UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number: 0-16718
Northland Cable Properties Seven Limited Partnership
Washington | 91-1366564 | |
(State of Organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
101 Stewart Street, Seattle, Washington | 98065 | |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | (Zip Code) |
(206) 621-1351
N/A
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 subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x No o
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes o No x
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash |
$ | 770,640 | $ | 758,694 | ||||
Accounts receivable |
373,531 | 450,978 | ||||||
Due from affiliates |
117,525 | 67,242 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
184,443 | 107,780 | ||||||
System sale receivable |
411,600 | 1,120,494 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $16,239,045 and $15,210,270,
respectively |
11,029,259 | 11,377,870 | ||||||
Franchise agreements, net of accumulated
amortization of $10,321,249 |
9,607,185 | 9,607,185 | ||||||
Loan fees and other intangibles, net of accumulated
amortization of $785,047 and $714,987, respectively |
654,028 | 720,436 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 23,148,211 | $ | 24,210,679 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 1,155,123 | $ | 1,198,834 | ||||
Due to Managing General Partner and affiliates |
63,996 | 51,793 | ||||||
Deposits |
20,157 | 18,210 | ||||||
Subscriber prepayments |
381,394 | 358,129 | ||||||
Notes payable |
19,887,500 | 21,500,000 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
21,508,170 | 23,126,966 | ||||||
Partners capital: |
||||||||
General Partners: |
||||||||
Contributed capital, net |
(25,367 | ) | (25,367 | ) | ||||
Accumulated deficit |
(170,701 | ) | (176,264 | ) | ||||
(196,068 | ) | (201,631 | ) | |||||
Limited Partners: |
||||||||
Contributed capital, net |
18,735,576 | 18,735,576 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(16,899,467 | ) | (17,450,232 | ) | ||||
1,836,109 | 1,285,344 | |||||||
Total partners capital |
1,640,041 | 1,083,713 | ||||||
Total liabilities and partners capital |
$ | 23,148,211 | $ | 24,210,679 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the three months ended June 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Service revenues |
$ | 3,528,680 | $ | 3,547,096 | ||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Cable system operations (including
$24,204 and $35,404 to affiliates in
2004 and 2003, respectively), excluding
depreciation and amortization shown below |
279,702 | 279,647 | ||||||
General and administrative (including
$337,112 and $362,403 to affiliates
in 2004 and 2003, respectively) |
884,064 | 868,484 | ||||||
Programming (including $0 and
$9,556 to affiliates in 2004 and 2003,
respectively) |
1,179,389 | 1,204,198 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
549,687 | 536,324 | ||||||
Loss on disposal of assets |
4,757 | 2,437 | ||||||
2,897,599 | 2,891,090 | |||||||
Income from operations |
631,080 | 656,006 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees |
(330,698 | ) | (400,360 | ) | ||||
Interest income and other, net |
(274 | ) | 446 | |||||
(330,972 | ) | (399,914 | ) | |||||
Net income |
300,109 | 256,092 | ||||||
Allocation of net income: |
||||||||
General Partners |
$ | 3,001 | $ | 2,561 | ||||
Limited Partners |
$ | 297,108 | $ | 253,531 | ||||
Net income per limited partnership unit: |
||||||||
(49,656 units) |
$ | 6 | $ | 5 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the six months ended June 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Service revenues |
$ | 7,032,533 | $ | 7,000,958 | ||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Cable system operations (including
$49,796 and $72,616 to affiliates in
2004 and 2003, respectively), excluding
depreciation and amortization shown below |
569,089 | 540,477 | ||||||
General and administrative (including
$666,415 and $726,884 to affiliates
in 2004 and 2003, respectively) |
1,759,462 | 1,660,282 | ||||||
Programming (including $1,988 and
$18,923 to affiliates in 2004 and 2003,
respectively) |
2,374,147 | 2,404,409 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,094,873 | 1,072,048 | ||||||
Loss on disposal of assets |
9,804 | 16,732 | ||||||
5,807,375 | 5,693,948 | |||||||
Income from operations |
1,225,158 | 1,307,010 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest expense and loan fees |
(672,354 | ) | (834,755 | ) | ||||
Interest income and other, net |
3,524 | 1,223 | ||||||
(668,830 | ) | (833,532 | ) | |||||
Income from continuing operations |
$ | 556,328 | $ | 473,478 | ||||
Discontinued operations (Note 3) |
||||||||
Income from operations of Washington
systems, net (including gain on sale of systems
of $14,113,294 in 2003) |
| 13,764,954 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 556,328 | $ | 14,238,432 | ||||
Allocation of net income: |
||||||||
General Partners |
$ | 5,563 | $ | 142,384 | ||||
Limited Partners |
$ | 550,765 | $ | 14,096,048 | ||||
Income from continuing operations per limited
