March 27, 1997 between SCANA Communications, Inc. and ITC Holding
Company, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.20 Fiber System Lease Agreement dated January 30, 1996 between CSW Communications, Inc. and
Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.20 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.21 Consent for Acquisition and Assignment dated January 13, 1997 between CSW Communications,
Inc. and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.22 Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Services and Facilities dated April 21, 1986
between SouthernNet, Inc. and MPX Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.23 First Amendment to Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Services and Facilities dated
May 8, 1992 between MPX Systems, Inc. and MCI Telecommunications Corporation (filed as
Exhibit 10.23 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.24 Second Amendment to Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Services and Facilities
dated January 30, 1996 between MPX Systems, Inc. and MCI Telecommunications Corporation
(filed as Exhibit 10.24 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
89
10.25 Network Operating Agreement dated March 25, 1996 among Gulf States FiberNet, TriNet, Inc.,
Hart Communications, Inc. and SCANA Communications, Inc. (f/k/a MPX Systems, Inc.) (filed
as Exhibit 10.25 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.26 Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services dated March 29, 1990
between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.26 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.27 Amendment to the Agreement for Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services dated March
29, 1990 between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed
as Exhibit 10.27 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.28 First Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
dated March 22, 1991 between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.29 Second Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
dated December 1, 1991 between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.30 Third Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
dated September 23, 1992 between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange
Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.30 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.31 Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
dated January 1, 1994 between Alabama Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32 Agreement dated March 6, 1990 between Tennessee Valley Authority and Consolidated
Communications Corporation (predecessor to DeltaCom, Inc.) (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32.1 Supplement Agreement; Leased Fiber Pathways, dated as of September 26, 1997, by and between
Tennessee Valley Authority and DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.32.1 to 1997 Form 10-K
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.33 Interconnection Agreement signed March 12, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.34 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement relating to BellSouth loops dated March 12, 1997
between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement relating to resale of BellSouth services dated March
12, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.35 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.1 Third Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated March 12, 1997, by and between
DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35.1 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.2 Fourth Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated August 22, 1997, by and between
DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35.2 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.3 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated October 3, 1997, by and between DeltaCom,
Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35.3 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.4 Fifth Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated July 22, 1998, by and between DeltaCom,
90
Inc., and BelSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35.4 to November 1998 Form
10-Q, filed with the Commission on November 16, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.36 Master Equipment Lease Agreement dated October 30, 1995 between AT&T Systems Leasing Co.
and DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.37 Network Products Purchase Agreement dated January 24, 1996, as amended through March 4,
1997, between DeltaCom, Inc. and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.38 First Amendment to Product Attachment Carrier Network Products, dated May 20, 1997 (filed
as Exhibit 10.38 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.39 Agreement for Use of Optical Fiber System, Microwave Radio Tower Site and Associated
Facilities dated January 2, 1996 between DeltaCom, Inc. and SCI Systems, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.39 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.40 Collocate Agreement dated January 7, 1991 between Williams Telecommunications Services,
Inc., and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (including consent for change of control)
(filed as Exhibit 10.40 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.41 Agreement dated January 14, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and SCANA Communications, Inc., for
switch location in Columbia, South Carolina (filed as Exhibit 10.41 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.42 Lease Agreement dated January 1, 1996 between Brindlee Mountain Telephone Company and
DeltaCom, Inc. for, among other purposes, switch location in Arab, Alabama (filed as
Exhibit 10.42 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.43 Promissory Note dated March 27, 1997 between ITC Holding Company, Inc. and SCANA
Communications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.44 Agreement for the Provision of Telecommunications Services and Facilities, dated January
27, 1996, by and between Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and Carolinas FiberNet, LLC (filed as
Exhibit 10.44 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.44.1 First Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Telecommunications Services and
Facilities, dated as of September 1, 1997, by and between Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and
Carolinas FiberNet, LLC. (filed as Exhibit 10.44.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference).
+ 10.45 Fiber Optic Facilities Agreement, dated November 15, 1996, by and between Interstate
FiberNet and Florida Power Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.45 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.46 Fiber Optic Capacity Marketing and Operating Agreement, dated March 21, 1996, by and
between Interstate FiberNet and Florida Power & Light Company (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.47 Addendum to Fiber Optic Capacity Marketing and Operating Agreement, dated July 10, 1997, by
and between Interstate FiberNet and Florida Power & Light Company (filed as Exhibit 10.47
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.48 Master Service Agreement, dated May 6, 1996, by and between Interstate FiberNet and MCI
Telecommunications Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.48 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
+ 10.49 Telecommunications System Maintenance Agreement, dated as of January 26, 1995, by and
between Interstate FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.49
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.50 Sprint Communications Company Facilities and Services Agreement, dated January 26, 1995, by
91
and between Interstate FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit
10.50 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.51 Fiber Optic Facility Lease Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1997, by and between
Interstate FiberNet and Southern Telecom 1, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.51 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.52 First Assignment and Assumption of Fiber Optic Facility Lease Agreement, dated February 1,
1997, by and between Interstate FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.52
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.53 Telecommunications System Agreement, dated January 26, 1995, by and between Interstate
FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.53 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.54 Amendment to Telecommunications System Agreement, dated July 25, 1995, by and between Gulf
States FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.54 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.55 Amendment No. 2 to Telecommunications System Agreement, dated August 8, 1996, by and
between Gulf States FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.55
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.56 Assignment of the Telecommunications System Agreement, dated July 25, 1995, between
Interstate FiberNet, Gulf States FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as
Exhibit 10.56 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.57 Assignment of the Telecommunications System Agreement, dated February 27, 1997, between
Sprint Communications Company L.P., Gulf States FiberNet and Gulf States Transmission
Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.57 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.58 Fixed Fee Agreement for Exchange of Use and Maintenance of Six (6) Fiber Optic Fibers with
an Option of Two (2) Additional Fiber Optic Fibers, dated July 25, 1997, by and between
Interstate FiberNet, Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. and ALLTEL Telephone Services
Corporation. (filed as Exhibit 10.58 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.59 MCI Carrier Agreement, effective August 1, 1995, by and between MCI Telecommunications
Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit
10.59 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.60 First Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of March 20, 1996, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.60 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.61 Third Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.61 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.62 Fourth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement dated as of May 1, 1996, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.62 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.63 Fifth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of April 10, 1996, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.63 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.64 Sixth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of September 11, 1996, by and between
MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America
(ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.64 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
92
+ 10.65 Seventh Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1996, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.65 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.66 Eighth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, effective March 1, 1997, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.66 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.67 Ninth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of May 15, 1997, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.67 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.68 Tenth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated July 11, 1997, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.68 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.69 Switched Reseller Services Agreement, dated January 25, 1994, by and between DeltaCom, Inc.
and Allnet Communication Services, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.69 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.70 WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated September 1, 1995, by and between
WorldCom Network Services, Inc. D/b/a WilTel, Associated Communications Companies of
America (ACCA) and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as Exhibit
10.70 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.71 Amendment to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated April 1, 1996, by and
between WorldCom Network Services, Inc. d/b/a/ WilTel, Associated Communications Companies
of America (ACCA) and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as Exhibit
10.71 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.72 Amendment No. 2 to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated June 1, 1996, by
and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc. d/b/a/ WilTel, Associated Communications
Companies of America (ACCA) and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.72 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.73 Amendment No. 3 to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated May 1, 1997, by
and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc. d/b/a/ WilTel, Associated Communications
Companies of America (ACCA) and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.73 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.74 Marketing and Operating Agreement, dated as of October 6, 1994, by and between Interstate
FiberNet and DukeNet Communications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.74 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.75 Reseller Agreement, dated June 25, 1997, by and between DeltaCom, Inc. and Total Network
Services, a division of Cable & Wireless, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.75 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.76 Sublease Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1995, by and between ITC Holding Company, Inc.
and ITC Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.76 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.77.1 $100,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, among Interstate FiberNet,
Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A. as Administrative Lender, and certain other Lenders
identified therein (the "IFN Credit Agreement") (filed as Exhibit 10.77 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.77.2 First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 20, 1997, among Interstate
FiberNet, Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A. as Administrative Lender, and certain other
Lenders identified therein (filed as Exhibit 10.77.2 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by
reference).
93
10.77.3 First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 24, 1998, among
Interstate FiberNet, Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A. as Administrative Lender, and certain
other Lenders identified therein (filed as Exhibit 10.77.3 to 1997 Form 10-K and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.1 $8,750,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.1
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.2 $3,750,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Amsouth Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.2 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.3 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Creditanstalt-Bankverein (filed as Exhibit 10.78.3
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.4 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Meespierson Capital Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.4
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.5 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of State Street Bank and Trust Company (filed as
Exhibit 10.78.5 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.6 $7,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Corestates Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.6 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.7 $2,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of First Union National Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.7
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.8 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Regions Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.8 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.9 $7,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.78.9 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.1 $8,750,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.1
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.2 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Creditanstalt-Bankverein (filed as Exhibit 10.79.2
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.3 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Meespierson Capital Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.3
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.4 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of State Street Bank and Trust Company (filed as
Exhibit 10.79.4 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.5 $7,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Corestates Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.5 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.6 $2,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of First Union National Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.6
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.79.7 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Regions Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.7 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.8 $7,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
94
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.79.8 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.9 $3,750,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Amsouth Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.9 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.80.1 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. in
favor of NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as Administrative Lender, and each other lender party
to the IFN Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.80.2 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by DeltaCom, Inc. in favor of
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as Administrative Lender, and each other lender party to the
IFN Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.80.3 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Gulf States Transmission
Systems, Inc. in favor of NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as Administrative Lender, and each
other lender party to the IFN Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.3 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.81 Placement Agreement, dated as of May 29, 1997, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, First Union Capital
Markets Corp. and NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.82.1 Indenture, dated as of June 3, 1997, between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United States Trust
Company of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 11% Senior Notes due 2007 of ITC/\DeltaCom,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.82.2 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 1997, between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United
States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 82.2 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.83 Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 3, 1997, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill Lynch & Co., First Union Capital Markets Corp. and
NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.84 Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of June 3, 1997 from ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. as Pledgor
to United States Trust Company of New York as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.85 Form of Exchange Note (contained in Indenture filed as Exhibit 10.82).
10.86 Assignment and Contribution Agreement Pursuant to Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of
July 25, 1997, by and among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc., Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and United States
Trust Company of New York, as Trustee filed herewith (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.87 MCI Carrier Agreement, effective September 1, 1997, by and between MCI Telecommunications
Corporation and Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit
10.87 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.87.1 First Amendment to the MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of November 21, 1997, by and between
MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communication Companies of America (ACCA)
(filed as Exhibit 10.87.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.88 ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.88 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.89 ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. 1997 Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.89 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.90 ITC Holding Company, Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.90 to
Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
95
10.91 ITC Holding Company, Inc. Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.91 to
Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.92 Description of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. Bonus Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.92 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.93 Form of Indemnity Agreement between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and its Directors and Certain
Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.93 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.94 Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 1997, by and between SCANA Corporation
and ITC Holding Company, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.94 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.95 First Amendment to Sale and Purchase Agreement. Among SCANA Corporation, SCANA
Communications, Inc., and ITC Holding Company, Inc., dated as of October 16, 1997, among
SCANA Corporation, SCANA Communications, Inc., ITC Holding Company, Inc. and ITC/\DeltaCom,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.95 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.96 10.94 Indenture dated March 3, 1998 between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United States Trust Company of
New York, as Trustee, relating to the 8-7/8% Senior Notes Due 2008 of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 4.2 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.97 Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 1998, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Salomon Brothers Inc and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC.
(filed as Exhibit 4.3 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.98 Form of Global 8-7/8% Note Due 2008 (contained in Indenture filed as Exhibit 10.96).
10.99 Placement Agreement, dated as of February 26, 1998, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Salomon Brothers Inc and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC.
(filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, File No.
333-49963 (the "April 1998 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by reference).
10.100 Indenture dated as of November 5, 1998 between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United States Trust
Company of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 9-3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008 of
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended,
File No. 333-71735 (the "February 1999 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by reference).
10.101 Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 5, 1998, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated and First Union Capital Markets, a division of Wheat First
Securities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to February 1999 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.102 Form of Global 9-3/4% Note Due 2008 (contained in Indenture filed as Exhibit 10.100).
10.103 Placement Agreement, dated October 29, 1998, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley &
Co. Incorporated and First Union Capital Markets, a division of Wheat First Securities,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to February 1999 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
12.1 Statement regarding Computation of Ratios.
21.1 Subsidiaries of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1998.
_________________
+ Confidential treatment has been granted for this exhibit. The copy filed as
an exhibit omits the information subject to the confidential treatment
request.
