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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
OR
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _________________
Commission File Number 0-11258
WORLDCOM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Georgia 58-1521612
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
515 East Amite Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39201-2702
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (601) 360-8600
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
SERIES A 8% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
SERIES B CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, $.01 PAR VALUE
DEPOSITARY SHARES (EACH REPRESENTING 1/100TH INTEREST IN A SHARE OF
SERIES A 8% CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant as of March 3, 1997 was:
Common Stock, $.01 par value: $21,804,886,376
Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock (represented by Depositary
Shares): $863,239,800
Series B Convertible Preferred Stock: $27,192,508
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan
confirmed by a court.
Yes X No
--- ---
There were 891,860,640 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding as
of March 3, 1997.
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GLOSSARY
AT&T -- AT&T CORP. -- An IXC which provides interexchange services and
facilities on a nationwide and international basis.
AT&T DIVESTITURE DECREE -- Entered on August 24, 1982, by the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia. The AT&T Divestiture Decree,
among other things, ordered AT&T to divest its wholly owned BOCs from its Long
Lines Division and manufacturing operations and generally prohibited BOCs from
providing long distance telephone service between LATAs.
ATM -- ASYNCHRONOUS TRANSFER MODE -- An information transfer standard that is
one of a general class of packet technologies that relay traffic by way of an
address contained within the first five bytes of a standard 53-byte long packet
or cell. The ATM format can be used by many different information systems,
including LANs, to deliver traffic at varying rates, permitting a mix of data,
voice and video.
ACCESS CHARGES -- Expenses incurred by an IXC and paid to LECs for accessing
the local networks of the LECs in order to originate and terminate long
distance calls and provide the customer connection for private line services.
BOC -- BELL SYSTEM OPERATING COMPANY -- A local exchange carrier owned by any
of the seven Regional Bell Operating Companies, which are holding companies
established following the AT&T Divestiture Decree to serve as parent companies
for the BOCs.
BACKBONE -- A centralized high-speed network that interconnects smaller,
independent networks.
BANDWIDTH -- The number of bits of information which can move through a
communications medium in a given amount of time.
CAP -- COMPETITIVE ACCESS PROVIDER -- A company that provides its customers
with an alternative to the LEC for local transport of private line and special
access telecommunications services.
CENTRAL OFFICES -- The switching centers or central switching facilities of the
LECs.
CO-CARRIER STATUS -- A regulatory scheme under which the incumbent LEC is
required to integrate new, competing providers of local exchange service, into
the systems of traffic exchange, inter-carrier compensation, and other
inter-carrier relationships that already exist among LECs in most
jurisdictions.
COLLOCATION -- The ability of a CAP to connect its network to the LEC's central
offices. Physical collocation occurs when a CAP places its network connection
equipment inside the LEC's central offices. Virtual collocation is an
alternative to physical collocation pursuant to which the LEC permits a CAP to
connect its network to the LEC's central offices on comparable terms, even
though the CAP's network connection equipment is not physically located inside
the central offices.
DS-3 -- A data communications circuit capable of transmitting data at 45
megabits per second (sometimes called a T-3).
DEDICATED -- Telecommunications lines dedicated or reserved for use by
particular customers.
DIGITAL -- A method of storing, processing and transmitting information through
the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that represent the binary
digits 0 and 1. Digital transmission and switching technologies employ a
sequence of these pulses to represent information as opposed to the
continuously variable analog signal. The precise digital numbers minimize
distortion (such as graininess or snow in the case of video transmission, or
static or other background distortion in the case of audio transmission).
EQUAL ACCESS -- Connection provided by a LEC permitting a customer to be
automatically connected to the IXC of the customer's choice when the customer
dials "1".
ETHERNET -- A local area network technology used for connecting computers,
printers, workstations, terminals, etc., within the same building. Ethernet
typically operates over twisted wire or coaxial cable at speeds up to 10
megabits per second. Ethernet is the most popular LAN technology.
FCC -- Federal Communications Commission.
FDDI -- FIBER DISTRIBUTED DATA INTERFACE -- Based on fiber optics, FDDI is a
100 megabit per second Local Area Network technology used to connect computers,
printers, and workstations at very high speeds. FDDI is also used as backbone
technology to interconnect other LANs.
IXC -- INTEREXCHANGE CARRIER -- A long distance carrier providing services
between local exchanges.
INBOUND "800" SERVICE -- A service that assesses long distance telephone
charges to the called party.
INTERCONNECTION DECISIONS -- Rulings by the FCC announced in September 1992
and August 1993, which require the BOCs and most other large LECs to provide
interconnection in LEC central offices to any CAP, long distance carrier or end
user seeking such interconnection for the provision of interstate special
access and switched access transport services.
INTERNET --A global collection of interconnected computer networks which use
TCP/IP, a common communications protocol.
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LANS -- LOCAL AREA NETWORKS -- The interconnection of computers for the
purpose of sharing files, programs and various devices such as printers and
high-speed modems. LANs may include dedicated computers or file servers that
provide a centralized source of shared files and programs.
LATAS -- LOCAL ACCESS AND TRANSPORT AREAS -- The approximately 200 geographic
areas defined pursuant to the AT&T Divestiture Decree. The BOCs are generally
prohibited from providing long distance service between the LATA in which they
provide local exchange services, and any other LATA.
LEC -- LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIER -- A company providing local telephone services.
Each BOC is a LEC.
LINE COSTS -- Primarily includes the sum of access charges and transport
charges.
LOCAL EXCHANGE -- A geographic area generally determined by a PUC, in which
calls generally are transmitted without toll charges to the calling or called
party.
LOCAL NUMBER PORTABILITY -- The ability of an end user to change Local
Exchange Carriers while retaining the same telephone number.
MCI -- MCI COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION -- An IXC which provides interexchange
services and facilities on a nationwide and international basis.
NETWORK SWITCHING CENTER -- A location where installed switching equipment
routes long distance calls and records information with respect to calls such
as the length of the call and the telephone numbers of the calling and called
parties.
NETWORK SYSTEMS INTEGRATION -- Involves the creation of turnkey
telecommunications networks and systems including: (i) route and site
selection; (ii) rights of way and legal authorizations and/or acquisition;
(iii) design and engineering of the system, including technology and vendor
assessment and selection, determining fiber optic circuit capacity, and
establishing reliability/flexibility standards; and (iv) project and
construction management, including contract negotiations, purchasing and
logistics, installation as well as testing.
PUC -- PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION -- A state regulatory body empowered to
establish and enforce rules and regulations governing public utility companies
and others, such as the Company, within the state (sometimes referred to as
Public Service Commissions, or PSCs).
PUBLIC SWITCHED NETWORK -- That portion of a LEC's network available to all
users generally on a shared basis (i.e., not dedicated to a particular user).
Traffic along the public switched network is generally switched at the LEC's
central offices.
RBOC -- REGIONAL BELL OPERATING COMPANY -- Any of seven regional Bell holding
companies which the AT&T Divestiture Decree established to serve as parent
companies for the BOCs.
RECIPROCAL COMPENSATION -- The same compensation of a new competitive local
exchange carrier for termination of a local call by the BOC on its network, as
the new competitor pays the BOC for termination of local calls on the BOC
network.
SETTLEMENT RATES -- The rates paid to foreign carriers by United States
international carriers to terminate outbound (from the United States) switched
traffic and by foreign carriers to United States international carriers to
terminate inbound (to the United States) switched traffic.
SPRINT -- SPRINT CORPORATION -- An IXC which provides interexchange services
and facilities on a nationwide and international basis.
TCP/IP -- TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROTOCOL/INTERNET PROTOCOL -- A suite of network
protocols that allows computers with different architectures and operating
system software to communicate with other computers on the Internet.
T-1 -- A data communications circuit capable of transmitting data at 1.5
megabits per second.
TARIFF -- The schedule of rates and regulations set by communications common
carriers and filed with the appropriate federal and state regulatory agencies;
the published official list of charges, terms and conditions governing
provision of a specific communications service or facility, which functions in
lieu of a contract between the Subscriber or user and the supplier or carrier.
TOKEN RING -- A local area network technology used to interconnect personal
computers, file servers, printers, and other devices. Token Ring LANs
typically operate at either 4 megabits per second or 16 megabits per second.
TRANSPORT CHARGES -- Expenses paid to facilities-based carriers for
transmission between or within LATAs.
WORLD WIDE WEB OR WEB -- A collection of computer systems supporting a
communications protocol that permits multi-media presentation of information
over the Internet.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page
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Item 1. Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Item 2. Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters . . . . . . . . . 17
Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1
Exhibit Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
WorldCom, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("WorldCom" or the "Company"), is one of
the four largest long distance telecommunications companies in the United
States based on 1995 revenues. The Company provides telecommunications
services to business, government, telecommunications companies and consumer
customers, through its network of fiber optic cables, digital microwave, and
fixed and transportable satellite earth stations, with service to points
throughout the nation and the world.
WorldCom is one of the first major facilities-based telecommunications
companies with the capability to provide businesses with high quality local,
long distance, Internet, data and international communications services over
its global networks. With service to points throughout the nation and the
world, WorldCom provides telecommunications products and services including:
switched and dedicated long distance and local products, 800 services, calling
cards, domestic and international private lines, broadband data services, debit
cards, conference calling, advanced billing systems, enhanced fax and data
connections, high speed data communications, facilities management, local
access to long distance companies, local access to ATM-based backbone service
and interconnection via Network Access Points ("NAPs") to Internet service
providers.
WorldCom was organized in 1983. On September 15, 1993, a three-way merger
occurred whereby (i) Metromedia Communications Corporation, a Delaware
corporation ("MCC"), merged with and into Resurgens Communications Group, Inc.,
a Georgia corporation ("Resurgens"), and (ii) LDDS Communications, Inc., a
Tennessee corporation ("LDDS-TN"), merged with and into Resurgens (the "Prior
Mergers").
At the time of the Prior Mergers, the name of Resurgens, the legal survivor,
was changed to LDDS Communications, Inc. and the separate corporate existences
of LDDS-TN and MCC terminated. For accounting purposes, however, LDDS-TN was
the survivor because the former shareholders of LDDS-TN acquired majority
ownership of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all
historical information presented herein reflects the operations of LDDS-TN. At
the annual meeting of shareholders held May 25, 1995, shareholders of LDDS
Communications, Inc. voted to change the name of the Company to WorldCom, Inc.,
effective immediately. Information in this document has also been revised to
reflect the stock splits of the Company's common stock.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
MFS Communications Company, Inc. ("MFS"). MFS provides telecommunications
services and systems for business and government customers. MFS is a leading
provider of alternative local network access facilities via digital fiber optic
cable networks that it has installed in and around approximately 41 United
States cities, and in several major European cities. MFS also provides
domestic and international long distance telecommunications services via its
network platform, which consists of MFS-owned transmission and switching
facilities, and network capacity leased from other carriers primarily in the
United States and Western Europe.
As a result of the merger (the "MFS Merger"), each share of MFS common stock
was converted into the right to receive 2.1 shares of WorldCom common stock
(the "Common Stock") or approximately 471.0 million WorldCom common shares in
the aggregate. Each share of MFS Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock ("MFS Series A Preferred Stock") was converted into the right to receive
one share of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom
("WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock") or 94,992 shares of WorldCom Series A
Preferred Stock in the aggregate. Each share of MFS Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one share of Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom ("WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock")
or approximately 12.7 million shares of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock in
the aggregate. In addition, each depositary share representing 1/100th of a
share of MFS Series A Preferred Stock was exchanged for a depositary share
representing 1/100th of a share of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
Upon effectiveness of the MFS Merger, the then outstanding and unexercised
options and warrants exercisable for shares of MFS common stock were converted
into options and warrants, respectively, exercisable for shares of Common Stock
having substantially the same terms and conditions as the MFS options and
warrants, except that (i) the exercise price and the number of shares issuable
upon exercise were divided and multiplied, respectively, by 2.1 and (ii) the
holders of each then outstanding and unexercised MFS "Shareworks Plus Award"
granted under the MFS 1993 Stock Plan instead received the cash value of such
award in accordance with the terms of such plan.
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On August 12, 1996, MFS acquired UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET") through a
merger of a subsidiary of MFS with and into UUNET (the "UUNET Acquisition").
UUNET is a leading worldwide provider of a comprehensive range of Internet
access options, applications, and consulting services to businesses,
professionals and on-line services providers. UUNET provides both dedicated
and dial-up Internet access, and other applications and services which include
Web server hosting and integration services, client software and security
products, training, and network integration and consulting services.
On January 5, 1995, WorldCom completed the acquisition of the network services
operations of Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. ("WilTel"), a subsidiary
of The Williams Companies, Inc. ("Williams"), for approximately $2.5 billion in
cash (the "WilTel Acquisition"). Through this purchase, the Company acquired a
nationwide transmission network of approximately 11,000 miles of fiber optic
cable and digital microwave facilities.
On December 30, 1994, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
IDB Communications Group, Inc. ("IDB"). IDB operates a domestic and
international communications network providing private line and public switched
long distance telecommunications services, facsimile and data connections,
television and radio transmission services, and mobile satellite communications
capabilities. As a result of this merger (the "IDB Merger"), each share of
common stock of IDB was converted into the right to receive 0.953758 shares of
Common Stock resulting in the issuance of approximately 71.8 million shares of
Common Stock. In addition, WorldCom assumed, on a subordinated basis, jointly
and severally with IDB, the obligations of IDB to pay the principal of and
interest on $195.5 million 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2003, issued
by IDB. On July 15, 1996, WorldCom announced that it had exercised its option
to redeem on August 16, 1996 all of the outstanding IDB notes. Prior to such
redemption date, a majority of the holders of the IDB notes elected to convert
their notes into Common Stock, resulting in the issuance of approximately 10.3
million shares of Common Stock. The IDB Merger was accounted for under the
pooling-of-interests method.
In 1993, upon effectiveness of the Prior Mergers, each share of the outstanding
common stock of LDDS-TN was converted into the right to receive 3.838 shares of
Common Stock. The 500,000 shares of LDDS-TN Series B 6.5% Cumulative Senior
Perpetual Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding were converted into 2,000,000
shares of WorldCom Series 2 6.5% Cumulative Senior Perpetual Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Series 2 Preferred Stock"). As a result of the
consummation of the Prior Mergers, Metromedia Company ("Metromedia"), the sole
stockholder of MCC, received 5,517,240 shares of the Common Stock, 10,896,785
shares of WorldCom Series 1 $2.25 Cumulative Senior Perpetual Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Series 1 Preferred Stock"), warrants to purchase
10,000,800 shares of the Common Stock at an average price of $4.18 per share,
and $150.0 million in cash. The common stock of Resurgens was unchanged in the
Prior Mergers.
In August 1995, Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock into Common
Stock and exercised its warrants to acquire Common Stock and immediately sold
its position of 61,699,096 shares of Common Stock in a public offering. In
connection with the preferred stock conversion, WorldCom made a non-recurring
payment of $15.0 million to Metromedia, representing a discount to the minimum
nominal dividends that would have been payable on the Series 1 Preferred Stock
prior to the September 15, 1996 optional call date of approximately $26.6
million (which amount includes an annual dividend requirement of $24.5 million
plus accrued dividends to such call date). The Company did not receive any
proceeds from the sale of the shares, but did receive approximately $33.7
million in proceeds from the exercise of the warrants, which were used to repay
certain existing bank debt.
In connection with the announcement in May 1996, that the Company would redeem
its Series 2 Preferred Stock on June 5, 1996, all of the remaining outstanding
Series 2 Preferred Stock was converted into 5,266,160 shares of Common Stock in
the second quarter of 1996.
On December 4, 1992, LDDS-TN, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
Advanced Telecommunications Corporation ("ATC"). As a result of this merger
(the "ATC Merger"), each share of common stock of ATC was converted into the
right to receive 4.778 shares of common stock of LDDS-TN. The ATC Merger was
accounted for under the pooling-of-interests method.
The following table sets forth certain data concerning the Company's
acquisitions, during the past five years, of companies with annual revenues
exceeding $100.0 million, other than the IDB Merger and the ATC Merger.
Revenues for Fiscal Year
Preceding Acquisition
Name Acquisition Date (In thousands)
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Metromedia Communications Corporation September 1993 $ 368,532
Resurgens Communications Group, Inc. September 1993 151,963
TRT Communications, Inc. ("TRT") September 1993 175,057
Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. January 1995 921,813
MFS/UUNET December 1996 1,238,533
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In addition to the acquisitions reflected in the above table, WorldCom and its
predecessors have completed other acquisitions involving companies each with
annual revenues of less than $100.0 million.
COMPANY STRATEGY
The Company's strategy is to become the premier provider of business
communications services in the world. The enactment of the Telecommunications
Act of 1996 (the "Telecom Act") in February 1996 and the FCC's release of its
First Report and Order in the Matter of Implementation of the Local Competition
Provisions in the Telecom Act (the "FCC Interconnect Order") in August 1996,
have made it possible for WorldCom to compete in both the local and long
distance markets. The MFS Merger has allowed the Company to take advantage of
the Congressional intent behind the Telecom Act and the FCC Interconnect Order
by bringing together the leading growth companies from four key telecom
industry segments: long distance, local, Internet and international.
Consistent with this strategy, the Company believes that the MFS Merger
enhances the combined entity's opportunities for future growth, creates a
stronger competitor in the changing telecommunications industry, allows
provision of end-to-end bundled service over a global network, and provides the
opportunity for significant cost savings for the combined organization.
SERVICES
GENERAL. The Company is one of the four largest United States based long
distance telecommunications companies in the industry, based on 1995 revenues,
and serves its customers domestically and internationally. The products and
services provided by the Company include switched and dedicated long distance
and local products, 800 services, calling cards, domestic and international
private lines, broadband data services, debit cards, conference calling,
advanced billing systems, enhanced fax and data connections, high speed data
communications, facilities management, local access to long distance companies,
local access to ATM-based backbone service and interconnection via NAPs to
Internet service providers. Based on FCC statistics as of December 31, 1995
(the most recent statistics available), WorldCom's share of total toll service
revenues for 1995 was 4.3%.
DOMESTIC LONG DISTANCE AND LOCAL SERVICE. A predominant share of the Company's
total revenues is derived from commercial customers. Commercial customers
typically use higher volumes of telecommunications services than residential
customers and concentrate their usage on weekdays during business hours when
rates are highest. Consequently, commercial customers, on average, generate
higher revenues per account than residential customers. The Company has also
become a significant participant in the long distance wholesale market and
intends to pursue opportunities, if any, for continued expansion in this area.
While total revenues in the wholesale market are less than from commercial
customers, expenses are generally lower in servicing these customers as the
result of fewer invoices, fewer customer service personnel and a smaller sales
force.
Through the MFS Merger, the Company will be able to provide a single source for
integrated local and long distance telecommunications services and facilities
management services to business, government, other telecommunications companies
and consumer customers.
There are several ways in which a customer can access the Company's network for
domestic long distance services. In areas where equal access has been made
available, a customer who has selected the Company as its IXC can utilize the
Company's network for inter-LATA long distance calls through "one plus" dialing
of the desired call destination. Equal access customers can access the
Company's long distance network only for inter-LATA long distance calls,
because under equal access, all intra-LATA calls are routed through the LEC.
Customers in areas without equal access or customers in equal access areas who
do not select the Company as their IXC can utilize the Company's network for
all their long distance calls through three methods of "dial-up access." They
can dial a local telephone number to access the Company's computerized
switching equipment and then enter a personal authorization code and the area
code and telephone number of the desired call destination. Alternatively,
customers can access the Company's network by using its automatic dialers,
which eliminate the need for the customer to dial the local access number and
personal authorization code,
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effectively giving the customer "one plus" dialing. Customers may also access
the Company's network by dialing 10 plus the three digit Carrier Identification
Number belonging to the Company and the area code and telephone number of the
desired call location. Regardless of the method used, dial-up customers can
access the Company's network for all of their long distance calls, both
intra-LATA and inter-LATA. High volume customers can access the WorldCom
network through the use of high-capacity dedicated circuits.
Customer billing is generated internally and through a facilities management
agreement under which Electronic Data Systems Corporation ("EDS") performs
significant data processing functions. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.
The market for local exchange services consists of a number of distinct service
components. These service components are defined by specific regulatory tariff
classifications including: (i) local network services, which generally include
basic dial tone charges and private line services; (ii) network access
services, which consist of access charges received by LECs from long distance
carriers for the local portion of long distance telephone calls; (iii) long
distance network services, which include the variable portion of charges
received by LECs for intra-LATA long distance calls; and (iv) additional value
added services such as caller identification, voice mail and call waiting.
Unlike the RBOCs and other large LECs which were organized geographically in
response to the regulatory environment that existed before the AT&T Divesture
Decree, the Company, through the MFS Merger, is organized around its customers
to take advantage of ongoing technological, competitive and regulatory changes.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES. The Company offers international public switched
voice, private line and data services to other carriers and to commercial,
government and consumer customers. The Company has over 200 operating
agreements with foreign carriers to provide switched voice and/or private line
services, thereby making the Company a leading participant in the international
telecommunications market.
The Company offers public switched international telecommunications services
worldwide and provides direct services to approximately 55 foreign countries.
The Company sells public switched telecommunications services to corporate and
residential customers, and to domestic long distance carriers that lack
transmission facilities to locations served by the Company or need more
transmission capacity. Customers can access the Company's international
switching centers to make international telephone calls via dedicated
connections or via dial-up access.
The Company both delivers and receives international traffic pursuant to its
operating agreements. The terms of most switched voice operating agreements,
as well as established FCC policy, require that inbound switched voice traffic
from the foreign carrier to the United States be routed to United States
international carriers, like WorldCom, in proportion to the percentage of
United States outbound traffic routed by that United States international
carrier to the foreign carrier. The Company's revenues and costs of sales are
sensitive to changes in international settlement rates and international
traffic routing patterns.
The Company also provides permanent and temporary international private line
services to customers for a number of applications. These applications
generally involve establishing private, international point-to-point
communications links for customers with high traffic volumes or special needs,
such as greater security or route diversity. The Company has private line
operating agreements with approximately 160 foreign correspondents. The Company
is the carrier for some of the world's most critical communications links,
including the Washington-Moscow hotline, the Nuclear Risk Reduction Committee
and the NASA Space Program. The Company provides international private line
services for a range of financial, airline, commercial and governmental
communications networks.
WorldCom also provides switched voice and private line communications services
over its own facilities and leased facilities in the United Kingdom and Sweden.
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company received a license to provide
facilities-based international services to and from the United Kingdom, Germany
and France. The Company has also received authority to construct and operate a
high capacity digital fiber optic submarine cable between the United States and
the United Kingdom. The Company provides private line and closed user group
voice and data services over its own facilities and leased facilities in
Germany and France. The Company is building local facilities in Belgium and
the Netherlands, and already provides services through affiliates in those
countries, as well as in Ireland. The Company offers certain international
services over leased facilities in Switzerland and other European countries,
and in certain Asian markets including Japan and Hong Kong. Such operations
are subject to certain risks including licensing requirements, changes in
foreign government regulations and telecommunications standards,
interconnection and leased line charges, taxes, fluctuating exchange rates,
various trade barriers, and political and economic instability.
INTERNET. As a result of the MFS Merger, the Company now provides through its
subsidiary, UUNET, a comprehensive range of Internet access options,
applications and consulting services tailored to meet the needs of businesses
and professionals. UUNET's solution has been designed to address many of the
needs of businesses and professionals relating to Internet use. The UUNET
solution
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is based upon UUNET's high performance, domestic and international network
infrastructure designed specifically to provide reliable Internet connectivity
to businesses with demanding throughput requirements.
UUNET makes available to customers a variety of products and services,
including dedicated and dial-up Internet access, Web server hosting and content
development services, client software and security products and training, all
of which can be integrated by UUNET through its network integration and
consulting services. UUNET enables Internet users to purchase access,
applications and services, including integration services, through a single
source. UUNET's products and services are supported by a technical staff that
is highly experienced in Internet operations and services. UUNET's network
operations center monitors traffic across UUNET's network 24 hours per day,
seven days per week.
UUNET's primary Internet access options include (i) dedicated Internet access,
with service ranging from high speed services (T-1 and above) for very large
businesses with demanding throughput requirements to medium speed service via
dedicated lines or frame-relay for small to mid-size businesses, and (ii)
dial-up Internet access. These Internet access options are sold in the United
States and in many foreign countries, and are also offered under varying names
and different prices.
OTHER SERVICES. The Company offers a broad range of related services which
enhance customer convenience, add value and provide additional revenue sources.
Advanced "800" service offers features for caller and customer convenience,
including a variety of call routing and call blocking options, customer
reconfiguration, termination overflow to switched or dedicated lines, Dialed
Number Identification Service (DNIS), real-time Automatic Number Identification
(ANI), and flexible after-hours call handling services. The Company's travel
cards offer worldwide calling services, caller-friendly voice mail with message
waiting signal, message storage and delivery, conference calling, personal
greetings, speed dialing, customer deactivation and reactivation of cards,
customer card, and private-label card options. The Company is also a market
leader for the prepaid calling card which allows a purchaser to pay in advance
for a specific number of long distance minutes. The prepaid calling card is
successful in the collectors' market and continues to be a growing source of
revenues for the Company.
The Company outsources the management of its broadcast operations, which
provides satellite transmission and distribution of radio and television
programming for major network, cable, syndication, pay-per-view, sports and
special event programmers.
The Company also designs, installs, and integrates "turnkey" transmission
facilities and communications networks primarily for international customers.
Services provided include fixed customer premise earth stations, network
management systems, system integration consulting and project management.
As a result of the MFS Merger, the Company also provides development, design
and engineering, project management, construction and support of networks and
systems to a range of third-party customers. It is an industry leader in the
creation of advanced communication and transportation systems, through the
integration of advanced technologies for telecommunications, transportation and
security applications.
TRANSMISSION FACILITIES
Domestically, the Company owns one of four nationwide fiber optic networks in
the country, consisting of more than 22,000 miles of fiber optic cable, fiber
optic backbone and distribution rings, and microwave equipment with access to
over 50,000 miles of additional fiber optic network through lease agreements
with other carriers. The Company acquired the majority of this network through
the purchase of WilTel, which owned a network of approximately 11,000 miles of
fiber optic cable and digital microwave facilities with access to approximately
30,000 miles of additional fiber optic network through lease agreements with
other carriers. For local service, the Company serves over 13,200 buildings in
the United States and 928 buildings in six foreign countries are currently
serviced either directly or through interconnection.