partnership unit (49,656 units): |
$ | 11 | $ | 10 | ||||
Income from discontinued operations per limited
partnership unit (49,656 units): |
$ | | $ | 277 | ||||
Net income per limited partnership unit: |
||||||||
(49,656 units) |
$ | 11 | $ | 287 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the six months ended June 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 556,328 | $ | 14,238,432 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,094,873 | 1,255,978 | ||||||
Loan fee amortization |
70,060 | 401,705 | ||||||
Loss (gain) on sale of assets |
9,803 | (14,096,562 | ) | |||||
Other |
13,237 | | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in operating assets: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
77,447 | (72,753 | ) | |||||
Due from affiliates |
(50,283 | ) | 30,626 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
(76,663 | ) | (140,094 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
(43,711 | ) | (1,006,798 | ) | ||||
Due to Managing General Partner and affiliates |
12,203 | 43,459 | ||||||
Deposits |
1,947 | 2,450 | ||||||
Subscriber prepayments |
23,265 | 13,936 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
1,688,506 | 670,379 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(770,302 | ) | (466,852 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of systems |
708,894 | 19,281,427 | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets |
1,000 | | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(60,408 | ) | 18,814,575 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings |
(1,612,500 | ) | (19,730,719 | ) | ||||
Loan fees |
(3,652 | ) | (317,891 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,616,152 | ) | (20,048,610 | ) | ||||
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH |
11,946 | (563,656 | ) | |||||
CASH, beginning of period |
758,694 | 677,536 | ||||||
CASH, end of period |
$ | 770,640 | $ | 113,880 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | 644,550 | $ | 1,040,649 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Basis of Presentation
These unaudited financial statements are prepared in conformity with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X regarding interim financial statement disclosure and do not contain all of the necessary footnote disclosures required for a full presentation of the balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. However, in the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Partnerships financial position at June 30, 2004, its statements of operations for the six and three months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, and its statements of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003. Results of operations for these periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.
On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its cable systems in and around Sequim and Camano Island, Washington (the Washington Systems), which served approximately 10,300 subscribers. This filing and the accompanying financial statements present the results of operations and the sale of the Washington Systems as discontinued operations.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
(2) Intangible Assets
In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the Partnership does not amortize goodwill or any other intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchise agreements meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
Loan fees are being amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest rate method. Future amortization of loan fees is expected to be approximately as follows:
2004 (6 months) |
$ | 73,000 | ||
2005 |
140,000 | |||
2006 |
140,000 | |||
2007 |
139,000 | |||
2008 |
139,000 | |||
Thereafter |
23,000 | |||
$ | 654,000 | |||
(3) System Sales
On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its Washington Systems. The Washington Systems were sold at a price of approximately $20,340,000 of which the Partnership received approximately $19,280,000 at closing. Substantially all of the net proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Partnerships credit agreement. The sales price was adjusted at closing for the proration of certain revenues and expenses and approximately $1,060,000 was to be held in escrow and released to the Partnership one year from the closing of the transaction, subject to general representations and warranties. In March of 2004, the Partnership received notice from the buyer of the Washington Systems of certain claims, which were made under the holdback agreement provisions of the purchase and sale agreement. Management believes that such claims are unsubstantiated and intends to vigorously contest such claims. However, $411,600 of the original escrow proceeds will remain in escrow until such claims are resolved. The Partnership has filed a lawsuit against the buyer of the Washington Systems for recovery of the remaining escrow proceeds and unspecified damages. The escrow proceeds in excess of the claims were released to the Partnership in March of 2004.
