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FORM 10-K
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
[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 Commission file number 000-20709
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[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
D&E Communications, Inc.
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(exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania 23-2837108
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
124 East Main Street
P.O. Box 458
Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522-0458
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(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including area code (717) 733-4101
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.16 per share
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(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 (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if the 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 the 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 Registrant's Common Stock held by
non-affiliates on March 8, 1999 (based upon the closing price of such stock as
of such date) was $81,004,211.
The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's common stock, $.16 par
value, was 7,419,713 at March 8, 1999.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
(1) Portions of the Proxy Statement relative to the Registrant's 1999 Annual
Meeting of the Shareholders to be held on April 22, 1999, are incorporated
herein by reference in Part III hereof.
Total number of pages including cover page is 70.
The index to exhibits is found on sequentially numbered page 24.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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PART I
Item 1. Business............................................................ 1
Item 2. Properties.......................................................... 6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................... 7
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders................. 7
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters.............................................. 8
Item 6. Selected Financial Data............................................. 9
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations....................10
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.........................19
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure..............................19
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.................20
Item 11. Executive Compensation.............................................20
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management......................................................20
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.....................20
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K...21
i
PART I
Item 1. Business.
(a) General Development of Business.
D&E Communications, Inc., a telecommunications holding company, became
the successor parent company to its telephone operating subsidiary, Denver and
Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company (D&E Telephone) in June 1996. In
addition, D&E Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (TDS), and D&E Marketing Corp.
(Marketing) became subsidiaries of D&E Communications, Inc. at that time. D&E
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries (hereinafter collectively referred to
as D&E) provide telecommunications services in the south central Pennsylvania
area and in certain areas of Eastern Europe.
During 1997, D&E further expanded its corporate structure to facilitate
the continuing growth in less regulated businesses. D&E formed D&E Wireless,
Inc. (Wireless) to design, construct and operate a Personal Communications
Services (PCS) digital network. Additionally, D&E Investments, Inc.
(Investments) was formed to hold various PCS licenses acquired by D&E, and D&E
Holdings, L.P. (Holdings) was formed to hold various cellular partnership
interests owned by D&E Telephone. Changes after these organizations were formed
included the sale of two cellular partnership interests in 1997 and the sale of
D&E's last cellular interest during 1998 followed by the dissolution of
Holdings. Late in 1997, D&E formed a joint venture, between subsidiaries of
Omnipoint Corporation (Omnipoint) and Wireless, to provide wireless
communications services throughout south central Pennsylvania. The D&E/Omnipoint
Wireless Joint Venture, L.P. does business as PCS ONE.
In July 1998, D&E formed D&E Systems, Inc. (Systems) to provide
competitive telecommunications services outside the D&E Telephone regulated
area. On January 29, 1999, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC)
granted authority to Systems to operate as a competitive local exchange carrier
(CLEC) within the service territories of Bell Atlantic - Pennsylvania and GTE
North Incorporated. Systems is currently seeking an amendment to its CLEC
certificate to expand its authority to the service territory of United Telephone
Company, consistent with PUC approvals granted to other CLECs. Systems also has
applications pending before the PUC to operate as an interexchange carrier and
as a competitive access provider throughout the service territories of all
incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) within Pennsylvania.
In addition to the above U.S. activities, D&E provides telephone and
cable television services in Hungary through its part ownership of Monor
Telephone Company (MTT). D&E also owns part interest in Pilicka Telephone (PT)
in Poland which has constructed and operates a telephone network in a region
south of Warsaw.
(b) Financial Information about Industry Segments.
Financial information about D&E and its subsidiaries is contained in
the consolidated Financial Statements filed herewith. Prior to the fourth
quarter of 1998, D&E reported its activity as one business segment. D&E adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments
of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS 131), in 1998. The business of
D&E has been analyzed by the nature of its products and services, method of
production and delivery of services, regulatory environment and types of
customers serviced. Based on that analysis, D&E is reporting four business
segments similar to the way information is provided to management. The segments
reported are: (i) Telecommunication Services, (ii) Telephone & Data Services,
(iii) Wireless Services, and (iv) International Communication Services. See Note
15 to the financial statements.
1
(c) Narrative Description of Business.
(1) Overview. D&E Telephone, the Telecommunication Services segment,
furnishes telephone service through 56,573 access lines to an estimated
population in excess of 100,000 in an area of approximately 227 square miles
covering parts of Berks, Lancaster and Lebanon Counties in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. National and international communications services are also
furnished through interconnection with the facilities of other companies.
The area served by D&E Telephone is mostly rural and suburban in nature,
with an agricultural and farming economic base. In addition, the business
elements serviced include manufacturing, distribution, retail and service
establishments. Of the 56,573 access lines serviced by D&E Telephone as of
December 31, 1998, service is provided to 41,159 residential customer lines
(73%) and to 15,414 business customer lines (27%).
The principal categories of service rendered by D&E Telephone are:
(i) Local Network Services -- provide local exchange (dial tone), local
private line and public telephone services to residential and
business customers in D&E Telephone's franchised serving area.
(ii) Network Access Services -- provide local exchange carriers and
interexchange carriers, as well as other regional telephone
companies, with the use of D&E Telephone's local network facilities
for the completion of long distance calls. Payment for providing
these facilities comes directly from the users or from settlement
pools administered by the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.
(NECA).
(iii) Long Distance Network Services -- provide long distance service
within the Capital (south central) Region of Pennsylvania to
residential and business customers.
D&E Telephone constructed, installed and now maintains, an Enhanced 911
(E911) system in Lancaster County pursuant to an Agreement for D&E Telephone to
furnish the County's 911 system with an Automatic Location Identification (ALI)
network. The E911 backup system, required by the Public Safety Emergency Act of
1990, is located at D&E Telephone's Ephrata Central Office. Under the E911
system, a dispatcher is provided with the phone number and address of the caller
automatically.
TDS, the Telephone & Data Services segment, sells, installs and
maintains telecommunications equipment. In this capacity, TDS provides service
primarily to business customers in central and eastern Pennsylvania. TDS
operates a retail store that specializes in communications equipment such as
telephones and accessories. TDS d/b/a (D&E Long Distance) provides long distance
telephone services on an equal access basis within the D&E Telephone service
area and, since mid-1997, throughout the Bell Atlantic - Pennsylvania franchise
area of Lancaster County. Also, TDS d/b/a (D&E Computer Networking Services)
provides Local and Wide Area Network sales and services to area businesses that
need to connect computers together in working groups.
The Wireless Services segment revenues derive from Wireless providing
consulting services to PCS ONE to design, construct and provide PCS services in
the four markets of Lancaster, Harrisburg, York-Hanover and Reading. In November
1997, PCS ONE initiated PCS service, a mobile phone which includes features such
as, answering machine, pager, fax, and Internet access to the four markets.
Wireless owns 50% of the joint venture and records its share of equity in the
earnings or losses of PCS ONE.
Marketing, through its investment in D&E SuperNet(TM), offers Internet
access service and related equipment to customers in south central Pennsylvania.
Marketing owns a 50% interest in D&E
2
SuperNet(TM). Marketing also acquired a 15% interest in MTT, which operates a
telephone system in Hungary, and a 33% interest in PT, which operates a
telephone system in Poland. At the beginning of 1999, Marketing merged into
Investments.
The International Communication Services segment provides services in
Europe through an indirect partial ownership in MTT and PT. MTT provides
telephone and cable television in a region of Hungary through a newly
constructed fiber-optic system. PT provides telephone service in a region of
Poland through a system that is being constructed to combine fiber-optic and
wireless technologies.
(2) Regulatory Matters. A substantial portion of D&E's operations are
subject to regulation at both the federal and state levels. The
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act), signed into law on February 8,
1996, has major ramifications throughout both federal and state jurisdictions
and therefore affects the strategic direction of D&E. The Congressional intent
of the 1996 Act was to encourage advanced technology and enable competition in
heretofore monopolistic markets. However, in many aspects, there may be even
more regulatory constraints today than prior to 1996, especially for ILECs.
While competition is slowly emerging in specific market segments within limited
geographic areas, the transition from a monopolistic to a competitive market is
being carefully monitored by the regulators.
(i) Federal. D&E has three businesses subject to regulation by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC): D&E Telephone, D&E Long Distance and Systems.
D&E Telephone, as an ILEC, has interstate revenues mainly derived from
network access services, i.e., transmission and switching services provided at
each end of a toll call that connect telephone subscribers to long distance
companies. D&E Telephone participates in FCC tariffs and interstate settlement
pools administered by NECA. Established at the direction of the FCC, settlement
formulas are used to redistribute revenues among NECA members. Under FCC rules,
D&E Telephone is allowed to earn up to 11.25% return on its investment in
property, plant and equipment used to furnish interstate service. The FCC rate
of return enforcement rules require telephone companies to refund, to NECA,
earnings in excess of their allowable return.
D&E Long Distance operates in the interstate and international arena as a
long distance reseller and, as such, maintains the appropriate tariffs with the
FCC for its interstate and international toll rates.
Systems, as a CLEC, must file its own FCC tariff for interstate network
access services. Such tariffs are filed and effective simply upon one day's
notice. Systems anticipates filing with the FCC during the second quarter of
1999, prior to initial start-up.
(ii) State. D&E has three businesses subject to regulation by the PUC: D&E
Telephone, D&E Long Distance and Systems.
D&E Telephone files its own tariff rates with the PUC for such services as
dial tone and calling features. Rates for regional toll calls and intrastate
access are filed tariffs issued by the Pennsylvania Telephone Association, a
state trade association. Three notable activities occurred in 1998 involving D&E
Telephone.
(A) In December 1998, the PUC approved a settlement between D&E Telephone
and two regulatory agencies resulting in a minor reduction of custom
calling feature rates for business customers. D&E Telephone expects to
recoup the revenue reduction through increased sales.
3
(B) In compliance with state statutes, commonly known as Chapter 30, D&E
Telephone petitioned the PUC in July 1998 for an alternative form of
regulation. Litigation costs for this proceeding are being shared with
18 other rural ILECs. Under the statute, the PUC must render an Order
in June 1999. Management anticipates that D&E Telephone will accept
the PUC Order, in which case an accelerated network modernization plan
will be adopted along with a new ratemaking process where, instead of
a guaranteed return on investment, prices are adjusted in accordance
with the Gross Domestic Product Price Index. If D&E Telephone rejects
the PUC Order, another Chapter 30 petition may be required within six
months.
(C) In September 1998, the PUC launched a Global Telecommunications
proceeding aimed at settling multiple regulatory issues among ILECs,
CLECs and long distance companies. Regulatory participation for this
proceeding is being shared by D&E Telephone and 27 other ILECs.
D&E Long Distance is required to maintain an intrastate toll tariff with
the PUC. This simply assures consumers that rates will not exceed the highest
daytime rate charged by the most prominent long distance company operating in
the state.
Systems, as a recently approved CLEC, plans to replace preliminary rates
included in its PUC application with permanent rates for local services. Systems
is currently waiting for PUC approval of rates for its competitive access and
regional toll services.
(3) Employees. D&E had 387 employees as of December 31, 1998. No
individual employee, or group of employees, is organized or represented by any
labor union for collective bargaining purposes with D&E management.
(4) Significant Customers. There are no significant telephone
subscribers, whose loss would have a material adverse effect on D&E. AT&T,
however, is D&E's most significant customer in terms of total revenue received
from a single entity.
During each of the last three fiscal years, AT&T purchased network access
services, billing and collection services and marketing and sales-referral
services from D&E which, in 1998, 1997 and 1996, produced $5,014,000, $5,521,000
and $5,193,000, respectively, in annual revenues, or approximately 9.4%, 11.4%
and 11.7%, respectively, of total consolidated operating revenues.
Although D&E's revenue stream relies heavily upon services furnished to
AT&T, management believes the chance of losing a significant portion of AT&T
revenues is remote for the following reasons:
D&E provides network access services within its franchised service
area to interexchange carriers such as AT&T, MCI WorldCom, Sprint and
others who use D&E's switching and transmission facilities for the
completion of long distance calls. Certain long distance carriers have
occasionally (i) limited the use of D&E's facilities by converting the
use of service from switched access service to special access service
(Service Bypass), or (ii) bypassed the use of D&E's facilities
entirely (Facility Bypass), both of which result in less revenue.
Management does not expect the Company's business to be affected
significantly by either Service Bypass or Facility Bypass within the
immediate future because such bypass normally occurs in metropolitan
areas in which a significant customer represents a large portion of
business. D&E's service area is predominantly rural and suburban in
nature and constitutes a diverse customer mix.
To the extent that AT&T loses market share to other long distance
companies and that D&E, therefore, loses revenue from AT&T, management
believes D&E should receive
4
approximately the same revenue from any other long distance carrier
competing with AT&T.
Although AT&T has previously objected to D&E's network access service
rates, D&E and AT&T have negotiated such rates, which have been approved by the
PUC and the FCC. D&E believes that its relations with AT&T are good and fully
expects to continue doing business with AT&T. Based on three-year data during
the period from 1995 to 1998, the number of access lines grew at an average
annual rate of 5.0%, while AT&T minutes of use fluctuated within a range of plus
or minus 2% to 3% in the same years.
(5) Competition. Implementation of regional, or "intraLATA," toll
presubscription was completed in Pennsylvania on December 31, 1997. IntraLATA
toll presubscription enables consumers to designate a carrier of their choice
for all direct-dialed toll calls made within the same Local Access Transport
Area (LATA). Previously, all direct-dialed intraLATA toll calls were handled by
the local exchange carrier. To the extent that competitors are able to gain a
significant market share of D&E Telephone's intraLATA toll market or a
significant portion of service from D&E Telephone's franchise territory, such
loss would have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations and
financial condition. However, some portion of this loss may be recouped from the
increased volume of access required by the long distance companies. D&E Long
Distance competes with other toll providers for D&E Telephone's customers and
for Bell Atlantic customers in the nearby area.
Competition is emerging in niches of Pennsylvania's local exchange market,
particularly in the service territories of larger ILECs, like Bell Atlantic and
GTE North. CLECs, such as Systems, are less regulated than ILECs and offer an
alternative for some consumers to traditional telephone companies. In 1997, D&E
Telephone and several other ILECs received a limited suspension of certain
sections of the 1996 Act. The suspension expires July 10, 1999. D&E Telephone
has applied for an additional one-year extension of the limited suspension. This
suspension protects consumers in D&E Telephone's service territory from
non-facilities-based CLECs that might target higher revenue producing customers
and thus erode the subsidy flow to residential consumers. To some extent,
cellular and PCS wireless services also offer a competitive alternative in the
local exchange market.
Network access, a service provided to long distance companies and other
telephone companies by D&E Telephone, also faces competition. Alternative
companies, called competitive access providers, originate and/or terminate calls
without the use of the local telephone company's plant. For the most part, these
competitors are found in major metropolitan areas with a higher concentration of
business customers than are found in D&E Telephone's service territory.
Various other services, such as directory publication and billing and
collection of long distance toll charges to consumers, are open to competition
from other suppliers. To compete in open markets, D&E utilizes a combination of
media, such as local newspaper, radio and television advertising, to highlight
D&E's competitive service and pricing differences in order to attract customers
to D&E's products and services.
(d) Financial Information about Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
Sales.
On February 28, 1994, the government of Hungary awarded a concession to
MTT, a Hungarian corporation, to provide local exchange telecommunications
service for a period of 25 years in the Monor region of Hungary. The Hungarian
concession provides that MTT will have the exclusive right to design, construct
and operate this telecommunications network beginning in 1994 for the first
eight years of the 25 year period. The Monor region is a 750 square mile area
with a population of approximately 240,000 people and is adjacent to the
southeast side of Budapest. MTT provides over 69,000 lines of telephone service
and, additionally, provides service to over 30,000 cable television customers.
D&E indirectly owns 15% of MTT.
5
During 1997, PT, a Polish corporation, purchased three licenses to
operate a competitive duopoly telephone network for 15 years in an area south of
Warsaw. The licenses cover an area of 5,000 square miles with a population of
approximately 1.9 million people. PT provides telephone service to more than
3,000 customers. D&E indirectly owns 33% of PT.
