FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 424(B)(3)
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration Nos. 333-119968 to 333-119968-02
$200,000,000
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc.
Offer to exchange all outstanding
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012
for an equal amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012,
which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.
The Exchange Offer
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Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc., or Illinois
Holdings, and Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc,
or Texas Holdings, will exchange all
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, referred to as the outstanding notes, that are
validly tendered and not validly withdrawn for an equal
principal amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, referred to as the exchange notes, that are
freely tradeable in integral multiples of $1,000. |
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You may withdraw tenders of outstanding notes at any time prior
to the expiration of the exchange offer. |
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The exchange offer expires at 5:00 P.M., New York City
time, on August 23, 2005, unless extended. |
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The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the
exchange offer will not be a taxable event for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. |
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We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. |
The Exchange Notes
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We issued the outstanding notes on April 14, 2004, in a
transaction not requiring registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, referred to as the Securities Act. We are
offering you exchange notes in order to satisfy certain of our
obligations under the registration rights agreement entered into
in connection with that transaction. |
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The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange
offer are substantially identical to the outstanding notes,
except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and
additional interest provisions applicable to the outstanding
notes will not apply to the exchange notes. |
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We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any securities
exchange or automated dealer quotation system. |
Broker-Dealers and Affiliates
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If you are a broker-dealer and you receive exchange notes for
your own account, you must acknowledge that you will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.
By making such acknowledgment, you will not be deemed to admit
that you are an underwriter under the Securities
Act. Broker-dealers may use this prospectus, as it may be
amended from time to time, in connection with any resale of
exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding notes where
such outstanding notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a
result of market-making activities or trading activities. We
have agreed that, for a period of 180 days after the
expiration of the exchange offer, we will make this prospectus
available to such broker-dealers for use in connection with any
such resale. A broker-dealer may not participate in the exchange
offer with respect to outstanding notes acquired other than as a
result of market-making activities or trading activities. See
Plan of Distribution. |
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If you are an affiliate of ours or are engaged in, or intend to
engage in, or have an agreement or understanding to participate
in, a distribution of the exchange notes, you cannot rely on the
applicable interpretations of the SEC and you must comply with
the registration requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction. |
See Risk Factors beginning on page 17 for a
discussion of the factors that you should consider before
participating in the exchange offer.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined that this prospectus is accurate or
complete or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this
prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.
The date of this prospectus is July 26, 2005.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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P-1 |
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F-1 |
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This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell, or a
solicitation of an offer to buy, any exchange notes offered
hereby in any jurisdiction where, or to any person to whom, it
is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation. The information
contained in this prospectus speaks only as of the date of this
prospectus unless the information specifically indicates that
another date applies. No dealer, salesperson or other person has
been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations other than those contained in this prospectus in
connection with the offer contained herein and, if given or
made, such information or representations must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of
this prospectus nor any sales made hereunder shall under any
circumstances create an implication that there has been no
change in our affairs or that of our subsidiaries since the date
hereof.
SUMMARY
This summary highlights some of the information contained
elsewhere in this prospectus. It may not include all the
information that is important to you. Before participating in
the exchange offer you should read the entire prospectus
carefully, including the more detailed information in the
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in
this prospectus. See Risk Factors Risks
Related to the Exchange Offer for factors that you should
consider before participating in the exchange offer and
Forward-Looking Statements for information relating
to statements contained in this prospectus that are not
historical facts.
The outstanding notes are, and any exchange notes issued in
the exchange offer will be, the several obligations of Illinois
Holdings and Texas Holdings, respectively. Throughout this
prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or the context otherwise
requires, all historical financial statements and other
financial data are of Illinois Holdings and its consolidated
subsidiaries and Texas Holdings and its consolidated
subsidiaries, respectively. By contrast, references to pro forma
financial statements are of Homebase Acquisition, LLC, or
Homebase, which includes the results of Illinois Holdings and
its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, which we refer to as
CCI Illinois, and Texas Holdings and its subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis, which we refer to as CCI Texas.