96
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
None.
(c) Exhibits.
ITC/\DeltaCom hereby files as part of this Form 10-K the Exhibits listed in
the Index to Exhibits.
(d) Financial Statement Schedule.
The following financial statement schedule is filed herewith:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are inapplicable
or the information required to be set forth therein is provided in the
Consolidated Financial Statements of ITC/\DeltaCom or notes thereto.
97
GLOSSARY
Access--Telecommunications services that permit long distance carriers to
use local exchange facilities to originate and/or terminate long distance
service.
Access charges--The fees paid by long distance carriers to local exchange
carriers for originating and terminating long distance calls on their local
network.
Allnet or Frontier--Allnet Communications, Inc. d/b/a Frontier
Communications Services.
AT&T--AT&T Corp.
Cable & Wireless--Cable & Wireless Communications, Inc.
Central offices--The switching centers or central switching facilities of
the local exchange companies.
Collocation--The ability of a competitor carrier to connect its network to
the local exchange carriers' central offices. Physical collocation occurs when
a competitor carrier places its network connection equipment inside the local
exchange company's central offices. Virtual collocation is an alternative to
physical collocation pursuant to which the local exchange company permits a
competitor carrier to connect its network to the local exchange company's
central offices on comparable terms, even through the competitor carrier's
network connection equipment is not physically located inside the central
offices.
Dedicated--Local telecommunications lines reserved for use by particular
customers, generally for connection between the customer's location and an
interexchange carrier POP.
DeltaCom--DeltaCom, Inc., an Alabama corporation which provides long
distance telephone services in the southeastern United States. DeltaCom became
a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom as part of the Reorganization.
Dialing Parity--The ability of a competing local or toll service provider
to provide telecommunications services in such a manner that customers have the
ability to route automatically, without the use of any access code, their
telecommunications to the service provider of the customer's designation.
Digital--A method of storing, processing and transmitting information
through the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that represent the
binary digits 0 and 1. Digital transmission and switching technologies employ a
sequence of these pulses to represent information as opposed to the continuously
variable analog signal. The precise digital numbers minimize distortion (such
as graininess or snow in the case of video transmission, or static or other
background distortion in the case of audio transmission).
DS-1, DS-3--Standard telecommunications industry digital signal formats,
which are distinguishable by bit rate (the number of binary digits (0 and 1)
transmitted per second). DS-1 service has a bit rate of 1.544 megabits per
second and DS-3 service has a bit rate of 45 megabits per second.
Frontier or Allnet--Allnet Communications Services, Inc. d/b/a Frontier
Communications Services.
Gulf States FiberNet--A Georgia general partnership that, prior to the
Reorganization, operated a fiber-optic telecommunications network between
Atlanta, Georgia and Longview, Texas. Gulf States FiberNet's assets and
operations now are 100% owned by Interstate FiberNet.
98
Gulf States Transmission--Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, formed in 1994 by ITC Holding to be the 36% managing
general partner in Gulf States FiberNet and which now owns 100% of Gulf States
FiberNet's assets and its operations. Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc.
merged into Interstate FiberNet as part of the Reorganization.
Interconnection--Interconnection of facilities between or among local
exchange carriers, including potential physical collocation of one carrier's
equipment in the other carrier's premises to facilitate such interconnection.
Interconnection Decision--The August 1996 order issued by the FCC
implementing the interconnection provisions of the Telecommunications Act.
InterLATA--Telecommunications services originating in a LATA and
terminating outside of that LATA.
InterQuest--Eastern Telecom, Inc., a Georgia corporation, d/b/a InterQuest,
engaged solely in the provision of operator and other directory assistance
services. Eastern Telecom merged into Interstate FiberNet, Inc. as part of the
Reorganization.
Interstate FiberNet--A Georgia general partnership which operates a fiber-
optic telecommunications network between Georgia and Alabama. Interstate
FiberNet became part of Interstate FiberNet, Inc. following the Reorganization.
Interstate FiberNet, Inc.--The wholly owned subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom
that currently holds the businesses that were held by ITC Transmission Systems,
Inc., ITC Transmission Systems II, Inc., InterQuest and Interstate FiberNet
prior to the Reorganization.
IntraLATA--Telecommunications services originating and terminating in the
same LATA.
ITC Holding--ITC Holding Company, Inc. was a diversified telecommunications
company based in West Point, Georgia, with substantial holdings in
telecommunications companies operating in the southern United States. ITC
Holding Company, Inc. merged with and into ITC/\DeltaCom on October 20, 1997
after transferring substantially all of its assets and liabilities (other than
its stock in ITC/\DeltaCom) to another company, which has since been renamed ITC
Holding Company, Inc.
ITC Transmission Systems II, Inc.--A Delaware corporation formed by ITC
Holding to hold a 51 percent interest in InterState FiberNet. ITC Transmission
Systems II merged into Interstate FiberNet, Inc. as part of the Reorganization.
IXC--IXC Communications Inc.
LATA (local access and transport area)--A geographic area composed of
contiguous local exchanges, usually but not always within a single state. There
are approximately 200 LATAs in the United States.
LCI--LCI International, Inc.
Local exchange--A geographic area determined by the local exchange carrier
in which calls generally are transmitted without toll charges to the calling or
called party.
Local exchange carrier--A company providing local telephone services.
Long distance carriers (interexchange carriers)--Long distance carriers
provide services between local exchanges on an interstate or intrastate basis.
A long distance carrier may offer services over its own or another carrier's
facilities.
99
MCI WorldCom--MCI WorldCom, Inc.
Nortel Access Node--A remote multi-purpose vehicle for local switched
access transport services. Used to extend Nortel DMS-500 local access lines to
remote cities along the long-haul network.
Number portability--The ability of an end user to change local exchange
carriers while retaining the same telephone number.
OC-N--Standard telecommunications industry measurements for optical
transmission capacity distinguishable by bit rate transmitted per second and the
number of voice or data transmissions that can be simultaneously transmitted
through fiber optic cable. "N" represents the number of DS-3s involved. For
example, an OC-3 is generally equivalent to three DS-3s and has a bit rate of
155.52 megabits per second and can transmit 2,016 simultaneous voice or data
transmissions. An OC-12 has a bit rate of 622.08 megabits per second and can
transmit 8,064 simultaneous voice or data transmissions. An OC-48 has a bit rate
of 2488.32 megabits per second and can transmit 32,256 simultaneous voice or
data transmissions.
POPs (points of presence)--Locations where a long distance carrier has
installed transmission equipment in a service area that serves as, or relays
calls to, a network switching center of that long distance carrier.
Private line--A dedicated telecommunications connection between end user
locations.
"PUC" or "Public utilities commission"--A state regulatory body,
established in most states, which regulates utilities, including telephone
companies providing intrastate services.
Qwest--Qwest Communications International Inc.
Reciprocal compensation--The same compensation of a new competitive local
exchange carrier for termination of a local call by the local exchange carrier
on its network as the new competitor pays the local exchange carrier for
termination of local calls on the local exchange carrier network.
Reorganization--The contribution to ITC/\DeltaCom by ITC Holding of the
businesses of Interstate FiberNet, Gulf States FiberNet, DeltaCom and
InterQuest.
Resale--Resale by a provider of telecommunications services (such as a
local exchange carrier) of such services to other providers or carriers on a
wholesale or a retail basis.
Route miles--The number of miles of the telecommunications path in which
fiber optic cables are installed.
SBC--SBC Communications, Inc.
SCANA--SCANA Communications, Inc.
Self-healing ring--A self-healing ring is a network design in which the
network backbone consists of a continuous ring connecting a central hub facility
with one or more network nodes. Traffic is routed between the hub and each of
the nodes simultaneously in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction.
In the event of a cable cut or component failure along one of these paths,
traffic will continue to flow along the alternate path so no traffic is lost.
In the event of a catastrophic node failure, other nodes will be unaffected
because traffic will continue to flow along whichever path (primary or
alternate) does not pass through the affected node. The switch from the primary
to the alternate path will be imperceptible to most users.
100
Sprint--Sprint Corporation.
"SS7" or "Signaling System 7" services--Signaling System 7 network services
utilize common channel signaling, which reduces connect time delays and directs
calls.
Switch--A device that opens or closes circuits or selects the paths or
circuits to be used for transmission of information. Switching is a process of
interconnecting circuits to form a transmission path between users.
Switched access transport services--Transportation of switched traffic
along dedicated lines between the local exchange company central offices and
long distance carrier POPs.
Switched traffic--Telecommunications traffic along the public switched
network. This traffic is generally switched at the local exchange company's
central offices.
Transmission--ITC Transmission Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation formed
by ITC Holding to hold a 49% managing interest in InterState FiberNet.
Transmission became a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC/\DeltaCom as part of the
Reorganization and changed its name to Interstate FiberNet, Inc.
Unbundled Access--Access to unbundled elements of a telecommunications
services provider's network, including network facilities, equipment, features,
functions and capabilities, at any technically feasible point within such
network.
Williams Communications--Williams Communications Group Inc.
101
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized as of the 24th day of
March, 1999.
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC.
By: /s/ Andrew M. Walker
--------------------
Andrew M. Walker
Chief Executive Officer
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 indicated and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
- --------- ----- ----
/s/ Campbell B. Lanier, III Chairman, Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
Campbell B. Lanier, III
/s/ Andrew M. Walker Chief Executive Officer, Vice March 24, 1999
- --------------------------- Chairman and Director
Andrew M. Walker (Principal executive officer)
/s/ Douglas A. Shumate Senior Vice President and Chief March 24, 1999
- --------------------------- Financial Officer (Principal
Douglas A. Shumate financial officer and principal
accounting officer)
/s/ Donald W. Burton Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
Donald W. Burton
/s/ Malcolm C. Davenport, V Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
Malcolm C. Davenport, V
/s/ Robert A. Dolson Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
Robert A. Dolson
/s/ O. Gene Gabbard Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
O. Gene Gabbard
102
/s/ William T. Parr Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
William T. Parr
/s/ William H. Scott, III Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
William H. Scott, III
/s/ William B. Timmerman Director March 24, 1999
- ---------------------------
William B. Timmerman
103
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Accountants................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997............... F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996...................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996...................................... F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996...................................... F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................. F-9
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of ITC/\DELTACOM,
INC. (a Delaware corporation) AND SUBSIDIARIES as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of ITC/\DeltaCom,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 12, 1999
F-2
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
December 31,
-----------------------------------
1998 1997
-------------- --------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents........................................................ $184,167 $ 94,374
Restricted assets................................................................ 14,300 22,000
Accounts receivable:
Customer, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of
$1,260 and $1,061 in 1998 and 1997, respectively.............................. 34,219 21,439
Affiliates (Note 10).......................................................... 3,307 2,012
Inventory........................................................................ 1,635 1,018
Prepaid expenses................................................................. 591 535
Federal income tax receivables (Note 6).......................................... 3,939 2,448
Deferred income taxes (Note 6)................................................... 0 590
-------- --------
Total current assets.......................................................... 242,158 144,416
-------- --------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net (Note 3)....................................... 262,050 141,534
-------- --------
OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS:
Intangible assets, net (Note 4).................................................. 63,160 61,348
Restricted assets................................................................ 5,735 28,496
Other long-term assets........................................................... 14,414 10,310
-------- --------
Total other long-term assets.................................................. 83,309 100,154
-------- --------
Total assets.................................................................. $587,517 $386,104
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
F-3
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
December 31,
----------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable:
Trade ................................................................................... $ 12,810 $ 7,715
Construction ............................................................................ 7,233 6,771
Affiliates (Note 10) ...................................................................... 0 534
Accrued interest ........................................................................... 8,049 1,867
Accrued compensation ....................................................................... 2,998 1,876
Unearned revenue ........................................................................... 11,457 4,779
Other accrued liabilities .................................................................. 8,418 3,516
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 5)..................... 1,075 912
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ............................................................... 52,040 27,970
-------- --------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Deferred income taxes (Note 6) ............................................................. 418 6,891
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations (Note 5) ...................................... 416,859 202,977
-------- --------
Total long-term liabilities ............................................................. 417,277 209,868
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5 and 8)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; $7.40 liquidation preference; 5,000,000
shares authorized; 1,480,771 shares issued and outstanding in
1998 and 1997............................................................................... 15 15
Common stock, $.01 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized; 51,339,838 and 49,635,112
shares issued and outstanding in 1998 and 1997,
respectively................................................................................ 513 496
Additional paid-in capital ................................................................. 167,023 162,764
Accumulated deficit ........................................................................ (49,351) (15,009)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity .............................................................. 118,200 148,266
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity .............................................. $587,517 $386,104
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance
sheets.