(e) Special Considerations.
The risk involved in growth of unregulated business activities and increased
competition
A substantial portion of D&E's operations are subject to regulation at both
the federal and state levels. Nonetheless, D&E continues to experience growth in
its unregulated businesses. The 1996 Act, signed into law on February 8, 1996,
has major ramifications throughout both state and federal jurisdictions and
therefore affects the strategic direction of D&E. While the 1996 Act encourages
development of advanced technology in the telecommunications industry and
entrance of D&E into new markets, it may also provide these same opportunities
to a new set of competitors and other entrepreneurs who have not previously been
permitted to compete in D&E Telephone's markets.
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations
D&E has invested in operations in Europe which have experienced exchange
translation losses in converting results from foreign currencies into U.S.
dollars. As provided in the contracts and licenses with the various ministries
of telecommunications, the foreign operations are able to raise rates to
compensate for inflation. Inflation has affected the translation between
currencies; there can be no assurance that the Company's foreign operations will
be able to raise rates in the future to offset some or all of the effects of
inflation of the local currencies. Although there has been no problem moving
currency out of foreign countries, there is no assurance that currency movement
controls will not be enacted in the future.
New business activities
D&E constantly evaluates opportunities to invest in new ventures to
increase shareholder value. Any new business opportunities are likely to
generate costs in excess of revenue during their development period. Although
management will carefully evaluate the viability of new ventures, these ventures
will most likely operate in competitive environments and are not assured of
becoming viable businesses.
Item 2. Properties.
(a) Land and Buildings. D&E owns its corporate headquarters, a
multi-purpose six-story building, the Brossman Business Complex (BBC), located
at 124 East Main Street, Ephrata, Pennsylvania. It consists of approximately
85,900 square feet of floor space. The first and second floors are occupied by a
movie/live theater and a restaurant. Other portions of the building are leased
as office space and conference rooms. Approximately half of the building is
currently occupied by D&E employees.
D&E also owns its main central office switch located at 130 East Main
Street, Ephrata, Pennsylvania. This building consists of approximately 19,600
square feet and contains administrative offices and central office switching
equipment serving customers in the Adamstown, Denver, Akron and Ephrata
exchanges. In addition, space is leased to PCS ONE for its switch and computer
equipment.
In addition, D&E owns 18 other building facilities, containing a total
floor space area of 121,200 square feet, located in various communities
throughout D&E's service area. These buildings serve a variety of functions
including: exchange central offices, remote switching units, plant operations
center,
6
materials storage, engineering and planning, vehicle maintenance, a parking
garage and a communications tower site.
D&E has two leased facilities. The first lease, for a five-year term ending
in 2002, is for 3,400 square feet used as a retail Telestore location. The
second lease, for five years ending in 2003, is for approximately 3,300 square
feet used as a technical support area by D&E Computer Networking Services.
(b) Network Plant Facilities. D&E owns and operates a network of switching
and transmission facilities that is used to provide local, national and
international telecommunications services to D&E's customers. This network also
provides for advanced custom calling services and customer local area signaling
services (CLASS) and is positioned to provide broadband services in the future.
The switching facilities consist primarily of digital electronic switching
equipment housed in D&E-owned buildings situated at various locations within the
service area. The 100% digital switching technology used by D&E is manufactured
by Northern Telecom. Two host DMS-100 switches are located in Ephrata and
Lititz; 10 remote switching centers or remote line modules are located in
buildings or controlled environmental vaults at Adamstown, Akron, Brickerville,
Denver, Durlach, Elstonville, Lincoln, Manheim, Reinholds and Turnpike Exit 21.
Other smaller, remote dial tone units, such as access nodes and digital loop
carrier equipment, are contained in weatherproof housings scattered throughout
the territory. D&E has also invested in Signaling System 7 (SS7) Signaling
Transfer Point equipment, SS7 Signaling Control Point equipment, and Advanced
Intelligent Network (AIN) Service Builder(TM) software, which are used to
provide AIN services. In addition, this equipment permits D&E to be a node in
the Illuminet telephone network through which other telecommunications companies
can obtain access to the national SS7 network.
Transmission facilities, sometimes referred to as "outside plant," consist
of cables, wires, terminals and the necessary supporting structures (poles,
conduits, manholes, etc.). The cable plant in service contains mostly metallic
copper conductors and is installed in one of the following methods: aerial
construction on poles, underground in conduit or directly buried in the earth.
The "outside plant," or "local loop" facilities, connect each end user
(telephone subscriber) with one of D&E's switching units, which in turn are
interconnected with other exchange central offices or the facilities of long
distance companies such as AT&T, MCI WorldCom, Sprint and others.
In 1994, D&E completed a four-year fiber-optic ring project. Approximately
431,000 feet of fiber-optic cable was installed in order to create three
"self-healing" fiber-optic rings. This self-healing ring technology provides an
uninterruptable communications link to each of D&E's switching centers and
larger digital remote units, thus protecting D&E's customers from any service
outage caused by a break in any major fiber-optic cable.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
D&E is involved in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course
of its business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these
matters will not have a material adverse effect on D&E's consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There were no matters submitted to a vote of the shareholders during the
fourth quarter of 1998.
7
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
The common stock of D&E Communications, Inc. trades on The NASDAQ Stock
Market under the symbol DECC. The table below sets forth the high and low bid
prices of D&E's common stock during each of the periods indicated, as reported
daily by the NASDAQ National Market.
1997 Low High
---- --- ----
First Quarter $ 21.50 $23.00
Second Quarter $ 19.00 $21.50
Third Quarter $ 17.25 $19.00
Fourth Quarter $ 16.50 $19.25
1998 Low High
---- --- ----
First Quarter $ 16.25 $19.50
Second Quarter $ 16.88 $18.25
Third Quarter $ 12.75 $17.13
Fourth Quarter $ 11.50 $18.50
The closing price on December 31, 1998 was $14.38. Based on the records
maintained by D&E, the approximate number of holders of D&E common stock, as of
December 31, 1998, was 1,940.
On January 7, 1998, D&E issued 1,300,000 shares of restricted common stock
to Southwestern Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of Citizens Utilities Company
(Citizens), for an aggregate sales price of $27,015,000 in a privately
negotiated transaction that was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) and
Rule 506 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Other.
During the two most recent fiscal years, cash dividends on D&E common stock
have been declared quarterly in the annual amount of $0.39 per share. Dividends
are paid as and when declared by D&E's Board of Directors and in accordance with
restrictions set forth in covenants contained in D&E Telephone's debt
agreements. For further discussion of such restrictions, see Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation -
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
8
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following table sets forth selected consolidated summary financial
information as of December 31 and for each of the last five fiscal years ended
December 31, 1998. Certain amounts have been reclassified for comparative
purposes.
FIVE-YEAR COMPARISON OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands, except per-share amounts) (1)
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- ------- ------- -------
Income Statement Data
Operating revenues $ 53,311 $ 48,484 $44,396 $40,908 $36,777
Operating income $ 7,937 $ 9,020 $ 8,399 $ 8,452 $ 7,224
Cumulative effect of
accounting change, net of tax ($ 251) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Extraordinary loss, net of tax ($ 7,901) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Net income (loss) ($ 12,255) $ 9,565 $ 3,910 $ 3,343 $ 3,244
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets $110,077 $119,961 $91,556 $88,521 $85,175
Long-term debt $ 22,657 $ 41,657 $24,888 $26,137 $26,512
Redeemable preferred stock (2) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 129
Per-Share Information
Basic income (loss) before
accounting change and
extraordinary item ($0.55) $ 1.58 $ 0.68 $ 0.59 $ 0.57
Cumulative effect of
accounting change ($0.03) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Extraordinary item ($1.07) $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Net income (loss) per
common share (3) ($1.65) $ 1.58 $ 0.68 $ 0.59 $ 0.57
Cash dividends declared
per common share (3) $0.39 $ 0.39 $ 0.39 $ 0.36 $ 0.35
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(1) The selected financial data for fiscal years 1995 and 1994 are for the
consolidated results of Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company
(D&E Telephone), which is now a subsidiary of D&E Communications, Inc. D&E
Communications, Inc., and its subsidiaries are defined and referenced
herein as D&E.
(2) The 1,289 outstanding shares of D&E Telephone's Series B 5 1/2% preferred
stock were redeemed on February 1, 1995, at $100 par value per share plus
accrued dividends.
(3) The per-share data is based upon the weighted average common shares
outstanding and reflects a three-for-one share exchange effective June 7,
1996. Computations of earnings for all years are in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share."
9
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations.
Fiscal Years 1998, 1997 and 1996
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations contains certain forward-looking statements that
involve substantive risks and uncertainties. When used in this section, the
words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", and similar expressions
as they relate to D&E or it's management are intended to identify such
forward-looking statements. D&E's actual results, performance or achievements
could differ materially from the results expressed in or implied by these
forward-looking statements.
On June 7, 1996, D&E Communications, Inc. became the parent company of
Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company (D&E Telephone) pursuant to
the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Exchange, whereby each of the outstanding
D&E Telephone common shares, par value $0.50, was exchanged for three D&E common
shares, par value $0.16 (the D&E Share Exchange). In its effect, the D&E Share
Exchange was similar to a three-for-one split of D&E Telephone common shares.
For comparative purposes, all information related to D&E common shares and
per-share amounts for all periods presented has been restated to reflect the D&E
Share Exchange. The following should be read in conjunction with D&E's financial
statements. Monetary amounts presented in the following discussion and the
financial statements are in thousands, except earnings per share.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Summary
The financial result for 1998 was a net loss of $12,255, compared with a
net income of $9,565 in 1997. The decrease was primarily due to an extraordinary
loss, net of tax, of $7,901 related to the early extinguishment of debt to the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as a result of the decision to return
the Lancaster C-Block PCS license. During 1998, the last cellular partnership
interest was sold for a net-of-tax gain of approximately $1,062. In comparison,
the 1997 results included a net-of-tax gain of approximately $7,986 from the
sale of two cellular partnership interests. Continued investment in the
D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint Venture, L.P. (PCS ONE) resulted in an increased
loss of $6,832, and the European joint ventures reported $1,749 of additional
losses compared with 1997 figures.
Net income for 1997 was $9,565, 144.6% over the 1996 net income of $3,910,
primarily as a result of the gain on the sale of cellular partnership interests.
The increase of $5,655 included a net-of-tax gain of approximately $7,986 from
the cellular sale. This gain was partially offset by additional losses of
approximately $2,000 in recording the results of joint ventures with affiliates
operating in Hungary and Poland and PCS ONE's domestic operations providing
Personal Communications Services (PCS).
Cash flow in 1998 was provided primarily from the sale of 1.3 million
shares of D&E common stock to Citizens, which generated net proceeds of $26,253.
Funds from operations generated $13,829. During 1997, cash flow changes included
an increase from investing activity, primarily from the proceeds of the cellular
interest sale. That increase was partially offset by a greater net investment in
other affiliates and a decrease from financing activity including the net
repayment of debt.
10
Business Segments
Prior to the fourth quarter of 1998, D&E reported its activity as one
business segment. D&E adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS
131), in 1998. The business of D&E has been analyzed by the nature of its
products and services, method of production and delivery of services, regulatory
environment and types of customers served. Based on that analysis, D&E is
reporting four business segments similar to the way information is provided to
management.
The segments reported are: (i) Telecommunication Services, (ii) Telephone &
Data Services, (iii) Wireless Services and (iv) International Communication
Services. Telecommunication Services is distinguished by services provided
primarily in a regulated market to all residences and businesses in a franchised
geographic area. Its services are generally delivered through traditional
telephone systems, and its revenues are earned primarily from a volume of usage
and lease of facilities. Telephone & Data Services is distinguished by services
provided with minimal geographic and regulatory restrictions. Customers include
residential and business long distance subscribers. Additionally, Telephone and
Data Services customers include businesses that purchase telephone or computer
network systems, which can be a one-time installation service as opposed to a
monthly usage service. Wireless Services is distinguished by its marketing
methods, service delivery, customer base and regulatory environment. The
International Communication Services segment records income from equity in
earnings of affiliates that operate in Europe under unique regulatory
environments.
1998 compared to 1997
Operating Revenues
Consolidated operating revenues for 1998 totaled $53,311, an increase of
$4,827, or 10.0%, over 1997. Consulting services revenues provided to various
affiliated joint ventures accounted for $4,433 of the increase. An increase of
$1,372 in other telephone services revenues was offset by a decrease of $582 in
communication products sold.
Telecommunication Services segment revenues increased 1.4% to $37,209 in
1998 from $36,704 in 1997. The increase was primarily related to a steady growth
in the number of access lines and continued increases in network access
services.
o Local network services revenues increased 8.4% to $10,314 in 1998 from
$9,512 in 1997. The 1998 increase was primarily related to a 5.4% increase
in the number of access lines, which increased revenues approximately $406.
Local private network revenues increased by $133 as a result of the
increased number of lines. Revenues generated by pay-per-use calling
features and caller ID services grew by $195 in 1998 over 1997.
o Network access services revenues increased 2.1% to $17,049 in 1998 from
$16,698 in 1997. The 1998 increase was largely attributable to a National
Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA) Traffic Sensitive settlements
increase of $1,023 and to increased minutes of use, which generated an
Interstate Carrier Access Billing System (CABS) increase of $521. Special
access revenues increased $523 primarily as a result of a 51% increase in
high-capacity circuits driven by demand from PCS ONE. These increases were
partially offset by $875 resulting from a CABS rate decrease. Certain
accruals and prior-period adjustments also accounted for a $923 decrease in
access revenues.
o Long distance network services revenues decreased as a result of a rate
decrease in May 1997 and an expansion of certain local calling areas.
o Directory advertising revenues decreased 2.5% to $3,104 in 1998 from $3,182
in 1997. The decrease in 1998 was primarily related to a decrease in local
yellow-page billings and a charge of $27 for a reduction in 1997 estimated
revenues.
o Miscellaneous revenues decreased due to nonrecurring revenues received in
1997 related to the directory publishing contract.
11
Telephone & Data Services segment revenues increased 2.4% to $12,890 in
1998 from $12,583 in 1997.
o The increase was partially from additional long distance service revenues.
Minutes of use was 34% higher in 1998, accounting for approximately $422 of
the increase.
o Increased revenues from computer network installations, repairs and
modifications generated $489 of the increase.
o The above increases were offset by a reduction of $1,117 in telephone
system installations, primarily from the completion of three large
installations in 1997 which were not repeated in 1998.
Wireless Services segment revenues were $3,654 in 1998, compared with $369
in 1997. The increase resulted from the commencement of PCS ONE operations
beginning in November 1997. Revenues were recorded primarily for consulting
services to PCS ONE on a cost reimbursement basis.
International Communication Services segment revenues were $681 in 1998
with no comparable revenues in the prior year. Consulting services to the
European ventures were recorded on a cost reimbursement basis in 1998. No
consulting services revenues were recorded in 1997.
Operating Expenses
Consolidated operating expenses for 1998 totaled $45,374, an increase of
$5,910, or 15.0%, over 1997 operating expenses of $39,464.
Network operations expenses are incurred in maintaining D&E's switching and
transmission facilities, including digital central office switching equipment
and outside plant cable and trunk facilities. Network operations expenses
include related employee costs, engineering expense, maintenance of land and
buildings, testing, general purpose computers, office equipment,
videoconferencing and other materials and supplies. Expenses in this category
increased 10.1% to $6,297 in 1998 from $5,722 in 1997. The 1998 increase is
primarily related to increased wages and benefits and the cost of providing
computers, software and office furnishings for an expanded staff.
Network access expense increased 16.1% to $2,961 in 1998 from $2,551 in
1997. Approximately $253 of the increase in 1998 was the result of the
implementation of a Universal Service Fund collection requirement effective
January 1, 1998. An additional increase was related to increased minutes of use
charged by the long distance access carriers.