The Company
We are an established rural local exchange company that provides
communications services to residential and business customers in
Illinois and Texas. As of March 31, 2005, we estimate that
we were the
15th
largest local telephone company in the United States, based on
industry sources, with approximately 253,071 local access
lines and approximately 30,804 digital subscriber lines, or
DSL lines, in service. Our main sources of revenues are our
local telephone businesses in Illinois and Texas, which offer an
array of services, including local dial tone, custom calling
features, private line services, long distance, dial-up and
high-speed Internet access, carrier access and billing and
collection services. Each of the subsidiaries through which we
operate our local telephone businesses is classified as a rural
telephone company under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, or
the Telecommunications Act. Our rural telephone companies,
Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, which we refer to as
ICTC, Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company and
Consolidated Communications of Texas Company, in general benefit
from stable customer demand and a favorable regulatory
environment. In addition, because our rural telephone companies
primarily provide service in rural areas, competition for local
telephone service has been limited due to the generally
unfavorable economics of constructing and operating competitive
systems in these areas.
For the year ended December 31, 2004 and the three months
ended March 31, 2005, after giving effect to the
transactions, we would have had $323.5 million and
$79.8 million of revenues, respectively, of which
approximately 15.9% and 17.2% came from state and federal
subsidies. For the year ended December 31, 2004 and the
three months ended March 31, 2005, we had a net loss of
$3.6 million and net income of $0.7 million,
respectively. As of March 31, 2005, we had
$624.9 million of total long-term debt (including current
portion), an accumulated deficit of $23.0 million and
$210.1 million redeemable preferred shares.
CCI Illinois
CCI Illinois operates its business in two segments, which we
refer to as Illinois Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations.
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Illinois Telephone Operations |
Illinois Telephone Operations consists of local telephone, long
distance and data and Internet services and serves residential
and business customers in central Illinois. As of March 31,
2005, our Illinois Telephone Operations had approximately:
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86,624 local access lines in service, of which approximately 64%
served residential customers and 36% served business customers; |
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64% long distance penetration of Illinois Telephone
Operations local access lines; |
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7,611 dial-up Internet customers; and |
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11,915 DSL lines, which represented an approximately 13.8%
penetration of total local access lines. Approximately 90% of
Illinois Telephone Operations total local access lines,
excluding local access lines already served by other high speed
connections, are DSL-capable. |
In 2004, our Illinois Telephone Operations generated
$97.3 million of revenues and $27.6 million of cash
flows from operating activities. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, our Illinois Telephone Operations generated
$24.8 million of revenues and $9.9 million of cash
flows from operating activities. As of March 31, 2005, our
Illinois Telephone Operations had total assets of
$260.9 million.
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Other Illinois Operations |
CCI Illinois also includes the following complementary
businesses, which we collectively refer to as our Other Illinois
Operations:
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Public Services provides local and long
distance service and automated collect calling from county jails
and state prisons in Illinois; |
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Operator Services offers both live and
automated local and long distance operator assistance and
national directory assistance on a wholesale and retail basis; |
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Market Response provides telemarketing and
order fulfillment services to customers nationwide; |
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Business Systems sells, installs and
maintains telecommunications equipment and wiring to residential
and business customers in and around our Illinois rural
telephone companys service area; and |
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Mobile Services provides one-way messaging
service to residential and business customers. |
In 2004, our Other Illinois Operations generated
$39.2 million of revenues and $2.8 million of cash
flows from operating activities. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, our Other Illinois Operations generated
$8.8 million of revenues and $0.4 million of cash
flows from operating activities. As of March 31, 2005, our
Other Illinois Operations had total assets of $45.3 million.