F-4
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share data)
Years ended December 31,
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ -----------
OPERATING REVENUES................................................... $ 171,838 $ 114,590 $ 66,518
COST OF SERVICES..................................................... 82,979 54,550 38,756
----------- ----------- -----------
GROSS MARGIN......................................................... 88,859 60,040 27,762
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling, operations, and administration............................ 64,901 38,255 18,876
Depreciation and amortization...................................... 30,887 18,332 6,438
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses........................................ 95,788 56,587 25,314
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING (LOSS) INCOME.............................................. (6,929) 3,453 2,448
----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary...................... 0 0 (1,590)
Interest expense................................................... (32,828) (21,367) (6,173)
Interest income.................................................... 9,753 4,251 172
Other income (expense)............................................. (2,356) 0 0
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other expense, net...................................... (25,431) (17,116) (7,591)
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES,
PREACQUISITION LOSS
AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM.............................................. (32,360) (13,663) (5,143)
INCOME TAX BENEFIT................................................... (6,454) (3,324) (1,233)
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE PREACQUISITION
LOSS AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM......................................... (25,906) (10,339) (3,910)
PREACQUISITION LOSS (Note 1) ....................................... 0 74 0
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM....................................... (25,906) (10,265) (3,910)
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM-- LOSS ON EARLY
EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT (LESS
RELATED INCOME TAX BENEFIT OF $2,133 and
$311 in 1998 and 1997, respectively)................................ (8,436) (508) 0
----------- ----------- -----------
NET LOSS............................................................ $ (34,342) $ (10,773) $ (3,910)
=========== =========== ===========
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS
PER COMMON SHARE:
Before extraordinary loss.......................................... $ (0.51) $ (0.26) $ (0.10)
Extraordinary loss................................................. (0.16) (0.01) 0.00
----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss ......................................................... $ (0.67) $ (0.27) $ (0.10)
=========== =========== ===========
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding...................................................... 50,972,361 40,249,816 38,107,350
=========== =========== ===========
Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding...................................................... 50,972,361 40,249,816 38,203,852
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-5
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)
Preferred Stock Common Stock Total
------------------ ---------------- Additional Contributions Accumulated Stockholders'
Shares Amount Shares Amount Paid-in Capital Receivable Deficit Equity
--------- ------- ------- ------- ---------------- ------------- ---------- ---------
BALANCE, December 31, 1995..... 0 $ 0 30,000,000 $300 $ 14,484 $(150) $ (326) $ 14,308
Acquisition of DeltaCom........ 0 0 0 0 6,000 0 0 6,000
Capital contributions from ITC
Holding, net.................. 0 0 0 0 2,859 0 0 2,859
Net loss....................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 (3,910) (3,910)
--------- --- ---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1996..... 0 0 30,000,000 300 23,343 (150) (4,236) 19,257
Initial capitalization of
ITC/\DeltaCom.................. 0 0 0 0 0 150 0 150
Capital contributions from ITC
Holding, net.................. 0 0 0 0 52,070 0 0 52,070
Issuance of stock in
connection with merger
with ITC Holding.............. 1,480,771 15 8,107,350 81 (96) 0 0 87,500
Sale of common stock, net of
offering expenses............. 0 0 11,500,000 115 87,385 0 0 0
Issuance of common stock
options....................... 0 0 0 0 580 0 0 580
Deferred compensation.......... 0 0 0 0 (555) 0 0 (555)
Exercise of common stock
options....................... 0 0 27,762 0 37 0 0 37
Net loss....................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 (10,773) (10,773)
--------- --- ---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1997..... 1,480,771 15 49,635,112 496 162,764 0 (15,009) 148,266
Issuance of common stock for
IT Group acquisition.......... 0 0 177,106 2 2,791 0 0 2,793
Deferred compensation.......... 0 0 0 0 144 0 0 144
Exercise of common stock
options....................... 0 0 1,527,620 15 1,324 0 0 1,339
Net loss....................... 0 0 0 0 0 0 (34,342) (34,342)
--------- --- ---------- ---- -------- ----- -------- --------
BALANCE, December 31, 1998..... 1,480,771 $15 51,339,838 $513 $167,023 $ 0 $(49,351) $118,200
========= === ========== ==== ======== ===== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-6
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
---------------- --------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES:
Net loss.................................................. $ (34,342) $(10,773) $ (3,910)
--------- -------- --------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
net cash provided by operating activities
(excluding the effects of acquisitions):
Depreciation and amortization............................ 30,887 18,332 6,438
Amortization of bond issuance costs...................... 1,622 721 0
Deferred income taxes.................................... (5,883) 2,056 612
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiary............ 0 0 1,590
Extraordinary item--loss on early extinguishment
of debt................................................ 10,569 819 0
Other.................................................... 0 187 14
Changes in current operating assets and
liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net............................... (14,075) (9,028) (2,647)
Other current assets................................... (2,164) 336 (2,452)
Accounts payable....................................... 4,215 552 1,507
Accrued interest....................................... 6,182 (4,054) 5,831
Unearned revenue....................................... 6,678 4,016 514
Accrued compensation and other accrued
liabilities........................................... 5,823 3,138 692
--------- -------- --------
Total adjustments..................................... 43,854 17,075 12,099
--------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities............. 9,512 6,302 8,189
--------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures...................................... (148,304) (48,692) (6,004)
Change in accounts payable-construction................... 462 4,818 (169)
Investment in Gulf States FiberNet........................ 0 0 (2,362)
Purchase of DeltaCom, net of cash received
(Note 11)................................................ 0 0 (63,534)
Purchase of assets of Viper Computer Systems,
Inc...................................................... 0 0 (625)
Purchase of Gulf States FiberNet, net of cash
received (Note 11)....................................... 0 575 0
Release (purchase) of restricted assets, net.............. 30,461 (50,496) 0
Other..................................................... (785) (59) 0
--------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities................. (118,166) (93,854) (72,694)
--------- -------- --------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-7
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(Continued)
(In thousands)
Years ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of 9 3/4% Senior Notes, net of $ 121,397 $ 0 $ 0
issuance costs............................................
Proceeds from issuance of 8 7/8 % Senior Notes, net of 155,170 0 0
issuance costs............................................
Proceeds from issuance of 11% Senior Notes, net of 0 192,113 0
issuance costs............................................
Redemption of 11% Senior Notes................................ (70,000) 0 0
Premium paid on redemption of 11% Senior Notes................ (7,700) 0 0
Proceeds from other long-term debt............................ 0 41,290 0
Payment of commitment fee..................................... 0 (2,719) 0
Repayment of other long-term debt and capital lease
obligations............................................... (1,597) (93,894) (10,620)
Proceeds from advance from ITC Holding........................ 0 0 74,006
Repayment of advance from ITC Holding......................... 0 (43,228) (1,234)
Capital contributions from ITC Holding, net................... 0 (624) 2,859
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options................ 1,339 0 0
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of
offering expenses......................................... 0 87,650 0
Other......................................................... (162) 37 139
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities..................... 198,447 180,625 65,150
-------- -------- --------
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.......................... 89,793 93,073 645
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
BEGINNING OF YEAR............................................. 94,374 1,301 656
-------- -------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END
OF YEAR....................................................... $184,167 $ 94,374 $ 1,301
======== ======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW
DISCLOSURES:
Cash paid for interest........................................ $ 25,477 $ 24,391 $ 281
======== ======== ========
Cash paid (refunds received) for income taxes, net............ $ (1,604) $ (6,287) $ 547
======== ======== ========
NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
Note payable and capital lease obligation assumed in
IT Group acquisition......................................... $ 974 $ 0 $ 0
======== ======== ========
Issuance of common stock in connection with acquisition
of IT Group.................................................. $ 2,793 $ 0 $ 0
======== ======== ========
Equity portion of acquisition of DeltaCom..................... $ 0 $ 0 $ 6,000
======== ======== ========
Equity portion of acquisition of 64% interest in
Gulf State FiberNet and Georgia Fiber Assets................. $ 0 $ 21,695 $ 0
======== ======== ========
Assumption of long-term debt related to
acquisition of Georgia Fiber Assets.......................... $ 0 $ 9,963 $ 0
======== ======== ========
Forgiveness of long-term advances by ITC Holding.............. $ 0 $ 31,000 $ 0
======== ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
F-8
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Organization, Basis of Presentation, and Nature of Business
Organization
InterState FiberNet, Inc. (formerly ITC Transmission Systems, Inc.)
("FiberNet"), ITC Transmission Systems II, Inc. ("Transmission II"), Gulf
States Transmission Systems, Inc. ("GSTS"), and Eastern Telecom, Inc. d.b.a.
InterQuest ("InterQuest") (collectively, the "Fiber Companies"), as well as
ITC/\DeltaCom Communications, Inc. (formerly DeltaCom, Inc.) ("DeltaCom"), were
wholly owned subsidiaries of ITC Holding Company, Inc. ("ITC Holding").
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated on March 24, 1997 under
the laws of the State of Delaware, as a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding,
to acquire and operate the Fiber Companies and DeltaCom. Upon receipt of certain
regulatory approvals and certain other consents on July 25, 1997, ITC Holding
completed the reorganization of such subsidiaries (the "Reorganization"), as
follows:
a. InterQuest and Transmission II were merged with and into FiberNet.
b. ITC Holding contributed all of the outstanding capital stock of
FiberNet, DeltaCom and GSTS to the Company.
c. The Company contributed all of the outstanding capital stock of DeltaCom
and GSTS to FiberNet.
At December 31, 1996, FiberNet and Transmission II together held 100% of the
ownership interests in Interstate FiberNet ("Interstate"), a Georgia general
partnership. Effective with the Reorganization, Interstate was absorbed by law
into FiberNet. GSTS held a 36% ownership in and was the managing partner of Gulf
States FiberNet ("Gulf States"), a Georgia general partnership. On March 27,
1997, ITC Holding purchased the remaining 64% interest in Gulf States (Note 11)
and contributed this interest to GSTS upon the Reorganization. On December 29,
1997, GSTS merged with and into FiberNet.
Effective October 20, 1997, as part of a further reorganization of ITC
Holding, ITC Holding transferred all of its assets, other than its stock in the
Company, and all of its liabilities to another entity and then merged with and
into the Company (the "Merger"). The Company was the surviving corporation in
the Merger.
Basis of Accounting and Financial Statement Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual
basis of accounting. The consolidated financial statements reflect the
Reorganization and Merger in a manner similar to a pooling of interests and
include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Investments in affiliated entities in which the Company has at least 20%
ownership and does not have management control are accounted for using the
equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
On January 29, 1996, ITC Holding acquired 100% of the common stock of DeltaCom
(Note 11). The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. The results of operations of DeltaCom have been included in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations since the date of
acquisition.
F-9
Prior to 1997, GSTS accounted for its 36% investment in Gulf States using the
equity method. To reflect the acquisition of the remaining 64% of Gulf States,
the revenues and expenses of Gulf States have been included in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1997, with
the preacquisition loss attributable to the previous owner deducted to determine
the consolidated net loss of the Company.
Nature of Business
The Company operates primarily in two business segments. DeltaCom is an
integrated telecommunications service provider operating primarily in the
southern United States. DeltaCom is engaged in the retail sale of local exchange
telephone services; long-distance telephone services such as traditional
switched and dedicated long-distance; 800/888 calling; calling card and operator
services; ATM and frame relay; high-capacity broadband private line services, as
well as Intranet, Internet, and Web page hosting and development services; and
customer premise equipment sale, installation and repair. DeltaCom primarily
serves mid-sized and major regional businesses in the southern United States
(the "Retail Services").
The Fiber Companies are engaged in the sale of long-haul private-line services
on a wholesale basis to other telecommunications companies using their owned and
managed fiber optic network which extends throughout ten southern states
(Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida) (the "Carriers' Carrier Services").