The revenue, expenses and other items attributable to the operations of the Washington Systems for the period from January 1, 2003 to March 11, 2003 (the date of the sale of the Washington Systems) have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations, and include the following:
For the six months ended | ||||
June 30, 2003 |
||||
Service revenues |
$ | 1,129,917 | ||
Expenses (income): |
||||
Operating (including $13,642, net paid to affiliates) |
143,762 | |||
General and administrative (including $144,476, net paid to affiliates) |
270,781 | |||
Programming (including $32,896, net paid to affiliates) |
388,367 | |||
Depreciation and amortization |
183,930 | |||
Gain on sale
of systems |
(14,113,294 | ) | ||
Total operating expenses (income), net |
(13,126,454 | ) | ||
Income from operations |
14,256,371 | |||
Other expense: |
||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees |
(491,417 | ) | ||
Income from operations of Washington Systems |
$ | 13,764,954 | ||
In accordance with EITF 87-24, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations, the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnerships credit facility and approximately $18,713,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the credit facility as a result of the sale of the Washington Systems.
(4) Notes Payable
On November 6, 2003, the Partnership refinanced its existing credit facility (the Refinanced Credit Facility). The Refinanced Credit Facility establishes a term loan in the amount of $21,500,000, the proceeds of which were used to repay the Partnerships existing credit facilities, to provide working capital and for other general purposes. The Refinanced Credit Facility matures on March 31, 2009 and requires the Partnership to make quarterly principal payments beginning March 31, 2004. Remaining annual maturities of the Refinanced Credit Facility are as follows:
Principal | ||||
Payments |
||||
2004 (6 months) |
$ | 1,612,500 | ||
2005 |
3,440,000 | |||
2006 |
3,655,000 | |||
2007 |
4,515,000 | |||
2008 |
5,375,000 | |||
2009 |
1,290,000 | |||
Total |
$ | 19,887,500 | ||
The interest rate per annum applicable to the Refinanced Credit Facility is a fluctuating rate of interest measured by reference to either: (i) the U.S. dollar prime commercial lending rate announced by the lender (Base Rate), plus a borrowing margin; or (ii) the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), plus a borrowing margin. The applicable borrowing margins vary, based on the Partnerships leverage ratio, from 2.75% to 3.50% for Base Rate loans and from 3.75% to 4.50% for LIBOR loans.
The Refinanced Credit Facility contains a number of covenants, which among other things, require the Partnership to comply with specified financial ratios, including maintenance, as tested on a quarterly basis, of: (A) a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (the ratio of Funded Debt to Annualized EBITDA (as defined)) of not more than 4.75 to 1.00 initially, decreasing over time to 3.50 to 1.00; (B) a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (the ratio of Annualized EBITDA (as defined) to aggregate Interest Expense for the immediately preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 initially, increasing over time to 3.50 to 1.00; (C) a Minimum Total Debt Service Coverage Ratio (the ratio of Annualized EBITDA (as defined) to the Partnerships debt service obligations for the following twelve months) of not less than 1.00 to 1.00 initially, increasing over time to 1.10 to 1.00; and (D) Maximum Capital Expenditures of not more than $2,500,000 in each fiscal year. As of June 30, 2004, the Partnership was in compliance with these covenants required by the Refinanced Credit Facility.
In addition, in the event the Partnership prepays the Refinanced Credit Facility in excess of $5,375,000 prior to the third anniversary of the closing of the refinancing transaction, the Partnership would be required to pay a Prepayment Fee to the lender, as defined by the terms of the Refinanced Credit Facility.
As of June 30, 2004, the Refinanced Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $19,887,500, and applicable interest rates are as follows; $16,500,000 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 5.68% and $3,387,500 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.09%. These interest rates expire during the third quarter of 2004, at which time, new rates will be established. These rates also include a margin to be paid to the Partnerships lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnerships leverage fluctuates.