CCI Texas
CCI Texas serves residential and business customers in east
Texas and rural and suburban areas surrounding Houston. As of
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had approximately:
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166,447 local access lines in service, of which approximately
68% served residential customers and 32% served business
customers; |
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40% long distance penetration of CCI Texas local access
lines; |
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11,998 dial-up Internet customers; and |
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18,889 DSL lines, which represented an approximately 11.3%
penetration of total local access lines. Approximately 90% of
CCI Texas total local access lines, excluding local access
lines already served by other high speed connections, are
DSL-capable. |
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CCI Texas also includes the following complementary businesses:
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Directory Publishing sells directory
advertising and publishes yellow and white pages directories in
and around the service areas of Consolidated Communications of
Fort Bend Companys and Consolidated Communications of
Texas Companys, which we refer to as our Texas rural
telephone companies. The directories are each published once per
year and have a combined circulation of
approximately 400,000. |
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Transport Services provides connectivity to
customers within Texas over a fiber optic transport network
consisting of approximately 2,500 route-miles of fiber. This
transport network supports CCI Texas long distance,
Internet access and data services and provides bandwidth on a
wholesale basis to third party customers, including national
long distance and wireless carriers. |
In 2004, CCI Texas generated $186.9 million of revenues and
$46.1 million of cash flows from operating activities on a
combined historical basis. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas generated $46.3 million of
revenues and $4.3 million of cash flows from operating
activities. As of March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had total
assets of $697.8 million.
Our Strengths
We believe our strengths include:
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stable local telephone businesses; |
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favorable regulatory environment; |
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attractive markets and limited competition; |
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technologically advanced network; |
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broad service offerings and bundling of services; and |
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our experienced management team with proven track record. |
Business Strategy
Our current business strategy includes:
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improving operating efficiencies and maintaining capital
expenditure discipline; |
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increasing revenues per customer; |
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continuing to build on our reputation for high quality
service; and |
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pursuing selective acquisitions. |
The Transactions
The offering of the outstanding notes was part of a series of
simultaneous transactions that closed on April 14, 2004,
which we refer to collectively as the transactions. When the
transactions were consummated, Homebase, the parent of the
issuers, through its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Texas
Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock of TXUCV.
TXUCV Acquisition and Integration
On April 14, 2004, through our indirect wholly owned
subsidiary Texas Acquisition, we acquired TXUCV for
$524.1 million in cash net of cash acquired and including
transaction costs. Promptly following the TXUCV acquisition, we
began integrating the operations of CCI Illinois with the
operations of CCI Texas. We currently expect to incur
approximately $14.5 million in operating expenses associated
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with the integration and restructuring process in 2004 and 2005,
$9.2 million of which had been incurred as of
March 31, 2005. These one-time integration and
restructuring costs will be in addition to certain ongoing
expenses we expect to incur to expand certain administrative
functions, such as those relating to SEC reporting and
compliance, and do not take into account other potential cost
savings and expenses of the TXUCV acquisition.
Recent Developments
Dividend and Bank Amendment
On June 7, 2005, we made a $37.5 million cash
distribution to Central Illinois Telephone LLC, an entity
affiliated with our Chairman, Richard A. Lumpkin, or
Central Illinois Telephone, Providence Equity Partners IV,
L.P. and its affiliates, or Providence Equity, and Spectrum
Equity Investors IV, L.P., and its affiliates, or Spectrum
Equity, which we refer to collectively as our existing equity
investors, from cash on our balance sheet.
Proposed Initial Public Offering of Common Stock
On December 8, 2004, we filed a registration statement on
Form S-1 with the SEC in connection with a proposed initial
public offering of common stock. We currently expect to price
the initial public offering on July 21, 2005 and to close
it on July 27, 2005, subject to specified closing
conditions and market conditions.
