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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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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, 2001
OR
|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
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CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
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DELAWARE 16-1550742
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
100 CHESTNUT STREET, SUITE 600, ROCHESTER, NY 14604
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE) (ZIP CODE)
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(585) 246-4231
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
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SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:COMMON STOCK,
PAR VALUE $.01
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 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. |_|
Aggregate market value of all Common Stock held by non-affiliates as of March 1,
2002, was $17,201,123.
40,300,877 shares of $.01 par value Common Stock were issued and outstanding as
of March 1, 2002.
The Index of Exhibits filed with this Report begins at
page 68.
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CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I
Item 1. Business.......................................................2
Item 2. Properties....................................................24
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.............................................24
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders...........25
Item 4A. Executive Officers of the Registrant..........................25
PART II
Item 5. Market For Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters..........................................27
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.......................................28
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations....................................30
Item.7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk..................................................39
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...................40
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure.....................................40
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............40
Item 11. Executive Compensation........................................40
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters...................40
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................40
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports
on Form 8-K..................................................41
Signatures..................................................................67
Exhibits....................................................................68
PART I
ITEM 1: BUSINESS
GENERAL
We are an integrated communications provider offering facilities-based voice and
data telecommunications services and web services primarily to small and
medium-sized businesses in second and third tier markets in the northeastern and
midwestern United States. Our services include local exchange and long distance
service, high-speed data and Internet service, and web hosting and design
services. We seek to become the leading integrated service provider in each of
our markets by offering a single source for competitively priced, high quality,
customized telecommunications and web-based services. A key element of our
strategy has been to be one of the first integrated service providers to provide
comprehensive coverage in each of the markets we serve. We are achieving this
market coverage by installing both voice and data equipment in multiple
established telephone company central offices, a process known as collocation.
We have connected the majority of our clients directly to our own switches,
which allows us to more efficiently route traffic, ensure quality of service and
control costs. As of December 31, 2001, we were providing service to
approximately 80,000 clients with 383,975 access lines, including 11,634 data
lines.
In December 2001, we completed the purchase of certain assets from FairPoint
Communications Solutions Corp. Through this asset acquisition, we strengthened
our competitive foothold in the Northeast by expanding our presence and
eliminating a competitor in several existing markets. Additionally, the asset
purchase expanded our presence into new territories, including Portland/Augusta,
Maine and Erie, Pennsylvania.
We offer telecommunications services in 30 markets in 12 states with no current
plans to expand into additional markets. Following the integration of the
FairPoint assets, our networks reach approximately 5.4 million business lines,
which constitute more than 70% of the estimated business lines in these markets.
While our network expansion allows us to reach this number of business lines,
the number of business lines that we actually service will depend on our ability
to obtain market share from our competitors.
We have a flexible network which allows us to achieve speed to market and cost
efficiencies and to leverage rapidly evolving telecommunications technology. In
most of our markets, we have deployed digital switching platforms and lease
network capacity to connect our switch with our transmission equipment
collocated in central offices of the established telephone companies. This
allowed us to enter our markets more rapidly and with lower initial costs than
if we had to acquire or build fiber capacity. When we entered our markets, we
initially leased network capacity and intend to continue leasing, but may choose
to own fiber capacity when and where traffic volumes and other conditions make
this alternative more cost efficient. We acquired rights to fiber formerly owned
by US Xchange in eight midwestern markets under an indefeasible right to use
fiber agreement with a term of 20 years. In a separate transaction, we also
entered into an agreement to purchase 20-year indefeasible rights to use fiber
from FiberTech Networks, LLC. for fiber capacity in an additional 13 markets and
acquired a minority interest and certain governing rights in FiberTech Networks.
As of December 31, 2001, 12 of our markets were operational on local fiber rings
and our markets within Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan were operational on an
inter-city fiber network.
We have designed and developed integrated operations support systems and other
back office systems. We believe these integrated systems give us significant
competitive advantages by enhancing our efficiency, allowing us to support rapid
and sustained growth and enabling us to provide exceptional client care. We have
automated most of our back office systems and continue to integrate them into a
seamless end-to-end system that synchronizes multiple tasks, including
installation, billing and client care. We integrated our order management and
billing systems in a manner that enables us to transmit client information
directly from the order management and service fulfillment systems into the
billing system, thereby eliminating redundant keying and reducing the potential
for errors. In addition, in order to minimize the time between a client order
and service installation, we have also established an on-line and real-time
connection, called electronic bonding, of our operations support systems with
Verizon and SBC/Ameritech.
In each of our markets, we have a locally based sales force as well as dedicated
client care representatives. In addition to our direct sales force, we use third
party agencies to sell our services. These agencies include telecommunications
equipment vendors, consultants, systems integrators and cellular phone
retailers.
1
BUSINESS STRATEGY
We have had an aggressive growth strategy to become the provider of choice,
offering one-stop communications solutions to clients in our markets. We have
been successful in executing that strategy. Our continued success will depend
upon our ability to increase penetration in our 30 markets to achieve
profitability. The key elements of our business strategy are to:
TARGET UNDERSERVED CLIENTS
We will continue to target small and medium-sized businesses primarily in the 30
markets we serve in the northeastern and midwestern United States. We believe
these markets are currently underserved by the established telephone companies
and other competitive telecommunications providers. We have focused on the
markets where there is a high concentration of potential business clients and a
demand for the types of services we offer. We believe we can attract and retain
clients in these areas by offering a simplified, comprehensive package of
services and a high level of client care.
OFFER BROAD COVERAGE
We provide broad geographic coverage within our markets by collocating in
multiple central office locations to reach both central business districts and
outlying areas. While other companies often limit their network buildout to
highly concentrated downtown areas, our collocation strategy has been to reach
70% to 80% of the business lines within each market. As a result, we are often
the only competitor to the established telephone company to offer integrated
services to small and medium-sized businesses at many of our collocation sites.
OFFER BUNDLED SERVICES WITH A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT
We strive to attract new clients and maximize client retention by offering
bundled services with a single point of contact for sales and convenient,
integrated billing. Our clients may bundle local exchange service, long distance
service, high-speed data and Internet service principally utilizing DSL
technology, e-mail, Web page design and hosting, voicemail and other enhanced
services not generally available from the established telephone companies, or
available only at higher prices along with their traditional local and long
distance services. In addition, we have developed a billing system which
provides our clients with a single, easy to understand statement covering all of
their services.
INCREASE OUR MARKET SHARE BY PROVIDING SERVICE-DRIVEN CLIENT
RELATIONSHIPS AND A LOCAL PRESENCE
We seek to attract and retain clients by providing local sales offices in each
of our markets with an experienced account management team that provides
face-to-face sales and personalized client care. We are dedicated to building
long-term relationships with our clients, which we believe have not typically
received a satisfying level of local support from the established telephone
companies. Our service guarantee provides that if a client is not satisfied with
the quality of our service, we will incur the reasonable and customary tariffed
charges for a standard conversion to switch the client back to its previous
provider. In addition, we are committed to supporting and further developing the
communities in which our clients live and work. Our employees live in these
communities and many of them participate in local charities, organizations and
chambers of commerce. We believe that this local presence builds strong,
positive Choice One name recognition within these communities.
LEAD COMPETITION IN PROVIDING DSL SERVICES
We believe we have been one of the first integrated communications providers in
each of our markets to provide dedicated, high-speed digital communications
services using DSL technology. DSL technology permits broadband transmissions
over existing copper telephone lines, allowing us to provide high-speed services
economically. High-speed connectivity is becoming increasingly important to
small and medium-sized businesses due to the dramatic growth in Internet and
electronic business applications. We have installed DSL equipment in
substantially all of our existing collocations.
MAINTAIN OUR FLEXIBLE NETWORK BUILDOUT STRATEGY
We have a flexible network buildout strategy which allowed us to achieve speed
to market and cost efficiencies and to leverage rapidly evolving
telecommunications technology. In most of our markets we deployed digital
switching platforms and leased network capacity to connect our switch with our
transmission equipment collocated in central offices of the established
telephone companies. This allowed us to enter our markets more rapidly and with
lower initial costs than if we had to acquire or build fiber capacity. When we
entered our markets, we initially leased network capacity and intend to continue
leasing, but may choose to own fiber capacity when and where traffic volumes and
other conditions make this alternative more cost efficient. We have begun to
deploy fiber in many of our markets, which will replace the leased local network
facilities and decrease our leasing costs. In our markets in Wisconsin, Michigan
and Illinois we already have operational intra-city fiber in place and, as a
result, our leasing costs in these markets are significantly less than in the
markets where fiber has not been deployed. Additionally, we had deployed fiber
in all four of our New York markets as of December 31, 2001, for a total of 12
markets with local fiber.
2
The benefits of this fiber include network redundancy,
reduced provisioning intervals (provisioning onto our own network, versus
relying on the established telephone company for provisioning) and reduced per
unit costs with additional product offerings. Future network capacity will be
deployed when technologically feasible and economically justified.
UTILIZE EFFICIENT AUTOMATED AND INTEGRATED BACK OFFICE SYSTEMS
Our management team is committed to having efficient operations support systems
and other back office systems that can support rapid and sustained growth. To
realize this objective, we have a team of engineering and information technology
professionals experienced in the telecommunications industry. Our systems team
continues to integrate our back office systems into a seamless end-to-end system
that synchronizes multiple tasks, including installation, billing and client
care. We have already integrated software from ADC Communications, Inc.
(formerly Saville Systems Inc.), MetaSolv Software Inc. and DSET Corporation,
and are currently working with other third party vendors to integrate their
software into our end-to-end system. Unlike the legacy systems currently
employed by many established telephone companies and competitive local exchange
carriers, which require multiple entries of client information to synchronize
multiple tasks, our system requires only a single entry to transfer client
information from sales to service to billing. Our customized system also
integrates our back office systems to minimize the time between client order and
service installation and to reduce our costs. We have established an on-line and
real-time connection, called electronic bonding, of our operations support
systems with Verizon and SBC/Ameritech so that we can switch Verizon and
SBC/Ameritech clients to our network on an automated basis.
GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS
Over the past three years, we have completed acquisitions of businesses or
purchases of other businesses' assets which have been integrated into our
operations. These have included Atlantic Connections in 1999, EdgeNet and US
Xchange in 2000, and FairPoint in 2001. We will continue to seek acquisition
targets that offer similar services to ours which can be successfully integrated
into our existing operations and networks and offer opportunities to increase
profitability. We also seek acquisition targets which would allow us to offer
additional value-added or other related services as well as new success based
technologies that we may seek to implement. Once we have acquired a company, we
intend to integrate the company by expanding its offered services to the full
range of Choice One services, centralizing administrative, billing and client
care functions and reducing redundant overhead. We currently have no definitive
agreements relating to any material acquisitions.
LEVERAGE MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Our management team has extensive experience and success in the
telecommunications industry, especially in our 30 markets. We believe that our
ability to draw upon the collective talent and expertise of our senior
management gives us a competitive advantage in the execution of network
deployment, sales and marketing, service installation, billing and collection,
back office and operations support systems, finance, regulatory affairs and
client care.
OUR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES
Our service offerings are tailored to meet the specific needs of small and
medium-sized businesses in our markets. In all of our markets, we offer both
voice and data services, which can be purchased by our clients either as a
bundled package or as individual services.
BUNDLED SERVICES
Through our InfiniteChoiceSM plans, our clients may bundle local, long distance
and high-speed Internet services in a variety of combinations to meet their
particular needs. Our InfiniteChoiceSM bundled plans can provide our clients
substantial savings off the regular price lists disclosed by established
telephone companies for the same services. The rates that we use as a baseline
for our services are established telephone companies' tariff rates, which do not
include special price promotions.
3
INDIVIDUAL SERVICES
As an alternative to choosing an InfiniteChoiceSM plan, clients can select one
or more individual services. Our clients can choose from the following services:
LOCAL CALLING SERVICES. Our local exchange services are offered through our
ChoiceXchangeSM service plan. This service includes dialing parity, simplified
local rates, local number portability, listing in white and yellow page
directories and access to 911 and directory assistance. Also available through
the service are enhanced features, such as three-way conference calling, line
rollover, call forwarding, call waiting, caller identification and voice mail.
Our voice mail service, known as ChoiceMessageSM, includes remote access, paging
notification, personalized greetings and password protection. In certain markets
we also originate and terminate interexchange calls placed or received by our
clients at no additional charge and offer free local calling between client
locations.
LONG DISTANCE SERVICES. Through our ChoiceOnePlusSM service, we offer a full
range of domestic and international long distance services, including "1+"
outbound calling, six second incremental billing, inbound toll free service, and
complementary services such as calling cards with operator assistance and
conference calling. To provide easy to understand billing to our clients, we
also offer one rate on any calls within the U.S. We do not offer long distance
as a stand-alone service to new clients.
INTERNET ACCESS AND DSL HIGH-SPEED DATA SERVICES. With our ChoiceOneOnLineSM
suite of Internet services, we offer a comprehensive solution to our clients'
requirements including Internet access, e-mail, domain name hosting and other
value-added services. We offer Internet access via DSL technology and dedicated
digital transmission links with a capacity equivalent to 24 standard telephone
lines, known as T-1 connections. We provide high-speed data communications and
Internet access to our targeted small and medium-sized businesses at rates that
we believe are very attractive when compared to the cost and performance of
other available data service offerings.
Our ChoiceNetJetSM service, powered by DSL technology, is highlighted by
the following key elements:
o CUSTOMIZABLE BANDWIDTH. We offer our clients speeds ranging
from 128kps to 1.544 mbps. Our clients choose the speed and bandwidth
capacity that meets their needs.
o ALWAYS ON. Through ChoiceNetJetSM, our clients are connected 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week.
o SYMMETRIC CONNECTIONS. Our service allows for data transmission at the
same speed in both directions.
o SECURITY. Our server is designed to prevent unauthorized
access to our clients' information and enable the safe and secure
transmission of sensitive information and applications.
o NO USAGE FEES. Our clients may use their ChoiceNetJetSM connection for
any period of time without per minute usage charges.
DEDICATED T-1 SERVICES. We offer ChoicePathSM dedicated T-1 services as an
integrated low cost solution for dedicated access for bundling Internet/data,
local and long distance services over a single connection. ChoicePathSM permits
digital connections to be purchased in blocks of 24 circuits or on an individual
basis.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK SERVICES. Our ChoiceOneDataLinkSM services combine our
DSL and dedicated T-1 access services with our virtual private network equipment
to provide clients with high-speed and secure connections to their corporate
local area network and the Internet. This flexible and cost-effective solution
supports both telecommuters and site-to-site connections.
ENHANCED DATA FEATURES. We offer a full array of Enhanced Data Features
products. The product set includes network address translation which enables
computers to connect simultaneously to the Internet without additional costs,
firewall security that protects electronic files from network intruders, and
Virtual Private Network services that allow businesses with multiple locations
to securely connect these locations for high-speed data transmission. These
products eliminate the need for businesses to purchase, configure and maintain
their own equipment typically associated with these applications.
WEB HOSTING. We offer a range of shared web hosting products targeted to meet
the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. We provide clients with a
reliable web presence they need to meet their Internet-related objectives
without the initial capital expense required to purchase and maintain their own
equipment. We also provide e-mail hosting solutions and domain name registration
and hosting.
4
WEB DESIGN SERVICES. We offer web design solutions that accommodate a range of
client needs, from establishing a simple web presence to creating sophisticated
web sites. We offer web design options that combine the economy of a packaged
design product with the flexibility to create a customized look. Our clients can
choose the layouts, colors, and content they desire to create a web site
suitable to their particular needs. When clients are ready to expand their web
presence, we also offer custom web design services for higher-end applications.
SALES AND CLIENT CARE
We attract clients by providing local sales offices in each of our markets with
a highly trained, dedicated account management team that personally meets with
each prospective new client during the sales process. This local sales force
uses a consultative selling approach and offers clients a full range of
sophisticated and cost-effective telecommunications solutions. Sales teams use a
variety of methods to qualify leads and set up initial appointments, including
telemarketing and building canvassing.
Each market's account management team is led by a general manager who is
responsible for attracting and retaining clients which generate profitable
margins in that market. The general manager oversees a local sales team that is
composed of direct salespersons and an indirect sales force. The indirect sales
force consists of an alternate channel manager and various sales agents,
including telecommunications equipment vendors, consultants, system integrators
and cellular phone retailers.
As of December 31, 2001, we had 786 persons in our sales and sales support
staff, not including our independent third-party sales agents.
Our client services organization is composed of a client care team, who handles
routine client inquiries, and dedicated client development representatives
(CDRs), who focus on client retention and selling additional services to
existing clients.
Members of the client care team are located in one of our two centralized client
care facilities, located in Rochester, New York and Green Bay, Wisconsin. These
facilities are staffed to maximize the coverage during the business week and to
extend coverage beyond normal business hours to better serve our clients.
Additionally, these facilities utilize common operating systems, which provides
redundancy and automatically route callers to the next available representative,
regardless of location.
Members of the client development organization are located in each market and
work alongside the sales organization. The CDRs provide one-on-one client
service to our larger clients and assist these clients in finding ways to best
utilize their telecommunications services. CDRs are also responsible for selling
additional services to existing clients and have monthly sales quotas.
OUR MARKETS
We offer telecommunications services in 30 markets, comprising 39 basic trading
areas. In selecting our markets, we estimated market demand for our services
using data gathered from interexchange carriers, the Federal Communications
Commission, local sources, site visits and specific market studies. In addition
to market demand, we consider the established telephone companies' level of
service as well as the level of penetration within the market by other
integrated communication providers.
5
We are currently operating in the following markets:
Akron, OH (1) Green Bay, WI (3) Providence, RI
Albany, NY (2) Harrisburg, PA (4) Rochester, NY
Allentown, PA Hartford, CT Rockford, IL
Ann Arbor, MI Indianapolis, IN Scranton, PA
Buffalo, NY Kalamazoo, MI (5) South Bend, IN (8)
Columbus, OH Madison, WI Springfield, MA
Dayton, OH Manchester, NH Syracuse, NY (9)
Erie, PA Milwaukee, WI Worcester, MA
Evansville, IN New Haven, CT (6)
Fort Wayne, IN Pittsburgh, PA
Grand Rapids, MI Portland, ME (7)
(1) Also includes the basic trading area for Youngstown, OH.
(2) Also includes the basic trading areas for Schenectady, NY and Kingston, NY.
(3) Also includes the basic trading areas for Appleton, WI and Oshkosh, WI.
(4) Also includes the basic trading area for Lancaster, PA.
(5) Also includes the basic trading area for Battlecreek, MI.
(6) Also includes the basic trading areas for Bridgeport, CT and Stamford, CT.
(7) Also includes the basic trading area for Bangor, ME.
(8) Also includes the basic trading area for Elkhart, IN.
(9) Also includes the basic trading areas for Binghamton, NY and Ithaca, NY.
As of December 31, 2001, we had applications accepted to collocate our network
equipment in 526 established telephone company central offices, had completed
517 of these collocations and had 9 additional collocations in progress in our
markets. Most of these collocations also include equipment to provide DSL
services.
The table below provides selected key operational data as of the years ended
December 31:
2001 2000
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Markets served 30 26
Number of switches-voice 26 24
Number of switches-data 63 45
Total central office collocations 517 410
Estimated addressable market (Business lines) 5.4 million 4.1 million
Lines in service-total 383,975 177,614
Lines in service-voice 372,341 173,819
Lines in service-data 11,634 3,795
Total employees 1,758 1,420
Sales employees 786 572
6
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
We have a flexible network which has allowed us to enter markets quickly, to
achieve cost efficiencies and attractive rates of return on capital by adding
incremental network capacity as needed, and to integrate and benefit from new
telecommunications technologies.
We have a Class 5 digital switch in each of our operational markets, other than
Worcester, MA, New Haven, CT, Erie, PA and Portland, ME. We are serving the
Worcester market by connecting our equipment in the Worcester market to our
Springfield, MA switch. Similar network configurations are utilized between the
Hartford and New Haven, CT markets, Pittsburgh and Erie, PA markets and
Manchester, NH and Portland, ME markets. We have installed a packet-based switch
network in each market in order to establish a widespread coverage area for the
offering of high bandwidth digital connections utilizing DSL technology. As of
December 31, 2001, we had 26 Class 5 switches in service and 63 data switches in
service. Our switches are connected to established telephone companies' networks
and long distance and Internet service provider points-of-presence.
We use a collocation strategy under which we install voice concentrators,
referred to as integrated digital loop carriers, and related equipment in
numerous established telephone company central offices in each of our markets.
Additionally, we have installed data concentrators, referred to as digital
subscriber line access modules, in the same central offices so that we can
provide high-speed DSL data access using the existing established telephone
company network. We have installed our network equipment, including both voice
and data components, in established telephone company central offices that
enables us to address 70% to 80% of the business lines in each market. We lease
unbundled loops from the established telephone company or T-1 facilities from
the established telephone company or competitive network provider to connect our
equipment in the telephone company central office to the client locations.
We lease local network facilities from the established telephone company and/or
one or more competitive network providers to connect our switch to established
telephone company central offices. Initially leasing these facilities allowed us
to begin operations more quickly and at a lower upfront cost than if we had to
acquire or build them, but we may choose to own local fiber network capacity
when and where traffic volume and other conditions make this alternative more
cost effective. We have an agreement with RVP L.L.C. for a 20-year indefeasible
right to use fiber. This agreement provides us with operational intra-city fiber
miles in eight markets and inter-city fiber miles between nine markets in
Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The inter-city fiber network became
operational in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan in 2001. Indiana became
operational in 2002.
We have an agreement with FiberTech Networks, LLC. (FiberTech), to become the
anchor tenant on its local fiber loops in certain markets. We acquired 20-year
indefeasible rights to use fiber capacity in 13 markets, with additional markets
to be determined. FiberTech completed construction of certain fiber miles within
four of our New York markets during 2001. Our contract with FiberTech calls for
preferred pricing for the first five years of the agreement. We expect that
benefits of these indefeasible rights to use fiber will include network
redundancy, reduced provisioning intervals (provisioning onto our own network,
versus relying on the established telephone company for provisioning) and
reduced per unit costs with additional product offerings. In addition to this
arrangement, we have acquired a minority interest in FiberTech, have the right
to appoint one representative to its board of managers, and have a vote in
determining the new markets in which FiberTech will develop and build fiber.
We operate a network operations control center, or NOCC, facility in Grand
Rapids, Michigan, which provides monitoring of the switching and fiber
facilities across our entire network 24 hours per day, seven days per week. We
also have locally based switch engineers and technicians to manage each switch
and other network equipment.
On a limited basis, we use voice over DSL. This technology allows us to provide
both voice and high-speed data communications over one established telephone
company line, thereby reducing our network costs. Our network architecture,
comprised of both DSL or voice and data switching technologies, enables us to
integrate this traffic over DSL from the client location to our access
equipment, and then to our regional switching center. At the regional center,
this traffic is split into its voice and data components. Data traffic is
switched via a data switch to its appropriate destination. The voice components
are switched through the Class 5 switch, which is interconnected to the public
switched telephone network.
Rapid and significant changes in technology are expected in the
telecommunications industry. Our continued success will depend, in part, on our
ability to anticipate and adapt to technological changes. For example, we are
currently evaluating new switching devices from leading equipment manufacturers
that are significantly smaller and less expensive than the switches that we have
deployed to date. We believe that our network design positions us to rapidly
implement our future voice-switching infrastructure.