PART I (continued)
ITEM 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations
Results of Continuing Operations Six Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Revenues from continuing operations totaled $7,032,533 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing a slight increase over the same period in 2003. Of these revenues, $4,905,967 (70%) was derived from basic services, $465,461 (7%) from premium services, $798,886 (11%) from expanded basic services, $84,021 (1%) from digital services, $393,644 (6%) from advertising, $32,969 from high-speed Internet services, $124,930 (2%) from late fees, and $226,655 (3%) from other sources. This slight increase in revenues is attributable to rate increases implemented throughout the Partnerships systems during the first quarter of 2004, and increased revenue from the Partnerships high-speed Internet product offering, offset by decreased premium and advertising revenue.
Cable system operating expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $569,089 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $28,612 or approximately 5% over the same period in 2003. Such increase is primarily attributable to increased operating salaries and employee benefit costs and increased pole and site rental costs, offset by decreased regional management costs.
General and administrative expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $1,759,462 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of $99,180 or approximately 6% over the same period in 2003. This increase is primarily attributable to increases in salary and employee benefit costs, increased franchise fees related to certain of the Partnerships systems and increased administrative overhead costs.
Programming expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $2,374,147 for the six months ended June 30, 2004, representing a slight decrease from the same period in 2003. Such decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in premium programming costs, which is a result of decreased subscribers receiving this level of service, and decreased advertising costs, offset by an increase in the costs associated with the Partnerships high-speed Internet product.
Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2004 increased slightly over the same period in 2003. Such increase is primarily attributable to depreciation of recent purchases related to the upgrade of plant and equipment, offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees allocated to continuing operations decreased approximately $162,401, or 19% from $834,755 to $672,354 for the six months ended June 30, 2004. This decrease is attributable to lower average outstanding indebtedness as a result of required principal repayments and lower interest rates during 2004 as compared to 2003.
In accordance with EITF 87-24, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations, the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnerships credit facility and approximately $18,713,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the credit facility as a result of the sale of the Washington Systems.
Results of Continuing Operations Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003
Revenues from continuing operations totaled $3,528,680 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, representing a slight decrease over the same period in 2003. Of these revenues, $2,463,693 (70%) was derived from basic services, $231,143 (7%) from premium services, $404,626 (11%) from expanded basic services, $40,556 (1%) from digital services, $195,670 (6%) from advertising, $21,887 from high-speed Internet services, $63,890 (2%) from late fees, and $106,915 (3%) from other sources. This slight decrease in revenues is attributable to decreased premium and advertising revenue, offset by rate increases implemented throughout the Partnerships systems during the first quarter of 2004, and increased revenue from the Partnerships high-speed Internet product offering.
Cable system operating expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $279,702 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2003. This is primarily attributable to increased operating salaries and employee benefit costs and increased pole and site rental costs, offset by a decrease in regional management costs.
General and administrative expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $884,064 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, remaining relatively constant with the same period in 2003. This is primarily attributable to increases in salary and employee benefit costs, increased franchise fees related to certain of the Partnerships systems and increased administrative overhead costs, offset by decreased bad debt expenses, marketing costs and billing expenses.
Programming expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $1,179,390 for the three months ended June 30, 2004, representing a decrease of $24,809, or approximately 2% over the same period in 2003. Such decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in premium programming costs, which is a result of decreased subscribers receiving this level of service, and decreased advertising costs, offset by an increase in the costs associated with the Partnerships high-speed Internet product.
Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2004 increased slightly over the same period in 2003. Such increase is primarily attributable to depreciation of recent purchases related to the upgrade of plant and equipment, offset by certain assets becoming fully depreciated.
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees allocated to continuing operations decreased $69,661, or 17% from $400,360 to $330,699 for the three months ended June 30, 2004. This decrease is attributable to lower average outstanding indebtedness as a result of required principal repayments and lower interest rates during 2004 as compared to 2003.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Partnerships primary source of liquidity is cash flow provided by operations. The Partnership generates cash through the monthly billing of subscribers for cable services. Losses from uncollectible accounts have not been material. Based on managements analysis, the Partnerships cash flow from operations and cash on hand will be sufficient to cover future operating costs, debt service, planned capital expenditures and working capital needs over the next twelve-month period.
Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $1,688,506 for the six months ended June 30, 2004. Adjustments to the $556,328 net income for the period to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $1,094,873 and loan fee amortization of $70,060, offset by increases in operating assets of $49,499 and decreases in operating liabilities of $6,296.
