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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
     
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


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

N/A


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

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



 


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

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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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  
 
   
 
     
 
 


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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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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  
 
   
 
 

 


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(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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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.

 


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(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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnership’s leverage fluctuates.

 


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PART I (continued)

ITEM 2. Management’s 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 Partnership’s systems during the first quarter of 2004, and increased revenue from the Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s systems during the first quarter of 2004, and increased revenue from the Partnership’s 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

 


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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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 management’s analysis, the Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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:

 


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    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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s lender based on overall leverage, and may increase or decrease as the Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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.

 


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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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2004, and the anticipated effect of these obligations on the Partnership’s liquidity for the remainder of 2004 and in future years:

 


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            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 Partnership’s assets for fair value.

Despite ongoing efforts, the Managing General Partner has been unable to secure suitable agreements for the sale of all the Partnership’s assets. Offers for what we considered to be fair value were received for all of the Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s 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 management’s 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 Partnership’s 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 Partnership’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the

 


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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 management’s experience with the Partnership’s franchising authorities and the franchising authorities of the Partnership’s affiliates.

 


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ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

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

 


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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.

 


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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