UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
þ | Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934
For the period ended September 30, 2004 |
or
o | 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.)
Yes o No þ
PART 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||||||||
Cash |
$ | 304,945 | $ | 758,694 | ||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
361,527 | 450,978 | ||||||||||||
Due from affiliates |
98,865 | 67,242 | ||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
271,960 | 107,780 | ||||||||||||
System sale receivable |
411,600 | 1,120,494 | ||||||||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $16,772,178 and $15,210,270,
respectively |
10,833,240 | 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 $820,081 and $714,987, respectively |
618,994 | 720,436 | ||||||||||||
Total assets |
$ | 22,508,316 | $ | 24,210,679 | ||||||||||
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL |
||||||||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 1,178,292 | $ | 1,198,834 | ||||||||||
Due to Managing General Partner and affiliates |
10,319 | 51,793 | ||||||||||||
Deposits |
20,522 | 18,210 | ||||||||||||
Subscriber prepayments |
344,099 | 358,129 | ||||||||||||
Notes payable |
19,081,250 | 21,500,000 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities |
20,634,482 | 23,126,966 | ||||||||||||
Partners capital: |
||||||||||||||
General Partners: |
||||||||||||||
Contributed capital, net |
(25,367 | ) | (25,367 | ) | ||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(168,363 | ) | (176,264 | ) | ||||||||||
(193,730 | ) | (201,631 | ) | |||||||||||
Limited Partners: |
||||||||||||||
Contributed capital, net |
18,735,576 | 18,735,576 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(16,668,012 | ) | (17,450,232 | ) | ||||||||||
2,067,564 | 1,285,344 | |||||||||||||
Total
partners capital |
1,873,834 | 1,083,713 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities and partners capital |
$ | 22,508,316 | $ | 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 September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Service revenues |
$ | 3,443,454 | $ | 3,462,148 | ||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Cable system operations (including
$21,722 and $35,718 to affiliates in
2004 and 2003, respectively), excluding
depreciation and amortization shown below |
297,020 | 291,177 | ||||||
General and administrative (including
$325,441 and $325,238 to affiliates
in 2004 and 2003, respectively) |
872,882 | 885,731 | ||||||
Programming (including $167 from affiliates and
$3,663 to affiliates in 2004 and 2003,
respectively) |
1,147,559 | 1,119,003 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
550,931 | 537,701 | ||||||
Loss on disposal of assets |
2,492 | 1,616 | ||||||
2,870,884 | 2,835,228 | |||||||
Income from operations |
572,570 | 626,920 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees |
(339,532 | ) | (403,282 | ) | ||||
Interest income and other, net |
755 | 523 | ||||||
(338,777 | ) | (402,759 | ) | |||||
Net income |
$ | 233,793 | $ | 224,161 | ||||
Allocation of net income: |
||||||||
General Partners |
$ | 2,338 | $ | 2,242 | ||||
Limited Partners |
$ | 231,455 | $ | 221,919 | ||||
Net income per limited partnership unit: |
||||||||
(49,656 units) |
$ | 5 | $ | 5 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
For the nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Service revenues |
$ | 10,475,990 | $ | 10,463,105 | ||||
Expenses: |
||||||||
Cable system operations (including
$71,519 and $108,334 to affiliates in
2004 and 2003, respectively), excluding
depreciation and amortization shown below |
866,109 | 831,663 | ||||||
General and administrative (including
$991,857 and $1,023,686 to affiliates
in 2004 and 2003, respectively) |
2,632,346 | 2,546,005 | ||||||
Programming (including $2,246 and
$29,477 to affiliates in 2004 and 2003,
respectively) |
3,521,707 | 3,523,411 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,645,803 | 1,609,749 | ||||||
Loss on disposal of assets |
12,296 | 18,348 | ||||||
8,678,261 | 8,529,176 | |||||||
Income from operations |
1,797,729 | 1,933,929 | ||||||
Other income (expense): |
||||||||
Interest expense and amortization of loan fees |
(1,011,887 | ) | (1,238,037 | ) | ||||
Interest income and other, net |
4,279 | 1,747 | ||||||
(1,007,608 | ) | (1,236,290 | ) | |||||
Income from continuing operations |
790,121 | 697,639 | ||||||
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 |
$ | 790,121 | $ | 14,462,593 | ||||
Allocation of net income: |
||||||||
General Partners |
$ | 7,901 | $ | 144,626 | ||||
Limited Partners |
$ | 782,220 | $ | 14,317,967 | ||||
Income from continuing operations per limited
partnership unit (49,656 units): |
$ | 16 | $ | 14 | ||||
Income from discontinued operations per limited
partnership unit (49,656 units): |
$ | | $ | 277 | ||||
Net income
per limited partnership unit: (49,656 units) |
$ | 16 | $ | 291 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the nine months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 790,121 | $ | 14,462,593 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