Prior to, and conditioned upon the closing of the initial public
offering, we plan to do the following:
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We will effect a reorganization pursuant to which first Texas
Holdings and then Homebase will merge with and into Illinois
Holdings. The result of the mergers will be to have Illinois
Holdings be the survivor of the mergers of itself, Texas
Holdings and Homebase. Following the proposed reorganization,
Illinois Holdings will change its name to Consolidated
Communications Holdings, Inc., or Consolidated Holdings, and
will succeed to all of the obligations of Texas Holdings and
Homebase, including Texas Holdings obligations under the
indenture and Homebases obligations under its limited
non-recourse guarantee of the outstanding notes and the exchange
notes, which we refer to collectively as the notes. As a result,
there will only be one issuer of the notes, Consolidated
Holdings, under the indenture. The purpose of the reorganization
is to facilitate the initial public offering of common stock by
simplifying our corporate structure; it will not substantively
affect the rights of the note holders. For charts illustrating
our current and post-IPO organizational structures, see
Organizational Charts below, and for more
information regarding the reorganization, see Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Reorganization. |
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The board of directors of Consolidated Holdings will change
along with other changes to our corporate governance as
described in more detail under Management
Management and Corporate Governance Changes After the Proposed
IPO. |
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We will adopt a dividend policy that reflects an intention to
distribute to our stockholders as regular quarterly dividends a
substantial portion of the cash generated by our business in
excess of our expected cash needs. For more information about
the proposed initial public offering and dividend policy, see
IPO Matters. |
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In connection with the above, we will further amend and restate
our existing credit agreement to allow us, upon the satisfaction
of certain financial tests, to pay dividends in accordance with
the proposed dividend policy. For a summary of the amended and
restated credit agreement, see Description of Other
Indebtedness Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement. |
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We currently expect to use the net proceeds from the proposed
initial public offering, together with borrowings under our new
amended and restated credit facilities and cash on hand to:
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redeem 35.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes and
pay the associated redemption premium of 9.75% of the principal
amount to be redeemed, together with accrued but unpaid interest
through the date of redemption; |
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repay in full outstanding borrowings under our term loan A
facility and term loan C facility, together with accrued
but unpaid interest through the closing date of the proposed
initial public offering; |
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pre-fund expected integration and restructuring costs for 2005
relating to the TXUCV acquisition; and |
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pay fees and expenses associated with the repayment of the term
loan A facility and term loan C facility and the
entering into of the new amended and restated credit facilities. |
We refer to the reorganization, the initial public offering and
these related transactions as the IPO transactions. As of
March 31, 2005, after giving effect to the reorganization,
the initial public offering, the amendment and restatement of
our amended and restated credit facilities and our application
of the net proceeds in the manner described above, we would have
had $423.9 million outstanding under a new term loan D
facility and $130.0 million in aggregate principal amount
of the notes outstanding.
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Organizational Charts
The following chart illustrates our current organizational
structure:
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The following chart illustrates our organizational structure
upon completion of the proposed initial public offering and the
related reorganization:
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Information About Us
The address of the principal executive office of Homebase and
the issuers is 121 South 17th Street, Mattoon,
Illinois 61938-3987. Our telephone number at that address is
(217) 235-3311, and our website address is
www.consolidated.com. Information on our website is not deemed
to be a part of this prospectus.
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Summary of Terms of the Exchange Offer
On April 14, 2004, we completed the offering of
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the outstanding notes
in a transaction exempt from registration under the Securities
Act. In connection with that offering, the issuers and Homebase
entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial
purchasers of the outstanding notes in which they agreed, among
other things, to deliver this prospectus to you and to complete
an exchange offer for the outstanding notes. You are entitled to
exchange in the exchange offer your outstanding notes for
exchange notes that are substantially identical to the
outstanding notes except that the transfer restrictions,
registration rights and additional interest provisions
applicable to the outstanding notes will not apply to the
exchange notes:
The following is a summary of the exchange offer. For a more
detailed description of the terms of the exchange offer, see the
section in this prospectus entitled The Exchange
Offer.
