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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004

 

¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission File Number 000–21091

 


 

FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   52-1869023

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

230 Court Square, Suite 202, Charlottesville, VA 22902

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(434) 220-4988

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 


 

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 whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by the court:    Yes  x    No  ¨.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934):    Yes  ¨    No  x.

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: The registrant had 21,257,179 shares of its common stock outstanding as of April 15, 2004.

 



Table of Contents

FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC.

 

INDEX

 

          Page

     PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1.

   Financial Statements    3

Item 2.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    8

Item 3.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk    12

Item 4.

   Controls and Procedures    12
     PART II. OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 6.

   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    12

Signatures

   13

Exhibit Index

   14

 

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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except share data)

 

    

March 31,

2004


   

December 31,

2003


 

Current assets:

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,691     $ 3,599  

Certificate of deposit

     2,000       —    

Accounts receivable, net

     1       34  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     68       88  

Inventory

     234       234  
    


 


Total current assets

     7,994       3,955  

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

     5       7  

FCC licenses

     21,600       21,600  

Other assets

     3       4  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 29,602     $ 25,566  
    


 


Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 36     $ 22  

Accrued compensation and benefits

     63       252  

Accrued taxes other than income taxes

     350       350  

Deferred revenue

     58       4  

Other accrued liabilities

     187       188  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     694       816  

Senior secured notes to shareholders, net of unamortized discount

     11,194       10,694  

Deferred revenue, noncurrent

     300       —    

Other accrued taxes

     3,760       3,760  
    


 


Total liabilities

     15,948       15,270  
    


 


Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)

                

Stockholders’ equity:

                

Common stock, $0.001 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized, 21,257,179 and 20,048,846 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

     21       20  

Additional paid-in capital

     46,635       42,181  

Accumulated deficit

     (33,002 )     (31,905 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     13,654       10,296  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 29,602     $ 25,566  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Revenues

   $ 25     $ 53  
    


 


Costs and expenses:

                

Technical and network operations

     1       1  

Sales and marketing

     177       50  

General and administrative

     464       320  

Depreciation and amortization

     2       2  
    


 


Total costs and expenses

     644       373  
    


 


Loss from operations

     (619 )     (320 )
    


 


Interest and other:

                

Interest expense to shareholders

     (500 )     (475 )

Interest income

     13       14  

Other

     9       420  
    


 


Total interest and other

     (478 )     (41 )
    


 


Net loss

   $ (1,097 )   $ (361 )
    


 


Basic and diluted net loss per common share

                

Net loss

   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.02 )
    


 


Weighted average common shares

     20,883       20,000  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

                

Net loss

   $ (1,097 )   $ (361 )

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     2       2  

Non-cash interest expense to shareholders

     500       475  

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

     193       —    

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

     230       (659 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (172 )     (543 )
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities:

                

Purchase of certificate of deposit

     (2,000 )     —    
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (2,000 )     —    
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities:

                

Net proceeds from the sale of common stock

     4,264       —    
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     4,264       —    
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     2,092       (543 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     3,599       5,300  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 5,691     $ 4,757  
    


 


Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

                

Non-cash financing and investing activities:

                

Issuance of senior secured notes to shareholders for paid-in-kind interest

   $ 296     $ 271  
    


 


Amortization of original issue discount on senior secured notes issued to shareholders

   $ 204     $ 204  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

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First Avenue Networks, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Note 1—The Company and Basis of Presentation

 

First Avenue Networks, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) owns over 750 wireless telecommunications licenses granted by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) that provide coverage of substantially all of the continental United States with 39 GHz spectrum. This license portfolio represents over 1 billion channel pops, calculated as number of channels in a given area multiplied by the population covered by these channels.

 

The Company was previously known as Advanced Radio Telecom Corp. (“ART”). In February 2002, the shareholders approved amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company’s name to First Avenue Networks, Inc. ART with its subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Bankruptcy Court”) for protection under Chapter 11 of Title 11 of the United States Code (the “Bankruptcy Code”) on April 20, 2001 (the “Petition Date”).