Deployed in approximately 41 business centers throughout the United States,
Europe and the United Kingdom, the Company's local networks are constructed
using ring topology. Transmission networks are based on either conventional
asynchronous multiplexing or SONET ("Synchronous Optical Network") equipment.
European networks are based on Synchronous Digital Hierarchy ("SDH")
technology. Network backbones are installed in conduits owned by the Company
or leased from third parties such as utilities, railroads, long distance
carriers, state highway authorities, local governments and transit authorities.
Lease arrangements are generally executed under multi-year terms with renewal
options and are non- exclusive.
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Buildings are connected to the Company's network using extensions (known as
"laterals") which are then connected to a local distribution loop and
ultimately to a high speed fiber backbone which originates and terminates at
one of the Company's central nodes. To serve customers in buildings that are
not located on the network, the Company utilizes leased T-1s or unbundled local
loops obtained from the LECs. Transmission signals are generally sent through
the network simultaneously on both primary and secondary paths thereby
providing route diversity and disaster protection.
Most buildings served have a discrete Company presence (referred to as a
"remote hub") located within the building. Company-owned internal building
wiring connects the remote hub to the customer premises. Customer terminal
equipment is connected to Company-provided electronic equipment generally
located in the remote hub where ongoing customer transmission signals are
digitized, combined and converted into optical signals for transport to the
central node. Signals are then reconfigured and routed to their final
destination.
Internationally, the Company owns fiber optic facilities on most major
international undersea cable systems in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean regions,
providing fiber optic cable connections between the United States and the
Pacific Rim and the United States and Europe. WorldCom also owns fiber optic
cable for services to the Commonwealth of Independent States, Central America,
South America and the Caribbean. The Company also owns and operates 15
international gateway satellite earth stations, which enable it to provide
public switched and private line voice and data communications to and from
locations throughout the World. Through the MFS Merger, the Company also
provides international service by leasing submarine cable capacity from
international carriers as well as taking ownership interests and obtaining
indefeasible rights of use capacity on other submarine cables. The Company
will continue to consider whether to purchase or lease submarine cable capacity
on a case-by-case, site specific basis. In 1996, the Company received
authority to construct and operate a high capacity digital fiber optic
submarine cable between the United States and the United Kingdom and has begun
construction.
The Company's ability to generate profits is largely dependent upon its ability
to optimize the different types of transmission facilities used to process and
complete calls. These facilities are complemented by a least cost routing plan
which is accomplished through digital switching technology and network routing
software. Calls can be routed over fixed cost transmission facilities or
variable cost transmission facilities. Fixed cost facilities, including the
Company's owned networks, are typically most cost effective for routes that
carry high volumes of traffic. The Company's expansion has generally been to
contiguous geographic areas which has enabled the Company to concentrate a
significant portion of its traffic over fixed cost transmission facilities and
thereby achieve an overall lower network cost. In addition, a variety of lease
agreements for fixed and variable cost (usage sensitive) services ensure
diversity in processing calls.
NETWORK SWITCHING
The Company owns or leases computerized network switching equipment that routes
its customers' long distance calls. The Company presently maintains
approximately 50 digital switching centers. The Company's digital switching
equipment is interconnected with digital transmission lines. The Company's
entire switching network utilizes SS7 common channel signaling, which increases
efficiencies by eliminating connect time delays and provides "look ahead"
routing. In addition to networking, the Company's switching equipment verifies
customers' pre-assigned authorization codes, records billing data and monitors
system quality and performance.
The Company currently has 14 domestic switches and 4 international local
switches . The local switches are capable of providing both local and long
distance call functions while the gateway switches have the specific purpose of
transferring domestically originated calls to the rest of the world. It is the
intention of the Company to deploy a number of additional switches in 1997 both
in existing CAP service areas and in new markets not currently providing
facilities-based switched local service.
In addition to the switching centers, the Company has a number of other network
facility locations known as points of presence ("POPs"). These POPs allow the
Company to concentrate customers' traffic at locations where the Company has
not installed switching equipment. The traffic is carried to switching centers
from POPs over the Company's digital transmission network.
The Company's ATM network utilizes the Company's intracity fiber connections to
customers, Company-owned ATM switches and high capacity intercity fiber
connections generally leased from other carriers. ATM is a recently
commercialized switching and transmission technology based on encapsulation of
information in short (53-byte) fixed-length packets or "cells." ATM switching
was specifically developed to allow switching and transmission of mixed voice,
data and video (sometimes referred to as "multimedia" information). In
addition, certain characteristics of ATM switching allow switching information
to be directly encoded in integrated circuitry rather than in software.
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INTERNET NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
UUNET's Internet infrastructure is based on its own 45 Mbps, DS-3 leased line,
frame relay-based network. This network infrastructure enables customers to
access the Internet through dedicated lines or by placing a local telephone
call (dial-up) through a modem to the nearest UUNET POP. Once connected, the
customer's traffic is routed through UUNET's network to the desired Internet
location, whether on UUNET's network or elsewhere on the Internet. As of
December 1996, UUNET's network infrastructure allowed local access to users at
845 UUNET POPs, 516 of them outside of the United States.
In February 1997, WorldCom announced a $300 million expansion and upgrade plan
for the UUNET network infrastructure. The plan involves migrating network
backbone segments to support OC12 IP transmission, the highest speed currently
available, and will more than quadruple the available capacity in terms of both
backbone bandwidth and dial-up capacity.
RATES AND CHARGES
LONG DISTANCE AND LOCAL SERVICE. The Company charges switched customers on the
basis of minutes or partial minutes of usage at rates that vary with the
distance, duration and time of day of the call. For local service, customers
are billed a fixed charge plus usage. The rates charged are not affected by
the particular transmission facilities selected by the Company's network
switching centers for transmission of the call. Additional discounts are
available to customers who generate higher volumes of monthly usage.
Domestic and international business services are primarily billed in six-second
increments; others are billed in partial minutes rounded to the next minute.
Switched long distance and local services are billed in arrears, with monthly
billing statements itemizing date, time, duration and charges; private line
services are billed monthly in advance, with the invoice indicating the number
of circuits and applicable rates.
The Company's rates are generally designed to be competitive with those charged
by other long distance and local carriers. The rates offered by the Company
may be adjusted in the future if other IXCs, LECs and CAPs continue to adjust
their rates. Continued improvement in the domestic and international cost
structures allows the Company to offer competitive rates while maintaining
acceptable margins.
INTERNET ACCESS AND SERVICES. UUNET's Internet access options are sold in the
United States and in many foreign countries for domestic Internet access.
Prices vary, based on service type. Due to various factors, such as available
telecommunications technology, foreign government regulation, and market
demand, the service options offered outside of the United States by UUNET vary
as to speed, price and suitability for various purposes.
MARKETING AND SALES
WorldCom markets its long distance services primarily through a direct sales
force targeted at specific geographic markets. With the MFS Merger, the
Company believes that it is positioned to offer a unique combination of local,
long distance and international calling and Internet-based services sold by a
combined sales force of over 2,500 people. WorldCom's sales force also
provides advanced sales specialization for the data and international
marketplaces, including domestic and international private line services.
In each of its geographic markets, the Company employs full service support
teams that provide its customers with prompt and personal attention. With
offices nationwide, WorldCom's localized management, sales and customer support
are designed to engender a high degree of customer loyalty and service quality.
COMPETITION
Virtually all markets for telecommunications services are extremely
competitive, and the Company expects that competition will intensify in the
future. In each of the markets in which it offers telecommunications services,
the Company faces significant competition from carriers with greater market
share and financial resources. The Company competes domestically with
incumbent providers which have historically dominated their local
telecommunications markets, and long distance carriers, for the provision of
long distance services. In certain markets, the incumbent provider offers both
local and long distance services. The incumbent LECs presently have numerous
advantages as a result of their historic monopoly control of the local exchange
market. A continuing trend toward business combinations and alliances in the
telecommunications industry may create significant new competitors to the
Company. Many of the Company's existing and potential competitors have
financial, personnel and other resources significantly greater than those of
the Company. The Company also faces competition from one or more competitors
in most markets in which it operates, including other CAPs operating fiber
optic networks, in some cases in conjunction with the local cable television
operator. Each of AT&T, MCI and Sprint has indicated its intention to offer
local telecommunications services in major United States markets
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using its own facilities or by resale of the LECs' or other providers'
services. Other potential competitors include foreign telephone companies,
cable television companies, wireless telephone companies, electric utilities,
microwave carriers and private networks of large end users. In addition, the
Company competes with equipment vendors and installers and telecommunications
management companies with respect to certain portions of its business.
In overseas markets, the Company competes with incumbent providers, many of
which still have special regulatory status and the exclusive rights to provide
certain services, and virtually all of which have historically dominated their
local, domestic long distance and international services markets. These
incumbent providers have numerous advantages including existing facilities,
customer loyalty, and substantial financial resources. The Company also
competes with other service providers in overseas markets, many of which are
affiliated with incumbent providers in other countries. Typically, the Company
must devote extensive resources to obtaining regulatory approvals necessary to
operate in overseas markets, and then to obtaining access to and
interconnection with the incumbent's network on a non- discriminatory basis.
For most of the Company's communications services, the factors critical to a
customer's choice of a service provider are cost, ease of use, speed of
installation, quality, reputation and, in some cases, geography, and network
size. WorldCom's objective is to be one of the most responsive service
providers, particularly when providing customized communications services.
WorldCom's array of communications facilities and international relationships,
together with its engineering and operations capability, provide WorldCom with
considerable flexibility in tailoring cost-effective communications services to
meet its customers' requirements. Ownership of this network allows WorldCom to
implement complex permanent and temporary communications circuits to and from
virtually any location in the world. WorldCom relies on its decentralized
management structure and the local orientation of its operations and personnel
to distinguish itself from larger, less personalized operations. In addition,
WorldCom's understanding of international telecommunications technical and
regulatory issues has often allowed WorldCom to provide prompt solutions to the
diverse communications needs of multinational corporations, government entities
and other organizations. No assurance can be given, however, that the
Company's strategies will be successful.
The Company may also be subject to additional competition due to the
development of new technologies and increased availability of domestic and
international transmission capacity. For example, even though fiber-optic
networks, such as that of the Company, are now widely used for long distance
transmission, it is possible that the desirability of such networks could be
adversely affected by changing technology. The telecommunications industry is
in a period of rapid technological evolution, marked by the introduction of new
product and service offerings and increasing satellite and fiber optic
transmission capacity for services similar to those provided by the Company.
The Company cannot predict which of many possible future product and service
offerings will be important to maintain its competitive position or what
expenditures will be required to develop and provide such products and
services.
Under the Telecom Act and ensuing federal and state regulatory initiatives,
barriers to local exchange competition are being removed. The introduction of
such competition, however, also establishes the predicate for the BOCs to
provide in-region interexchange long distance services. The BOCs are currently
allowed to offer certain "incidental" long distance service in-region and to
offer out-of-region long distance services. Once the BOCs are allowed to offer
in- region long distance services, they could be in a position to offer single
source local and long distance service similar to those being offered by the
Company. The Company expects that the increased competition made possible by
regulatory reform could result in certain pricing and margin pressures in the
domestic telecommunications services business.
The Company, through UUNET, also competes in the market for Internet access and
on-line services. This market is also extremely competitive. The Company
expects that competition will intensify in the future. The Company believes
that its ability to compete successfully in this market depends on a number of
factors, including: market presence; the ability to execute a rapid expansion
strategy; the capacity, reliability and security of its network infrastructure;
ease of access to and navigation on the Internet; the pricing policies of its
competitors and suppliers; the timing of the introduction of new products and
services by the Company and its competitors; UUNET's ability to support
industry standards; and industry and general economic trends. The success of
the Company in this market will depend heavily upon UUNET's ability to provide
high quality Internet connectivity and value-added Internet services at
competitive prices.
The Company expects that all of the major on-line services providers and
telecommunications companies will expand their current services to compete
fully in the Internet access market. The Company believes that new
competitors, including large computer hardware, software, media and other
technology and telecommunications companies could enter the Internet access
market, resulting in even greater competition for the Company. Certain
companies, including America Online, AT&T, MCI, BBN Corporation and PSINet,
Inc., have obtained or expanded their Internet access products and services as
a result of acquisitions and strategic investments. Such acquisitions may
permit UUNET's competitors to devote greater resources to the development and
marketing of new competitive products and services and the marketing of
existing competitive products and services. The Company expects these
acquisitions and strategic investments to increase, thus creating significant
new competitors for UUNET.
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As UUNET continues to expand Internet operations outside of the United States,
UUNET will be forced to compete with and buy services from government-owned or
subsidized telecommunications providers, some of which may enjoy a monopoly on
telecommunications services essential to its business. UUNET will also
encounter competition from companies whose operating styles are substantially
different from those that it usually experiences. For example, in the United
Kingdom, the Company competes directly with: (1) telecommunications companies,
such as British Telecommunications plc, Mercury Communications Limited and
others; (2) other Internet access providers, such as Demon Internet Limited and
EUnet GB Limited; and (3) on-line services providers, such as CompuServe,
America Online/Bertelsmann, Microsoft and AT&T. These foreign competitors may
also possess a better understanding of their local markets and may have better
working relationships with local telecommunications companies. There can be no
assurance that UUNET can obtain similar levels of local knowledge, and failure
to obtain that knowledge could place UUNET at a competitive disadvantage.
REGULATION
GENERAL. The Company is subject to varying degrees of federal, state, local
and overseas regulation. In the United States, the Company is most heavily
regulated by the states, especially for the provision of local exchange
services. The Company must be separately certified in each state to offer
local exchange and intrastate long distance services. No state, however,
subjects the Company to price cap or rate of return regulation, nor is the
Company currently required to obtain FCC authorization for installation or
operation of its fiber optic network facilities and switches used for domestic
services. FCC approval is required, however, for the installation and
operation of its international facilities and services. The Company is subject
to varying degrees of regulation in the foreign jurisdictions in which it
conducts business including authorization for the installation and operation of
its network facilities. Although the trend in federal, state and overseas
regulation appears to favor increased competition, no assurance can be given
that changes in current or future regulations adopted by the FCC, state or
foreign regulators or legislative initiatives in the United States or abroad
would not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom Act which: permits,
without limitation, the BOCs to provide domestic and international long
distance services to customers located outside of the BOCs' home regions;
permits a petitioning BOC to provide domestic and international long distance
service to customers within its home region upon a finding by the FCC that a
petitioning BOC has satisfied certain criteria for opening up its local
exchange network to competition and that its provision of long distance
services would further the public interest; and removes existing barriers to
entry into local service markets. Additionally, there are significant changes
in the manner in which carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the
federal and state levels; procedures to revise universal service standards; and
penalties for unauthorized switching of customers. The FCC has instituted
proceedings addressing the implementation of this legislation.
On August 8, 1996, the FCC released its FCC Interconnect Order which
established nationwide rules designed to encourage new entrants to participate
in the local service markets through interconnection with the incumbent local
exchange carriers ("ILECs"), resale of the ILEC's retail services and unbundled
network elements. Theses rules set the groundwork for the statutory criteria
governing BOC entry into the long distance market. WorldCom cannot predict the
effect such legislation or the implementing regulations will have on it or the
industry. Motions to stay implementation of the FCC Interconnect Order were
filed with the FCC and federal courts of appeal. Appeals challenging, among
other things, the validity of the FCC Interconnect Order were filed in several
federal courts of appeal and assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
for disposition. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the pricing
provisions of the FCC Interconnect Order. WorldCom cannot predict either the
outcome of these challenges and appeals or the eventual effect on its business
or the industry in general.
On December 24, 1996, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM")
seeking to reform the FCC's current access charge policies and practices to
comport with a competitive or potentially competitive local access service
market. The NPRM seeks comment on a number of proposals for a series of
reforms to the existing switched access charge rate structure rules that are
designed to eliminate economic inefficiencies. In addition, the FCC proposes
to use, either alternatively or in combination, two approaches for addressing:
claims that access charges are excessive; a transition to economic based
pricing of access charges; and, deregulation of incumbent local exchange
carriers as competition develops. The FCC is evaluating the use of either a
market-based approach, a prescriptive approach or a combination of both. Such
charges are a principal component of the Company's line cost expense. The
Company cannot predict whether or not the result of this proceeding will have a
material impact upon its financial position or results of operations.
In the NPRM, the FCC tentatively concluded that information services providers
(including among others Internet service providers) should not be subject to
existing interstate access charges. However, the FCC recognized that these
services and recent technological advances may be constrained by current
regulatory practices that have their foundations in traditional services and
technologies. The FCC issued on December 24, 1996, a Notice of Inquiry to seek
comment on whether it should, in addition to access charge reform, consider
actions relating to interstate information services and the Internet. Changes
in the regulatory environment relating to the
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telecommunications or Internet-related services industry could have an adverse
effect on the Company's Internet-related services business. The Telecom Act
may permit telecommunications companies, BOCs or others to increase the scope
or reduce the cost of their Internet access services. The Company cannot
predict the effect that the Notice of Inquiry, the Telecom Act or any future
legislation, regulation or regulatory changes may have on its business.
INTERNATIONAL. In December 1996, the FCC adopted a new policy that will make
it easier for United States international carriers to obtain authority to route
international public switched voice traffic to and from the United States
outside of the traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes.
In February 1997, the United States entered into a World Trade Organization
Agreement (the "WTO Agreement") that should have the effect of liberalizing the
provision of switched voice telephone and other telecommunications services in
many foreign countries over the next several years. As a result of the WTO
Agreement, WorldCom expects the FCC, among other things, to reexamine its
policies regarding (i) the services that may be provided by foreign owned
United States international common carriers, including carriers owned or
controlled by foreign carriers that have market power in their home markets,
and (ii) the provision of international switched voice services outside of the
traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes. Although the
FCC's new flexible settlement rate policy, and the WTO Agreement and any
ensuing FCC policy changes, may result in lower costs to the Company to
terminate international traffic, there is a risk that the revenues that the
Company receives from inbound international traffic may decrease to an even
greater degree. The implementation of the WTO Agreement may also make it
easier for foreign carriers with market power in their home markets to offer
United States and foreign customers end-to-end services to the disadvantage of
WorldCom, which may face substantial obstacles in obtaining from foreign
governments and foreign carriers the authority and facilities to provide such
end-to-end services.
The Company is or will be subject to the applicable laws and has obtained or
will need to obtain the approval of the regulatory authority of each overseas
country in which it provides or proposes to provide telecommunications
services. The laws and regulatory requirements vary from country to country.
Some countries have substantially deregulated various communications services,
while other countries have maintained strict regulatory regimes. The
application procedure to enter new markets can be time-consuming and costly,
and terms of licenses vary for different countries. There can be no assurance
that the Company will receive all authorizations or licenses necessary for new
communications services or that delays in the licensing process will not
adversely affect its business.
ALIEN OWNERSHIP. The Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Communications Act") prohibits any entity in which more than 20% of the
capital stock is owned of record or voted by noncitizens or a foreign
government or its representative from receiving or holding a common carrier
radio transmission license (including microwave). The Communications Act also
prohibits subsidiaries of any entity of which more than 25% of the capital
stock is owned of record or voted by noncitizens from receiving or holding
common carrier radio transmission licenses (including microwave), if the FCC
finds that the public interest would be served by the refusal or revocation of
the licenses under those circumstances. The Company's charter restricts
aggregate beneficial ownership of the Common Stock by certain foreign
shareholders to 20% of the total outstanding stock, and subjects excess shares
to redemption.
RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors,
together with the other information contained in this Form 10-K, in evaluating
the Company and its business before purchasing its securities. In particular,
prospective investors should note that this Form 10-K contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995 and that actual results could differ materially from those contemplated
by such statements. The factors listed below represent certain important
factors the Company believes could cause such results to differ. These factors
are not intended to represent a complete list of the general or specific risks
that may affect the Company. It should be recognized that other risks may be
significant, presently or in the future, and the risks set forth below may
affect the Company to a greater extent than indicated.
RISKS OF INCREASED FINANCIAL LEVERAGE; DEBT SERVICE, INTEREST RATE
FLUCTUATIONS, POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN LIQUIDITY, DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS AND OTHER
RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $4.80 billion of
long-term debt (including capital leases and excluding current maturities) and
a long-term debt to equity ratio of 0.37 to 1.0. On June 28, 1996, the Company
replaced its then existing $3.41 billion credit facilities with a new $3.75
billion five- year revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). The
Credit Facility has a five-year term and bears interest, payable in varying
periods, depending on the interest period, not to exceed six months, at rates
selected by the Company under the terms of the Credit Facility including a Base
Rate or the LIBOR, plus applicable margin. The applicable margin for a LIBOR
rate borrowing varies from 0.35% to 0.875% based upon a specified financial
test. The Credit Facility is unsecured and requires compliance with certain
financial and other operating covenants which limit, among other things, the
incurrence of additional indebtedness by WorldCom and restricts the payment of
cash dividends to WorldCom's shareholders. The Credit Facility is also subject
to an annual commitment fee not to exceed 0.25% of any unborrowed portion of
the Credit Facility.
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Increases in interest rates, economic downturns and other adverse developments,
including factors beyond the Company's control, could impair its ability to
service its indebtedness under the Credit Facility. In addition, the cash flow
required to service the Company's debt may reduce its ability to fund internal
growth, additional acquisitions and capital improvements. In addition, the
Credit Facility restricts the payment of cash dividends and otherwise limits
the Company's financial flexibility. See Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
The Company has historically utilized cash flow from operations to finance
capital expenditures and a mixture of cash flow, debt and stock to finance
acquisitions. The Company expects to experience increased capital intensity
due to network expansions and believes that funding needs in excess of
internally generated cash flow will be met by accessing the debt markets. The
Company has filed a shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") for the sale, from time to time,
of one or more series of unsecured debt securities having an aggregate value of
up to $3.0 billion. The Company expects to draw down a portion of the shelf
registration in the first half of 1997 to pay down commercial bank debt but
maintain increased credit availability and flexibility for capital spending.
No assurance can be given that any public financing will be available on terms
acceptable to WorldCom.
ACQUISITION INTEGRATION. A major portion of the Company's growth in recent
years has resulted from acquisitions, which involve certain operational and
financial risks. Operational risks include the possibility that an acquisition
does not ultimately provide the benefits originally anticipated by management
of the acquiror, while the acquiror continues to incur operating expenses to
provide the services formerly provided by the acquired company. Financial
risks involve the incurrence of indebtedness by the acquiror in order to effect
the acquisition and the consequent need to service that indebtedness. In
addition, the issuance of stock in connection with acquisitions dilutes the
voting power and may dilute certain other interests of existing shareholders.
In carrying out its acquisition strategy, the Company attempts to minimize the
risk of unexpected liabilities and contingencies associated with acquired
businesses through planning, investigation and negotiation, but such unexpected
liabilities may nevertheless accompany acquisitions. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in identifying attractive acquisition
candidates or completing additional acquisitions on favorable terms.
Additionally, achieving the expected benefits of the MFS Merger will depend in
part upon the integration of the businesses of WorldCom and MFS, together with
UUNET, in an efficient manner, and there can be no assurance that this will
occur. The transition to a combined company will require substantial attention
from management. The diversion of management attention and any difficulties
encountered in the transition process could have an adverse effect on the
revenues and operating results of the combined company. In addition, the
process of combining the three organizations could cause the interruption of,
or a disruption in, the activities of any or all of the companies' businesses,
which could have a material adverse effect on their combined operations. There
can be no assurance that the Company will realize any of the anticipated
benefits of the MFS Merger.
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES. WorldCom is subject to a number of legal and
regulatory proceedings. While WorldCom believes that the probable outcome of
these matters, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect
on WorldCom's consolidated results of operations or financial position, no
assurance can be given that a contrary result will not be obtained. See Item 3
- - "Legal Proceedings."
RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. The Company derives substantial revenues by
providing international communications services to United States commercial and
carrier customers. Such operations are subject to certain risks such as
changes in United States or foreign government regulatory policies, disruption,
suspension or termination of operating agreements, and currency fluctuations.
In particular, the Company's revenues and costs of sales are sensitive to
changes in international settlement rates and international traffic routing
patterns. The rates that the Company can charge its customers for
international services may decrease in the future due to the entry of new
carriers with substantial resources, aggressiveness on the part of new or
existing carriers, the widespread resale of international private lines, the
provision of international services via non-traditional means including the
Internet, the consummation of mergers and joint ventures among large
international carriers that facilitate targeted pricing and cost reductions,
and the rapid growth of international circuit capacity due to the deployment of
new undersea fiber optic cables and new high capacity satellite systems in the
Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean Regions.
RISKS OF OVERSEAS BUSINESS OPERATIONS. The Company derives substantial
revenues from providing services to customers in overseas locations,
particularly the United Kingdom and Germany. Such operations are subject to
certain risks such as changes in the legal and regulatory policies of the
foreign jurisdiction, local political and economic developments, currency
fluctuations, exchange controls, royalty and tax increases, retroactive tax
claims, expropriation, and import and export regulations and other laws and
policies of the United States affecting foreign trade, investment and taxation.
In addition, in the event of any dispute arising from foreign operations, the
Company may be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts and may
not be successful in subjecting foreign persons or entities to the jurisdiction
of the courts in the United States. WorldCom may also be hindered or prevented
from enforcing its rights with respect to foreign governments because of the
doctrine of sovereign immunity.
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There can be no assurance that the laws, regulations or administrative
practices of foreign countries relating to WorldCom's ability to do business in
that country will not change. Any such change could have a material adverse
effect on the business and financial condition of WorldCom.
DEPENDENCE ON AVAILABILITY OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES. The future
profitability of the Company will be dependent in part on its ability to
utilize transmission facilities leased from others on a cost-effective basis.
The acquisitions of MFS, WilTel and IDB have reduced the leasing risk through
the ownership of significant domestic and international facilities, however,
due to the possibility of unforeseen changes in industry conditions, the
continued availability of leased transmission facilities at historical rates
cannot be assured. See "Item 1 - Business - Transmission Facilities."
RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE; DEPENDENCE UPON PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT. The
telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in
technology. While WorldCom does not believe that, for the foreseeable future,
these changes will either materially or adversely affect the continued use of
fiber optic cable or materially hinder its ability to acquire necessary
technologies, the effect of technological changes, including changes relating
to emerging wireline and wireless transmission and switching technologies, on
the businesses of WorldCom cannot be predicted.