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The Exchange Offer |
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We are offering to exchange up to $200,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of the issuers exchange notes issued on a
several, and not a joint, basis and registered under the
Securities Act, for up to $200,000,000 aggregate principal
amount of the issuers outstanding notes. Outstanding notes
may be exchanged only in integral multiples of $1,000. |
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Resale |
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Based on an interpretation by the staff of the SEC set forth in
no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the
exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange
for outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and
otherwise transferred by you (unless you are an
affiliate of either issuer, within the meaning of
Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with
the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act, provided that you are acquiring the exchange
notes in the ordinary course of your business and that you are
not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no
arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in,
a distribution of the exchange notes. |
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Each participating broker-dealer that receives exchange notes
for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange
for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of
market-making or other trading activity must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the
exchange notes. See Plan of Distribution. |
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Any holder of outstanding notes who: |
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is an affiliate of either issuer; |
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does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary
course of business; or |
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tenders in the exchange offer with the intention to
participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a
distribution of exchange notes, |
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cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated
in Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available
May 13, 1988) and Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) as interpreted in
the SECs letter to Sherman & Sterling
(dated July 2, 1993), or similar no-action letters and,
in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the |
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registration and prospectus delivery requirement of the
Securities Act in connection with the resale of the exchange
notes. |
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Expiration Date; Tenders;
Withdrawal |
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The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on August 23, 2005, or such later date and time to
which the issuers extend it, referred to in this prospectus as
the expiration date. The issuers do not currently intend to
extend the exchange offer. You may withdraw any outstanding
notes that you tender for exchange at any time prior to the
expiration date of the exchange offer. The issuers will accept
any and all outstanding notes validly tendered and not validly
withdrawn before the expiration date. Any outstanding notes not
accepted for exchange for any reason will be returned without
expense to the tendering holder promptly after the expiration
and termination of the exchange offer. See The Exchange
Offer Procedures for Tendering and
Withdrawal of Tenders for a more
detailed description of the tender and withdrawal procedures. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer |
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The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we
may waive. Please read the section captioned The Exchange
Offer Conditions to the Exchange Offer of this
prospectus for more information regarding the conditions to the
exchange offer. |
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Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes |
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If you wish to accept the exchange offer, you must complete,
sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a
facsimile of the letter of transmittal, according to the
instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of
transmittal. You must also mail or otherwise deliver the letter
of transmittal, or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal,
together with the outstanding notes and any other required
documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the
cover page of the letter of transmittal. If you hold outstanding
notes through The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, and wish to
participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the
Automated Tender Offer Program procedures by DTC, by which you
will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. By signing,
or agreeing to be bound by the letter of transmittal, you will
represent to us that, among other things: |
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any exchange notes that you receive will be acquired
in the ordinary course of business; |
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you have no arrangement or understanding with any
person or entity to participate in a distribution of the
exchange notes within the meaning of the Securities Act; |
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you are not an affiliate, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of either issuer or, if you
are an affiliate, you will comply with any applicable
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act; |
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if you are a broker-dealer, that you will receive
exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding
notes that |
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were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activity, and that you will deliver a prospectus, in
connection with any resale of such exchange notes; and |