 

On October 31, 2001, the Bankruptcy Court approved the Company’s Plan of Reorganization filed with the Bankruptcy Court on September 27, 2001 (the “Plan”). On December 20, 2001 (the “Effective Date”), the Company met all of the Conditions Precedent to the Effective Date (as defined), the Plan was effective and the Company emerged from proceedings under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. For financial reporting purposes, the Company reflected its emergence from bankruptcy as of the close of business on December 31, 2001.

 

The Company is subject to all of the risks inherent in an early-stage business in the telecommunication industry. These risks include, but are not limited to: limited operating history; management of a changing business; reliance on other third parties; competitive nature of the industry; development and maintenance of efficient technologies to support the business; employee turnover; and, operating cash requirements. Management expects operating losses and negative cash flows to continue for the near term. Failure to generate sufficient revenues could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The recoverability of assets is highly dependent on the ability of management to execute its business plan.

 

Interim financial statements - Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited. In the opinion of Company management, these financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair statement of the Company’s financial position and results of operation for the interim periods presented. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2003 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Use of estimates – Preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Among the more significant estimates made by management include fair values of assets and liabilities, accrued property and use taxes and realization of deferred tax assets.

 

FCC licenses – FCC licenses are granted for initial ten-year terms with renewal dates ranging from 2006 to 2011. Under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS No. 142”), FCC licenses are deemed to have an indefinite useful life and are not amortized.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets – The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment and continues to evaluate them as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be fully recoverable. In cases where undiscounted expected cash flows associated with such assets are less than their carrying value, an impairment provision is recognized in an amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of such assets. Recoverability of the carrying value of the Company’s FCC licenses is dependent on successful deployment of networks and radio links or sales of such assets to a third party. The Company considers the FCC licenses to have an indefinite useful life under the provisions of SFAS No. 142. The Company performs an annual impairment test on this asset. If events and circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired, the Company will perform such a test on an interim basis. The impairment test compares the fair value of the FCC licenses with the carrying value of the asset. If the fair value is less than the carrying value an impairment loss will be recorded.

 

Net loss per share – Calculation of loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2004 excludes the effect of warrants and options to purchase 5.2 million and 1.3 million, respectively, shares of common stock since inclusion in such calculation would have been antidilutive. Calculation of loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2003 excludes the effect of warrants and options to purchase 4.0 million and 940,000, respectively, shares of common stock since inclusion in such calculation would have been antidilutive.

 

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Stock options – The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations, including Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 44 “Accounting for Certain Transactions Involving Stock Compensation” for its stock-based compensation plan. Accordingly, compensation cost for stock options granted to employees and directors is measured as the excess, if any, of fair value of Company stock over exercise price at the measurement date, except when the plan is determined to be variable in nature. The Company accounts for equity stock options granted to non-employees at fair value.

 

In September 2003, the Company canceled 940,000 options to purchase common stock at a strike price of $3.96 which represented all of its outstanding options. The Company replaced these options with 1.4 million options to purchase common stock at a strike price of $0.14. At March 31, 2004, 506,000 are vested. These options are accounted for as variable options. The remainder vest annually at a rate of 278,000 on each December 20 through December 20, 2006. As a result of this variable method of accounting, the Company has recorded a non-cash compensation charge of $193,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2004.

 

The following table summarizes relevant information as to reported results under the Company’s intrinsic value method of accounting for stock awards, with supplemental information as if the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation,” (SFAS 123) as amended by SFAS 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” (SFAS 148) had been applied (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     For the Three Months
Ended March 31,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Net loss, as reported

   $ (1,097 )   $ (361 )

Add: Stock based compensation expense included in reported net loss

     193       —    

Less: Stock based compensation determined under fair value based method for all awards

     —         —    
    


 


Net loss, as adjusted for fair value method for all stock based awards

   $ (904 )   $ (361 )
    


 


Basic and diluted loss per share, as reported

   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.02 )
    


 


Basic and diluted loss per share, as adjusted

   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.02 )
    


 


 

Note 2—Sale of Common Stock and Warrants

 

In January 2004, the Company sold 1.2 million units, each unit comprised of one share of common stock and one warrant, for $3.60 per unit, yielding gross proceeds of $4.4 million. The five-year warrants are exercisable immediately with an exercise price of $1.83 (“Stock Purchase Warrants”). As a condition of the sale, the holders of the senior secured notes agreed to extend the maturity of these notes from December 20, 2006 to December 20, 2008. The notes continue to bear paid-in-kind interest at the rate of 9% per annum that is payable quarterly through the issuance of additional senior secured notes.