The market for the UUNET's Internet-related products and services is
characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards,
emerging competition and frequent new product and service introductions. There
can be no assurance that UUNET will successfully identify new product and
service opportunities and develop and bring new products and services to market
in a timely manner. UUNET is also at risk from fundamental changes in the way
Internet access services are marketed and delivered. UUNET's Internet service
strategy assumes that the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
("TCP/IP"), utilizing fiber optic or copper-based telecommunications
infrastructures, will continue to be the primary protocol and transport
infrastructure for Internet-related services. Emerging transport alternatives
include cable modems and satellite delivery of Internet information;
alternative open protocol and proprietary protocol standards have been or are
being developed. UUNET's pursuit of necessary technological advances may
require substantial time and expense, and there can be no assurance that UUNET
will succeed in adapting its Internet services business to alternate access
devices, conduits and protocols.
REGULATION RISKS. The Company is subject to extensive regulation at the
federal and state levels, as well as in various foreign countries in
connection with certain overseas business activities. The regulatory
environment varies substantially by jurisdiction.
The Company is subject to varying degrees of federal, state, local and
international regulation. In the United States, the Company is most heavily
regulated by the states, especially for the provision of local exchange
services. The Company must be separately certified in each state to offer
local exchange and intrastate long distance services. No state, however,
subjects the Company to price cap or rate of return regulation, nor is the
Company currently required to obtain FCC authorization for installation or
operation of its network facilities used for domestic services. FCC approval
is required, however, for the installation and operation of its international
facilities and services. The Company is subject to varying degrees of
regulation in the foreign jurisdictions in which it conducts business including
authorization for the installation and operation of its network facilities.
Although the trend in federal, state, local and international regulation
appears to favor increased competition, no assurance can be given that changes
in current or future regulations adopted by the FCC, state or foreign
regulators or legislative initiatives in the United States and abroad would not
have a material adverse effect on the Company.
On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom Act which: permits,
without limitation, the BOCs to provide domestic and international long
distance services to customers located outside of the BOCs' home regions;
permits a petitioning BOC to provide domestic and international long distance
service to customers within its home region upon a finding by the FCC that a
petitioning BOC has satisfied certain criteria for opening up its local
exchange network to competition and that its provision of long distance
services would further the public interest; and removes existing barriers to
entry into local service markets. Additionally, there are significant changes
in the manner in which carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the
federal and state levels; procedures to revise universal service standards; and
penalties for unauthorized switching of customers. The FCC has instituted
proceedings addressing the implementation of this legislation.
On August 8, 1996, the FCC released its FCC Interconnect Order which
established nationwide rules designed to encourage new entrants to participate
in the local service markets through interconnection with the ILECs, resale of
the ILEC's retail services and unbundled network elements. Theses rules set
the groundwork for the statutory criteria governing BOC entry into the long
distance market. WorldCom cannot predict the effect such legislation or the
implementing regulations will have on it or the industry. Motions to stay
implementation of the FCC Interconnect Order were filed with the FCC and
federal courts of appeal. Appeals challenging, among other things, the
validity of the FCC Interconnect Order were filed in several federal courts of
appeal and assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for disposition.
The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the pricing provisions of the
FCC
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Interconnect Order. WorldCom cannot predict either the outcome of these
challenges and appeals or the eventual effect on its business or the industry
in general.
On December 24, 1996, the FCC released the NPRM seeking to reform the FCC's
current access charge policies and practices to comport with a competitive or
potentially competitive local access service market. The NPRM seeks comment on
a number of proposals for a series of reforms to the existing switched access
charge rate structure rules that are designed to eliminate economic
inefficiencies. In addition, the FCC proposes to use, either alternatively or
in combination, two approaches for addressing: claims that access charges are
excessive; a transition to economic based pricing of access charges; and, for
deregulation of incumbent local exchange carriers as competition develops. The
FCC is evaluating the use of either a market-based approach, a prescriptive
approach or a combination of both. Such charges are a principal component of
the Company's line cost expense. The Company cannot predict whether or not the
result of this proceeding will have a material impact upon its financial
position or results of operations.
In the NPRM, the FCC tentatively concluded that information services providers
(including among others Internet service providers) should not be subject to
existing interstate access charges. However, the FCC recognized that these
services and recent technological advances may be constrained by current
regulatory practices that have their foundations in traditional services and
technologies. The FCC issued on December 24, 1996, a Notice of Inquiry to seek
comment on whether it should, in addition to access charge reform, consider
actions relating to interstate information services and the Internet. Changes
in the regulatory environment relating to the telecommunications or
Internet-related services industry could have an adverse effect on the
Company's Internet-related services business. The Telecom Act may permit
telecommunications companies, BOCs or others to increase the scope or reduce
the cost of their Internet access services. The Company cannot predict the
effect that the Notice of Inquiry, the Telecom Act or any future legislation,
regulation or regulatory changes may have on its business.
In December 1996, the FCC adopted a new policy that will make it easier for
United States international carriers to obtain authority to route international
public switched voice traffic to and from the United States outside of the
traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes. In February
1997, the United States entered into a WTO Agreement that should have the effect
of liberalizing the provision of switched voice telephone and other
telecommunications services in scores of foreign countries over the next
several years. As a result of the WTO Agreement, WorldCom expects the FCC,
among other things, to reexamine its policies regarding (i) the services that
may be provided by foreign owned United States international common carriers,
including carriers owned or controlled by foreign carriers that have market
power in their home markets, and (ii) the provision of international switched
voice services outside of the traditional settlement rate and proportionate
return regimes. Although the FCC's new flexible settlement rate policy, and
the WTO Agreement and any ensuing FCC policy changes, may result in lower costs
to the Company to terminate international traffic, there is a risk that the
revenues that the Company receives from inbound international traffic may
decrease to an even greater degree. The implementation of the WTO Agreement
may also make it easier for foreign carriers with market power in their home
markets to offer United States and foreign customers end-to- end services to
the disadvantage of WorldCom, which may face substantial obstacles in obtaining
from foreign governments and foreign carriers the authority and facilities to
provide such end-to-end services.
The Company is or will be subject to the applicable laws and has obtained or
will need to obtain the approval of the regulatory authority of each overseas
country in which it provides or proposes to provide telecommunications
services. The laws and regulatory requirements vary from country to country.
Some countries have substantially deregulated various communications services,
while other countries have maintained strict regulatory regimes. The
application procedure to enter new markets can be time-consuming and costly,
and terms of licenses vary for different countries. There can be no assurance
that the Company will receive all authorizations or licenses necessary for new
communications services or that delays in the licensing process will not
adversely affect its business.
COMPETITION. Virtually all markets for telecommunications services are
extremely competitive, and the Company expects that competition will intensify
in the future. In each of the markets in which it offers telecommunications
services, the Company faces significant competition from carriers with greater
market share and financial resources. The Company competes domestically with
incumbent providers, which have historically dominated their local
telecommunications markets, and long distance carriers, for the provision of
long distance services. In certain markets the incumbent provider offers both
local and long distance services. The incumbent LECs presently have numerous
advantages as a result of their historic monopoly control of the local exchange
market. A continuing trend toward business combinations and alliances in the
telecommunications industry may create significant new competitors to the
Company. Many of the Company's existing and potential competitors have
financial, personnel and other resources significantly greater than those of
the Company. The Company also faces competition from one or more competitors
in most markets in which it operates, including CAPs operating fiber optic
networks, in some cases in conjunction with the local cable television
operator. Each of AT&T, MCI and Sprint has indicated its intention to offer
local telecommunications services in major United States markets using its own
facilities or by resale of the LECs' or other providers' services. Other
potential competitors include foreign telephone companies, cable television
companies, wireless telephone companies, electric utilities, microwave carriers
and private
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networks of large end users. In addition, the Company competes with equipment
vendors and installers and telecommunications management companies with respect
to certain portions of its business.
In overseas markets, the Company competes with incumbent providers, many of
which still have special regulatory status and the exclusive rights to provide
certain services, and virtually all of which have historically dominated their
local, domestic long distance and international services markets. These
incumbent providers have numerous advantages including existing facilities,
customer loyalty, and substantial financial resources. The Company also
competes with other service providers in overseas markets, many of which are
affiliated with incumbent providers in other countries. Typically, the Company
must devote extensive resources to obtaining regulatory approvals necessary to
operate in overseas markets, and then to obtaining access to and
interconnection with the incumbent's network on a non- discriminatory basis.
For most of the Company's communications services, the factors critical to a
customer's choice of a service provider are cost, ease of use, speed of
installation, quality, reputation and, in some cases, geography, and network
size. WorldCom's objective is to be one of the most responsive service
providers, particularly when providing customized communications services.
WorldCom's array of communications facilities and international relationships,
together with its engineering and operations capability, provide WorldCom with
considerable flexibility in tailoring cost-effective communications services to
meet its customers' requirements. Ownership of this network allows WorldCom to
implement complex permanent and temporary communications circuits to and from
virtually any location in the world. WorldCom relies on its decentralized
management structure and the local orientation of its operations and personnel
to distinguish itself from larger, less personalized operations. In addition,
WorldCom's understanding of international telecommunications technical and
regulatory issues has often allowed WorldCom to provide prompt solutions to the
diverse communications needs of multinational corporations, government entities
and other organizations. No assurance can be given, however, that the
Company's strategies will be successful.
The Company may also be subject to additional competition due to the
development of new technologies and increased availability of domestic and
international transmission capacity. For example, even though fiber-optic
networks, such as that of the Company, are now widely used for long distance
transmission, it is possible that the desirability of such networks could be
adversely affected by changing technology. The telecommunications industry is
in a period of rapid technological evolution, marked by the introduction of new
product and service offerings and increasing satellite and fiber optic
transmission capacity for services similar to those provided by the Company.
The Company cannot predict which of many possible future product and service
offerings will be important to maintain its competitive position or what
expenditures will be required to develop and provide such products and
services.
Under the Telecom Act and ensuing federal and state regulatory initiatives,
barriers to local exchange competition are being removed. The introduction of
such competition, however, also establishes the predicate for the BOCs to
provide in-region interexchange long distance services. The BOCs are currently
allowed to offer certain "incidental" long distance service in-region and to
offer out-of-region long distance services. Once the BOCs are allowed to offer
in- region long distance services, they could be in a position to offer single
source local and long distance service similar to that being offered by the
Company. The Company expects that the increased competition made possible by
regulatory reform will result in certain pricing and margin pressures in the
domestic telecommunications services business.
The Company, through UUNET, also competes in the market for data communications
services, including Internet access and on-line services. This market is also
extremely competitive. The Company expects that competition will intensify in
the future. The Company believes that its ability to compete successfully in
this market depends on a number of factors, including: market presence; the
ability to execute a rapid expansion strategy; the capacity, reliability and
security of its network infrastructure; ease of access to and navigation on the
Internet; the pricing policies of its competitors and suppliers; the timing of
the introduction of new products and services by the Company and its
competitors; UUNET's ability to support industry standards; and industry and
general economic trends. The success of the Company in this market will depend
heavily upon UUNET's ability to provide high quality Internet connectivity and
value-added Internet services at competitive prices.
The Company expects that all of the major on-line services providers and
telecommunications companies will expand their current services to compete
fully in the Internet access market. The Company believes that new
competitors, including large computer hardware, software, media and other
technology and telecommunications companies will enter the Internet access
market, resulting in even greater competition for UUNET. Certain companies,
including America Online, AT&T, MCI, BBN Corporation and PSINet, Inc., have
obtained or expanded their Internet access products and services as a result of
acquisitions and strategic investments. Such acquisitions may permit UUNET's
competitors to devote greater resources to the development and marketing of new
competitive products and services and the marketing of existing competitive
products and services. UUNET expects these acquisitions and strategic
investments to increase, thus creating significant new competitors to UUNET.
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As UUNET continues to expand Internet operations outside of the United States,
UUNET will be forced to compete with and buy services from government-owned or
subsidized telecommunications providers, some of which may enjoy an absolute
monopoly on telecommunications services essential to its business. UUNET will
also encounter competition from companies whose operating styles are
substantially different from those that it usually experiences. For example,
in the United Kingdom, the Company competes directly with: (1)
telecommunications companies, such as British Telecommunications plc, Mercury
Communications Limited and others; (2) other Internet access providers, such as
Demon Internet Limited and EUnet GB Limited; and (3) on-line services
providers, such as CompuServe, America Online/Bertelsmann, Microsoft and AT&T.
These foreign competitors may also possess a better understanding of their
local markets and may have better working relationships with local
telecommunications companies. There can be no assurance that UUNET can obtain
similar levels of local knowledge, and failure to obtain that knowledge could
place UUNET at a serious competitive disadvantage.
POTENTIAL LIABILITY OF ON-LINE SERVICE PROVIDERS. The law in the United States
relating to the liability of on-line service providers and Internet access
providers for information carried on, disseminated through or hosted on their
systems is currently unsettled. Several private lawsuits seeking to impose
such liability are currently pending. In one case brought against an Internet
access provider, Religious Technology Center v. Netcom On-Line Communication
Services, Inc., the United States District Court for the Northern District of
California ruled in a preliminary phase that under certain circumstances
Internet access providers could be held liable for copyright infringement. The
case has been settled by the parties. The Telecom Act prohibits and imposes
criminal penalties and civil liability for using an interactive computer
service for transmitting certain types of information and content, such as
indecent or obscene communications. On June 12, 1996, however, a panel of
three federal judges granted a preliminary injunction barring enforcement of
this portion of the Telecom Act to the extent that enforcement is based upon
allegations other than obscenity or child pornography as an impermissible
restriction on the First Amendment's right of free speech. In addition, the
United States Congress in consultation with the United States Patent and
Trademark Office and the Administration's National Information Infrastructure
Task Force, is currently considering legislation to address the liability of
on-line service providers and Internet access providers, and numerous states
have adopted or are currently considering similar types of legislation. The
imposition upon Internet access providers of potential liability for materials
carried on or disseminated through their systems could require UUNET to
implement measures to reduce its exposure to such liability, which may require
the expenditure of substantial resources or the discontinuation of certain
product or service offerings. The Company believes that it is currently
unsettled whether the Telecom Act prohibits and imposes liability for any
services provided by UUNET should the content or information transmitted be
subject to the statute.
The law relating to the liability of on-line service providers and Internet
access providers in relation to information carried, disseminated or hosted
also is being discussed by the World Intellectual Property Organization in the
context of ongoing consideration of updating existing, and adopting new,
international copyright treaties. Similar developments are ongoing in the
United Kingdom and other jurisdictions. The scope of authority of various
regulatory bodies in relation to on-line services is at present uncertain. The
Office of Telecommunications in the United Kingdom has recently published a
consultative document setting out a number of issues for discussion, including
the roles of traditional telecommunications and broadcasting regulators with
respect to on-line services. The Securities Investment Board in the United
Kingdom is investigating the status of on-line services and the transmission of
investment information over networks controlled by access providers. Such
transmissions may make an access provider liable for any violation of
securities and other financial services legislation and regulations. Decisions
regarding regulation, enforcement, content liability and the availability of
Internet access in other countries may significantly affect the ability to
offer certain services worldwide and the development and profitability of
companies offering Internet and on- line services in the future. For example,
an Internet access provider that competes with UUNET removed certain content
from its services worldwide in reaction to law enforcement activities in
Germany, and it has been reported that an Internet access provider in Germany
has been advised by prosecutors that it may have liability for disseminating
neo- Nazi writings by providing access to the Internet where these materials
are available.
The increased attention focused upon liability issues as a result of these
lawsuits, legislation and legislative proposals could affect the growth of
Internet use. Any costs incurred as a result of liability or asserted
liability for information carried on or disseminated through its systems could
have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and results
of operations of UUNET.
DEPENDENCE UPON NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE; RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE; SECURITY RISKS.
The success of the Company in marketing its services to business and government
users requires that the Company provide superior reliability, capacity and
security via its network infrastructures. These networks are subject to
physical damage, power loss, capacity limitations, software defects, breaches
of security (by computer virus, break-ins or otherwise) and other factors,
certain of which have caused, and will continue to cause, interruptions in
service or reduced capacity for the customers of such company. Similarly,
UUNET's business relies on the availability of its network infrastructure for
the provision of Internet access services. Interruptions in service, capacity
limitations or security breaches could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS. The Second Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of WorldCom contain provisions (a) requiring a 70% vote for
approval of certain business combinations with certain 10% shareholders unless
approved by a majority of the
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continuing Board of Directors or unless certain minimum price, procedural and
other requirements are met; (b) restricting aggregate beneficial ownership of
the capital stock of WorldCom by foreign shareholders to 20% of the total
outstanding capital stock, and subjecting excess shares to redemption, and (c)
authorizing the WorldCom Board of Directors to issue preferred stock in one or
more classes without any action on the part of shareholders. In addition,
WorldCom has adopted a rights plan (the "WorldCom Rights Plan") and in
connection therewith entered into the Rights Agreement between WorldCom and The
Bank of New York, as Rights Agent, dated as of August 25, 1996 (the "WorldCom
Rights Agreement"), which will cause substantial dilution to a person or group
that attempts to acquire WorldCom on terms not approved by the WorldCom Board
of Directors. Further, WorldCom's Bylaws (a) contain requirements regarding
advance notice of nomination of directors by shareholders and (b) restrict the
calling of special meetings by shareholders to those owning shares representing
not less than 40% of the votes to be cast. These provisions, including the
WorldCom Rights Plan, may have an "anti-takeover" effect.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 3, 1997, the Company employed approximately 13,000 full-time
persons. Substantially all of the Company's employees are not represented by
any labor union.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The tangible assets of the Company include a substantial investment in
telecommunications equipment. The aggregate value of the Company's
transmission equipment and communications equipment was $2.37 billion and $1.30
billion, respectively, at December 31, 1996. Approximately $2.5 billion is
currently anticipated for transmission and communications equipment purchases
in 1997 without regard to possible future acquisitions, if any.
The Company's rights-of-way for its fiber optic cable and 172 tower microwave
transmission network are typically held under leases, easements, licenses or
governmental permits. All other major equipment and physical facilities are
owned in fee and are operated, constructed and maintained pursuant to
rights-of-way, easements, permits, licenses or consents on or across properties
owned by others.
WilTel has sold to independent entities and leased back its microwave system
and its Kansas City to Los Angeles fiber optic system over primary lease terms
ranging from 15 to 20 years. The leases have renewal options permitting WilTel
to extend the leases for terms expiring during the years 2012 to 2019 and
purchase options based upon the fair market value at the time of purchase.
The Company leases space for sales office and/or administrative facilities,
collector node, collocation sites, general storage space, and equipment rooms
for switches and other peripheral equipment. Such leased properties do not
lend themselves to description by character or location. The Company's fiber
optic network includes aerial and underground cable and conduit which is
located on public streets and highways or on privately owned land. The Company
has permission to use these lands pursuant to governmental consent or lease,
permit, easement or other agreement.
The Company attempts to structure its leases of space for its network switching
centers and rights-of-way for its fiber optic network with initial terms and
renewal options so that the risk of relocation is minimized. The Company
anticipates that prior to termination of any of the leases, it will be able to
renew such leases or make other suitable arrangements.
WorldCom believes that all of its facilities and equipment are in good
condition and are suitable for their intended purposes.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
IDB RELATED INVESTIGATIONS. On June 9, 1994, the SEC issued a formal order of
investigation concerning certain matters, including IDB's financial position,
books and records and internal controls and trading in IDB securities on the
basis of non-public information. The SEC has issued subpoenas to WorldCom, IDB
and others, including certain former officers of IDB, in connection with its
investigation. The National Association of Securities Dealers and other
self-regulatory bodies have also made inquiries of IDB concerning similar
matters.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California (the
"United States Attorney's Office") issued grand jury subpoenas to IDB and
WorldCom in 1994 and 1995 seeking documents relating to IDB's first quarter of
1994 results, the resignation of Deloitte & Touche LLP as IDB's auditors,
trading in IDB securities and other matters. In October 1996, the United
States Attorney's Office entered into an agreement with WorldCom not to
criminally prosecute IDB with respect to IDB's financial reporting on or before
January 1, 1995 (including but not limited to the resignation of Deloitte &
Touche LLP), trading in IDB securities, misuse of IDB's assets, attempts to
obstruct the proceedings of the SEC and other matters. The agreement does not
cover potential violations of the
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federal tax code and is expressly contingent upon the cooperation of IDB and
WorldCom with the United States Attorney's Office, the Federal Bureau of
Investigation and any other federal law enforcement agency, including the SEC.
OTHER. The Company is involved in other legal and regulatory proceedings
generally incidental to its business. In some instances, rulings by regulatory
authorities in some states may result in increased operating costs to the
Company. While the results of these various legal and regulatory matters
contain an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the probable
outcome of any of the legal or regulatory matters, or all of them combined,
should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results
of operations or financial position.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
On December 20, 1996, the Company held a Special Meeting of Shareholders for
the purpose of:
1. considering and voting upon a proposal to approve the issuance
of WorldCom capital stock to shareholders of MFS in connection
with the MFS Merger;
2. considering and voting upon a proposal to amend WorldCom's
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, to
increase the number of authorized shares of WorldCom Common
Stock from 750,000,000 to 2,500,000,000; and
3. voting upon a proposal to adjourn the Special Meeting to allow
for additional solicitation of shareholder proxies or votes in
the event that the number of proxies or votes sufficient to
obtain a quorum or to approve Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 has
not been received by the date of the Special Meeting.
The tabulation of the voting is as follows:
ABSTENTIONS AND
FOR AGAINST BROKER NON-VOTES
--- ------- ----------------
Issuance of capital stock to MFS shareholders 277,852,901 2,436,764 809,100
Increase in Common Stock 281,799,677 4,074,816 831,497
Additional solicitation of shareholder proxies 235,593,385 46,680,392 1,164,801
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The shares of Common Stock are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market. On May
25, 1995, the Company changed its name to WorldCom, Inc. and the Common Stock
trading symbol became WCOM. Prior to the name change, the Company's Common
Stock was traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol LDDS.
The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of
Common Stock as reported on the Nasdaq National Market based on published
financial sources, for the periods indicated.
HIGH LOW
---- ---
1995
- ----
First Quarter $13.13 $ 9.56
Second Quarter 13.69 11.56
Third Quarter 17.06 13.38
Fourth Quarter 17.94 14.88
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HIGH LOW
---- ---
1996
- ----
First Quarter $23.31 $16.25
Second Quarter 27.72 21.31
Third Quarter 28.88 18.38
Fourth Quarter 26.13 21.00
As of March 3, 1997, there were 891,860,640 shares of Common Stock issued and
outstanding held by 8,754 shareholders of record.
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. The policy of
the Company's Board of Directors has been to retain earnings to provide funds
for the operation and expansion of its business. Also, the Company's Credit
Facility restricts the payment of cash dividends on its Common Stock. See Note
4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
PREFERRED STOCK
In connection with the MFS Merger, the Company issued 9,499,200 depositary
shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing 1/100th interest in a share
of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. There is no established public trading
market for the WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. The Depositary Shares are
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "WCOMP." As of
March 3, 1997, there were 9,499,200 Depositary Shares issued and outstanding
held by one shareholder of record.
Each Depositary Share is mandatorily convertible into 4.2 shares of Common
Stock on May 31, 1999. The Depositary Shares are also redeemable at the option
of the Company in exchange for shares of Common Stock on or after May 31, 1998
at a ratio that will vary depending upon certain factors, including the date of
redemption, the market price of the Common Stock at the time of redemption and
the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends. The Depositary Shares are also
convertible at the option of the holder at any time into 3.44274 shares of
Common Stock for each Depositary Share, plus unpaid dividends.
The Depositary Shares are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, accruing at the rate of $2.68 per share per
annum, payable quarterly in arrears on each February 28, May 31, August 31 and
November 30. Dividends are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, at
the election of the Company. The Company paid the initial dividend on February
28, 1997 in cash and expects to continue to pay cash dividends on the WorldCom
Series A Preferred Stock.
The Depositary Shares are entitled to vote on the basis of 0.10 of a vote for
each Depositary Share held (equivalent to 10 votes for each share of WorldCom
Series A Preferred Stock). The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation
preference equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) $3,350 per share and (b)
all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of liquidation and (ii)
the value of the shares of Common Stock into which such Series A Preferred
Stock are convertible on the date of liquidation.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of Common
Stock at any time at a conversion rate of 0.0973912 shares of Common Stock for
each share of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock (an effective initial
conversion price of $10.268 per share of Common Stock). Dividends on the
WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock accrue at the rate per share of $0.0775 per
annum and are payable in cash. Dividends will be paid only when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors. The Company anticipates that dividends on
the WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock will not be declared but will continue to
accrue. Upon conversion, accrued but unpaid dividends are payable in cash or
shares of Common Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is also redeemable at the option of the
Company at any time after September 30, 2001 at a redemption price of $1.00 per
share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The redemption price will be payable
in cash or shares of the Common Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote per share with
respect to all matters. The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock has a
liquidation preference of $1.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon to the date of liquidation. As of March 3, 1997, there were 12,675,598
shares of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock outstanding held by 1,166
shareholders of record.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
On July 10, 1996, 200,000 shares of Common Stock were issued to Jump, Inc. upon
exercise of an option to purchase an aggregate of 2,000,000 shares of Common
Stock granted by the Company in July 1995. The exercise price under the option
was $14.8125 per share, which was the price per share of the Common Stock on
the date of the grant. Such option was granted pursuant to an agreement
18
23
under which an affiliate of Jump, Inc. provided certain marketing and
promotional services to the Company. The option has a term of ten years with a
vesting schedule of 200,000 per year.
On July 24, 1996, in connection with its acquisition of Choice Communications,
Inc. ("Choice"), the Company issued to certain former shareholders and related
entities of Choice 1,123,955 shares of Common Stock. The Company also issued
to certain of such shareholders, in connection with this acquisition, options
to purchase 30,916 shares of Common Stock, in exchange for certain outstanding
options to purchase common stock of Choice. The options issued in such
exchange, which are currently exercisable, permit the holders to purchase
30,916 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.44 per share and
expire December 1, 2004. Such options may be exercised in whole or in part at
any time during such period.
On August 23, 1996, in connection with its acquisition of certain assets of
Target Telecom, Incorporated ("Target"), the Company issued to Target 934,050
shares of Common Stock. Such shares were subsequently distributed by Target to
its sole shareholder.