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you are not acting on behalf of any person who could
not truthfully make the foregoing representations. |
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Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners |
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If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender such
outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you should contact such
registered holder promptly and instruct such registered holder
to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own
behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter
of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either
make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the
outstanding notes in your name or obtain a properly completed
bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of
registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be
able to be completed prior to the expiration date. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures |
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If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your
outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot
deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any
other documents required by the letter of transmittal or comply
with the applicable procedures under DTCs Automated Tender
Offer Program prior to the expiration date, you must tender your
outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth in this prospectus under The Exchange
Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. |
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Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes |
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As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange
of all validly tendered outstanding notes pursuant to the terms
of the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant
contained in the registration rights agreement and, accordingly,
there will be no increase in the interest rate on the
outstanding notes under the circumstances described in the
registration rights agreement. If you are a holder of
outstanding notes and you do not tender your outstanding notes
in the exchange offer, you will continue to hold such
outstanding notes and you will be entitled to all the rights and
limitations applicable to the outstanding notes in the
indenture, except for any rights under the registration rights
agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of
the exchange offer. To the extent that outstanding notes are
tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market
for untendered outstanding notes will likely be adversely
affected. |
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Consequences of Failure to
Exchange |
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All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to
the restrictions on transfer provided for in the outstanding
notes and in the indenture. In general, the outstanding notes
may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the
Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a
transaction not |
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subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do
not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding
notes under the Securities Act. |
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Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences |
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Your exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes to be
issued in the exchange offer will not result in any gain or loss
to you for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
for a summary of U.S. federal income tax consequences
associated with the exchange of outstanding notes for exchange
notes. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of
exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. |
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Exchange Agent |
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Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The address and telephone number of the
exchange agent for the exchange offer are set forth in the
section entitled The Exchange Offer Exchange
Agent of this prospectus. |
|
Shelf Registration |
|
If (i) because of any change in law or in applicable
interpretations of the staff of the SEC, we are not permitted to
effect the exchange offer, (ii) the exchange offer is not
consummated within 300 days after the issuance of the
outstanding notes, (iii) under certain circumstances, upon
the request of any initial purchaser of the outstanding notes
with respect to outstanding notes not eligible to be exchanged
for exchange notes in the exchange offer or (iv) because of
any applicable law or interpretation thereof, any holder (other
than a broker-dealer that acquired outstanding securities for
its own account as a result of market making activities) of
outstanding notes is not eligible to participate in the exchange
offer or any such holder does not receive freely tradeable
exchange notes in the exchange offer, we will be required to use
our reasonable best efforts to file and to cause to become
effective a shelf registration statement under the Securities
Act that would cover resales of outstanding notes. |
12
The Exchange Notes
The summary below describes the principal terms of the
exchange notes. Certain of the terms and conditions described
below are subject to important limitations and exceptions. The
Description of Notes section of this prospectus
contains a more detailed description of the terms and conditions
of the exchange notes.
|
|
|
Issuers |
|
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings on a several, and not
joint, basis. |
|
Securities Offered |
|
$200,000,000 aggregate principal amount of exchange notes. |
|
Maturity Date |
|
April 1, 2012. |
|
Interest Payment Dates |
|
Interest will be payable semi-annually in arrears on
April 1 and October 1 of each year, commencing
October 1, 2005. |
|
Obligations of Illinois Holdings |
|
Illinois Holdings will be severally liable with respect to the
payment of, and interest on, 37.5% of each $1,000 principal
amount of the exchange notes. |
|
Obligations of Texas Holdings |
|
Texas Holdings will be severally liable with respect to the