Directory advertising expense increased 4.2% to $2,101 in 1998 from $2,016
in 1997. The increase was related to the additional costs of publishing a larger
telephone directory, required by an increasing number of telephone lines in
service.
Other communication services costs increased in 1998 to $5,048 from $766 in
1997. As anticipated, these costs increased sharply, primarily from providing
consulting services to PCS ONE, which began operations in November 1997.
Cost of communication products sold decreased 5.5% to $5,499 in 1998 from
$5,816 in 1997. The decrease in 1998 is attributable to decreased telephone
system sales.
Depreciation expense increased 10.7% to $9,372 in 1998 from $8,466 in 1997.
The increase was largely due to an increase in property, plant and equipment in
service.
12
Marketing and customer services expense in 1998 increased 5.7% to $3,555
from $3,365 in 1997. The 1998 increase was partially attributable to wages and
benefits involved in responding to D&E Telephone residential customers and to
D&E Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. computer networking and systems customers.
Additionally, expansion of the corporate marketing department added wages in
preparation for operating in a competitive environment.
General and administrative services expense decreased 2.0% to $10,542 in
1998 from $10,762 in 1997. The decrease in 1998 was predominately from wage and
benefit decreases for planning and accounting services. Offsetting these
decreases was an increase of $222 in Public Utility Realty Tax (PURTA) due to
additional assessments for 1997 and 1998 made by the Pennsylvania Department of
Revenue.
Operating Income
Operating income for 1998 was $7,937, or $1,083 below the $9,020 recorded
in 1997.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), net for 1998 was an expense of $10,699, compared
with an income of $8,572 in 1997. The primary reasons for this change were:
o Losses resulting from PCS ONE, which started operations late in 1997, grew
by $6,832.
o Operating losses related to the EuroTel, L.L.C. (EuroTel) investment in
Pilicka Telephone (PT) in Poland increased by $2,796 due to the initiation
of services early in 1998.
o Operating losses from the Monor Communications Group (MCG) investment in
Monor Telephone Company (MTT) in Hungary decreased by $1,047 due to more
profitable operating results and more favorable currency translation rates
in 1998.
o Gain on the sale of partnership interests in cellular investments was
$1,659 in 1998 compared with $11,971 for cellular interests sold in 1997.
o As a result of the sales of partnership interests, equity in income of
cellular investments decreased $1,190.
o Interest expense increased $201 and interest income increased $939.
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes decreased $6,686 to $1,276 in 1998 from
$7,962 in 1997. The decrease was primarily the result of lower pre-tax income
due to 1998 and 1997 sales of cellular investments and increased losses from PCS
ONE. The effective tax rates were a negative 46.2% in 1998 and a positive 45.3%
in 1997.
Accounting Change and Extraordinary Item
D&E adopted Statement of Position No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of
Start-up Activities," which provides guidance on accounting for start-up
activities and organization costs and requires these costs to be expensed as
incurred. As a result of adopting this new standard, D&E expensed organization
costs of $421, which is recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle, net of income taxes of $170.
The FCC offered holders of C-Block PCS licenses several alternatives to the
original payment terms for licenses financed by the FCC. Under the terms of the
Amnesty Option selected, D&E returned
13
the full license spectrum, reducing the license asset by $21,417. In return, the
FCC canceled the principal and accrued interest payable on the financed portion
of the license cost, thereby reducing liabilities by $13,296. The resulting loss
is reported as an extraordinary item of $7,901, net of the related income tax
benefits.
1997 compared to 1996
Operating Revenues
Consolidated operating revenues for 1997 totaled $48,484, an increase of
$4,088, or 9.2%, over 1996. Approximately one-third of the growth was from
communication product sales, which were primarily related to the November 1996
acquisition of the D&E Computer Networking Services (D&E CNS) business.
Telecommunication Services segment revenues increased 4.2% to $36,704 in
1997 from $35,230 in 1996.
o The 1997 increase was partially from a 4.7% increase in the number of
access lines and increased demand for features such as Caller ID Deluxe,
which accounted for approximately $378 of the increase. A revenue-neutral
rate adjustment in May 1997 also increased local network services revenues
by approximately $480 while decreasing revenues for other services.
o Network access services revenues increased 5.4% to $16,698 in 1997 from
$15,843 in 1996. The 1997 increase was related to the increased number of
access lines, trunks and ports, all handling an increase in minutes of use,
which generated $1,193 of the increase. An increase in interstate CABS
rates in July contributed $535 of additional revenue. Interstate access
revenues settled through NECA decreased $1,196 as a result of D&E Telephone
reentering the Traffic Sensitive Pool in July 1997.
o Long distance network services revenues decreased 0.6% to $5,964 in 1997
from $5,997 in 1996, partially as a result of a small decrease in minutes
of use and partially from a rate decrease that was part of a
revenue-neutral rate adjustment in May 1997.
o Directory advertising revenues increased 8.2% to $3,182 in 1997 from $2,940
in 1996. The 1997 increase was from billings for yellow-page advertisers
located outside D&E Telephone's regulated area.
o Communication products sold decreased $817 related to the construction of a
fiber-optic facility for a third party that was completed in 1996.
o Miscellaneous revenues increased in 1997 when D&E received $250 of
nonrecurring revenues related to the directory publishing contract.
Telephone & Data Services segment revenues increased 22.9% to $12,583 in
1997 from $10,236 in 1996. Communication products sold increased 19.3% to $8,565
in 1997 from $7,181 in 1996. The 1997 increase was primarily attributable to the
acquisition of D&E CNS (formerly known as Com Tech Technical Services) in
November 1996.
Wireless Services segment revenues were $369 in 1997. No revenues were
recorded before its initial operations, which began in November 1997.
The International Communication Services segment did not record any
revenues in 1997 or 1996.
Operating Expenses
Total operating expenses for 1997 increased by $3,467, or 9.6%, over 1996
operating expenses of $35,997.
14
Network operations expenses decreased 5.9% to $5,722 in 1997 from $6,079 in
1996. The 1997 decrease was primarily due to a decrease in wages and benefits
offset by increased costs in D&E Wireless, Inc. (Wireless) related to the
start-up of the PCS network.
Directory advertising expense increased 9.7% to $2,016 in 1997 from $1,838
in 1996. The increase was related to the additional costs of publishing a larger
telephone directory, required by an increasing number of telephone lines in
service.
Other communication services costs increased 85.9% to $766 in 1997 from
$412 in 1996. The primary increase in 1997 was from the initiation of
communication services related to the wireless network.
Cost of communication products sold in 1997 increased 15.7% to $5,816, from
$5,028 in 1996. The increase in 1997 was primarily attributable to the
acquisition of the D&E CNS business in late 1996.
Depreciation expense increased 9.8% to $8,466 in 1997. The increase was
largely due to an increase in property, plant and equipment in service.
Marketing and customer services expense increased 4.7% to $3,365 in 1997
from $3,215 in 1996, primarily due to increased wages and benefits partially
related to D&E CNS sales and customer services.
General and administrative services expense increased 17.8% to $10,762 in
1997 from $9,140 in 1996. The 1997 increase was primarily related to legal,
planning and training costs associated with the Wireless business and to
increased wage and benefit costs.
Operating Income
Operating income for 1997 was $9,020, or $621 more than the 1996 operating
income of $8,399.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense), net for 1997 was an income of $8,539, an increase
of $10,365 over 1996. The 1997 increase was principally attributable to the
$11,971 gain on the sale of partnership interests in two cellular investments.
This income was partially offset by equity in the net loss of affiliates. These
losses were attributable to:
o losses of $1,560 largely due to exchange translation losses from the MCG
investment in MTT in Hungary
o losses of $407 related to the EuroTel investment in PT in Poland
o losses of $989 resulting from PCS ONE in south central Pennsylvania
Income Taxes
Federal and state income taxes increased $5,295, or 198.5%, in 1997. The
increase in 1997 was primarily due to the increase in pre-tax income, largely
resulting from the gain on the sale of cellular interests. In 1997, taxes
increased partially from D&E increasing its valuation allowance on the deferred
tax assets related to the equity loss in investments, as a result of revised
estimates on the realizability of loss carryforwards. The effective tax rates
were 45.3% in 1997 and 40.1% in 1996.
15
Effects of Inflation
It is the opinion of management that the effects of inflation on operating
expenses over the past three years have been immaterial and have been partially
offset by growth in operating and other revenues. Management anticipates that
this trend will continue in 1999.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
D&E believes that it has adequate internal and external resources available
to meet ongoing operating requirements, including network expansion and
modernization and business development. D&E expects that presently foreseeable
capital requirements for its existing business will be financed primarily
through internally generated funds and additional debt. D&E has in excess of
$7,000 in cash and nearly $15,000 of temporary investments at December 31, 1998.
However, additional short- or long-term debt or equity financing may be needed
to fund new business development activities and to enhance D&E's capital
structure within management's guidelines. On January 7, 1998, D&E issued 1.3
million shares of common stock to Citizens for an aggregate sales price of
$27,015 in a privately negotiated transaction that was exempt from registration
under Section 4(2) and Rule 506 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. See
Note 13 to the financial statements.
During 1998, the primary source of funds was $26,253 in net proceeds from
the sale of shares to Citizens. Net cash provided by operating activities was
$13,829. In 1998, the sale of the one remaining cellular interest provided
$2,375 additional cash. D&E's primary source of funds in 1997 was from the sale
of two cellular interests that generated $17,897.
D&E invested $7,816 in capital expenditures during 1998, compared with
$6,108 of capital additions in 1997. The major capital additions in both years
were for switching equipment, computers and software and poles and cable
purchases to continually upgrade the telephone operating system. The net
increase in investments and advances to affiliates was $2,791 in 1998, compared
with $16,584 in 1997.
As of December 31, 1998, D&E had unsecured lines of credit totaling $15,000
with two domestic banks. There were no outstanding amounts borrowed under these
agreements at the end of the year.
Maturities of long-term debt over the next five years are $1,063 annually
in 1999 and 2000, $868 in 2001 and $855 in 2002 and 2003. D&E believes it will
have adequate resources to meet these obligations as they become payable. For
further information regarding the interest rates on the unsecured lines of
credit and the long-term debt and for current maturities of long-term debt
during the next five years, see Note 10 to the financial statements.
As a result of the restructuring associated with the D&E Share Exchange,
D&E Telephone negotiated amendments, effective June 7, 1996, to the financial
covenants contained in each of its three Senior Note Agreements. The amendments
changed the limit on accumulated distribution of dividends and restricted
investments from $9,000 plus 75% of D&E Telephone's accumulated consolidated net
income to $5,000 plus 75% of D&E Telephone's accumulated consolidated net
income. The distributions, restricted investments and consolidated net income
are cumulative since June 30, 1991. These Senior Note Agreements of D&E
Telephone are guaranteed by D&E. D&E's ratio of total debt to total debt plus
capital declined to 26.6% at December 31, 1998, compared to 44.0% at December
31, 1997.
16
OTHER
D&E owns a 50% equity investment in D&E SuperNet, Inc., a domestic
corporate joint venture that offers Internet access services and related
equipment. On December 21, 1998, D&E entered into an agreement whereby D&E would
sell its shares in D&E SuperNet, Inc. in exchange for approximately $6,900 of
cash and OneMain.com, Inc. common stock. Approximately 50% of the proceeds would
be paid in cash and 50% in stock. Additionally, D&E would be given additional
consideration, contingent upon certain operational and earnings margin
requirements, which would be equal to 10% of the difference between the total
revenues of D&E SuperNet, Inc. for the 12 months ended June 30, 1999, and the
annualized revenues for the period from April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998. At
the option of OneMain.com, Inc., the amount of the additional consideration
would be payable in either cash or stock. OneMain.com, Inc. was formed for the
purpose of acquiring Internet service providers in rural and secondary markets
to provide customers with Internet access services and equipment. The effective
date of the exchange would be concurrent with the consummation of an initial
public offering by OneMain.com, Inc. of its common stock, expected to occur in
the first half of 1999. However, there can be no assurance that the transaction
will be completed. D&E would account for the investment in OneMain.com, Inc.
under the cost method of accounting. Upon consummation of the agreement,
OneMain.com, Inc. would become the sole owner of D&E SuperNet, Inc.
D&E Telephone files its own tariff rates with the Pennsylvania Public
Utility Commission (PUC) for such services as dial tone and calling features. In
compliance with state statutes, commonly known as Chapter 30, D&E Telephone,
along with other companies, petitioned the PUC in July 1998 for an alternative
form of regulation. Litigation costs for this proceeding are being shared with
18 other rural incumbent local exchange carriers. Under the statute, the PUC
must render an Order in June 1999. Management anticipates that D&E Telephone
will accept the PUC Order, in which case an accelerated network modernization
plan will be adopted along with a new ratemaking process where, instead of a
guaranteed return on investment, prices are adjusted in accordance with the
Gross Domestic Product Price Index. If D&E Telephone rejects the PUC Order,
another Chapter 30 petition may be required within six months.
PCS ONE completed a $40,000 loan agreement with Northern Telecom, Inc.
(Nortel) to provide additional funds for continued development of the PCS
network. As an inducement to Nortel to provide the financing, D&E became a party
to a Capital Contribution Agreement whereby it became jointly and severally
liable to Nortel to contribute up to a total of $50,000 of equity to PCS ONE in
the event of a default. Omnipoint Corporation, D&E's joint venture partner in
the development of the PCS ONE system, is also a signatory to the Capital
Contribution Agreement with joint and several liability. At December 31, 1998,
D&E and Omnipoint have contributed $25,202 to PCS ONE. Management anticipates
D&E will invest an additional $4,000 in the normal course of business during
1999.
On October 22, 1998, D&E announced that its Board of Directors authorized
the repurchase of up to $2,000 worth of D&E common stock. The shares reacquired
may be used for D&E's incentive compensation programs, Employee Stock Purchase
Plan, Dividend Reinvestment Plan, and for other corporate purposes. Based on
this authorization, D&E acquired 38,000 shares of its common stock as of
December 31, 1998.
On January 7, 1998, D&E closed on an agreement pursuant to which a
subsidiary of Citizens purchased 1.3 million shares of newly issued D&E common
stock. Under the agreement, the purchase price was equal to the average closing
prices of D&E common stock on each of the 30 trading days ending on the day of
the closing plus 10% of that average price. The price was $20.781 per share for
1.3 million shares, or $27,015. The investment by Citizens represented 17.5% of
the combined shares outstanding. Under the agreement between the parties,
Citizens agreed not to acquire additional shares of D&E's stock without D&E's
consent for one year. If Citizens proposes to sell any shares of D&E
17
common stock, Citizens must first give D&E the opportunity to repurchase them.
Citizens has the right to require D&E to register for public sale the common
stock Citizens acquired.
During 1997, D&E entered into commitments with an equipment manufacturer to
purchase up to $8,000 of equipment for the PCS switch and network facilities.
This commitment was fulfilled, and any additional PCS equipment requirements are
currently arranged directly by PCS ONE.
Year 2000 Compliance
D&E has not experienced any significant year 2000 problems to date and does
not expect any significant problems to impair its operations as it transitions
to the new century. However, due to the magnitude and complexity of the year
2000 issue, even the most conscientious efforts cannot guarantee every problem
will be found and corrected prior to January 1, 2000. D&E is focusing on
critical operating and business systems and has developed contingency plans in
the event problems should occur.
D&E established a year 2000 committee in 1997 which has targeted the
following key areas: telecommunications operating systems, internal information
technology applications (customer, business and human resources information
systems), internal computer hardware and software infrastructure and contingency
plans. Of these areas, D&E believes the telecommunications systems have the most
impact on D&E's ability to provide service to its customers.
Year 2000 Project Phases
D&E's year 2000 project is divided into two phases. Phase I included
inventorying all internal systems, identifying appropriate resources and
developing action plans to ensure that the key areas identified above are year
2000 ready. D&E began addressing the year 2000 issue in 1995 when plans were
first developed to modify the billing systems to handle the turn of the century.