 

Note 3—Related Party Transactions

 

Holders of approximately 62% of the common stock own $12.6 million or 93% of the outstanding senior secured notes and 3.7 million Class A Warrants. Holders of approximately 38% of the common stock own 833,333 or 69% of the Stock Purchase Warrants. Representatives from two entities holding approximately 45% of the outstanding common stock serve on the Company’s Board of Directors. A member of our Board of Directors periodically serves as a consultant on matters related to the Company to a holder of approximately 17% of the outstanding common stock. The Company issued $296,000 and $271,000 of senior secured notes for paid-in-kind interest during the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, to holders of the senior secured notes all of whom are shareholders.

 

Note 4—Commitments and Contingencies

 

Contingencies – The Company is subject to certain claims and assessments and makes routine filings with the FCC and state regulatory authorities. Management believes that resolution of any such claims or matters arising from such filings, if any, will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the section below titled “ Cautionary Statement,” our Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, and other financial information appearing in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Overview

 

The Company holds over 750 licenses granted by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). It leases the spectrum represented by these licenses to others to construct high-speed wireless telecommunications links and networks. Our leasing products, Express Link and Express Net, offer a way for telecommunications carriers and enterprise customers to access interference-free, carrier class, licensed spectrum.

 

The Company’s leasing strategy allows it to utilize its FCC licenses to facilitate wireless telecommunications services in a capital efficient manner. It seeks to identify, contact and serve existing telecommunications carriers in a manner that does not require significant sales and marketing, operating and capital expenditures. The recoverability of the Company’s investment in its FCC licenses is dependent on the successful execution of its business plan.

 

The Company currently has 23 leases for spectrum on a link-by-link basis and has leased spectrum in three urban regions. Additionally, the Company has retained nine fixed transmission links originated by our predecessor which customers incorporate into their telecommunication networks and utilize to provide a primary telecommunication link or, in other cases, redundancy, back up or diversity to other telecommunication services In December 2003, the Company entered into an Express Net contract with a large telecommunications carrier with nationwide coverage. Under the terms of this contract, the Company has leased a portion of its spectrum in two urban regions for seven years.

 

From its inception in 1993 through the first quarter of 2001, the Company acquired airwave capacity, or spectrum rights, through FCC auctions and purchase transactions, raised capital through public and private offerings of securities, acquired equipment and roof rights, and developed operating and support systems and networks. From 1996 to 2000, the Company utilized several strategies to provide broadband Internet services. It invested heavily in the testing and deployment of fixed wireless links and networks. In 1998, it began to sell a variety of Internet services to end-users in Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, and Phoenix, AZ. In late 1999, the Company’s strategy evolved to providing high-speed transmission services, including Internet access to businesses. During 2000, it launched these services in ten markets. In the first quarter of 2001, the Company was unable to secure additional funding sources to continue to finance operations and service debt.

 

Reorganization

 

The Company sought reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (“Court”) on April 20, 2001 (the “Petition Date”). It terminated nearly all of its employees, terminated operation of its networks and eliminated customer support. A Joint Plan of Reorganization (“Plan”) was developed and was approved by the Court on October 31, 2001. On December 20, 2001 (“Effective Date”), the Plan was effective and the Company emerged from the proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code pursuant to the terms of the Plan.