Net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale of the Washington Systems of $708,894, offset by $770,302 in capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30 2004.
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended June 30, 2004, consisted of $1,612,500 in scheduled principal payments on long-term debt, and additional loan fee payments of $3,652 related to the refinance transaction, which occurred during the fourth quarter of 2003.
Notes Payable
On November 6, 2003, the Partnership refinanced its existing credit facility (the Refinanced Credit Facility). The Refinanced Credit Facility establishes a term loan in the amount of $21,500,000, the proceeds from which were used to repay the Partnerships existing credit facilities, to provide working capital and for other general purposes. The Refinanced Credit Facility matures on March 31, 2009 and requires the Partnership to make quarterly principal payments beginning March 31, 2004. Remaining annual maturities of the Refinanced Credit Facility are as follows:
Principal | ||||
Payments |
||||
2004 (9 months) |
$ | 1,612,500 | ||
2005 |
3,440,000 | |||
2006 |
3,655,000 | |||
2007 |
4,515,000 | |||
2008 |
5,375,000 | |||
2009 |
1,290,000 | |||
Total |
$ | 19,887,500 | ||
The interest rate per annum applicable to the Refinanced Credit Facility is a fluctuating rate of interest measured by reference to either: (i) the U.S. dollar prime commercial lending rate announced by the lender (Base Rate), plus a borrowing margin; or (ii) the London interbank offered rate (LIBOR), plus a borrowing margin. The applicable borrowing margins vary, based on the Partnerships leverage ratio, from 2.75% to 3.50% for Base Rate loans and from 3.75% to 4.50% for LIBOR loans.
The Refinanced Credit Facility contains a number of covenants, which among other things, require the Partnership to comply with specified financial ratios, including maintenance, as tested on a quarterly basis, of: (A) a Maximum Total Leverage Ratio (the ratio of Funded Debt to Annualized EBITDA (as defined)) of not more than 4.75 to 1.00 initially, decreasing over time to 3.50 to 1.00; (B) a Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (the ratio of Annualized EBITDA (as defined) to aggregate Interest Expense for the immediately preceding four consecutive fiscal quarters) of not less than 2.50 to 1.00 initially, increasing over time to 3.50 to 1.00; (C) a Minimum Total Debt Service Coverage Ratio (the ratio of Annualized EBITDA (as defined) to the Partnerships debt service obligations for the following twelve months) of not less than 1.00 to 1.00 initially, increasing over time to 1.10 to 1.00; and (D) Maximum Capital Expenditures of not more than $2,500,000 in each fiscal year. As of June 30, 2004, the Partnership was in compliance with these covenants required by the Refinanced Credit Facility.
In addition, in the event the Partnership prepays the Refinanced Credit Facility in excess of $5,375,000 prior to the third anniversary of the closing of the refinancing transaction, the Partnership would be required to pay a Prepayment Fee to the lender, as defined by the terms of the Refinanced Credit Facility.
As of June 30, 2004, the Refinanced Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $19,887,500, and applicable interest rates are as follows; $16,500,000 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 5.68% and $3,387,500 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.09%. These interest rates expire during the third quarter of 2004, at which time, new rates will be established. These rates also include a margin to be paid to the Partnerships lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnerships leverage fluctuates.
System Sale
On March 11, 2003, the Partnership sold the operating assets and franchise rights of its Washington Systems. The Washington Systems were sold at a price of approximately $20,340,000 of which the Partnership received approximately $19,280,000 at closing. Substantially all of the net proceeds were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Partnerships credit agreement. The sales price was adjusted at closing for the proration of certain revenues and expenses and approximately $1,060,000 was to be held in escrow and released to the Partnership one year from the closing of the transaction, subject to general representations and warranties. In March of 2004, the Partnership received notice from the buyer of the Washington Systems of certain claims, which were made under the holdback agreement provisions of the purchase and sale agreement. Management believes that such claims are unsubstantiated and intends to vigorously contest such claims. However, approximately $411,600 of the original escrow proceeds will remain in escrow until such claims are resolved. The Partnership has filed a lawsuit against the buyer of the Washington Systems for recovery of the remaining escrow proceeds and unspecified damages. The escrow proceeds in excess of the claims were released to the Partnership in March of 2004.