D&E completed Phase I in the fourth quarter of 1997. Phase II includes the
renovation, validation and implementation of billing and financial systems used
by D&E for billing and financial operations. Phase II began in 1997 and will be
completed in 1999. The hardware component of Phase II (the PCS, network and
servers) was replaced, validated and implemented during 1997 and 1998. D&E
anticipates that the software component of Phase II, will be tested and
implemented by the end of June 1999.
Contingency Planning
D&E has developed a year 2000 operational contingency plan consisting of
two operations manuals, one to address telecommunications issues and one for
specific computer hardware and software issues. D&E anticipates that training
and implementation of the contingency plan will be completed in 1999.
Third Parties
D&E is in the process of reviewing its affiliates' readiness for year 2000.
D&E has identified and contacted the material outside vendors on whom it depends
for services to determine their readiness for year 2000. However, D&E cannot
guarantee that all of its outside vendors, along with their ability to supply
D&E, will not be adversely affected. D&E included in its contingency plan, a
list of alternate suppliers in the event of a problem with an existing supplier.
The most likely worst-case scenario faced by D&E is any interruption in
providing telephone service to its customers. D&E cannot predict the impact of
any interruption on its results of operations, but the impact could be material.
Costs
D&E estimates its total year 2000 costs to be less than $250. To date, less
than $200 was spent
18
in modifications to the telecommunications systems, billing and financial
systems, hardware and software and contingency planning. The cost to complete
the testing and contingency training is estimated to be less than $50.
Management believes the changes will be completed without material impact on its
financial condition or interruption to ongoing business activities.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This annual report contains certain forward-looking statements as to year
2000 remediation, the future performance of D&E and its various domestic and
international investments, the effects of inflation and long-term contracts,
including the Lancaster County 911 system, MCG, MTT, EuroTel, PT and PCS ONE.
Actual results may differ as a result of factors over which D&E has no control,
including, but not limited to, regulatory changes and factors, uncertainties and
economic fluctuations in the domestic and foreign markets in which the companies
compete, foreign currency risks and increased competition in domestic markets
due in large part to continued deregulation of the telecommunications industry.
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risks.
D&E does not invest excess funds in derivative financial instruments or
other market risk sensitive instruments for the purpose of managing its foreign
currency exchange rate risk or for any other purpose.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Information called for by this Item is set forth beginning on page F-1. See
Index to Financial Statements.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure.
There were no changes in or disagreements with accountants on accounting
and financial disclosure.
19
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
The information required under this Item is incorporated by reference from
the material captioned "Management and Directors" in D&E's definitive proxy
statement to be filed.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required under this Item is incorporated by reference from
the material captioned "Executive Compensation" in D&E's definitive proxy
statement to be filed.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
The information required under this Item is incorporated by reference from
the material captioned "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management" in D&E's definitive proxy statement to be filed.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
The information required under this Item is incorporated by reference from
the material captioned "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in D&E's
definitive proxy statement to be filed.
20
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K in the following manner:
(1) The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries filed as part of this report are listed in the attached
Index to Financial Statements.
(2) All schedules are omitted because the required information is
not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require
submission of the schedule, or because the information required is
included in the consolidated financial statements.
(3) The exhibits filed as part of this Report are listed in the
Index to Exhibits.
(b) There was one current report on Form 8-K filed by the Registrant during
the last quarter of 1998. On October 29, 1998, a Form 8-K was filed reporting
authorization by the Board of Directors to acquire up to $2,000,000 worth of
D&E's common stock.
(c) Exhibits. See Index to Exhibits.
(d) Financial statement schedules of subsidiaries not consolidated and 50%
or less owned. The information called for by this Item (14) is set forth on
pages F - 24 through F - 34. See Index to Financial Statements.
21
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
2. Plan of acquisition, reorganization, arrangement,
liquidation or succession:
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Exchange Incorporated herein by reference from
Between Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Exhibit 2.1 to Amendment No. 2 to
Telegraph Company (a Pennsylvania the Registration Statement on Form
corporation) and D&E Communications, Inc. S-4 (Registration No. 333-2960) filed
(a Pennsylvania corporation). by D&E on April 23, 1996.
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended, Incorporated herein by reference from
between D&E Communications, Inc. Exhibit B to Amendment No. 1 to the
(a Pennsylvania corporation) and PCS One, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-4
(a New Jersey corporation). (Registration No. 333-18659) filed by
D&E on January 21, 1997.
2.3 Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Incorporated herein by reference from
Merger between D&E Communications, Inc, Exhibit C to Amendment No. 1 to the
(a Pennsylvania corporation) and PCS One, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-4
(a New Jersey corporation). (Registration No. 333-18659) filed by
D&E on January 21, 1997.
2.4 D&E Shareholder Agreement, dated as of March Incorporated herein by reference from
21, 1997, by and between D&E and various Exhibit 99.01 to the Form 8-K
shareholders of D&E. Current Report filed by D&E on
April 7, 1997.
2.5 Assignment and Assumption Agreement regarding Incorporated herein by reference from
D&E's assignment of its 50% interest in Lancaster Exhibit 2.01 to the Form 8-K Current
Cellular Enterprises to Telespectrum, Inc. Report filed by D&E on September
18, 1997.
2.6 Assignment and Assumption Agreement regarding Incorporated herein by reference from
D&E's assignment of its 33% interest in Pennsylvania Exhibit 2.02 to the Form 8-K Current
RSA 12 Limited Partnership to Telespectrum, Inc. Report filed by D&E on September
18, 1997.
3. Articles of Incorporation and By-laws:
3.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporated herein by reference from
Incorporation Exhibit A to D&E's definitive proxy
statement for its 1997 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders filed April
2, 1997.
3.2 By-Laws Incorporated herein by reference from
Exhibit 3.2 to D&E's Registration
Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
on April 30, 1993.
22
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
4. Instruments defining the rights of security holders,
including debentures:
4.1 Form of D&E Common Stock Certificate, Incorporated herein by reference from
par value $0.16 per share. Exhibit 4.1 to D&E's 1996 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
4.2 Note Agreement between Allstate Life Incorporated herein by reference from
Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company Exhibit 4.1 to D&E's Registration
of New York, and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Telegraph Company, dated as of November 15, 1991, on April 30, 1993.
Re: $10,000,000 9.18% Senior Notes due November
15, 2021.
4.3 First Amendment to Note Agreement dated as of Incorporated herein by reference from
November 15,1991 between Allstate Life Insurance Exhibit 4.2 to D&E's 1993 Annual
Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of Report on Form 10-K.
New York, and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and
Telegraph Company, dated as of January 14, 1994,
due November 15, 2021, Re: $10,000,000 9.18%
Senior Notes due November 15, 2021.
4.4 Note Agreement between Allstate Life Insurance Incorporated herein by reference from
Company and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Exhibit 4.3 to D&E's 1993 Annual
Telegraph Company, dated as of January 14, 1994, Report on Form 10-K.
Re: $10,000,000 6.49% Senior Notes due
January 14, 2004.
4.5 Second Amendment to Note Agreement dated Incorporated herein by reference from
as of November 15,1991 between Allstate Life Exhibit 4.3 to D&E's Registration
Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Statement on Form S-3 filed by D&E
Company of New York, and Denver and Ephrata on October 31, 1994.
Telephone and Telegraph Company, dated as of
of September 27, 1994, Re: $10,000,000 9.18%
Senior Notes due November 15, 2021.
4.6 First Amendment to Note Agreement dated as of Incorporated herein by reference from
January 14, 1994 between Allstate Life Insurance Exhibit 4.5 to D&E's Registration
Company and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Statement on Form S-3 filed by D&E
Telegraph Company, dated as of September 27, 1994, on October 31, 1994.
Re: $10,000,000 6.49% Senior Notes due
January 14, 2004.
4.7 Second Amendment to Note Agreement dated as of Incorporated herein by reference from
January 14, 1994 between Allstate Life Insurance Exhibit 4.6 to D&E's 1995 Annual
Company and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Report on Form 10-K.
Telegraph Company, dated as of September 1, 1995,
Re: $10,000,000 6.49% Senior Notes due
23
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
January 14, 2004.
4.8 Third Amendment to Note Agreement dated Incorporated herein by reference from
as of November 15,1991 between Allstate Life Exhibit 4.7 to D&E's 1995 Annual
Insurance Company, Allstate Life Insurance Report on Form 10-K.
Company of New York, and Denver and Ephrata
Telephone and Telegraph Company, dated as of of
September 1, 1995, Re: $10,000,000 9.18%
Senior Notes due November 15, 2021.
4.9 Fourth Amendment, Consent and Waiver of Note Incorporated herein by reference from
Agreement dated as of November 15, 1991 between Exhibit 4.1 to D&E's Quarterly
Allstate Life Insurance Company, Allstate Life Report on Form 10-Q for the
Insurance Company of New York and Denver and quarterly period ended June 30, 1996.
Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company dated as
of June 7, 1996, RE: $10,000,000 9.18% Senior
Notes due November 15, 2021.
4.10 Third Amendment, Consent and Waiver to Note Incorporated herein by reference from
Agreement dated as of January 14, 1994 between Exhibit 4.2 to D&E's Quarterly
Allstate Life Insurance Company and Denver and Report on Form 10-Q for the
Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company dated as quarterly period ended June 30, 1996.
of June 7, 1996, RE: $10,000,000 6.49% Senior
Notes due January 14, 2004.
4.11 Installment Payment Plan Note between D&E Incorporated herein by reference from
Investments, Inc. and the Federal Communications Exhibit 10.3 to D&E's Quarterly
Commission dated as of March 28, 1997, Re: Report on Form 10-Q for the
$11,878,574 7.00% note due September 17, 2006. quarterly period ended March 31,
1997.
4.12 Security Agreement dated March 28, 1997 between Incorporated herein by reference from
D&E Investments, Inc. and the Federal Communications Exhibit 10.4 to D&E's Quarterly
Commission Re: the Installment Payment Plan Note due Report on Form 10-Q for the
September 17, 2006. quarterly period ended March 31,
1997.
4.13 Fifth Amendment to Note Agreement dated as of Incorporated herein by reference from
November 15, 1991 between Allstate Life Insurance Exhibit 10.5 to D&E's Quarterly
Company, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New Report on Form 10-Q for the
York, and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and quarterly period ended March 31,
Telegraph Company, dated as of April 1, 1997, Re: 1997.
$10,000,000 9.18% Senior Notes due November
21, 2021.
4.14 Fourth Amendment to Note Agreement dated as of Incorporated herein by reference from
January 14, 1994 between Allstate Life Insurance Exhibit 10.6 to D&E's Quarterly
Company and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Report on Form 10-Q for the
Telegraph Company dated as of April 1, 1997, Re: quarterly period ended March 31,
24
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
$10,000,000 6.49% Senior Notes due January 1997.
14, 2004.
None of the other long-term debt of D&E and its
consolidated subsidiaries exceeds 10 percent of the
total assets of D&E and its subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis. The Company will furnish a copy
of the instrument relating to any such long-term debt
to the Commission upon request.
9. Voting Trust Agreement.
9.1 Voting Trust Agreement Among Shareholders Incorporated herein by reference from
of Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Exhibit 9.1 to D&E's 1995 Report
Company and Kay William Shober, Anne Brossman on Form 10-K.
Sweigart, W. Garth Sprecher, Ronald E. Frisbie and
John Amos as Voting Trustees, dated as of
November 19, 1992. ("Voting Trust Agreement")
9.2 Amendment to the Voting Trust Agreement Incorporated herein by reference from
dated as of December 31, 1995. Exhibit 9.2 to D&E's 1995 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
10. Material Contracts
10.1 Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company Incorporated herein by reference
Executive Incentive Plan as revised January 1998. from Exhibit 10.1 to D&E's 1997
Annual Report of Form 10-K.
10.2 AT&T Communications Standard Agreement for Incorporated herein by reference from
the Provision of Telecommunications Services and Exhibit 10.2 to D&E's Registration
Facilities between AT&T Communications of Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Pennsylvania, Inc. and Denver and Ephrata Telephone on April 30, 1993.
and Telegraph Company;
Article 1 General Provisions, effective
May 25, 1984;
Article 8-2 Billing and Collection Services
effective April 1, 1992;
10.3 Telecommunications Services and Facilities Incorporated herein by reference from
Agreement between the Bell Telephone Company of Exhibit 10.3 to D&E's Registration
Pennsylvania and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Telegraph Company, effective January 1, 1986; and on April 30, 1993.
Amendment to Telecommunications Services and
Facilities Agreement and the IntraLATA Compensation
Agreement, dated May 7, 1992;
Appendix 1 IntraLATA Telecommunications
Services, effective January 1, 1986;
Appendix 2 Ancillary Services, effective
25
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
January 1, 1986;
Appendix 5 Jointly Provided Feature Group A
Compensation effective July 24, 1986; and
Appendix 7 Extended Area Service, effective
October 1, 1988.
10.4 IntraLATA Compensation Agreement between Incorporated herein by reference from
the Pennsylvania Non-Bell Telephone Companies and Exhibit 10.4 to D&E's Registration
Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Company, effective January 1, 1986; and Amendment to on April 30, 1993.
Telecommunications Services and Facilities Agreement
and the IntraLATA Compensation Agreement,
dated May 7, 1992.
10.5 Agreement between Donnelley Directory, Incorporated herein by reference from
a division of The Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation Exhibit 10.5 to D&E's Registration
Statement and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Telegraph Company, dated April 19, 1991. Portions of on April 30, 1993.
this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request
for confidential treatment and have been separately
filed with the Commission.
10.6 Agreement for the Distribution of Interstate Incorporated herein by reference from
Access Revenues between the National Exchange Exhibit 10.6 to D&E's Registration
Carrier Association, Inc. and Denver and Ephrata Statement on Form 10 filed by D&E
Telephone and Telegraph Company, effective on April 30, 1993.
May 25, 1984.
10.7 Agreement for the Provision of Enhanced Incorporated herein by reference from
9-1-1 Services between the County of Exhibit 10.1 to D&E's Quarterly
Lancaster and Denver and Ephrata Report on Form 10-Q for the
Telephone and Telegraph Company, quarterly period ended June 30, 1994.
effective upon approval of the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
which occurred May 18, 1994
Attachment #1 Request for Proposal
as Amended;
Attachment #2 Best and Final Offer,
April 28, 1994;
Attachment #3 Clarifications to RFP;
Attachment #4 Lancaster County
Resolution #74, September 22, 1993;
Attachment #5 Lancaster County
Resolution #32, May 5, 1994;
Attachment #6 Addenda, Errata,
Bulletins to Contract Documents;
Attachment #7 Facility Lease; and
Attachment #8 Tariffed Local Exchange
Carrier Services.
26
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
10.8 Amendment 1 to Exhibit A of Appendix Incorporated herein by reference from
1 of the Telecommunications Services Exhibit 10.2 to D&E 's Quarterly
and Facilities Agreement signed Report on Form 10-Q for the
June 23, 1994. quarterly period ended September 30,
1994.
10.9 Modification to the Agreement for the Provision Incorporated herein by reference from
of Enhanced 9-1-1 Services between the County of Exhibit 10.9 to D&E's 1994 Annual
Lancaster and Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Report on Form 10-K.
Telegraph Company, February 23, 1995.
10.10 Affiliated Interest Agreement between Denver Incorporated herein by reference from
and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company Exhibit 10.10 to D&E's 1995 Annual
and D&E Marketing Corp. Report on Form 10-K.
10.11 Affiliated Interest Agreement between Denver Incorporated herein by reference from
and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company Exhibit 10.11 to D&E's 1995 Annual
and Red Rose Systems, Inc. Report on Form 10-K.
10.12 Sales Agreement between Denver and Incorporated herein by reference from
Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Exhibit 10.13 to D&E's 1995 Annual
Company and Northern Telecom Inc. Report on Form 10-K.*
10.13 Network Production Purchase Agreement Incorporated herein by reference from
between Northern Telecom, Inc. and Denver Exhibit 10.1 to D&E's Quarterly
and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company Report on Form 10-Q for the
dated May 3, 1996. quarterly period ended March 31,
1996.*
10.14 Affiliated Interest Agreement between D&E Incorporated herein by reference from
Communications, Inc. and Denver and Ephrata Exhibit 10.21 to D&E's 1996 Annual
Telephone and Telegraph Company and Red Report on Form 10-K.