1,645,803 | 1,793,679 | ||||||
Loan fee amortization |
105,094 | 541,557 | ||||||
Loss (gain) on sale of assets |
12,296 | (14,094,946 | ) | |||||
Other |
29,817 | | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in operating assets: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
89,451 | 28,870 | ||||||
Due from affiliates |
(31,623 | ) | 29,875 | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
(164,180 | ) | (136,732 | ) | ||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
(20,911 | ) | (1,004,465 | ) | ||||
Due to Managing General Partner and affiliates |
(41,474 | ) | (62,083 | ) | ||||
Deposits |
2,312 | 2,238 | ||||||
Subscriber prepayments |
(14,030 | ) | 51,060 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
2,402,676 | 1,611,646 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(1,144,517 | ) | (652,944 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of systems |
708,894 | 19,281,427 | ||||||
Proceeds from disposal of assets |
1,600 | | ||||||
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |
(434,023 | ) | 18,628,483 | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings |
(2,418,750 | ) | (20,340,000 | ) | ||||
Loan fees |
(3,652 | ) | (423,853 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(2,422,402 | ) | (20,763,853 | ) | ||||
DECREASE IN CASH |
(453,749 | ) | (523,724 | ) | ||||
CASH, beginning of period |
758,694 | 677,536 | ||||||
CASH, end of period |
$ | 304,945 | $ | 153,812 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | 936,745 | $ | 1,458,516 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
For the three months ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 233,793 | $ | 224,161 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
cash provided by operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
550,931 | 537,701 | ||||||
Loan fee amortization |
35,034 | 59,181 | ||||||
Loss on sale of assets |
2,492 | 1,616 | ||||||
Other |
16,444 | | ||||||
(Increase) decrease in operating assets: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
12,004 | 101,623 | ||||||
Due from affiliates |
18,660 | (751 | ) | |||||
Prepaid expenses |
(87,517 | ) | 3,361 | |||||
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
22,800 | 83,004 | ||||||
Due to Managing General Partner and affiliates |
(53,677 | ) | (105,542 | ) | ||||
Deposits |
365 | (212 | ) | |||||
Subscriber prepayments |
(37,295 | ) | 37,124 | |||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
714,034 | 941,266 | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(373,479 | ) | (186,091 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of systems |
| | ||||||
Proceeds from sale of assets |
| | ||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(373,479 | ) | (186,091 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Principal payments on borrowings |
(806,250 | ) | (609,281 | ) | ||||
Loan fees |
| (105,962 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(806,250 | ) | (715,243 | ) | ||||
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH |
(465,695 | ) | 39,932 | |||||
CASH, beginning of period |
770,640 | 113,880 | ||||||
CASH, end of period |
$ | 304,945 | $ | 153,812 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
||||||||
Cash paid during the period for interest |
$ | 292,195 | $ | 175,861 | ||||
NORTHLAND CABLE PROPERTIES SEVEN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) Basis of Presentation
These unaudited financial statements are being filed in conformity with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X regarding interim financial statement disclosure and do not contain all of the necessary footnote disclosures required for a 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 September 30, 2004, its statements of operations for the nine and three months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and its statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 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 franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
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 (3 months) |
$ | 34,000 | ||
2005 |
138,000 | |||
2006 |
138,000 | |||
2007 |
138,000 | |||
2008 |
138,000 | |||
Thereafter |
33,000 | |||
$ | 619,000 | |||
(3) 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 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 $412,000 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 nine months ended | ||||
September 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 disposal of assets |
(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 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 (3 months) |
$ | 806,250 | ||
2005 |
3,440,000 | |||
2006 |
3,655,000 | |||
2007 |
4,515,000 | |||
2008 |
5,375,000 | |||
2009 |
1,290,000 | |||
Total |
$ | 19,081,250 | ||