The above-referenced shares of Common stock and options to purchase Common
Stock were issued and granted by WorldCom without registration under the
Securities Act of 1933 in reliance upon the exemption provided by Section 4(2)
thereof and Rule 506 thereunder based on, among other factors, the lack of
general solicitation or general advertising in connection with the issuance and
grant, the number of the recipients of the Common Stock and options, the level
of sophistication and financial resources of these recipients, and the
information available to these recipients.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following is a summary of selected financial data of the Company as of and
for the five years ended December 31, 1996. The historical financial data as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995,
and 1994 have been derived from the historical financial statements of the
Company, which financial statements have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants, as indicated in their report included elsewhere
herein. This data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the
Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto appearing
elsewhere in this document.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------ ------ ------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands, except ratios and per share data)
Operating Results:
Revenues $ 4,485,130 $3,696,345 $2,245,663 $1,474,257 $948,060
Operating income (loss) (1,844,094) 675,144 66,528 238,833 51,983
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item (2,188,944) 266,271 (124,013) 124,321 8,344
Extraordinary item (24,434) - - (7,949) (5,800)
Net income (loss) (2,213,378) 266,271 (124,013) 116,372 2,544
Preferred dividend
requirement 860 33,191 27,766 11,683 2,112
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Income (loss)
before extraordinary item --
Primary (5.50) 0.64 (0.48) 0.41 0.03
Fully diluted (5.50) 0.64 (0.48) 0.40 0.03
Net income (loss)--
Primary (5.56) 0.64 (0.48) 0.38 0.00
Fully diluted (5.56) 0.64 (0.48) 0.37 0.00
Weighted average shares --
Primary 397,890 386,898 315,610 275,854 225,306
Fully diluted 397,890 402,990 315,610 281,592 226,106
Financial position:
Total assets $ 19,861,977 $6,656,629 $ 3,441,474 $ 3,236,718 $ 1,241,278
Long-term debt 4,803,581 3,391,598 794,001 730,023 448,496
Shareholders' investment 12,959,976 2,187,681 1,827,410 1,911,800 478,823
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YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
------ ------ ------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands, except ratios and per share data)
Ratio of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred
stock dividends N/A 2.31:1 0.10:1 4.14:1 1.40:1
Deficiency of earnings to
combined fixed charges
and preferred stock
dividends $(2,067,851) $ - $ (80,363) $ - $ -
NOTES TO SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA:
(1) On December 31, 1996, WorldCom completed the MFS Merger. The MFS
Merger is being accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the
operating results for MFS are not reflected above and will be
included from the date of acquisition.
(2) Results for 1996 include a $2.14 billion charge for in-process
research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge is
based upon a valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS'
worldwide information system, the Internet network expansion system
of UUNET, and certain other identified research and development
projects purchased in the Merger. The expense includes $1.6 billion
associated with UUNET and $0.54 billion related to MFS.
Additionally, 1996 results include other after-tax charges of $121.0
million for employee severance, employee compensation charges,
alignment charges, and costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications
contracts and $343.5 million after-tax write-down of operating
assets within the Company's non-core businesses. On a pre-tax
basis, these charges totaled $600.1 million.
(3) In 1995, Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock into
Common Stock, exercised warrants to acquire Common Stock and
immediately sold its position of 61,699,096 shares of Common Stock
in a public offering. In connection with the preferred stock
conversion, WorldCom made a non-recurring payment of $15.0 million
to Metromedia, representing a discount to the minimum nominal
dividends that would have been payable on the Series 1 Preferred
Stock prior to the September 15, 1996 optional call date of
approximately $26.6 million (which amount includes an annual
dividend requirement of $24.5 million plus accrued dividends to such
call date).
(4) As a result of the IDB Merger and the ATC Merger, the Company
initiated plans to reorganize and restructure its management and
operational organization and facilities to eliminate duplicate
personnel, physical facilities and service capacity, to abandon
certain products and marketing activities, and to take further
advantage of the synergies available to the combined entities.
Also, during the fourth quarter of 1993, plans were approved to
reduce IDB's cost structure and to improve productivity.
Accordingly, in 1994, 1993 and 1992, the Company charged to
operations the estimated costs of such reorganization and
restructuring activities, including employee severance, physical
facility abandonment and duplicate service capacity. These costs
totaled $43.7 million in 1994, $5.9 million in 1993 and $79.8
million in 1992.
Also, during 1994 and 1992, the Company incurred direct merger costs
of $15.0 million and $7.3 million, respectively, related to the IDB
Merger (in 1994) and the ATC Merger (in 1992). These costs include
professional fees, proxy solicitation costs, travel and related
expenses and certain other direct costs attributable to these
mergers.
(5) In connection with certain debt refinancing, the Company recognized
in 1996, 1993 and 1992 extraordinary items of approximately $4.2
million, $7.9 million and $5.8 million, respectively, net of taxes,
consisting of unamortized debt discount, unamortized issuance cost
and prepayment fees. Additionally, in 1996 the Company recorded an
extraordinary item of $20.2 million, net of taxes, related to a
write-off of deferred international costs. See Note 1 and Note 4 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
(6) Long-term debt as of December 31, 1995 includes $1.1 billion related
to the Company's previous credit facilities which were classified as
a current maturity on the December 31, 1995 balance sheet. In June
1996, WorldCom replaced its then existing $3.41 billion credit
facilities with a new $3.75 billion revolving credit facility with
no reduction of principal for five years.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis relates to the financial condition and
results of operations of the Company for the three years ended December 31,
1996 after giving effect to the IDB Merger, which was accounted for as a
pooling-of- interests. This information should be read in conjunction with the
"Selected Financial Data" and the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements
appearing elsewhere in this document.
GENERAL
The Company's emphasis on acquisitions has taken the Company from a small
regional long distance carrier to one of the largest long distance
telecommunications companies in the industry, serving customers domestically
and internationally. The Company's operations have grown significantly in each
year of its operations as a result of internal growth, the selective
acquisition of smaller long distance companies with limited geographic service
areas and market shares, the consolidation of certain third tier long distance
carriers with larger market shares, and international expansion.
As a result of the MFS Merger on December 31, 1996, each share of MFS common
stock was converted into the right to receive 2.1 shares of WorldCom Common
Stock or approximately 471.0 million WorldCom common shares in the aggregate.
Each share of MFS Series A Preferred Stock was converted into the right to
receive one share of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock or 94,922 shares in the
aggregate. Each share of MFS Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was
converted into the right to receive one share of WorldCom Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock or approximately 12.7 million shares in the aggregate. In
addition, each depositary share representing 1/100th of a share of MFS Series A
Preferred Stock was exchanged for a depositary share representing 1/100th of a
share of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
Upon effectiveness of the MFS Merger, the then outstanding and unexercised
options and warrants exercisable for shares of MFS common stock were converted
into options and warrants, respectively, exercisable for shares of Common Stock
having substantially the same terms and conditions as the MFS options and
warrants, except that (i) the exercise price and the number of shares issuable
upon exercise were divided and multiplied, respectively, by 2.1 and (ii) the
holders of each then outstanding and unexercised MFS "Shareworks Plus Award"
granted under the MFS 1993 Stock Plan instead received the cash value of such
option in accordance with the terms of such plan.
MFS provides telecommunications services and systems for business and
government customers. MFS is a leading provider of alternative local network
access facilities via digital fiber optic cable networks that it has installed
in and around approximately 41 United States cities, and in several major
European cities. MFS also provides domestic and international long distance
telecommunications services via its network platform, which consists of
MFS-owned transmission and switching facilities, and network capacity leased
from other carriers primarily in the United States and Western Europe. The MFS
Merger is being accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the operating results
of MFS are not reflected in the Company's results of operations and will be
included from the acquisition date.
On August 12, 1996, MFS completed the UUNET Acquisition. UUNET is a leading
worldwide provider of a comprehensive range of Internet access options,
applications, and consulting services to businesses, professionals and on-line
services providers. UUNET provides both dedicated and dial-up Internet access,
and other applications and services which include Web server hosting and
integration services, client software and security products, training, and
network integration and consulting services.
The MFS Merger has allowed the Company to take advantage of the congressional
intent behind the Telecom Act and the FCC Interconnect Order by bringing
together the leading growth companies from four key telecom industry segments:
long distance, local, Internet and international. The Company believes that
the MFS Merger enhances the combined entity's opportunities for future growth,
creates a stronger competitor in the changing telecommunications industry,
allows provision of end-to-end bundled services over a global network, and
provides the opportunity for significant cost savings for the combined
organization.
On January 5, 1995, the Company completed the WilTel Acquisition for
approximately $2.5 billion in cash. Through this purchase, the Company
acquired a nationwide common carrier network of approximately 11,000 miles of
fiber optic cable and digital microwave facilities.
The Company's long distance revenues are derived principally from the number of
minutes of use billed by the Company. Minutes billed are those conversation
minutes during which a call is actually connected at the Company's switch
(except for minutes during which the customer receives a busy signal or the
call is unanswered at its destination). The Company's profitability is
dependent upon, among other things, its ability to achieve line costs that are
less than its revenues. The principal components of line costs are access
charges and transport charges.
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The most significant portion of the Company's line costs is access charges
which are highly regulated. Accordingly, the Company cannot predict what
effect continued regulation and increased competition between LECs and other
IXCs will have on future access charges. However, the Company believes that it
will be able to continue to reduce transport costs through effective
utilization of its network, favorable contracts with carriers and network
efficiencies made possible as a result of expansion of the Company's customer
base by acquisitions and internal growth.
On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom Act which permits,
without limitations, the BOCs to provide domestic and international long
distance services to customers located outside of the BOC's home regions;
permits a petitioning BOC to provide domestic and international long distance
service to customers within its home region upon a finding by the FCC that a
petitioning BOC has satisfied certain criteria for opening up its local
exchange network to competition and that its provision of long distance
services would further the public interest; and removes existing barriers to
entry into local service markets. Additionally, there are significant changes
in: the manner in which carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the
federal and state level; procedures to revise universal service standards; and
penalties for unauthorized switching of customers. The FCC has instituted
proceedings addressing the implementation of this legislation.
In the FCC Interconnect Order, which was released on August 8, 1996, the FCC
established nationwide rules designed to encourage new entrants to participate
in the local service markets through interconnection with the ILEC, resale of
the ILEC's retail services and unbundled network elements. These rules set the
groundwork for the statutory criteria governing BOC entry into the long
distance market. The Company cannot predict the effect such legislation or the
implementing regulations will have on the Company or the industry. Motions to
stay implementation of the FCC Interconnect Order have been filed with the FCC
and federal courts of appeal. Appeals challenging, among other things, the
validity of the FCC Interconnect Order were filed in several federal courts of
appeal and assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for disposition. The
Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the pricing provisions of the FCC
Interconnect Order. The Circuit Justice of the Supreme Court has declined to
review the propriety of the stay. The Company cannot predict either the
outcome of these challenges and appeals or the eventual effect on its business
or the industry in general.
On December 24, 1996, the FCC released the NPRM seeking to reform the FCC's
current access charge policies and practices to comport with a competitive or
potentially competitive local access service market. The NPRM seeks comment on
a number of proposals for a series of reforms to the existing switched access
charge rate structure rules that are designed to eliminate economic
inefficiencies. In addition, the FCC proposes to use, either alternatively or
in combination, two approaches for addressing: claims that access charges are
excessive; a transition to economic based pricing of access charges; and, for
deregulation of incumbent local exchange carriers as competition develops. The
FCC is evaluating the use of either a market-based approach, a prescriptive
approach or a combination of both. Such charges are a principal component of
the Company's line cost expense. The Company cannot predict whether or not the
result of this proceeding will have a material impact upon its financial
position or results of operations.
In the NPRM, the FCC tentatively concluded that information services providers
(including among others Internet service providers) should not be subject to
existing interstate access charges. However, the FCC recognized that these
services and recent technological advances may be constrained by current
regulatory practices that have their foundations in traditional services and
technologies. The FCC issued on December 24, 1996, a Notice of Inquiry to seek
comment on whether it should, in addition to access charge reform, consider
actions relating to interstate information services and the Internet. Changes
in the regulatory environment relating to the telecommunications or
Internet-related services industry could have an adverse effect on the
Company's Internet-related services business. The Telecom Act may permit
telecommunications companies, BOCs or others to increase the scope or reduce
the cost of their Internet access services. The Company cannot predict the
effect that the Notice of Inquiry, the Telecom Act or any future legislation,
regulation or regulatory changes may have on its business.
In December 1996, the FCC adopted a new policy that will make it easier for
United States international carriers to obtain authority to route international
public switched voice traffic to and from the United States outside of the
traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes. In February
1997, the United States entered into a WTO Agreement that should have the
effect of liberalizing the provision of switched voice telephone and other
telecommunications services in many foreign countries over the next several
years. As a result of the WTO Agreement, WorldCom expects the FCC, among other
things, to reexamine its policies regarding (i) the services that may be
provided by foreign owned United States international common carriers,
including carriers owned or controlled by foreign carriers that have market
power in their home markets, and (ii) the provision of international switched
voice services outside of the traditional settlement rate and proportionate
return regimes. Although the FCC's new flexible settlement rate policy, and
the WTO Agreement and any ensuing FCC policy changes, may result in lower costs
to the Company to terminate international traffic, there is a risk that the
revenues that the Company receives from inbound international traffic may
decrease to an even greater degree. The implementation of the WTO Agreement
may also make it easier for foreign carriers with market power in their home
markets to offer United States and foreign customers end-to-end services to the
disadvantage of WorldCom, which may face substantial obstacles in obtaining
from foreign governments and foreign carriers the authority and facilities to
provide such end-to-end services.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the Company's
statement of operations as a percentage of its operating revenues.
For the Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Line costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54.8 54.9 65.3
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.5 18.3 19.7
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.7 8.5 7.3
Direct merger costs, restructuring and other charges . . . . . . . 13.4 - 4.7
Charge for in-process research and development . . . . . . . . . . 47.7 - -
----- ------ ------
Operating income (loss): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (41.1) 18.3 3.0
Other income (expense):
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4.9) (6.7) (2.1)
Shareholder litigation settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - - (3.4)
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.1 0.3 0.3
---- ---- ----
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item . . . . . (45.9) 11.9 (2.2)
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.9 4.6 3.3
----- ---- ----
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item . . . . . . . . . . . (48.8) 7.3 (5.5)
Extraordinary item . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.6 - -
----- ----- -----
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (49.4) 7.3 (5.5)
Preferred dividend requirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 1.0 1.3
------ ----- -----
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders . . . . . . . . (49.4%) 6.3% (6.8)%
====== ===== =====
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 VS.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
Revenues for 1996 increased 21% to $4.49 billion on 24.51 billion revenue
minutes as compared to $3.70 billion on 19.57 billion revenue minutes for 1995.
The increase in total revenues and minutes is primarily attributable to
internal growth of the Company.
Revenues for 1996 include the acquisitions of Choice and BLT Technologies which
were accounted for as poolings of interests. Revenues from these businesses
increased 97% over the prior year.
Internally, private line and frame relay revenues increased 28% over the prior
year while switched commercial and wholesale revenues increased 23% to $3.31
billion on a 26% increase in traffic.
Line costs as a percentage of revenues decreased to 54.8% of revenues as
compared to 54.9% for 1995. These changes are attributable to changes in the
product mix, and synergies and economies of scale resulting from network
efficiencies achieved from the assimilation of recent acquisitions into the
Company's operations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1996 increased to $828.7
million or 18.5% of revenues as compared to $677.9 million or 18.3% of revenues
for 1995. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses results
from the Company's expanding operations, primarily through stronger internal
growth, offset by changes in the product mix.
Depreciation and amortization expense for 1996 decreased to $303.3 million or
6.7% of revenues from $312.7 million or 8.5% of revenues for 1995. This
decrease reflects the reduction in depreciation and amortization associated
with the second quarter 1996 write-down in the carrying value of certain assets
offset by additional depreciation related to capital expenditures. The
reduction in percentage is due to a relatively stable amount of amortization on
a higher revenue base. In 1997, the Company expects depreciation and
amortization expense as a percentage of revenues to increase as a result of the
MFS Merger.
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company incurred non-cash charges related to
a write-down in the carrying value of certain assets, including goodwill and
equipment. Because of events resulting from the passage of the Telecom Act,
and changes in circumstances impacting certain non-core operations, management
estimates of the Company's fair value of operating assets within its core and
non-core businesses resulted in a non-cash charge of $343.5 million after tax.
On a pre-tax basis, the write-down was $402.0 million and included $139.1
million for network facilities and $262.9 million for non-core businesses,
primarily operator services goodwill.
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In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded other after-tax charges of
$121.0 million for employee severance, employee compensation charges, alignment
charges and costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications contracts. On a
pre-tax basis, this charge was $198.1 million and is reflected in operating
loss for the 1996 period.
The results for 1996 include a $2.14 billion, fourth quarter charge for
in-process research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge is
based upon a valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS' worldwide
information system, the Internet network expansion system of UUNET, and certain
other identified research and development projects purchased in the merger. The
Company believes that the efforts to complete these projects will consist of
internally-staffed engineering costs and further development and construction
of the network. These costs are estimated to be approximately $1.0 billion and
will be incurred over the next five years.
Interest expense in 1996 was $221.8 million or 4.9% of revenues, as compared to
$249.2 million or 6.7% of revenues in 1995. The decrease in interest expense
is attributable to lower interest rates in effect on the Company's long-term
debt. For the twelve months ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, weighted average
annual interest rates on the Company's long-term debt was 6.2% and 7.2%,
respectively, while weighted average annual levels of borrowing were $3.49
billion and $3.45 billion, respectively.
The Company recorded a tax provision of $129.5 million on a pretax loss of $2.1
billion in 1996. Although the Company generated a consolidated pre-tax loss in
1996, permanent items aggregating approximately $2.4 billion resulted in the
recognition of taxable income. Included in the permanent items was the $2.14
billion charge for in-process research and development related to the MFS
Merger.
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company recorded extraordinary items
totaling $24.4 million, net of income tax benefit of $15.6 million. The items
included $4.2 million in connection with the Company's debt refinancing, and
$20.2 million related to a write-off of deferred international costs.
Previously, a portion of the outbound call fee due the foreign carrier was
deferred and accounted for as a cost attributable to the revenue associated
with the inbound call. Currently, the outbound call fee due the foreign
carrier is expensed as incurred.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, net income, before non-recurring charges,
increased 67% to $414.9 million compared with $248.1 million for the 1995
period. Fully diluted earnings per common share, before the non-recurring
charges increased 49% to $1.01 per share versus $0.68 per share for the
comparable 1995 period.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 VS.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994:
Revenues for 1995 increased 65% to $3.70 billion on 19.57 billion revenue
minutes as compared to $2.25 billion on 11.06 billion revenue minutes for 1994.
On a pro forma basis, as though the acquisition of WilTel occurred at the
beginning of 1994, revenues and traffic for 1995 increased 20% and 30%,
respectively, compared with pro forma revenues of $3.09 billion on 15.03
billion revenue minutes for 1994. Revenue growth for 1995 was driven by strong
performance from the Company's retail and wholesale switched services offset
insignificantly by declines in operator services revenue. Switched retail and
wholesale revenues and traffic rose 22% and 31%, respectively. Operator
services revenues and traffic decreased 6% and 15%, respectively, yet
represented less than 5% of total Company revenues for 1995.
Private line revenues for 1995 also reflected positive growth, increasing 21%
over 1994 pro forma results due to growth in commercial Internet business and
other frame relay applications.
Line costs as a percentage of revenues decreased to 54.9% in 1995 compared to
65.3% for 1994. These decreases are attributable to changes in product mix,
rate reductions resulting from favorable contract negotiations and synergies
and economies of scale resulting from network efficiencies achieved from the
assimilation of the IDB Merger and the WilTel Acquisition into the Company's
operations. Additionally, through the WilTel Acquisition, the Company has been
able to achieve further network efficiencies associated with owning the WilTel
nationwide fiber optic cable network rather than leasing similar capacity from
other providers at a higher cost.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for 1995 increased to $677.9
million or 18.3% of revenues as compared to $441.9 million or 19.7% of revenues
for 1994. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses results
from the Company's expanding operations, primarily through the WilTel
Acquisition and internal growth. The decrease in expense as a percentage of
revenues reflects the assimilation of recent acquisitions into the Company's
strategy of cost control.
Depreciation and amortization expense for 1995 increased to $312.7 million or
8.5% of revenues from $164.4 million or 7.3% of revenues for 1994. This
increase reflects depreciation and amortization of the additional property and
equipment and goodwill from the WilTel Acquisition.
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29
Interest expense in 1995 was $249.2 million or 6.7% of revenues, as compared to
$47.3 million or 2.1% of revenues in 1994. The increase in interest expense
was due primarily to an increase in the average debt outstanding by the Company
to finance the WilTel Acquisition. Also, higher interest rates were in effect
on the Company's long-term debt, reflecting higher prevailing interest rates in
the market generally.
The effective income tax rate for 1995 was 39% of income before taxes versus a
1994 rate in excess of 100%. The 1995 effective rate of 39% includes the
effect of a $7.0 million decrease in the Company's valuation allowance. The
valuation allowance decreased due to the Company's ability to utilize net
operating losses that management had previously determined would not be
utilized under a "more likely than not" scenario. This is mainly attributable
to the profitability of individual operating units in 1995. The unusually high
income tax rate in 1994 was due to permanent items not deductible for tax
purposes as well as a $90.0 million valuation allowance placed on the deferred
tax asset in connection with IDB net operating losses.
In the third quarter of 1995, Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock
into Common Stock and exercised its warrants to acquire Common Stock and
immediately sold its position of 61.7 million shares of Common Stock in a
public offering. In connection with the preferred stock conversion, WorldCom
made a non-recurring payment of $15.0 million to Metromedia, representing a
discount to the minimum nominal dividends that would have been payable on the
Series 1 Preferred Stock prior to the September 15, 1996 optional call date of
approximately $26.6 million (which amount includes an annual dividend
requirement of $24.5 million plus accrued dividends to such call date).
Net income applicable to common shareholders was $233.1 million for 1995 versus
a $151.8 million loss in the comparable 1994 period. Operating results for
1995 include the non-recurring payment of $15.0 million to Metromedia.
Excluding this payment, earnings for 1995 would have been $248.1 million or
$0.68 per common share.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
On June 28, 1996, WorldCom replaced its then existing $3.41 billion credit
facilities (the "Previous Facilities") with a new $3.75 billion revolving
credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). Borrowings under the Credit Facility
were used to refinance the Previous Facilities and have been and will be used
to finance capital expenditures and provide additional working capital. As a
result of the refinancing, WorldCom recorded an extraordinary charge of $4.2
million, net of $2.7 million in taxes, related to the charge-off of the
unamortized portion of costs associated with the refinanced debt.
The Credit Facility has a five-year term and bears interest, payable in varying
periods, depending on the interest periods, not to exceed six months, at rates
selected by the Company under the terms of the Credit Facility including a Base
Rate or the LIBOR, plus applicable margin. The applicable margin for a LIBOR
rate borrowing varies from 0.35% to 0.875% based upon a specified financial
test. The Credit Facility is unsecured and requires compliance with certain
financial and other operating covenants which limit, among other things, the
incurrence of additional indebtedness by WorldCom and restricts the payment of
cash dividends to WorldCom's shareholders. The Credit Facility is also subject
to an annual commitment fee not to exceed 0.25% of any unborrowed portion of
the Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at rates that fluctuate with
prevailing short-term interest rates. Under the provisions of the Credit
Facility, the Company is required to hedge 25% of its debt against adverse
interest movements in short-term rates. The Company believes that it can
adequately address this requirement through financial hedging measures or
increasing the amount of fixed rate debt outstanding.
The Company has historically utilized cash flow from operations to finance
capital expenditures and a mixture of cash flow, debt and stock to finance
acquisitions. The Company expects to experience increased capital intensity
due to network expansions and believes that funding needs in excess of
internally generated cash flow will be met by accessing the debt markets. The
Company has filed a shelf Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the SEC for
the sale, from time to time, of one or more series of unsecured debt securities
having an aggregate value of $3.0 billion. The Company expects to draw down a
portion of the shelf registration in the first half of 1997 to pay down the
Credit Facility but maintain increased credit availability for capital
spending. No assurance can be given that any public financing will be
available on terms acceptable to the Company.
In connection with the MFS Merger and pursuant to a change of control
provision, WorldCom offered to repurchase the MFS $924.0 million 8 7/8% Senior
Discount Notes due 2006 and the MFS $788.3 million 9 3/8% Senior Discount Notes
due 2004 (collectively the "MFS Notes") at 101% of the accreted value as of
February 27, 1997, which was $670.0 million and $666.1 million, respectively.
The offer to repurchase began January 28, 1997 and ended February 27, 1997. As
of the expiration approximately $14.3 million of the MFS Notes were
repurchased. The MFS Notes contain certain covenants which, among other
things, restrict MFS' ability to incur additional debt, create liens, enter
into sale-leaseback transactions, pay dividends, make certain restricted
payments, enter into transactions with affiliates and sell assets or merge with
another company.
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For the twelve months ended December 31, 1996, the Company's cash flow from
operations was $798.1 million, increasing from $616.7 million in the comparable
period for 1995. Excluding the change in deferred taxes, cash flow increased
by approximately $300 million or 66% over the comparable period for 1995. The
increase in cash flow from operations was primarily attributable to internal
growth.
During 1996, the Company's existing receivables purchase agreement generated
additional proceeds of $79.6 million, bringing the total amount outstanding to
$375.0 million. The Company used these proceeds to reduce outstanding debt
under the Company's Credit Facility. As of December 31, 1996, the purchaser
owned an undivided interest in a $821.7 million pool of receivables which
includes the $375.0 million sold.
Cash used in investing activities in the twelve months ended December 31, 1996
totaled $752.8 million and included $427.6 million for normal capital
expenditures and an additional $229.5 million for additional city pair network
construction. Primary capital expenditures include purchases of switching,
transmission, communication and other equipment. Approximately $2.5 billion is
currently anticipated for transmission and communications equipment purchases
in 1997 without regard to possible future acquisitions, if any. This amount
includes additional city pair network construction opportunities which could
approximate $500 million to $700 million.
Cash flows from investing activities for 1996 also includes net cash received
from acquisitions of $116.1 million. The net cash inflow from acquisitions is
due to $209.3 million of cash and cash equivalents received in the MFS Merger.
Included in cash flows from financing activities are payments of $0.9 million
for preferred dividend requirements. In connection with the announcement in
May 1996, that the Company would redeem its Series 2 Preferred Stock on June 5,
1996, all of the remaining outstanding Series 2 Preferred Stock was converted
into 5.3 million shares of Common Stock in the second quarter of 1996. The
fully diluted common shares outstanding were unaffected by the conversion and
the Company has no further dividend requirements with respect thereto.