Rose Communications, Inc.
10.15 D&E Shareholder Agreement, Exhibit D to the Incorporated herein by reference from
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Exhibit B to Amendment No. 1 to the
D&E Communications, Inc. and PCS One, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-4
(Registration No. 333-18659) filed by
D&E on January 21, 1997.
10.16 D&E Communications, Inc. Officer Incentive Incorporated herein by reference from
Plan as revised January 1998. Exhibit 10.16 to D&E's 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
10.17 Network Product Purchase Agreement Incorporated herein by reference from
between Northern Telecom, Inc. and Exhibit 10.1 to D&E's Quarterly
D&E Communications, Inc., dated April 10, 1997. Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly period ended March 31,
1997.
27
Exhibit Identification
No. of Exhibit Reference
- ------- -------------- ---------
10.18 Federal Communications Commission, Radio Incorporated herein by reference from
Station Authorization of a Personal Communication Exhibit 10.2 to D&E's Quarterly
Service-Broadband for the C-Block in Lancaster, PA Report on Form 10-Q for the
issued March 28, 1997 to D&E Investments, Inc. quarterly period ended March 31,
1997.
10.19 Stock Acquisition Agreement between Incorporated herein by reference from
D&E Communications, Inc. and Southwestern Exhibit 10.1 to D&E's Quarterly
Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of Citizens Utilities Report on Form 10-Q for the
Company, dated November 3, 1997. quarterly period ended September 30,
1997.
10.20 Limited Partnership Agreement by and among Incorporated herein by reference from
D&E Wireless, Inc., Omnipoint Venture Exhibit 2.01 to the Form 8-K Current
Partner I, L.L.C. and Omnipoint Holdings, Inc. Report filed by D&E on December 2,
1997.
10.21 Affiliated Interest Agreement between D&E Incorporated herein by reference from
Telephone Company and D&E Wireless, Inc. Exhibit 10.21 to D&E's Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
21. Subsidiaries of the Registrant
21.1 List of all subsidiaries of D&E. Filed herewith.
23 Consents
23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Filed herewith.
27. Financial Data Schedule.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule. Filed herewith.
- -------------------------
*Confidential treatment received with respect to portions thereof.
28
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned in the capacities designated and on the dates
indicated, thereunto duly authorized.
D&E Communications, Inc.
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Anne B. Sweigart
-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Anne B. Sweigart
President, Chairman of the Board, and 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 and on the dates indicated.
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Anne B. Sweigart
-------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
Anne B. Sweigart
President, Chairman of the Board, and Chief
Executive Officer
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Robert M. Lauman
--------------- --------------------------------------------------------
Robert M. Lauman
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Thomas E. Morell
-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Thomas E. Morell
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Chief Accounting Officer)
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ John Amos
-------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
John Amos
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Thomas H. Bamford
-------------- -------------------------------------------------------
Thomas H. Bamford
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Paul W. Brubaker
-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
Paul W. Brubaker
Member of the Board of Directors
29
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Ronald E. Frisbie
-------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Ronald E. Frisbie
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Robert A. Kinsley
-------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Kinsley
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ G. William Ruhl
-------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
G. William Ruhl
Senior Vice President, Member of
the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ Steven B. Silverman
-------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
Steven B. Silverman
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ W. Garth Sprecher
-------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
W. Garth Sprecher
Vice President and Secretary,
Member of the Board of Directors
Date March 24, 1999 By /s/ D. Mark Thomas
-------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
D. Mark Thomas
Member of the Board of Directors
30
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
----
Item 8 D&E Communications, Inc.
and Subsidiaries.
Report of Independent Accountants. F - 1
Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. F - 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets
as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. F - 3
Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. F - 4
Consolidated Statements of
Shareholders' Equity for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. F - 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F - 6
Item 14 (d) D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint Venture, L.P.
Report of Independent Accountants. F - 24
Balance Sheet
as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. F - 25
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and
the Two-Month Period Ended December 31, 1997. F - 26
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and
the Two-Month Period Ended December 31, 1997. F - 27
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and
the Two-Month Period Ended December 31, 1997. F - 28
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. F - 29
Report of Independent Accountants
To the Board of Directors of D&E Communications, Inc.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of D&E
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries at 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. 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 of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
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, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 1999
F - 1
D & E Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(In thousands, except per-share amounts)
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
OPERATING REVENUES
Communication service revenues .............................. $ 44,182 $ 38,477 $ 36,074
Communication products sold ................................. 7,983 8,565 7,181
Other ....................................................... 1,146 1,442 1,141
-------- -------- --------
Total operating revenues ................................. 53,311 48,484 44,396
OPERATING EXPENSES
Communication service expenses .............................. 16,407 11,055 10,900
Cost of communication products sold ......................... 5,499 5,816 5,028
Depreciation and amortization ............................... 9,372 8,466 7,714
Marketing and customer services ............................. 3,555 3,365 3,215
General and administrative services ......................... 10,541 10,762 9,140
-------- -------- --------
Total operating expenses ................................. 45,374 39,464 35,997
-------- -------- --------
Operating income ...................................... 7,937 9,020 8,399
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Allowance for funds used during construction ................ 58 77 76
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates ................... (11,398) (1,661) 754
Interest expense ............................................ (2,374) (2,173) (2,591)
Gain on sale of investments ................................. 1,659 11,971 --
Other, net .................................................. 1,356 358 10
-------- -------- --------
Total other income (expense) ............................. (10,699) 8,572 (1,751)
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income taxes, dividends on
utility preferred stock, cumulative effect of
accounting change and extraordinary item ........... (2,762) 17,592 6,648
INCOME TAXES AND DIVIDENDS ON UTILITY PREFERRED STOCK
Income taxes ................................................ 1,276 7,962 2,667
Dividends on utility preferred stock ........................ 65 65 71
-------- -------- --------
Total income taxes and dividends on
utility preferred stock ............................ 1,341 8,027 2,738
-------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of
accounting change and extraordinary item ..... (4,103) 9,565 3,910
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
principle, net of income tax benefit of $170 ............. (251) -- --
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of
debt, net of income tax benefit of $220 .................. (7,901) -- --
-------- -------- --------
NET INCOME (LOSS) ............................................. ($12,255) $ 9,565 $ 3,910
======== ======== ========
Average common shares outstanding ........................... 7,416 6,040 5,728
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE
Income (loss) before accounting change and extraordinary item ($ 0.55) $ 1.58 $ 0.68
Cumulative effect of accounting change ...................... (0.03) 0.00 0.00
Extraordinary item .......................................... (1.07) 0.00 0.00
-------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) per common share ..................... ($ 1.65) $ 1.58 $ 0.68
======== ======== ========
Dividends per common share .................................. $ 0.39 $ 0.39 $ 0.39
======== ======== ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F - 2
D & E Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 1998 and 1997
(In thousands)
ASSETS 1998 1997
-------- --------
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents................................. $ 7,192 $ 61
Temporary investments .................................... 14,805 --
Accounts receivable ...................................... 7,109 6,824
Accounts receivable - affiliated companies .............. 2,903 4,630
Inventories, lower of cost or market, at average cost .... 1,028 891
Prepaid expenses ......................................... 3,658 3,286
Other .................................................... 689 454
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS .................................. 37,384 16,146
-------- --------
INVESTMENTS
Investments and advances in affiliated companies ......... 9,303 15,690
Other .................................................... 359 359
-------- --------
9,662 16,049
-------- --------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
In service ............................................... 123,766 116,655
Under construction ....................................... 426 800
-------- --------
124,192 117,455
Less accumulated depreciation ............................ 62,526 54,654
-------- --------
61,666 62,801
-------- --------
OTHER ASSETS
Accounts receivable - affiliated companies................ 461 113
PCS licenses ............................................. -- 23,245
Other .................................................... 904 1,607
-------- --------
1,365 24,965
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS .......................................................... $110,077 $119,961
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt maturing within one year .................. $ 1,063 $ 1,063
Accounts payable ......................................... 7,924 8,285
Accrued taxes ............................................ 491 617
Accrued interest and dividends ........................... 449 1,290
Advance billings, customer deposits and other ............ 3,423 3,100
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES ................................ 13,350 14,355
-------- --------
LONG-TERM DEBT ........................................................ 22,657 41,657
-------- --------
OTHER LIABILTIES
Deferred income taxes .................................... 7,660 6,863
Other .................................................... 802 2,615
-------- --------
8,462 9,478
-------- --------
PREFERRED STOCK OF UTILITY SUBSIDIARY, Series A 4 1/2%,
par value $100, cumulative, callable at par, at the
option of the Company, authorized 20,000 shares,
outstanding 14,456 shares ................................ 1,446 1,446
-------- --------
COMMITMENTS
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value $.16,
authorized shares 30,000,000.............................. 1,190 977
Outstanding shares: 7,422,396 at December 31, 1998
6,128,672 at December 31, 1997
Additional paid-in capital................................ 36,546 10,341
Unearned ESOP Compensation................................ (429) (695)
Retained earnings......................................... 27,294 42,402
Less 38,480 shares of common stock in treasury at cost ... (439) --
--------- ---------
64,162 53,025
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ............................ $ 110,077 $ 119,961
========= =========
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
F - 3
D & E Communications, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(In thousands)
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) ............................................... ($12,255) $ 9,565 $ 3,910
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt ............ 7,901 -- --
Depreciation and amortization ................................. 9,809 8,486 7,743
Deferred income taxes ......................................... 1,230 389 (265)
Undistributed (earnings) losses from affiliates ............... 11,398 1,661 (754)
Distribution from affiliates .................................. -- 234 1,052
Tax benefits applicable to ESOP ............................... 12 17 22
Gain on sale of investments in affiliated companies ........... (1,659) (11,971) --
Loss on retirement of property, plant and equipment ........... 43 64 37
Allowance for funds used during construction .................. (58) (77) (76)
Losses applicable to minority interest ........................ -- (50) (75)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable ........................................... (45) 88 (2,206)
Inventories ................................................... (137) 119 (141)
Prepaid expenses .............................................. (372) (880) (180)
Accounts payable .............................................. (1,899) 1,899 (1,013)
Accrued taxes and accrued interest ............................ (2) 945 234
Advance billings, customer deposits and other ................. 323 319 (609)
Other, net .................................................... (460) (87) 382
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities ......... 13,829 10,721 8,061
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures ............................................ (7,816) (6,108) (6,349)
Allowance for funds used during construction .................... 58 77 76
Proceeds from sale of temporary investments ..................... 24,000 -- --
Purchase of temporary investments ............................... (38,805) -- --
Proceeds from sale of assets .................................... 128 243 98
Cost of removal of plant retired ................................ (105) (57) (99)
Acquisition of other assets ..................................... -- (2,482) (676)
Proceeds from sale of investments in affiliated companies ....... 2,375 17,897 --
Increase in investments and advances to affiliates .............. (31,591) (19,957) (5,144)
Decrease in investments and repayments from affiliates .......... 28,800 3,373 4,570
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities ............. (22,956) (7,014) (7,524)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends on common stock ....................................... (2,701) (2,220) (2,093)
Payments on long-term debt ...................................... (6,855) (1,017) (162)
Net proceeds from (payments on) revolving lines of credit ....... -- (1,140) 1,610
Net contributions from minority interest ........................ -- -- 2
Proceeds from issuance of common stock .......................... 26,253 416 367
Purchase of treasury stock ...................................... (439) -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Financing Activities 16,258 (3,961) (276)
-------- -------- --------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................................ 7,131 (254) 261
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
BEGINNING OF YEAR ............................................... 61 315 54
-------- -------- --------
END OF YEAR ..................................................... $ 7,192 $ 61 $ 315
======== ======== ========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F - 4
D&E Communications, Inc and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
(In thousands)
Additional Unearned
Common Paid-in ESOP Retained Treasury
Shares Stock Capital Compensation Earnings Stock
---------- ---------- ------------ -------------- -------------- -------------
Balance, January 1, 1996 .................. 5,718 $ 915 $ 1,506 ($1,197) $33,427 $ --
Net Income ................................ 3,910
Reduction of ESOP trust loan .............. 246
Tax benefits from dividends paid to ESOP .. 22
Dividends on common stock - $.39 per share (2,215)
Common stock issued for acquisition ....... 1 -- 29
Common stock issued for Employee
Stock Purchase Plan and Dividend
Reinvestment Plan ...................... 22 4 486
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance, December 31, 1996 ................ 5,741 919 2,021 (951) 35,144 --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Income ................................ 9,565
Reduction of ESOP trust loan .............. 256
Tax benefits from dividends paid to ESOP .. 17
Dividends on common stock - $.39 per share (2,324)
Common stock issued for acquisitions ...... 362 54 7,802
Common stock issued for Employee
Stock Purchase Plan and Dividend
Reinvestment Plan ...................... 26 4 518
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance, December 31, 1997 ................ 6,129 977 10,341 (695) 42,402 --
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net Loss .................................. (12,255)
Reduction of ESOP trust loan .............. 266
Tax benefits from dividends paid to ESOP .. 12
Dividends on common stock - $.39 per share (2,865)
Common stock issued in private placement .. 1,300 208 25,697
Common stock issued for Employee
Stock Purchase Plan and Dividend
Reinvestment Plan ...................... 31 5 508
Treasury stock acquired ................... (38) (439)
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Balance, December 31, 1998 ................ 7,422 $ 1,190 $36,546 ($ 429) $27,294 ($ 439)
======= ======= ======= ======= ======= =======
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F - 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Nature of Business
Description
D&E Communications, Inc. is a diversified holding company that provides
communications services and equipment to customers in the south central
Pennsylvania market. D&E Communications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries
are defined and referenced herein as D&E.
D&E supplies local and long distance telephone services, including enhanced
calling features and high-speed data services. D&E offers computer networking
and repair services and both sells and installs communications equipment, such
as telephone systems and data communications products. D&E also provides
services for directory advertising and local billing and collection.
Additionally, D&E offers consulting services to its affiliated companies.
D&E has a 50% interest in PCS ONE, a partnership that provides Personal
Communications Services (PCS) and related equipment for digital wireless voice
and data communications. D&E has a 50% interest in D&E SuperNet(TM), a
corporation that provides Internet access services and related equipment. D&E
also has a 33% interest in a domestic corporate joint venture that owns
international investments in telecommunications companies located in Hungary and
Poland.
Regulatory Environment and Competition
A substantial portion of D&E's operations is subject to regulation at both
the federal and state levels by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and
the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). In 1996, Congress passed and
the President signed into law the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the 1996 Act),
which established rules to encourage and foster competition in local markets.
The implementation of the 1996 Act provided comprehensive changes to federal and
state regulations that govern telecommunications. Local exchange companies are
required to connect their telephone networks with other communications companies
and offer wholesale rates for resale of local communications services. D&E's
local exchange company currently qualifies as a rural telephone company and is
exempt from certain provisions of the 1996 Act.
D&E expects both to experience an increasing amount of competitive pressures and
to encounter opportunities in new markets. No estimate can be made of the
financial impacts of these changes.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject D&E to concentrations of credit risk
consist primarily of trade receivables. Concentrations of credit risk with
respect to trade receivables other than AT&T are limited due to the large number
of customers in D&E's customer base. For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996, revenues generated from services provided to AT&T, primarily for
access to D&E's network and for billing and collection, were $5,014, $5,521 and
$5,193, respectively. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, accounts receivable from
AT&T totaled $832 and $923, respectively.
F - 6
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
D&E uses three different accounting methods to report its investments in
its subsidiaries, joint ventures, partnerships and corporations: consolidation,
the equity method and the cost method.
Consolidation
D&E uses consolidation when it owns a majority of the voting stock of the
subsidiary. This means the accounts of D&E's subsidiaries are combined with its
accounts. D&E eliminates intercompany balances and transactions when it
consolidates these accounts. D&E's consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Denver and Ephrata Telephone and Telegraph Company (D&E Telephone);
D&E Marketing Corp.; D&E Telephone and Data Systems, Inc.; D&E Wireless, Inc.