7
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
We have implemented an integration strategy for our operations support systems
and other back office systems that provides significant competitive advantages
in terms of efficiency, capacity to process large order volumes and the ability
to deliver exceptional client care. We have developed a seamless end-to-end
system that synchronizes multiple activities. This system allows information to
be entered once and at the appropriate time within our sales, client care,
trouble management and billing process. Information is then shared between the
various components of our systems.
We believe that our single entry system is superior to systems requiring
multiple entries of client information. Duplicate information entered into
multiple systems can result in billing problems, service interruptions, and
delays in installation. Our single entry process is less labor intensive and
reduces the opportunity for error. In addition, it significantly shortens the
sales to billing interval. Our customized, integrated system enables us to
support rapid and sustained growth.
The individual components of our system are as follows:
ORDER ENTRY, PROCESS FLOW, NETWORK INVENTORY, BILLING AND ADMINISTRATION,
NETWORK ACTIVATION
We have an agreement with MetaSolv Software Inc. to license its Telecom Business
Solution, or TBS, software to manage our back office operations support system.
MetaSolv's software manages our order entry, service installation, network
element inventory, gateway interconnects and workflow business functions and
allows our sales team to monitor the status of the order from initiation through
service implementation.
We have an agreement with ADC Communications to utilize its Convergent Billing
Platform AS/400 software which enables us to combine and bill current and future
service offerings and present the information on a single statement for our
clients. This system supports client care functions, including billing inquiries
and collection processes. Call detail records, such as the billing records
generated by our voice or data switches are automatically processed by the
billing platform in order to calculate and produce bills in a variety of
formats. We also have an agreement with PCR, Inc. to utilize their billing
platform. This system was acquired with the acquisition of US Xchange. Migration
of the clients billed on the PCR, Inc. billing platform to the ADC
Communications billing platform is expected to be completed during 2002. All new
clients are billed from the ADC Communications billing platform.
Our MetaSolv system has been integrated with our ADC Communications billing and
administration system to ensure data integrity and eliminate redundant data
entry. This integrated software solution allows us to efficiently bill for
multiple products on a single statement and provides a central point of contact
for handling orders and activities.
We have licensed software from Harris Corp. that enables network activation of
client orders. This software enables the automated processing of line activation
in our Class 5 switches, distinctive remote modules and voicemail platform
within New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire,
Connecticut, Maine and Ohio.
ELECTRONIC BONDING
Through software that we have licensed from DSET Corporation and have integrated
with our MetaSolv software, we have established electronic bonding with Verizon
and SBC/Ameritech. We have implemented an electronic interface linking our
operations support systems directly to the established telephone company system
so that we can process orders on an automated basis for our clients which are
switching service from an established telephone company. Additionally, we can
confirm receipt and installation of service on-line and in real-time.
TROUBLE TICKETING
We have created a system that logs information related to and monitors the
resolution of network problems. This system acts as a central repository for
logging client trouble calls, assigning responsibility for addressing the
problem to the appropriate party, and tracking the status of the response to the
calls, including automatically escalating the response process, as appropriate.
SALES FORCE AUTOMATION AND CONTACT MANAGEMENT
We utilize internally developed software to assist us in the management of
potential customer contacts, the management of the sales process with particular
client prospects and the preparation of proposals, correspondence and order
forms.
REGULATION
THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY OF REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS AND LEGISLATION DESCRIBES
THE PRIMARY PRESENT AND PROPOSED FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS AND
LEGISLATION THAT IS RELATED TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNET SERVICE
INDUSTRIES THAT WOULD HAVE A MATERIAL EFFECT ON OUR BUSINESS.
8
EXISTING FEDERAL AND STATE REGULATIONS ARE CURRENTLY SUBJECT TO JUDICIAL
PROCEEDINGS, LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROPOSALS THAT COULD
CHANGE, IN VARYING DEGREES, THE MANNER IN WHICH OUR INDUSTRIES OPERATE. WE
CANNOT PREDICT THE OUTCOME OF THESE PROCEEDINGS OR THEIR IMPACT UPON THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND INTERNET SERVICE INDUSTRIES OR UPON US.
OVERVIEW
Our telecommunications services are subject to federal, state and local
regulation. The FCC exercises jurisdiction over all facilities and services of
telecommunications carriers to the extent those facilities are used to provide,
originate, or terminate state-to-state or international communications. State
regulatory commissions exercise jurisdiction over facilities and services to the
extent those facilities are used to provide, originate or terminate in-state
communications. In addition, as a result of the passage of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, state and federal regulators share
responsibility for implementing and enforcing the domestic pro-competitive
policies of the Telecommunications Act. In particular, state regulatory
commissions have substantial oversight over the provision of interconnection and
non-discriminatory network access to established telephone companies. Local
governments often regulate public rights-of-way necessary to install and operate
networks.
FEDERAL REGULATION
We are regulated at the federal level as a nondominant common carrier subject to
minimal regulation under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. The
Telecommunications Act of 1996 provides for comprehensive reform of the nation's
telecommunications laws and is designed to enhance competition in the local
telecommunications marketplace by requiring established telephone companies to
provide us with access and interconnection to their facilities and to open their
local markets to competition.
One of our advantages, in many of our markets, is our ability to offer both
local and long distance service, while the largest established telephone
companies can only offer local service in their region. Under the
Telecommunications Act, regional Bell operating companies have the opportunity
to provide long distance services in any state in which they offer local service
if they comply with market-opening conditions. Established telephone companies
are no longer prohibited from providing specified cable TV services. In
addition, the Telecommunications Act eliminates particular restrictions on
utility holding companies, thus clearing the way for them to diversify into
telecommunications services.
Before a regional Bell operating company can provide in-region long distance
services, it must obtain FCC approval upon showing that it has entered into
interconnection agreements with competitive local exchange carriers in the
states where it seeks authority, that the interconnection agreements satisfy a
14-point "checklist" of competitive requirements and that such entry is in the
public interest. To date, Verizon has been granted such authority in New York,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania, and Southwestern
Bell has been granted such authority in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and
Oklahoma. Several additional requests for such authority either have been or
will soon be filed. The provision of in-region long distance services by the
regional Bell operating companies could permit them to offer "one-stop shopping"
of bundled local and long distance services, thereby eliminating this aspect of
our current marketing advantage.
FCC RULES IMPLEMENTING THE LOCAL COMPETITION PROVISIONS OF THE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT
Over the last six years, the FCC has established a framework of national rules
enabling local competition. Some of those rules have important bearing on our
business, particularly:
INTERCONNECTION. Established telephone companies are required to provide
interconnection for telephone exchange or exchange access service, or both, to
any requesting telecommunications carrier at any technically feasible point. The
interconnection must be at least equal in quality to that provided by the
company to itself or subsidiaries, affiliates or any other party to which it
provides interconnection, and must be provided on rates, terms and conditions
that are just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory.
We have obtained or will obtain agreements with all the established telephone
companies in our service areas. These agreements must be renegotiated
periodically. Renewal terms may be more or less favorable and could affect our
overall costs.
ACCESS TO UNBUNDLED ELEMENTS. Established telephone companies are required to
lease portions of their networks to requesting telecommunications carriers by
providing them with nondiscriminatory access to network elements on an unbundled
basis at any technically feasible point, on rates, terms, and conditions that
are just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory. This is important, because it
minimizes our need to make major investments in building our network. At a
minimum, established telephone companies must provide competitors with access to
various network elements used to originate and terminate telephone calls, call
routing database facilities, and computerized operations support systems. The
prices for these unbundled elements are set by the states under guidelines
established by the FCC.
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The FCC adopted additional rules that direct established telephone companies to
share their local telephone lines so that competitors could make use of the high
frequency portion of the line. This will enable competitive carriers like us to
use DSL technology to provide high-speed data services over the same telephone
lines simultaneously used by established telephone companies to provide basic
telephone service, a technique referred to as "line sharing." This rule has
reduced the costs of providing DSL service but both the availability and the
prices of line sharing arrangements may be affected by future judicial or
regulatory decisions.
In December 2001, the FCC announced that it will review its rules defining the
network elements that established telephone companies must unbundle for
competitors. This proceeding will likely be completed during 2002. In February
2002, the FCC proposed to change the regulatory classification of high-speed
broadband services delivered over wires. This proposal could eliminate the
unbundling provisions and other pro-competition provisions of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. Although we cannot yet predict the outcome of
these actions, any change in the availability of network elements could
potentially affect our business plans and operations.
COLLOCATION. Established telephone companies are required to provide space in
their switching offices so that requesting telecommunications carriers can
physically "collocate" equipment necessary for interconnection or access to
unbundled network elements at the company's premises, except that the
established telephone company may provide off-site "virtual" collocation, if it
demonstrates to the state regulatory commission that physical collocation is not
practical for technical reasons, or because of space limitations.
OTHER REGULATIONS
In general, the FCC has historically had a policy of encouraging new
competitors, such as us, in the telecommunications industry and preventing
anti-competitive practices. Therefore, the FCC has established different levels
of regulation for dominant carriers, such as the established telephone
companies, and nondominant carriers, such as integrated communications providers
and competitive local exchange carriers.
INTERSTATE AND INTERNATIONAL SERVICES. As a nondominant carrier, we may install
and operate facilities for the transmission of domestic interstate
communications without the time and expense of obtaining prior FCC
authorization.
Nondominant carriers are required to obtain FCC authorization pursuant to
Section 214 of the Communications Act before providing international
communications services. We have obtained such authority. Under recent FCC
decisions, the rates, terms, and conditions of domestic interstate and
international services are no longer filed with or regulated by the FCC,
although we remain subject to the FCC's jurisdiction over complaints regarding
these services. We also must comply with various FCC rules regarding disclosure
of our rates, the contents and format of our bills, payment of various
regulatory fees and contributions, and the like.
The FCC has adopted rules for a multi-year transition to lower international
settlement payments by U.S. common carriers. We believe that these rules are
likely to lead to lower rates for some international services and increased
demand for these services, including capacity on the U.S. facilities, like ours,
that provide these services.
ESTABLISHED TELEPHONE COMPANY PRICING REGULATION REFORM. The FCC has adopted a
number of changes to its rules that significantly reduce its regulation of
established telephone company pricing. These changes may greatly enhance the
ability of established telephone companies to compete against us, particularly
by targeting price cuts to particular clients, which could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to compete based on price. We expect that the FCC
will consider further initiatives along these lines in the future, but we cannot
predict the specific effects of future FCC reforms.
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ACCESS CHARGES. The FCC has also made various changes to the existing rate
structure for charges assessed on long distance carriers for allowing them to
connect to local networks. These changes will reduce access charges and will
shift charges, which had historically been based on minutes-of-use, to flat
rate, monthly per line charges on end-user clients rather than long distance
carriers. As a result, the aggregate amount of access charges paid by long
distance carriers to access providers like us may decrease. Under the FCC rules,
the rates charged by the largest established telephone companies for network
access are targeted to be reduced to 0.45 cents per minute after a transition
period, and some of the larger companies have already completed the transition
to this level.
In April 2001, the FCC adopted new rules to limit the access charges of
nondominant local carriers like us. Under these rules, which took effect on June
20, 2001, competitive carriers, such as us, are required to reduce their
interstate access charges to rates no higher than 2.5 cents per minute. After
one year, this rate ceiling will be reduced to 1.8 cents and after two years to
1.2 cents per minute. After three years, all competitive carriers will be
required to charge rates no higher than the established telephone company.
However, the new FCC rules are under petitions for reconsideration and/or
judicial review, and we are unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings.
UNIVERSAL SERVICE REFORM. Universal telephone service is a long-standing policy
initiative designed to assure that as many people as possible have access to
quality telephone service at affordable rates, particularly in rural and
high-cost areas, as well as providing advanced telecommunications services for
schools, health care providers and libraries. All telecommunications carriers
providing interstate telecommunications services, including us, must contribute
to the universal service support fund.
The FCC is considering various proposals to change the way these contributions
are calculated (currently, the contribution is approximately 6.8% of each
carrier's end-user revenue for interstate and international services for the
previous six month period). Various states also are in the process of
implementing their own universal service programs, which also may increase our
overall costs.
SLAMMING. The FCC has adopted rules to govern the process by which end-users
choose their carriers. Under their rules, a user may change service providers at
any time, but specific client authentication procedures must be followed. When
they are not, particularly if the change is unauthorized or fraudulent, the
change in service providers is referred to as "slamming." Slamming is such a
significant problem that it was addressed in detail in the Telecommunications
Act and by the FCC in recent orders. The FCC has levied significant fines for
slamming. The risk of financial damage and harm to business reputation from
slamming is significant. Even one slamming complaint could cause extensive
litigation expenses for us. The FCC recently decided to apply its slamming
rules, which originally covered only long distance, to local service.
STATE REGULATION. All states we operate in require a registration, certification
or other authorization, and continued regulatory compliance, to offer intrastate
services. Many of the states in which we operate are addressing issues relating
to the regulation of competitive local exchange carriers. In most states, we are
required to file tariffs setting forth the terms, conditions and prices for
services that are classified as intrastate.
We have received, through our operating subsidiaries, certificates of authority
to provide local exchange and interexchange telecommunications services in
Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire,
New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
In addition to tariff filing requirements, some states also impose reporting,
client service and quality requirements, as well as unbundling and universal
service requirements. In addition, we are subject to the outcome of generic
proceedings held by state utility commissions to determine new state regulatory
policies. Some states have adopted or have pending proceedings to adopt specific
universal service funding obligations. These state proceedings may result in
obligations that are equal to or more burdensome than the federal universal
service obligations.
We believe that, as the degree of intrastate competition increases, the states
will offer the established telephone companies increasing pricing flexibility.
This flexibility may present the established telephone companies with an
opportunity to subsidize services that compete with our services with revenue
generated from non-competitive services, thereby allowing established telephone
companies to offer competitive services at lower prices. This could have a
material adverse effect on our ability to attract and retain clients at
profitable margins.
We are also subject to requirements in some states to obtain prior approval for,
or notify the state commission of, specified events such as transfers of
control, sales of assets, corporate reorganizations, issuances of stock or debt
instruments and related transactions.
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As noted above, the states set most of the prices for unbundled network elements
for the unbundled network elements we purchase from the established telephone
companies to connect our network to customers. Recently, several states
including New York, Maine, and Rhode Island have lowered prices on these
unbundled elements, and several more states have open cases. While we cannot
predict the final outcome of cases and their affect on our business, changes in
unbundled element prices directly affect and are a large portion of our network
costs.
INTERNET. Our Internet operations are not currently subject to direct regulation
by the FCC or any other telecommunications regulatory agency, although they are
subject to regulations applicable to businesses generally. However, the future
Internet service provider regulatory status continues to be uncertain. Congress
and other federal entities have adopted or are considering other legislative and
regulatory proposals that would further regulate the Internet. Various states
have adopted and are considering Internet-related legislation. Increased U.S.
regulation of the Internet may slow its growth or reduce potential revenue,
particularly if other governments follow suit, which may increase the cost of
doing business over the Internet.
Under the Telecommunications Act, competitive local exchange carriers are
entitled to receive compensation from established telephone companies for
delivering traffic to their customers. A dispute has existed for several years
over whether this compensation applies to calls bound for Internet service
provider clients of the competitive local exchange carriers. Most states have
required established telephone companies to pay this compensation to competitive
local exchange carriers. In April 2001, however, the FCC adopted new rules
limiting the right of competitive local exchange carriers to collect
compensation on calls that terminate to Internet service providers, and
preempting inconsistent state rules. Under the new rules, which took effect on
June 14, 2001, the amount of compensation payable on calls to Internet service
providers will be limited to 0.15 cents per minute for the first six months
after the rules took effect, 0.10 cents per minute for the next eighteen months,
and 0.07 cents per minute thereafter. In addition, the overall amount of
compensation payable in each state is limited by a formula based upon the number
of minutes of Internet traffic terminated in the first quarter of 2001. The FCC
rules permit carriers to continue collecting the existing higher rates on calls
that terminate to customers who are not Internet service providers. Any traffic
exchanged between carriers that exceeds a three-to-one ratio of terminating to
originating minutes is presumed to be Internet calls, although either carrier
may attempt to rebut this presumption and show a different level of Internet
traffic. However, this ratio and the per minute rate may be modified by
agreements between the established telephone company and the competitive local
exchange carrier. We have such arrangements in several of the states we operate
in.
STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
State and federal legislatures periodically consider or pass legislation that
can affect our business. In February 2002, the U.S. House of Representatives
passed the Internet Freedom and Broadband Deployment Act of 2001 (H.R. 1542),
also known as the Tauzin-Dingell bill, by a vote of 273-157. The legislation is
aimed at encouraging competition and consumer access to broadband Internet
technology by freeing the established telephone companies from the
market-opening requirements of The Telecommunications Act of 1996, discussed
above, and the requirement to offer certain unbundled elements to us, making it
much easier for these companies to compete with us. This legislation must be
passed in the U.S. Senate and signed by the President before it can become law.
We cannot predict if this or other legislation will be enacted into law or what
effect such legislation would have on our business.
COMPETITION
We operate in a competitive environment. Some of our actual and potential
competitors have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing and other
resources, including brand name recognition, than we do. Also, the continuing
trend toward business alliances in the telecommunications industry, and the
increasingly reduced regulatory and technological barriers to entry in the data
and Internet services markets, could give rise to significant new competition.
We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting our business are
pricing, client service, accurate billing and, to a lesser extent, variety of
services. Our ability to compete effectively depends upon our ability to provide
high quality market-driven services at prices generally equal to or below those
charged by established telephone companies. To maintain our competitive posture,
we believe that we must be in a position to reduce our prices in order to meet
reductions in rates, if any, by others.
ESTABLISHED TELEPHONE COMPANIES
In each of our target markets, we compete principally with the established
telephone company serving that area, such as Verizon, Frontier Telephone of
Rochester, Southern New England Telephone, SBC/Ameritech and GTE. Established
telephone companies are the established providers of dedicated and local
telephone services to the majority of telephone subscribers within their
respective service areas. In addition, established telephone companies generally
have long-standing relationships with their clients and with federal and state
regulatory authorities and have financial, technical and marketing resources
substantially greater than we do, and the potential to subsidize competitive
services from a variety of businesses.
12
While recent regulatory initiatives provide increased competitive opportunities
to voice, data, and Internet-service providers such as us, they also provide the
established telephone companies with increased pricing flexibility for their
private line, special access, and switched access services. With respect to
competitive access services, the fees to connect to an established telephone
companies' facilities, the FCC recently decided to increase established
telephone company pricing flexibility and deregulation for such services, either
automatically or after specified criteria are met. If the established telephone
companies are allowed additional flexibility to offer discounts to large
clients, engage in aggressive volume and term discount pricing practices, and/or
charge competitors with excessive fees for interconnection to their local
networks, the potential revenue of integrated communications providers and
competitive local exchange carriers could be adversely affected.
COMPETITIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDERS
We also face competition from other current and potential market entrants,
including long distance carriers seeking to enter, reenter or expand entry into
the local exchange market such as AT&T, MCI WorldCom, and Sprint, and from
resellers of local exchange services and competitive access providers. We also
face competition from other competitive local exchange carriers with overlap in
our markets, such as TDS Metrocom, Network Plus, McLeod USA and Time Warner
Telecom. Even the established telephone companies, particularly the regional
Bell operating companies, have established independent competitive local
exchange carrier subsidiaries to compete with each other. Some of these
competitors have significantly greater financial resources than we do. For
example, AT&T, MCI WorldCom, and Sprint, which historically were only long
distance carriers, have each begun to offer local telecommunications services in
major U.S. markets using their own facilities or by reselling other providers'
services. In addition, a continuing trend toward consolidation of
telecommunications companies and the formation of strategic alliances within the
telecommunications industry, as well as the development of new technologies,
could give rise to significant new competitors. For example, the merger of Time
Warner with AOL, WorldCom, Inc. with MCI, SBC's merger with Ameritech, Qwest's
merger with US WEST, and AT&T's acquisition of Teleport Communications Group,
Inc. and Telecommunications Inc. are examples of these competitive alliances.
Such combined entities may provide a "bundled package" of telecommunications
products, such as local, long distance, and Internet telephony, that directly
competes with the products we offer. These types of consolidations and strategic
alliances could put us at a competitive disadvantage.
SERVICES WHICH COMPETE WITH OUR DSL SERVICES
The established telephone companies represent the dominant competition for DSL
services in all our markets. These companies have an established brand name,
possess sufficient capital to deploy DSL equipment rapidly, have their own
telephone wires and can bundle digital data services with their existing analog
voice services to achieve economies of scale in serving clients.
Cable modem service providers are deploying high-speed Internet services over
cable networks. Where deployed, these networks provide similar and in some cases
higher speed Internet access than we provide. We believe the cable modem service
providers face a number of challenges that providers of DSL service do not face.
For example, different regions within a metropolitan area may be served by
different cable modem service providers, making it more difficult to offer the
blanket coverage required by potential business clients. Also, much of the
current cable infrastructure in the U.S. must be upgraded to support cable
modems, a process which we believe is significantly more expensive and
time-consuming than the deployment of DSL-based networks.
Many competitive telecommunications companies have deployed large-scale Internet
access networks, and have high brand recognition. Internet service providers
also provide Internet access to residential and business clients, generally at
lower speeds than we offer.
OTHER COMPETITORS
Other companies that currently offer, or are capable of offering, local switched
services include: cable television companies, electric utilities, microwave
carriers, and large business clients who build private networks. These entities,
upon entering into appropriate interconnection agreements or resale agreements
with established telephone companies, could offer single source local and long
distance services like those that we offer. We also expect to increasingly face
competition from cellular carriers and companies offering long distance data and
voice services over the Internet. Some of these companies could enjoy a
significant cost advantage because they do not currently pay carrier access
charges or universal service fees.
In addition, at least two Bell operating companies have begun offering single
source local and long distance services in limited areas and others may follow.
Currently, Verizon has been granted the authority to provide long distance
service in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania
and Southwestern Bell is authorized to offer long distance service in the states
of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. In general, regional Bell
operating companies cannot provide long-distance service that originates, or in
some cases terminates, in one of its in-region states until the regional Bell
operating company has satisfied statutory conditions in that state, and has
received the approval of the FCC.
13
Once the regional Bell operating companies are allowed to offer in-region long
distance services, they will undoubtedly offer single-source local and long
distance service, which will give rise to increased competition to us.
COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT
During 2001, a number of competitors exited certain markets where we do
business. The departure of such companies as Telergy Inc., CTSI Inc. and
FairPoint Communications Solutions Corp. has generated a more favorable
operating environment for us. We expect to gain market share as small and medium
sized businesses seek a reliable, comprehensive package of services.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
We regard our products, services and technology as proprietary and attempt to
protect them with copyrights, trademarks, trade secret laws, restrictions on
disclosure and other methods. We also generally enter into confidentiality or
license agreements with our employees and consultants, and generally control
access to and distribution of our documentation and other proprietary
information. Currently we have 17 servicemark applications or registrations.
Despite our precautions, we may not be able to prevent misappropriation or
infringement of our products, services and technology.
Our logo and some titles and logos of our services mentioned in this Form 10-K
are either our service marks or service marks that have been licensed to us.