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 September 30, 2004, the Partnership was in compliance with the 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 the date of this filing, the Refinanced Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $19,081,250, and applicable interest rates are as follows; $16,500,000 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.56% and $2,581,250 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.40%. These interest rates expire during the fourth 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 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
Revenues from continuing operations totaled $10,475,990 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, representing a slight increase over the same period in 2003. Of these revenues, $7,302,950 (70%) was derived from basic services, $723,164 (7%) from premium services, $1,192,297 (11%) from expanded basic services, $122,687 (1%) from digital services, $593,721 (6%) from advertising, $64,185 (1%) from high-speed Internet services, $187,035 (2%) from late fees, and $289,951 (2%) 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, expanded basic and advertising revenue.
Cable system operating expenses attributable to continuing operations totaled $866,109 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $34,446, or approximately 4%, 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 $2,632,346 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $86,341, or approximately 3%, 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 $3,521,707 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, representing a slight decrease 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 nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased $36,054, or approximately 2%, 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 $226,150, or approximately 18%, from $1,238,037 to $1,011,887 for the nine months ended September 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 Operations Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
Revenues totaled $3,443,454 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, representing a slight decrease from the same period in 2003. Of these revenues, $2,396,983 (70%) was derived from basic services, $229,786 (7%) from premium services, $393,411 (11%) from expanded basic services, $38,666 (1%) from digital services, $200,077 (6%) from advertising, $31,215 (1%) from high-speed Internet services, $62,104 (2%) from late fees, and $91,212 (2%) 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 totaled $297,020 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of $5,843, or approximately 2%, over 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 totaled $872,882 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, representing a decrease of $12,849, or approximately 1%, from the same period in 2003. This is primarily attributable to decreased property tax and bad debt expenses, offset by increases in salary and employee benefit costs, and increased administrative overhead costs.
Programming expenses totaled $1,147,559 for the three months ended September 30, 2004, representing an increase of $28,556, or approximately 3%, over the same period in 2003. Such increase is primarily attributable to higher costs charged by various program suppliers, and increased costs associated with the Partnerships high-speed Internet product, offset by decreased advertising costs.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 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 decreased $63,750, or approximately 16%, from $403,282 to $339,532 for the three months ended September 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 and Internet 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 $2,402,540 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Adjustments to the $790,121 net income for the period to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities consisted primarily of depreciation and amortization of $1,645,803 and loan fee amortization of $105,094, offset by increases in operating assets of $106,352 and decreases in operating liabilities of $74,103.
Net cash used in investing activities consisted primarily of proceeds from the sale of the Washington Systems of $708,894, offset by $1,144,517 in capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2004, consisted of $2,418,750 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 (3 months) |
$ | 806,250 | ||
2005 |
3,440,000 | |||
2006 |
3,655,000 | |||
2007 |
4,515,000 | |||
2008 |
5,375,000 | |||
2009 |
1,290,000 | |||
Total |
$ | 19,081,250 | ||
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 September 30, 2004, the Partnership was in compliance with the 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 the date of this filing, the Refinanced Credit Facility had an outstanding balance of $19,081,250, and applicable interest rates are as follows; $16,500,000 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.56% and $2,581,250 at a LIBOR based interest rate of 6.40%. These interest rates expire during the fourth 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 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 $412,000 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.