On July 15, 1996, WorldCom announced that it had exercised its option to redeem
on August 16, 1996, all of the outstanding IDB WorldCom, Inc. 5% Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2003 (the "Notes"). Prior to the redemption date,
substantially all of the holders of the Notes elected to convert their Notes
into Common Stock, resulting in the issuance of approximately 10.3 million
shares of Common Stock. The fully diluted common shares outstanding were
unaffected by the conversion, and the Company has no further cash interest
requirement related to the Notes.
The Company has never paid cash dividends on its Common Stock. WorldCom's
Credit Facility restricts the payment of cash dividends on WorldCom capital
stock without prior consent of the lenders. The Depositary Shares are entitled
to receive dividends, when, as, and if they are declared by the Board of
Directors, accruing at the rate of $2.68 per share per annum, payable quarterly
in arrears on each February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30. Dividends
are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, at the election of the
Company. The Company paid the initial dividend on February 28, 1997 in cash
and expects to continue to pay cash dividends on the WorldCom Series A
Preferred Stock. Dividends on the WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock accrue at
the rate per share of $0.0775 per annum and are payable in cash. Dividends
will be paid only when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors of the
Company. The Company anticipates that dividends on the WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock will not be declared but will continue to accrue. Upon
conversion, accrued but unpaid dividends are payable in cash or shares of
Common Stock at the Company's election.
Absent significant capital requirements for other acquisitions, the Company
believes that cash flow from operations, funds available under the Credit
Facility and funds anticipated to be received from debt to be issued under the
shelf Registration Statement will be adequate to meet the Company's capital
needs for the remainder of 1997.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities." This
Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities. This
Statement provides standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets
that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. This Statement is
effective for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments
of liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996, and is to be applied
prospectively. WorldCom believes that the adoption of this standard will not
have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or
financial position.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto are included
elsewhere in this report on Form 10-K as follows:
Page
----
Report of independent public accountants F-2
Consolidated financial statements-
Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 1996
and 1995 F-3
Consolidated statements of operations for the three
years ended December 31, 1996 F-4
Consolidated statements of shareholders' investment
for the three years ended December 31, 1996 F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the
three years ended December 31, 1996 F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-7
Financial statement schedule F-23
Pro forma financial statements (unaudited) F-24
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following states each director and each executive officer's age,
principal occupation, present position with the Company and the year in which
each director first was elected a director (each serving continuously since
first elected except as set forth otherwise). Unless indicated otherwise, each
individual has held his present position for at least five years.
CARL J. AYCOCK, 47, has been a director of the Company since 1983.
Mr. Aycock served as Secretary of the Company from 1987 to 1995 and was the
Secretary and Chief Financial Officer of Master Corporation, a motel management
and ownership company, from 1989 until 1992. Subsequent to 1992, Mr. Aycock
has been self employed as a financial administrator.
MAX E. BOBBITT, 52, has been a director of the Company since 1992.
Mr. Bobbitt was a director of ATC until the ATC Merger. Mr. Bobbitt is
currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Metromedia Asia Corporation,
a telecommunications company. From 1996 until February 1997, Mr. Bobbitt was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Asian American Telecommunications
Corporation. Prior to 1996, Mr. Bobbitt held various positions including
President and Chief Operating Officer and director of ALLTEL Corporation, a
telecommunications company, from 1970 until January 1995.
R. DOUGLAS BRADBURY, 46, has been a director of the Company since the
MFS Merger. Mr. Bradbury served as Chief Financial Officer of MFS from January
1992 until February 1997, Executive Vice President of MFS from August 1995 to
February 1997, Senior Vice President of MFS from September 1992 to August 1995
and a director of MFS from August 1994 to February 1997. From 1990 to 1992,
Mr. Bradbury was Senior Vice President - Corporate Affairs for MFS Telecom,
Inc. ("MFS Telecom").
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JAMES Q. CROWE, 47, serves as Chairman of the Board of the
Company. Mr. Crowe has served as a director of the Company since the
MFS Merger. Mr. Crowe has served as Chairman of the Board of MFS
since 1988 and Chief Executive Officer since November 1991 and was
President of MFS (January 1988 - June 1989 and April 1990 - January
1992).
BERNARD J. EBBERS, 55, has been President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since April 1985. Mr. Ebbers has served as a
director of the Company since 1983.
FRANCESCO GALESI, 66, has been a director of the Company since
1992. Mr. Galesi was a director of ATC until the ATC Merger. Mr.
Galesi is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Galesi
Group, which includes companies engaged in distribution,
manufacturing, real estate and telecommunications. Mr. Galesi serves
as a director of Amnex, Inc., and Walden Residential Properties, Inc.
RICHARD R. JAROS, 45, has been a director of the Company since
the MFS Merger and has served as a director of MFS since 1992. Mr.
Jaros has been President of Kiewit Diversified Group, Inc. ("KDG"), a
coal mining and telecommunications company, since July 1996, Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Peter Kiewit Sons'
("PKS"), a construction and mining company since April 1993, and was a
Vice President of PKS from 1990 until 1992. Mr. Jaros was the
Chairman of the Board of CalEnergy Company, Inc. ("CEC"), a geothermal
energy producer, from January 1994 until May 1995 and the President
and Chief Operating Officer of CEC from 1992 until April 1993. Mr.
Jaros is a director of PKS, CEC and C-TEC Corporation ("C-TEC"), a
telecommunications company.
STILES A. KELLETT, JR., 53, has served as a director of the
Company since 1981. Mr. Kellett has been Chairman of Kellett
Investment Corp. since 1995. From 1978 to 1995, Mr. Kellett served as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Convalescent Services, Inc., a
long-term health care company in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Kellett
serves as a director of Frederica Bank & Trust Company, St. Simons
Island, Georgia, and Mariner Health Group, Inc., New London,
Connecticut.
DAVID C. MCCOURT, 40, has been a director of the Company since
the MFS Merger and has served as a director of MFS since January 1992.
Mr. McCourt has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of C-TEC since October 1993. Mr. McCourt is also the
President, as well as a director of Kiewit Telecom Holdings, Inc. Mr.
McCourt has served as President of Metropolitan Fiber Systems/McCourt,
Inc., a subsidiary of MFS Telecom, since 1988. Mr. McCourt is a
director of C-TEC and Mercom, Inc.
JOHN A. PORTER, 53, has been a director of the Company since
1988. Mr. Porter served as Vice Chairman of the Board of the Company
from September 1993 until the MFS Merger and served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors of the Company from 1988 until September 1993.
From May 1995 to the present, Mr. Porter has served as Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Electric
Manufacturing, Inc., a manufacturer of electrical power distribution
products. Mr. Porter also serves as Chairman of the Board of
Directors of Phillips & Brooks/Gladwin, Inc., a manufacturer of pay
telephone enclosures and equipment. Mr. Porter was previously
President and sole shareholder of P.M. Restaurant Group, Inc. which
filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy
Code in March 1995. Subsequent to March 1995, Mr. Porter sold all of
his shares in P.M. Restaurant Group, Inc. He is also a director of
Uniroyal Technology Corporation, Intelligent Electronics, Inc. and XL
Connect, Inc.
WALTER SCOTT, JR., 65, has been a director of the Company
since the MFS Merger and has served as a director of MFS since January
1992. Mr. Scott has been the Chairman of the Board and President of
PKS for more than the last five years. He also is a director of
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., Burlington Resources, Inc., CEC, ConAgra,
Inc., First Bank System, Inc., Valmont Industries, Inc., KDG, RCN
Corporation, and C-TEC.
JOHN W. SIDGMORE, 45, serves as Vice Chairman of the Board and
Chief Operations Officer of the Company. Mr. Sidgmore has been a
director of the Company since the MFS Merger and has served as a
director of MFS since August 1996. Mr. Sidgmore was President and
Chief Operating Officer of MFS from August 1996 until the MFS Merger
and has been Chief Executive Officer and a director of UUNET from June
1994 to the present, and also held the position of President of UUNET
from June 1994 to August 1996 and from January 1997 to the present.
From 1989 to 1994, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of CSC
Intelicom, a telecommunications software company. Mr. Sidgmore is a
director of Saville Systems PLC, and Earthlink Network, Inc.
SCOTT D. SULLIVAN, 35, serves as Chief Financial Officer and
Secretary of the Company. From the ATC Merger until December 1994,
Mr. Sullivan served as Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the
Company. From 1989 until 1992, Mr. Sullivan served as an executive
officer of two long-distance companies, including ATC. From 1983 to
1989, Mr. Sullivan served in various capacities with KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP. Mr. Sullivan has served as a director of the Company since March
1996.
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LAWRENCE C. TUCKER, 54, is a general partner of Brown Brothers Harriman
& Co. ("Brown Brothers"), which is the general and managing partner of The 1818
Fund, L.P. and The 1818 Fund II, L.P. (collectively, "The 1818 Funds"). He is
also a director of The WellCare Management Group, Inc. and Riverwood
International Corporation. Mr. Tucker has served as a director of the Company
since May 1995, and previously served as director of the Company from May 28,
1992 until the ATC Merger.
MICHAEL B. YANNEY, 63, has been a director of the Company since the MFS
Merger and has served as a director of MFS since March 1993. Mr. Yanney has
been the President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America First
Companies L.L.C., a bank holding company in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1984. He
also serves as a director of Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation, C-TEC,
Forest Oil Corporation and Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires
directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders of the Company
("Reporting Persons") to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and
reports of changes in ownership of equity securities of the Company. To the
Company's knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such reports
furnished to the Company and written representations that certain reports were
not required, during the year ended December 31, 1996, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to Reporting Persons were complied with, except that
Mr. Galesi filed one late report covering four transactions.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation of the named executive
officers of the Company for the three years ended December 31, 1996. The table
also sets forth, for informational purposes, the Compensation paid by MFS
and/or UUNET during 1996 to Messrs. Crowe and Sidgmore, who became executive
officers of the Company upon completion of the MFS Merger.
Long Term
Compensation
------------
Annual Compensation Awards
--------------------------- ------------
Securities
Underlying
Options/ All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary ($) Bonus($) SARs (#) Compensation($)
- --------------------------- ---- ---------- -------- -------- ---------------
Bernard J. Ebbers 1996 935,000 2,337,500(1) 1,200,000/0 4,500(2)
President and 1995 860,000 2,125,000 900,000/0 4,500
Chief Executive Officer 1994 711,000 750,000 200,000/0 4,500
James Q. Crowe (3) 1996 496,923 1,000,000 -0- 149,692(4)
Chief Executive Officer,
MFS
John W. Sidgmore (3) 1996 283,577 494,443 -0- 2,182,654(5)
President and Chief
Operating Officer,
MFS
Scott D. Sullivan 1996 375,000 500,000 100,000/0 4,500(2)
Chief Financial Officer 1995 294,000 225,000 240,000/0 4,500
and Secretary 1994 147,584 250,000 210,000/0 4,500
Roy A. Wilkens 1996 450,000 450,000 100,000/0 1,004,500(6)
President and Chief 1995 427,500 300,000 400,000/0 1,004,500
Executive Officer, Wiltel 1994 0 0 0/0 0
- --------------------
(1) Includes $1,687,500 paid under the Company's Annual Performance Bonus
Plan and $650,000 paid under the Company's Special Performance Bonus
Plan. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee awarded to Mr.
Ebbers the
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$1,000,000 maximum amount allowed under the Company's Special
Performance Bonus Plan for 1996, but Mr. Ebbers accepted only $650,000
of such award.
(2) Matching contributions to the Company's 401(k) Plan.
(3) Represents compensation paid to these individuals as executive
officers of MFS and/or UUNET.
(4) Matching contributions to MFS' Shareworks Match Plan.
(5) Pursuant to option and stock purchase agreements between Mr. Sidgmore
and UUNET, upon consummation of the UUNET Acquisition, the lapse of
repurchase rights accelerated with respect to 50% of outstanding
shares issued upon option exercise subject to a right of repurchase as
of the effective date of the UUNET Acquisition. As a result of such
acceleration, Mr. Sidgmore incurred an excise tax pursuant to Section
4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and corresponding provisions
of applicable state law. UUNET paid an amount (the "Transfer")
sufficient to pay (i) the excise tax and (ii) any and all federal,
state and local taxes payable with respect to the receipt of the
Transfer. The amount that UUNET paid to Mr. Sidgmore in this
connection was $2,182,654.
(6) Includes $1,000,000 received by Mr. Wilkens in connection with the
termination of certain contract rights with Williams
Telecommunications Group, Inc. and $4,500 in matching contributions to
the Company's 401(k) Plan. In connection with the WilTel Acquisition,
the Company assumed the employment agreement among Mr. Wilkens,
Williams and Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc. (the
"Agreement"). Mr. Wilkens resigned from the Company in January 1997,
at which time the Agreement was terminated.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table sets forth information concerning stock option
grants made in the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996, to the individuals
named in the Summary Compensation Table. There were no grants of SARs to said
individuals during the year.
Individual Grants Potential Realizable Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- at Assumed Annual Rates of
Number of Stock Price Appreciation
Securities for Option Term(3)
Underlying --------------------------
Options % of Total
Granted Options Granted
------- to Employees Exercise or Base Expiration
Name (#)(1) in FY Price ($/Sh)(2) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
---- ------ --------------- --------------- --------- --------- ---------
Bernard J. Ebbers 1,200,000 20.8% 17.875 01/01/06 13,489,790 34,185,776
James Q. Crowe --- --- --- --- --- ---
John W. Sidgmore --- --- --- --- --- ---
Scott D. Sullivan 100,000 1.7% 17.875 01/01/06 1,124,149 2,848,815
Roy A. Wilkens 100,000 1.7% 17.875 01/01/06 1,124,149 2,848,815
- --------------------
(1) The options terminate on the earlier of their expiration date or ten
years after grant or, generally, immediately on termination for
reasons other than retirement, disability, death or without cause;
three months after termination of employment on retirement; 12 months
after termination for disability, death or without cause; or upon the
consummation of a specified change of control transaction.
Mr. Ebbers' option becomes exercisable in three equal annual
installments beginning January 1, 1997 through January 1, 1999. Mr.
Sullivan's option becomes exercisable beginning January 1, 1999.
Pursuant to Mr. Wilkens' separation agreement with the Company, and
assuming his compliance with the terms thereof, 50,000 shares under
such option will vest and become exercisable on January 31, 1998.
Additionally, Mr. Wilkens' options may be exercised through February
10, 1998.
(2) The exercise price may be paid in cash or, in the discretion of the
Company's Compensation and Stock Option Committee, by shares of Common
Stock already owned or to be issued pursuant to the exercise, valued
at the closing quoted selling price on the date of exercise, or a
combination of cash and Common Stock.
(3) The indicated 5% and 10% rates of appreciation are provided to comply
with SEC regulations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
Company as to the likely trend in the stock price. Actual gains, if
any, on stock option exercises and the sale of Common Stock holdings
will be dependent on, among other things, the future performance of
the Common
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Stock and overall stock market conditions. There can be no assurance
that the amounts reflected in this table will be achieved.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth information concerning the number and value
realized as to options exercised during 1996 and options held at December 31,
1996, by the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table and the value
of those options held at such date. The options exercised were not exercised
as SARs and no SARs were held at year end. All options had exercise prices
lower than the fair market value of the Common Stock on December 31, 1996
("in-the-money" options).
Number of Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised
Shares Unexercised Options at FY-End In-The-Money Options at
Acquired on (#) FY-End ($)(2)
Exercise Value ------------------------------- ----------------------------
Name (#) Realized($)(1) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------
Bernard J. Ebbers - - 1,075,696 1,800,000 18,172,348 17,362,500
James Q. Crowe 1,680,000 34,280,400 937,701(3) 872,562 21,748,568 20,237,767
John W. Sidgmore - - 35,371 - 734,774 -
Scott D. Sullivan - - 273,028(4) 300,000 4,497,392 3,331,250
Roy A. Wilkens(5) - - 400,000 50,000 6,287,000 409,375
- ----------------------
(1) Based upon the difference between the closing price on the date of
exercise and the option exercise price.
(2) Based upon a price of $26.0625 per share, which was the closing price
of Common Stock on December 31, 1996.
(3) Subsequent to December 31, 1996, Mr. Crowe exercised his then
exercisable options and sold the underlying shares of Common Stock.
(4) Subsequent to December 31, 1996, Mr. Sullivan exercised his then
exercisable options and sold the underlying shares of Common Stock.
(5) Giving effect to the provisions of Mr. Wilkens' separation agreement.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS. WorldCom's directors are paid fees of $22,500 per
year and $1,000 per meeting attended of the Board plus certain expenses.
Committee members are paid a fee of $750 for any committee meeting attended on
the same day as a Board meeting and $1,000 for any other committee meeting
attended, plus certain expenses. The chairman of each committee receives an
additional $3,000 per year.
Pursuant to WorldCom's Third Amended and Restated 1990 Stock Option Plan, each
non-employee director receives annually a non-discretionary grant of options to
purchase 5,000 shares of Common Stock at the fair market value of such stock on
the date of grant. Such options are immediately exercisable and expire on the
earliest to occur of (a) ten years following the date of grant, (b) three
months following retirement, (c) 12 months following termination of service due
to disability or death, (d) upon cessation of service for reasons other than
retirement, death or disability, or (e) the date of consummation of a specified
change in control transaction defined generally to include the dissolution or
liquidation of the Company, a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the
Company in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, or a sale of
substantially all of the assets or 80% or more of the outstanding stock of the
Company to another entity. The exercise price may be paid in cash or, in the
discretion of the Compensation Committee and Stock Option Committee, the Common
Stock. In the discretion of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee,
shares receivable on exercise may be withheld to pay applicable taxes on the
exercise.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS. Pursuant to
an employment arrangement, Mr. Crowe will not have any direct operating
responsibility but will continue to serve as a director and Chairman of the
Board of the Company for the term of his employment, subject to his nomination
and election as such by the Company's shareholders. The term of Mr. Crowe's
employment continues until November 23, 1997 and may be extended by mutual
agreement. In connection with this arrangement, Mr. Crowe will receive a base
salary of $120,000 per year for certain services provided to and as directed by
the Company. In addition, Mr. Crowe's options to purchase an aggregate of
872,562 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.896 per share will
become fully exercisable at any time after November 24, 1997 and all shares
granted to him under the WorldCom/MFS Employee Stock Bonus Plan and the
WorldCom/MFS 1995 Deferred Stock Purchase Plan will vest immediately.
Pursuant to the employment agreement of Mr. Sidgmore with UUNET, approximately
420,000 restricted shares of Common Stock vested as a result of the MFS Merger.
Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Sidgmore's employment agreement with UUNET, Mr.
Sidgmore's initial base salary was $220,000 per year, plus a bonus targeted at
$130,000 per year. Mr. Sidgmore received a bonus of $400,000 for 1996 under his
employment agreement. If Mr. Sidgmore's employment is terminated without cause,
he will receive severance payments totaling $300,000. Under the employment
agreement, Mr. Sidgmore also received options to purchase at $0.04 per share
4,644,635 shares of Common Stock (which options were exercised and certain of
the shares issued remain subject to a right of repurchase, which right lapses
over time). In the event of a change in control of WorldCom or an involuntary
termination other than for cause of Mr. Sidgmore's employment, WorldCom's right
of repurchase lapses with respect to 50 percent of any of the shares subject to
a right of repurchase at the time and such right also lapses over time.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION. Prior to the MFS
Merger, the Company's Compensation and Stock Option Committee was composed of
Stiles A. Kellett, Jr. (Chairman), Silvia Kessel and Lawrence C. Tucker.
Subsequent to the
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MFS Merger, the members of the Company's Compensation and Stock Option
Committee have been Stiles A. Kellett, Jr. (Chairman) Walter Scott,
Jr., Lawrence C. Tucker and Michael B. Yanney.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES. As of March 3, 1997, the following
persons, individually or as a group, were known to the Company to be deemed to
be the beneficial owners of more than five percent of the issued and
outstanding Common Stock, each of which persons has sole voting and investment
power over such Common Stock, except as set forth in the footnotes hereto:
Amount and
Name and Address of Nature of Existing Percent
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership (1) Of Class(1)
- --------------------- --------------------- --------
FMR Corp. 70,566,021 (2) 7.9%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
- --------------------
(1) Based upon 891,860,640 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding
plus, as to the holder thereof only, exercise or conversion of all
derivative securities that are exercisable or convertible currently or
within 60 days after March 3, 1997.
(2) Based upon shares owned as of March 6, 1997, as provided by FMR Corp.,
including 60,322,566 shares beneficially owned by Fidelity Management &
Research Company ("Fidelity"), as a result of its serving as investment
adviser to various investment companies registered under Section 8 of
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and serving as investment adviser to
certain other funds which are generally offered to limited groups of
investors; 9,390,385 shares beneficially owned by Fidelity Management
Trust Company, as a result of its serving as trustee or managing agent
for various private investment accounts, primarily employee benefit
plans, and serving as investment adviser to certain other funds which
are generally offered to limited groups of investors; and 853,070 shares
beneficially owned by Fidelity International Limited, as a result of its
serving as investment adviser ro various non-United States investment
companies.
The number of shares beneficially owned by Fidelity includes 4,301,357
shares issuable upon conversion of the WorldCom Series A Preferred
Stock. The number of shares beneficially owned by Fidelity Management
Trust Company includes 267,839 shares issuable upon conversion of
WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
FMR Corp. has sole voting power with respect to 5,627,963 shares and
sole dispositive power with respect to 69,712,951 shares. Fidelity
International Limited has sole voting and dispositive power with respect
to all the shares it beneficially owns.
To the knowledge of the Company, 7,791 shares, or approximately 8.2% of the
94,992 outstanding shares of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock are beneficially
owned by Salomon Brothers Inc ("SBI"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Salomon
Brothers Holding Company ("SBHC") which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of
Salomon Inc. The principal address of SBI is Seven World Trade Center, New
York, New York 10048. As of March 3, 1997, the 7,791 outstanding shares of
WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock owned by SBI were convertible into 2,682,238
shares of Common Stock, representing less than one percent of the outstanding
Common Stock.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT. The following table sets forth the
beneficial ownership of Common Stock, as of March 3, 1997, by each director,
the named executive officers and by all persons, as a group, who are currently
directors and executive officers of the Company. Each director or executive
officer has sole voting and investment power over the shares listed opposite
his name except as set forth in the footnotes hereto.
Number of Shares Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned(1) of Class(1)
------------------------ ------------------ --------
Carl J. Aycock 721,706(2) *
Max E. Bobbitt 151,252(3) *
R. Douglas Bradbury 49,017(4) *
James Q. Crowe 1,007,417(5) *
Bernard J. Ebbers 14,964,672(6) 1.7%
Francesco Galesi 3,517,108(7) *
Richard R. Jaros 784,937(8) *
32
37
Number of Shares Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Beneficially Owned(1) of Class(1)
------------------------ ------------------ --------
Stiles A. Kellett, Jr. 3,102,175(9) *
David C. McCourt 7,115(10) *
John A. Porter 4,736,392(11) *
Walter Scott, Jr. 19,833,029(12) 2.2%
John W. Sidgmore 3,531,045(13) *
Scott D. Sullivan 376,571(14) *
Lawrence C. Tucker 3,165,096(15) *
Roy A. Wilkens 456,974(16) *
Michael B. Yanney 30,759(17) *
All Directors and Current Executive
Officers as a Group (15 persons) 55,947,572(18) 6.3%
- --------------------
* Less than one percent.
(1) Based upon 891,860,640 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding
plus, as to the holder thereof only, exercise or conversion of all
derivative securities that are exercisable or convertible currently or
within 60 days after March 3, 1997.
(2) Includes 5,576 shares owned by Mr. Aycock's spouse; 85,316 shares
purchasable upon exercise of options; and 3,312 shares held as custodian
for children.
(3) Includes 33,512 shares purchasable upon exercise of options; and 117,780
shares as to which Mr. Bobbitt shares voting and investment power with
his spouse.
(4) Includes 344 shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock; and 7,744 shares issuable pursuant to the WorldCom/MFS
1995 Deferred Stock Purchase Plan. All of the shares beneficially owned
by Mr. Bradbury were obtained upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
(5) Includes 8,511 shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock; 16,971 shares issuable pursuant to the WorldCom/MFS
1995 Deferred Stock Purchase Plan; and 349 shares held as custodian for
children. All of the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Crowe were
obtained upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
(6) Includes 36,432 shares held as custodian for children; 1,775,696 shares
purchasable upon exercise of options; and 855,448 shares owned by Mr.
Ebbers' spouse, as to which Mr. Ebbers shares voting and investment
power.
(7) Consists of 3,483,596 shares owned by Rotterdam Ventures, Inc., of which
Mr. Galesi is sole shareholder; and 33,512 shares purchasable upon
exercise of options.
(8) Includes 6,449 shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock; 8,400 shares held jointly with Mr. Jaros' spouse; and
15,930 shares held as custodian for Mr. Jaros' children as to which Mr.
Jaros disclaims beneficial ownership. All of the shares beneficially
owned by Mr. Jaros were obtained upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
(9) Includes 8,000 shares owned by Mr. Kellett's spouse; 860 shares held as
custodian for minor daughter; and 85,316 shares purchasable upon
exercise of options.
(10) Includes 95 shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock. All of the shares is beneficially owned by Mr. McCourt
were obtained upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
(11) Includes 165,560 shares held as custodian or trustee for minor children;
68,048 shares purchasable upon exercise of options; 218,000 shares
owned by spouse, as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed; and
85,812 shares held in trust for son of majority age, as to which
beneficial ownership is also disclaimed.
(12) Includes 172,594 shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B
Preferred Stock; 72,916 shares owned by Mr. Scott's spouse; and 633
shares issuable upon conversion of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock
also owned by Mr. Scott's spouse. All of the shares beneficially owned
by Mr. Scott were obtianed upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
33
38
(13) Includes 35,371 shares purchasable upon exercise of options. All of the
shares beneficially owned by Mr. Sidgmore were obtained upon
consummation of the MFS Merger.
(14) Includes 373,028 shares purchasable upon exercise of options.
(15) A total of 3,131,828 of these shares are beneficially owned by The 1818
Funds. Brown Brothers is the general and managing partner of The 1818
Funds and Mr. Tucker, as a general partner of Brown Brothers, shares
voting and investment power with respect to such securities. Also
includes 33,268 shares purchasable upon exercise of options.
(16) Includes 400,000 shares purchasable upon exercise of options.
(17) Includes 2,956 shares owned by Mr. Yanney's spouse; and 21,000 shares
beneficially owned by America First Companies L.L.C. Mr. Yanney is
President, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of America First
Companies, L.L.C. All of the shares beneficially owned by Mr. Yanney
were obtained upon consummation of the MFS Merger.