The Company has experienced operating losses as a result of efforts to build
its network infrastructure and internal staffing, develop its systems, and
expand into new markets. Assuming financing is available, the Company expects to
continue to focus on increasing its customer base and expanding its network
operations. Accordingly, the Company expects that its cost of services, selling,
operations, and administration expenses and capital expenditures will continue
to increase significantly, all of which will have a negative impact on short-
term operating results. In addition, the Company may change its pricing policies
to respond to a changing competitive environment. FiberNet has obtained a five-
year, secured credit facility with NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (Note 5), and the
Company has issued senior notes and equity (Notes 5 and 7). In the opinion of
management, the Company's current cash position and available line of credit
will be sufficient to meet the capital and operating needs of the Company
through at least 1999. However, there can be no assurance that growth in the
Company's revenue or customer base will continue or that the Company will be
able to achieve or sustain profitability and/or positive cash flow.
Sources of Supplies
The Company voluntarily uses a single vendor for transmission equipment used
in its network. However, if this vendor were unable to meet the Company's needs,
management believes that other sources for this equipment exist on commensurate
terms and that operating results would not be adversely affected.
Credit Risk and Significant Customers
The Company's accounts receivable subject the Company to credit risk, as
collateral is generally not required. The Company's risk of loss is limited due
to advance billings to certain customers for services and the ability to
terminate access on delinquent accounts. The large number of customers
comprising the customer base mitigates the concentration of credit risk. In
1998, 1997 and 1996, no customer represented more than 10% of the Company's
consolidated operating revenues.
F-10
Regulation
The Company is subject to certain regulations and requirements of the Federal
Communications Commission and various state public service commissions.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to
conform to the current year presentation.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term highly liquid investments with an
original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Inventory
Inventory consists primarily of customer premise equipment held for resale and
is valued at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation of property,
plant and equipment is provided using the composite or straight-line method over
the following estimated useful lives:
Years
----------
Buildings and towers................................... 30
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment............... 3 to 15
Vehicles............................................... 5
Telecommunications equipment........................... 5 to 20
F-11
Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include the excess of the purchase price of acquisitions
over the fair value of net assets acquired as well as various other acquired
intangibles. Intangible assets are amortized over the following estimated useful
lives:
Years
-----------
Goodwill......................... 40
Trademark........................ 40
Customer base.................... 5 to 12
Noncompete agreements............ 5
Restricted Assets
Restricted assets include investments in U.S. government treasury notes that
are classified as held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized costs. These
investments represent a portion of the proceeds from the Company's senior notes
offering in 1997 (Note 5) that are held by a trustee as security for and to
fund the first six interest payments on these notes.
Other Long-Term Assets
Other long-term assets primarily include debt issuance costs that are
amortized using the effective interest rate method over the life of the related
debt.
Long-Lived Assets
The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and
equipment and intangible assets, for impairment at each balance sheet date or
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset should be assessed. Management evaluates the intangible assets related
to each acquisition individually to determine whether impairment has occurred.
Management believes its long-lived assets in the accompanying balance sheet are
appropriately valued.
Unearned Revenue
Unearned revenue represents the liability for advance billings to customers
for use of the Company's fiber-optic network. Customers are billed in advance
for fixed monthly charges.
Unbilled Revenue
DeltaCom records unbilled revenue for long-distance services provided to
customers but not yet billed. Approximately $4.9 million and $3.8 million in
unbilled revenue are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Income Taxes
The Company utilizes the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
Under the liability method, deferred taxes are determined based on the
difference between the financial and tax bases of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences are expected
to reverse.
The Internal Revenue Code and applicable state statutes provide that the
income and expenses of a partnership are not separately taxable to the
partnership but rather accrue directly to the
F-12
partners. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements include provisions
for federal and state income taxes related to partnership interests in
Interstate and Gulf States held by FiberNet, Transmission II, and GSTS prior to
the Reorganization.
The Company was included in the consolidated federal income tax return of ITC
Holding through 1996. Under a tax-sharing arrangement with ITC Holding, prior
to the Merger the Company was paid for the utilization of net operating losses
included in the consolidated tax return, even if such losses could not have been
used if the Company were to have filed on a separate return basis. As a result
of the Merger (Note 1), ITC Holding's consolidated results of operations through
October 20, 1997 were included in the Company's 1997 consolidated federal income
tax return. The Company and its subsidiaries file separate state income tax
returns.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized as services are provided and consist primarily of
charges for use of telecommunications services and for use of the Company's
fiber-optic network.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying values of the Company's financial instruments approximate their
fair values, except for the Company's 11% Senior Notes, 8 7/8% Senior Notes and
9 3/4% Senior Notes (Note 5). Based on their quoted market prices, such notes
have fair values at December 31, 1998 of the following (in thousands):
Instrument Fair Value Carrying Value
---------- ---------- --------------
11% Senior Notes $142,025 $130,000
8 7/8% Senior Notes 156,000 160,000
9 3/4% Senior Notes 129,375 125,000
-------- --------
$427,400 $415,000
======== ========
Based on their quoted market price, the $200 million 11% Senior Notes had a fair
value of $220 million at December 31, 1997.
Advertising Costs
The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.
Net Loss Per Share
The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," effective December 31,
1997. Basic net loss per common share was computed by dividing net loss by the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year then ended.
Pursuant to Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin No.
98, for periods prior to the Company's initial public offering (Note 7), basic
net loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is
computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
during the period and, nominal issuances of common stock and common stock
equivalents, regardless of whether they are antidilutive. For periods prior to
1997, 96,502 stock options are included in the computation of diluted net loss
per share. For periods subsequent to the Company's initial public offering, the
effect of the Company's potential common stock equivalents was not included in
the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect is antidilutive.
F-13
3. Property, Plant and Equipment
Balances of major classes of property, plant and equipment and the related
accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows (in
thousands):
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Land................................................... $ 527 $ 143
Buildings and towers................................... 17,327 2,326
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment............... 16,621 8,333
Vehicles............................................... 2,367 1,009
Assets under capital lease............................. 3,470 3,470
Telecommunications equipment........................... 246,631 139,990
-------- --------
286,943 155,271
Less accumulated depreciation.......................... (53,930) (25,825)
-------- --------
Net property, plant and equipment in service........... 233,013 129,446
Assets under construction.............................. 29,037 12,088
-------- --------
Property, plant and equipment, net..................... $262,050 $141,534
======== ========
4. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization as of December 31,
1998 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Goodwill............................................... $58,994 $58,994
Customer base.......................................... 9,570 5,846
Noncompete agreements.................................. 427 102
Trademark.............................................. 40 40
Other.................................................. 432 0
------- -------
69,463 64,982
Less accumulated amortization.......................... (6,303) (3,634)
------- -------
Intangible assets, net................................. $63,160 $61,348
======= =======
See Note 11 for discussion of intangible assets recorded in 1998 related to
the acquisition of IT Group and for a discussion of intangible assets recorded
in 1997 and 1996 related to acquisitions of Gulf States and DeltaCom,
respectively.
F-14
5. Financing Obligations
Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at December 31, 1998 and 1997 consist of the following (in
thousands):
1998 1997
---------- ----------
11% Senior Notes due 2007............................................................. $130,000 $200,000
8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2008, net of unamortized discount of $147..................... 159,853 0
9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2008.......................................................... 125,000 0
Other................................................................................. 438 640
-------- --------
415,291 200,640
Less current maturities............................................................... (438) (307)
-------- --------
Long-term debt, net of current portion .............................................. $414,853 $200,333
======== ========
Maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1998 are as follows:
1999 .............................................................................. $ 438
2000 .............................................................................. 0
2001 .............................................................................. 0
2002 .............................................................................. 0
2003 .............................................................................. 0
Thereafter............................................................................ 415,000
--------
$415,438
========
Lease Obligations
The Company has entered into various operating and capital leases for
facilities and equipment used in its operations. Aggregate future minimum rental
commitments under noncancelable operating leases with original or remaining
periods in excess of one year and maturities of capital lease obligations as of
December 31, 1998 are as follows (in thousands):
Operating Capital
Leases Leases
------- -------
1999 .......................................................... $ 7,830 $ 928
2000............................................................ 7,318 920
2001............................................................ 6,934 369
2002............................................................ 6,194 318
2003............................................................ 5,837 317
Thereafter...................................................... 17,806 689
------- ------
$51,919 3,541
=======
Less amounts representing interest................................ (898)
------
Present value of net minimum lease payments....................... 2,643
Less current portion.............................................. (637)
------
Obligations under capital leases, net of current portion.......... $2,006
======
Rental expense charged to operations for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997, and 1996 was $7.4 million, $6.2 million, and $1.3 million, respectively.
F-15
Senior Notes Offerings
On June 3, 1997, the Company completed the issuance of $200 million principal
amount of 11% Senior Notes due 2007 (the "1997 Notes"). Interest is payable
semiannually on June 1 and December 1. On March 3, 1998, the Company completed
the issuance of $160 million principal amount of 8 7/8% Senior Notes due 2008 at
a price of 99.9% (the "March 1998 Notes") for an effective yield of 8.88%.
Interest is payable semiannually on March 1 and September 1. On November 5,
1998, the Company completed the issuance of $125 million principal amount of 9
3/4% Senior Notes due 2008 (the "November 1998 Notes"). Interest is payable
semiannually on May 15 and November 15.
Proceeds from the 1997 Notes were held by the trustee until all regulatory
approvals related to the Reorganization described in Note 1 were received. Upon
their release, a portion of the proceeds was used to repay approximately $48
million of the Company's advances from ITC Holding and approximately $41.6
million under the GSTS Bridge Facility discussed below, as well as accrued
interest. At December 31, 1998, approximately $20 million of such proceeds are
held by the trustee as security for, and to fund, the next three interest
payments on these notes.
On April 2, 1998, the Company used proceeds from its equity offering to redeem
$70 million principal amount of its 1997 Notes at a redemption price of 111% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. In conjunction
with this redemption, the Company recorded a pre-tax extraordinary loss of $10.6
million (approximately $8.4 million after tax), consisting of a $7.7 million
redemption premium and a $2.9 million write off of debt issuance costs.
The 1997 Notes, the March 1998 Notes, and the November 1998 Notes
(collectively the "Notes") are general, unsubordinated and unsecured senior
obligations of the Company. The Company's subsidiaries have no obligation to
pay amounts due on the Notes and do not guarantee the Notes. Therefore, the
Notes are effectively subordinated to all liabilities of ITC/\DeltaCom's
subsidiaries, including trade payables. Any rights of the Company and its
creditors, including holders of the Notes, to participate in the assets of any
of the Company's subsidiaries upon any liquidation or reorganization of any such
subsidiaries will be subject to the prior claims of that subsidiary's creditors.
The Notes are subject to certain covenants that, among other things, restrict
the ability of ITC/\DeltaCom and its subsidiaries to incur additional
indebtedness, pay dividends or make distributions.
GSTS Bridge Facility
In connection with the acquisition of the remaining 64% interest in Gulf
States (Note 11) in March 1997, GSTS refinanced Gulf States' outstanding
indebtedness of approximately $41.6 million with a bridge facility (the "GSTS
Bridge Facility"). In connection with the refinancing, GSTS wrote off $819,000
($508,000 net of tax benefits) in unamortized debt issuance costs, which is
reflected in the accompanying statement of operations as an extraordinary loss
on extinguishment of debt. The GSTS Bridge Facility, which bore interest at
LIBOR plus 2.25%, matured on the date the proceeds from the Company's 1997 Notes
Offering were released (July 25, 1997).
GSTS did not retire a forward starting interest rate swap agreement (the
"Swap"), which swapped the variable interest rate with a fixed rate of 8.25%,
held by Gulf States in connection with this refinancing. At December 31, 1998,
the Swap had a notional amount of approximately $29.7 million. At December 31,
1998, the Company would be required to pay approximately $2.4 million to
terminate the Swap. The Company made payments totaling approximately $898,000
and $990,000 during 1998 and 1997, respectively, in connection with the Swap,
which are included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated
statements of operations. While borrowings were outstanding under the GSTS
Bridge Facility, the Swap was accounted for as a hedge. The Company planned to
continue accounting for this agreement as a hedge of an anticipated transaction,
in
F-16
connection with planned borrowings under the Credit Agreement, as defined
below. The interest rate swap agreement expires in December 2002.
Upon receipt of the proceeds from the March 1998 Notes, the Company ceased
accounting for the Swap as a hedge of an anticipated transaction and began
accounting for the Swap as a trading security. The Swap is marked to market at
each balance sheet date and the related gain (loss) is included in other
expense. For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded
approximately $2.4 million in other expense related to the Swap agreement.