Each trademark, trade name or service mark of any other company appearing in
this prospectus belongs to its holder.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2001, we had 1,758 employees. We believe that our future
success will depend on our continued ability to attract and retain highly
skilled and qualified employees. None of our employees are currently represented
by collective bargaining agreements nor have we experienced any work stoppage
due to labor disputes. We believe that we enjoy good relationships with our
employees.
14
RISK FACTORS
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS
TO EXPAND OUR BUSINESS WE WILL NEED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CASH,
WHICH WE MAY BE UNABLE TO OBTAIN
The expansion of our business and the deployment of our networks, services and
systems has required, and may continue to require, significant capital
expenditures, working capital and debt service, and the ability to sustain
substantial cash flow deficits. At December 31, 2001 we had $14.4 million in
cash and cash equivalents. In addition, we had $55.0 million available under the
revolving credit facility. Our viability is dependent upon our ability to
continue to execute under our business strategy and to begin to generate
positive cash flows from operations during 2002. The success of our business
strategy includes obtaining and retaining a significant number of customers, and
generating significant and sustained growth in our operating cash flows to be
able to meet our debt service obligations and fund capital expenditures.
Despite our net losses in prior years, we believe we have the necessary funding
available to execute our short- and long-term business strategy. However, our
revenue and costs may also be dependent upon factors that are not within our
control, including regulatory changes, changes in technology, and increased
competition. Due to the uncertainty of these factors, actual revenue and costs
may vary from expected amounts, possibly to a material degree, and such
variations could affect our future funding requirements. Additional financing
may be required in response to changing conditions within the industry or
unanticipated competitive pressures. We can make no assurances that we would be
successful in raising additional capital, if needed, on favorable terms or at
all. Failure to raise sufficient funds may require us to modify, delay or
abandon some of our future expenditures. There are conditions to our ability to
borrow under our senior credit facility, including the continued satisfaction of
covenants. As of December 31, 2001, we were in compliance with these covenants
and expect to be in compliance with these covenants in 2002.
Our 2002 plan is predicated upon the following assumptions: sustained growth due
to end-user demand for data and voice offerings in our operational markets;
continued improvement in operational efficiencies through economies of scale
that translates into lower network costs and selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percent of revenue; decreased capital expenditures and decreased
interest expense payable in cash. The 2002 plan assumes that we have positive
cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available under our senior credit
facility at December 31, 2002. The amount of cash and borrowings available under
the senior credit facility as of December 31, 2002 is dependent upon factors
that could differ materially from the estimates. Despite our net losses in prior
years, we believe we have the necessary funding available to execute our short-
and long-term business strategy.
We also expect that we may require additional financing or require financing
sooner than anticipated if our business plans change or prove to be inaccurate.
We may also require additional financing in order to develop new services or to
otherwise respond to changing business conditions or unanticipated competitive
pressures. Sources of additional financing may include commercial bank
borrowings, vendor financing, or the private or public sale of equity or debt
securities. We can make no assurances that we will be successful in raising
sufficient additional capital on favorable terms or at all or that the terms of
any indebtedness we may incur will not impair our ability to expand our
business. Failure to raise sufficient funds may require us to modify, delay or
abandon some of our expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources."
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WE ANTICIPATE HAVING FUTURE OPERATING LOSSES AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW OUR BUSINESS
IN 30 MARKETS
The expansion of our business and the deployment of our networks, services and
systems has required significant capital expenditures. We expect that our
adjusted EBITDA will become positive during 2002 while we expand our
telecommunications services business. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, non-cash charges,
accretion on preferred stock and accrued PIK (paid in kind) dividends on
preferred stock. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management and certain investors as
an indicator of a company's historical ability to service debt. For the year
ended December 31, 2001, we had operating losses of $197.6 million, net losses
applicable to common stockholders of $287.0 million and negative adjusted EBITDA
of $75.2 million. We expect our operating losses and net losses to decline as
our operations mature and we achieve greater operating efficiencies. However, we
can make no assurances that we will achieve or sustain profitability or generate
sufficient adjusted EBITDA to meet our working capital and debt service
requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations. Our revenue and costs may also be
dependent upon factors that are not within our control, including regulatory
changes, changes in technology, and increased competition. Due to the
uncertainty of these factors, actual revenue and costs may vary from expected
amounts, possibly to a material degree, and such variations could affect our
future funding requirements. Additional financing may be required in response to
changing conditions within the industry or unanticipated competitive pressures.
We can make no assurances that we would be successful in raising additional
capital, if needed, on favorable terms or at all. Failure to raise sufficient
funds may require us to modify, delay or abandon some of our future
expenditures.
OUR SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FINANCIAL HEALTH AND
COULD PREVENT US FROM FULFILLING OBLIGATIONS
We are highly leveraged and have significant debt service and related
obligations. As of December 31, 2001, our aggregate outstanding indebtedness and
obligations was $473.3 million, our stockholders' equity was $3.4 million and
our redeemable preferred stock was $200.8 million. We have the ability to incur
up to an aggregate of $350.0 million under our senior credit facility and may
incur additional indebtedness subject to certain limitations in our credit
facility. The amount outstanding under our senior credit facility at December
31, 2001 was $295.0 million. We also had $178.3 million outstanding in
subordinated notes which are subordinated to our credit facility. Our debt is
subject to covenants customary to these types of arrangement. Our ability to
comply with these covenants will depend on our future financial and operating
performance, which, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and
competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, regulatory and other
factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors could include
operating difficulties, increased operating costs, pricing pressures, the
response of competitors, regulatory developments and delays in implementing
strategic projects. We can make no assurances that we will continue to maintain
compliance with our debt covenants should the factors above occur and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
If new indebtedness is added to our current levels, the related risks that we
face could intensify.
Our substantial leverage could have important consequences to us. For example,
it could:
o make it more difficult for us to obtain additional financing for
working capital, capital expenditures, or acquisitions;
o require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our
cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on
our indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available to us for our
operations and other purposes, including investments in service
development, capital spending and acquisitions;
o place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that are not
as highly leveraged as we are;
o impair our ability to adjust to changing market conditions; and
o make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in general economic
conditions or in our business or of changing market conditions and
regulations.
16
SERVICING OUR INDEBTEDNESS WILL REQUIRE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF CASH AND OUR
ABILITY TO GENERATE CASH DEPENDS ON MANY FACTORS BEYOND OUR CONTROL
We can make no assurances that we will be able to meet our debt service
obligations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or otherwise
obtain funds necessary to make required payments, or if we otherwise fail to
comply with the various covenants in our debt obligations, we would be in
default under the terms thereof, which would permit the holders of such
indebtedness to accelerate the maturity of such indebtedness and could cause
defaults under other debt related agreements. Our ability to repay or to
refinance our obligations with respect to our indebtedness will depend on our
future financial and operating performance, which, in turn, will be subject to
prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial,
business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
These factors could include operating difficulties, increased operating costs,
pricing pressures, the response of competitors, regulatory developments and
delays in implementing strategic projects.
Our adjusted EBITDA is currently insufficient to pay our fixed charges. See
"Selected Financial Data" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Results of Operations". The successful
execution of our business strategy, including obtaining and retaining a
significant number of clients, and significant and sustained growth in our cash
flow are necessary for us to be able to meet our debt service obligations and
working capital requirements. We can make no assurances that the anticipated
results of our strategy will be realized, or that we will be able to generate
sufficient cash flow from operating activities to meet our debt service
obligations and working capital requirements. See "Business--Business Strategy".
If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service
obligations and working capital requirements, we could be forced to reduce or
delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity
capital, or refinance or restructure our debt. A disposition of assets in order
to make up for any shortfall in the payments due on our indebtedness could take
place under circumstances that might not be favorable to realizing the highest
price for such assets.
WE MAY FAIL TO ACHIEVE ACCEPTABLE PROFITS DUE TO PRICING
Prices in the local exchange business have remained stable. However, future
technological advances could result that will affect the prices for such
service. In addition, recent changes in prices have been from usage based prices
to flat rate prices.
Prices in the long distance business have declined substantially in recent years
and are expected to continue to decline. We rely on other carriers to provide us
with a major portion of our long distance transmission network. Such agreements
typically provide for the resale of long distance services on a per-minute basis
and may contain minimum volume commitments. The negotiation of these agreements
involves estimates of future supply and demand for transmission capacity as well
as estimates of the calling patterns and traffic levels of our future clients.
In the event that we fail to meet such minimum volume commitments, we may be
obligated to pay underutilization charges, and, in the event we underestimate
our need for transmission capacity, we may be required to obtain capacity
through more expensive means.
Our failure to achieve acceptable profits on our local exchange and long
distance services due to pricing declines could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
WE MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN MAINTAINING OUR HIGH CUSTOMER RETENTION RATE
We maximize customer retention by offering a simplified, comprehensive package
of services and providing a high level of customer care. Our churn of customers
for the year ended December 31, 2001 of our facilities-based customers was below
1% per month. Our ability to retain our customers is dependent upon a number of
factors, including providing quality service and competitive pricing, and the
economic viability of our customers. We can make no assurances that will
continue to maintain high retention of customers.
17
WE EXPECT TO GROW OUR BUSINESS AND CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO
EFFECTIVELY MANAGE OUR FUTURE GROWTH
The growth of our business and the provision of bundled telecommunications
services on a widespread basis could place a significant strain on our
management, operations, financial and other resources and increase demands on
our systems and controls. Failure to manage our future growth effectively could
adversely affect the expansion of our client base and service offerings. We can
make no assurances that we will be able to successfully maintain efficient
operations and financial systems, procedures and controls or successfully
obtain, integrate and utilize the employees and management, operations,
financial and other resources necessary to manage an expanding business in our
evolving, highly regulated and increasingly competitive industry. Any failure to
expand in these areas and to improve such systems, procedures and controls in an
efficient manner at a pace consistent with the growth of our business could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.
If we were unable to hire sufficient qualified personnel or successfully
maintain our operations and financial systems, procedures and controls, our
clients could experience delays in connection of service and/or lower levels of
client service, our resources may be strained and we may be subjected to
additional expenses. Our failure to meet client demands and to manage the
expansion of our business and operations could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
WE RELY ON THE EFFECTIVE OPERATION OF OUR INFORMATION AND PROCESSING SYSTEMS
Sophisticated back office information and processing systems are vital to our
business and our ability to monitor costs, bill clients, provision client orders
and achieve operating efficiencies. Our maintenance of these systems relies, for
the most part, on choosing products and services offered by third party vendors
and integrating such products and services in-house to produce efficient
operational solutions. We can make no assurances that the system maintenance and
upgrades will be successfully implemented on a timely basis, that they will be
implemented at all or that, once implemented, they will perform as expected.
Risks to our business associated with our systems include: o failure by our
vendors to deliver their products and services in a timely and effective manner
and at acceptable costs;
o failure by us to adequately identify all of our information and
processing needs;
o failure of our related processing or information systems; and
o failure by us to effectively integrate new products or services.
Furthermore, as our suppliers revise and upgrade their hardware, software and
equipment technology, we could encounter difficulties in integrating the new
technology into our business or the new systems may not be appropriate for our
business. In addition, our right to use these systems is dependent upon license
agreements with third party vendors. Some of these agreements may be cancelled
by the vendor and the cancellation or nonrenewal of these agreements may have an
adverse effect on us.
WE RELY ON THE ESTABLISHED LOCAL TELEPHONE COMPANIES TO IMPLEMENT SUCCESSFULLY
OUR SWITCHED AND ENHANCED SERVICES WHOSE FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH US COULD
AFFECT THE SERVICES WE OFFER
As a participant in the competitive local telecommunications services industry,
we may encounter numerous operating complexities associated with providing local
exchange services. We have been required to develop new products, services and
systems and to develop new marketing initiatives to sell these services. We can
make no assurances that we will be able to continue to develop such products and
services.
We have deployed high capacity voice and data switches in the cities in which we
operate networks. We rely on the networks of established telephone companies or
those of competitive local exchange carriers for some aspects of transmission.
Federal law requires most of the established telephone companies to lease or
"unbundle" elements of their networks and permit us to purchase the call
origination and call termination services we need, thereby decreasing our
operating expenses. We can make no assurances that such unbundling will continue
to occur in a timely manner or that the prices for such elements will be
favorable to us. In addition, our ability to successfully provide our switched
and enhanced services has and will continue to require the negotiation of
interconnection and collocation agreements with established telephone companies
and competitive local exchange carriers, which can take considerable time,
effort and expense and are subject to federal, state and local regulation.
18
We may experience difficulties in working with the established telephone
companies with respect to ordering, interconnecting, and leasing premises. We
can make no assurances that these established telephone companies will continue
to cooperate with us. If we are unable to obtain the cooperation of an
established telephone company in a region, whether or not such company has been
authorized to offer long distance service, our ability to continue to offer
local services in such region on a timely and cost-effective basis may be
adversely affected. In addition, both proposed and recently completed mergers
involving regional Bell operating companies and other competitors could
facilitate such a combined entity's ability to provide many of the services
offered by us, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete against them.
We depend significantly on the quality and maintenance of the copper telephone
lines we lease from the established telephone companies which are providing
services in our markets to provide DSL services. We can make no assurances that
we will be able to continue to lease the copper telephone lines and the services
we require from these established telephone companies on a timely basis or at
quality levels, prices, terms and conditions satisfactory to us or that such
established telephone companies will maintain the lines in a satisfactory
manner.
IF WE FAIL TO OBTAIN ACCESS TO TRANSMISSION LINES, IT MAY AFFECT OUR ABILITY TO
DEVELOP OUR NETWORKS
Under our network buildout strategy, we lease from established telephone
companies and competitive local exchange carriers local transmission lines
connecting our switch to particular telephone company central offices. In the
future, we may seek to replace this leased capacity with our own fiber optic
lines if warranted by traffic volume growth. We can make no assurances that all
required transmission line capacity will be available to us on a timely basis or
on favorable terms. If and when we seek to install our own fiber optic lines, we
must obtain local franchises and other permits, as well as rights-of-way to
utilize underground conduit and aerial pole space and other rights-of-way from
entities such as established telephone companies and other utilities, railroads,
long distance companies, state highway authorities, local governments and
transit authorities. We can make no assurances that we will be able to obtain
and maintain the franchises, permits and rights needed to implement our network
buildout on favorable terms. The failure to enter into and maintain any such
required arrangements for a particular network may affect our ability to develop
that network and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
WE DEPEND ON CERTAIN KEY PERSONNEL AND COULD BE AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF THEIR
SERVICES
We are managed by a number of key executive officers. We believe that our
success will depend in large part on our ability to continue to attract and
retain qualified management, technical, marketing and sales personnel and the
continued contributions of such management and personnel. Competition for
qualified employees and personnel in the telecommunications industry is intense
and there is a limited number of persons with knowledge of and expertise in the
industry. We do not maintain key person life insurance for any of our executive
officers. Although we have been successful in attracting and retaining qualified
personnel, we can make no assurances that we will be able to hire or retain
necessary personnel in the future. The loss of services of one or more of our
key executives, or the inability to attract and retain additional qualified
personnel, could materially and adversely affect us.
WE MAY NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, MAKE INVESTMENTS OR
ACQUIRE ASSETS NECESSARY TO COMPLEMENT OUR EXISTING BUSINESS
We may seek, as part of our business strategy, to continue to develop strategic
alliances or to make investments or acquire assets or other businesses that will
relate to and complement our existing business. We are unable to predict whether
or when any planned or prospective strategic alliances or acquisitions will
occur or the likelihood of a material transaction being completed on favorable
terms and conditions. Our ability to finance strategic alliances and
acquisitions may be constrained by our degree of leverage at the time of such
strategic alliance or acquisition. In addition, our credit facility may
significantly limit our ability to enter into strategic alliances or make
acquisitions and to incur indebtedness in connection with strategic alliances
and acquisitions.
We can make no assurances that any acquisition will be made or that we will be
able to obtain financing needed to fund such acquisition. We currently have no
definitive agreements with respect to any material acquisition, although from
time to time we may have discussions with other companies and assess
opportunities on an ongoing basis.
19
In addition, if we were to proceed with one or more significant strategic
alliances, acquisitions or investments in which the consideration consists of
cash, we could use a substantial portion of our available cash to consummate the
strategic alliances, acquisitions or investments. The financial impact of
strategic alliances, acquisitions and investments could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could
cause substantial fluctuations in our quarterly and yearly operating results.
Furthermore, if we use our common stock as consideration for acquisitions our
shareholders could experience dilution of their existing shares.
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATE ACQUIRED BUSINESSES AND OPERATIONS
As part of our business strategy, we may seek to develop strategic alliances or
acquire complementary assets or businesses. Any future acquisitions or strategic
alliances would be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such
transactions. Such risks include, among others:
o the difficulty of assimilating the acquired operations and personnel;
o the disruption of our ongoing business and diversion of resources and
management time;
o the inability to maximize our financial and strategic position
by the successful incorporation of licensed or acquired technology
and rights into our service offerings;
o the inability of management to maintain uniform standards, controls,
procedures and policies;
o the risks of entering markets in which we have little or no direct
prior experience; and
o the impairment of relationships with employees or clients as a
result of changes in management or otherwise arising out of such
transactions.
In December 2001, we acquired certain assets from FairPoint Communications
Solutions Corp. which included selected collocation sites and the related
business lines. Integration of these collocation sites and migration of the
related business lines into our operations began in 2001. The migration is
expected to be completed in April 2002. We can make no assurances that the
migration will not encounter the risks identified above, which risks could
adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We can make no assurances that we will be able to successfully integrate
acquired businesses or operations that we may acquire in the future.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
WE FACE A HIGH LEVEL OF COMPETITION IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
The telecommunications industry is highly competitive, and one of the primary
purposes of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 is to foster further competition.
In each of our markets, we compete principally with the established telephone
company serving such market. The established telephone companies have
long-standing relationships with their clients, financial, technical and
marketing resources substantially greater than ours and the potential to fund
competitive services with cash flows from a variety of businesses. Established
telephone companies also benefit from existing regulations that favor them over
integrated communications providers and competitive local exchange carriers in
some respects. Furthermore, one large group of established telephone companies,
the regional Bell operating companies, recently have been granted, pricing
flexibility under particular conditions from federal regulators with regard to
some services with which we compete. This may present established telephone
companies with an opportunity to subsidize services that compete with our
services and offer such competitive services at lower prices.
It is likely that we will also face competition from other integrated
communications providers, facilities-based competitive local exchange carriers
and other competitors in some of our markets. We believe that second and third
tier markets will support only a limited number of competitors and that
operations in such markets with multiple competitive providers are likely to be
unprofitable for one or more of such providers.
We can make no assurances that we will be able to achieve or maintain adequate
market share or margins, or compete effectively, in any of our markets.
Moreover, many of our current and potential competitors have financial,
technical, marketing, personnel and other resources, including brand name
recognition, substantially greater than ours as well as other competitive
advantages over us. Any of the foregoing factors could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. See
"Business--Competition."
20
FCC AND STATE REGULATIONS MAY LIMIT THE SERVICES WE CAN OFFER
Our networks and the provision of telecommunications services are subject to
significant regulation at the federal, state and local levels. The costs of
complying with these regulations and the delays in receiving required regulatory
approvals or the enactment of new adverse regulation or regulatory requirements
may have a material adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
We can make no assurances that the Federal Communications Commission, called the
FCC, or state commissions will grant required authority or refrain from taking
action against us if we are found to have provided services without obtaining
the necessary authorizations. If we do not fully comply with the rules of the
FCC or state regulatory agencies, third parties or regulators could challenge
our authority to do business. Such challenges could cause us to incur
substantial legal and administrative expenses.
Our Internet operations are not currently subject to direct regulation by the
FCC or any other governmental agency, other than regulations applicable to
businesses generally. However, the FCC continues to examine the regulatory
status of some services offered over the Internet. New laws or regulations
relating to Internet services, or existing laws found to apply to them, may have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of
operations.
The Telecommunications Act remains subject to judicial review and additional FCC
rulemaking, and thus it is difficult to predict what effect the legislation will
have on us and our operations. There are currently many regulatory actions
underway and being contemplated by federal and state authorities regarding
interconnection pricing and other issues that could result in significant
changes to the business conditions in the telecommunications industry. We can
make no assurances that these changes will not have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition or results of operations.
REGULATION OF INTERCONNECTION WITH ESTABLISHED TELEPHONE COMPANIES INVOLVES
UNCERTAINTIES, AND THE RESOLUTION OF THESE UNCERTAINTIES COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT
OUR BUSINESS
Although the established telephone companies are required under the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 to unbundle and make available elements of their
network and permit us to purchase only the origination and termination services
that we need, thereby decreasing our operating expenses, such unbundling may not
be done as quickly as we require and may be priced higher than we expect. This
is important because we rely on the facilities of these other carriers to
connect to our switches so that we can provide services to our customers. Our
ability to obtain these interconnection agreements on favorable terms, and the
time and expense involved in negotiating them, can be adversely affected by
legal developments.
A Supreme Court decision vacated a FCC rule determining which network elements
the established telephone companies must provide to competitors on an unbundled
basis. On November 5, 1999, the FCC released an order revising its unbundled
network element rules to conform to the Supreme Court's interpretation of the
law, and reaffirmed the availability of the basic network elements, such as
local loops, the connection from a customer's location to the established
telephone company, and dedicated transport, used by us. This order is subject to
further agency reconsideration and/or court review. We have interconnection
agreements with a number of established telephone companies through negotiations
or, in some cases, adoption of another competitive local carrier's approved
agreement. These agreements remain in effect, although in some cases one or both
parties may be entitled to demand renegotiation of particular provisions based
on intervening changes in the law. However, it is uncertain whether any of these
agreements will be so renegotiated or whether we will be able to obtain renewal
of these agreements on as favorable terms when they expire.
21
On July 19, 2000, in a decision on remand from the Supreme Court, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit vacated certain of the FCC's
total element long run incremental (TELRIC) pricing rules. While sustaining the
FCC's use of a forward-looking incremental cost methodology to set rates for
interconnection and unbundled network elements, the Court rejected the FCC's
conclusion that the costs should be based on the use of the most efficient
technology currently available and the lowest cost network configuration.
Instead, the Court stated that the statute required that costs be based on the
use of the established telephone company's existing facilities and actual
network equipment but that these costs should not be based on the historic costs
actually paid by such carrier for network elements. The Court also found that
the FCC erred in using avoidable, rather than actually avoided, costs to
calculate the wholesale discount for resale products. Interconnection and
unbundled network element rates set using the Court's methodology may be higher
than and the wholesale discounts set using the Court's methodology may be lower
than the comparable rates established using the FCC's methodology. The Supreme
Court has agreed to review the Eighth Circuit's decision and the Eighth Circuit
in turn has stayed issuance of the mandate vacating the TELRIC rules pending the
Supreme Court's decision that is expected in 2002. It is difficult to evaluate
the potential impact of this ruling on the prices we pay established telephone
companies for unbundled network elements until the Supreme Court rules. We
believe that the pricing of unbundled network elements approved by many state
commissions and reflected in many of our interconnection agreements is already
materially in compliance with the standard set forth in the Eighth Circuit's
ruling. This ruling could have a material adverse effect on us, however, if it
is interpreted to authorize materially higher charges for unbundled network
elements than those prevailing in our current interconnection agreements.