(18) Includes 2,736,408 shares purchasable upon exercise of options or
conversion of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
As of December 31, 1996, Messrs. Bradbury, Crowe and Sidgmore held 52,500,
200,000 and 25,000 MFS Shareworks Plus Awards, respectively. Such awards were
paid out on January 9, 1997 in connection with the MFS Merger. The value
received from such awards was $6.4 million, $20.3 million and $1.0 million,
respectively.
Additionally, in accordance with the WorldCom/MFS 1992 Stock Option Plan, upon
the termination of Mr. Bradbury as Chief Financial Officer of MFS on February
28, 1997, all of Mr. Bradbury's options to purchase an aggregate of 749,725
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.869 per share were
immediately vested. Mr. Bradbury subsequently exercised all such options and
sold the underlying shares of Common Stock.
Prior to the MFS Merger, WorldCom and MFS were parties to certain
interconnection or other service agreements entered into with each other and
certain of their affiliates in the ordinary course of their businesses. In
fiscal 1996, WorldCom received revenues from MFS and/or UUNET of $88.4 million.
Each of WorldCom, MFS and UUNET believe that the terms and conditions of such
interconnection or other services agreements were no less favorable to
WorldCom, MFS or UUNET than those that would have been available to WorldCom,
MFS or UUNET in comparable, arm's-length transaction at the date of such
agreements.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a) 1 and 2
Financial statements, financial statement schedule and unaudited pro forma
financial statements
See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedule.
(a) 3
Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
See Exhibit Index for the exhibits filed as part of or incorporated by
reference into this Report. There are omitted from the exhibits filed with or
incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K certain
promissory notes and other instruments and agreements with respect to long-term
debt of the Company, none of which authorizes securities in a total amount that
exceeds 10% of the total assets of the Company on a consolidated basis.
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, the Company hereby agrees to
furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission copies of any such omitted
promissory notes or other instruments or agreements as the Commission requests.
34
39
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 1996 (filed November 4,
1996), reporting information required to be reported under Item 7(a) Financial
Statements of Business Acquired and Item 7(b) Pro Forma Financial Information,
the following financial statements:
MFS Communications Company, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and
for the three years ended December 31, 1995:
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MFS Communications Company, Inc. for the six month periods ended June
30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited):
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
UUNET Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and for the
three years ended December 31, 1995:
Report of Independent Public Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
UUNET Technologies, Inc. for the six month periods ended June 30, 1996
and 1995 (unaudited):
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
WorldCom, Inc.:
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of June 30, 1996
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement for the six months
ended June 30, 1996
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995
Notes to the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statements
MFS Adjusted Historical Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1996
MFS Adjusted Historical Income Statement for the six months ended
June 30, 1996
MFS Adjusted Historical Income Statement for the year ended
December 31, 1995
Notes to MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statements
Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 25, 1996 (filed November
20, 1996), reporting information required to be reported under Item 7(a)
Financial Statements of business acquired and Item 7(b) Pro Forma Financial
Information, the following financial statements:
MFS Communications Company, Inc. for the nine month period ended
September 30, 1996 and 1995 (unaudited):
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
35
40
WorldCom, Inc.:
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Balance Sheet as of September 30,
1996
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement for the nine months
ended September 30, 1996
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995
Notes to Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statements
MFS Adjusted Historical Income Statement for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996
MFS Adjusted Historical Income Statement for the year ended
December 31, 1995
Notes to MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statements
36
41
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
WorldCom, Inc.
By: /s/ Scott D. Sullivan
--------------------------------------
Date: March 17, 1997 Scott D. Sullivan,
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
---- ----- ----
/s/ Carl J. Aycock Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Carl J. Aycock
/s/ Max E. Bobbitt Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Max E. Bobbitt
/s/ James Q. Crowe Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
James Q. Crowe
Director, President
/s/ Bernard J. Ebbers and Chief Executive March 17, 1997
- -------------------------------- Officer
Bernard J. Ebbers
/s/ Francesco Galesi Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Francesco Galesi
/s/ Richard R. Jaros Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Richard R. Jaros
/s/ Stiles A. Kellett, Jr. Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Stiles A. Kellett, Jr.
/s/ David C. McCourt Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
David C. McCourt
/s/ John A. Porter Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
John A. Porter
/s/ Walter Scott, Jr. Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Walter Scott, Jr.
/s/ John W. Sidgmore Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
John W. Sidgmore
37
42
Name Title Date
---- ----- ----
Director,
/s/ Scott D. Sullivan Principal Financial March 17, 1997
- -------------------------------- Officer and Principal
Scott D. Sullivan Accounting Officer
/s/ Lawrence C. Tucker Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Lawrence C. Tucker
/s/ Michael B. Yanney Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
Michael B. Yanney
/s/ R. Douglas Bradbury Director March 17, 1997
- --------------------------------
R. Douglas Bradbury
38
43
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE
Page
----
Report of independent public accountants F-2
Consolidated financial statements-
Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 1996
and 1995 F-3
Consolidated statements of operations for the
three years ended December 31, 1996 F-4
Consolidated statements of shareholders' investment
for the three years ended December 31, 1996 F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the
three years ended December 31, 1996 F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements F-7
Financial statement schedule:
II. Valuation and qualifying accounts F-23
Pro forma financial statements (unaudited):
WorldCom pro forma condensed combined financial statement F-24
MFS adjusted historical financial statement F-27
Schedules other than the schedule listed above have been omitted because of the
absence of conditions under which they are required or because the information
is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.
F-1
44
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To WorldCom, Inc.
and Subsidiaries:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of WorldCom, Inc.
(a Georgia corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' investment and
cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of WorldCom, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial
statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the Index to Financial
Statements and Financial Statement Schedule is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not a
required part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been
subjected to the auditing procedures applied in our audit of the basic
financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material
respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Jackson, Mississippi,
February 26, 1997.
F-2
45
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Share Data)
December 31,
-----------------------------
1996 1995
------------ -------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 222,729 $ 42,244
Marketable securities 772,510 --
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for bad debts of $110,041 and $59,185 at
December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively 999,962 538,442
Income taxes receivable 12,301 17,499
Deferred tax asset 276 17,437
Other current assets 288,314 52,630
------------ ------------
Total current assets 2,296,092 668,252
------------ ------------
Property and equipment:
Transmission equipment 2,371,376 1,376,242
Communications equipment 1,296,723 403,414
Furniture, fixtures and other 614,476 287,156
------------ ------------
4,282,575 2,066,812
Less - accumulated depreciation (385,451) (488,950)
------------ ------------
3,897,124 1,577,862
------------ ------------
Excess of cost over net tangible assets acquired, net of accumulated amortization 12,947,432 4,292,752
Deferred income taxes 392,634 --
Other assets 328,695 117,763
------------ ------------
$ 19,861,977 $ 6,656,629
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt $ 22,424 $ 1,113,816
Accounts payable 588,738 146,455
Accrued line costs 649,324 391,604
Income taxes payable 1,481 1,249
Other current liabilities 648,070 345,681
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 1,910,037 1,998,805
------------ ------------
Long-term liabilities, less current portion:
Long-term debt 4,803,581 2,280,098
Deferred income taxes payable -- 26,172
Other liabilities 188,383 163,873
------------ ------------
Total long-term liabilities 4,991,964 2,470,143
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' investment:
Series A preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized, issued and
outstanding: 94,992 shares in 1996 and none in 1995 (variable liquidation preference) 1 --
Series B preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized, issued and
outstanding: 12,699,948 shares in 1996 and none in 1995 (liquidation
preference of $1.00 per share plus unpaid dividends) 127 --
Series 2 preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized, issued and
outstanding: none in 1996 and 1,244,048 shares in 1995 (liquidation
preference of $31,101 in 1995) -- 12
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized: 37,205,060 shares in
1996 and 48,755,952 shares in 1995; none issued -- --
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized: 2,500,000,000 shares; issued
and outstanding: 885,080,264 shares in 1996 and 386,485,278 shares in 1995 8,851 3,865
Additional paid-in capital 14,855,881 1,903,282
Unrealized holding gain on marketable equity securities 28,832 --
Retained earnings (deficit) (1,933,716) 280,522
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' investment 12,959,976 2,187,681
------------ ------------
$ 19,861,977 $ 6,656,629
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-3
46
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues $ 4,485,130 $ 3,696,345 $ 2,245,663
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating expenses:
Line costs 2,457,102 2,030,635 1,465,674
Selling, general and administrative 828,673 677,895 441,893
Depreciation and amortization 303,301 312,671 164,362
Provision to reduce carrying value of certain assets 402,000 -- 48,500
Direct merger costs -- -- 15,002
Restructuring and other charges 198,148 -- 43,704
Charge for in-process research and development 2,140,000 -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Total 6,329,224 3,021,201 2,179,135
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) (1,844,094) 675,144 66,528
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (221,801) (249,216) (47,303)
Shareholder litigation settlement -- -- (76,000)
Miscellaneous 6,479 11,801 6,078
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item (2,059,416) 437,729 (50,697)
Provision for income taxes 129,528 171,458 73,316
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item (2,188,944) 266,271 (124,013)
Extraordinary item (net of income taxes of $15,621 in 1996) (24,434) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) (2,213,378) 266,271 (124,013)
Preferred dividend requirement 860 18,191 27,766
Special dividend payment to Series 1 preferred shareholder -- 15,000 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders $(2,214,238) $ 233,080 $ (151,779)
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per common share -
Net income (loss) before
extraordinary item:
Primary $ (5.50) $ 0.64 $ (0.48)
Fully diluted (5.50) 0.64 (0.48)
Extraordinary item (0.06) -- --
Net income (loss):
Primary (5.56) 0.64 (0.48)
Fully diluted (5.56) 0.64 (0.48)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-4
47
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1996
(In Thousands)
Series A Series B Series 1 Preferred
Preferred Stock Preferred Stock Stock
----------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1993 - $ - - $ - 10,897 $ 109
Exercise of stock options - - - - - -
Common stock issued - - - - - -
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - - -
Shares issued for acquisitions - - - - - -
Net loss - - - - - -
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1994 - - - - 10,897 109
Exercise of stock options - - - - - -
Conversion of Series 1 Preferred Stock - - - - (10,897) (109)
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock - - - - - -
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - - -
Cash for fractional shares - - - - - -
Shares issued for acquisitions - - - - - -
Net income - - - - - -
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1995 - - - - - -
Exercise of stock options - - - - - -
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock - - - - - -
Conversion of IDB convertible notes - - - - - -
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - - -
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities - - - - - -
Shares issued for acquisitions 95 1 12,700 127 - -
Net loss - - - - - -
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - -
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1996 95 $ 1 12,700 $ 127 - $ -
====================================================================
Series 2 Preferred Additional Retained
Stock Common Stock Paid-in Unrealized Earnings
------------------------------------------------
Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Holding Gain (Deficit)
--------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1993 2,000 $ 20 306,908 $ 3,069 $ 1,706,084 $ - $206,156
Exercise of stock options - - 6,418 64 15,863 - -
Common stock issued - - 4,390 44 22,949 - (6,935)
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - 15,918 - -
Shares issued for acquisitions - - 1,569 15 17,377 - -
Net loss - - - - - - (124,013)
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - - (27,766)
--------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1994 2,000 20 319,285 3,192 1,778,191 - 47,442
Exercise of stock options - - 18,966 190 90,342 - -
Conversion of Series 1 Preferred Stock - - 43,754 438 (329) - -
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock (756) (8) 3,200 32 (24) - -
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - 22,280 - -
Cash for fractional shares - - - - (15) - -
Shares issued for acquisitions - - 1,280 13 12,837 - -
Net income - - - - - - 266,271
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - - (33,191)
--------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1995 1,244 12 386,485 3,865 1,903,282 - 280,522
Exercise of stock options - - 6,416 64 39,695 - -
Conversion of Series 2 Preferred Stock (1,244) (12) 5,266 53 (40) - -
Conversion of IDB convertible notes - - 10,266 103 190,971 - -
Tax adjustment resulting from exercise
of stock options - - - - 32,726 - -
Net change in unrealized holding gain on
marketable equity securities - - - - - 28,832 -
Shares issued for acquisitions - - 476,647 4,766 12,689,247 - -
Net loss - - - - - - (2,213,378)
Cash dividends on preferred
stock - - - - - - (860)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balances, December 31, 1996 - $ - 885,080 $ 8,851 $ 14,855,881 $ 28,832 $ (1,933,716)
==========================================================================================
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-5
48
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
For the Year Ended December 31,
-----------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $(2,213,378) $ 266,271 $ (124,013)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Extraordinary item 24,434 -- --
Provision to reduce carrying value of certain assets 402,000 -- 48,500
Restructuring and other charges 198,148 -- --
Charge for in-process research and development 2,140,000 -- --
Depreciation and amortization 303,301 312,671 164,362
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 57,678 40,250 59,202
Provision for shareholder litigation -- -- 76,000
Provision for deferred income taxes 58,449 171,425 24,461
Change in assets and liabilities, net of effect of business
combinations:
Accounts receivable (206,507) (83,808) (150,817)
Income taxes, net 40,831 (6,351) 21,505
Other current assets (76,568) 1,003 (15,143)
Accrued line costs (970) 63,830 18,629
Shareholder litigation reserve -- (75,000) --
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 79,567 (63,165) 105,188
Other (8,867) (10,469) 17,602
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities 798,118 616,657 245,476
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (657,061) (359,281) (194,340)
Sale of short-term investments, net -- 1,000 11,672
Acquisitions and related costs 116,053 (2,766,355) (91,750)
Increase in intangible assets (60,056) (46,062) (14,877)
Proceeds from disposition of long-term assets 21,962 34,970 3,080
Increase in other assets (131,450) (8,171) (8,585)
Decrease in other liabilities (42,284) (83,553) (42,018)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities (752,836) (3,227,452) (336,818)
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings 113,000 2,712,159 78,599
Principal payments on debt (16,696) (138,276) (41,643)
Common stock issuance 39,759 90,532 38,431
Dividends paid on preferred stock (860) (33,191) (27,766)
Other -- 1,828 969
----------- ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 135,203 2,633,052 48,590
----------- ----------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 180,485 22,257 (42,752)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 42,244 19,987 62,739
----------- ----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 222,729 $ 42,244 $ 19,987
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
F-6
49
WORLDCOM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996
(1) THE COMPANY AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES -
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION:
WorldCom, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("WorldCom" or the "Company"), is one of
the four largest long distance telecommunications companies in the United
States, serving customers domestically and internationally. The Company
provides long distance telecommunications services to business, consumer and
other carrier customers, through its network of fiber optic cables, digital
microwave, and fixed and transportable satellite earth stations, with service
to points throughout the nation and the world. The products and services
provided by WorldCom include: switched and dedicated long distance and local
products, 800 services, calling cards, domestic and international private
lines, broadband data services, debit cards, conference calling, advanced
billing systems, enhanced fax and data connections, high speed data
communications, facilities management, local access to long distance companies,
local access ATM-based backbone service and interconnection via network access
points ("NAPs") to Internet Service Providers.
THE MERGERS:
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
MFS Communications Company, Inc. ("MFS") in a transaction accounted for as a
purchase. The excess purchase price over net tangible assets acquired has been
allocated to in-process research and development projects (See Note 3),
goodwill, developed technology and assembled workforce. MFS provides
telecommunications services and systems for business and government customers.
MFS is a leading provider of alternative local network access facilities via
digital fiber optic cable networks that it has installed in and around
approximately 41 United States cities, and in several major European cities.
MFS also provides domestic and international long distance telecommunications
services via its network platform, which consists of MFS- owned transmission
and switching facilities, and network capacity leased from other carriers
primarily in the United States and Western Europe.
As a result of the merger (the "MFS Merger"), each share of MFS common stock
was converted into the right to receive 2.1 shares of WorldCom common stock
(the "Common Stock") or approximately 471.0 million WorldCom common shares in
the aggregate. Each share of MFS Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock ("MFS Series A Preferred Stock") was converted into the right to receive
one share of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom
("WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock") or 94,922 shares of WorldCom Series A
Preferred Stock in the aggregate. Each share of MFS Series B Convertible
Preferred Stock was converted into the right to receive one share of Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of WorldCom ("WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock")
or approximately 12.7 million shares of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock in
the aggregate. In addition, each depositary share representing 1/100th of a
share of MFS Series A Preferred Stock was exchanged for a depositary share
representing 1/100th of a share of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
Upon effectiveness of the MFS Merger, the then outstanding and unexercised
options and warrants exercisable for shares of MFS common stock were converted
into options and warrants, respectively, exercisable for shares of Common Stock
having substantially the same terms and conditions as the MFS options and
warrants, except that (i) the exercise price and the number of shares issuable
upon exercise were divided and multiplied, respectively, by 2.1 and (ii) the
holders of each then outstanding and unexercised MFS Shareworks Plus Award
granted under the MFS 1993 Stock Plan instead received the cash value of such
option in accordance with the terms of such plan.
On August 12, 1996, MFS acquired UUNET Technologies, Inc. ("UUNET") through a
merger of a subsidiary of MFS with and into UUNET (the "UUNET Acquisition").
UUNET is a leading worldwide provider of a comprehensive range of Internet
access options, applications, and consulting services to businesses,
professionals and on-line services providers. UUNET provides both dedicated
and dial-up Internet access, and other applications and services which include
Web server hosting and integration services, client software and security
products, training, and network integration and consulting services.
On December 30, 1994, WorldCom, through a wholly owned subsidiary, merged with
IDB Communications Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("IDB"), and in
connection therewith issued approximately 71.8 million shares of Common Stock,
for all of the outstanding shares of IDB common stock, (the "IDB Merger"). In
addition, WorldCom assumed, on a subordinated basis, jointly and severally with
IDB, the obligations of IDB to pay the principal of and interest on $195.5
million 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2003, issued by IDB. On July 15,
1996, WorldCom announced that it had exercised its option to redeem on August
16, 1996 all of the outstanding IDB notes. Prior to such redemption date, a
majority of the holders of the IDB notes elected to convert their notes into
WorldCom common stock, resulting in the issuance of approximately 10.3 million
shares of WorldCom Common Stock. The IDB Merger was accounted for as a
pooling-of-
F-7
50
interests and, accordingly, the Company's financial statements for periods
prior to the IDB Merger have been restated to include the results of IDB for
all periods presented.
On September 15, 1993, a three-way merger occurred whereby (i) Metromedia
Communications Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("MCC"), merged with and
into Resurgens Communications Group, Inc., a Georgia corporation ("Resurgens"),
and (ii) LDDS Communications, Inc., a Tennessee corporation ("LDDS-TN"), merged
with and into Resurgens (the "Prior Mergers"). The Prior Mergers were
accounted for as a purchase.
At the time of the Prior Mergers, the name of Resurgens, the legal survivor,
was changed to LDDS Communications, Inc., and the separate corporate existences
of LDDS-TN and MCC terminated. For accounting purposes, however, LDDS-TN was
the survivor because the former shareholders of LDDS-TN acquired majority
ownership of the Company. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, all
historical information presented herein reflects the operations of LDDS-TN. At
the annual meeting of shareholders held May 25, 1995, shareholders of LDDS
Communications, Inc. voted to change the name of the Company to WorldCom, Inc.,
effective immediately. Information in this document has also been revised to
reflect the stock splits of the Company's Common Stock.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION:
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have
been eliminated in consolidation. Investments in joint ventures and other
equity investments in which the Company owns a 20% to 50% ownership interest,
are accounted for by the equity method. Investments of less than 20% ownership
are recorded at cost.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The carrying amounts for cash, marketable securities, accounts receivable,
notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate their
fair value. The fair value of the long-term debt is determined based on the
cash flows from such financial instruments discounted at the Company's
estimated current interest rate to enter into similar financial instruments.
The recorded amounts for all other long-term debt of the Company approximate
fair values.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
The Company considers cash in banks and short-term investments with original
maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents. The Company
has classified all marketable securities other than cash equivalents as
available- for-sale. At December 31, 1996, the amortized cost of the Company's
marketable securities equals the estimated fair value. Fair values are
estimated based on quoted market prices.
Marketable securities at December 31, 1996 are as follows:
Estimated
Fair Value
----------
United States Treasury and other United States government corporations and agencies debt
securities $443,175
Corporate debt securities 329,335
----------
$ 772,510
==========
The estimated fair value of marketable securities at December 31, 1996, by contractual maturity are as follows:
Estimated
Fair Value
----------
Due within 1 year $567,082
Due after 1 year through 5 years 200,380
Due after 5 years through 10 years 1,012
Due after 10 years 4,036
----------
$772,510
==========
These securities were included in the net assets acquired in connection with
the MFS Merger. Accordingly, there was no sales activity in available-for-sale
securities for the twelve months ended December 31, 1996.
F-8
51
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided for
financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the following
estimated useful lives:
Transmission equipment 5 to 45 years
Communications equipment 5 to 25 years
Furniture, fixtures and other 5 to 30 years
Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Replacements and betterments
are capitalized. The cost and related reserves of assets sold or retired are
removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in
results of operations.
The Company constructs certain of its own transmission systems and related
facilities. All internal costs directly related to the construction of such
facilities, including interest and salaries of certain employees, are
capitalized. Such costs were $28.7 million ($7.6 million in interest), $14.7
million ($4.9 million in interest), and $6.8 million ($1.2 million in
interest), in 1996, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
EXCESS OF COST OVER NET TANGIBLE ASSETS ACQUIRED:
The major classes of intangible assets are summarized below (in thousands):
December 31,
Amortization Period 1996 1995
------------------- ---------- ----------
Goodwill 5 to 40 years $12,464,556 $4,417,964
Software development 5 years 112,702 89,478
Developed technology 5 years 400,000 -
Other intangibles 5 to 10 years 327,876 89,208
---------- ----------
13,305,134 4,596,650
Less accumulated amortization 357,702 303,898
---------- ----------
$12,947,432 $4,292,752
=========== ==========
Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method for the periods
noted above.
Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price of the various
business combinations over the value of the identifiable net tangible and
intangible assets acquired. See Note 2. Realization of acquisition-related
intangibles, including goodwill, is periodically assessed by the management of
the Company based on the current and expected future profitability and cash
flows of acquired companies and their contribution to the overall operations of
WorldCom.
Costs incurred to develop software for internal use are capitalized as
incurred. Developed technology represents the allocation of purchase price in
the MFS Merger.
LINE INSTALLATION COSTS:
The Company defers the costs associated with the installation of local access
lines and other network facilities. Amortization of these costs is provided
over five years using the straight-line method. Accumulated amortization on
line installation costs was $55.1 million and $41.0 million as of December 31,
1996 and 1995, respectively.
UNREALIZED HOLDING GAIN ON MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES:
In the second quarter of 1996, one of the Company's equity investments became
publicly traded. This investment, previously recorded at cost, has been
classified as an available-for-sale security under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS 115"). Accordingly, this investment is
recorded at its fair value of approximately $49.7 million at December 31, 1996,
and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements. The unrealized holding gain on this marketable equity security,
net of taxes, is included as a component of shareholders' investment at
December 31, 1996.
F-9
52
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
At December 31, 1996 and 1995, other long-term liabilities includes $137.2
million and $149.3 million, respectively, related to estimated costs of closing
duplicate facilities of acquired entities, and other non-recurring costs
arising from various acquisitions and mergers. See Note 2.
RECOGNITION OF REVENUES:
The Company records revenues for long distance telecommunications sales at the
time of customer usage. The Company also performs systems integration services
consisting of design and installation of transmission equipment and systems for
its customers. Revenues and related costs for these services are recorded
under the percentage of completion method.
ACCOUNTING FOR INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE TRAFFIC:
The Company enters into operating agreements with telecommunications carriers
in foreign countries under which international long distance traffic is both
delivered and received. The terms of most switched voice operating agreements,
as well as established Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") policy,
require that inbound switched voice traffic from the foreign carrier to the
United States be routed to United States international carriers, like WorldCom,
in proportion to the percentage of United States outbound traffic routed by
that United States international carrier to foreign carrier. Mutually
exchanged traffic between the Company and foreign carriers is settled in cash
through a formal settlement policy that generally extends over a six-month
period at an agreed upon settlement rate. Although the Company can estimate
the amount of inbound traffic it will receive, under the FCC's proportional
share policy, it generally must wait up to six months before it actually
receives the inbound traffic.
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS:
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company recorded charges for extraordinary
items totaling $24.4 million, net of income tax benefit of $15.6 million. The
items consisted of $4.2 million in connection with the Company's debt
refinancing, as discussed in Note 4 and $20.2 million related to a write-off of
deferred international costs. Previously, a portion of the outbound call fee
due the foreign carrier was deferred and accounted for as a cost attributable
to the revenue associated with the inbound call. Currently, the outbound call
fee due the foreign carrier is expensed as incurred. This change in accounting
for international line costs was immaterial to the results of operations.
LINE COSTS:
Line costs primarily include all payments to local exchange carriers ("LECs"),
interexchange carriers and post telephone and telegraph administrations
("PTTs") primarily for access and transport charges.
INCOME TAXES:
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS 109 has as its basic objective the
recognition of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities based
upon all events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial
statements as measured by the provisions of the enacted tax laws. See Note 10.
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
For the year ended December 31, 1995, earnings per share was calculated based
on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period plus the
dilutive effect of stock options and warrants determined using the treasury
stock method. For the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1994, earnings per
share were calculated based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period. The effect of common stock equivalents was not
considered in 1996 and 1994 because the effect of such options and warrants
would have been anti-dilutive.
Average common shares and common equivalent shares utilized were 397,890,000;
386,898,000; and 315,610,000, respectively, for primary earnings per share and
397,890,000; 402,990,000; and 315,610,000, respectively, for fully diluted
earnings per share, for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.
STOCK SPLITS:
On May 23, 1996, the Board of Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split in the
form of a 100% stock dividend which was distributed on July 3, 1996 to
shareholders of record on June 6, 1996. On November 18, 1993, the Board of
Directors authorized a 2-for-1 stock split in the form of a 100% stock dividend
which was distributed on January 6, 1994, to shareholders of record on December
7, 1993. All per share data and numbers of common shares have been
retroactively restated to reflect these stock splits.