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 nine months ended | ||||
September 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 disposal of assets |
(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 September 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 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
Less than 1 year |
1 3 years |
3 5 years |
More than 5 years |
||||||||||||||||
Notes payable |
$ | 19,081,250 | $ | 3,386,250 | $ | 7,632,500 | $ | 8,062,500 | $ | | ||||||||||
Minimum operating lease payments |
49,332 | 9,882 | 39,450 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 19,130,582 | $ | 3,396,132 | $ | 7,671,950 | $ | 8,062,500 | $ | | ||||||||||
(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 nine months of 2004, the Partnership incurred approximately $1.1 million in capital expenditures. These expenditures included the initial phases of two-way plant upgrades in Bay City and Brenham, Texas and Toccoa Georgia, which have allowed 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 Partnership does not anticipate spending a significant amount of cash on capital expenditures during the 4th quarter of 2004. Planned expenditures during 2005 include the continuation of distribution plant upgrades in Toccoa, Georgia, potential line extension opportunities and the continued deployment of high-speed Internet services in various systems.
Solicitation of Interest From Potential Purchasers
In previous filings, the Managing General Partner disclosed that they were working with Daniels and Associates to solicit offers from potential purchasers, to clarify the terms of certain offers received with the hope of being able to reach agreement with purchasers for the sale of the Partnerships assets for fair value.
Despite ongoing efforts, the Managing General Partner has been unable to secure suitable agreements for the sale of all the Partnerships assets. Offers for what we considered to be fair value were received for all of the Partnerships assets. However, due to the lack of available financing, certain offers were withdrawn and the Managing General Partner is continuing to negotiate with purchasers for the sale of some of the Partnerships cable systems. If these sales are consummated, they will not result in an early liquidation of the Partnership, but they will allow the Partnership to significantly pay down its existing bank debt, thereby providing greater flexibility for future operations while continuing to explore additional opportunities to market the remaining assets. Management does not feel that the lack of viable purchase offers for the Partnerships remaining cable systems reflect a lack of value in those systems or a concern over the operational capabilities of those systems. Instead, based on our experience, many factors affect the market for cable television systems over time, including whether the various companies participating in the cable television industry are generally in an acquisition mode, the availability of financing through lenders or investors and the number of other systems that are either on the market or forecasted to soon be offered for sale.
It is managements experience, after many years in the cable television industry, that it is difficult to forecast the likelihood of receiving a solid purchase offer from a financially viable purchaser at any specific time. Notwithstanding, in the middle of 2005 the Managing General Partner will aim to revisit soliciting offers from potential purchasers for the Partnerships remaining assets, however, we are unable at this time to forecast the ultimate outcome of these activities.
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 franchises meet the definition of indefinite lived assets. The Partnership tests these assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value.
Management believes the franchises have indefinite lives because the franchises are expected to be used by the Partnership for the foreseeable future and effects of obsolescence, competition and other factors are minimal. In addition, the level of maintenance expenditures required to obtain the future cash flows expected from the franchises are not material in relation to the carrying value of the franchises. While the franchises have defined lives based on the franchising authority, renewals are routinely granted, and management expects them to continue to be granted. This expectation is supported by 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 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 $191,000.
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 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 November 12, 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 November 12,
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 November 12, 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 November 12, 2004 pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act |
|||
(b) | Reports on Form 8-K | |||
Form 8-K filed November 4, 2004 regarding solicitation of interest from potential purchasers. |
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,
Managing General Partner
SIGNATURES |
CAPACITIES |
DATE |
||
/s/ RICHARD I. CLARK
|
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and | 11-12-04 | ||
Assistant Secretary | ||||
Richard I. Clark |
||||
/s/ GARY S. JONES
|
President | 11-12-04 | ||
Gary S. Jones |