Credit Agreement
On September 17, 1997, FiberNet entered into a credit agreement with
NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as administrative lender, and certain other lenders
(the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement originally provided for a term
and revolving credit facility of up to $100 million to be used for working
capital and other purposes, including refinancing existing indebtedness, capital
expenditures, and permitted acquisitions. The Credit Agreement matures on
September 15, 2002 and included a $50 million multidraw term loan facility and a
$50 million revolving credit facility allowing for amounts to be drawn under the
term loan facility until September 15, 1999. All $50 million of the term loan
facility was required to be utilized before any amount over $10 million could be
drawn down under the revolving credit facility. Amounts drawn under the Credit
Agreement will bear interest, at FiberNet's option, at either the Base Rate or
LIBOR, plus an applicable margin.
In connection with the November 1998 Notes Offering and the March 1998 Notes
Offering, the Company modified its Credit Agreement to, among other things,
reduce the available credit to a $50 million revolving Credit Facility and to
amend and/or delete various covenants.
Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and are
secured by a first priority lien on substantially all current and future assets
and properties of FiberNet and its subsidiaries and a first priority pledge of
the stock of FiberNet and its subsidiaries. No amounts were outstanding under
the Credit Agreement at December 31, 1998 or 1997. The Credit Agreement
contains covenants limiting the Company's ability to incur debt or make
guaranties, create liens, pay dividends, make distributions or stock
repurchases, make investments or capital expenditures, issue capital stock,
engage in transactions with affiliates, sell assets, and engage in mergers and
acquisitions. The Credit Agreement also requires the Company to comply with
certain financial tests and to maintain certain financial ratios on a
consolidated basis.
6. Income Taxes
Details of the income tax benefit for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997 1996
----------- ------------ -----------
Current:
Federal.................................... $(3,277) $(6,141) $(1,805)
State...................................... 573 12 (49)
------- ------- -------
Total current........................... (2,704) (6,129) (1,854)
------- ------- -------
Deferred:
Federal.................................... (6,871) 2,679 660
State...................................... (1,194) (264) (39)
Increase in valuation allowance............... 4,315 390 0
------- ------- -------
Total deferred.......................... (3,750) 2,805 621
------- ------- -------
Total benefit........................... $(6,454) $(3,324) $(1,233)
======= ======= =======
F-17
The tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and their
respective tax bases, which give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities, as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards.............................. $ 20,302 $ 390
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward................... 350 0
Interest rate swap............................................ 895 0
Other......................................................... 1,132 737
-------- -------
22,679 1,127
-------- -------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property...................................................... (14,253) (7,038)
Other......................................................... (149) 0
-------- -------
(14,402) (7,038)
-------- -------
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)............................ 8,277 (5,911)
Valuation allowance.............................................. (8,695) (390)
-------- -------
Net deferred tax liabilities..................................... $ (418) $(6,301)
======== =======
Prior to 1997, the Company received payment for net operating losses generated
for federal income tax purposes and used by ITC Holding in ITC Holding's
consolidated federal income tax return. In 1997, ITC Holding's results of
operations were included in the Company's 1997 consolidated federal income tax
return through the date of the Merger. The receivable from ITC Holding under
the tax-sharing agreement was $2.4 million at December 31, 1997.
During 1998, the Company recorded a receivable for federal income taxes of
approximately $3.9 million in connection with the carry back of a portion of its
current year federal net operating loss. At December 31, 1998, the Company had
federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $51 million
and $90 million, respectively. The carryforwards expire primarily in 2018. As
the Company is unable to conclude that it is more likely than not that it will
be able to realize the benefit of its deferred tax assets, it has provided a
100% valuation allowance against the net amount of such assets at December 31,
1998. In addition to the $4.3 million increase in the valuation allowance
recorded within the income tax provision, approximately $1.9 million of the 1998
valuation allowance increase was allocated to the extraordinary item (Note 5).
Also, the Company realized the benefit of non-qualified stock compensation
expense for tax purposes in excess of stock compensation expense for book
purposes of approximately $2.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1998.
This amount has been credited directly against additional paid-in capital, net
of a full valuation allowance. The deferred tax liability at December 31, 1998
represents certain net state deferred tax liabilities.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
limits the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards when there are
changes in ownership greater than 50%, as defined. If such a change occurs, the
timing of the Company's utilization of its U.S. net operating loss carryforwards
could be impacted.
A reconciliation of the federal statutory income tax rate to the effective
income tax rate for the periods presented is as follows:
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ -----
Federal statutory rate......................................... (34)% (34)% (34)%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit..................... (2) (3) (2)
Permanent differences.......................................... 3 6 9
Increase in valuation allowance................................ 13 3 0
Other.......................................................... 0 4 3
---- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate...................................... (20)% (24)% (24)%
==== ==== ====
F-18
7. Equity Interests
Merger With ITC Holding
In connection with the Merger (Note 1), holders of ITC Holding's common stock
and convertible preferred stock received 4.59045 shares of the Company's Common
Stock and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Fractional shares were paid in
cash.
Initial Public Offering
During October 1997, the Company completed the sale of 11,500,000 shares of
its Common Stock to the public at an offering price of $8.25 a share. The
proceeds of the offering, net of offering expenses, were $87.5 million.
Stock Split
On July 29, 1998, the Company announced a two-for-one stock split of its
Common Stock to be effected in the form of a stock dividend (the "Stock Split").
The record date for the Stock Split was August 18, 1998 and the payment date was
September 4, 1998. The Common Stock began trading giving effect to the Stock
Split on September 8, 1998. All references to number of shares, except shares
authorized, and to per share information in the consolidated financial
statements have been adjusted to reflect the Stock Split on a retroactive basis.
Employee Stock Option Plan
Upon the Reorganization, all employees of the Company became eligible to
receive stock options under the Company's 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended
(the "Stock Option Plan"), which was adopted by the Company and approved by
ITC Holding on March 24, 1997.
The Stock Option Plan provides for the grant of options that are intended to
qualify as "incentive stock options" under Section 422 of the Code to
employees of the Company, its subsidiaries, and ITC Holding, as well as the
grant of non-qualifying options to any other individual whose participation in
the Stock Option Plan is determined to be in the best interests of the Company.
The Stock Option Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 4,815,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock pursuant to options granted under the Stock Option Plan
(subject to antidilution adjustments in the event of a stock split,
recapitalization, or similar transaction). The maximum number of shares subject
to options that can be awarded under the Stock Option Plan to any person is
1,605,000 shares. The compensation committee of the Company's board of directors
will administer the Stock Option Plan and will grant options to purchase Common
Stock.
The option exercise price for incentive stock options granted under the Stock
Option Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant of the option (or 110% in the case of an incentive
stock option granted to an optionee beneficially owning more than 10% of the
outstanding Common Stock). The option exercise price for non-incentive stock
options granted under the Stock Option Plan may not be less than the par value
of the Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. The maximum option term
is 10 years (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to
an optionee beneficially owning more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock).
There is also a $100,000 limit on the value of Common Stock (determined at the
time of grant) covered by incentive stock options that become exercisable by an
optionee in any year. Options granted will become exercisable with respect to
50% of the shares
F-19
subject to the options on the second anniversary of the date of grant and with
respect to 25% of the shares subject to the options on each of the third and
fourth anniversaries of the date of grant.
The Company's board of directors may amend or terminate the Stock Option Plan
with respect to shares of Common Stock as to which options have not been
granted.
On March 24, 1997 and July 29, 1997, the Company granted options to purchase
2,532,690 shares and 337,866 shares, respectively, of Common Stock under the
Stock Option Plan. All options were granted at a price at least equal to the
estimated fair value of the common stock on the date of grant ($2.25) as
determined by the Company's board of directors based on equity transactions and
other analyses. Options to purchase an additional 96,502 shares of Common Stock
at $2.25 per share were granted on October 1, 1997. At December 31, 1998 and
1997, unamortized compensation expense of $410,000 and $555,000, respectively,
is recorded as an offset to equity in the accompanying balance sheet related to
this option grant since the price of the options was below fair market value.
Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period.
Following the Company's initial public offering, options to purchase an
additional 123,830 shares of Common Stock at $8.63 per share were granted on
October 28, 1997. The $8.63 per share represents the closing value of the
Company's stock on the date of grant.
Director Stock Option Plan
On March 24, 1997, the Company adopted and its stockholders approved the
Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan"). The Director Plan provides
for the "formula" grant of options that are not intended to qualify as
"incentive stock options" under Section 422 of the Code to directors of the
Company who are not officers or employees of the Company or ITC Holding, (each
an "Eligible Director"). The Director Plan authorizes the issuance of up to
481,500 shares of Common Stock pursuant to options granted under the Director
Plan (subject to antidilution adjustments in the event of a stock split,
recapitalization, or similar transaction). The option exercise price for options
granted under the Director Plan will be at least 100% of the fair market value
of the shares of Common Stock on the date of grant of the option. Under the
Director Plan, each Eligible Director will be granted an option to purchase
32,100 shares of Common Stock upon such person's initial election or appointment
to serve as director. Options granted will become exercisable with respect to
50% of the shares subject to the options on the second anniversary of the date
of grant and with respect to 25% of the shares subject to the options on each of
the third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant. The options will expire
ten years and 30 days after the date of grant.
On March 24, 1997, the Company granted options to purchase 32,100 shares of
its Common Stock to each of its six non-employee directors. All options were
granted at a price equal to the estimated fair value of the common stock on the
date of grant ($2.25) as determined by the Company's board of directors based on
equity transactions and other analyses.
ITC Holding Stock Option Plan
Prior to the Merger, ITC Holding sponsored a stock option plan which provided
for the granting of stock options to substantially all employees of ITC Holding
and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries, including the Company.
Options were generally granted at a price (established by ITC Holding's board of
directors based on equity transactions and other analyses) equal to at least
100% of the fair market value of ITC Holding's common stock on the option grant
date. Options granted generally became exercisable 40% after two years and 20%
per annum for the next three years and remained exercisable for ten years after
the option grant date. At December 31, 1996, employees of the Company held
outstanding options for a total of 314,768 of ITC Holding's shares at option
prices ranging from $7.60 to $30.50 per share. In connection with the Merger and
the related spin-off of ITC Holding's other subsidiaries, stock options
outstanding under ITC Holding's stock
F-20
option plan were adjusted. Each ITC Holding option holder received an option in
the spin-off entity and 4.59045 options in the Company (the "Replacement
Options"). All Replacement Options were at exercise prices that preserved the
economic benefit of the ITC Holding options at the spin-off and merger date. As
a result, options for 7,080,176 shares of the Company's Common Stock were issued
under the Stock Option Plan at exercise prices ranging from $0.16 per share to
$4.44 per share.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
The Company accounts for its stock based compensation plans under APB Opinion
No. 25, under which no compensation cost is recognized for options granted with
an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the Company's common stock
at the grant date. The Company has computed, for pro forma disclosure purposes,
the value of all options for shares of common stock granted to employees of the
Company using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following weighted
average assumptions:
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
Risk-free interest rate.................. 5.26% 6.00% 6.29%
Expected dividend yield.................. 0% 0% 0%
Expected lives........................... Ten years Ten years Ten years
Expected volatility...................... 77.45% 60% 50%
The weighted average fair value of options and Replacement Options granted to
employees of the Company in 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $13.48, $7.34 and $9.83 per
share, respectively. The total value of options and Replacement Options for
common stock granted to employees of the Company during 1998, 1997 and 1996 was
computed as approximately $16.2 million, $14.2 million and $4.1 million
(including approximately $7.7 million related to the Replacement Options),
respectively, which would be amortized on a pro forma basis over the four-year
vesting period of the options (five-year vesting period as to the Replacement
Options). If the Company had accounted for these plans in accordance with SFAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation, the Company's net loss for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 would have increased as follows:
Net loss (in thousands) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------- --------- --------- --------
As Reported $(34,342) $(10,773) $(3,910)
Pro Forma $(41,159) $(20,415) $(5,469)
Basic and diluted net loss per share
- --------------------------------------
As Reported $ (0.67) $ (0.27) $ (0.10)
Pro Forma $ (0.81) $ (0.54) $ (0.14)
A summary of the status of the Company's portion of ITC Holding's
stock option plan through the date of the Merger is as follows:
Weighted Average Exercise
Price
Shares Per Option
------------ ---------------
Outstanding at December 31, 1995 108,427 $14.87
Granted 223,081 25.87
Exercised (840) 16.86
Forfeited (15,900) 24.55
-------
Outstanding at December 31, 1996 314,768 22.17
Granted 43,840 31.75
Exercised (6,500) 9.49
Forfeited (18,178) 25.81
-------
Outstanding at October 20, 1997 333,930 23.48
=======
F-21
A summary of the status of the Company's stock option plans at December 31,
1998 and changes during the period from inception on March 24, 1997 through
December 31, 1998 is as follows:
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Shares Per Option
-------------- --------------
Assumed in the Merger 7,080,176 $ 2.18
Granted 3,283,284 2.47
Exercised (27,762) 1.35
Forfeited (75,476) 2.41
----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1997 10,260,222 2.33
Granted 1,282,954 16.46
Exercised (1,573,528) 1.11
Forfeited (427,994) 5.84
----------
Outstanding at December 31, 1998 9,541,654 4.28
==========
The following table sets forth the exercise price range, number of shares,
weighted average exercise price, and remaining contractual lives by groups of
similar price and grant date:
Weighted
Average Weighted Weighted
Range of Outstanding Remaining Average Exercisable Average
Exercise as of Contractual Exercise As of Exercise
Prices Dec. 31, 1998 Life Price Dec. 31, 1998 Price
- ------------- ------------- ----------- -------- ------------- --------
$0.15 - $0.54 517,316 2.1 $ 0.53 517,316 $0.53
$0.92 - $1.39 549,160 3.7 1.00 541,916 0.99
$1.74 - $2.44 4,414,858 7.4 2.15 994,015 1.93
$3.01 - $3.33 1,078,831 7.1 3.03 417,392 3.03
$3.65 - $4.44 1,679,609 8.2 3.90 95,324 3.67
$8.62 - $9.79 349,550 9.0 9.44 -0- --
$13.68 - $14.44 364,528 9.3 14.18 -0- --
$18.00 - $23.00 587,802 9.7 20.73 -0- --
At December 31, 1998, 2,565,963 options for the Company's stock with a
weighted average price of $1.69 per share were exercisable by employees of the
Company. At December 31, 1997, 3,159,134 options for the Company's stock with a
weighted average exercise price of $1.50 per share were exercisable by employees
of the Company. At December 31, 1996, 51,700 options for ITC Holding's stock
with a weighted average exercise price of $12.06 per share were exercisable by
employees of the Company.