payment of, and interest on, 62.5% of each $1,000 principal
amount of the exchange notes. |
|
Homebase Guarantee |
|
Homebase will provide a guarantee of the several obligations of
each of the issuers, which will be limited in recourse to a
second priority pledge of the common stock of the issuers on the
terms and conditions provided in the indenture. |
|
Cross-Guarantees |
|
Each issuer will guarantee the other issuers payment
obligations under the exchange notes on a senior unsecured basis
on the terms and conditions provided in the indenture. |
|
Ranking |
|
The exchange notes will be each issuers senior unsecured
obligations. Accordingly, the exchange notes and the related
guarantees will rank: |
|
|
|
equal in right of payment to any of such
issuers existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness; |
|
|
|
senior in right of payment to any of such
issuers existing and future subordinated indebtedness; and |
|
|
|
effectively junior in right of payment to all of
such issuers existing and future secured indebtedness to
the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. |
|
|
|
In addition, the exchange notes will be effectively subordinated
to the existing and future liabilities, including trade payables
and any preferred stock, of such issuers subsidiaries. |
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had approximately
$624.9 million of senior indebtedness, including the
outstanding notes and the cross- guarantees, $424.9 million
of which was secured indebtedness; |
|
|
|
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had no subordinated
indebtedness; and |
13
|
|
|
|
|
the issuers subsidiaries had total
indebtedness, including such subsidiaries obligations
under the existing credit facilities and the guarantees thereof,
of approximately $424.9 million. |
|
Optional Redemption |
|
The issuers may redeem the exchange notes at any time on or
after April 1, 2008, in whole or in part, in cash, at the
redemption prices described in this prospectus, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to, and including, the date of redemption. |
|
|
|
Any such partial redemption may be made by the two issuers
concurrently on a pro rata basis (based on the relative
proportions of such issuers obligations under the exchange
notes) or in disproportionate amounts. Any such partial
redemption made in disproportionate amounts will reduce the
respective, several liability of the two issuers
disproportionately. |
|
|
|
At any time prior to April 1, 2007, the issuers may, at
their option and subject to certain requirements, redeem up to
35.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes
issued under the indenture with the net proceeds of certain
equity offerings, including our proposed initial public offering
of common stock, at a redemption price equal to 109.750% of the
principal amount of the exchange notes plus accrued and unpaid
interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption. |
|
Special Redemption |
|
At any time prior to October 6, 2005, the issuers may
redeem the exchange notes in whole but not in part with all or a
portion of the net proceeds of an offering of a qualified income
depository security at the redemption prices described in this
prospectus, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to
and including the date of redemption. |
|
Change of Control |
|
If we experience a Change of Control (as defined under
Description of Notes Change of Control),
we will be required to make an offer to repurchase the exchange
notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof,
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the
date of repurchase. |
|
Certain Covenants |
|
The exchange notes contain restrictive covenants that are
identical to those contained in the outstanding notes. See
Description of Notes Certain Covenants. |
|
No Prior Market |
|
The exchange notes will be new securities for which there is no
market. Although the initial purchasers in the private offering
of the outstanding notes have informed us that they intend to
make a market in the outstanding notes and, if issued, the
exchange notes, they are not obligated to do so and may
discontinue market-making at any time without notice.
Accordingly, we cannot assure you that a liquid market for the
outstanding notes or exchange notes will develop or be
maintained. |
14
Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Financial and Other Data
The pro forma statement of operations data, other pro forma
financial data and the Homebase pro forma data summarized below
have been derived from the unaudited pro forma condensed
financial statements of Homebase. The unaudited pro forma
condensed financial statements of Homebase have been prepared to
give pro forma effect to the transactions as if they had
occurred on January 1, 2004. The historical cash flow data
for the year ended December 31, 2004 and the three months
ended March 31, 2005 summarized below have been derived
from the financial statements of each of Illinois Holdings and
Texas Holdings and its related predecessor, the results of which
have been combined. The Homebase balance sheet data as of
March 31, 2005, have been derived from Homebases
unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The other data
referred to below are approximations as of December 31,
2004. You should read the information summarized below in
conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas, the unaudited pro forma condensed
financial statements of Homebase and the related notes and the
financial statements of each of Homebase, Illinois Holdings and
Texas Holdings and the related notes included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
Pro Forma Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$ |
323,463 |
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
95,868 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
110,975 |
|
|
Intangible impairment charges
|
|
|
11,566 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
67,521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
37,533 |
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
46,193 |
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
4,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes
|
|
|
(3,896 |
) |