F-10
53
CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK:
A portion of the Company's revenues is derived from services provided to others
in the telecommunications industry, mainly resellers of long distance
telecommunications service. As a result, the Company has some concentration of
credit risk among its customer base. The Company performs ongoing credit
evaluations of its larger customers' financial condition and, at times,
requires collateral from its customers to support its receivables, usually in
the form of assignment of its customers' receivables to the Company in the
event of nonpayment. Additionally, marketable securities potentially subject
the Company to concentration of credit risks, but is limited due to investments
in short-term, investment grade securities.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
In June 1996, the FASB issued SFAS No. 125, "Accounting For Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities." This
Statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for transfers and
servicing of financial assets and extinguishment of liabilities. This
Statement provides standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets
that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. This Statement is
effective for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments
of liabilities occurring after December 31, 1996, and is to be applied
prospectively. WorldCom believes that the adoption of this standard will not
have a material effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or
financial position.
USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
revenues and expenses during the period reported. Actual results could differ
from those estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for long-term
contracts, allowance for doubtful accounts, depreciation and amortization,
taxes, restructuring reserves and contingencies.
RECLASSIFICATIONS:
Certain consolidated financial statement amounts have been reclassified for
consistent presentation.
(2) BUSINESS COMBINATIONS -
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom completed the MFS Merger. The MFS Merger is
being accounted for as a purchase; accordingly, the operating results are not
reflected in the consolidated results of operations. On January 5, 1995,
WorldCom completed the acquisition of Williams Telecommunications Group, Inc.
("WilTel"), a subsidiary of The Williams Companies, Inc., for approximately
$2.5 billion in cash (the "WilTel Acquisition"). Through this purchase, the
Company acquired a nationwide common carrier network of approximately 11,000
miles of fiber optic cable and digital microwave facilities.
The Company has acquired other telecommunications companies offering similar or
complementary services to those offered by the Company. Such acquisitions have
been accomplished through the purchase of the outstanding stock or assets of
the acquired entity for cash, notes, shares of the Company's common stock, or a
combination thereof. The cash portion of acquisition costs has generally been
financed through the Company's bank loan agreements. See Note 4.
Most of the acquisitions have been accounted for as purchases and resulted in
an excess of the purchase costs over the net tangible assets acquired. These
costs, composed primarily of goodwill, are amortized over 5 to 40 years using
the straight-line method. The results of those purchased businesses have been
included since the dates of acquisition. Business combinations which have been
accounted for as poolings-of-interests have been included in all periods
presented. The table below sets forth information concerning certain other
recent acquisitions which were accounted for as purchases.
PURCHASE PRICE
------------------------------
Shares Issued
-----------------
Acquired Entity Acquisition Date Cash Number Value Goodwill
- --------------- ---------------- ---- ------ ----- --------
(In thousands)
WilTel January 1995 $2,500,000 - - $2,216,909
MFS December 1996 - * * 8,333,669
- ------------------------
* See the third paragraph of Note 1 for a description of the common and
preferred shares.
F-11
54
In addition to those acquisitions listed above, the Company or its predecessors
completed several smaller acquisitions during 1994 through 1996.
The initial purchase price allocations for the MFS Merger is based on current
estimates and the Company will make the final purchase price allocation based
upon final values for certain assets and liabilities. As a result, the final
purchase price allocations may differ from the presented estimate.
The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations for the
Company assume that the MFS Merger and the UUNET Acquisition were completed on
January 1, 1995.
For the Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------
1996 1995
---------- ------------
(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues $5,635,223 $4,323,777
Loss before extraordinary item (2,767,906) (272,665)
Loss applicable to common shareholders (2,792,340) (272,665)
Loss per common share:
Loss before extraordinary item ($3.18) ($0.37)
Net loss ($3.21) ($0.37)
These pro forma amounts represent the historical operating results of these
acquired entities combined with those of the Company with appropriate
adjustments which give effect to interest expense, amortization and the common
shares issued. These pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of
operating results which would have occurred if MFS and UUNET had been operated
by current management during the periods presented because these amounts do not
reflect full network optimization and the synergistic effect on operating,
selling, general and administrative expenses.
(3) DIRECT MERGER COSTS, RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES -
RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER CHARGES:
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded charges for employee
severance, employee compensation charges, alignment charges and costs to exit
unfavorable telecommunications contracts.
Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 1994, as a result of the IDB Merger,
the Company initiated plans to reorganize and restructure its management and
operational organization and facilities to eliminate duplicate personnel,
physical facilities and service capacity, to abandon certain products and
marketing activities, and to take further advantage of the synergies available
to the combined entities. Accordingly, the Company charged to operations, the
estimated costs of such reorganization and restructuring activities, including
employee severance, physical facility abandonment, and duplicate service
capacity.
The following table reflects the components of the significant items shown as
restructuring and other charges in 1996 and 1994 (in thousands):
For the Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------
1996 1994
-------- ---------
Severance and other employee related costs $ 57,916 $ 18,702
Duplicate facilities and other restructuring - 13,990
Provision for settlement of certain legal issues - 8,000
Reduction in carrying amount of certain assets - 2,423
Costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications contracts 134,866 -
Other 5,366 589
--------- ---------
$ 198,148 $ 43,704
========= =========
As of December 31, 1996 and 1995, the accompanying consolidated financial
statements reflect $166.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively, in other
current liabilities and $2.5 million and $5.6 million, respectively, in other
long-term liabilities, in connection with the restructuring and other charges.
F-12
55
DIRECT MERGER COSTS:
During 1994, the Company recorded direct merger costs of $15.0 million related
to the IDB Merger. These costs included professional fees, proxy solicitation
costs, travel and related expenses and certain other direct costs attributable
to this merger.
PROVISION TO REDUCE THE CARRYING VALUE OF CERTAIN ASSETS:
In the second quarter of 1996, the Company incurred non-cash charges related to
a write-down in the carrying value of certain assets, including goodwill and
equipment. Because of events resulting from the passage of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecom Act"), and changes in
circumstances impacting certain non-core operations, management estimates of
the Company's fair value of operating assets within its core and non-core
businesses resulted in a non-cash charge of $344 million after-tax. On a
pre-tax basis, the write-down was $402 million and included $139 million for
network facilities and $263 million for non-core businesses, primarily operator
services goodwill. Fair value of the non-core business was determined by
estimating the present value of future cash flows to be generated from those
operations while the majority of the network facilities were recorded at net
salvage value due to anticipated early disposal.
In connection with the signing of agreements to provide long distance
telecommunications services to certain local exchange carriers, and after the
successful assimilation of recent facilities-based acquisitions, WorldCom
evaluated the impact that the increased traffic volumes would have on the
Company's network. This review resulted in the Company's current plans to
expand and upgrade its existing network switching, transmission and other
communications equipment. This capital project directly affected the estimated
useful lives of certain network facilities which will result in replacement of
these facilities prior to June 30, 1997.
Additionally, due to the decreasing emphasis on operator services, including
non-renewal of existing long-term contracts, management adjusted the fair value
of this non-core business based upon its projections of future cash flow.
Operator services now comprises less than 3% of WorldCom's consolidated
revenues.
During 1994 several events occurred which caused the Company to evaluate the
realization of its investment in the assets of IDB Broadcast. These events
included a proposed but never consummated sale of IDB Broadcast at amounts
significantly below book value, and the continued emergence of
telecommunications as the core business of IDB (making IDB Broadcast a non-core
operation). These factors, combined with broad economic factors adversely
impacting broadcast assets in general, have caused a decline in the value of
the Company's investment in these assets. Broadcast services comprise less
than 1% of WorldCom's consolidated revenues.
The Company assessed the impact of these factors relative to its ability to
recover the recorded values of these broadcast assets, and determined that such
values should be reduced. Accordingly, the Company recorded adjustments of
$48.5 million, to reduce the carrying value of these broadcast assets
(primarily intangible assets and property and equipment) to the Company's best
estimate of the net realizable value. During 1995, the Company sold its
simulcasting operations and entered into an agreement to outsource the
management of the remaining IDB Broadcast operations.
CHARGE FOR IN-PROCESS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT:
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the Company recorded a $2.14 billion charge for
in-process research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge is
based upon a valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS' worldwide
information system, the Internet network expansion system of UUNET, and
certain other identified research and development projects purchased in the
merger. At the date of the MFS Merger, the technological feasibility of the
acquired technology had not yet been established and the technology has no
future alternative uses. The expense includes $1.6 billion associated with
UUNET and $0.54 billion related to MFS.
(4) LONG-TERM DEBT -
Long-term debt outstanding consists of the following (in thousands):
December 31,
-----------------------
1996 1995
---------- ----------
Revolving credit agreements $3,284,500 $3,171,500
Senior Discount Notes due 2006 674,520 -
Senior Discount Notes due 2004 685,838 -
Convertible subordinated notes - 195,500
Other debt (maturing through 2001) 181,147 26,914
---------- ----------
4,826,005 3,393,914
Less: Short-term debt and current maturities 22,424 1,113,816
---------- ----------
$4,803,581 $2,280,098
========== ==========
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56
On June 28, 1996, WorldCom replaced its then existing $3.41 billion credit
facilities (the "Previous Facilities") with a new $3.75 billion revolving
credit facility (the "Credit Facility"). Borrowings under the Credit Facility
were used to refinance the Previous Facilities and will be used to finance
capital expenditures and provide additional working capital. As a result of
the refinancing, WorldCom recorded an extraordinary charge of $4.2 million, net
of $2.7 million in taxes, related to the charge-off of the unamortized portion
of costs associated with the Previous Facilities.
The Credit Facility has a five-year term and bears interest, payable in varying
periods, depending on the interest periods, not to exceed six months, at rates
selected by the Company under the terms of the Credit Facility including a Base
Rate or the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR"), plus applicable margin.
The applicable margin for LIBOR rate borrowings varies from 0.35% to 0.875%
based upon a specified financial test. The Credit Facility is unsecured and
requires compliance with certain financial and other operating covenants which
limit, among other things, the incurrence of additional indebtedness by
WorldCom and restricts the payment of cash dividends to WorldCom's
shareholders. The Credit Facility is also subject to an annual commitment fee
not to exceed 0.25% of any unborrowed portion of the Credit Facility. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, the weighted average interest rate under the
Credit Facility was 6.3%.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at rates that fluctuate with
prevailing short-term interest rates. Under the provisions of the Credit
Facility, the Company is required to hedge 25% of its debt against adverse
interest movements in short-term rates. The Company believes that it can
adequately address this requirement through financial hedging measures or
increasing the amount of fixed rate debt outstanding.
In connection with the MFS Merger, the Company acquired the MFS Senior Discount
Notes due January 15, 2004 (the "1994 Notes") and the MFS Senior Discount Notes
due January 15, 2006 (the "1996 Notes") (collectively, the "MFS Notes").
MFS is accruing to the principal amount of the 1994 Notes of $788,320,000
through January 1999. Cash interest will not accrue on the 1994 Notes prior to
January 15, 1999, however, MFS may elect to commence the accrual of cash
interest at any time prior to that date. Commencing July 15, 1999 cash
interest will be payable semi-annually.
On or after January 15, 1999, the 1994 Notes will be redeemable at the option
of MFS, in whole or in part from time to time, at the following prices
(expressed in percentages of the principal amount at the stated maturity), if
redeemed during the twelve months beginning January 15 of the years indicated
below, in each case together with interest accrued to the redemption date.
Year Percentage
---- ----------
1999 103.52%
2000 102.34%
2001 101.17%
2002 and thereafter 100.00%
MFS is accruing to the principal amount of the 1996 Notes of $924,000,000
through January 2001. Cash interest will not accrue on the 1996 Notes prior to
January 15, 2001, however, MFS may elect to commence the accrual of cash
interest at any time prior to that date. Commencing January 15, 2001, cash
interest will be payable semi-annually.
On or after January 15, 2001, the 1996 Notes will be redeemable at the option
of MFS, in whole or in part from time to time, at the following prices
(expressed in percentages of the principal amount at the stated maturity), if
redeemed during the twelve months beginning January 15 of the year indicated
below, in each case together with interest accrued to the redemption date:
Year Percentage
---- ----------
2001 103.32%
2002 102.21%
2003 101.11%
2004 and thereafter 100.00%
In connection with the MFS Merger, WorldCom offered to repurchase the MFS Notes
at 101% of the accreted value as of February 27, 1997. The offer to repurchase
ended February 27, 1997. As of the expiration of the offer, approximately
$14.3 million of the MFS Notes were repurchased. The MFS Notes are senior
unsecured obligations of MFS and are subordinated to all current and future
indebtedness of MFS' subsidiaries, including trade accounts payable.
The MFS Notes contain certain covenants which, among other things, restrict
MFS' ability to incur additional debt, create liens, enter into sale-leaseback
transactions, pay dividends, make certain restricted payments, enter into
transactions with affiliates and sell assets or merge with another company.
F-14
57
During 1996, WorldCom exercised its option to redeem on August 16, 1996, all of
the outstanding IDB WorldCom, Inc. 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2003
(the "Notes"), at a price equal to 103.5% of the principal amount, plus accrued
and unpaid interest. Prior to such redemption date, substantially all of the
holders of the Notes elected to convert their notes into Common Stock,
resulting in the issuance of approximately 10.3 million shares of Common Stock.
The aggregate principal repayments and reductions required in each of the years
ending December 31, 1997 through December 31, 2001 and thereafter for the
Company's long-term debt including capital leases is as follows (in thousands):
1997 $ 22,424
1998 45,521
1999 43,680
2000 49,605
2001 3,291,031
Thereafter 1,373,744
----------
$4,826,005
==========
(5) PREFERRED STOCK -
In connection with the MFS Merger, the Company issued 9,499,200 depositary
shares (the "Depositary Shares"), each representing 1/100th interest in a share
of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. There is an established public trading
market for the WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock. The Depositary Shares are
traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the trading symbol "WCOMP."
Each Depositary Share is mandatorily convertible into 4.2 shares of Common
Stock on May 31, 1999. The Depositary Shares are also redeemable at the option
of the Company in exchange for shares of Common Stock on or after May 31, 1998
at a ratio that will vary depending upon certain factors, including the date of
redemption, the market price of the Common Stock at the time of redemption and
the amount of accrued and unpaid dividends. The Depositary Shares are also
convertible at the option of the holder at any time into 3.44274 shares of
Common Stock for each Depositary Share, plus unpaid dividends.
The Depositary Shares are entitled to receive dividends, when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors, accruing at the rate of $2.68 per share per
annum, payable quarterly in arrears on each February 28, May 31, August 31 and
November 30. Dividends are payable in cash or in shares of Common Stock, at
the election of the Company. The Company paid the initial dividend on February
28, 1997 in cash.
The Depositary Shares are entitled to vote on the basis of 0.10 of a vote for
each Depositary Share held (equivalent to 10 votes for each share of WorldCom
Series A Preferred Stock). The Series A Preferred Stock has a liquidation
preference equal to the greater of (i) the sum of (a) $3,350 per share and (b)
all accrued and unpaid dividends thereon to the date of liquidation and (ii)
the value or the shares of Common Stock into which such Series A Preferred
Stock are convertible on the date of liquidation.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into shares of Common
Stock at any time at a conversion rate of 0.0973912 shares of Common Stock for
each share of WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock (an effective initial
conversion price of $10.268 per share of Common Stock). Dividends on the
WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock accrue at the rate per share of $0.0775 per
annum and are payable in cash. Dividends will be paid only when, as and if
declared by the Board of Directors. The Company anticipates that dividends on
the WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock will not be declared but will continue to
accrue. Upon conversion, accrued but unpaid dividends are payable in cash or
shares of Common Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is also redeemable at the option of the
Company at any time after September 30, 2001 at a redemption price of $1.00 per
share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends. The redemption price will be payable
in cash or shares of Common Stock at the Company's election.
The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock is entitled to one vote per share with
respect to all matters. The WorldCom Series B Preferred Stock has a
liquidation preference of $1.00 per share plus all accrued and unpaid dividends
thereon to the date of liquidation.
As a result of the Prior Mergers, 10,896,785 shares of the Series 1 Preferred
Stock were issued to Metromedia, the sole stockholder of MCC. Also in 1993,
the IDB convertible preferred stock issued in connection with the acquisition
of World Communications, Inc. was converted into common stock of IDB.
In connection with the announcement in May 1996, that the Company would redeem
its Series 2 Preferred Stock on June 5, 1996, all of the remaining outstanding
Series 2 Preferred Stock was converted into 5,266,160 shares of Common Stock in
the second quarter of 1996.
F-15
58
In August 1995, Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock into 61.7
million shares of WorldCom Common Stock. In connection with the preferred
stock conversion, WorldCom made a non-recurring payment of $15.0 million to
Metromedia, representing a discount to the minimum nominal dividends that would
have been payable on the Series 1 Preferred Stock prior to the September 15,
1996 optional call date of approximately $26.6 million (which amount includes
an annual dividend requirement of $24.5 million plus accrued dividends to such
call date).
(6) SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN -
On August 25, 1996, the Board of Directors of WorldCom declared a dividend of
one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") for each outstanding share of
Common Stock. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the
Company one one-thousandth of a share of Series 3 Junior Participating
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Junior Preferred Stock") of the
Company at a price of $160.00 per one one-thousandth of a share of Junior
Preferred Stock (the "Purchase Price"), subject to adjustment.
The Rights generally will be exercisable only after the close of business on
the tenth business day following the date of public announcement or the date on
which the Company first has notice or determines that a person or group of
affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring Person") has acquired, or
obtained the right to acquire, 15% or more of the outstanding shares of voting
stock of the Company without the prior express written consent of the Company,
by a person which, upon consummation, would result in such party's control of
15% or more of the Company's voting stock. The Rights will expire, if not
previously exercised, exchanged or redeemed, on September 6, 2006.
If any person or group acquires 15% or more of the Company's outstanding voting
stock without prior written consent of the Board of Directors, each Right,
except those held by such persons, would entitle each holder of a Right to
acquire such number of shares of the Company's Common Stock as shall equal the
result obtained by multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number of
one one-thousandths of a share of Junior Preferred Stock for which a Right is
then exercisable and dividing that product by 50% of the then current per-share
market price of Common Stock.
If any person or group acquires more than 15% of the outstanding Common Stock
without prior written consent of the Board of Directors, each Right, except
those held by such persons, may be exchanged by the Board of Directors for one
share of Common Stock.
If the Company were acquired in a merger or other business combination
transaction where the Company is not the surviving corporation or where Common
Stock is exchanged or changed or 50% or more of the Company's assets or
earnings power is sold in one or several transactions without the prior written
consent of the Board of Directors, each Right would entitle the holders thereof
(except for the Acquiring Person) to receive such number of shares of the
acquiring company's common stock as shall be equal to the result obtained by
multiplying the then current Purchase Price by the number one one-thousandths
of a share of Junior Preferred Stock for which a Right is then exercisable and
dividing that product by 50% of the then current market price per share of the
common stock of the acquiring company on the date of such merger or other
business combination transaction.
At any time prior to the time an Acquiring Person becomes such, the Board of
Directors of the Company may redeem the Rights in whole, but not in part, at a
price of $.01 per Right (the "Redemption Price"). The redemption of the Rights
may be made effective at such time, on such basis and with such conditions as
the Board of Directors in its sole discretion may establish. Immediately upon
any redemption of the Rights, the right to exercise the Rights will terminate
and the only right of the holders of the Rights will be to receive the
Redemption Price.
(7) LEASES AND OTHER COMMITMENTS -
The Company leases office facilities and certain equipment under noncancellable
operating leases having initial or remaining terms of more than one year. In
addition, the Company leases a right-of-way from a railroad company under a
fifteen-year lease with three fifteen-year renewal options. The Company is
also obligated under rights-of-way and franchise agreements with various
entities for the use of their rights-of-way for the installation of its
telecommunications systems. Rental expense under these operating leases was
$56.7 million, $45.1 million, and $30.9 million, in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
In prior years, WilTel sold to independent entities and leased back its
microwave system and its Kansas City to Los Angeles fiber optic system over
primary lease terms ranging from 15 to 20 years. The leases have renewal
options permitting the Company to extend the leases for terms expiring during
the years 2012 to 2019 and purchase options based upon the fair market value.
The annual lease commitments pursuant to the sale-leaseback are included below
under the heading Telecommunication Facilities.
F-16
59
At the end of 1996, minimum lease payments under noncancellable
operating leases and commitments were as follows (in thousands):
Minimum Lease Payments
-------------------------------------
Office
Facilities
and Telecommunication
Year Equipment Facilities Total
---- --------- ---------- --------
1997 $60,817 $185,559 $246,376
1998 54,529 94,921 149,450
1999 44,291 86,115 130,406
2000 34,185 86,335 120,520
2001 25,894 82,742 108,636
Certain of the Company's facility leases include renewal options, and most
leases include provisions for rent escalation to reflect increased operating
costs and/or require the Company to pay certain maintenance and utility costs.
Pursuant to an agreement with a joint venture, the Company is obligated to
invest up to $75 million over the next two years in the form of capital
contributions and to pay $60 million over the next four years to purchase an
indefeasible right of use for certain undersea capacity that is being
constructed by the joint venture between the United States and Europe.
WorldCom also has agreements with a company that installs, operates and
maintains certain WorldCom data processing, telecommunications and billing
systems. The agreements expire in 2000 and are renewable on an annual basis
thereafter. The agreements require minimum annual payments of approximately
$17.3 million.
During 1996, the Company's existing receivables purchase agreement generated
additional proceeds of $79.6 million, bringing the total amount outstanding to
$375.0 million. The Company used these proceeds to reduce outstanding debt
under the Company's Credit Facility. As of December 31, 1996, the purchaser
owned an undivided interest in a $821.7 million pool of receivables which
includes the $375.0 million sold.
(8) CONTINGENCIES -
IDB RELATED INVESTIGATIONS. On June 9, 1994, the SEC issued a formal order of
investigation concerning certain matters, including IDB's financial position,
books and records and internal controls and trading in IDB securities on the
basis of non-public information. The SEC has issued subpoenas to WorldCom, IDB
and others, including certain former officers of IDB, in connection with its
investigation. The National Association of Securities Dealers and other
self-regulatory bodies have also made inquiries of IDB concerning similar
matters.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California (the
"United States Attorney's Office") issued grand jury subpoenas to IDB and
WorldCom in 1994 and 1995 seeking documents relating to IDB's first quarter of
1994 results, the resignation of Deloitte & Touche LLP as IDB's auditors,
trading in IDB securities and other matters. In October 1996, the United
States Attorney's Office entered into an agreement with WorldCom not to
criminally prosecute IDB with respect to IDB's financial reporting on or before
January 1, 1995 (including but not limited to the resignation of Deloitte &
Touche LLP), trading in IDB securities, misuse of IDB's assets, attempts to
obstruct the proceedings of the SEC and other matters. The agreement does not
cover potential violations of the federal tax code and is expressly contingent
upon the cooperation of IDB and WorldCom with the United States Attorney's
Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and any other federal law
enforcement agency, including the SEC.
FEDERAL REGULATION. On February 8, 1996, President Clinton signed the Telecom
Act, which permits, without limitation, the Bell Operating Companies (the
"BOCs") to provide domestic and international long distance services to
customers located outside of the BOC's home regions; permits a petitioning BOC
to provide domestic and international long distance service to customers within
its home region upon a finding by the Federal Communications Commission (the
"FCC") that a petitioning BOC has satisfied certain criteria for opening up its
local exchange network to competition and that its provision of long distance
services would further the public interest; and removes existing barriers to
entry into local service markets. Additionally, there are significant changes
in: the manner in which carrier-to-carrier arrangements are regulated at the
federal and state level; procedures to revise universal service standards; and,
penalties for unauthorized switching of customers. The FCC has instituted
proceedings addressing the implementation of this legislation.
On August 8, 1996 the FCC released its First Report and Order in the Matter of
Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecom Act (the "FCC
Interconnect Order"). In the FCC Interconnect Order, the FCC established
nationwide rules designed to encourage new entrants to participate in the local
service markets through interconnection with the incumbent local exchange
carriers
F-17
60
("ILEC"), resale of the ILEC's retail services and unbundled network elements.
These rules set the groundwork for the statutory criteria governing BOC entry
into the long distance market. The Company cannot predict the effect such
legislation or the implementing regulations will have on the Company or the
industry. Motions to stay implementation of the FCC Interconnect Order have
been filed with the FCC and federal courts of appeal. Appeals challenging,
among other things, the validity of the FCC Interconnect Order have been filed
in several federal courts of appeal and assigned to the Eighth Circuit Court of
Appeals for disposition. The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed the
pricing provisions of the FCC Interconnect Order. The Circuit Justice of the
Supreme Court has declined to review the propriety of the stay. The Company
cannot predict either the outcome of these challenges and appeals or the
eventual effect on its business or the industry in general.
On December 24, 1996, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("NPRM")
seeking to reform the FCC's current access charge policies and practices to
comport with a competitive or potentially competitive local access service
market. The NPRM seeks comment on a number of proposals for a series of reform
to the existing switched access charge rate structure rules that are designed
to eliminate economic inefficiencies. In addition, the FCC proposes to use,
either alternatively or in combination, two approaches for addressing: claims
that access charges are excessive; a transition to economic based pricing of
access charges; and, for deregulation of incumbent local exchange carriers as
competition develops. The FCC is evaluating the use of either a market-based
approach, a prescriptive approach or a combination of both. Such charges are a
principal component of the Company's line cost expense. The Company cannot
predict whether or not the result of this proceeding will have a material
impact upon its financial position or results of operations.
In the NPRM, the FCC tentatively concluded that information services providers
(including among others Internet service providers) should not be subject to
existing interstate access charges. However, the FCC recognized that these
services and recent technological advances may be constrained by current
regulatory practices that have their foundations in traditional services and
technologies. The FCC issued on December 24, 1996, a Notice of Inquiry to seek
comment on whether it should, in addition to access charge reform, consider
actions relating to interstate information services and the Internet. Changes
in the regulatory environment relating to the telecommunications or
Internet-related services industry could have an adverse effect on the
Company's Internet-related services business. The Telecom Act may permit
telecommunications companies, BOCs or others to increase the scope or reduce
the cost of their Internet access services. The Company cannot predict the
effect that the Notice of Inquiry, the Telecom Act or any future legislation,
regulation or regulatory changes may have on its business.
INTERNATIONAL. In December 1996, the FCC adopted a new policy that will make it
easier for United States international carriers to obtain authority to route
international public switched voice traffic to and from the United States
outside of the traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes.