8. Commitments and Contingencies
Purchase Commitments
At December 31, 1998 the Company had entered into agreements with vendors to
purchase approximately $22 million of equipment related to the improvement and
installation of switches, other network expansion efforts and certain services.
Legal Proceedings
In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various
litigation; however, in management's opinion and the opinion of counsel, there
are no legal proceedings pending against the Company that would have a material
adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or liquidity of
the Company.
F-22
Reciprocal Interconnection Charges
In connection with offering local exchange services, the Company entered into
an interconnection agreement (the "Interconnection Agreement") with BellSouth
Corporation ("BellSouth"). Pursuant to the Interconnection Agreement, the
Company began billing BellSouth for reciprocal interconnection charges related
to the provision by the Company of facilities-based local exchange services
during 1998. A significant amount of such charges are attributable to call
terminations by the Company to customers that are ISPs. BellSouth has stated
that it views termination to ISPs as not included under the reciprocal
compensation arrangements as set forth in the Interconnection Agreement, and has
not paid compensation for such terminations to the Company or other competitive
local exchange carriers ("CLECs"). Certain state public service commissions
have ruled in favor of CLECs on this issue, but have not issued an order. As
BellSouth has stated that such charges with respect to ISPs are excluded from
the reciprocal compensation arrangements set forth in the Interconnection
Agreement, and the fact that the ultimate outcome of this matter is uncertain,
the Company has not recorded approximately $6.6 million of such charges as
revenues during 1998. The Company is reviewing all potential remedies.
The Interconnection Agreement has a term of two years beginning July 1, 1997,
and requires the parties to begin to negotiate renewal terms by July 1, 1998.
The Company and BellSouth are negotiating to renew the terms of the
Interconnection Agreement. In the event the parties fail to agree on such
renewal terms by July 1, 1999, the Interconnection Agreement provides that the
parties will continue to exchange traffic under the current agreement until such
time as renewal terms, conditions and prices are ordered by a state commission
or negotiated by the parties with such terms, conditions and prices becoming
effective retroactive to July 1, 1999.
9. Employee Benefit Plans
Employees of the Fiber Companies participated in ITC Holding's 401(k) defined
contribution plan. This plan covered all employees of the participating entities
who had one year of service and were at least 18 years of age. ITC Holding
contributed a discretionary amount of the employees' earnings based on the
plan's earnings. The discretionary contribution percentages per employee for the
year ended December 31, 1996 was 2.66% (limited to a total for all participants
of $150,000) and was fully funded by ITC Holding. No discretionary
contributions were made for 1997. In addition, the Fiber Companies offer a
partial matching of employee contributions at a rate of 1/2% for each 1% of the
employee earnings contributed to a maximum match of 4% of employee earnings.
Total matching contributions made to the plan and charged to expense by the
Fiber Companies for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $84,000 and
$54,000, respectively.
Employees of DeltaCom participated in a separately administered 401(k) defined
contribution plan. The plan covered substantially all DeltaCom employees with at
least one year of service. Participants may elect to defer 15% of compensation
up to a maximum amount determined annually pursuant to Internal Revenue Service
regulations. DeltaCom has elected to provide matching employer contributions
equal to the lesser of 3% of compensation or the maximum amount annually for
each participant. DeltaCom's policy is to fund contributions as earned. Company
contributions made to the plan and charged to expense for the year ended
December 31, 1997 were $199,000 and for the 11 months ended December 31, 1996
were $124,000.
Following the Merger, ITC Holding's 401(k) defined contribution plan became
the Company's plan. Effective January 1, 1998, the DeltaCom 401(k) plan was
merged into the Company's plan. Total matching contributions made to the
Company's plan and charged to expense by the Company for the year ended December
31, 1998 was $542,000. No discretionary contributions were made for 1998.
F-23
10. Related Party Transactions
Certain affiliates provide the Company with various services and/or receive
services provided by the Company. These entities include ITC Holding; Interstate
Telephone Company and Valley Telephone Company, which provide local and long-
distance telephone services; InterCall, Inc. ("InterCall"), which provides
conference calling services; and InterServ Services Corporation, which provides
operator services for "800" customer service numbers and full-service
marketing research in the telecommunications industry and other industries;
Powertel, Inc., formerly InterCel, Inc., which provides cellular services;
KNOLOGY, which provides cable television services; and MindSpring, which is a
provider of Internet access. In management's opinion, the Company's transactions
with these affiliated entities are generally representative of arm's-length
transactions.
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company received
services from these affiliated entities in the amounts of $854,000, $206,000,
and $243,000, respectively, which are reflected in selling, operations, and
administration expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations. In addition, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company received services
from these affiliated entities in the amount of $457,000, $238,000 and $762,000,
respectively, which are reflected in cost of services in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations.
The Fiber Companies provide operator and directory assistance services and
lease capacity on certain of their fiber routes to affiliated entities.
Beginning in 1996, DeltaCom also provided long-distance and related services to
ITC Holding and all of its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Also
beginning in 1996, DeltaCom acted as an agent for InterCall and MindSpring in
contracting with major interexchange carriers to provide origination and
termination services. Under these agreements, DeltaCom contracts with the
interexchange carrier and rebills the appropriate access charges plus a margin
to InterCall and MindSpring, such that only the margin impacts the Company's
consolidated revenues. Total affiliated revenues included in the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996 were $13.4 million, $7.3 million and $2.9 million, respectively.
DeltaCom had a contract with a former stockholder to provide management
services to DeltaCom in 1997 for $300,000 annually. In addition, DeltaCom leases
real properties from a former stockholder and entities controlled by the former
stockholder. Total rental expense related to these leases was approximately
$164,000, $174,000 and $235,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. DeltaCom
is obligated to pay rentals to the former stockholder totaling approximately
$155,000 annually from 1999 through 2005 under leases which are cancelable by
either of the parties with 24 months' notice. DeltaCom is also obligated through
1999 to pay annual rentals of approximately $81,000 to an officer of a former
stockholder.
11. Acquisitions
Acquisition of DeltaCom
On January 29, 1996 (the "Acquisition Date"), DeltaCom was purchased by ITC
Holding for total consideration of $71.4 million, including cash acquired of
$1.8 million (the "Acquisition"). The consideration included $65.4 million in
cash and $6.0 million in common stock of ITC Holding. Simultaneously, ITC
Holding refinanced $8.6 million of DeltaCom's outstanding debt by borrowing
against its own line of credit and contributing the proceeds to DeltaCom, which
then repaid all of its outstanding debt. The Acquisition was accounted for under
the purchase method of accounting, and the purchase accounting entries have been
"pushed down" to the Company's financial statements. The purchase price was
allocated to the underlying assets purchased and liabilities assumed based on
their estimated fair values at the Acquisition Date. The acquisition costs
exceeded the fair market value of net tangible assets acquired by $54.6 million,
of which $5.5 million has been allocated to
F-24
identifiable intangible assets and the remainder has been recorded as goodwill
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Amounts recorded in connection
with the "pushdown" include the $49.2 million in goodwill, $5.5 million in
customer base, $74.0 million in debt related to the Acquisition and debt
refinancing, and $6.0 million in paid-in capital. The operating results of
DeltaCom have been included in the Company's consolidated financial statements
since the Acquisition Date.
The following table summarizes the net assets purchased in connection with the
acquisition of DeltaCom and the amount attributable to cost in excess of net
assets acquired (in thousands):
Working capital, net of $1,828 cash acquired....................... $ 5,155
Property, plant, and equipment..................................... 21,357
Other assets....................................................... 199
Noncurrent liabilities............................................. (11,822)
Customer base...................................................... 5,464
Goodwill........................................................... 49,181
--------
Purchase price, net of cash acquired............................... $ 69,534
========
The common stock portion of this acquisition has been accounted for as a
noncash transaction for purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Acquisition of Gulf States
On March 27, 1997, ITC Holding purchased the remaining 64% interest in Gulf
States not previously owned, along with certain other fiber and fiber-related
assets, including a significant long-term customer contract (the "Georgia Fiber
Assets") for $27.9 million, plus contingent consideration valued at $3.7
million. The purchase price included 588,411 shares of ITC Holding's Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock valued at approximately $17.9 million and an
unsecured purchase money note for $10.0 million. The initial purchase price was
allocated: $17.0 million to the 64% interest in Gulf States and $10.9 million to
the Georgia Fiber Assets. The note, bearing interest at 11%, was payable in ten
semi annual principal payments of approximately $1 million plus accrued
interest, beginning September 30, 1997. The contingent consideration was due no
later than April 30, 1998, at which time the Company was obligated to deliver
additional preferred stock equal to 35.7% of 64%, multiplied by six, multiplied
by the amount, if any, by which the earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization of Gulf States for the year ended December 31,
1997 exceed $11.3 million. In October 1997, ITC Holding issued 56,742 shares of
its Series A Convertible Preferred Stock in connection with this earn-out
provision. In connection with the Merger, these shares were converted into
130,236 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock valued at
$3.7 million. No further contingent consideration is due.
The purchase price was allocated to the underlying assets purchased and
liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at date of acquisition.
The following table summarizes the net assets purchased in connection with the
acquisition of the Georgia Fiber Assets and the remaining 64% Gulf States
partnership interest (in thousands):
64% Gulf States
Georgia Fiber Assets Partnership Interest
-------------------- ---------------------
Property, plant, and equipment......................... $10,950 $ 42,312
Other assets........................................... 0 940
Working capital deficit................................ 0 (6,682)
Noncurrent liabilities................................. 0 (23,400)
Goodwill............................................... 0 7,538
------- --------
Purchase price......................................... $10,950 $ 20,708
======= ========
F-25
Upon the closing of these acquisitions, ITC Holding contributed the 64%
ownership interest in Gulf States to GSTS and the Georgia Fiber Assets to
FiberNet. The Gulf States partnership has been dissolved. The note was repaid in
full in November 1997.
Acquisition of IT Group
On May 20, 1998, the Company completed its acquisition of certain assets and
liabilities of PSP Marketing Group, Inc. d/b/a IT Group Communications ("IT
Group"), a Jackson, Mississippi-based long distance carrier. The Company issued
177,106 shares of common stock valued at $2.8 million, assumed liabilities of
$1.2 million and paid $397,000 in cash to consummate the transaction.