 

Under the Plan, the Company issued 20 million shares of new-post Chapter 11 common stock (“New Common Stock”) to unsecured creditors and holders of Series A Preferred Stock (“Old Preferred Stock”). Each holder of an unsecured claim received its pro rata share of 19 million shares of New Common Stock. Each holder of Old Preferred Stock received its pro rata share of 1 million shares of New Common Stock. Holders of pre-chapter 11 common stock (“Old Common Stock”) and holders of any other equity interest received no distributions under the Plan. All Old Common Stock, Old Preferred Stock and all other equity interests such as employee stock options and warrants were cancelled on the Effective Date.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Three months ended March 31, 2004 compared to three months ended March 31, 2003

 

Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 decreased 53% to $25,000 from $53,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This decrease is the result of the decline in the number of dedicated wireless links the Company has remaining from its predecessor. The number of links continued to decrease from 14 at March 31, 2003 to nine at March 31, 2004. The Company has begun recognizing revenue from its spectrum leasing program which it launched in 2003. Revenue under these leases is recognized ratably over the individual lease periods which currently range from 12 to 84 months. At March 31, 2004, the Company had 23 leases for its spectrum on a link-by-link basis and three leases for geographic areas.

 

Technical and network operations costs and expenses are comprised of frequency coordination fees related to spectrum leases and roof-top rent and backhaul for dedicated wireless links. Technical and network operations costs and expenses remained consistent at $1,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Technical and network operations costs and expenses were 4% and 2% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Sales and marketing costs and expenses are comprised primarily of compensation and related costs. These costs increased 254% to $177,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004, compared to $50,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This increase is a result of the following expenses incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2004: (i) a $29,000 non-cash stock-based compensation expense; (ii) $83,000 in sales commissions; and, (iii) $15,000 increase in spending for trade shows and public relations regarding the Company’s spectrum leasing program. Similar expenses were not incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2003. Sales and marketing costs and expenses were 708% and 94% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

General and administrative costs and expenses increased 45% to $464,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $320,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. General and administrative costs and expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 primarily consist of compensation, occupancy expenses, professional fees and insurance. The increase in general and administrative costs and expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2004 is primarily a result of a $164,000 non-cash stock-based compensation expense. General and administrative costs and expenses were 1856% and 604% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense remained consistent at $2,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Depreciation and amortization expense was 8% and 4% of revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

Interest and other expenses increased to $478,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $41,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2003. This change primarily is attributable to a $25,000 increase in interest expense as a result of an increase in the senior secured notes balance from paid-in-kind interest on which quarterly interest is due offset by a $411,000 decrease in other income. During the three months ended March 31, 2003 the Company recorded $377,000 in other income as a result of settling disputed bankruptcy claims for amounts less than the recorded liability and $45,000 as a result of settling a lawsuit. Neither of these two items reoccurred during the three months ended March 31, 2004.

 

During the three month period ended March 31, 2004, the Company increased its deferred tax valuation allowance to equal its deferred tax asset based upon management’s determination that the recognition criteria for realization had not been met.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, operating activities used cash of approximately $172,000 as compared to $543,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2003. Cash used by operating activities resulted primarily from the Company’s net loss decreased by non-cash interest expense and non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2004, financing activities provided cash of approximately $4.3 million. In January 2004, the Company sold 1.2 million units (the “Units”), each unit comprised of one share of common stock and one warrant, for $3.60 per unit, yielding gross proceeds of $4.4 million. The Company incurred $86,000 of professional expenses as a result of this transaction.

 

In connection with its exit from bankruptcy in December 2001, the Company issued $11.0 million of five-year senior secured notes and 4 million fully-vested five-year New Class A Warrants, with an exercise price of $0.01, to holders of senior secured notes for aggregate consideration of $11.0 million. In connection with the sale of the Units, the maturity of the senior secured notes was extended from December 20, 2006 to December 20, 2008. The senior secured notes are collateralized by all assets of the Company. They bear interest at the rate of 9% per annum that is payable quarterly through the issuance of additional senior secured notes at the Company’s option. Interest is mandatorily payable in cash in the event of a continuing event of default.

 

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During the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company issued $296,000 and $271,000, respectively, of additional senior secured notes in lieu of interest. The Senior Note and Class A Warrant Purchase Agreement contains covenants which limit the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends or make other distributions, incur liens, merge or sell assets and enter into certain transactions with related parties.