In February 1997, the United States entered into a World Trade Organization
Agreement (the "WTO Agreement") that will have the effect of liberalizing the
provision of switched voice telephone and other telecommunications services in
scores of foreign countries over the next several years. As a result of the
Agreement, WorldCom expects the FCC, among other things, to reexamine its
policies regarding (i) the services that may be provided by foreign owned
United States international common carriers, including carriers owned or
controlled by foreign carriers that have market power in their home markets,
and (ii) the provision of international switched voice services outside of the
traditional settlement rate and proportionate return regimes. Although the
FCC's new flexible settlement rate policy, and the WTO Agreement and any
ensuing FCC policy changes, may result in lower costs to the Company to
terminate international traffic, there is a risk that the revenues that the
Company receives from inbound international traffic may decrease to an even
greater degree. The implementation of the WTO Agreement may also make it
easier for foreign carriers with market power in their home markets to offer
United States and foreign customers end-to-end services to the disadvantage of
WorldCom, which may face substantial obstacles in obtaining from foreign
governments and foreign carriers the authority and facilities to provide such
end-to-end services.
The Company is involved in other legal and regulatory proceedings generally
incidental to its business. In some instances, rulings by regulatory
authorities in some states may result in increased operating costs to the
Company. While the results of these various legal and regulatory matters
contain an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that the probable
outcome of any of the legal or regulatory matters, or all of them combined,
should not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results
of operations or financial position.
(9) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS -
STOCK OPTION PLANS:
The Company has several stock option plans under which options to acquire up to
164.3 million shares may be granted to directors, officers and certain
employees of the Company (including the stock option plans acquired through the
MFS Merger). The Company accounts for
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61
these plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no compensation cost is
recognized. Terms and conditions of the Company's options, including exercise
price and the period in which options are exercisable, generally are at the
discretion of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of the Board of
Directors; however, no options are exercisable for more than 10 years after
date of grant. As of December 31, 1996, 130.0 million options had been granted
under these plans, and 25.2 million options were fully exercisable.
Additionally, there are outstanding warrants to acquire shares of Common Stock
at $6.25 per share which were granted by MFS prior to the MFS Merger.
Additional information regarding options and warrants granted and outstanding
is summarized below:
Number of Exercise
Options Price
------------ -------------------
Balance, December 31, 1993 31,922,890 $ 0.30 - 15.07
Granted to employees/directors 3,501,420 8.88 - 9.63
Granted in connection with acquisition 123,100 11.01 - 11.50
Exercised (6,418,466) 0.30 - 8.94
Expired or canceled (334,834) 0.88 - 4.00
------------
Balance, December 31, 1994 28,794,110 0.30 - 15.07
Granted to employees/directors 12,862,876 10.35 - 16.94
Granted in connection with acquisition 2,304,004 9.20 - 10.96
Exercised (18,965,034) 0.30 - 15.07
Expired or canceled (1,791,780) 1.59 - 15.07
------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 23,204,176 0.34 - 16.94
Granted to employees/directors 7,963,412 14.81 - 27.50
Granted in connection with acquisition 52,930,232 6.25 - 11.13
Exercised (6,215,165) 1.58 - 15.07
Expired or canceled (864,993) 0.34 - 27.50
------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 77,017,662 $ 0.34 - 27.50
============
In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation". SFAS No. 123 requires disclosure of the compensation cost for
stock-based incentives granted after January 1, 1995 based on the fair value at
grant date for awards. Applying SFAS No. 123 would result in pro forma net
income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share ("EPS") amounts as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------
1996 1995
------------ ----------
Net income (loss) As reported $(2,214,238) $ 233,080
Pro forma (2,229,841) 226,954
Primary EPS As reported (5.56) 0.64
Pro forma (5.60) 0.63
Fully diluted EPS As reported (5.56) 0.64
Pro forma (5.60) 0.62
The fair value of each option or restricted stock grant is estimated on the
date of grant using an option-pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for grant:
F-19
62
WEIGHTED-
AVERAGE GRANT-
DATE
FAIR VALUE
Date Granted Expected Volatility Risk-free Interest Rate ----------
------------ ------------------- -----------------------
January 1995 25.6% 7.9% $4.06
July 1995 24.5% 6.0% $4.65
September 1995 23.1% 6.0% $5.66
January 1996 21.6% 5.4% $5.56
July 1996 21.3% 6.5% $9.26
Additionally, for all options, a 15% forfeiture rate was assumed with an
expected life of 5 years with no dividend yield.
Because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting has been applied only to grants
after December 31, 1994, the resulting pro forma compensation cost may not be
representative of that to be expected in future periods.
SHAREWORKS:
Through the MFS Merger, the Company offers MFS employees a grant plan and a
match plan jointly known as Shareworks. The plan is made available to certain
MFS employees that choose to be ineligible for future grants under MFS' Stock
Option Plans. The grant plan enables the Company to grant shares of Common
Stock to eligible MFS employees based upon a percentage of that employee's
eligible pay, up to 5%. The original grants vest after three years with any
additional grants vesting immediately once the initial three year period has
been met.
The match plan allows eligible employees to defer between 1% and 10% of
eligible pay to purchase Common Stock at the stock price on each pay period
date. The Company will match the shares purchased by the employee on a
one-for-one basis. The stock which is credited to each employee's account to
match the employee's purchase during any calendar quarter, vests three years
after the end of that quarter.
401(K) PLANS:
The Company and its subsidiaries offer its qualified employees the opportunity
to participate in one of its defined contribution retirement plans qualifying
under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each
employee may contribute on a tax deferred basis a portion of annual earnings
not to exceed $9,500. The Company matches individual employee contributions in
certain plans, up to a maximum level which in no case exceeds 6% of the
employee's compensation.
Expenses recorded by the Company relating to its 401(k) plans were $5.7
million, $3.6 million and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, and 1994, respectively.
(10) INCOME TAXES -
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109
"Accounting for Income Taxes." When SFAS No. 109 was adopted, the cumulative
effect of this change in accounting principle was not material to the Company.
The provision for income taxes is composed of the following (in thousands):
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- -------
Current $ 71,079 $ 33 $48,855
Deferred 58,449 171,425 24,461
-------- --------- -------
Total provision for income taxes $129,528 $171,458 $73,316
======== ======== =======
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63
The following is a reconciliation of the provisions for income taxes to
the expected amounts using the statutory rate:
1996 1995 1994
------ ------ ------
Expected statutory amount (35.0)% 35.0% (35.0)%
Nondeductible amortization of excess of
cost over net tangible assets acquired 1.0 4.5 37.1
State income taxes 0.4 2.9 5.7
Effect of company owned life insurance (0.1) (0.4) (3.4)
Direct merger, restructuring and other charges - - 20.7
Charge for in-process research and development 36.4 - -
Write-down of assets 4.2 - 26.1
Valuation allowance (1.7) (1.6) 96.6
Other 1.1 (1.2) (3.2)
---- ----- ------
Actual tax provision 6.3% 39.2% 144.6 %
==== ===== =======
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and amounts used for income tax purposes and the impact of available
net operating loss carryforwards.
At December 31, 1996, the Company had unused net operating loss ("NOL")
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $1.2 billion
which expire in various amounts during the years 2002 through 2010. These NOL
carryforwards together with state and other NOL carryforwards result in a
deferred tax asset of approximately $488.9 million at December 31, 1996. A
valuation allowance of $109.9 million has been established related to deferred
tax assets due to the uncertainty of realizing the full benefit of the NOL
carryforwards. In evaluating the amount of valuation allowance needed, the
Company considers the acquired companies' prior operating results and future
plans and expectations. The utilization period of the NOL carryforwards and
the turnaround period of other temporary differences are also considered.
Approximately $391.4 million of the Company's deferred tax assets are related
to preacquisition NOL carryforwards attributable to entities acquired in
transactions accounted for as purchases. Accordingly, any future reductions in
the valuation allowance related to such deferred tax assets will result in a
corresponding reduction in goodwill. If, however, subsequent events or
conditions dictate an increase in the valuation allowance attributable to such
deferred tax assets, income tax expense for the period of the increase will be
increased accordingly.
The following is a summary of the significant components of the Company's
deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 (in
thousands):
December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
---------- ----------- ----------- ------------
Allowance for bad debts $ 10,644 $ - $ 22,767 $ -
Fixed assets - (50,728) - (56,129)
Goodwill - (58,906) - (30,777)
Software and other intangibles - (267,592) - -
Investments - (17,376) - -
Line installation costs - (23,427) - (13,303)
Accrued liabilities 102,685 - 10,586 -
NOL carryforwards 488,931 - 168,057 -
Stock options 297,135 - - -
Other 34,543 (13,075) 3,631 (11,888)
---------- ----------- ----------- ----------
933,938 (431,104) 205,041 (112,097)
Valuation allowance (109,924) - (101,679) -
---------- ----------- ----------- ----------
$ 824,014 $ (431,104) $ 103,362 $ (112,097)
========== =========== =========== ==========
The increase in the valuation allowance during 1996 results from the placement
of a valuation allowance on certain NOL carryforwards acquired in the
acquisition of MFS. Under a "more likely than not" scenario, management
determined that statutory restrictions on certain preacquisition NOL
carryforwards impair their realizability.
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64
(11) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION -
Interest paid by the Company during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994 amounted to $234.7 million, $224.3 million, and $48.5 million,
respectively. Income taxes paid, net of refunds, during the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $6.0 million, $7.3 million and $12.8
million, respectively.
In conjunction with business combinations during the years ended December 31,
1996, 1995, and 1994 (see Note 2), assets acquired, liabilities assumed and
common stock issued were as follows (in thousands):
December 31,
----------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
------------ ---------- ---------
Fair value of assets acquired $ 3,319,514 $ 805,482 $ 13,522
Excess of cost over net
tangible assets acquired 9,013,060 2,301,567 157,942
Liabilities assumed (1,894,614) (327,844) (62,322)
Common stock issued (10,554,013) (12,850) (17,392)
------------ ------------ ---------
Net cash paid (acquired) $ (116,053) $2,766,355 $ 91,750
============ ========== =========
(11) UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA -
Quarter Ended
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
-------- ------- ------------ -----------
1996 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995 1996 1995
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands, except per share data)
Revenues $1,034,060 $875,286 $1,073,538 $906,729 $1,143,428 $949,540 $1,234,104 $964,790
Operating income
(loss) 195,857 149,933 (183,749) 162,166 232,343 177,592 (2,088,545) 185,453
Net income (loss) 86,307 53,357 (267,602) 61,208 109,255 72,139 (2,141,338) 79,567
Preferred dividend
requirement 505 6,939 355 6,936 - 3,811 - 505
Special dividend
payment to Series 1
preferred
shareholder - - - - - 15,000 - -
Earnings (loss) per
common share:
Primary $ 0.21 $ 0.14 $ (0.69) $ 0.16 $ 0.27 $ 0.14 $ (5.22) $ 0.20
Fully diluted 0.21 0.14 (0.69) 0.16 0.27 0.14 (5.22) 0.20
Results for 1996 include a $2.14 billion, fourth quarter charge for in-process
research and development related to the MFS Merger. The charge is based upon
a valuation analysis of the technologies of MFS' worldwide information system,
the Internet network expansion system of UUNET, and certain other identified
research and development projects purchased in the Merger. The expense includes
$1.6 billion associated with UUNET and $0.54 billion related to MFS.
Additionally, fourth quarter 1996 results include other after-tax charges of
$121 million for employee severance, employee compensation charges, alignment
charges, and costs to exit unfavorable telecommunications contracts and $344
million after-tax write-down of operating assets within its non-core
businesses. On a pre-tax basis, these charges totaled $600.1 million.
In 1995, Metromedia converted its Series 1 Preferred Stock into Common Stock,
exercised warrants to acquire Common Stock and immediately sold its position of
61,699,096 shares of Common Stock in a public offering. In connection with the
preferred stock conversion, WorldCom made a non-recurring payment of $15.0
million to Metromedia, representing a discount to the minimum nominal dividends
that would have been payable on the Series 1 Preferred Stock prior to the
September 15, 1996 optional call date of approximately $26.6 million (which
amount includes an annual dividend requirement of $24.5 million plus accrued
dividends to such call date).
In connection with certain debt refinancing, the Company recognized in 1996,
extraordinary items of approximately $4.2 million, net of income taxes,
consisting of unamortized debt discount, unamortized issuance cost and
prepayment fees. Additionally, in 1996 the Company recorded an extraordinary
item of $20.2 million, net of income taxes, related to a write-off of deferred
international costs. See Note 4.
F-22
65
WORLDCOM, INC.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
ADDITIONS
--------------------------------------
Balance at Charged to From Deductions
Beginning of Costs and Purchase and Accounts Balance at
Description Period Expenses Transactions Written Off End of Period
----------- -------------- ------------ --------------- ----------- -------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Accounts Receivable
1996 $59,185 $57,678 $38,094 $44,916 $110,041
1995 53,199 40,250 22,042 56,306 59,185
1994 26,613 59,202 1,090 33,706 53,199
F-23
66
WORLDCOM PRO FORMA
CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The following unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement for the
year ended December 31, 1996 illustrates the effect of the MFS Merger as if the
MFS Merger had occurred on January 1, 1996.
On December 31, 1996, WorldCom through a wholly owned subsidiary merged with
MFS. As a result of the MFS Merger, each share of MFS common stock was
converted into the right to receive 2.1 shares of WorldCom common stock or
approximately 471.0 million WorldCom common shares in the aggregate. Each
share of MFS Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock was converted
into the right to receive one share of Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock of WorldCom or 94,992 shares of WorldCom Series A Preferred
Stock. Each share of MFS Series B Convertible Preferred Stock was converted
into the right to receive one share of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of
WorldCom or approximately 12.7 million shares of WorldCom Series B Preferred
Stock. In addition, each depositary share representing 1/100th of a share of
MFS Series A Preferred Stock was exchanged for a depositary share representing
1/100th of a share of WorldCom Series A Preferred Stock.
The Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement should be read in conjunction
with the historical financial statements of WorldCom, MFS and UUNET and the MFS
Adjusted Historical Financial Statement which is set forth elsewhere herein.
The Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement is presented for comparative
purposes only and is not intended to be indicative of actual results had the
transactions occurred as of the dates indicated above nor do they purport to
indicate results which may be attained in the future.
F-24
67
WORLDCOM PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT (1)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MFS WorldCom
WorldCom Adjusted Pro Forma Pro Forma
Historical(2) Historical(3) Adjustments Combined
------------- ------------- ----------- --------
Revenues $ 4,485,130 $ 1,238,533 $ (88,440)(4) $ 5,635,223
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales 2,457,102 752,619 (88,440)(4) 3,121,281
Selling, general
and administrative 828,673 558,661 -- 1,387,334
Depreciation and
amortization 303,301 390,856 144,207(5) 838,364
Other charges 600,148 -- -- 600,148
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) 295,906 (463,603) (144,207) (311,904)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense (221,801) (63,081) -- (284,882)
Other 6,479 (2,310) -- 4,169
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before tax 80,584 (528,994) (144,207) (592,617)
Provision for income taxes 129,528 594 (125,122)(6) 5,000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations (48,944) (529,588) (19,085) (597,617)
Preferred dividend requirement 860 29,429 -- 30,289
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) applicable to
common shareholders $ (49,804) $ (559,017) $ (19,085) $ (627,906)
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Number of shares issued and outstanding:
Primary 397,890 471,500 869,390
=========== =========== ===========
Fully diluted 397,890 471,500 869,390
=========== =========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per share (7):
Primary $ (0.13) $ (0.72)
=========== ===========
Fully diluted $ (0.13) $ (0.72)
=========== ===========
F-25
68
NOTES TO WORLDCOM PRO FORMA
CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. The pro forma financial data do not give effect to any potential cost
savings and synergies that could result from the MFS Merger. The effect
of the write-off of intangible assets consisting of in-process research
and development ("R&D") projects of $2.14 billion related to the MFS
Merger has not been reflected in the accompanying Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Income Statement as it is a non-recurring charge. Additionally,
the Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement does not give effect to
WorldCom's offer to repurchase the MFS Notes for cash at 101% of the
accreted value as of February 27, 1997. The offer to repurchase ended
February 27, 1997. An immaterial amount of the MFS Notes were
repurchased. Charges related to extraordinary items of $24.4 million, net
of taxes, have also not been included in the accompanying Pro Forma
Condensed Combined Income Statement. The pro forma data are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that
would have occurred had the Merger been consummated at the dates
indicated, nor necessarily indicative of future operating results or
financial position.
2. This column represents WorldCom's historical results of operations.
3. The MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statements for the year ended
December 31, 1996 include the effect of MFS's acquisition of UUNET on
August 12, 1996. See "MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statement" which
is set forth elsewhere herein.
4. These adjustments eliminate the revenues and corresponding line costs
attributable to the intercompany traffic among WorldCom, MFS and UUNET.
5. This entry reflects the adjustment to amortization for the effect of the
intangible assets acquired in the MFS Merger. For purposes of allocating
the acquisition costs among the various assets acquired, WorldCom has
tentatively considered the carrying value of the acquired assets to
approximate their fair value, with all of the excess of such acquisition
costs being attributed to R&D in-process (network design and development
projects in-process), goodwill, network technology and assembled
workforce. It is WorldCom's intention to continue to evaluate the
acquired assets and, as a result, the allocation of the acquisition costs
among the tangible and intangible assets acquired may change. Goodwill is
being amortized over 40 years while network technology and assembled work
force are being amortized over 5 years and 10 years, respectively.
6. These entries represent the tax effect of adjustments due to inclusion of
the acquired operations.
7. Pro forma per share data are based on the number of WorldCom common
shares that would have been outstanding had the MFS Merger occurred on the
earliest date presented.
F-26
69
MFS ADJUSTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The following unaudited adjusted historical financial statement for the year
ended December 31, 1996 gives pro forma effect to the merger of MFS with UUNET.
The adjusted historical statement of operations assumes that the UUNET
Acquisition occurred as of January 1, 1996. The adjusted historical financial
statement is not necessarily indicative of the results that actually would have
been attained if the UUNET Acquisition had been in effect on the dates
indicated or which may be attained in the future. Such statements should be
read in conjunction with the MFS and UUNET historical consolidated financial
statements and notes thereto.
F-27
70
MFS ADJUSTED HISTORICAL INCOME STATEMENT (1)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UUNET MFS
MFS January 1, 1996 - Pro Forma Adjusted
Historical (2) August 12, 1996 (2) Adjustments Historical
-------------- ------------------- ----------- ----------
Revenues $ 1,115,006 $ 129,047 $ (5,520)(3) $ 1,238,533
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales 687,034 71,105 (5,520)(3) 752,619
Selling, general
and administrative 514,558 44,103 -- 558,661
Depreciation and
amortization 286,131 11,811 92,914(4) 390,856
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Operating income (loss) (372,717) 2,028 (92,914) (463,603)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense, net (62,161) (920) -- (63,081)
Other (2,652) 342 -- (2,310)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Income (loss) before tax (437,530) 1,450 (92,914) (528,994)
Provision for income taxes 500 94 -- 594
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net income (loss) from
continuing operations (438,030) 1,356 (92,914) (529,588)
Preferred dividend requirement 29,429 -- -- 29,429
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net income (loss) applicable to
common shareholders $ (467,459) $ 1,356 $ (92,914) $ (559,017)
================ ================ ================ ================
Number of shares issued
and outstanding:
Primary N/M N/M N/M
Fully diluted N/M N/M N/M
Earnings (loss) per share (5):
Primary N/M N/M N/M
Fully diluted N/M N/M N/M
(N/M - Not Meaningful)
F-28
71
NOTES TO MFS ADJUSTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. The unaudited adjusted historical financial data do not give effect to
any potential cost savings and synergies that could result from the UUNET
Acquisition. The effect of the write-off of intangible assets consisting
of in-process research and development ("R&D") projects of $1.4 billion
related to the UUNET Acquisition has not been reflected in the
accompanying MFS Adjusted Historical Financial Statement. The adjusted
historical data are not necessarily indicative of the operating results
that would have occurred had the UUNET Acquisition been consummated on the
date indicated nor necessarily indicative of future operating results.
2. This column represents historical results of operations. The UUNET
historical column for the year ended December 31, 1996 includes results
through the date of acquisition, August 12, 1996. One-time merger related
costs of $15.7 million have not been included in UUNET's results of
operations for this period. The results of operations for UUNET since
August 12, 1996 are included in the MFS historical column.
3. This adjustment reflects the elimination of intercompany revenues and
expenses.
4. This adjustment reflects the amortization of the excess of the purchase
price over the net book value (which approximates fair value) of the net
tangible assets acquired which was recorded as R&D in process (network
design and development projects in-process), goodwill, a customer contract
and customer list. The pro forma adjustment to depreciation and
amortization represents the amortization of the goodwill and other
intangibles and was calculated using the straight-line method over a five
year life for goodwill and three to four year lives for other intangibles.
5. Number of shares issued and outstanding and per share data have not been
presented as it is not meaningful. At December 31, 1996, there was one
share of MFS common stock outstanding which was owned by WorldCom.
F-29
72
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description Page
----------- ----------- ----
2.1 Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among WorldCom, Inc.
("WorldCom"), HIJ Corp. and MFS Communications Company, Inc. ("MFS") dated as of
August 25, 1996 (filed as Appendix I to the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus on Form
S-4 filed by WorldCom (Registration No. 333-16015) and incorporated herein by
reference) *
4.1 Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of WorldCom (including preferred
stock designations) as of December 31, 1996 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 1996)
4.2 Restated Bylaws of WorldCom, Inc. _____
4.3 Form of Deposit Agreement between WorldCom, The Bank of New York and the holders from
time to time of the Depositary Shares representing 1/100 of a share of WorldCom Series
A Preferred Stock (the "WorldCom Depositary Shares") (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.5 to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by WorldCom (Registration No.
333-16015))
4.4 Form of certificate representing WorldCom Depositary Shares (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit A to the Deposit Agreement filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Registration Statement
on Form S-4 filed by WorldCom (Registration No. 333-16015))
4.5 Rights Agreement dated as of August 25, 1996 between WorldCom and The Bank of New
York, which includes the form of Certificate of Designations, setting forth the terms
of the Series 3 Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share, as
Exhibit A, the form of Rights Certificate as Exhibit B and the Summary of Preferred
Stock Purchase Rights as Exhibit C (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to
the Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 26, 1996 (as amended) filed by WorldCom on
August 26, 1996 (File No. 0-11258))
4.6 Indenture for the Company's 9 3/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2004, between MFS and IBJ
Schroeder Bank & Trust Company, as the Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
MFS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 31, 1994 (File No. 0-21594))
4.7 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 31, 1995, amending the Indenture for
the Company's 9 3/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2004 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 10.3 to MFS' Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 1995 (File No. 0-
21594))
4.8 Indenture for the Company's 8 7/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2006, between MFS and
IBJ Schroeder Bank and Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit No. 4.1 to MFS's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 23, 1996 (File No.
0-21594))
4.9 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as January 15, 1996, between MFS and IBJ Schroeder
Bank and Trust Company, as trustee, relating to the Company's 8 7/8% Senior Discount
Notes due 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2 to MFS' Current
Report on Form 8-K dated January 23, 1996 (File No. 0-21594))
10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement among WorldCom, NationsBank of Texas, N.A.
(Managing Agent and Administrative Agent), Bank of America Illinois, The Bank of New
York, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Chemical Bank,
Credit Lyonnais New York Branch, First Union National Bank of North Carolina, The
Industrial Bank of Japan, Limited, Atlanta Agency, The First National Bank of Chicago,
The Long-Term Credit Bank of Japan, Limited, New York Branch, Toronto Dominion
(Texas), Inc., and Wachovia Bank of Georgia N.A. (Agents) and the Lenders named
therein (Lenders) dated as of June 28, 1996, (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by WorldCom (File No. 0-11258)
for the quarter ended June 30, 1996)
10.2 First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Consent to MFS _______
Acquisition
10.3 Agreement between LDDS-TN and MCI Telecommunications Corporation, effective as of
September 13, 1991 (incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to LDDS-TN's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1991, as amended
under cover of Form 8 on February 3, 1992 (File No. 0-7116))
10.4 Amendment dated July 29, 1994, to the Agreement between the Company and MCI
Telecommunications Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed by the Company (File No. 1-10415) for the
quarter ended June 30, 1994)
E-1
73
Exhibit No. Description Page
----------- ----------- ----
10.5 Amended and Restated Agreement for Information Technology Services between the Company
and Electronic Data Systems Corporation ("EDS"), dated December 8, 1993 ("EDS
Agreement") (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's
Transition Report on Form 10-K for the period ended June 30, 1993 to December 31, 1993
(File No. 1-10415) (the "Transition Report II")*
10.6 Amendment No. 1 to the EDS Agreement dated December 8, 1993 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Transition Report II)
10.7 Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement between Enterprise Funding
Corporation, WorldCom Funding Corporation as Transferor, WorldCom, individually and as
Collection Agent, Sheffield Receivables Corporation and NationsBank, N.A. as Agent and
Investor dated as of December 31, 1996 * ______
10.8 Amendment Number 1 to Amended and Restated Transfer and Administration Agreement ______
10.9 WorldCom, Inc. Third Amended and Restated 1990 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit A to WorldCom's Proxy Statement dated April 22, 1996 used in
connection with WorldCom's 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) (compensatory plan)
10.10 LDDS Communications, Inc. 1988 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to the exhibits to LDDS-TN's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
33-29051)) (compensatory plan)
10.11 LDDS Annual Performance Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to the Company's Proxy
Statement used in connection with the Company's 1994 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(File No. 1-10415)) (compensatory plan)
10.12 WorldCom, Inc. Special Performance Bonus Plan (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit B to the Company's Proxy Statement dated April 22,1996 used in connection with
the Company's 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders) (compensatory plan)
10.13 WorldCom/MFS 1995 Deferred Stock Purchase Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.14 WorldCom/MFS Employee Stock Bonus Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.15 WorldCom/MFS 1992 Stock Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.16 WorldCom/MFS 1993 Stock Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.17 WorldCom/MFS/UUNET 1995 Performance Option Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.18 WorldCom/MFS/UUNET Equity Incentive Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.19 WorldCom/MFS/UUNET Incentive Stock Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.20 WorldCom/MFS Employee Stock Purchase Plan (compensatory plan) ______
10.21 Employment Agreement between UUNET and John W. Sidgmore dated May 13, 1994
(incorporated herein by reference to UUNET's Registration Statement on Form S-1
(Registration No. 33-91028)) (compensatory plan)
10.22 Ongoing Relationship Memorandum between the Company and James Q. Crowe dated ______
February 11, 1997 (compensatory plan)
11.1 Computation of Per Share Earnings ______
12.1 Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and ______
preferred stock dividends.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company ______
23.1 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP ______
27.1 Financial Data Schedule ______
___________________________________________
* The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any
omitted schedules to this Agreement to the Securities and Exchange
Commission upon its request.
E-2