(Wireless); and D&E Investments, Inc. (Investments). Additionally, in 1998 D&E
formed two wholly owned subsidiaries: D&E Systems, Inc. and PCS Licenses, Inc.
D&E dissolved the operations of two subsidiaries: The D and E Group in March
1997 and D&E Holdings, L.P. in June 1998.
The accounts of D&E Telephone are reported using generally accepted accounting
principles applicable to regulated entities. Long-term debt represents the
obligations of D&E Telephone and Investments. The preferred stock is the account
of D&E Telephone.
Equity Method
D&E uses the equity method to report investments in joint ventures,
partnerships and corporations where it holds a 20% to 50% voting interest or
where it holds less than a 20% voting interest and it is able to exercise
significant influence over the operating and financial policies of these
entities. Under the equity method, D&E reports its interest in the entity as an
investment in its consolidated balance sheets and its percentage share of the
earnings or losses from the entity in its consolidated statements of operations.
The only time D&E does not use this method is if it can exercise control
over the operations and policies of the company. If D&E has control, accounting
rules require it to use consolidation.
Cost Method
D&E uses the cost method if it holds less than a 20% voting interest in an
investment and it does not have significant influence over the operating and
financial policies of the entity. Under the cost method, D&E reports its
investment at cost in its consolidated balance sheets.
Reclassifications
For comparative purposes, certain amounts have been reclassified to conform
to the current-year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts or certain disclosures. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
F - 7
Recent Pronouncements
During 1998, D&E adopted the provisions of three new financial accounting
standards. D&E expanded its disclosure on operating segments based on the
standards established in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (see Note
15). D&E also follows the reporting standards established in Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits" (see Note 14).
Additionally, D&E adopted Statement of Position No. 98-5, "Reporting on the
Costs of Start-up Activities," which provides guidance on accounting for
start-up activities and organization costs and requires these costs to be
expensed as incurred. As a result of adopting this new standard, D&E expensed
organization costs of $421, which is recorded as a cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principle, net of income taxes of $170.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are generally recognized when services are rendered or products are
delivered to customers. Long-term contracts are accounted for using the
percentage-of-completion method, with revenues recognized in the proportion of
costs incurred to total estimated costs at completion.
D&E receives a portion of its interstate access revenues from settlement
pools in which it participates with other telephone companies through the
National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA). These pools were established
at the direction of the FCC and are funded by access service charges, which the
FCC regulates. Revenues earned through this pooling process are initially
recognized based on estimates and are subject to adjustments that may either
increase or decrease the amount of interstate access revenues. D&E has finalized
all NECA pool settlements through 1996.
D&E elected to rejoin the NECA Traffic Sensitive Pool in December 1996 and
accordingly on July 1, 1997, implemented NECA interstate access rates.
Previously, D&E offered its own rates for traffic-sensitive network access
services.
Cash and Short-term Investments
Cash and cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments
purchased with a maturity of three months or less. Short-term investments
consist of high-quality, short-term commercial paper.
Prepaid Directory
Directory advertising revenues and costs are deferred and amortized over
the 12-month period related to the directory publication.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives of 28 years
for buildings, 3 to 32 years for equipment and 12 to 45 years for outside plant
facilities. Depreciation as a percentage of average depreciable plant in service
amounted to 7.4% in 1998 and 7.1% in 1997 and 1996.
When depreciable telephone property is retired, the original cost of the
asset, net of salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation. Any gains or
losses on disposition are amortized over the
F - 8
service lives of the remaining assets. When other depreciable property is
retired, the gain or loss is recognized as an element of other income. The costs
of maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense.
PCS License Costs
PCS license costs are accounted for in accordance with industry practices.
Interest incurred for such licenses is capitalized during construction of the
PCS network and is amortized over a period of 40 years, beginning with the
commencement of service to customers, which occurred in November 1997. During
1998, D&E contributed two PCS licenses to PCS ONE (see Note 6) and returned one
PCS license to the FCC in exchange for the early extinguishment of an FCC note
payable (see Note 9). At December 31, 1998 , D&E holds no direct interest in any
PCS licenses.
Intangible Assets
The cost in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as
goodwill. Amortization expense for goodwill and other intangibles is recorded on
a straight-line basis over the shorter of the estimated useful life or 40 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Based upon the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of," D&E reviews assets and certain intangibles for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. A determination of
impairment is made based on estimates of future cash flows. D&E has determined
there has been no impairment to the carrying values of such assets in 1998 and
1997.
Capitalized Interest
The cost of funds used to finance construction projects is capitalized as
part of the construction costs. Additionally, capitalized interest on regulated
telephone construction projects is recorded as Allowance for Funds Used During
Construction (AFUDC), a noncash element of other income. Interest costs related
to PCS licenses and nonregulated construction projects are reflected as a cost
of assets and a reduction of interest expense. Interest costs capitalized on
assets were $58 for 1998, $1,052 for 1997 and $77 for 1996.
Income Taxes
D&E files a consolidated federal income tax return. D&E has two categories of
income taxes: current and deferred. Current taxes are those amounts D&E expects
to pay when it files its tax returns. Since D&E must report some of its revenues
and expenses differently for its financial statements than it does for income
tax purposes, it records the tax effects of those differences as deferred tax
assets and liabilities in its consolidated balance sheets. These deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are
currently in effect. A valuation allowance is established for any deferred tax
asset for which realization is not likely. D&E's deferred tax expense is equal
to the net change in its deferred tax assets and liabilities.
F - 9
Earnings per Common Share
D&E calculates earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, "Earnings per Share." This
statement establishes standards for reporting basic and diluted earnings per
share. Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. The computation of
diluted earnings per share is similar to basic earnings per share except the
denominator is increased to include contingently issuable common shares. Diluted
earnings per share, for example, would reflect the assumed exercise of warrants
issued to purchase D&E common stock. Since the exercise price of D&E's issued
and outstanding warrants is higher than the current market price of D&E stock,
there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share in any of
the periods presented.
Comprehensive Income
In January 1998, D&E adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" (SFAS 130), which
establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its components.
Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting
shareholders' equity that, under generally accepted accounting principles, are
excluded from net income. For D&E the only such item is the reduction in the
ESOP trust loan (see Note 14). Financial statement reporting requirements under
the provisions of SFAS 130 are presented in the consolidated statements of
shareholders' equity and the consolidated balance sheets.
3. Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes and interest expense for the years ended December 31
was as follows:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Interest expense ............ $2,019 $2,243 $2,515
Income taxes ................ 1,315 8,308 2,716
D&E recorded noncash transactions in connection with its investing and
financing activities. On December 31, 1998, D&E made an additional investment in
PCS ONE of $1,557 through a contribution of its PCS licenses for two Basic
Trading Areas: the D-Block license in Harrisburg and the E-Block license in
York/Hanover, PA. In August 1998, D&E acquired additional equity in EuroTel,
L.L.C. (EuroTel) by converting $4,555 of its note receivable from EuroTel into
an additional equity investment (see Note 8).
In March 1997, D&E acquired PCS One, Inc. (see Note 5). In connection with
the acquisition, D&E issued $7,305 of common stock in exchange for all of the
outstanding shares of PCS One, Inc. D&E acquired a C-Block PCS license having a
cost of $20,671 and assumed a note payable to the FCC for $11,879. On June 8,
1998, D&E elected the FCC's Amnesty Option for the return of the C-Block PCS
license (see Note 9), and as a result, the FCC note payable of $11,879 was
extinguished along with $1,178 of accrued interest. Separately, as a result of a
1996 business acquisition, D&E issued $580 of its common stock (see Note 5),
payable in two installments: $29 in November 1996 and $551 in January 1997.
F - 10
4. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is summarized as follows at December 31:
1998 1997
---- ----
Land and buildings ............................. $30,152 $29,704
Digital switching equipment .................... 38,793 35,450
Outside plant facilities ....................... 39,755 38,115
Telecommunications equipment for rental ........ 3,360 3,226
Computers and office equipment ................. 8,409 6,746
Other equipment ................................ 3,297 3,414
Plant under construction ....................... 426 800
------- -------
Total property, plant and equipment ............ 124,192 117,455
Less accumulated depreciation .................. 62,526 54,654
------- -------
Property, plant and equipment, net ............. $61,666 $62,801
======= =======
5. Acquisitions
In March 1997, D&E Communications, Inc. acquired PCS One, Inc. The acquisition
was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. PCS One, Inc. was a
nonoperating entity which owned as its principal asset the C-Block PCS license
for the Lancaster Basic Trading Area (the Lancaster License). As a condition of
the terms of the acquisition, the FCC approved the transfer of the Lancaster
License to D&E. Pursuant to terms of the agreement, D&E issued $7,305 of its
common stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of PCS One, Inc. and the
acquisition of the Lancaster License. Additionally, D&E assumed an obligation to
the FCC for an $11,879 note payable. This obligation was extinguished in June
1998 as a result of the return of the Lancaster License to the FCC under the
terms of the Amnesty Option (see Note 9).
In November 1996, D&E acquired Com Tech Technical Services (Com Tech), a
domestic partnership, now doing business as D&E Computer Networking Services.
This division specializes in computer network engineering and installation. The
acquisition was financed by 22,536 shares of D&E common stock. All of such
shares are unregistered but have certain registration rights. The acquisition
was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The 1996 pro forma
results of Com Tech operations are not significant to D&E's consolidated results
of operations or financial condition.
F - 11
6. Investment in Wireless Partnership
In November 1997, Wireless signed an agreement with Omnipoint Venture Partner I,
L.L.C. to form a new limited partnership named D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint
Venture, L.P., doing business as PCS ONE (as opposed to PCS One, Inc., mentioned
in Notes 3 and 5). Wireless contributed net assets of $6,381, consisting of PCS
digital switching and wireless network equipment, in exchange for a 50%
partnership interest. PCS ONE was formed for the purpose of providing PCS
wireless communications services and equipment to customers in the Lancaster,
Harrisburg, York/Hanover and Reading Basic Trading Areas.
On December 31, 1998, under the terms of the agreement, D&E contributed its
PCS licenses to PCS ONE for two Basic Trading Areas: the D-Block license in
Harrisburg and the E-Block license in York/Hanover, PA.
No gain or loss was recorded on the contribution of assets. Under the terms of
the agreement, the joint venture will operate for an initial period of 10 years,
with provisions for subsequent renewals.
7. Sale of Cellular Partnerships
In May 1998, D&E sold its 15% interest in Berks and Reading Area Cellular
Enterprises for $2,375. The proceeds from the sale of this investment generated
a gain of $1,659, or $1,062 net of income taxes.
In September 1997, D&E sold its 50% partnership interest in Lancaster Area
Cellular Enterprises and its 33% limited partnership interest in the
Pennsylvania RSA 12 Limited Partnership. The proceeds from the sale of
investments in cellular partnerships of $17,897 generated a gain of $11,971, or
$7,986 net of income taxes.
8. Investments in Affiliated Companies
Equity Investees
D&E owns a 33% investment in EuroTel, a domestic corporate joint venture.
EuroTel holds a 100% investment in PenneCom, B.V. (PenneCom), an international
telecommunications company that has investments in telecommunications companies
in Hungary and Poland. Prior to a reorganization that occurred in August 1998,
D&E owned a 17% direct investment in Monor Communications Group (MCG), a
domestic corporation. MCG held an investment of 89% of Monor Telephone Company
(MTT), a telecommunications company in Hungary. The purpose of the
reorganization was to combine EuroTel's international investments under one main
operating entity and to acquire additional financing. PenneCom holds a 100%
interest in Pilicka Telephone (PT) and a 45% interest in MTT. On December 31,
1998, MCG dissolved its operations.
The equity investments in EuroTel are subject to the risks of foreign currency
translation changes, which are included in the earnings results of PenneCom, MTT
and PT.
D&E owns a 50% equity investment in D&E SuperNet, Inc., a domestic corporate
joint venture that offers Internet access services and related equipment. D&E
SuperNet, Inc. was formed as a corporation on September 4, 1998, to acquire the
assets of D&E SuperNet(TM), a joint venture partnership. D&E acquired 100 shares
of common stock of D&E SuperNet, Inc., the newly formed corporation, in exchange
for its equity interest in D&E SuperNet(TM), the partnership. Under the terms of
the exchange agreement, all of the assets and liabilities of the partnership
were contributed to D&E SuperNet, Inc.
F - 12
On December 21, 1998, D&E entered into an agreement whereby D&E would sell its
shares in D&E SuperNet, Inc. in exchange for approximately $6,900 of cash and
OneMain.com, Inc. common stock. Approximately 50% of the proceeds would be paid
in cash and 50% in stock. Additionally, D&E would be given additional
consideration, contingent upon certain operational and earnings margin
requirements, which would be equal to 10% of the difference between the total
revenues of D&E SuperNet, Inc. for the 12 months ended June 30, 1999, and the
annualized revenues for the period from April 1, 1998 through June 30, 1998. At
the option of OneMain.com, Inc., the amount of the additional consideration
would be payable in either cash or stock. OneMain.com, Inc. was formed for the
purpose of acquiring Internet service providers in rural and secondary markets
to provide customers with Internet access services and equipment. The effective
date of the exchange would be concurrent with the consummation of an initial
public offering by OneMain.com, Inc. of its common stock, expected to occur in
the first half of 1999. However, there can be no assurance that the transaction
will be completed. D&E would account for the investment in OneMain.com, Inc.
under the cost method of accounting. Upon consummation of the agreement,
OneMain.com, Inc. would become the sole owner of D&E SuperNet, Inc.
D&E also owns a 50% partnership interest in PCS ONE (see Note 6).
D&E provides consulting and administrative services to its affiliated
companies. Amounts owed to D&E for services performed for EuroTel, PenneCom,
MCG, MTT and PT at December 31, 1998 and 1997, were $1,185 and $617,
respectively. These amounts represent either short-term or long-term accounts
receivable due from affiliates. The accounts receivable for PCS ONE at December
31, 1998 and 1997, for working capital provided and services performed totaled
$1,613 and $3,939, respectively. Amounts owed to D&E for services performed for
D&E SuperNet(TM) at December 31, 1998 and 1997, were $230 and $82, respectively.
In 1997, D&E loaned $4,555 to EuroTel under the terms of a financing agreement
for PT to develop and construct its telephone network and provide additional
working capital. The interest rate of the loan was 15%. In August 1998, D&E
converted the note receivable into an additional equity investment in EuroTel.
Summarized financial information for EuroTel, MCG, PCS ONE and other affiliates
is presented as follows:
EuroTel
1998 1997
---- ----
At December 31:
Current assets ......................... $ 1 $ 2,957
Noncurrent assets ...................... 28,074 13,316
Current liabilities .................... 21 15,548
Noncurrent liabilities ................. -- 2,542
Years ended December 31:
Net sales .............................. $ -- $ 12
Loss from joint venture ................ (8,330) --
Net loss ............................... (9,311) (1,725)
F - 13
MCG
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
At December 31:
Current assets ....................... $ -- $14,333 $ 5,106
Noncurrent assets .................... -- 50,236 60,451
Current liabilities .................. -- 4,638 7,140
Noncurrent liabilities ............... -- 53,645 39,015
Minority interest .................... -- 1,119 1,639
Years ended December 31:
Net sales ............................ $ 9,134 $14,403 $11,732
Loss on foreign currency translation.. (3,080) (4,647) (4,972)
Net loss ............................. (1,290) (9,633) (5,340)
PCS ONE
1998 1997
---- ----
At December 31:
Current assets ......................... $ 2,381 $ 8,179
Noncurrent assets ...................... 38,189 18,846
Current liabilities .................... 6,048 12,087
Noncurrent liabilities ................. 27,026 --
Years ended December 31:
Net sales .............................. $ 4,751 $ 174
Net loss ............................... (15,726) (1,979)
Other Affiliates
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
At December 31:
Current assets ................. $ 297 $ 94 $ 1,071
Noncurrent assets .............. 3,211 4,763 14,602
Current liabilities ............ 2,956 730 802
Years ended December 31:
Net sales ...................... $ 4,027 $ 1,748 $ 5,236
Income from joint venture ...... 708 1,982 3,856
Net income ..................... 879 2,013 4,692
F - 14
The summary of changes for D&E's investments in affiliates is as follows:
Investments in Affiliates
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Equity income (loss) ........ $(11,398) $ (1,661) $ 754
Investments ................. 10,094 8,625 1,690
Sale of investments ......... (716) (5,926) --
Distributions ............... -- (234) (1,052)
-------- -------- --------
Total activity .............. $ (2,020) $ 804 $ 1,392
======== ======== ========
9. Return of PCS License
On June 8, 1998, under the terms of the FCC Amnesty Option, D&E returned to
the FCC the full license spectrum for the Lancaster License. As a result, the
Lancaster License was retired at a cost of $21,417, and the related FCC note
payable of $11,879 was extinguished along with $1,178 of accrued interest. As a
result of the early retirement, D&E recorded an extraordinary loss of $7,901,
net of the related income tax benefit, or a loss of $1.07 per common share.