OUR STOCK HAS BEEN EXTREMELY VOLATILE
Our stock has experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. The market
price for our common stock may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations in
response to a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following,
some of which are beyond our control:
o revenues and operating results failing to meet the expectations of
securities analysts or investors in any period;
o failure to successfully implement our business strategy;
o announcements of operating results and business conditions by our
clients and competitors;
o technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
o announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts,
acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital
commitments;
o announcements by third parties of significant claims or proceedings
against us;
o investor perception of our industry or our prospects;
o economic developments in the telecommunications industry and general
market conditions; or
o regulatory changes.
Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq National Market and as such is subject
to certain requirements for continued listing. We can make no assurances that we
will continue to be able to meet The Nasdaq National Market maintenance
requirements.
IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ADAPT TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
INDUSTRY OUR BUSINESS COULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant changes in
technology, including continuing developments in DSL technology, which does not
presently have widely accepted standards, and alternative technologies for
providing high-speed data transport and networking. The absence of widely
accepted standards may delay or increase the cost of our market entry due to
changes in equipment specifications and customer needs and expectations. If we
fail to adapt successfully to technological changes or obsolescence, fail to
adopt technology that becomes an industry standard or fail to obtain access to
important technologies, our business, financial condition or results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. We may also be dependent on
third parties for access to new technologies. Also, if we acquire new
technologies, we may not be able to implement them as effectively as other
companies with more experience with those technologies and in their markets.
22
WE MAY NOT BE SUCCESSFUL IN GROWING OUR DATA TRANSMISSION SERVICES
We have incurred substantial start-up expenses offering data transmission
services. The success of our data transmission business will be dependent upon,
among other things, the effectiveness of our sales personnel in the promotion
and sale of our data transmission services, the acceptance of such services by
potential clients, and our ability to hire and train qualified personnel and
further enhance our services in response to future technological changes. We can
make no assurances that we will be successful with respect to these matters. If
we are not successful with respect to these matters, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
RISKS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We have made some statements in this Form 10-K, including some under "Risk
Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations," "Business" and elsewhere, which constitute
forward-looking statements. These statements may discuss our future expectations
or contain projections of our results of operations or financial condition or
expected benefits to us resulting from acquisitions or transactions and involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our
actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially
different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements
expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. These factors include,
among other things, those listed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this
prospectus. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by
terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "potential" or
"continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking
statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of
activity, performance or achievements.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We are headquartered in Rochester, New York. We occupy office space in
Rochester under a market-rate lease that expires in 2009. As of December 31,
2001, this lease covered 105,680 square feet. We also have administrative
offices under a lease for 109,000 square feet of space in Grand Rapids,
Michigan. The leases for this space expire in 2002 and 2009. In addition, we
lease space in a number of locations, primarily for sales offices and network
equipment installations. We believe that our leased facilities are adequate to
meet our current needs and that additional facilities are available to meet our
development and expansion needs in existing markets.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On November 20, 2001, the Company and three of its officers were named in
a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on behalf of a class of
persons consisting of certain purchasers of the Company's common stock in its
initial public offering which was completed on February 23, 2000. The complaint
seeks damages based on allegations that the Company's Registration Statement and
Prospectus relating to the offering contained material misstatements and/or
omissions regarding the compensation received by the underwriters of the
offering and certain transactions engaged in by the underwriters. This case,
which also names six of the underwriters of the offering, alleges that the
underwriters engaged in a pattern of conduct to extract inflated commissions in
excess of the amounts disclosed in offering materials and manipulated the
markets by engaging in stabilizing transactions. The underwriters are also the
subject of publicly disclosed investigations by several governmental agencies.
The Complaint does not allege that the Company or the individuals were aware of
or had reason to know of the alleged acts of the underwriters. The theory of
liability against the Company and its officers, as alleged in the complaint, is
that the Company is strictly liable under Section 11 of the Securities Act of
1933 because Item 508 of Regulation S-K allegedly required the disclosure of
commissions to be paid to underwriters and of stabilizing transactions. The
individual defendants are claimed to be liable as officers who signed the
Registration Statement or as controlling persons of the Company under Section 15
of the Securities Act of 1933. At this time, this case has been consolidated
with the hundreds of other cases involving similar allegations and the matter is
in its very preliminary procedural stage.
23
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
During the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, the
Company obtained the requisite consent of holders of a majority of its common
stock to amend its 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan (May 2000 Restatement) to
increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the
plan.
ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The following table sets forth information concerning our executive
officers and other key personnel, including their ages, as of December 31, 2001.
NAME AGE TITLE
Steve M. Dubnik.....39 Chairman of the Board and Director, President and
Chief Executive Officer
Kevin S. Dickens....38 Co-Chief Operating Officer
Ajay Sabherwal......35 Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer
Mae H. Squier-Dow...40 Co-Chief Operating Officer
Philip H. Yawman....36 Executive Vice President, Corporate Development
Robert O. Bailey....55 Senior Vice President, Technology
Joseph A. Calzone...38 Senior Vice President, Engineering
Linda S. Chapman....38 Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Michael A. D'Angelo.36 Senior Vice President, Sales
Scott D. Deverell...36 Vice President, Accounting, and Controller
Elizabeth A. Ellis..43 Senior Vice President, Information Technology
Michelle C. Paroda..38 Senior Vice President, Client Services
Kim Robert Scovill..48 Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs, and
General Counsel
Kevin Stephens......40 Senior Vice President, Marketing
John J. Zimmer......43 Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer
--------------
STEVE M. DUBNIK, our Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive
Officer and Co-Founder, has worked in the telecommunications industry for 18
years. Prior to founding Choice One in June 1998, Mr. Dubnik served in various
capacities with ACC Corp., including as the President and Chief Operating
Officer of North American Operations of ACC from November 1996 to April 1998 and
as Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACC TelEnterprises Ltd. from July 1994
to April 1998. From December 1997 to April 1998, he also jointly performed the
functions of Chief Executive Officer of ACC. Mr. Dubnik currently serves on the
Board of Managers of FiberTech Networks, LLC.
KEVIN S. DICKENS, our Co-Chief Operating Officer since August 2000 and
prior to that Senior Vice President, Operations and Engineering, and Co-Founder
since July 1998, has worked in the telecommunications industry for 13 years.
Prior to joining us, Mr. Dickens was President and Chief Executive Officer of
ACC Corp.'s Canadian subsidiary, ACC TelEnterprises Ltd., from May 1997 to June
1998. Prior thereto, Mr. Dickens was Vice President of Network Planning and
Optimization at Frontier Corporation, from September 1996 to May 1997, with
responsibility for Frontier's long distance network.
AJAY SABHERWAL, our Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer since September 1999, has worked both directly in the telecommunications
industry and as an equity analyst covering the telecommunications industry for
over 12 years. Mr. Sabherwal was most recently executive director of
institutional equity research for Toronto-based CIBC World Markets from June
1996 to September 1999. Prior to joining CIBC World Markets as a senior research
analyst in June of 1996, Mr. Sabherwal was the telecommunications analyst for
BZW (Barclays de Zoete Wedd) Canada and its successor company from November 1993
until June 1996.
24
MAE H. SQUIER-DOW, our Co-Chief Operating Officer since August 2000 and
prior to that Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Service, and
Co-Founder since June 1998, has worked in the telecommunications industry for
17 years. Ms. Squier-Dow served as President of ACC Telecom, a U.S. subsidiary
of ACC Corp., from June 1996 to May 1998, and in several positions at ACC Long
Distance U.K. Ltd., including as Commercial Director from April 1995 to June
1996, and as Director of Client Relations and Marketing, Vice President of
International Planning and Operations Director from October 1993 to April 1995.
PHILIP H. YAWMAN, our Executive Vice President, Corporate Development and
Co-Founder since July 1998, has worked in the telecommunications industry for
14 years. Prior to joining us, Mr. Yawman was Vice President of Investor
Relations and Corporate Communications at ACC Corp. from April 1997 to January
1998. Mr. Yawman also served in various positions at Frontier Corporation from
July 1989 to April 1997, including as head of investor relations' activities
and in several product management positions.
ROBERT O. BAILEY, our Senior Vice President, Technology since September
1999, is responsible is responsible for engineering and operation of the Choice
One network. In addition, he is responsible for evaluating and selecting the
technology to be deployed by Choice One in the next generation of switching
systems architecture, including the evolution from circuit switching systems to
packet and ATM-based infrastructure. Most recently, he was Vice President and
Chief Technology Officer for the Upstate Cellular Network (Frontier Cellular), a
joint venture of Verizon Mobile and Frontier Corporation, from January 1985
until April 1999, where he was responsible for engineering and operations of a
cellular network that covered 5.5 million population units in upstate New York.
JOSEPH A. CALZONE, our Senior Vice President, Engineering since August
2000 and prior to that Vice President, Engineering and Network Operations since
July 1998, has worked in the telecommunications industry for 16 years. Prior to
joining us, Mr. Calzone held various key management positions at Citizens
Communications from October 1995 to May 1998, most recently as head of the
National Sales and Services organization and as Vice President of Long Distance
Engineering and Operations.
LINDA S. CHAPMAN, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources since May
2001 and prior to that Vice President, Human Resources since August 1998, was
the Director of Human Resources of ACC Corp.'s U.S. subsidiary, ACC Telecom,
from June 1997 to July 1998. Prior thereto, Ms. Chapman held various management
positions with MCI from March 1994 to May 1997.
MICHAEL A. D'ANGELO, our Senior Vice President, Sales, since May 2001 and
prior to that Vice President of Sales, since September 1998, has worked in the
telecommunications industry for over 14 years. Prior to joining us, Mr. D'Angelo
was the Director of Sales, Southeast Regional Manager at ICG Communications from
November 1997 to September 1998. Prior thereto, Mr. D'Angelo was Regional Sales
Manager for Citizens Communications from January 1995 to November 1997.
SCOTT D. DEVERELL, our Vice President, Accounting, and Controller since
March 2000 and Director of Accounting since December 1998, is a certified public
accountant. Prior to joining us, Mr. Deverell was employed by PSC Inc. as
Assistant Treasurer from September 1997 to December 1998 and as Controller from
1990 until September 1997.
ELIZABETH A. ELLIS, our Senior Vice President, Information Technology
since August 2000 and prior to that Vice President, Information Technology since
July 1998, has worked in the information technology field for over 21 years,
including the past seven years in the telecommunications industry. Prior to
joining us in July 1998, Ms. Ellis was Commercial Director for ACC Telecom's
subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and Germany from August 1994 to June 1998
where she was responsible for all aspects of network, operations, client
service, telemarketing and information technology.
MICHELLE C. PARODA, our Senior Vice President, Client Services since
August 2000 and prior to that Vice President, Client Care since July 1998, has
worked in the telecommunications industry for 17 years. Prior to joining us, Ms.
Paroda had been employed in a variety of positions by Frontier Corporation since
1984, most recently as Vice President of Client Care.
KIM ROBERT SCOVILL, our Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs and
General Counsel since December 1998, has worked in the telecommunications
industry for over 28 years. From January 1991 to February 1998, Mr. Scovill was
Vice President of Worthington Voice Services, a telecommunications and
e-commerce company. From February 1998 to December 1998, Mr. Scovill was Vice
President and General Counsel of Omnicall, a South Carolina-based CLEC.
KEVIN STEPHENS, our Senior Vice President, Marketing since March 2001 has
over 15 years of marketing and sales experience. Prior to joining us, Mr.
Stephens was Vice President of Marketing at Xerox Corporation. During his tenure
at Xerox, he held various positions within sales, marketing and general
management.
25
JOHN J. ZIMMER, our Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since August
1998, is a certified public accountant and has worked in the telecommunications
industry for 11 years. Prior to joining us, Mr. Zimmer was employed by ACC
Corp., as Vice President and Treasurer from January 1997 to July 1998, as Vice
President of Finance from September 1994 to January 1997.
Each of our officers serves at the pleasure of the board of directors.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market's National Market under
the symbol "CWON" since our initial public offering on February 16, 2000. Prior
to that time, there was no public market for our common stock. The following
table sets forth the high and low prices for our common stock for the periods
indicated as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
Common Stock Price
---------------------------------
2001
--------------------------------
High Low
--------------- -------------
First Quarter $18.13 $3.56
Second Quarter $10.26 $4.31
Third Quarter $ 6.50 $1.40
Fourth Quarter $ 5.10 $1.03
--------------------------------
2000
--------------------------------
First Quarter (from February 16, 2000) $71.38 $24.81
Second Quarter $40.88 $19.63
Third Quarter $41.13 $10.50
Fourth Quarter $13.63 $ 3.94
DIVIDEND POLICY
We have never paid or declared any cash dividends on our common stock and
do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. We currently
intend to retain all future earnings, if any, for use in the operation of our
business and to fund future growth. Our future dividend policy will depend on
our earnings, capital requirements, requirements of financing agreements to
which we are a party, our financial condition and other factors considered
relevant by our board of directors. The agreements and terms of our credit
facility and Series A and Series B senior cumulative preferred stock prohibit us
from paying dividends on our common stock. The agreements and terms of our
subordinate notes prohibit us from paying dividends on our common stock in cash.
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES; USE OF PROCEEDS OF REGISTERED
SECURITIES
On December 19, 2001, we acquired certain assets from FairPoint
Communications Solutions Corp., for consideration consisting of cash, the
issuance of 2,500,000 shares of our common stock, and the contingent issuance of
up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock based upon achievement of certain
operational metrics. This transaction was exempt from registration under the
Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a transaction
not involving any public offering.
On November 9, 2001, in connection with the rollover of our subordinated
debt to subordinated notes, we issued warrants to purchase 1,890,293 shares of
our common stock to the holders of the subordinated notes. The warrants are
exercisable in whole or in part at any time at an exercise price of $2.25 per
share of common stock. The warrants expire on November 9, 2006, which is five
years from the date of issuance.
26
On August 1, 2000, we issued 200,000 shares of Series A senior cumulative
redeemable preferred stock and related warrants in a private placement for
$200.0 million. This transaction was exempt from registration under the
Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a transaction
not involving any public offering.
The Series A preferred stock was issued to certain funds of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Capital Partners. These funds and other related funds own a large
portion of our common stock and have rights to seats on our board of directors.
Each share of Series A preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 and ranks
senior to each other class or series of our capital stock. Dividends accrue at
the rate of 14.0% per annum, cumulative and compounded quarterly. The Series A
preferred stock matures on August 1, 2012, at which time we must redeem the
shares for their stated value plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. Prior to
August 1, 2005 which is the fifth anniversary of the issue date, we may pay
dividends in additional shares of Series A preferred stock or in cash, at our
option. Thereafter until maturity, we must pay dividends in cash.
In connection with the issuance of the Series A preferred stock, we sold
warrants to purchase 1,747,454 shares of our common stock to the holders of the
Series A preferred stock. The warrants are exercisable in whole or in part at
any time at an exercise price of $0.01 per share of common stock. The warrants
will expire on August 1, 2012.
On August 1, 2000, we acquired all the outstanding common stock of US
Xchange, Inc. from its sole shareholder, and a portion of the consideration for
the US Xchange, Inc. stock was 6,207,663 shares of our common stock. Of that
amount, 240,640 shares were issued to certain employees of US Xchange, Inc. The
shares issued in this transaction are subject to transfer restrictions which are
noted on the stock certificates. This transaction was exempt from registration
under the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, as a
transaction not involving any public offering.
On February 16, 2000, we completed our initial public offering through the
sale of 7,145,000 shares of our common stock, at a price of $20.00 per share. We
sold an additional 1,071,750 shares on February 23, 2000 pursuant to an
over-allotment option that we had granted to the underwriters. We raised net
proceeds from these sales of approximately $150 million after expenses. The
shares were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to a
registration statement filed on Form S-1 (No. 333-91321), and underwritten by a
syndicate of underwriters led by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, Lehman
Brothers Inc., Warburg Dillon Read LLC, First Union Securities, Inc. and CIBC
World Markets, as their representatives. Proceeds from the offering were used
for repayment of our debt ($64.4 million). The remaining net proceeds were
invested in investment grade, interesting bearing securities. The remainder of
the proceeds was used between February and July 2000 for capital expenditures,
working capital and other general corporate purposes. Our use of proceeds from
the offering did not represent a material change in the use of proceeds
described in the registration statement.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data presented below as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, and for the period from inception
(June 2, 1998) through December 31, 1998 have been derived from our consolidated
financial statements. The results of our operations for the periods indicated
are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations in the future.
You should read the selected consolidated financial data set forth below
in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
27
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE)
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue................................................ $181,598 $ 68,082 $ 4,518 $ -
Operating expenses:
Network costs....................................... 120,923 56,182 6,979 -
Selling, general and administrative, including
non-cash deferred compensation and non-cash
management ownership allocation charge of $32,423,
$90,527, $2,048 and $376 in 2001, 2000, 1999 and
1998, respectively.................................. 168,295 173,197 22,978 5,060
Non-cash writedown of abandoned assets.............. 801 - - -
Depreciation and amortization....................... 89,144 41,003 5,153 36
-------- --------- ------ ------
Total operating expenses............................ 379,163 270,382 35,110 5,096
-------- -------- ------- ------
Loss from operations................................... (197,565) (202,300) (30,592) (5,096)
Interest income (expense).............................. (51,206) (14,552) (1,883) 22
--------- -------- ------- --------
Net loss............................................... (248,771) (216,852) (32,475) (5,074)
Accretion of preferred stock........................ 7,007 2,393 - -
Accrued preferred stock dividends................... 31,250 11,830 - -
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Net loss applicable to common stockholders............. $ (287,028) $ (231,075) $ (32,475) $ (5,074)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic
============ ============ =========== ===========
and diluted......................................... 39,676,218 32,481,307 22,022,256 18,017,791
============ ============ =========== ===========
Net loss per share, basic and diluted.................. $ (7.23) $ (7.11) $ (1.47) $ (0.28)
============ =========== =========== ===========
AS OF AS OF AS OF AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
--------- -------- -------- --------
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents $14,415 $173,573 $3,615 $1,491
Restricted cash -- 30,000 -- --
Investments -- 9,801 -- --
Working capital (6,337) 185,800 (9,035) 9,707
Property and equipment, net 361,768 302,833 72,427 21,110
Total assets 766,578 923,830 94,512 24,472
Long-term debt 473,432 447,000 51,500 --
Redeemable preferred stock 200,780 162,523 -- --
Stockholders' equity 3,431 259,530 26,724 13,130
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED PERIOD ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------- ------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities. $(126,635) $(69,604) $(24,319) $ 6,587
Net cash used in investing activities.............. (51,024) (489,280) (56,077) (21,146)
Net cash provided by financing activities.......... 18,501 728,842 82,520 16,050
Capital expenditures............................... 85,051 119,400 56,077 21,146
Adjusted EBITDA.................................... (75,197) (70,770) (23,391) (4,684)
OPERATING DATA: AS OF AS OF AS OF AS OF
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999 DECEMBER 31, 1998
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Lines in service:
Voice lines in service........................ 372,341 173,819 19,890 -
Data lines in service......................... 11,634 3,795 206 -
Total lines in service........................ 383,975 177,614 20,096 -
Central office collocations........................ 517 410 141 -
Markets in operation............................... 30 26 9 -
Number of voice switches........................... 26 24 8 -
Number of data switches............................ 63 45 10 -
28
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
We are an integrated communications provider offering facilities-based voice and
data telecommunications services and web services primarily to small and
medium-sized businesses in second and third tier markets in the northeastern and
midwestern United States. Our services include local exchange and long distance
service, high-speed data and Internet service principally utilizing DSL
technology, and comprehensive web development and hosting services. We seek to
become the leading integrated communications provider in each of our markets by
offering a single source of competitively priced, high quality, customized
telecommunications and web-based services. A key element of our strategy has
been to be one of the first integrated communications providers to provide
comprehensive network coverage in each of the markets we serve. We are achieving
this market coverage by installing both voice and data equipment in
multiple
established telephone company central offices. As of December 31, 2001, we have
connected 91% of our clients directly to our own switches, which allows us to
more efficiently route traffic, ensure a high quality of service and control
costs.
Included in our management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations are adjusted EBITDA amounts. Adjusted EBITDA represents
earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, and
non-cash charges. Adjusted EBITDA is used by management and certain investors as
an indicator of a company's historical ability to service debt. Management
believes that an increase in adjusted EBITDA is an indicator of improved ability
to service existing debt, to sustain potential future increases in debt and to
satisfy capital requirements. However, adjusted EBITDA is not intended to
represent cash flows, nor has it been presented as an alternative to either
operating income, as determined by generally accepted accounting principles, nor
as an indicator of operating performance or cash flows from operating, investing
and financing activities, as determined by generally accepted accounting
principles, and is thus susceptible to varying calculations. Adjusted EBITDA as
presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures used by other
companies. We expect that our adjusted EBITDA will become positive during 2002
as we expand our telecommunications services business.
Adjusted EBITDA was the following for the years ending December 31:
2001 2000 1999
-------------- ------------- ------------
Loss from operations $ (197,565) $(202,300) $ (30,592)
Depreciation & amortization 89,144 41,003 5,153
Non-cash deferred compensation 8,406 6,973 2,048
Non-cash management
ownership allocation 24,017 83,554 -
Non-cash writedown of
abandoned assets 801 - -
------------- ---------- -----------
Adjusted EBITDA $ (75,197) $ (70,770) $ (23,391)
============== ============= ==========
FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
REVENUE
We generate revenue from the following categories of service:
o local calling services, which consist of monthly recurring
charges for basic service, usage charges for local calls and service
charges for features such as call waiting and call forwarding;
o long distance services, which include a full range of retail long
distance services, including traditional switched and dedicated long
distance, 800/888 calling, international, calling card and operator
services;
o DSL and other data services, which consist primarily of monthly
recurring charges for connections from the end-user to our facilities;
29
o access charges, which we earn by connecting our clients to their
selected long distance carrier for outbound calls or by delivering inbound
long distance traffic to our local service clients;
o reciprocal compensation, which entitles us to bill the
established telephone companies and competitive local exchange carriers for
calls in the same local calling area placed by their clients to our
clients; and
o web design and hosting.
The market for local and long distance services is well established and we
expect to achieve revenue growth principally from taking market share away from
other service providers. Similarly, we expect revenue from access charges that
are based on other established telephone companies' long distance calls made by
and to our clients to increase in the aggregate as revenue increases, but on a
declining per unit basis, as we increase our client base.
The market for high-speed data communications services and Internet access is
rapidly growing and intensely competitive. While many of our competitors enjoy
advantages over us, we are pursuing a significant market that, we believe, is
currently underserved. See "Business--Market Opportunity."
We price our services competitively in relation to those of the established
telephone companies and offer combined service discounts designed to give
clients incentives to buy a portfolio of our services. During the past several
years, market prices for many telecommunications services on a unit basis have
been declining, which is a trend that we believe will likely continue. This
decline will have a negative effect on our revenue that may not be offset
completely by savings from decreases in our cost of services. As prices decline
for any service, we believe that the total number of users and their usage will
increase. Although pricing is important part of our strategy, we believe that
direct relationships with our clients and consistent, high quality service and
client support is essential to generating client loyalty. See
"Business--Competition."