 

The Company recorded the original issuance of the senior secured notes net of the estimated fair value of the New Class A Warrants at the issuance date. Amortization of debt discount of $204,000 has been determined utilizing the effective interest rate method and is a component of interest expense for each of the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003.

 

The Company had cash and cash equivalents and certificates of deposit totaling $7.7 million at March 31, 2004. The Company believes that its cash resources are sufficient to fund its operations and capital requirements through and including 2005. However, additional unforeseen expenditures may require the Company to obtain additional financing.

 

Since its inception, the Company has incurred losses from operations and expects to continue to incur losses for the foreseeable future. Its business plan is to minimize expenditures and the amount of future capital required. At March 31, 2004, it had three employees and non-cancelable financial commitments of less than $8,000 due in 2004. Management expects operating losses and negative cash flows to continue for the foreseeable future. Failure to generate sufficient revenues could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s ability to pay the debt on its due date. The Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to meet its future debt payments is highly dependent on the ability of management to execute its business plan.

 

Critical Accounting Matters and Significant Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgments based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently uncertain. Such judgments affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management continuously evaluates its estimates and assumptions, including those related to long-lived assets, inventories, income taxes, contingencies and litigation, and the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

A summary of our most critical accounting policies and significant estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements is as follows:

 

  Given the nature of the Company’s 39 GHz spectrum, significant judgment is required in making an assessment as to whether the recorded carrying value of these assets exceeds the estimated fair market value. At December 31, 2003, the Company’s FCC licenses had a carrying value of $21.6 million. During 2003, the Company performed a valuation of its spectrum under SFAS No. 142 which resulted in a $50.8 million valuation. In performing this evaluation, the Company identified a number of factors that are considered to be indicative of the value of its FCC licenses, including (i) the increase in its public equity value; (ii) private purchases of similar licenses; and, (iii) the increase in the public equity value of companies providing similar services or holding similar FCC licenses. Each of the factors was then quantified and weighted in deriving the estimated fair value. No impairment of the FCC license value occurred during the three month period ended March 31, 2004.

 

Several key assumptions were included in the valuation model: (i) the value of the FCC licenses directly correlates with public trading value of the Company’s stock and that of other public companies in the telecommunication industry; (ii) certain private purchases of similar licenses are reflective of the fair value of the underlying assets; (iii) the relative weights assigned to each factor represents the level of the factor’s relevance to the estimation of the fair value of the FCC licenses; and, (iv) the model captures relevant information impacting the fair value of these licenses. Any change in the above assumptions could lead to a different result. The Company will continue to evaluate the fair value of its FCC licenses for impairment as events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of these assets may not be fully recoverable.

 

The Company faces various contingencies including the renewal of its FCC licenses in 2006 to 2011 and changing FCC regulations. The loss of some or all of the FCC licenses or the imposition of FCC usage restrictions could adversely affect the Company’s future business prospects and operations and result in an impairment to the carrying value of these intangible assets.

 

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  The Company holds inventory, primarily radios, for demonstration and installation purposes and has written it down to estimated net realizable value. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional write-downs may be required.

 

  The Company recorded the issuance of senior secured notes and New Class A Warrants by allocating proceeds of $11.0 million to senior secured notes and New Class A Warrants based on their estimated relative fair values at the issuance date, resulting in $4.1 million assigned to New Class A Warrants and $6.9 million to senior secured notes. The fair value of warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with key assumptions related to the risk free rate of return, volatility and Company stock price on the issuance date. The value ascribed to the New Class A Warrants was recorded as debt discount and an increase in additional paid-in capital of the Company. Annual amortization of debt discount is determined utilizing the effective interest rate method and is included as a component of interest expense. Senior secured notes are reported at their face value less unamortized debt discount as of the balance sheet date.

 

  The Company has recorded a full valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. In the event the Company were to determine that it would be able to realize the deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax valuation allowance would increase income in the period such determination is made.

 

  At March 31, 2004, other accrued taxes included accrued property tax and use tax liabilities of approximately $2.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, that were incurred by the predecessor company. Such liabilities are expected to be released as the Company reaches settlement with the respective tax jurisdictions or at such time that a basis exists for the reversal of this liability. While management believes the amounts represent reasonable estimates of the amounts potentially owed by the Company, the amounts ultimately paid to the respective jurisdictions could differ from the accrued amounts.