10. Notes Payable and Long-term Debt
Notes payable consist of amounts borrowed under unsecured lines of credit that
D&E has established with domestic banks. D&E had lines of credit totaling
$15,000 at December 31, 1998. These lines of credit are payable on demand and
provide D&E with the option to borrow at prevailing interest rates. At December
31, 1997, notes payable outstanding under the lines of credit totaled $6,000,
with an average weighted interest rate of 6.5%. There was no amount outstanding
under the lines of credit as of December 31, 1998.
In January 1998, D&E issued 1.3 million shares of D&E common stock in exchange
for $27,015 (see Note 13). D&E used $6,000 of the proceeds to repay short-term
debt. In recognition of this transaction, $6,000 of short-term debt has been
reclassified to long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of December
31, 1997.
Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:
1998 1997
---- ----
7.00% FCC Note ................................... $ -- $11,879
8.95% ESOP Note due 2001 ......................... 429 695
6.49% Senior Notes due 2004 ...................... 10,000 10,000
7.55% Senior Notes due 2007 ...................... 4,091 4,546
9.18% Senior Notes due 2021 ...................... 9,200 9,600
Other ............................................ -- 6,000
------- -------
23,720 42,720
Less current maturities .......................... 1,063 1,063
------- -------
Total long-term debt ............................. $22,657 $41,657
======= =======
F - 15
In July 1992, D&E borrowed $2,080 from a local bank to finance the purchase of
240,000 shares of D&E common stock for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the
ESOP Note). The loan is guaranteed by D&E as to principal and interest. Interest
is payable quarterly and principal payments of $208 are due annually through
December 15, 2000, with a final principal payment due by December 15, 2001.
In January 1994, D&E issued $10,000 of 6.49% Senior Notes to an insurance
company, due on January 14, 2004. Interest is payable semiannually with the
total principal balance due at maturity.
In February 1993, D&E issued $5,000 of 7.55% Senior Notes to an insurance
company, due on November 15, 2007. Interest is payable semiannually, with annual
principal payments of $455 commencing on November 15, 1997, and continuing for
11 years.
In November 1991, D&E issued $10,000 of 9.18% Senior Notes to an insurance
company, due on November 15, 2021. Interest is payable semiannually, with annual
principal payments of $400 commencing on November 15, 1997, and continuing for
25 years.
Under covenants contained in D&E Telephone Senior Note Agreements, the maximum
amount of D&E Telephone's consolidated debt balance should not exceed 50% of the
sum of consolidated debt plus consolidated tangible net worth. At December 31,
1998 and 1997, D&E was in compliance with the debt covenants.
Based on the borrowing rate currently available to D&E for bank loans, the fair
market value of long-term debt is $32,470.
Maturities of long-term debt for each year ending December 31, 1999 through
2003, are as follows:
Year Aggregate Amount
---- ----------------
1999 $1,063
2000 1,063
2001 868
2002 855
2003 855
11. Commitments
During 1998, PCS ONE entered into a loan agreement with Northern Telecom, Inc.
for $40,000, to obtain additional financing for the continued development of the
PCS network. In connection with this agreement, D&E is joint and severally
liable to contribute up to a total of $50,000 of equity to PCS ONE in the event
that PCS ONE is unable to meet its obligations as they come due. At December 31,
1998, D&E and its joint venture partner have contributed a total of $25,202 to
PCS ONE.
Under the terms of the PCS ONE limited partnership agreement, D&E agreed to
provide funding to PCS ONE for up to $1,000 per year provided that the total
accumulated funding does not exceed $5,000. D&E may be requested to lend amounts
above the $1,000 annually under the terms of the limited partnership agreement.
F - 16
12. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Current:
Federal ........................ $ (756) $6,780 $2,153
State .......................... 764 793 779
------ ------ ------
8 7,573 2,932
------ ------ ------
Deferred:
Federal ........................ 380 289 (188)
State .......................... 888 100 (77)
------ ------ ------
1,268 389 (265)
------ ------ ------
Total income taxes ............. $1,276 $7,962 $2,667
====== ====== ======
The effective income tax rate on consolidated pre-tax earnings differs from the
federal income tax statutory rate for the following reasons:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Federal statutory rate .......................... 34.0 % 34.0 % 34.0 %
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits.. (28.5) 1.3 6.7
Benefit of rate differential applied to temporary
differences .................................. 2.8 (0.4) (1.2)
Valuation allowance ............................. (45.8) 10.5 --
Prior-period tax ................................ (7.2) -- --
Other, net ...................................... (1.5) (0.1) 0.6
------ ----- -----
Effective income tax rate ....................... (46.2)% 45.3 % 40.1 %
====== ===== =====
Approximately $12,459 of state net operating loss carryforwards remained at
December 31, 1998. These carryforwards are due to the operations of D&E's
subsidiaries and will expire in the years 2007 and 2008. The benefit of these
carryforwards is dependent on the taxable income of these subsidiaries during
the carryforward period. A valuation allowance has been provided because
realization of tax carryforwards is not likely.
F - 17
The significant components of the net deferred income tax liability were as
follows at December 31:
1998 1997
---- ----
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation.................................... $ 7,693 $ 7,402
Other, net...................................... 179 170
------- -------
7,872 7,572
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits............................... (233) (702)
Net operating loss carryforwards................ (821) (125)
Equity in net loss of affiliates................ (3,340) (1,859)
------- --------
(4,394) (2,686)
Valuation allowance............................. 4,182 1,977
------- -------
Deferred income taxes........................... $ 7,660 $ 6,863
======= =======
D&E has increased its valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets related to
the equity loss of affiliates, as a result of estimates on the realizability of
loss carryforwards. The amount of the deferred tax asset could change if
estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are revised.
The valuation allowance at December 31, 1998 and 1997, amounted to $4,182 and
$1,977, respectively. During 1998, D&E's subsidiaries applied $79 of net
operating loss carryforwards to offset their state income tax liabilities.
13. Shareholders' Equity
On January 7, 1998, D&E issued 1.3 million shares of D&E common stock to a
subsidiary of Citizens Utilities Company (Citizens) in consideration for
$27,015. All such shares are unregistered but have certain registration rights.
Under the terms of the agreement, Citizens has certain restrictions relating to
future purchases or sales of D&E common stock. Additionally, in connection with
this agreement, D&E issued warrants to acquire 65,000 shares of common stock at
$20.78 per share. These warrants expire on January 7, 2003. None of these
warrants has been exercised.
On October 22, 1998, D&E's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
$2,000 of D&E common stock. The shares reacquired may be used for D&E's
incentive compensation programs, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Dividend
Reinvestment Plan and for other corporate purposes. As of December 31, 1998,
D&E had purchased 38,480 shares of treasury stock for a total cost of $439.
D&E has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), which provides eligible D&E
employees the opportunity to purchase shares of D&E common stock through payroll
deductions. There are 267,718 shares of common stock reserved for issuance
pursuant to the ESPP. The total number of shares purchased pursuant to the ESPP
during 1998 and 1997 was 8,721 and 6,763, respectively.
D&E offers a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (DRP) to its
shareholders. The DRP provides all shareholders of D&E common stock the
opportunity to purchase additional shares of common stock by: 1) reinvesting all
cash dividends paid on their shares of common stock; 2) making optional cash
purchases of common stock, up to a maximum amount per quarter, while continuing
to receive cash dividends; or 3) both reinvesting all cash dividends and making
such optional cash purchases.
F - 18
There are 222,527 shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the
DRP. The total number of shares purchased through the DRP during 1998 and 1997
was 23,483 and 19,242, respectively.
Shares for the ESPP and DRP may be purchased by participants at fair market
value, which is defined as the average of the highest and lowest per-share sale
prices as reported by the NASDAQ National Market on the day of the purchase. If
no shares were traded on the day of purchase, then the prices on the previous
day are used to compute the per-share price. D&E is listed on The NASDAQ Stock
Market as DECC.
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, D&E common stock of 2,951,545 and 2,983,765
shares, respectively, was held in a voting trust. Certain trustees of the voting
trust are officers of D&E.
14. Employee Benefit Plans
Employees' Retirement Plan
D&E's pension plan is a noncontributory defined benefit plan computed on an
actuarial basis covering all eligible employees. Pension benefits are based upon
length of service and the employee's compensation as the average of the highest
three consecutive years for the 10-year period prior to retirement. Accrued
benefits are vested after five years of participation in the plan. Assets of the
pension plan consist primarily of stocks and bonds.
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Assumptions of the Plan:
Discount rates used to determine projected benefit
obligation as of December 31.......................... 6.5 % 7.0 % 7.5 %
Expected long-term rates of return on assets........... 9.75% 9.75% 9.75%
Rates of increase in compensation levels............... 4.5 % 4.5 % 4.5 %
The following schedules reconcile the beginning and ending balances of the
pension benefit obligation and related plan assets.
1998 1997
---- ----
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year............. $18,919 $16,698
Service cost........................................ 666 498
Interest cost....................................... 1,311 1,252
Actuarial loss...................................... 1,774 1,694
Benefits paid....................................... (1,222) (1,223)
------- -------
Benefit obligation at end of year................... $21,448 $18,919
======= =======
F - 19
1998 1997
---- ----
Change in Plan Assets:
Fair value of assets at beginning of year................ $14,312 $12,910
Actual return on plan assets............................. 2,403 1,788
Employer contributions................................... 1,227 837
Benefits paid............................................ (1,222) (1,223)
------- -------
Fair value of assets at end of year...................... $16,720 $14,312
======= =======
1998 1997
---- ----
Recognition of Funded Status of the Plan:
Funded status at end of year............................. $(4,728) $(4,607)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss.......................... 2,744 2,528
Unrecognized prior service cost.......................... 277 332
Unrecognized net transition (asset) obligation........... -- (64)
Adjustment to recognize minimum liability................ -- (144)
------- ------
Net amount recognized at end of year..................... $(1,707) $(1,955)
======= ======
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
Service cost................................ $ 666 $ 498 $ 563
Interest cost............................... 1,311 1,252 1,078
Expected return on assets................... (1,101) (1,021) (1,212)
Amortization of:
Transition obligation (asset)............... (64) (64) (64)
Prior service cost.......................... 55 55 44
Actuarial loss.............................. 256 181 404
------- ------- -------
Benefit cost before item below............ 1,123 901 813
Special termination benefits................ -- -- 354
------- ------- -------
Total net periodic benefit cost............. $ 1,123 $ 901 $ 1,167
======= ======= =======
Voluntary Retirement Program
In October 1996, D&E offered a supplemental early retirement plan to certain
eligible salaried and hourly employees. Ten employees elected to participate in
this offer effective December 31, 1996. As a result, D&E recorded additional
operating expense of $354, with a per-share effect of $0.06, related to the
additional pension plan expense.
F - 20
Employees' 401(k) Savings Plan
D&E also has an employee savings plan available to all eligible employees
(Savings Plan). Participating employees may contribute a portion of their
compensation to the Savings Plan, and D&E makes matching contributions up to a
specified level. D&E may also make discretionary profit-sharing contributions.
D&E's contributions amounted to $215 in 1998, $168 in 1997 and $165 in 1996.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan
In July 1992, D&E established the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), covering
all eligible employees. Unallocated shares are held in a "suspense account" in
the ESOP's trust fund until allocated to participants' accounts. D&E makes
quarterly contributions to the ESOP, which, along with the dividends on
unallocated shares, are used to repay the ESOP Note. As principal payments on
the ESOP Note are made, unallocated shares held in the suspense account are
released and allocated among the participants' accounts. Participants have a
legal right to their allocated accounts upon vesting. Dividends on shares
allocated to participants' accounts are allocated to such accounts in the form
of stock released from the suspense account.
Both unallocated and allocated shares of the ESOP are considered outstanding for
purposes of calculating earnings per share. The ESOP Note is reflected as
long-term debt with a corresponding reduction in shareholders' equity for the
unearned ESOP compensation, which represents D&E's payment of future
compensation expenses. D&E's principal and interest payments on the ESOP Note,
offset by unallocated dividends, are reported as compensation and interest
expense. The common shares allocated are measured based on the fair market
value of the shares committed to be released. Dividends on the unallocated
shares held by the ESOP are charged to retained earnings.
Information related to the ESOP is summarized as follows:
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Compensation expense........................ $241 $224 $210
Interest expense............................ 56 74 89
Dividends on unallocated shares............. (31) (42) (53)
D&E shares held by the ESOP are summarized as follows at December 31:
1998 1997
---- ----
Unallocated.................................... 49,540 80,267
Allocated...................................... 177,850 148,553
F - 21
Postretirement Health Care Benefits
D&E provides certain basic health care benefits to eligible individuals who
retired between the period of December 31, 1972, and July 1, 1992. Those
benefits are provided by the Employee Benefit Plan Trust, a self-insured plan,
and by individual policies from an insurance company. Additionally, an insurance
company provides specific and aggregate stop-loss coverage, the costs of which
are based on benefits paid during the year.
Effective July 1992, retiree health care benefits were discontinued for active
employees in conjunction with the establishment of the ESOP benefit plan. As a
result, the annual accruals represent the estimated cost of health care benefits
for certain eligible retired employees determined on an actuarial basis. Those
costs amounted to $47 in 1998, $90 in 1997 and $94 in 1996.
15. Segment Reporting
In 1998, D&E adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" (SFAS
131). This statement changes the way public companies are required to report
financial and descriptive information about their operating segments. SFAS 131
defines operating segments as business components for which separate financial
information is available and regularly evaluated by management as a means for
assessing segment performance and allocating resources to those segments.
D&E's business units have been aggregated into four reportable segments: (i)
Telecommunication Services, (ii) Telephone & Data Services, (iii) Wireless
Services and (iv) International Communication Services. Telecommunication
Services is distinguished by services provided primarily in a regulated market
to all residences and businesses in a franchised geographic area. Its services
are generally delivered through traditional telephone systems, and its revenues
are earned primarily from a volume of usage and lease of facilities. Telephone &
Data Services is distinguished by services provided with minimal geographic and
regulatory restrictions. Customers include residential and business long
distance subscribers. Additionally, Telephone & Data Services customers include
businesses that purchase telephone or computer network systems, which can be a
one-time installation service as opposed to a monthly usage service. Wireless
Services is distinguished by its marketing methods, service delivery, customer
base and regulatory environment. The International Communications Services
segment records income from equity in earnings of affiliates that operate in
Europe under unique regulatory environments. For more information on significant
noncash items, see Note 3. Intersegment revenues are recorded at the same rates
charged to external customers.