Our churn for the year ended December 31, 2001 of our facilities-based clients
continues to be below 1% per month. This compares favorably to the significant
churn of clients within the telecommunications industry. We seek to minimize
churn by providing superior client care, by offering a competitively priced
portfolio of local, long distance and Internet services, by signing a
significant number of clients to multi-year service agreements, and by focusing
on offering our own facilities-based services.
There is uncertainty surrounding the payment of reciprocal compensation by the
established telephone companies for calls delivered to Internet service
providers due to their regulatory interpretations and disputes therein. However,
the amount of reciprocal compensation revenue that we receive related to
Internet service providers is not material. See "Regulation--Federal
Regulation."
NETWORK COSTS
Our network costs include the following:
o THE COST OF LEASING HIGH-CAPACITY DIGITAL LINES THAT INTERCONNECT
OUR NETWORK WITH ESTABLISHED TELEPHONE COMPANY NETWORKS. These facilities
are also used to connect our switching equipment to our transmission
equipment located in established telephone company central offices, as well
as to connect our transmission equipment between these offices. These
network expenses include non-recurring installation costs and monthly
recurring fixed costs. As new markets were entered, these fixed costs were
a major component of our total network costs. As our markets mature, these
costs will remain a significant part of our ongoing cost of services, but
at a declining percentage of total costs. We have begun to deploy fiber in
many of our markets, which will replace the leased local network facilities
and decrease our leasing costs. In our markets in Wisconsin, Michigan,
Indiana and Illinois we already have operational intra-city fiber in place
and, as a result, our leasing costs in these markets are significantly less
than in the markets where fiber has not been deployed. Additionally, we had
deployed fiber in all four of our New York markets as of December 31, 2001,
for a total of 12 markets with local fiber.
30
o THE COST OF LEASING LOCAL LOOP LINES WHICH CONNECT OUR CLIENTS TO
OUR NETWORK. The costs to lease local loop lines from established telephone
companies vary by company and are regulated by state authorities under the
Telecommunications Act. These client loop costs are for voice and data
lines as well as client T-1 links. These expenses include non-recurring
installation costs and monthly recurring fixed costs. As our clients
andrelated lines continue to increase, total local loop line costs will
continue to increase and will remain an increasingly significant component
of our ongoing network costs.
o THE COST OF LEASING SPACE IN ESTABLISHED TELEPHONE COMPANY CENTRAL
OFFICES FOR COLLOCATING OUR TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT. In constructing
switching and transmission equipment for a market, we capitalize, as a
component of property and equipment, non-recurring charges for items such
as construction. We also capitalize the monthly recurring costs of the
collocations during the construction period, typically one to two months.
These capitalized non-recurring costs are depreciated over the life of the
lease and are not included in our network costs. Recurring costs, after
traffic is being carried, are expensed as incurred and are included in our
network costs. As a market matures, these costs should remain relatively
constant, decreasing as a total component of total network costs.
o THE COST OF COMPLETING LOCAL CALLS ORIGINATED BY OUR CLIENTS. These
local call costs are referred to as "reciprocal compensation" costs and are
incurred in connection with both voice and data services. We have entered
into interconnection agreements with the established telephone companies in
our markets to make widespread calling available to our clients. These
agreements typically set the cost per minute to be charged by each party
for the calls that are exchanged between the two carriers' networks and
provide that a carrier must compensate another carrier when a local call by
the first carrier's client terminates on the other carrier's network. These
reciprocal compensation costs will grow as our clients' outbound calling
volume grows and will continue to be a significant component of total
network costs. As clients and related lines installed increase, our costs
will continue to increase proportionately.
o THE COST OF COMPLETING, ORIGINATING (1+ CALLING) AND TERMINATING
(INBOUND 800 CALLING) LONG DISTANCE CALLS BY OUR CLIENTS. The cost of
securing long distance service capacity is a variable cost that increases
in direct relationship to increases in our client base and our clients'
long distance calling volumes. These minute of usage charges will continue
to be a significant component of total network costs. As clients and
related lines installed increase, these costs will continue to increase
proportionately.
o THE COST OF LEASING OUR INTER-CITY NETWORK. Our inter-city network
facilities are used to carry data traffic between our markets and for
delivery to Internet access points. The costs of these lines will increase
as we increase capacity to address client demand, open new markets and
connect additional markets to our Internet network. As we deploy fiber,
however, the costs associated with the leased facilities will decrease. As
of December 31, 2001, we had approximately 300 route miles of operational
inter-city fiber in our network connecting our markets in Wisconsin,
Michigan and Illinois.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Our selling, general and administrative expenses include costs associated with
sales and marketing, client care, billing, corporate administration, personnel
and network maintenance. We expect to incur significant selling and marketing
costs as we increase penetration within our 30 markets.
We incur other costs and expenses, including network maintenance costs,
administrative overhead, office lease expense and bad debt expense. These costs
and expenses are expected to grow as we serve our increasing client base.
Administrative overhead will be a large portion of these costs and expenses but
a smaller percentage of our revenue as we continue building our client base.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
As the estimated fair market value of our common stock exceeded the exercise
price of certain options granted, we recognized deferred compensation which is
amortized over the vesting period of the options.
As our estimated fair market value has exceeded the price at which shares of our
stock have been sold to management employees since our formation, we have
recognized a deferred compensation charge of $4.4 million which is being
amortized over a four year period from the date the shares were issued. In
addition, we have similarly recognized a deferred compensation charge of $7.5
million in connection with the issuance of options to various employees, which
is being amortized over a four-year period from the date the options were
issued.
31
MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP ALLOCATION CHARGE
Upon consummation of our initial public offering, we were required by generally
accepted accounting principles to record the $119.9 million increase in the
assets of Choice One Communications L.L.C. allocated to management as an
increase in additional paid-in capital, with a corresponding increase in
deferred compensation. We were required to record $62.4 million of the deferred
compensation as a non-cash, non-recurring charge to operating expense during the
period in which the initial public offering was consummated, and the remaining
$57.5 million was recorded as deferred management ownership allocation charge.
We amortized $24.0 million and $21.1 million of the deferred charge during 2001
and 2000, respectively and will amortize $11.6 million through July 2002, based
on the period over which we have the right to repurchase the securities.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Our depreciation and amortization expense includes depreciation of switch
related equipment, non-recurring charges and equipment collocated in established
telephone company central offices, network infrastructure equipment, information
systems, furniture, fixtures and indefeasible rights to use fiber. It also
includes amortization of goodwill and client relationships. Our acquisitions of
US Xchange, Atlantic Connections and EdgeNet have been accounted for using the
purchase method of accounting. The value of the client relationships acquired
from US Xchange, Atlantic Connections and EdgeNet is $48.5 million, $3.3 million
and $0.5 million, respectively, and is being amortized over five year periods.
The value of the indefeasible right to use fiber acquired from US Xchange is
$34.3 million and is being amortized over 20 years. The amount of the purchase
price in excess of the fair value of the net assets acquired (goodwill) for US
Xchange, Atlantic Connections and EdgeNet was $319.3 million, $7.3 million and
$3.5 million, respectively. The goodwill had been amortized over the estimated
useful life of 10 years. In January 2002, we adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets". Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill will no longer be amortized. This standard
also requires that goodwill be subject to at least an annual assessment for
impairment through the application of a fair value-based test. We expect that
our depreciation and amortization expense will increase as we continue to make
capital expenditures and acquire long-term rights in telecommunications
facilities, except for goodwill which will no longer be amortized beginning on
January 1, 2002.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)
Our interest income includes income generated from our cash and other short-term
investments. We expect interest income to gradually decline as we use our
surplus cash to fund our operations and capital expenditures.
Our interest expense includes interest payments on borrowings under our senior
credit and subordinated debt facilities, amortization of deferred financing
costs related to these facilities, amortization of the discount on the
subordinated notes and unused commitment fees on the senior credit facility.
Beginning in November 2001, the interest expense on the subordinated notes is
payable in kind (PIK) for four years. We expect interest expense to remain
stable over the next several quarters as we use our available funding to fund
our operations and capital expenditures. However, cash interest expense is
expected to decline as we realize the full impact of the PIK interest on the
subordinated notes.
INCOME TAXES
We have not generated any taxable income to date and do not expect to generate
taxable income in the next few years. The use of our net operating loss
carryforwards, which begin to expire in 2021, may be subject to limitations
under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. We have
recorded a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax asset, consisting
primarily of net operating loss carryforwards, due to the uncertainty of its
realizability.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 3 to the consolidated
financial statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. We believe our most
critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates include those relating to
revenue recognition, the allowance for doubtful accounts and acquired
intangibles.
GENERAL. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires
management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of
assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets
and liabilities. On an on-going basis, management evaluates the estimates,
including those related to bad debts and income taxes. Management bases its
estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the
basis for judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
32
REVENUE RECOGNITION. Revenue from monthly recurring charges, enhanced features
and usage is recognized in the period in which service is provided. Deferred
revenue represents advance billings for services not yet provided. Such revenue
is deferred and recognized in the period in which service is provided. The
Company recognizes revenue from switched access and reciprocal compensation
based on management's best estimate of its collectibility being reasonably
assured. Certain judgments in measuring revenue may affect our results. Revenue
results may be difficult to predict, and any shortfall in revenue or delay in
recognizing revenue could cause our operating results to vary significantly and
could result in future operating losses.
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts
for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make the
required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to
deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments,
additional allowances may be required resulting in additional expense to us and
affecting our results of operations.
ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES. Our business acquisitions have resulted in goodwill and
other intangible assets which affect the amount of future period amortization
expense and possible impairment expense that we may incur. The determination of
the value, and any subsequent impairment, of such intangible assets requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect our consolidated
financial statements.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND DECEMBER 31, 2000
REVENUE
We generated $181.6 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2001, an
increase of 167% as compared to $68.1 million in revenue for the year ended
December 31, 2000. The increase in revenue is attributable to an increase in the
number of markets served, the number of clients and the number of lines
installed. At December 31, 2001, we provided service in 30 markets compared to
26 markets at December 31, 2000. At December 31, 2001, we had a total in service
base of 383,975 lines, which compares to 177,614 lines in service as of December
31, 2000. Revenue is expected to increase from the level realized during the
year ended December 31, 2001 as we increase penetration in our existing markets.
NETWORK COSTS
Network costs for the year ended December 31, 2001 were $120.9 million, an
increase of 115% as compared to network costs of $56.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2000. This increase is due to the deployment of our networks
and growth of our services in 30 markets with 517 collocation sites as compared
to 26 markets with 410 collocation sites as of December 31, 2000. Network costs
increased at a slower rate than revenue which reflects the benefits of fiber in
the network and network efficiencies realized from the increased number of
installed lines.
We achieved positive gross margin (revenue less direct network costs) of $60.7
million, or 33.4% of revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to
a positive gross margin of $11.9 million, or 17.5% of revenue, for the year
ended December 31, 2000.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
2001 were $168.3 million, compared to $173.2 million for the year ended December
31, 2000. Excluding the non-cash management ownership allocation charge and
amortization of deferred compensation, selling, general and administrative
expenses were $135.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to
$82.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. These increased expenses
resulted primarily from growth in operations, including the full year impact of
the acquisition of US Xchange, ongoing back office infrastructure enhancements
and the related growth in number of employees. Revenue growth has exceeded the
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses. Revenue increased
166.7% for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2000, while selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding
the non-cash management allocation charge and amortization of non-cash deferred
compensation, grew 64.4% during the same period.
33
Our number of employees increased to 1,758 as of December 31, 2001, from 1,420
as of December 31, 2000. As of December 31, 2001, there were 786 sales
employees, including direct sales, sales support and sales management. This
compares to 572 as of December 31, 2000. We expect the number of sales employees
and total employees to stabilize as we have completed our plan to enter new
markets.
MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP ALLOCATION CHARGE AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION
For the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, we recognized
non-cash management ownership allocation charges of $24.0 million and $83.6
million. We also recognized $8.4 million and $7.0 million of non-cash deferred
compensation amortization for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Deferred compensation was recorded in connection with membership
units of Choice One Communications L.L.C. sold to certain management employees
and grants to employees under our 1998 Stock Option Plan. In August 2000,
deferred compensation of $14.8 million was recorded to stockholders' equity in
connection with the issuance of restricted shares to the employees of US
Xchange.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $89.1
million, compared to $41.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. The
increase results from higher capital expenditures from the deployment of our
networks and initiation of services in new markets and the full year impact of
the acquisition of US Xchange. Approximately half of the depreciation and
amortization was generated from the intangibles as a result of our acquisitions,
the most significant being the August 2000 acquisition of US Xchange.
Goodwill from the acquisitions of US Xchange, Atlantic Connections and EdgeNet
was $319.3 million, $7.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Client
relationships acquired through the acquisitions of US Xchange, Atlantic
Connections and EdgeNet were $48.5 million, $3.3 million and $0.5 million,
respectively. The value assigned to the indefeasible right to use fiber received
in connection with the acquisition of US Xchange was $34.3 million. We expect
that our depreciation and amortization expense will increase as we continue to
make capital expenditures and acquire long-term rights in telecommunications
facilities, except for goodwill which will no longer be amortized in accordance
with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which is effective on January 1, 2002.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $56.1 million of which
$49.0 million was payable in cash. Interest expense includes interest payments
on borrowings under our senior credit and subordinated notes, amortization of
deferred financing costs related to such facilities, amortization of the
discount on the subordinated notes and unused commitment fees on the senior
credit facility. Beginning in November 2001, the interest expense on the
subordinated notes is payable in kind (PIK) for four years. Interest expense for
the year ended December 31, 2000 was $16.7 million. Interest expense increased
as our borrowings increased and due to the full-year effect of indebtedness
incurred during the year ended December 31, 2000.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2001 was $4.9 million. Interest
income results from the investment of cash and cash equivalents, mainly from the
cash proceeds generated from the borrowings under our senior credit and
subordinated debt facilities. Interest income for the year ended December 31,
2000 was $2.1 million.
NET LOSS
The net loss applicable to common stockholders was $287.0 million and $231.1
million for the years ended December 31, 2001and 2000, respectively. Non-cash
accretion and dividends on preferred stock increased $24.0 million during the
year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2000.
Adjusted EBITDA was negative $75.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001,
compared to negative $70.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000.
34
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND DECEMBER 31, 1999
REVENUE
We generated $68.1 million in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2000,
compared to $4.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. We increased, or
obtained through the incremental gain from the acquisition of US Xchange, the
lines in service by 157,518 lines during the year ended December 31, 2000,
compared to 20,096 lines in service during the year ended December 31, 1999. At
December 31, 2000, we had a total in service base of 177,614 lines, which
compares to 20,096 lines in service as of December 31, 1999.
NETWORK COSTS
Network costs for the year ended December 31, 2000 were $56.2 million, compared
to network costs of $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. This
increase is due to the deployment of our networks and growth of our services in
26 markets with 410 collocation sites as compared to nine markets with 141
collocation sites as of December 31, 1999.
We achieved positive gross margin (revenue less direct network costs) of $11.9
million or 17.5% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to a
negative gross margin of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31,
2000 were $173.2 million, compared to $23.0 million for the year ended December
31, 1999. These increased expenses resulted primarily from the recording of a
$83.6 million non-cash management allocation charge as a result of our initial
public offering and from the acquisition of US Xchange and the related growth in
employees. Revenue growth has exceeded the increase in selling, general and
administrative expenses. Revenue increased 1407% for the year ended December 31,
2000 as compared to the year ended December 31, 1999, while selling, general and
administrative expenses, excluding the non-cash management allocation charge and
amortization of non-cash deferred compensation, grew 295% during the same
period. Excluding the non-cash management ownership allocation charge and
amortization of deferred compensation, selling, general and administrative
expenses were $82.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to
$20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Our number of employees increased to 1,420 as of December 31, 2000, from 390 as
of December 31, 1999. As of December 31, 2000, there were 572 sales employees,
including direct sales, sales support and sales management. This compares to 156
as of December 31, 1999.
MANAGEMENT OWNERSHIP ALLOCATION CHARGE AND DEFERRED COMPENSATION
For the year ended December 31, 2000, we recognized non-cash management
ownership allocation charges of $83.6 million. We also recognized $7.0 million
and $2.0 million of non-cash deferred compensation amortization for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Deferred compensation was
recorded in connection with membership units of Choice One Communications L.L.C.
sold to certain management employees and grants to employees under our 1998
Stock Option Plan. In August 2000, deferred compensation of $14.8 million was
recorded to stockholders' equity in connection with the issuance of restricted
shares to the employees of US Xchange.
35
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $41.0
million, compared to $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1999. The
increase results from higher capital expenditures from the deployment of our
networks and initiation of services in new markets and the acquisition of US
Xchange. Approximately half of the depreciation and amortization was generated
from the intangibles as a result of our acquisitions, the most significant being
the August 2000 acquisition of US Xchange.
Goodwill from the acquisitions of US Xchange, Atlantic Connections and EdgeNet
was $318.4 million, $7.3 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Client base
acquired through the acquisitions of US Xchange, Atlantic Connections and
EdgeNet was $48.5 million, $3.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. The
value assigned to the indefeasible right to use fiber received in connection
with the acquisition of US Xchange was $34.3 million.
INTEREST INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $16.7 million.
Interest expense includes interest payments on borrowings under our senior
credit and subordinated debt facilities, amortization of deferred financing
costs related to such facilities and unused commitment fees on the senior credit
facility. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $2.0
million.
Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $2.1 million. Interest
income results from the investment of cash and cash equivalents, mainly from the
cash proceeds generated from the borrowings under our senior credit and
subordinated debt facilities. Interest income for the year ended December 31,
1999 was $76,000.
INCOME TAXES
We have not generated any taxable income to date and do not expect to generate
taxable income in the next few years. We have recorded a full valuation
allowance on the deferred tax asset, consisting primarily of net operating loss
carryforwards, due to the uncertainty of its realizability.
NET LOSS
The net loss applicable to common stockholders was $231.1 million and $32.5
million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively. Adjusted
EBITDA was negative $70.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2000, compared
to negative $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 1999.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
LIQUIDITY
At December 31, 2001 we had $14.4 million in cash and cash equivalents. In
addition, we had $55.0 million available under our revolving credit facility. We
have experienced recurring net losses applicable to common stockholders of
$287.0 million, $231.1 million and $32.5 million during the years ended December
31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, and expect to continue to have future
operating losses. Our viability is dependent upon our ability to continue to
execute under our business strategy and to begin to generate positive cash flows
from operations during 2002. The success of our business strategy includes
obtaining and retaining a significant number of customers, and generating
significant and sustained growth in our operating cash flows to be able to meet
our debt service obligations and fund capital expenditures.
36
Despite our net losses in prior years, we believe we have the necessary funding
available to execute our short- and long-term business strategy. However, our
revenue and costs may be dependent upon factors that are not within our control,
including regulatory changes, changes in technology, and increased competition.
Due to the uncertainty of these factors, actual revenue and costs may vary from
expected amounts, possibly to a material degree, and such variations could
affect our future funding requirements. Additional financing may be required in
response to changing conditions within the industry or unanticipated competitive
pressures. We can make no assurances that we would be successful in raising
additional capital, if needed, on favorable terms or at all. Failure to raise
sufficient funds may require us to modify, delay or abandon some of our future
expenditures. There are conditions to our ability to borrow under our senior
credit facility, including the continued satisfaction of covenants. As of
December 31, 2001, we were in compliance with these covenants and expect to be
in compliance with these covenants in 2002.
Our 2002 plan is predicated upon the following assumptions: sustained
growth due to strong end-user demand for data and voice offerings as numerous
competitors have exited our operational markets; continued improvement in
operational efficiencies through economies of scale that translates into lower
network costs and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of
revenue; decreased capital expenditures and decreased interest expense payable
in cash. The 2002 plan assumes that we have positive cash and cash equivalents
and borrowings available under our senior credit facility at December 31, 2002.
The amount of cash and borrowings available under the senior credit facility as
of December 31, 2002 is dependent upon factors that could differ materially from
our estimates.
CREDIT FACILITY. Our senior credit facility permits us to borrow up to
$350.0 million, subject to various conditions, covenants and restrictions,
including those described in Note 9 to the financial statements, with maximum
borrowing limits to be reduced starting in the fourth quarter of 2003 by 5.0%
with increasing reductions thereafter for each year until maturity in February
2009. As of December 31, 2001, there was $125.0 million outstanding under the
term B loan, $125.0 million outstanding under the term A loan and $45.0 million
outstanding under the $100.0 million revolving credit facility, leaving $55.0
million available under the revolving credit facility. The senior credit
facility, which is secured by liens on substantially all of our and our
subsidiaries' assets and a pledge of our subsidiaries' common stock, contains
covenants and events of default that are customary for credit facilities of this
nature.
We also have $178.3 million of subordinated notes outstanding, which is
subordinated to the senior credit facility. Beginning in November 2001, the
interest expense on the subordinated notes is payable in kind (PIK) for four
years. The subordinated notes mature on November 9, 2010. The subordinated notes
contain covenants related to capital expenditures and events of default that are
similar to those within our senior credit facility.
CASH FLOWS. We have incurred significant operating and net losses since
our inception. We expect to have positive adjusted EBITDA during 2002. However,
we do expect to continue to experience operating losses as we continue to
penetrate our markets. As of December 31, 2001, we had an accumulated deficit of
$503.2 million. Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $126.6
million and $69.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Net cash used for operating activities for the year ended December
31, 2001 was primarily due to operating losses incurred while we grew our client
base. Net cash used for operating activities for the year ended December 31,
2000 was primarily due to net losses.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $18.5 million and $728.8
million for the years December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Net cash
provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2001 was
related to net borrowings under our senior credit facility to support operating
losses incurred during the build-out phase of our business. Net cash provided by
financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2000 was related to $396.0
million of net borrowings under the senior credit facility and subordinated debt
facility, $347.9 million of equity contributions, including the issuance of
Series A preferred stock, and $14.6 million of payments of financing costs
related to the senior credit and subordinated debt facility.
CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS. Capital expenditures were $85.1 million and $119.4
million from the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. We expect
that our capital expenditures will continue on a declining basis in future
periods, since we have become operational in all of our markets. Net cash used
in our investing activities was $51.0 million for the year ended December 31,
2001 and $489.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2000. Net cash used for
investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2001 was due to expansion
of our existing markets, expansion into new markets, addition of capacity to
support incremental growth in several of our early markets and collocation sites
acquired from FairPoint Communications Solutions Corp. Net cash used for
investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2000 was due to capital
expenditures for market expansion and central office collocations. It was also
due to the acquisitions of US Xchange in August 2000 and EdgeNet in February
2000 for net cash consideration of $324.6 million and $1.9 million,
respectively.
37
The actual amount and timing of our future capital requirements may differ
materially from our estimates as a result of the demand for our services and
regulatory, technological and competitive developments, including new
opportunities in the industry and other factors. We may require additional
financing, or require financing sooner than anticipated, if our business plans
or projections change or prove to be inaccurate. We may also require additional
financing in order to take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, to effect
acquisitions of businesses, to develop new services or to otherwise respond to
changing business conditions or unanticipated competitive pressures. Sources of
additional financing may include commercial bank borrowings, capital leases,
vendor financing or the private or public sale of equity or debt securities.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
At December 31, 2001, the carrying value of our debt obligations excluding
obligations under capital leases for indefeasible rights to use fiber was $473.4
million and the fair value of those obligations was $488.5 million. The weighted
average interest rate of our debt obligations at December 31, 2001 was 10.17%. A
hypothetical decrease of approximately 100 basis points from prevailing interest
rates at December 31, 2001, would result in an increase in the fair value of our
fixed rate debt by approximately $7.0 million.