The following table summarizes the net assets purchased in connection with the
acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of IT Group and the amount
attributable to cost in excess of net assets acquired (in thousands):
Property, plant and equipment............................ $ 316
Other assets............................................. 325
Working capital.......................................... (201)
Noncurrent liabilities................................... (974)
Customer base............................................ 3,724
------
Purchase price........................................... $3,190
======
Pro forma results
The following pro forma information has been prepared assuming the acquisition
of DeltaCom, Gulf States, and Georgia Fiber Assets occurred on January 1, 1996.
Pro forma results for 1997 are not presented as they do not materially differ
from actual 1997 results. Pro forma results for 1998 reflecting the acquisition
of the IT Group are not presented as they are not material. This information
includes pro forma adjustments related to the amortization of goodwill resulting
from the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets
acquired and interest expense related to the debt financing used to acquire
DeltaCom. The pro forma information is presented for informational purposes only
and may not be indicative of the results of operations as they would have been
had these acquisitions occurred on January 1, 1996, nor is the information
necessarily indicative of the results of operations which may occur in the
future.
1996
----------
(In thousands,
except share data)
Operating revenues................ $ 85,374
Net loss.......................... (5,037)
Net loss per share................ (0.13)
F-26
12. Segment Reporting
As discussed in Note 1, the Company operates in the Retail Services and
Carriers' Carrier Segments. The accounting policies of the business segments
are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting
policies (Note 2). Summarized financial data by business segment as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
1998
-----------------------------------------------
Carriers'
Carrier Retail Corporate
Segment Segment Segment Consolidated
--------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues................................................. $ 51,902 $119,936 $ 0 $171,838
Gross margin............................................. 44,260 44,599 0 88,859
Selling, operations, and administration expense.......... 14,411 50,490 0 64,901
Depreciation and amortization............................ 19,136 11,669 82 30,887
Other income (expense), net.............................. 7,397
Interest expense......................................... (32,828)
--------
Loss before income taxes, preacquisition loss
and extraordinary item................................ $(32,360)
========
Identifiable assets...................................... $381,244 $189,788 $16,485 $587,517
======== ======== ======= ========
Capital expenditures, net................................ $ 67,467 $ 80,375 $ 0 $147,842
======== ======== ======= ========
1997
---------------------------------------------
Carriers'
Carrier Retail Corporate
Segment Segment Segment Consolidated
--------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues.............................................. $ 31,024 $ 83,566 $ 0 $114,590
Gross margin.......................................... 27,116 32,924 0 60,040
Selling, operations, and administration expense....... 8,401 29,854 0 38,255
Depreciation and amortization......................... 12,077 6,255 0 18,332
Other income (expense), net........................... 4,251
Interest expense...................................... (21,367)
--------
Loss before income taxes, preacquisition loss
and extraordinary item............................... $(13,663)
========
Identifiable assets................................... $192,820 $106,221 $87,063 $386,104
======== ======== ======= ========
Capital expenditures, net............................. $ 27,464 $ 16,410 $ 0 $ 43,874
======== ======== ======= ========
1996
----------------------------------------------
Carriers'
Carrier Retail Corporate
Segment Segment Segment Consolidated
---------- -------- --------- -------------
Revenues.............................................. $ 6,598 $59,920 $ 0 $ 66,518
Gross margin.......................................... 4,235 23,527 0 27,762
Selling, operations, and administration expense....... 1,826 17,050 0 18,876
Depreciation and amortization......................... 1,657 4,781 0 6,438
Equity in losses of Gulf States....................... (1,590) (1,590)
Other income (expense), net........................... 172
Interest expense...................................... (6,173)
--------
Loss before income taxes, preacquisition loss
and extraordinary item............................... $ (5,143)
========
Identifiable assets................................... $14,597 $91,186 $ 0 $105,783
Investment in net assets of Gulf States............... $ 7,425 $ 0 $ 0 $ 7,425
------- ------- ------- --------
Total assets.......................................... $22,022 $91,186 $ 0 $113,208
======= ======= ======= ========
Capital expenditures, net............................. $ 1,101 $ 5,072 $ 0 $ 6,173
======= ======= ======= ========
F-27
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULE
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements of ITC/\DELTACOM, INC. and SUBSIDIARIES
included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated February 12,
1999. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index is the
responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the
auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and,
in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 12, 1999
ITC/\DELTACOM, INC.
AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFICATION ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996, 1997 AND 1998
(In thousands)
ADDITIONS
BALANCE AT----------------------------------- BALANCE AT
BEGINNING CHARGED TO CHARGED TO END OF
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD INCOME OTHER ACCOUNTS DEDUCTIONS PERIOD
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for uncollectible
accounts
1996 $ 36 $ 458 $1,209(1) $846(3) $ 857
1997 $ 857 $ 801 $ 24(2) $621(3) $1,061
1998 $1,061 $ 587 $ 0 $388(3) $1,260
Valuation allowance
for deferred tax assets
1997 $ 0 $ 390 $ 0 $ 0 $ 390
1998 $ 390 $6,198 $2,107(4) $ 0 $8,695
- --------------------
Notes:
(1) Represents a purchased reserve related to the acquisition of DeltaCom, Inc.
(2) Represents a purchased reserve related to the acquisition of the remaining
interest in Gulf States FiberNet.
(3) Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible, less
recoveries of amounts previously written off.
(4) Represents the increase in the valuation allowance related to stock option
compensation deductible for income tax purposes, but not for financial
accounting purposes, and charged to additional paid-in capital, net of a
full valuation allowance.
S-1
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
------ -------------------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended, File No. 333-
36683 ("Form S-1") and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
3.2 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1 Capacity Agreement dated as of February 1, 1997 between Interstate
FiberNet and Entergy Technology Company (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to
Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, File No. 333-31361
(the "1997 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by reference).
10.2 License Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Interstate FiberNet
and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (filed as Exhibit
10.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3 Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated March 26, 1993
between Interstate FiberNet and Northern Telecom, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.3 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3.1 Network Products Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 24, 1997,
by and between Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and Northern Telecom, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
File No. 000-23253 (the "1997 Form 10-K"), filed with the Commission
on March 30, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4 First Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated
as of September 9, 1993 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern
Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.5 Second Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated
as of January 19, 1994 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern
Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.6 Sixth Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment dated
as of November 21, 1996 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern
Telecom, Inc. (which supersedes the Third and the Fourth Amendment to
this Agreement) (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.7 Seventh Amendment to Supply Agreement for Transmission Equipment
dated as of April 15, 1997 between Interstate FiberNet and Northern
Telecom, Inc. (which supersedes the Fifth Amendment to this
Agreement) (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.8 Master Capacity Lease dated July 22, 1996 between Interstate FiberNet
and InterCel PCS Services, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9 First Amendment to Master Capacity Lease dated as of August 22, 1996
between Interstate FiberNet and InterCel PCS Services, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.9 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997 by and
among Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc., the Lenders parties
thereto and NationsBank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11 Promissory Note dated March 27, 1997 between Gulf States Transmission
Systems, Inc. and NationsBank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.11 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
1
10.12 Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997
between Gulf States FiberNet and Gulf States Transmission Systems,
Inc. and NationsBank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.12 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.13 Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated as of March 27, 1997
between Gulf States FiberNet and Gulf States Transmission Systems,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.14 Term Agreement dated as of August 11, 1994 between Gulf States
FiberNet and Illinois Central Railroad Company (filed as Exhibit
10.14 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15 Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement
dated as of June 9, 1995 among Southern Development and Investment
Group, Inc., on behalf of itself and as agent for Alabama Power
Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power
Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric
Generating Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. and MPX
Systems, Inc., which was assigned in part by MPX Systems, Inc. to
Gulf States FiberNet pursuant to an Assignment dated as of July 25,
1995 (filed as Exhibit 10.15 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.15.1 Release, Waiver, and Assumption Agreement, dated as of December 31,
1997, between Southern Development Investment Group, Inc., on behalf
of itself and as agent for Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power
Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, Savannah
Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric Generating Company and
Southern Company Services, Inc. and Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and
Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.15.1 to
1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.15.2 Amendment to the Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and
Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998, by and among
Southern Company Energy Solutions, Inc. (f/k/a Southern Development
Group, Inc.), on behalf of itself and as agent for Alabama Power
Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power
Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric
Generating Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. and Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.15.2 to Quarterly Report Form 10-
Q (the "November 1998 Form 10-Q"), filed with the Commission of
November 16, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.16 First Amendment to Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and
Services Agreement dated as of July 24, 1995 between Southern
Development and Investment Group, Inc. on behalf of itself and as
agent for others and MPX Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.16 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.17 Partial Assignment and Assumption of Revised and Restated Fiber Optic
Facilities and Services Agreement dated July 25, 1995 between MPX
Systems, Inc. and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+10.17.1 Amendment to Revised and Restated Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
Agreement, dated July 15, 1997, by and among Southern Development and
Investment Group, Inc., on behalf of itself and its agent for Alabama
Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi
Power Company, Savannah Electric and Power Company, Southern Electric
Generating Company and Southern Company Services, Inc. (collectively
"SES"), ITC Transmission Systems, Inc. (as managing partner of
Interstate Fibernet) and Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.17.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference) .
10.18 Consent for Assignment of Interest dated February 20, 1997 among
SCANA
2
Communications, Inc., Gulf States FiberNet, Gulf States Transmission
Systems, Inc. and Southern Development and Investment Groups, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.18 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.19 Second Partial Assignment and Assumption of Revised and Restated
Fiber Optic Facilities and Services Agreement dated March 27, 1997
between SCANA Communications, Inc. and ITC Holding Company, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.19 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.20 Fiber System Lease Agreement dated January 30, 1996 between CSW
Communications, Inc. and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.20
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.21 Consent for Acquisition and Assignment dated January 13, 1997 between
CSW Communications, Inc. and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit
10.21 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.22 Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Services and Facilities
dated April 21, 1986 between SouthernNet, Inc. and MPX Systems, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.22 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.23 First Amendment to Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Services and Facilities dated May 8, 1992 between MPX Systems, Inc.