The sale was made pursuant to an offer by Wave Division Networks, LLC, which was formalized in a Purchase and Sale Agreement dated October 28, 2002. Based on the offer made by Wave Division Networks, LLC, management determined that acceptance would be in the best economic interest of the Partnership, and that the sale was not a result of declining or deteriorating operations nor was it necessary to create liquidity or reduce outstanding debt. It is the opinion of management that the Partnership could have continued existing operations and met all obligations as they became due.
The revenue, expenses and other items attributable to the operations of the Washington Systems for the period from January 1, 2003 to March 11, 2003 (the date of the sale of the Washington Systems) have been reported as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of operations, and include the following:
For the six months ended | ||||
June 30, 2003 |
||||
Service revenues |
$ | 1,129,917 | ||
Expenses (income): |
||||
Operating (including $13,642, net paid to affiliates) |
143,762 | |||
General and administrative (including $144,476, net paid to affiliates) |
270,781 | |||
Programming (including $32,896, net paid to affiliates) |
388,367 | |||
Depreciation and amortization |
183,930 | |||
Gain on sale
of systems |
(14,113,294 | ) | ||
Total operating expenses (income), net |
(13,126,454 | ) | ||
Income from operations |
14,256,371 | |||
Other expense: |
||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees |
(491,417 | ) | ||
Income from operations of Washington Systems |
13,764,954 | |||
In accordance with EITF 87-24, Allocation of Interest to Discontinued Operations, the Partnership allocated interest expense to discontinued operations using the historic weighted average interest rate applicable to the Partnerships credit facility and approximately $18,713,000 in principal payments, which were applied to the credit facility as a result of the sale of the Washington Systems.
Obligations and Commitments
In addition to working capital needs for ongoing operations, the Partnership has capital requirements for (i) annual maturities related to the Refinanced Credit Facility and (ii) required minimum operating lease payments. The following table summarizes the Partnerships contractual obligations as of June 30, 2004, and the anticipated effect of these obligations on the Partnerships liquidity for the remainder of 2004 and in future years:
Payments Due By Period |
||||||||||||||||||||
Less than 1 | 1 3 | 3 5 | More than | |||||||||||||||||
Total |
year |
years |
years |
5 years |
||||||||||||||||
Notes payable |
$ | 19,887,500 | $ | 3,332,500 | $ | 7,632,500 | $ | 8,922,500 | $ | | ||||||||||
Minimum operating lease payments |
58,506 | 19,056 | 39,450 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 19,946,006 | $ | 3,351,556 | $ | 7,671,950 | $ | 8,922,500 | $ | | ||||||||||
(a) | These contractual obligations do not include accounts payable and accrued liabilities, which are expected to be paid in 2004. | |||
(b) | The Partnership also rents utility poles in its operations. Amounts due under these agreements are not included in the above minimum operating lease payments amounts as, generally, pole rentals are cancelable on short notice. The Partnership does however anticipate that such rentals will recur. |
Capital Expenditures
During the first six months of 2004, the Partnership incurred approximately $770,000 in capital expenditures. These expenditures included the initial phases of two-way plant upgrades in Bay City and Brenham, Texas, which will allow high-speed Internet services to be launched in these systems. In addition, maintenance of existing plant equipment for all systems, including cable line drops, is an ongoing expenditure.
The Company plans to invest approximately $725,000 in capital expenditures during the remainder of 2004. Planned expenditures include the continuation of distribution plant upgrades in Toccoa, Georgia, potential line extension opportunities and deployment of high-speed Internet services in Bay City and Brenham, Texas and Toccoa and Vidalia, Georgia.
Solicitation of Interest From Potential Purchasers
The Managing General Partner has been working with a nationally recognized brokerage firm to solicit interest from potential buyers for the Partnerships cable systems. In September 2003, the broker contacted numerous potential purchasers and solicited their respective expressions of interest. In May 2004, as anticipated, the Partnership received several offers from interested purchasers. The Partnership is now working to negotiate purchase and sale agreements and hopes to complete this process during the third quarter of 2004, however no assurances can be given as to the likelihood that any sale or sales will ultimately be consummated.