Also, a hypothetical increase of approximately 100 basis points from
prevailing interest rates at December 31, 2001, would result in an approximate
increase in cash required for interest on our variable rate debt during the next
five fiscal years of $3.5 million per year.
We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Interest rate swap agreements are used to reduce our exposure to risks
associated with interest rate fluctuations and, subject to limitations and
conditions, are required by our credit facility. Under the credit facility
agreement, we are required to enter into hedging agreements with respect to
interest rate exposure with an aggregate notional amount equal to 50% of the
outstanding borrowings once at least 50% of the aggregate commitment has been
utilized. By their nature, these interest rate swap agreements involve risk,
including the risk of nonperformance by counterparties, and our maximum
potential loss may exceed the amount recognized in our balance sheet. We attempt
to control our exposure to counterparty credit risk through monitoring
procedures and by entering into multiple contracts. The interest differential to
be paid or received under the related interest rate swap agreements is
recognized over the life of the related debt and is included in interest expense
or income. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements designated and
effective as a cash flow hedging instrument is included in accumulated other
comprehensive loss. Credit risk associated with nonperformance by counterparties
is mitigated by using major financial institutions with high credit ratings.
At December 31, 2001, we had interest rate swap agreements for an
aggregate notional amount of $187.5 million. Based on the fair value of the
interest rate swaps at December 31, 2001, it would have cost us $13.5 million to
terminate the agreements. A hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in the
floating spot rate would further decrease the fair value of the interest rate
swaps by approximately $5.6 million.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, (SFAS No. 141), "Business Combinations".
This standard eliminates the pooling of interests method of accounting for
business combinations and requires the purchase method of accounting for
business combinations. The standard is effective for acquisitions initiated
after June 30, 2001. On January 1, 2002, we are required to adopt this standard
for business combinations for which the acquisition date was before July 1,
2001. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141 to have a material impact on
our financial results.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), "Goodwill
and Other Intangible Assets". We will adopt this standard on January 1, 2002.
Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and acquired intangible assets with indefinite
lives will no longer be amortized. Our goodwill amortization for the year ended
December 31, 2001 was $33.0 million. This standard also requires that goodwill
and acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives be subject to at least an
annual assessment for impairment through the application of a fair value-based
test. The Company's management is continuing to evaluate the impact of the
adoption of this standard on our financial results.
38
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, (SFAS No. 143), "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations". This standard addresses the financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The standard is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We will adopt this standard
effective January 1, 2003. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 143 to have
a material impact on our financial results.
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, (SFAS No. 144), "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This standard addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. We
will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2002. We do not expect the
adoption of SFAS No. 144 to have a material impact on our financial results.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Financial statements with supplementary data are included under Item 14(a).
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 information required by this Item 10 regarding our Directors and
nominees is incorporated in this report by reference from certain sections of
our definitive proxy statement for our 2002 annual meeting of stockholders,
which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later then
April 30, 2002. You will find our responses to this Item 10 in the sections
titled " Elections of Directors". The information required by this Item 10
regarding our executive officers and other key personnel is included under Item
4A of this Form 10-K under the heading "Executive Officers of the Registrant".
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated in this report by
reference from the sections titled "Compensation of Executive Officers" and
"Executive Agreements" of our proxy statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated in this report by
reference from the section titled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" of our proxy statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated in this report by
reference from the section titled "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions" of our proxy statement.
39
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a. Documents filed as a part of this report.
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Index to Financial Statements on page 42.
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
See Index to Financial Statements on page 42.
3. EXHIBITS
See Index to Exhibits on page 68.
b. Reports on Form 8-K.
None filed.
40
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Public Accountants...................................43
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2001 and 2000...............44
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999.......................................................45
Consolidated Statements of Redeemable Preferred Stock and Stockholders'
Equity for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 ...............46
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
2001, 2000 and 1999........................................................47
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.................................48
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts..............................66
41
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Choice One
Communications Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31,
2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations, redeemable
preferred stock and stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2001. 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 auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. 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 Choice One Communications Inc.
and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States.
As explained in Note 3 to the financial statements, effective January 1, 2001,
the Company changed its method of accounting for derivative instruments in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities".
Our audits were 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 is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities
and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the 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.
/S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Rochester, New York
March 19, 2002 (except with
respect to the matter
discussed in Note 19, as to
which the date is
March 31, 2002)
42
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001 AND 2000
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
2001 2000
---- ----
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.................................................. $14,415 $173,573
Restricted cash............................................................ - 30,000
Investments................................................................ - 9,801
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$3,289 and $2,372 at December 31, 2001 and 2000)......................... 40,239 20,655
Prepaid expenses and other current assets.................................. 1,910 4,913
------- --------
Total current assets............................................................ 56,564 238,942
------ -------
Property and Equipment:
Property and equipment..................................................... 434,148 329,704
Less-accumulated depreciation.............................................. (72,380) (26,871)
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net..................................................... 361,768 302,833
------- -------
Other assets, net............................................................... 348,246 382,055
------- -------
Total assets.................................................................... $766,578 $923,830
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of capital leases for indefeasible rights to use fiber..... $ 310 $ 32
Accounts payable........................................................... 12,629 1,840
Accrued expenses........................................................... 49,962 51,270
------ ------
Total current liabilities....................................................... 62,901 53,142
------ ------
Long-term debt (including discount of $3,286 at December 31, 2001).............. 473,432 447,000
Long-term capital leases for indefeasible rights to use fiber................... 12,550 1,635
Interest rate swaps............................................................. 13,484 -
-------- -----------
Total long-term debt and other liabilities...................................... 499,466 448,635
Commitments and Contingencies
Redeemable Preferred Stock:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; 200,000
shares issued and outstanding, ($257,080 liquidation value at December 31,
2001, including accrued dividends of $43,080) ............................. 200,780 162,523
Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 150,000,000 authorized, 40,431,583 and
37,911,851 shares issued as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively 404 379
Treasury stock, 132,328 and 68,197 shares, at cost, at
December 31, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.................... (480) (216)
Additional paid-in capital................................................. 537,059 566,975
Deferred compensation...................................................... (16,896) (53,207)
Accumulated deficit........................................................ (503,172) (254,401)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss....................................... (13,484) -
---------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity................................................. 3,431 259,530
---------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity................................. $766,578 $923,830
======== ========
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these balance sheets.
43
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2000, AND 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
2001 2000 1999
----------- ---------- ------------
Revenue $ 181,598 $ 68,082 $ 4,518
Operating expenses:
Network costs..................................................... 120,923 56,182 6,979
Selling, general and administrative, including non-cash deferred
compensation of $8,406, $6,973 and $2,048 in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively, and non-cash management ownership allocation charge of
$24,017, $83,554 and $0 in 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.................................................... 168,295 173,197 22,978
Non-cash writedown of abandoned assets............................ 801 - -
Depreciation and amortization..................................... 89,144 41,003 5,153
----------- ---------- ------------
Total operating expenses.......................................... 379,163 270,382 35,110
----------- ---------- ------------
Loss from operations................................................... (197,565) (202,300) (30,592)
----------- ---------- ------------
Interest income/(expense):
Interest income................................................... 4,871 2,111 76
Interest expense.................................................. (56,077) (16,663) (1,959)
----------- ---------- ------------
Interest income/(expense), net.................................... (51,206) (14,552) (1,883)
----------- ---------- ------------
Net loss .............................................................. (248,771) (216,852) (32,475)
Accretion on preferred stock...................................... 7,007 2,393 -
Accrued dividends on preferred stock.............................. 31,250 11,830 -
----------- ---------- ------------
Net loss applicable to common stockholders............................. $ (287,028) $ (231,075) $ (32,475)
=========== ========== ============
Net loss per share, basic and diluted.................................. $ (7.23) $ (7.11) $ (1.47)
=========== ========== ============
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted....... 39,676,218 32,481,307 22,022,256
=========== ========== ============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these financial statements.
44
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
REDEEMABLE
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK TREASURY
--------------- SHARES STOCK
SHARES AMOUNT OUTSTANDING AMOUNT AMOUNT
------ ------ ------------ ------ -------
Balance, December 31, 1998 - - 21,275,829 213 -
Capital contributions
and issuance of common
stock........................ - - 746,427 7 -
Deferred compensation......... - - - - -
Amortization of
deferred compensation......... - - - - -
Net loss and
comprehensive loss........... - - - - -
------ ------ ------------ ------ -------
Balance, December 31, 1999.......... - - 22,022,256 220 -
Issuance of common stock....... - - 9,014,488 91 -
Conversion of
promissory note to
common stock.................. - - 132,148 1 -
Deferred compensation.......... - - 535,296 5 -
Management ownership
allocation charge............. - - - - -
deferred compensation......... - - - - -
Issuance of common
stock for the US
Xchange acquisition........... - - 6,207,663 62 -
Issuance of Series A
preferred stock and
warrants...................... 200,000 148,300 - - -
Accretion on preferred
stock.......................... - 2,393 - - -
Accrued dividends on
preferred stock............... - 11,830 - - -
Acquisition of treasury
shares......................... - - (68,197) - (216)
Net loss and
comprehensive loss............ - - - - -
--------- --------- ------------ --------- --------
Balance, December 31, 2000........ 200,000 162,523 37,843,654 379 (216)
Exercise of stock
options........................ - - 20,056 - -
Management ownership
allocation charge
deferred compensation......... - - - - -
Issuance of detachable
warrants....................... - - - - -
Issuance of common
stock to FairPoint............ - - 2,500,000 25 -
Accretion on preferred
stock.......................... - 7,007 - - -
Accrued dividends on
preferred stock............... - 31,250 - - -
Acquisition of treasury
shares......................... - - (64,455) - -
Net loss....................... - - - - -
Change in fair value of
interest rate swaps.......... - - - - -
Comprehensive loss............ - - - - -
--------- --------- ------------ ---------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 2001 200,000 $ 200,780 40,299,255 $404 (480)
========= ========= ============ ========== =========
45
ACCUMULATED
ADDITIONAL OTHER
PAID-IN DEFERRED COMPREHENSIVE ACCUMULATED
CAPITAL COMPENSATION LOSS DEFICIT TOTAL
---------- -------------- -------------- ---------- ----------
Balance, December 31, 1998 21,314 (3,323) - (5,074) 13,130
Capital contributions
and issuance of common
stock......................... 44,014 - - - 44,021
Deferred compensation.......... 7,126 (7,126) - - -
Amortization of
deferred compensation......... - 2,048 - - 2,048
Net loss and
comprehensive loss........... - - - (32,475) (32,475)
---------- ------------- -------------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 1999.......... 72,454 (8,401) - (37,549) 26,724
Issuance of common stock....... 150,451 - - - 150,542
Conversion of
promissory note to common stock.. 2,399 - - - 2,400
Deferred compensation.......... 15,789 (15,794) - - -
Management ownership
allocation charge............. 119,866 (119,866) - - -
Amortization of
deferred compensation......... - 90,527 - - 90,527
Issuance of common
stock for the US
Xchange acquisition........... 171,021 - - - 171,083
Issuance of Series A
preferred stock and
warrants...................... 49,353 - - - 49,353
Accretion on preferred stock... (2,393) - - - (2,393)
Accrued dividends on
preferred stock............... (11,830) - - - (11,830)
Acquisition of treasury
shares........................ (135) 327 - - (24)
Net loss and
comprehensive loss............ - - - (216,852) (216,852)
----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -----------
Balance, December 31, 2000.......... 566,975 (53,207) - (254,401) 259,530
Exercise of stock
options........................ 107 - - - 107
Management ownership
allocation charge............. - 24,017 - - 24,017
Amortization of
deferred compensation......... - 8,406 - - 8,406
Issuance of detachable
warrants....................... 3,366 - - - 3,366
Issuance of common
stock to FairPoint............ 8,750 - - - 8,775
Accretion on preferred
stock.......................... (7,007) - - - (7,007)
Accrued dividends on
preferred stock............... (31,250) - - - (31,250)
Acquisition of treasury
shares......................... (3,882) 3,888 - - (258)
Net loss....................... - - - (248,771) (248,771)
Change in fair value of
interest rate swaps........... - - (13,484) - (13,484)
-----------
Comprehensive loss............. - - - - (262,255)
Balance, December 31, 2001 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
$537,059 $(16,896) $ (13,484) $ (503,172) $ 3,431
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these financial statements.
46
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss................................................................ $ (248,771) $ (216,852) $ (32,475)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
operating activities:
Non-cash write down of abandoned assets............................. 801 - -
Depreciation and amortization....................................... 89,144 41,003 5,153
Non-cash interest on subordinated notes............................. 3,413 - -
Amortization of deferred financing costs............................ 3,615 1,860 294
Amortization of discount on debt.................................... 80 - -
Deferred compensation and management ownership allocation charge.... 32,423 90,527 2,048
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net......................................... (16,454) (9,554) (1,771)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets........................ 3,003 (3,147) (476)
Other long term assets........................................... (2,767) 703 -
Accounts payable................................................. 10,789 2,323 2,107
Accrued expenses................................................. (1,911) 23,533 801
---------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities......................... (126,635) (69,604) (24,319)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures................................................ (85,051) (119,400) (56,077)
Purchase of investments............................................. (2,199) (11,545) -
Proceeds from sale of investments................................... 9,801 - -
Decrease/(increase) in restricted cash.............................. 30,000 (30,000) -
Payments under long-term capital leases for indefeasible rights to use
fiber............................................................... (57) - -
Purchase of accounts receivable..................................... (3,518) - -
Cash payments for acquisition of business, net of cash acquired..... - (328,335) -
--------- ---------- ----------
Net cash used in investing activities............................ (51,024) (489,280) (56,077)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Additions to long-term debt...................................... 62,000 620,125 71,251
Principal payments of long-term debt............................. (35,695) (224,625) (28,000)
Proceeds from capital contributions and issuance of common stock 107 150,276 44,021
Repurchase of treasury stock..................................... (12) (24) -
Proceeds from issuance of Series A preferred stock............... - 197,655 -
Payments of financing costs...................................... (7,899) (14,565) (4,752)
----------- ------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities............................... 18,501 728,842 82,520
---------- ------------ --------------
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents.................... (159,158) 169,958 2,124
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period.......................... 173,573 3,615 1,491
---------- -------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period................................ $ 14,415 $ 173,573 $ 3,615
========== =========== ==============
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid....................................................... $ 53,072 $ 8,930 $ 1,381
=========== ============== =============
Income taxes paid................................................... $ - $ - $ -
=========== ============== =============
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part
of these financial statements.
47
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2001
(ALL AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Choice One Communications Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") is an integrated
communications provider offering facilities-based voice and data
telecommunications services and web services primarily to small and medium-sized
businesses in second and third tier markets in the northeastern and midwestern
United States. The Company's services include local exchange and long distance
services, high-speed data and Internet services, and web hosting and design
services. The Company seeks to become the leading integrated communications
service provider in each market by offering a single source for competitively
priced, high quality, customized telecommunications and web-based services. The
Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware on June 2,
1998.
The Company has experienced recurring net losses applicable to common
stockholders of $287.0 million, $231.1 million and $32.5 million during the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, and expects to
continue to have future operating losses. The Company's viability is dependent
upon its ability to continue to execute under its business strategy and to begin
to generate positive cash flows from operations during 2002. The success of the
Company's business strategy includes obtaining and retaining a significant
number of customers, and generating significant and sustained growth in its
operating cash flows to be able to meet its debt service obligations and fund
capital expenditures.
Despite its net losses in prior years, the Company believes it has the necessary
funding available to it to execute its business strategy through 2002. However,
the Company's revenue and costs may also be dependent upon factors that are not
within its control, including regulatory changes, changes in technology, and
increased competition. Due to the uncertainty of these factors, actual revenue
and costs may vary from expected amounts, possibly to a material degree, and
such variations could affect the Company's future funding requirements.
Additional financing may be required in response to changing conditions within
the industry or unanticipated competitive pressures. The Company can make no
assurances that it would be successful in raising additional capital, if needed,
on favorable terms or at all. Failure to raise sufficient funds may require the
Company to modify, delay or abandon some of its future expenditures. There are
conditions to the Company's ability to borrow under its senior credit facility,
including the continued satisfaction of covenants. As of December 31, 2001, the
Company was in compliance with these covenants and expects to be in compliance
with these covenants in 2002.
The 2002 plan is predicated upon the following assumptions: sustained growth due
to end-user demand for data and voice offerings in the Company's operational
markets; continued improvement in operational efficiencies through economies of
scale that translates into lower network costs and selling, general and
administrative expenses as a percent of revenue; decreased capital expenditures
and decreased interest expense payable in cash. At December 31, 2001, the
Company had $14.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and $55.0 million
available under its senior credit facility. The 2002 plan assumes that the
Company will have positive cash and cash equivalents and borrowings available
under its senior credit facility at December 31, 2002. The amount of cash and
borrowings available under the senior credit facility as of December 31, 2002 is
dependent upon factors that could differ materially from the estimates. Should
factors assumed in the 2002 plan differ materially, management may delay some of
its future capital expenditures or seek alternative financing for future capital
expenditures.
NOTE 2. RECLASSIFICATION
Certain amounts in the 2000 and 1999 consolidated financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
48
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include all accounts of Choice One
Communications Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less. The cost of the cash equivalents approximates fair
market value.
RESTRICTED CASH
Restricted cash represented funds held in escrow for interest payments on the
subordinated debt facility through November 2001. There was no restricted cash
as of December 31, 2001.
INVESTMENTS
Investments consist of commercial paper with original maturities of more than
three months. The investments were considered available for sale and are stated
at fair value, which approximated the carrying value of the investments. There
were no short-term investments as of December 31, 2001.
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets include prepaid rent, insurance,
software maintenance contracts and refundable deposits. Prepayments are expensed
on a straight-line basis over the life of the underlying agreement.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment includes switch equipment, computer equipment and
software, office furniture and equipment, indefeasible rights to use fiber,
construction-in-progress and leasehold improvements. These assets are stated at
cost, which includes direct costs, capitalized labor and capitalized interest.
For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed
using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Switch equipment........................ 10 years
Computer equipment and software......... 3-5 years
Office furniture and equipment.......... 3-7 years
Indefeasible right to use fiber......... 20 years
Depreciation of the switch equipment begins once the switches are placed in
service. Construction in progress costs relate to projects to acquire, install
and make operational the network components. Direct labor costs, monthly
recurring costs of the collocations, and interest costs incurred in connection
with the installation and construction of certain equipment are capitalized
until such equipment becomes operational. These costs are then amortized over
the life of the related asset.
Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the
shorter of the estimated life of the asset or the related lease term.
Betterments, renewals and extraordinary repairs that extend the life of the
asset are capitalized; other repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.
Included in property and equipment are leases for indefeasible rights to use
fiber which have been capitalized. The present value of minimum lease payments
is recorded as a liability. Amortization on the capitalized indefeasible rights
to use fiber is computed on the straight-line method over the term of the
agreements.
49
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
OTHER ASSETS
Other assets primarily consist of goodwill, customer relationships, deferred
financing costs and other assets.
Goodwill represents the excess purchase price over the fair value of net
assets acquired and was being amortized using the straight-line method over
the estimated useful life of ten years. In January 2002, the Company will
adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No.
142), "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets". Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill
will no longer be amortized. This standard also requires that goodwill be
subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment through the application
of a fair value-based test.
Customer relationships represent the fair value of the customer relationships
obtained through acquisitions and is being amortized using the straight-line
method over the estimated useful life of five years.
Deferred financing costs consist of capitalized amounts for bank financing fees,
professional fees and other expenses related to the Company's senior credit
facility and subordinated debt facility. These costs are being amortized using
the effective interest rate method, over the life of the related debt.
Amortization expense for these costs is included as a component of interest
expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 121,
"Accounting for the Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Long-lived Assets to be
Disposed Of," for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If such
events or changes in circumstances are present, a loss is recognized if the
carrying value of the asset is in excess of the sum of the undiscounted cash
flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.
An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the
asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.
INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability method of accounting
for income taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between financial statement
and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using the tax rates and laws that are currently in
effect. In addition, the amount of any future tax benefits is reduced by a
valuation allowance until it is more likely than not that such benefits will be
realized.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
The Company recognizes deferred compensation for the difference between the fair
market value of the Company's stock and the price at which such stock has been
sold to management employees since the formation of the Company, for the
difference between fair market value of the Company's stock and the exercise
price of certain options granted, and for restricted shares issued to employees.
The deferred compensation charge and management allocation charges included in
deferred compensation on the consolidated balance sheet are amortized over the
period in which the employee earns the right to sell the stock at market value
or, in the case of options and restricted stock, over the vesting period.
50
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The financial instruments are disclosed in accordance with SFAS No. 107,
"Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments." SFAS No. 107 requires
that the Company disclose the fair value of its financial instruments for which
it is practicable to estimate fair value. The carrying amounts of cash and cash
equivalents, restricted cash, short-term investments, prepaid expenses and other
current assets, accounts payable and amounts included in accruals meeting the
definition of a financial instrument approximate fair value because of the
short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying values, notional amounts
and related estimated fair values for the Company's remaining financial
instruments are as follows:
2001 2000
CARRYING VALUE/ CARRYING VALUE/
NOTIONAL AMOUNT FAIR VALUE NOTIONAL AMOUNT FAIR VALUE
Long-term debt $473,432 $488,505 $ 447,000 $444,895
Interest rate swap agreements $187,500 $(13,484) $ 125,000 $ (5,526)
NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
The Company calculates net loss per share under the provisions of the SFAS No.
128, "Earnings Per Share." SFAS No. 128 requires dual presentation of basic and
diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement. Basic earnings
per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted
into common stock. No reconciliation of basic and diluted is needed, as the
effect of dilutive securities would be antidilutive. The Company had options and
warrants to purchase 8,010,087, 4,391,260 and 605,202 shares outstanding at
December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, that were not included in the
calculation of diluted loss per share because the effect would be antidilutive.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
The Company accounts for comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income," which requires comprehensive income and its
components to be presented in the financial statements. During 2001, the Company
had other comprehensive loss associated with the fair value of interest rate
swaps. During 2000 and 1999, the Company had no other comprehensive income
components; therefore, comprehensive loss was the same as net loss for the
periods presented.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue from monthly recurring charges, enhanced features and usage is
recognized in the period in which service is provided. Deferred revenue
represents advance billings for services not yet provided. Such revenue is
deferred and recognized in the period in which service is provided. The Company
recognizes revenue from switched access and reciprocal compensation in the month
the service is provided to the extent that collectibility is reasonably assured.
NETWORK COSTS
Network costs include lease costs and costs of originating and terminating calls
incurred through third party providers and are expensed as incurred.
CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK
The Company has no significant concentration of credit risk within its
receivables. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2001, no customers
represented more than 10% of the Company's receivables or revenue.
51
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The Company leases its transport capacity from a limited number of suppliers and
are dependent upon the availability of transmission facilities owned by the
suppliers. The Company is vulnerable to the risk of being unable to renew
favorable supplier contracts, and the supplier not timely processing orders for
the Company's customers. The Company is at risk with respect to regulatory
agreements that govern rates charged by the suppliers.