and MCI Telecommunications Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.23 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.24 Second Amendment to Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Services and Facilities dated January 30, 1996 between MPX Systems,
Inc. and MCI Telecommunications Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.24
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.25 Network Operating Agreement dated March 25, 1996 among Gulf States
FiberNet, TriNet, Inc., Hart Communications, Inc. and SCANA
Communications, Inc. (f/k/a MPX Systems, Inc.) (filed as Exhibit
10.25 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.26 Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities and Services
dated March 29, 1990 between Alabama Power Company and Southern
Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.27 Amendment to the Agreement for Provision of Fiber Optic Facilities
and Services dated March 29, 1990 between Alabama Power Company and
Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.28 First Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Facilities and Services dated March 22, 1991 between Alabama Power
Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.28 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.29 Second Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Facilities and Services dated December 1, 1991 between Alabama Power
Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.29 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.30 Third Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Facilities and Services dated September 23, 1992 between Alabama
Power Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.30 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.31 Fourth Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of Fiber Optic
Facilities and Services dated January 1, 1994 between Alabama Power
Company and Southern Interexchange Facilities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
10.31 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.32 Agreement dated March 6, 1990 between Tennessee Valley Authority and
Consolidated Communications Corporation (predecessor to DeltaCom,
Inc.) (filed as Exhibit 10.32 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
3
10.32.1 Supplement Agreement; Leased Fiber Pathways, dated as of September
26, 1997, by and between Tennessee Valley Authority and DeltaCom,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.32.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.33 Interconnection Agreement signed March 12, 1997 between DeltaCom,
Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.33
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.34 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement relating to BellSouth loops
dated March 12, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.34 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.35 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement relating to resale of
BellSouth services dated March 12, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and
BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.35 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.1 Third Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated March 12, 1997,
by and between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.35.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.35.2 Fourth Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated August 22, 1997,
by and between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.35.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.35.3 Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated October 3, 1997, by and
between DeltaCom, Inc. and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. (filed
as Exhibit 10.35.3 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.35.4 Fifth Amendment to Interconnection Agreement, dated July 22, 1998, by
and between DeltaCom, Inc., and BelSouth Telecommunications, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.35.4 to November 1998 Form 10-Q, filed with the
Commission on November 16, 1998 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.36 Master Equipment Lease Agreement dated October 30, 1995 between AT&T
Systems Leasing Co. and DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.36 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.37 Network Products Purchase Agreement dated January 24, 1996, as
amended through March 4, 1997, between DeltaCom, Inc. and Northern
Telecom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.37 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.38 First Amendment to Product Attachment Carrier Network Products, dated
May 20, 1997 (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.39 Agreement for Use of Optical Fiber System, Microwave Radio Tower Site
and Associated Facilities dated January 2, 1996 between DeltaCom,
Inc. and SCI Systems, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.40 Collocate Agreement dated January 7, 1991 between Williams
Telecommunications Services, Inc., and Southern Interexchange
Facilities, Inc. (including consent for change of control) (filed as
Exhibit 10.40 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.41 Agreement dated January 14, 1997 between DeltaCom, Inc. and SCANA
Communications, Inc., for switch location in Columbia, South Carolina
(filed as Exhibit 10.41 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.42 Lease Agreement dated January 1, 1996 between Brindlee Mountain
Telephone Company and DeltaCom, Inc. for, among other purposes,
switch location in Arab, Alabama (filed as Exhibit 10.42 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.43 Promissory Note dated March 27, 1997 between ITC Holding Company,
Inc. and SCANA Communications, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.43 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
4
+ 10.44 Agreement for the Provision of Telecommunications Services and
Facilities, dated January 27, 1996, by and between Interstate
FiberNet, Inc. and Carolinas FiberNet, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.44
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.44.1 First Amendment to the Agreement for the Provision of
Telecommunications Services and Facilities, dated as of September 1,
1997, by and between Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and Carolinas
FiberNet, LLC. (filed as Exhibit 10.44.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.45 Fiber Optic Facilities Agreement, dated November 15, 1996, by and
between Interstate FiberNet and Florida Power Corporation (filed as
Exhibit 10.45 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.46 Fiber Optic Capacity Marketing and Operating Agreement, dated March
21, 1996, by and between Interstate FiberNet and Florida Power &
Light Company (filed as Exhibit 10.46 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.47 Addendum to Fiber Optic Capacity Marketing and Operating Agreement,
dated July 10, 1997, by and between Interstate FiberNet and Florida
Power & Light Company (filed as Exhibit 10.47 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.48 Master Service Agreement, dated May 6, 1996, by and between
Interstate FiberNet and MCI Telecommunications Corporation (filed as
Exhibit 10.48 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.49 Telecommunications System Maintenance Agreement, dated as of January
26, 1995, by and between Interstate FiberNet and Sprint
Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.49 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.50 Sprint Communications Company Facilities and Services Agreement,
dated January 26, 1995, by and between Interstate FiberNet and
Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.50 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.51 Fiber Optic Facility Lease Agreement, dated as of January 31, 1997,
by and between Interstate FiberNet and Southern Telecom 1, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.51 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.52 First Assignment and Assumption of Fiber Optic Facility Lease
Agreement, dated February 1, 1997, by and between Interstate
FiberNet and Gulf States FiberNet (filed as Exhibit 10.52 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.53 Telecommunications System Agreement, dated January 26, 1995, by and
between Interstate FiberNet and Sprint Communications Company L.P.
(filed as Exhibit 10.53 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.54 Amendment to Telecommunications System Agreement, dated July 25,
1995, by and between Gulf States FiberNet and Sprint Communications
Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.54 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.55 Amendment No. 2 to Telecommunications System Agreement, dated August
8, 1996, by and between Gulf States FiberNet and Sprint
Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.55 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.56 Assignment of the Telecommunications System Agreement, dated July
25, 1995, between Interstate FiberNet, Gulf States FiberNet and
Sprint Communications Company L.P. (filed as Exhibit 10.56 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.57 Assignment of the Telecommunications System Agreement, dated
February 27, 1997, between Sprint Communications Company L.P., Gulf
States FiberNet and Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.57 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
5
10.58 Fixed Fee Agreement for Exchange of Use and Maintenance of Six (6)
Fiber Optic Fibers with an Option of Two (2) Additional Fiber Optic
Fibers, dated July 25, 1997, by and between Interstate FiberNet,
Gulf States Transmission Systems, Inc. and ALLTEL Telephone Services
Corporation. (filed as Exhibit 10.58 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.59 MCI Carrier Agreement, effective August 1, 1995, by and between MCI
Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications
Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.59 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.60 First Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of March 20,
1996, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.60 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.61 Third Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of August 1,
1996, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.61 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.62 Fourth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement dated as of May 1, 1996,
by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated
Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.62
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.63 Fifth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of April 10,
1996, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.63 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.64 Sixth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of September 11,
1996, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.64 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.65 Seventh Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of August 1,
1996, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.65 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.66 Eighth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, effective March 1, 1997,
by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated
Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.66
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.67 Ninth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of May 15, 1997,
by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated
Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.67
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.68 Tenth Amendment to MCI Carrier Agreement, dated July 11, 1997, by
and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated
Communications Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.68
to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.69 Switched Reseller Services Agreement, dated January 25, 1994, by and
between DeltaCom, Inc. and Allnet Communication Services, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.69 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.70 WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated September 1,
1995, by and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc. D/b/a WilTel,
Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) and the
individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as Exhibit
10.70 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
6
+ 10.71 Amendment to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement, dated
April 1, 1996, by and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc. d/b/a/
WilTel, Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA) and
the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as Exhibit
10.71 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.72 Amendment No. 2 to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement,
dated June 1, 1996, by and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc.
d/b/a/ WilTel, Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.72 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.73 Amendment No. 3 to WilTel, Inc. Carrier Digital Services Agreement,
dated May 1, 1997, by and between WorldCom Network Services, Inc.
d/b/a/ WilTel, Associated Communications Companies of America (ACCA)
and the individual members of ACCA referenced therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.73 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.74 Marketing and Operating Agreement, dated as of October 6, 1994, by
and between Interstate FiberNet and DukeNet Communications, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 10.74 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
+ 10.75 Reseller Agreement, dated June 25, 1997, by and between DeltaCom,
Inc. and Total Network Services, a division of Cable & Wireless,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.75 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.76 Sublease Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1995, by and between ITC
Holding Company, Inc. and ITC Transmission Systems, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.76 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.77.1 $100,000,000 Credit Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, among
Interstate FiberNet, Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A. as
Administrative Lender, and certain other Lenders identified therein
(the "IFN Credit Agreement") (filed as Exhibit 10.77 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.77.2 First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 20, 1997,
among Interstate FiberNet, Inc., NationsBank of Texas, N.A. as
Administrative Lender, and certain other Lenders identified therein
(filed as Exhibit 10.77.2 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.77.3 First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February
24, 1998, among Interstate FiberNet, Inc., NationsBank of Texas,
N.A. as Administrative Lender, and certain other Lenders identified
therein (filed as Exhibit 10.77.3 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.78.1 $8,750,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.1 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.2 $3,750,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Amsouth Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.3 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Creditanstalt-Bankverein (filed as Exhibit 10.78.3 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.4 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Meespierson Capital Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.4 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.5 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
State Street Bank and Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 10.78.5 to
1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.6 $7,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Corestates Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.6 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
7
10.78.7 $2,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
First Union National Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.7 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.8 $5,000,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Regions Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.78.8 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.78.9 $7,500,000 Revolving Promissory Note, dated as of September 17,
1997, made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.78.9 to 1997
Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.1 $8,750,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
NationsBank of Texas, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.1 to 1997 Form S-
4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.2 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Creditanstalt-Bankverein (filed as Exhibit 10.79.2 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.3 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of
Meespierson Capital Corp. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.3 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.4 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of State
Street Bank and Trust Company (filed as Exhibit 10.79.4 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.5 $7,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Corestates
Bank, N.A. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.5 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.6 $2,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of First
Union National Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.6 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference)
10.79.7 $5,000,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Regions
Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.7 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.79.8 $7,500,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Toronto
Dominion (Texas), Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.79.8 to 1997 Form S-4
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.79.9 $3,750,000 Term Promissory Note, dated as of September 17, 1997,
made by Interstate FiberNet, Inc. payable to the order of Amsouth
Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.79.9 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated
herein by reference).
10.80.1 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by
Interstate FiberNet, Inc. in favor of NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as
Administrative Lender, and each other lender party to the IFN Credit
Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.80.2 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by
DeltaCom, Inc. in favor of NationsBank of Texas, N.A., as
Administrative Lender, and each other lender party to the IFN Credit
Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.80.3 Security Agreement, dated as of September 17, 1997, made by Gulf
States Transmission Systems, Inc. in favor of NationsBank of Texas,
N.A., as Administrative Lender, and each other lender party to the
IFN Credit Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.80.3 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.81 Placement Agreement, dated as of May 29, 1997, among ITC/\DeltaCom,
Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill Lynch, Pierce,
Fenner & Smith Incorporated, First Union Capital Markets Corp. and
NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to 1997 Form
S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
8
10.82.1 Indenture, dated as of June 3, 1997, between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and
United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, relating to the
11% Senior Notes due 2007 of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit
4.1 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.82.2 Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 17, 1997, between
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee (filed as Exhibit 82.2 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.83 Registration Rights Agreement, dated June 3, 1997, among
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Merrill
Lynch & Co., First Union Capital Markets Corp. and NationsBanc
Capital Markets, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.84 Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of June 3, 1997 from
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. as Pledgor to United States Trust Company of New
York as Trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to 1997 Form S-4 and
incorporated herein by reference).
10.85 Form of Exchange Note (contained in Indenture filed as Exhibit
10.82).
10.86 Assignment and Contribution Agreement Pursuant to Pledge and
Security Agreement dated as of July 25, 1997, by and among
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc., Interstate FiberNet, Inc. and United States
Trust Company of New York, as Trustee filed herewith (filed as
Exhibit 4.5 to 1997 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.87 MCI Carrier Agreement, effective September 1, 1997, by and between
MCI Telecommunications Corporation and Associated Communications
Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as Exhibit 10.87 to Form S-1 and
incorporated herein by reference).
+ 10.87.1 First Amendment to the MCI Carrier Agreement, dated as of November
21, 1997, by and between MCI Telecommunications Corporation and
Associated Communication Companies of America (ACCA) (filed as
Exhibit 10.87.1 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.88 ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.88
to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.89 ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. 1997 Director Stock Option Plan (filed as
Exhibit 10.89 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.90 ITC Holding Company, Inc. Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10.90 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.91 ITC Holding Company, Inc. Nonemployee Director Stock Option Plan
(filed as Exhibit 10.91 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.92 Description of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. Bonus Plan (filed as Exhibit
10.92 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.93 Form of Indemnity Agreement between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and its
Directors and Certain Officers (filed as Exhibit 10.93 to Form S-1
and incorporated herein by reference).
10.94 Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 11, 1997, by and
between SCANA Corporation and ITC Holding Company, Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 10.94 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.95 First Amendment to Sale and Purchase Agreement. Among SCANA
Corporation, SCANA Communications, Inc., and ITC Holding Company,
Inc., dated as of October 16, 1997, among SCANA Corporation, SCANA
Communications, Inc., ITC Holding Company, Inc. and ITC/\DeltaCom,
Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.95 to Form S-1 and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.96 Indenture dated March 3, 1998 between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and United
States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 8-7/8%
Senior Notes Due 2008 of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2
to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
9
10.97 Registration Rights Agreement, dated March 3, 1998, among
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Salomon
Brothers Inc and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC. (filed as
Exhibit 4.3 to 1997 Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference).
10.98 Form of Global 8-7/8% Note Due 2008 (contained in Indenture filed as
Exhibit 10.96).
10.99 Placement Agreement, dated as of February 26, 1998, among
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Salomon
Brothers Inc and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC. (filed as
Exhibit 1.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, File
No. 333-49963 (the "April 1998 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by
reference).
10.100 Indenture dated as of November 5, 1998 between ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and
United States Trust Company of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 9-
3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008 of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 4.2
to Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, File No. 333-71735
(the "February 1999 Form S-4") and incorporated herein by reference).
10.101 Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 5, 1998, among
ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc. and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and First
Union Capital Markets, a division of Wheat First Securities, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 4.3 to February 1999 Form S-4 and incorporated herein
by reference).
10.102 Form of Global 9-3/4% Note Due 2008 (contained in Indenture filed as
Exhibit 10.100).
10.103 Placement Agreement, dated October 29, 1998, among ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc.
and Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and First Union Capital Markets,
a division of Wheat First Securities, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to
February 1999 Form S-4 and incorporated herein by reference).
12.1 Statement regarding Computation of Ratios.
21.1 Subsidiaries of ITC/\DeltaCom, Inc.
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule for the year ended December 31, 1998.
_________________
+ Confidential treatment has been granted for this exhibit. The copy filed as
an exhibit omits the information subject to the confidential treatment
request.
10