 

  In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company reflected terms of the Plan in its consolidated financial statements by adopting the fresh start accounting provisions of SOP 90-7 on December 31, 2001. Fresh start accounting creates a new reporting entity and the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities are adjusted to reflect their estimated fair values. In adopting fresh start accounting, the Company utilized the reorganization value or fair value of the entity. The reorganization value of a company is the amount of value available and to become available for the satisfaction of post-petition liabilities and allowed claims, as negotiated between the debtor-in-possession and the creditors and holders of equity interests. A committee of unsecured creditors together with the Company determined a reorganization value of approximately $53.7 million which was deemed fair value of the assets of the reorganized business, with FCC licenses comprising 86% of the reorganization value. The Company’s recoverability of its investment in FCC licenses is dependent upon its successful execution of its business plan.

 

  The Company is subject to all of the risks inherent in an early-stage business in the telecommunication industry. These risks include, but are not limited to: limited operating history; management of a changing business; reliance on other third parties; competitive nature of the industry; development and maintenance of efficient technologies to support the business; employee turnover; and, operating cash requirements. Management expects operating losses and negative cash flows to continue for the near term. Failure to generate sufficient revenues could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. The recoverability of these assets is highly dependent on the ability of management to execute on its business plan.

 

Cautionary Statement—This report includes “forward-looking” information, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases, regarding, among other things, our financial and business prospects, the deployment of our services, capital requirements and financing prospects. The Company cautions investors that any such statements are based on currently available operational, financial and competitive information, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual future results and trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors. Those factors include, among others, those matters disclosed as Risk Factors at the end of the business section of the Company’s most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The Company’s existing long-term debt has a fixed interest rate; however, future borrowings may bear interest at variable rates and accordingly, the Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates may change in the future.

 

At March 31, 2004, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $5.7 million that were held in bank accounts and in money market accounts bearing interest at a rate of 0.85% and original maturity of less than three months. The Company held a certificate of deposit bearing interest at a rate of 1.25% which matures in December 2004. The Company’s investment policy provides that funds in excess of current operating needs may be invested in cash equivalents, marketable securities issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies and commercial paper of domestic corporations. Our policy prohibits investing in instruments with maturities that exceed 35 days without prior approval of the Board of Directors. The Company’s investment priorities are to minimize short-term risk and preserve capital. The Company has had no holdings of derivative financial or commodity instruments in the past and has no current plans to do so in the future. The Company has not conducted business in foreign currencies in the past and has no current plans to do so in the future.

 

The Company’s long-term debt has a face value of $12.6 million and bears interest at a fixed rate of 9%. The debt is due in full in 2008.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the three months ended March 31, 2004, each of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer of the Company have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in connection with the Company’s filing of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2004.

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in any other factors which could significantly affect those controls, subsequent to the date of the most recent evaluation of the Company’s internal controls by the Company, including any corrective actions with regard to any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses.

 

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)   Exhibits:
31.1   Certification of Dean M. Johnson under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2   Certification of Sandra Thomas Watson under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1   Certification of Dean M. Johnson under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.2   Certification of Sandra Thomas Watson under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

 

A current report on Form 8-K regarding closing a $4 million private equity financing was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2004.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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.

 

       

FIRST AVENUE NETWORKS, INC.

   

        April 27, 2004


 

By:

 

/s/ DEAN M. JOHNSON


   

                Date

     

Dean M. Johnson

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the securities and exchange act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

 

Signature


  

Title


 

Date


/s/ DEAN M. JOHNSON


Dean M. Johnson

  

President, Chief Executive Officer and

Director

  April 27, 2004

/s/ SANDRA THOMAS WATSON


Sandra Thomas Watson

  

Chief Financial Officer

Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

  April 27, 2004

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Title


31.1   Certification of Dean M. Johnson under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
31.2   Certification of Sandra Thomas Watson under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.1   Certification of Dean M. Johnson under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
32.2   Certification of Sandra Thomas Watson under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 

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