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), " Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities". SFAS No. 133 requires that all
derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, be recognized in
the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or
intent for holding them. The Company adopted the statement, as amended, on
January 1, 2001. The effect of the adoption was recorded in accumulated other
comprehensive loss for $6.0 million.
Derivative instruments are used by the Company to manage its interest rate
exposures. The Company does not use the instruments for speculative purposes.
Interest rate swap agreements are employed as a requirement of the Company's
senior credit facility. The facility requires an interest rate hedge for 50% of
the outstanding principal balance once the Company has utilized 50% of the
aggregate funding under the facility. The interest differential to be paid or
received under the related interest rate swap agreements is recognized over the
life of the related debt and is included in interest expense or income. The fair
value of the interest rate swap agreements designated and effective as a cash
flow hedging instrument is included in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Credit risk associated with nonperformance by counterparties is mitigated by
using major financial institutions with high credit ratings.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of these assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
NOTE 4. ACQUISITIONS
On August 1, 2000, the Company acquired US Xchange, Inc. ("US Xchange"), a
corporation headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was engaged in the
business of providing integrated communications services within the midwest,
primarily third tier cities. The purchase price was approximately $324.6 million
in net cash and 6.2 million shares of common stock issued to the sole
shareholder. The net cash consideration paid consisted of $303.0 million
disbursed upon closing and $21.6 million disbursed prior to and subsequent to
the closing date in connection with the acquisition. The acquisition was
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the net
assets and results of operations of US Xchange have been included in the
Company's consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date.
52
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The purchase price was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed with any excess reflected as goodwill. Goodwill
of $319.3 million, customer relationship of $48.5 million and property and
equipment consisting of an indefeasible right to use fiber of $34.3 million are
being amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years, five years and 20 years,
respectively. The assets and liabilities of US Xchange have been recorded at
their fair values. In connection with the acquisition, liabilities assumed and
cash paid were as follows:
Fair value of assets acquired, including cash acquired.... $ 536,875
Less-liabilities assumed.................................. 12,060
------
Total consideration paid.................................. 524,815
Less-cash acquired........................................ 29,086
Less-common stock issued.................................. 171,083
-------
Net cash paid for acquisition............................. $ 324,646
=========
On February 24, 2000, the Company acquired EdgeNet, Inc. ("EdgeNet"), a
corporation based in Buffalo, New York, which was engaged in the business of
providing Internet home page design and development. The purchase price was
approximately $4.3 million, consisting of approximately $1.9 million in cash and
132,148 shares of the Company's common stock. The acquisition was accounted for
using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the net assets and
results of operations of EdgeNet, Inc. have been included in the Company's
consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The purchase price
was allocated based upon the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed with the excess reflected as goodwill of $3.5 million, which was being
amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years.
In connection with the acquisition, liabilities assumed and cash paid were as
follows:
Fair value of assets acquired, including cash acquired.......... $ 4,397
Less-liabilities assumed........................................ 134
--------
Total consideration paid........................................ 4,263
Less-cash acquired.............................................. 1
Less-amounts borrowed........................................... 2,400
-----
Net cash paid for acquisition................................... $ 1,862
=========
In November 1999, the Company purchased all of the outstanding units of Atlantic
Connections, L.L.C., a local and long distance provider with operations in the
Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Worcester, Massachusetts metropolitan areas. The
purchase price, including contingent consideration of $1.5 million in cash that
was paid in September 2000, was approximately $10.0 million.
NOTE 5. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed results of operations combine the
operations of the Company with those of US Xchange acquired on August 1, 2000 as
well as Atlantic Connections acquired on November 3, 1999, as if the
acquisitions had occurred on January 1, 1999. The unaudited pro forma condensed
results of operations are presented after giving effect to certain adjustments
for depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, interest expense on the
acquisition financing and non-cash deferred compensation charge on restricted
shares of common stock issued in connection with the US Xchange acquisition on
August 1, 2000. The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting.
53
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The unaudited pro forma results of operations are based upon currently available
information and upon certain assumptions that the Company believes are
reasonable. The unaudited pro forma results of operations do not purport to
represent what the Company's financial position or results of operations would
actually have been if the transaction in fact occurred on such date or at the
beginning of the period indicated or to project the Company's financial position
or the results of operations at any future date or for any future period.
PRO FORMA YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 2000 DECEMBER 31, 1999
Revenue................................... $ 94,927 $ 38,786
Loss from operations...................... $(262,147) $(147,402)
Net loss.................................. $(284,454) $(167,395)
Net loss applicable to common stockholders $(317,146) $(202,644)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted..... $ (8.89) $ (6.64)
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding, basic and diluted........ 35,672,237 30,512,669
NOTE 6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000
Switch equipment................. $293,765 $ 213,122
Computer equipment and software.. 49,393 32,754
Office furniture and equipment... 11,203 9,520
Leasehold improvement............ 25,585 20,920
Indefeasible right to use fiber.. 47,893 35,995
Construction in progress......... 6,309 17,393
-------- ----------
$434,148 $ 329,704
======== ==========
Capitalized labor included in property and equipment was $3,425, $2,464 and
$3,894 during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively.
Capitalized monthly recurring costs of collocations in property and equipment
were not material during the periods presented. Approximately $88, $57 and $250
of interest costs, associated with borrowings used to finance the construction
of long-term assets, was capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively.
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
amounted to $45,509, $21,980, and $4,855, respectively.
In May 2001, the Company approved a plan to abandon the assets related to its
Richmond, Virginia market. The writedown of abandoned assets includes equipment
and leasehold costs associated with collocating in the facilities of the
established telephone company located in the Richmond, Virginia area. The
writedown of abandoned assets of $0.8 million is included in the statement of
operations.
54
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 7. OTHER ASSETS
Other assets consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000
Goodwill....................... $ 330,262 $ 329,192
Customer relationships......... 52,285 52,285
Deferred financing costs....... 27,769 19,870
Other assets................... 6,674 2,231
--------- ----------
416,990 403,578
Less-accumulated amortization.. (68,744) (21,523)
--------- ----------
$ 348,246 $ 382,055
========= ==========
NOTE 8. ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consisted of the following:
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000
Accrued network costs............ $ 32,657 $ 18,492
Accrued payroll and payroll
related benefits............. 2,905 5,073
Accrued collocation costs........ 2,815 5,136
Accrued interest................. 3,228 7,463
Other............................ 8,357 15,106
--------- --------
$ 49,962 $ 51,270
========= ========
NOTE 9. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt outstanding consists of the following:
DECEMBER 31, 2001 DECEMBER 31, 2000
Term A loan................ $ 125,000 $ 125,000
Term B loan................ 125,000 125,000
Subordinated notes......... 178,432 180,000
Revolver................... 45,000 17,000
---------- ----------
Long-term debt............. $ 473,432 $ 447,000
========== ==========
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows for the years ending December 31:
2003............................................... $1,875
2004............................................... 9,063
2005............................................... 18,438
2006............................................... 34,062
Thereafter......................................... 413,280
---------
Total.............................................. $ 476,718
=========
In February 2000, in connection with the acquisition of EdgeNet, the Company
entered into $2.4 million of promissory notes with the shareholders of EdgeNet.
The promissory notes were converted into 132,148 shares of the Company's common
stock in September 2000.
55
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
In August 2000, the Company amended and restated its Credit Agreement (the
"Second Amended Agreement"). The Second Amended Agreement, which terminates on
eight and one-half years from August 1, 2000, provides the Company with an
eight-year revolving credit facility of $100.0 million, an eight-year multiple
draw term A loan of $125.0 million and an eight and one-half year term B loan of
$125.0 million. The Second Amended Agreement was used, in part, to finance the
acquisition of US Xchange and will be used to finance capital expenditures and
to provide working capital. Borrowings under the Second Amended Agreement are
secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company and bear interest, at
the Company's option, at either the LIBOR rate or the base rate (the higher of
the prime interest rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.5 percent), with
additional percentage points added based on the Company's leverage ratio, as
defined in the Second Amended Agreement. In addition, the Company is also
required to pay a commitment fee of 0.75 percent to 1.5 percent per annum based
on the unutilized portion of the credit facility. At December 31, 2001, the
weighted average floating interest rate and the weighted average fixed swapped
interest rate on the senior credit facility were 6.46% and 10.79%, respectively.
The aggregate commitment under the Second Amended Agreement is reduced by 1.25
percent per quarter commencing on December 31, 2003 until September 30, 2004, by
2.50 percent per quarter commencing on December 31, 2004 until September 30,
2005, by 6.25 percent per quarter commencing on December 31, 2005 until
September 30, 2006, and by 7.50 percent per quarter commencing on December 31,
2006 until termination of the loan on January 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2001,
$55.0 million was available under the revolving credit facility.
The Second Amended Agreement revised certain covenants including total debt to
contributed capital, minimum revenue, maximum earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) losses, maximum capital expenditure
levels, minimum asset coverage, leverage ratio, fixed charge ratio and interest
coverage ratio, all as defined in the Amended Agreement. At December 31, 2001,
the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
In August 2000, the Company entered into a $180.0 million unsecured subordinated
debt facility which was a one-year overfunded facility. Upon draw down of the
facility in November 2000, $30.0 million of the proceeds was credited into
escrow to fund cash interest payments on the loan. This amount was reflected as
restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheet. Morgan Stanley Senior
Funding, a related party to the Company, was sole lead arranger for the
subordinated debt facility. The one-year overfunded facility maturity date was
November 9, 2001.
On the maturity date, the outstanding balance was redeemed with the issuance of
subordinated notes. The redemption value was allocated between the subordinated
notes and the related warrants issued, generating a discount on the subordinated
notes of $3.4 million. This discount is being amortized over the nine-year term
of the subordinated notes. During 2001, $80,000 of the discount was amortized.
The subordinated notes mature on November 9, 2010.
The warrants were issued to purchase 1,890,294 shares of common stock. The
warrants are exercisable at $2.25 per share of common stock and will expire on
November 9, 2006.
As of December 31, 2001, $178.4 million of subordinated notes was outstanding.
Interest will be payable quarterly based on LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The
interest rate was 13.00% on December 31, 2001 and is fixed until November 2005.
Interest on the notes is non-cash during the first four years of the notes term,
increasing the principal balance for this period.
At December 31, 2001, the carrying value of the Company's debt obligations,
excluding obligations under capital leases for indefeasible rights to use fiber,
was $473.4 million and the fair value of those obligations was $488.5 million.
NOTE 10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Under the Second Amended Agreement, the Company is required to enter into
hedging agreements with respect to interest rate exposure with an aggregate
notional amount equal to 50% of the outstanding borrowings once at least 50% of
the aggregate commitment has been utilized. The Company uses interest rate swap
agreements to reduce its exposure to interest rate changes. In August 2000 the
Company entered into a swap contract related to $125.0 million borrowed on the
term B loan. The swap expires in 2006 and is based on three-month LIBOR, which
is fixed at 6.94%, plus an applicable margin. In June 2001 the Company entered
into a swap contract related to $62.5 million borrowed on the term A loan. The
swap expires in 2003 and is based on three-month LIBOR, which is fixed at
4.985%, plus an applicable margin. The differential to be received or paid under
the interest rate swap agreements is recognized as a component of interest
expense.
56
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
At December 31, 2001, the notional principal amount of the interest rate swap
agreements was $187.5 million expiring between 2003 and 2006. The fair value of
the swap agreements was a liability of $13.5 million as of December 31, 2001.
The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is estimated based on quotes
from brokers and represents the estimated amount that the Company would expect
to pay to terminate the agreements at the reporting date.
NOTE 11. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
On August 1, 2000, the Company issued 200,000 shares of Series A senior
cumulative redeemable preferred stock and related warrants in a private
placement for $200.0 million. The Series A preferred stock was issued to Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Capital Partners, a related party to the Company. Each share
of Series A preferred stock has a stated value of $1,000 and ranks senior to
each other class or series of the Company's capital stock.
Dividends accrue at the rate of 14.0% per annum, cumulative and compounded
quarterly. Prior to August 1, 2005 (the fifth anniversary of the issue date) the
Company may pay dividends in additional shares of Series A preferred stock or in
cash, at the Company's option. Thereafter until maturity, dividends are to be
paid in cash. The Series A preferred stock matures on August 1, 2012, at which
time the Company must redeem the shares for their stated value plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends. The Series A preferred stock is not redeemable by the
Company prior to August 1, 2005. For redemptions of the Series A preferred stock
between August 1, 2005 and the maturity date of August 1, 2012, the Company must
pay a premium on amounts redeemed based on the following schedule:
August 1, 2005 to July 31, 2006 107%
August 1, 2006 to July 31, 2007 104.67%
August 1, 2007 to July 31, 2008 102.33%
August 1, 2008 and thereafter 100%
For liquidation or change in control during the first five years or any time
through the maturity date, the premium on redeemed amounts would be 100% and
101%, respectively.
At December 31, 2001 and 2000, $43.1 million and $11.8 million, respectively, in
dividends were accrued and will be paid in additional shares of Series A
cumulative redeemable preferred stock.
NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
On January 17, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors voted to amend the
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company to increase the number of authorized
common shares and preferred shares to 150 million and 5 million respectively, as
calculated after the stock split.
On January 25, 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 354.60-for-one
stock split, the effect of which is retroactively reflected within these
financial statements for all periods presented.
On February 16, 2000, the Company raised $164.3 million, less $14.0 million in
expenses, in an initial public offering of Common Stock (the "equity offering").
Prior to the equity offering, the Company's institutional investors and
management owned 95.0 percent and 5.0 percent, respectively, of the ownership
interests of Choice One LLC, an entity that owned substantially all of the
Company's outstanding capital stock. As a result of the equity offering, Choice
One LLC was dissolved and its assets, which consisted almost entirely of such
capital stock, were distributed to the Company's institutional investors and
management in accordance with the LLC Agreement. The LLC Agreement provided that
the Equity Allocation between the Company's institutional investors and
management be 68.5 percent to the Investor Members and 31.5 percent to
management based upon the valuation implied by the equity offering.
57
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
As the estimated fair value of the Company had exceeded the price at which
ownership units of Choice One LLC had been sold to management employees since
the formation of the Company and prior to the initial public offering, the
Company had recognized deferred compensation of $4.4 million and $1.7 million at
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, of which $0.9 million, $2.1 million
and $0.9 million had been amortized to expense during the years ended December
31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
Upon the consummation of the initial public offering, the Company was required
by generally accepted accounting principles to record the increase (based upon
the valuation of the Common Stock implied by the equity offering) in the assets
of Choice One LLC allocated to management as a $119.9 million increase in
additional paid-in capital, with a corresponding increase in non-cash deferred
compensation. The Company was required to record $62.4 million as initial
non-cash, nonrecurring charge to operating expense and the remaining $57.5
million was recorded as a deferred management ownership allocation charge. The
Company amortized $24.0 million and $21.1 million of the deferred charge during
2001 and 2000, respectively and will amortize $10.9 million during 2002, which
is the period over which the Company has the right to repurchase the securities
(at fair market value or the price paid by the employee, if that price is less
than fair market value) in the event the management employee's employment with
the Company is terminated.
In connection with the issuance of the Series A preferred stock, the Company
issued warrants to the holders of the Series A preferred stock. The warrants to
purchase 1,747,454 shares of the Company's common stock are exercisable in whole
or in part at any time. The warrant exercise price is $0.01 per share of common
stock. The warrants will expire on August 1, 2012.
The Company's certificate of incorporation provides that it may issue preferred
stock without shareholder approval. Under certain circumstances, as defined in
the certificate of incorporation and by-laws, preferred stock could be issued by
the Company in connection with a shareholder rights plan. The issuance of
preferred stock in connection with a shareholder rights plan could cause
substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire the Company
on terms not approved in advance by the Company's board of directors.
In connection with the acquisition of US Xchange on August 1, 2000, the Company
issued 6,207,663 shares to the sole shareholder and 535,296 of restricted shares
to the employees of US Xchange. The restricted shares issued to the employees
will vest over two years at 50% per annum. Since August 1, 2000, the Company has
reacquired certain of these restricted shares from employees who have terminated
their employment with the Company. These shares are classified as treasury stock
in the accompanying financial statements. Deferred compensation related to the
issuance of the restricted shares for $14.8 million was recorded to
stockholders' equity of which $6.3 and $3.0 million was amortized during 2001
and 2000, respectively.
In connection with the purchase of certain assets from FairPoint Communications
Solutions Corp. in December 2001, the Company issued 2,500,000 shares of common
stock. The purchase price also includes contingent consideration of no more than
2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. The contingent consideration is
to be determined within 120 days of December 19, 2001 based upon achievement of
certain operational metrics.
In connection with the rollover of its subordinated debt, the Company issued
warrants to purchase 1,890,294 shares of common stock at an exercise price of
$2.25 per share of common stock. The warrants expire on November 9, 2006.
58
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 13. STOCK OPTION PLAN
In 1998, the Company's stockholders approved the 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan
(the "1998 Plan"). The persons to whom options are granted, the number of shares
granted to each and the period over which the options become exercisable are
determined by the Employee Option Plan Administrative Committee. The options
granted have a term of ten years and vest at equal rates over a four-year
period. The total number of shares authorized under the 1998 Plan is 10,000,000,
as amended in December 2001.
In 1999, the Company's stockholders approved the 1999 Director Stock Incentive
Plan (the "1999 Plan"). Options under the plan are issued to attract and retain
outside directors of the Company. The number of shares granted and the period
over which the options become exercisable are determined by the Board of
Directors. The options granted have a term of ten years and vest at equal rates
over a four-year period. The total number of shares authorized under the 1999
Plan is 531,896.
The Company accounts for stock based compensation issued to its employees in
accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,"
and has elected to adopt the "disclosure-only" provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." Had compensation cost for the plans
been determined based on the fair value of the options at the grant dates for
awards under the plans consistent with the method prescribed in SFAS No. 123,
the Company's net loss would have increased to the pro forma amount indicated
below for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Net loss as $(248,771) $ (216,852) $ (32,475)
reported...............
Net loss pro $(258,537) $ (220,680) $ (32,658)
forma..................
Net loss per share, basic and diluted:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
As
reported................. $(7.23) $ (7.11) $(1.47)
Pro
forma.................... $(7.48) $ (7.23) $(1.48)
For purposes of the pro forma disclosure above, the fair value of each option
grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
Dividend 0.00 percent 0.00 percent 0.00 percent
yield......................
Expected volatility....... 129.70 percent 136.39 percent 0.00 percent
Risk-free interest
rate....................... 4.96 percent 5.99 percent 5.74 percent
Expected
life....................... 7 years 7 years 7 years
The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was $6.34, $17.28 and $12.09,
respectively. SFAS No. 123 has only been applied to options granted beginning
August 12, 1998. As a result, the pro forma compensation expense may not be
representative of that to be expected in future years.
59
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The following is a summary of the activity in the Company's plans during the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999:
2001 2000 1999
---- ---- ----
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE
Options outstanding,
beginning of period..... 2,643,806 $15.52 605,202 $ 5.32 198,397 $ 2.82
Options
granted.................. 2,474,994 6.84 2,314,378 18.23 492,333 5.92
Options exercised........ (20,056) 5.36 (26,947) 3.36 - -
Options forfeited........ (726,405) 12.73 (248,827) 13.57 (85,528) 2.94
------------ ---------- ---------
Options outstanding,
end of period.......... 4,372,339 9.82 2,643,806 15.52 605,202 5.32
============ ========== =========
Options exercisable....... 713,891 12.54 207,344 4.94 - -
The weighted-average remaining contractual life of options outstanding was 8.9
years, with exercise prices ranging from $1.34 to $40.81, as of December 31,
2001. None of the options expired during 2001, 2000 and 1999.
Options outstanding as of December 31, 2001 consisted of the following:
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
REMAINING
RANGE OF EXERCISE NUMBER OF CONTRACTUAL LIFE WEIGHTED-AVERAGE NUMBER OF WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
--------- ----------------
PRICES SHARES EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE SHARES EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE
------ --------- ------------------------ ------ ------------------------
$ 1.34 to $1.63 197,220 9.8 years $ 1.62 - $ -
2.82 to 4.00 277,431 7.0 3.20 164,810 3.13
5.30 to 7.52 2,377,463 9.3 6.33 197,786 6.65
9.31 to 12.19 507,488 8.7 10.57 103,069 10.99
14.48 to 20.00 374,695 8.8 16.19 58,411 16.70
28.25 to 40.81 638,042 8.5 32.79 189,815 32.38
---------- -------
$1.34 to 40.81 4,372,339 8.9 9.82 713,891 12.54
========== =======
As the estimated fair market value of the Company's stock exceeded the exercise
price of certain options granted, the Company has recognized total gross
deferred compensation expense of $6,089, $7,507 and $6,466 at December 31, 2001,
2000 and 1999, respectively, of which $1,322, $1,860 and $1,115 has been
amortized to expense during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively. The deferred compensation is amortized to expense over the vesting
period of the options.
NOTE 14. INCOME TAXES
The Company had approximately $211,177 and $125,346 of net operating loss
carryforwards for federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2001 and 2000,
respectively. The net operating loss carryforwards will expire in the years 2021
and 2020, respectively, if not previously utilized. Application of Internal
Revenue Code section 382 may limit the utilization of the net operating loss
carryforward. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance equal to the net
deferred tax assets at December 31, 2001 and 2000, due to the uncertainty of
future operating results. The valuation allowance will be reduced at such time
as management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax
assets will be realized. Any reductions in the valuation allowance will reduce
future income tax provisions.
60
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
The deferred tax asset is comprised of the following at December 31:
2001 2000
---- ----
Intangible assets....................... $ (17,125) $ (11,527)
Accelerated depreciation................ (1,263) (1,017)
Start-up and other capitalized
costs................................... 1,312 1,768
Net operating loss
carryforwards........................... 124,408 53,613
Compensation related
adjustments............................. 1,097 1,012
Less: valuation
allowance............................... (108,429) (43,849)
----------- ----------
Net deferred tax
asset................................... $ - $ -
=========== ==========
Under existing tax law, all operating expenses incurred prior to a company
commencing its principal operations are capitalized and amortized over a
60-month period for tax purposes.
NOTE 15. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES
During 2001, the Company executed capital leases for the indefeasible rights to
use fiber, with a related party, in the amount of $11.3 million. The leases
covered fiber deployed in Albany, Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York.
In December 2001, the Company acquired certain network assets from FairPoint
Communications Solutions Corp. through the issuance of 2,500,000 shares of
common stock in the amount of $8.8 million, based on the stock price on the
closing date. In addition, as part of the transaction, the Company purchased the
retail accounts receivable of FairPoint Communications Solutions Corp. The total
cash consideration for the transaction was $5.7 million.
NOTE 16. RELATED PARTIES
The Company entered into a master facilities agreement with FiberTech, LLC.
("FiberTech"), (formerly Fiber Technologies, LLC.) a company that designs,
constructs and leases high performance fiber networks in second and third tier
markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The
agreement provides the Company with a 20-year indefeasible right to use (IRU)
fiber without electronics in 13 of Choice One's market cities.