Critical Accounting Policies
This discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based on the Partnerships financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following critical accounting policies, which have been chosen among alternatives, require a more significant amount of management judgment than other accounting policies the Partnership employs.
Revenue Recognition - Cable television service revenue, including service and maintenance, is recognized in the month service is provided to customers. Advance payments on cable services to be rendered are recorded as subscriber prepayments. Revenues resulting from the sale of local spot advertising are recognized when the related advertisements or commercials appear before the public.
Property and Equipment - Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Costs of additions and substantial improvements, which include materials, labor, and other indirect costs associated with the construction of cable transmission and distribution facilities, are capitalized. Indirect costs include employee salaries and benefits, travel and other costs. These costs are estimated based on historical information and analysis. The Partnership periodically performs evaluations of these estimates as warranted by events or changes in circumstances.
In accordance with SFAS No. 51, Financial Reporting by Cable Television Companies, the Partnership also capitalizes costs associated with initial customer installations. The costs of disconnecting service or reconnecting service to previously installed locations is expensed in the period incurred. Costs for repairs and maintenance are also charged to operating expense, while equipment replacements, including the replacement of drops, are capitalized.
Intangible Assets - In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, the Partnership does not amortize goodwill or any other intangible assets determined to have indefinite lives. The Partnership has determined that its franchise agreements meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
Management believes the franchise agreements have indefinite lives because the franchise agreements are expected to be used by the Partnership for the foreseeable future and effects of obsolescence, competition and other factors are minimal. In addition, the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the future cash flows expected from the franchise agreements are not material in relation to the carrying value of the franchise agreements. While the franchise agreements have defined lives based on the franchising authority, renewals are routinely granted, and management expects them to continue to be granted. This expectation is supported by managements experience with the Partnerships franchising authorities and the franchising authorities of the Partnerships affiliates.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Partnership is subject to market risks arising from changes in interest rates. The Partnerships primary interest rate exposure results from changes in LIBOR or the prime rate, which are used to determine the interest rate applicable to the Partnerships debt facilities. The Partnership has from time to time entered into interest rate swap agreements to partially hedge interest rate exposure. Interest rate swaps have the effect of converting the applicable variable rate obligations to fixed or other variable rate obligations. As of June 30, 2004 and the date of this filing, the Partnership is not involved in any interest rate swap agreements. The potential loss over one year that would result from a hypothetical, instantaneous and unfavorable change of 100 basis points in the interest rate of all of the Partnerships variable rate obligations would be approximately $199,000.
Cautionary statement for purposes of the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements contained or incorporated by reference in this document that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as believe, intends, may, will, expect, estimate, anticipate, continue, or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
The Partnership maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms. The Chief Executive Officer and President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of the Managing General Partner have evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
There has been no change during the quarter ended June 30, 2004 in the Partnerships internal controls over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 Legal proceedings
The Partnership has filed a lawsuit against the buyer of the Washington Systems for recovery of the remaining escrow proceeds and unspecified damages.
ITEM 2 Changes in securities
None
ITEM 3 Defaults upon senior securities
None
ITEM 4 Submission of matters to a vote of security holders
None
ITEM 5 Other information
None
ITEM 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) | Exhibit Index |
31(a). | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the Managing General Partner, dated August 16, 2004 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act | |||
31(b). | Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the Managing General Partner, dated August 16, 2004 pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act | |||
32(a). | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Northland Communications Corporation, the Managing General Partner, dated August 16, 2004 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act | |||
32(b). | Certification of President (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Northland Communications Corporation, the Managing General Partner, dated August 16, 2004 pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K | |||
Form 8-K filed on June 22, 2004 disclosing letter to limited partners regarding efforts in soliciting purchase offers from qualified buyers. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BY: Northland Communications Corporation,
General Partner
SIGNATURES |
CAPACITIES |
DATE |
||
/s/ RICHARD I. CLARK Richard I. Clark |
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary |
8-16-04 | ||
/s/ GARY S. JONES Gary S. Jones |
President | 8-16-04 |