F - 22
Financial results for D&E's four primary operating segments are as follows:
Tele- Telephone International Corporate,
communication & Data Wireless Communications Other and Total
(In thousands) Services Services Services Services Eliminations Company
- -------------- ------------- --------- -------- -------------- ------------ -------
1998
External customer revenues .............. $ 36,035 $ 12,459 $ 3,654 $ 681 $ 482 $ 53,311
Intersegment revenues ................... 1,174 431 -- -- (1,605) --
Depreciation and amortization ........... 8,410 690 17 -- 255 9,372
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates -- -- (7,821) (3,717) 140 (11,398)
Gain on sale of affiliates .............. -- -- -- -- 1,659 1,659
Net income (loss) ....................... 3,720 128 (5,800) (4,153) (6,150) (12,255)
Significant noncash items ............... -- -- 1,557 -- 13,057 14,614
Segment assets .......................... 94,139 6,452 7,038 5,723 (3,275) 110,077
Investment in equity method affiliates .. -- -- 4,534 4,536 233 9,303
Capital expenditures .................... 7,086 730 -- -- -- 7,816
1997
External customer revenues .............. $ 35,622 $ 12,311 $ 369 $ -- $ 182 $ 48,484
Intersegment revenues ................... 1,082 272 -- -- (1,354) --
Depreciation and amortization ........... 7,639 623 8 -- 196 8,466
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates -- -- (989) (1,968) 1,296 (1,661)
Gain on sale of affiliates .............. -- -- -- -- 11,971 11,971
Net income (loss) ....................... 4,551 868 (1,163) (3,300) 8,609 9,565
Significant noncash items ............... -- -- -- -- 11,879 11,879
Segment assets .......................... 99,705 6,966 11,733 7,430 (5,873) 119,961
Investment in equity method affiliates .. -- -- 7,469 6,977 1,244 15,690
Capital expenditures .................... 5,666 426 -- -- 16 6,108
1996
External customer revenues .............. $ 34,323 $ 9,946 $ -- $ -- $ 127 $ 44,396
Intersegment revenues ................... 907 290 -- -- (1,197) --
Depreciation and amortization ........... 7,199 449 -- -- 66 7,714
Equity in net income (loss) of affiliates -- -- -- (870) 1,624 754
Net income (loss) ....................... 3,646 214 -- (875) 925 3,910
Segment assets .......................... 85,155 7,532 -- 4,718 (5,849) 91,556
Investment in equity method affiliates .. -- -- -- 4,057 5,943 10,000
Capital expenditures .................... 6,038 330 -- -- (19) 6,349
F - 23
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of
D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint Venture, L.P.
In our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of
operations, of changes in partners' capital and of cash flows present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint
Venture, L.P. at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1998, and for the two-month
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles. 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 of these statements in
accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 26, 1999
F-24
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Balance Sheet
December 31, 1998 and 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
1998 1997
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 831,653 $ 4,165,143
Accounts receivable, net of reserve for bad debts
of $109,787 at December 31, 1998 547,092 71,620
Inventories 337,276 312,603
Prepaid expenses 334,177 19,266
----------- -----------
2,050,198 4,568,632
----------- -----------
Property, plant and equipment
In service 35,039,991 14,810,597
Under construction 5,536,065 4,229,424
----------- -----------
40,576,056 19,040,021
Less: Accumulated depreciation 3,908,319 202,231
----------- -----------
36,667,737 18,837,790
----------- -----------
Other assets
Unamortized debt issuance expense 206,367 --
Licenses 1,625,876 --
Other 19,852 8,073
----------- -----------
1,852,095 8,073
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 40,570,030 $ 23,414,495
============ ============
Liabilities and Partners' Capital
Current liabilities
Accounts payable $ 2,329,452 7,592,855
Accounts payable - Partners 2,972,586 4,167,954
Other accrued liabilities 729,569 367,424
Deferred revenue 69,627 --
Customer deposits 16,000 --
----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 6,117,234 12,128,233
----------- -----------
Long-term liabilities
Long term debt 26,554,020 --
Other accrued liabilities - affiliated companies 402,394 --
----------- -----------
Total long-term liabilities 26,956,414 --
----------- -----------
Commitments
Partners' capital
Capital contributions 25,201,510 16,875,634
Receivable from Partner -- (3,610,730)
Accumulated loss (17,705,128) (1,978,642)
----------- -----------
Total partners' capital 7,496,382 11,286,262
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $40,570,030 $23,414,495
=========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-25
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Statement of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and the Two-Month Period Ended
December 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997
---- ----
Operating Revenues
Communication service revenues and handset sales $ 5,207,717 $ 178,754
Less: Allowances and discounts (456,542) (5,018)
------------ ------------
Total net operating revenues 4,751,175 173,736
------------ ------------
Operating Expenses
Cost of communication service revenues
and handset sales 8,961,420 905,260
Depreciation and amortization 3,710,538 202,231
Selling, general and administrative services 7,352,056 1,045,861
------------ ------------
Total operating expenses 20,024,014 2,153,352
------------ ------------
Loss from operations (15,272,839) (1,979,616)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense (521,148) --
Interest income 67,501 974
------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) (453,647) 974
------------ ------------
Net loss $(15,726,486) $ (1,978,642)
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 26
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and the Two-Month Period Ended
December 31, 1997
Contributed Accumulated
capital loss Total
Initial capital contribution,
net of receivable
from Partner of $3,610,730 $ 9,109,904 $ -- $ 9,109,904
Capital contributions 4,155,000 4,155,000
Net loss (1,978,642) (1,978,642)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 13,264,904 (1,978,642) 11,286,262
Capital contributions 11,936,606 11,936,606
Net loss (15,726,486) (15,726,486)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 $ 25,201,510 $(17,705,128) $ 7,496,382
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 27
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended December 31, 1998 and the Two-Month Period Ended
December 31, 1997
1998 1997
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $(15,726,486) $(1,978,642)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 3,710,538 202,231
Reserve for bad debt 109,787 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivables (585,259) (71,620)
Inventories (24,673) (312,603)
Prepaid expenses (314,911) (19,266)
Accounts payable 56,502 5,619
Other accrued liabilities 249,644 367,424
Deferred revenue and customer deposits 85,627 --
Other (11,779) (28,834)
------------ -----------
Net cash used in operating activities (12,451,010) (1,835,691)
------------ -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of equipment (8,741,583) (2,322,120)
------------ -----------
Cash flow from financing activities:
Partners' contributions 10,310,730 4,155,000
Proceeds from long-term debt 8,435,213 --
Debt issuance costs (206,367) --
Amounts due to related parties (680,473) 4,167,954
------------ -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 17,859,103 8,322,954
------------ -----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (3,333,490) 4,165,143
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 4,165,143 --
------------ -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $ 831,653 $ 4,165,143
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 28
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
1. Nature of Business
On November 14, 1997, D&E Wireless, Inc. (D&E) and Omnipoint Venture
Partner I, L.L.C. (Omnipoint) and Omnipoint Holdings, Inc. (Omnipoint L.P.) (the
Partners) formed D&E/Omnipoint Wireless Joint Venture, L.P. doing business as
PCS ONE (the Company or the Partnership). The Company was formed for the purpose
of providing Personal Communications Services (PCS) and related equipment for
digital wireless voice and data communications in the south central Pennsylvania
communities of Lancaster, Harrisburg, York-Hanover and the Reading Basic Trading
Areas. The joint venture will operate for an initial period of 10 years, with
provisions for subsequent renewals.
The Partnership is comprised of general partners and limited partners. D&E
and Omnipoint's percentage interests as general partners are 1% and 49%,
respectively. D&E and Omnipoint L.P.'s percentage interests as limited Partners
are 49% and 1%, respectively.
Capital contributions
In accordance with the limited partnership agreement (the Agreement or the
Partnership Agreement), capital contributions by the Partners are required as
follows:
o Initial contributions: the Partners made initial cash and in-kind
contributions of equipment totaling $9,109,904. This amount is net of
a receivable from a Partner of $3,610,730 representing a capital
contribution outstanding at December 31, 1997. This amount was
received during March 1998. The Partners have contributed an
additional aggregate $14,465,730 in cash as of December 31, 1998.
o Additional property contributions: pursuant to an approval of the
Federal Communications Commission, one of the Partners assigned and
contributed two PCS licenses to the Company with a value of $1,625,876
for two Basic Trading Areas: the D-Block license in Harrisburg, PA and
the E-Block license in York-Hanover, PA. The Partnership recorded the
value of the licenses in accordance with provisions in the Agreement
which were based on the contributor's cost of such licenses.
Distributions and allocations
Net profits and losses are allocated to the Partners in the proportion of
their respective percentage ownership interests in the Partnership, as defined
by the Agreement. The amount of annual cash distributions, if any, is determined
by the Management Committee. For purposes of all distributions and allocations,
the respective Partners' percentage ownership interests are determined as
outlined in the Agreement.
Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that subject the Company to concentrations of credit
risk consist primarily of trade receivables; however, concentrations of credit
risk are limited due to the large number of relatively low revenue customers in
the Company customer base. The Company also maintains reserves for potential
credit losses and such losses have been within management expectations.
F - 29
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
2. Significant Accounting Policies:
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts or certain disclosures. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Revenue recognition
Usage and access charges are recorded as revenue based on the amount of
communications services rendered as measured principally by subscriber usage and
fees after deducting an estimate of certain allowances and discounts. Prepaid
revenues are deferred until earned. Revenue from the sale of handsets and
related accessories is recognized upon shipment or point-of-sale.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash on hand, cash in banks, and
cash investments with original maturities of three months or less when
purchased.
Inventory
Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost or market on the basis of
average cost or replacement value. Inventory consists primarily of handsets and
accessories. Consistent with industry practice, losses on sales of handsets and
accessories are recognized in the period in which sales are made as a cost of
acquiring subscribers.
Plant and equipment and depreciation
Plant and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated using the
straight-line method of depreciation over the estimated useful lives of 3 to 5
years for equipment and 6 to 12 years for network infrastructure. Depreciation
begins when the asset is placed into service. Depreciation as a percentage of
average depreciable plant in service amounted to 11% in 1998 and 1% in 1997.
Network infrastructure under construction consists of equipment that has not
been placed into service; accordingly no depreciation has been recorded. The
costs of maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense.
Advertising costs
The Company expenses production costs of print, radio and television
advertisements and other advertising costs as such costs are incurred.
Advertising expenses included in operating expenses were $2,076,908 in 1998 and
$299,924 in 1997.
License costs and deferred financing costs
In accordance with the Partnership Agreement and after obtaining the
approval by the Federal Communications Commission, one of the Partners assigned
and contributed to the Partnership on December 30, 1998, its interest in PCS
broadband licenses for two Basic Trading Areas: the D-Block license in
Harrisburg, PA and the E-Block license in York-Hanover, PA.
License costs are accounted for in accordance with industry practices and
amortized over a period of 40 years. Since the licenses were transferred to the
Company on December 30, 1998, no amortization expense was recorded in 1998 and
1997 for PCS license fees.
F - 30
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
Deferred financing costs are amortized over the life of the related
financing agreement.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Based upon the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of," the Company reviews assets and certain intangibles
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. A determination of
impairment is made based on estimates of future cash flows. Management has
determined there has been no impairment to the carrying values of such assets in
1998 and 1997.
Capitalized interest
The cost of funds used to finance construction projects is capitalized as
part of the construction costs. Interest costs related to construction projects
are reflected as a cost of the assets and reduction of interest expense.
Interest costs capitalized on assets were $478,712 in 1998 and $75,072 in 1997.
Income tax
Federal and state income taxes are payable by the individual Partners;
therefore, no provision or liability for income taxes is reflected in the
financial statements. For income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss
deduction or credit entering into the computation of the Partnership's taxable
income shall be allocated in the same proportion as profits and losses are
allocated between the Partners.
Fair value of financial instruments
Financial instruments subject to fair value disclosure requirements are
carried in the financial statements at amounts that approximate fair value.
3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
1998 1997
Cash paid for interest $ 454,762 $ --
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Fixed assets funded by financing agreement $10,531,571 $ --
Licenses contributed by D&E 1,625,876 --
Fixed assets contributed by Partners -- 9,109,904
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable 2,262,881 7,587,236
F - 31
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
4. Inventory:
Inventory consists of the following for December 31, 1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
Handsets $283,199 $240,563
Accessories 54,077 69,840
Other -- 2,200
-------- --------
$337,276 $312,603
======== ========
5. Prepaid Expenses
Prepaid expenses and other assets consist of the following at December 31,
1998 and 1997:
1998 1997
Prepaid rent $137,877 $ --
Insurance 10,596 --
Vendor credits 155,285 --
Other 30,419 19,266
-------- --------
$334,177 $ 19,266
======== ========
6. Plant and Equipment
Plant and equipment at December 31, 1998 and 1997 comprise the following:
1998 1997
Network infrastructure $34,068,579 $14,171,185
Machinery, office and computer
equipment 280,435 214,211
Improvements to leased properties 613,612 351,117
Motor vehicles 77,365 74,084
Under construction 5,536,065 4,229,424
----------- -----------
40,576,056 19,040,021
Less: Accumulated depreciation 3,908,319 202,231
----------- -----------
Plant and equipment, net $36,667,737 $18,837,790
=========== ===========
F - 32
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
7. Long term Debt
In September 1998, the Company entered into a $40 million financing
agreement with a vendor (the Vendor) to finance purchases and installations of
telecommunications equipment, engineering services, certain related construction
costs, third-party equipment and other expenses. Advances exercised by PCS ONE
at December 31, 1998 amounted to $26,554,020. On December 30, 1998, the Vendor
entered into an assignment and acceptance agreement with two unrelated parties
(the Unrelated Parties) in which the Unrelated Parties acquired and assumed all
rights over the advances made to PCS ONE, and all of the Vendor's outstanding
and committed advances under the financing agreement.
The principal amount is payable in quarterly installments beginning June
30, 2001. Interest on the unpaid principal balance on all loans is payable
quarterly in arrears at varying rates, at a base rate or LIBOR plus a margin, at
the option of the Partnership.
Interest accrued as of December 31, 1998 was $83,605. The Company is
subject to certain financial and operational covenants including restrictions on
the payment of distributions to the Partners, restrictions on additional
indebtedness and attaining certain financial performance measurements. The
Partnership was in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 1998.
Maturities of long-term debt for each year ending December 31, 1999 through
2003, are as follows:
1999 $ --
2000 --
2001 2,987,327
2002 3,983,103
2003 4,978,879
8. Commitments and Contingencies:
As part of the financing agreement discussed in Note 7, the Company has a
commitment to purchase equipment from the Vendor aggregating to $10 million by
December 31, 1999 with no less than $6 million of such purchases being completed
by December 31, 1998. As of December 31, 1998 the Company had purchased
equipment from the Vendor totaling approximately $7.9 million.
F - 33
D&E/Omnipoint Joint Venture, L.P.
Notes to Financial Statements
December 31, 1998 and 1997
The Company has entered into certain noncancelable operating leases for its
offices and retail locations. Future minimum rentals under these noncancelable
operating leases as of December 31, 1998 are as follows:
1999 $ 255,849
2000 261,666
2001 269,215
2002 276,167
2003 155,737
Thereafter 300,996
----------
Total minimum rentals $1,519,630
==========
Total rental expense for the year ended December 31, 1998 and the two-month
period ended December 31, 1997 was $1,284,795 and $220,396, respectively.
9. Partners' Equity
Under the terms of the Partnership Agreement, the Management Committee may
require each general partner to advance up to $1 million per year to the
Partnership in the form of loans, and to contribute additional capital to the
company in proportion to their respective interest in the Partnership.
The company received initial contributions from D&E and Omnipoint of
$9,109,904 and additional contributions in 1997 and 1998 of $4,155,000 and
$11,936,606, respectively.
10. Related Parties Transactions
As part of the Partnership Agreement, the Company entered into separate
service agreements with the Partners covering services such as engineering,
accounting and financing, human resources, marketing and public relations,
billing, interconnection and telecommunications. Costs incurred under such
agreements during 1998 and 1997 amounted to $4,190,077 and $492,743,
respectively.
Additionally, the Partnership purchases from one of the Partners handsets
and accessories, at the Partner's cost, to be used in the performance of the
Partnership's business. Purchases of handsets and accessories during 1998 and
1997 amounted to $4,263,775 and $772,873, respectively.
F - 34