In addition to the master facilities agreement, the Company made a minority
equity investment in FiberTech, in return for which the Company has the right to
appoint one representative to its board of managers, and has a vote in
determining the new markets in which FiberTech will develop and build local
loops. The Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chairman serves on FiberTech's
Board of Managers.
In addition, Fleet Equity Partners, a related party to the Company, has a
significant equity investment in FiberTech.
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital Partners, a related party to the Company,
purchased 200,000 shares of the Company's series A senior cumulative preferred
stock on August 1, 2000.
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, a related party to the Company, was sole lead
arranger and one of the lenders for the Company's subordinated notes and was one
of the lenders for the Company's senior credit facility.
In August 2000, the Company entered into a fiber optic and grant of indefeasible
right to use agreement with RVP Fiber L.L.C. The 20-year indefeasible right to
use was acquired as part of the acquisition of US Xchange. A shareholder of RVP
Fiber L.L.C. is also a shareholder of the Company, and has the right to appoint
one representative to the board of directors of the Company, pursuant to the
merger agreement with US Xchange.
In August 2001, the Company loaned an aggregate of $2.2 million to its chief
executive officer and top four executives. The loans bear interest at a rate of
5.72% and have a term of three years (subject to acceleration in the event of
termination of employment). The loans are secured by 100% of the common stock
owned by the respective executives.
61
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
OPERATING LEASE AGREEMENTS
The Company leases office space and certain other equipment under various
operating leases that expire through 2010. The minimum aggregate payments under
noncancelable leases are as follows for the years ending December 31:
2002................................... 7,296
2003................................... 6,215
2004................................... 5,292
2005................................... 4,446
2006................................... 4,466
Thereafter............................. 14,207
----------
$ 41,922
Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was
approximately $7,659, $4,275 and $1,111, respectively.
401(K) PLAN
The Company provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan to substantially all of
its employees meeting certain service and eligibility requirements. The Company
pays a monthly matching contribution equal to 50 percent of the employees'
contributions up to a maximum of 6 percent of their eligible compensation. The
matching contribution vests 20% per year beginning after the first year of
employment. Plan expenses were approximately $1,343, $766 and $224 during the
years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE PLAN
All full-time noncommissioned Choice One employees are eligible to participate
in the Company's bonus. The total amount included in operations for these
incentive bonuses was approximately $1,541, $3,355 and $748 during the years
ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively.
OTHER AGREEMENTS
In 1999, the Company entered into a sponsorship agreement with Buffalo Bills,
Inc. Under the sponsorship agreement, the Company obtained certain marketing and
signage rights related to Ralph Wilson Stadium and the Buffalo Bills, a National
Football League team, and became the exclusive telecommunications provider of
Ralph Wilson Stadium during the 1999 through 2003 seasons. The agreement
requires the Company to pay a total of $2.4 million during the period from
September 30, 1999 through June 30, 2004.
In 2000, the Company amended its three-year general agreement with Lucent
Technologies, Inc. ("Lucent") establishing terms and conditions for the purchase
of Lucent products, services and licensed materials. The agreement required the
Company to purchase a minimum of $100.0 million of Lucent products, services and
licensed materials. If the Company fails to purchase the minimum requirements,
an additional price premium is charged. As of December 31, 2001, the Company had
met its commitment under the agreement with Lucent.
In 2000, the Company entered into a master facilities agreement with FiberTech.
The agreement provides the Company with a 20-year indefeasible right to use
fiber without electronics in 13 of Choice One's market cities. The Company has
committed to four fibers in each cable in the 13 cities. The Company's
commitment could be up to $85.0 million over the 20-year term of the agreement,
subject to certain performance criteria and price reductions in accordance with
the agreement.
62
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 18. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, (SFAS No. 141), "Business Combinations".
This standard eliminates the pooling of interests method of accounting for
business combinations and requires the purchase method of accounting for
business combinations. The standard is effective for acquisitions initiated
after June 30, 2001. On January 1, 2001, the Company is required to adopt this
standard for business combinations for which the acquisition date was before
July 1, 2001. The Company's management does not expect the adoption of SFAS No.
141 to have a material impact on the Company's financial results.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board also issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 (SFAS No. 142), "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets". The Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2002.
Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and acquired intangible assets with indefinite
lives will no longer be amortized. The Company's goodwill amortization for the
year ended December 31, 2001 was $33.0 million. This standard also requires that
goodwill and acquired intangible assets with indefinite lives be subject to at
least an annual assessment for impairment through the application of a fair
value-based test. The Company's management is continuing to evaluate the impact
of adoption of this standard on the Company's financial results.
In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 143, (SFAS No. 143), "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligations". This standard addresses the financial accounting and
reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived
assets and the associated asset retirement costs. The standard is effective for
fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt this standard
effective January 1, 2003. The Company's management does not expect the adoption
of SFAS No. 143 to have a material impact on the Company's financial results.
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, (SFAS No. 144), "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets". This standard addresses financial
accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets.
The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.
The Company will adopt this standard effective January 1, 2002. The Company's
management does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 144 to have a material
impact on the Company's financial results.
NOTE 19. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In March 2002, the holders of the Company's Series A senior cumulative
preferred stock agreed to irrevocably waive certain of their redemption
rights with respect to 60,000 shares of Series A preferred stock (shares
covered by such waiver are described herein as non-redeemable Series A
preferred stock and all other shares are described as redeemable Series A
preferred stock). The redemption rights being waived include the mandatory
redemption on the maturity date of August 1, 2012 and the mandatory redemption
for cash upon a change in control. In consideration for the irrevocable waiver
of these redemption rights, the holders were granted warrants to purchase
shares of the Company's common stock. The holders will be granted additional
warrants if the Company has not terminated the waiver on or before December 31,
2003.
As consideration for the waiver, the Company issued to parties who granted the
waiver, warrants to purchase 1,177,015 shares of common stock at an exercise
price of $1.64 per share. The warrants vest 40 percent on the date of issuance
and then 20 percent each on October 1, 2002, January 1, 2003 and April 1, 2003.
Beginning on January 1, 2004, additional warrants to purchase 235,403 shares of
common stock for $0.01 per share will be issued annually until the Company
elects to terminate the waiver. All warrants would expire five years after the
Company has elected to terminate the waiver.
The Company may elect, at its sole discretion, to terminate the waiver at
any time. In the event that the Company elects to terminate the waiver, all
unvested warrants would expire and no additional warrants would be granted.
Regular dividends on both the redeemable Series A and non-redeemable Series A
preferred stock remain unchanged from that described in Note
11 above. Under certain circumstances, unless the Company at its sole
discretion chooses not to terminate the waiver, the dividend rate on the
non-redeemable Series A preferred stock would increase from 14.0% to such
percentage as would result in an effective dividend on shares of the
non-redeemable Series A preferred stock to increase 20.0%.
The events that would trigger the increase include the waiver not having
been terminated by August 1, 2012, a redemption of any of the redeemable
Series A preferred stock, the continuance of a delisting event from the
Nasdaq National Market for more than 30 days (or 90 days under some
circumstances), and the inclusion of a going concern qualification in the
Company's annual audit if the average of the closing price of the Company's
common stock is below $3.00 for the 10 trading days after the release of
the annual financial statements including such qualification.
63
In the event of a change in control, the Company may redeem the non-redeemable
Series A preferred stock for cash in the amount of 101% of its
liquidation preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends. If the Company
does not redeem the non-redeemable Series A preferred stock for cash, the
Company is obligated to make an offer to exchange such stock for shares of
the Company's common stock. The Company intends to exchange the
non-redeemable Series A preferred stock for common stock in the event of a
change in control, and has the unconditional right to do so. The number of
shares of common stock issued in an event of change in control, would not
exceed the number of then authorized, but not issued or reserved for issuance,
shares of the Company's common stock, and any shares of non-redeemable Series A
preferred stock that cannot be redeemed because there are insufficient shares
of common stock available will remain outstanding and the Company will have no
obligation to redeem or exchange them.
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet is
presented after giving effect to the above subsequent transaction, as if
the transaction had occurred on December 31, 2001. The unaudited pro forma
balance sheet is based upon currently available information and upon
certain assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable. In March
2002, the Company declared the dividends due on its redeemable Series A
preferred stock through March 31, 2002 and issued such dividend in the form
of 51,588 shares of redeemable Series A preferred stock on March 31, 2002.
The pro forma balance sheet assumes the modification of $43.1 million in
declared dividends on the redeemable Series A preferred stock to 43,080
shares of non-redeemable Series A non-redeemable preferred stock. It also
assumes the modification of $8.4 million of redeemable Series A preferred stock
to 8,412 shares of Series A non-redeemable preferred stock. The value of the
non-redeemable Series A preferred stock was discounted due to the related
warrants issued to purchase 1,177,015 shares of common stock. An additional
$8.5 million of the Series A redeemable preferred stock representing the
dividends paid for the first quarter of 2002 was modified to 8,508 shares of
non-redeemable Series A preferred stock. These dividends for the first quarter
of 2002 are not included in the pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2001.
Pro forma Year Ended
December 31, 2001
(amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Cash $ 14,415
Other current assets 42,149
Property and equipment, net 361,768
Other assets, net 348,246
----------
Total assets $ 766,578
==========
Current liabilities $ 62,901
Long-term liabilities 499,466
Redeemable Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
4,940,000 authorized; 148,508 shares issued and
outstanding,($158,904 liquidation value at December 31, 2001) 149,288
Stockholders' Equity
Non-redeemable Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value,
60,000 authorized; 51,492 shares issued and outstanding,
($55,096 liquidation value at December 31, 2001) 49,813
Common stock 404
Treasury stock (480)
Additional paid-in capital 538,738
Deferred compensation (16,896)
Accumulated deficit (503,172)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (13,484)
----------
Total stockholders' equity $ 54,923
----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 766,578
==========
64
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED)
NOTE 20. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER
2001
Revenue $34,850 $41,751 $48,792 $56,205
Loss from operations (52,681) (52,093) (47,947) (44,844)
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders (74,068) (74,010) (70,601) (68,349)
Basic and diluted net loss per share $(1.96) $(1.87) $(1.78) $(1.71)
2000
Revenue $6,790 $10,411 $21,354 $29,527
Loss from operations (80,618) (24,948) (44,372) (52,362)
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders (81,656) (25,018) (53,710) (70,688)
Basic and diluted net loss per share $(3.10) $(0.81) $(1.50) $(1.87)
1999
Revenue $2 $152 $793 $3,571
Loss from operations (4,187) (6,196) (8,856) (11,227)
Net loss applicable to common
stockholders (4,447) (6,523) (9,101) (12,277)
Basic and diluted net loss per share $(0.21) $(0.31) $(0.41) $(0.56)
65
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
SCHEDULE II- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(IN THOUSANDS)
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------- --------------- -----------------
Additions
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- --------------------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
December 31, 2000 Charged to Charged to other Deductions December 31,
expense accounts 2001
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 2,372 $ 2,756 $ 1,113 $ 2,952 $ 3,289
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
Deferred tax valuation allowance $43,849 $ 64,580 $ - $ - $108,429
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------ ------------------ --------------- -----------------
Additions
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------- -----------------
December 31, 1999 Charged to Charged to other Deductions December 31,
expense accounts 2000
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 86 $ 981 $ 2,663 $ 1,358 $ 2,372
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
Deferred tax valuation allowance $11,902 $ 31,947 $ - $ - $ 43,849
- --------------------------------------- ------------------- ------------- ------------------- --------------- -----------------
66
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
Dated: April 1, 2002
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
By: /S/ Steve M. Dubnik
----------------------------------------
Steve M. Dubnik, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
NAME TITLE DATE
/S/ Steve M. Dubnik Chairman, President and April 1 , 2002
-------------------------- ChiefExecutive Officer
Steve M. Dubnik (Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ Ajay Sabherwal Executive Vice President and April 1, 2002
-------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
Ajay Sabherwal (PrincipalFinancial and
Accounting Officer)
/S/ John B. Ehrendranz Director April 1, 2002
----------------------------
John B. Ehrenkranz
/S/ Bruce M. Hernandez Director April 1, 2002
----------------------------
Bruce M. Hernandez
/S/ Howard Hoffen Director April 1, 2002
---------------------------
Howard Hoffen
/S/ Robert M. Van Degna Director April 1, 2002
---------------------------
Robert M. Van Degna
/S/ Royce J. Holland Director April 1, 2002
---------------------------
Royce J. Holland
/S/ Richard Postma Director April 1, 2002
---------------------------
Richard Postma
/S/ James S. Hoch Director April 1, 2002
---------------------------
James S. Hoch
67
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION LOCATION
------ ----------- --------
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to
Choice One Communication Inc.'s Registration
Statement on Form S-1 declared effective on
February 16, 2000 located under Securities and
Exchange Commission File No. 333-91321
("February 2000 Registration Statement")
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to
the February 2000 Registration Statement
3.3 Certificate of Designations for Series A Senior Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to
Cumulative Preferred Stock the August 10, 2000 8-K filing located under
the Securities and Exchange Commission File
No. 29279
10.1 1998 Management Stock Incentive Plan of Choice One Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to
Communications Inc. (May 2000 Restatement) the September 29, 2000 S-8 located under
Securities and Exchange Commission File No.
333-47002
10.2 Amendment No. 1 to the 1998 Management Stock Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to
Incentive Plan of Choice One Communications Inc. the December 21, 2001 S-8 located under
(May 2000 Restatement) Securities and Exchange Commission File No.
333-75712
10.3 1999 Directors' Stock Incentive Plan of Choice One Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to
Communications Inc. the September 29, 2000 S-8 located under
Securities and Exchange Commission File No.
333-47008
10.4 Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One the February 2000 Registration Statement
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.5 Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 18, 1998 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.6 Amendment No. 2 dated as of February 18, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.7 Amendment No. 3 dated as of May, 14 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
68
10.8 Amendment No. 4 dated as of June 30, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.9 Amendment No. 5 dated as of June 30, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.10 Amendment No. 6 dated as of November 18, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the February 2000 Registration Statement
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.11 Amendment No. 7 dated as of August 1, 2000 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C and holders of Investor Equity
and Management Equity
10.12 Amendment No. 8 dated as of December 20, 2000 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, to the Company's 10-K filed on March 6, 2001
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C and holders of Investor Equity
and Management Equity
10.13 Amendment No. 9 dated as of March 13, 2001 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, to the Company's 10-Q filed on August 14, 2001
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.14 Amendment No. 10 dated as of June 21, 2001 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998, to the Company's 10-Q filed on August 14, 2001
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.15 Amendment No. 10 dated as of November 9, 2001 to Filed herewith
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity (this Amendment No. 10
is a distinct and separate amendment from the
Amendment No. 10 dated June 21, 2001 referenced in
Exhibit 10.14 above)
10.16 Amendment No. 11 dated as of December 19, 2001 to Filed herewith
Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 8, 1998,
among Choice One Communications Inc., Choice One
Communications L.L.C. and holders of Investor
Equity and Management Equity
10.17 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
69
10.18 Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 18, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, to the February 2000 Registration Statement
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
10.19 Amendment No. 2 dated as of June 30, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, to the February 2000 Registration Statement
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
10.20 Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 30, 1999 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.13
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, to the February 2000 Registration Statement
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
10.21 Amendment No. 4 dated as of August 1, 2000 to Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
10.22 Amendment No. 5 dated as of November 9, 2001 to Filed herewith
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8,
1998, among Choice One Communications Inc., the
Investor Holders and the Management Holders
10.23 Debt Registration Rights Agreement dated as of Filed herewith
November 9, 2001 among Choice One Communications
Inc., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., First
Union Investors and CIBC Inc.
10.24 Equity Registration Rights Agreement dated as of Filed herewith
November 9, 2001 among Choice One Communications
Inc., Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., First
Union Investors and CIBC Inc.
10.25 Investor Rights Agreement dated as of December 19, Filed herewith
2001 between FairPoint Communications Solutions
Corp. and Choice One Communications Inc.
10.26 Form of Executive Purchase Agreement dated July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.14
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Certain
Executives of the Registrant
10.27 Executive Purchase Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.15
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Steve M. Dubnik
10.28 Executive Purchase Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.16
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the December 1995 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Mae Squire-Dow
10.29 Executive Purchase Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.17
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Philip Yawman
70
10.30 Executive Purchase Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.18
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Kevin Dickens
10.31 Executive Purchase Agreement dated as of July 8, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.19
1998 among the Choice One Communication Inc., to the February 2000 Registration Statement
Choice One Communications L.L.C. and Ajay Sabherwal
10.32 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.8 to
as of August 1, 2000 among the Registrant as the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
Guarantor, subsidiaries of the Registrant, as
Borrowers, First Union Investors, Inc., as
Administrative Agent, General Electric Capital
Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and Morgan
Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as Documentation Agent
and the lenders thereto
10.33 Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to
Agreement dated as of March 31, 2001 among the the Company's S-3 Registration Statement filed
Registrant as Guarantor, subsidiaries of the on May 7, 2001
Registrant, as Borrowers, First Union Investors,
Inc., as Administrative Agent, General Electric
Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as
Documentation Agent and the lenders thereto
10.34 Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to
Agreement dated as of August 24, 2001 among the the Company's Form 8-K filed on September 5,
Registrant as Guarantor, subsidiaries of the 2001
Registrant, as Borrowers, First Union Investors,
Inc., as Administrative Agent, General Electric
Capital Corporation, as Syndication Agent, and
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. as
Documentation Agent and the lenders thereto
10.35 Lease between the Registrant and Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.21
Bendersen-Rochester Associates, LLC dated October to the February 2000 Registration Statement
14, 1998, as amended
10.36 Unit Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.22
1999 among the Registrant, Atlantic Connections to the February 2000 Registration Statement
L.L.C., ACL Telecommunications, LTD., Paul Cissel,
Antonio Lopez, Jr. and North Atlantic Venture Fund
II, L.P
10.37 General Agreement between the Registrant and Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to
Lucent Technologies effective as of July 17, 1999, the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2000
as amended
10.38 Service Bureau Agreement between the Registrant and Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.24
Saville Systems Inc. effective September 30, 1998 to the February 2000 Registration Statement
71
10.39 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Choice Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 99.2 to
One Communications Inc., Barter Acquisition the Company's 8-K/A filed on May 16, 2000
Corporation, US Xchange, Inc. and the Stockholder
of US Xchange, Inc. dated as of May 14, 2000
10.40 Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of August 1, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.7 to
2000 among Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Capital the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
Partners IV, L.P., Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Capital Partners IV 892 Investors, L.P., Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Capital Investors IV, L.P., and
Choice One Communications Inc. relating to the
purchase and sale of securities of Choice One
Communications Inc.
10.41 Warrants to purchase shares of Common Stock of Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4,
Choice One Communications Inc. 10.5 and 10.6 to the Company's 8-K filed on
August 10, 2000
10.42 Warrants to Purchase 945,147 Shares of Common Stock Filed herewith
of Choice One Communications Inc. for Morgan
Stanley & Co. Incorporated
10.43 Warrants to Purchase 472,573 Shares of Common Stock Filed herewith
of Choice One Communications Inc. for First Union
Investors, Inc.
10.44 Warrants to Purchase 472,573 Shares of Common Stock Filed herewith
of Choice One Communications Inc. for CIBC Inc.
10.45 Bridge Financing Agreement dated as of August 1, Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to
2000 among Choice One Communications Inc., the the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
Lenders party hereto, and Morgan Stanley Senior
Funding, Inc., as Administrative Agent
10.46 Form of Rollover Note for the Bridge Financing Filed herewith
Agreement dated as of August 1, 2000 among Choice
One Communications Inc., the Lenders party hereto,
and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., as
Administrative Agent
10.47 Fiber Optic Agreement and Grant of IRU dated Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.9 to
August 1, 2000 by and between Choice One the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
Communications Inc. and RVP Fiber Company, L.L.C.
10.48 Form of Executive Employment Agreement between Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.10
former executives of US Xchange, Inc. and Choice to the Company's 8-K filed on August 10, 2000
One Communications Inc.
10.49 Master Facilities Agreement between Fiber Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to
Technologies Operating Company, LLC and Choice One the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended June
Communications Inc. dated as of May 31, 2000 * 30, 2000
72
10.50 Addendum Number One 5ESS(R)Switch and Transmission Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to
Systems Purchase Agreement between Choice One the Company's 10-Q for the quarter ended March
Communications Inc. and Lucent Technologies Inc. 31, 2000
dated as of January 1, 2000 **
10.51 Choice One Communications Inc. 401(K) Plan Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to
the October 23, 2000 S-8 located under
Securities and Exchange Commission File No.
333-48430
10.52 Amendment No.1 and No. 2 to the Choice One Incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to
Communications Inc. 401(K) Plan the December 21, 2001 S-8 located under
Securities and Exchange Commission File No.
333-75710
10.53 Network Transition Agreement dated as of November Filed herewith
7, 2001 between FairPoint Communications Solutions
Corp., Choice One Communications Inc. and selected
subsidiaries of Choice One Communications Inc.
21.1 Subsidiaries of Choice One Communication Inc. Filed herewith
23.2 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public Filed herewith
accountants
99.1 Letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission Filed herewith
pursuant to Temporary Note 3T
*Portions of this agreement have been omitted and filed separately with the
Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment under Rule
24b-2, which was granted by the Commission until May 31, 2003.
** Portions of this agreement have been omitted and filed separately with the
Commission pursuant to an application for confidential treatment under Rule
24b-2, which was granted by the Commission until December 31, 2002.
73
EXHIBIT 21.1
List of Subsidiaries
1. Choice One Communications International Inc.
2. Choice One Communications of New York Inc.
3. Choice One Communications of Pennsylvania Inc.
4. Choice One Communications of Ohio Inc.
5. Choice One Communications of Vermont Inc.
6. Choice One Communications of Connecticut Inc.
7. Choice One Communications of Massachusetts Inc.
8. Choice One Communications of Rhode Island Inc.
9. Choice One Communications of Maine Inc.
10. Choice One of New Hampshire Inc.
11. Choice One OnLine Inc.
12. Choice One Communications of Virginia Inc.
13. US Xchange, Inc.
14. US Xchange of Michigan, L.L.C.
15. US Xchange of Indiana, L.L.C.
16. US Xchange of Illinois, L.L.C.
17. US Xchange of Wisconsin, L.L.C.
18. Choice One Communcations Services Inc.
74
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of our
report included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed
Registration Statements on Form S-8 File Nos. 333-30862, 333-47002, 333-47008,
333-48430, 333-75710 and 333-75712, and Form S-3 File No. 333-60350.
/S/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Rochester, New York
April 1, 2002
75
EXHIBIT 99.1
Choice One Communications Inc.
100 Chestnut Street
Suite 700
Rochester, New York 14604
LETTER TO COMMISSION PURSUANT TO TEMPORARY NOTE 3T
April 1, 2002
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549-0408
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to Temporary Note 3T to Article 3 of Regulation S-X, Choice One
Communications Inc. has obtained a letter of representation from Arthur Andersen
LLP (Andersen) stating that the December 31, 2001 audit was subject to their
quality control system for the U.S. accounting and auditing practice to provide
reasonable assurance that the engagement was conducted in compliance with
professional standards, that there was appropriate continuity of Andersen
personnel working on the audit and availability of national office consultation.
Availability of personnel at foreign affiliates of Andersen is not relevant to
this audit.
CHOICE ONE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
/S/ AJAY SABHERWAL
Ajay Sabherwal
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
76