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(307 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(3,589 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other Pro Forma Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Telephone Operations revenues(1)
|
|
$ |
284,256 |
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local access lines in service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
|
168,778 |
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
86,430 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total local access lines
|
|
|
255,208 |
|
|
DSL subscribers
|
|
|
27,445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total connections
|
|
|
282,653 |
|
Homebase Pro Forma Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash interest expense
|
|
$ |
41,763 |
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
CCI | |
|
CCI | |
|
Combined | |
|
CCI | |
|
CCI | |
|
Combined | |
|
|
Illinois | |
|
Texas | |
|
Historical | |
|
Illinois | |
|
Texas | |
|
Historical | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in thousands) | |
Historical Cash Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$ |
30,385 |
|
|
$ |
51,416 |
|
|
$ |
81,801 |
|
|
$ |
10,315 |
|
|
$ |
4,297 |
|
|
$ |
14,612 |
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(13,339 |
) |
|
|
(543,780 |
) |
|
|
(557,119 |
) |
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
(4,112 |
) |
|
|
(5,533 |
) |
|
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(10,462 |
) |
|
|
526,155 |
|
|
|
515,693 |
|
|
|
(1,802 |
) |
|
|
(2,823 |
) |
|
|
(4,625 |
) |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
13,339 |
|
|
|
23,406 |
|
|
|
36,745 |
|
|
|
1,421 |
|
|
|
4,112 |
|
|
|
5,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
Homebase Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
56,538 |
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
103,916 |
|
|
Net plant, property & equipment
|
|
|
353,060 |
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,002,243 |
|
|
Total long-term debt (including current portion)
|
|
|
624,909 |
|
|
Redeemable preferred shares and stockholders deficit
|
|
|
189,061 |
|
|
|
(1) |
Total Telephone Operations revenues consist of the sum of the
revenues from Illinois Telephone Operations of
$97.3 million and all CCI Texas revenues of
$186.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
We present this data to show the most comparable results of
telephone operations of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. Whereas CCI
Illinois has two segments, Illinois Telephone Operations and
Other Illinois Operations, CCI Texas has one reportable segment,
which includes its rural telephone company, transport and
directory publishing businesses. |
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The following table shows the ratio of earnings to fixed charges
of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. The ratio of earnings to fixed
charges has been computed by dividing:
|
|
|
|
|
income before income taxes plus fixed charges, by |
|
|
|
fixed charges. |
Fixed charges include interest, whether expensed or capitalized,
amortization of deferred financing costs, and the portion of
rental expense that is representative of interest or financing
charges. For the years ended December 31, 2000, 2001 and
2002, CCI Texas earnings were insufficient to cover fixed
charges by $7.8 million, $27.1 million and
$132.0 million, respectively.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Fiscal Year | |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
March 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
CCI Illinois ratio of earnings to fixed charges
|
|
|
2.20 |
x |
|
|
4.71 |
x |
|
|
7.95 |
x |
|
|
2.66 |
x |
|
|
1.53 |
x |
|
|
2.90 |
x |
|
|
2.07 |
x |
CCI Texas ratio of earnings to fixed charges
|
|
|
0.25 |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.07 |
x |
|
|
2.48 |
x |
|
|
1.30 |
x |
|
|
1.16 |
x |
16
RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following factors in
addition to the other information contained in this prospectus
before deciding to tender your outstanding notes for exchange
notes pursuant to the exchange offer.
Risks Related to the Exchange Offer
|
|
|
If you choose not to exchange your outstanding notes, the
present transfer restrictions will remain in force and the
market price of your outstanding notes could decline. |
If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes
in the exchange offer, then you will continue to be subject to
the transfer restrictions on the outstanding notes as set forth
in the confidential offering circular distributed in connection
with the private offering of the outstanding notes. In general,
the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless they are
registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act
and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the
registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register
resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. You
should refer to The Exchange Offer for information
about how to tender your outstanding notes.
The tender of outstanding notes in the exchange offer will
reduce the principal amount of the outstanding notes
outstanding, which may have an adverse effect upon, and increase
the volatility of, the market price of the outstanding notes due
to a reduction in liquidity.
|
|
|
An active trading market for the exchange notes may not
develop, which could reduce their value. |
We are offering the exchange notes to the holders of the
outstanding notes. The outstanding notes were offered and sold
in April 2004 to a relatively small number of institutional
investors and are eligible for trading in the Private Offerings,
Resale and Trading through Automated Linkages
(PORTAL) Market. We do not intend to apply to have the
exchange notes listed on any securities exchange or automated
dealer quotation system. Although the initial purchasers of the
outstanding notes have advised us that they currently intend to
make a market in the exchange notes, they are not obligated to
do so. The initial purchasers could stop making a market at any
time without notice. Accordingly, no market for the exchange
notes may develop, and any market that develops may not last.
Thus, we cannot ensure you that you will be able to sell any of
the exchange notes at a particular time, at attractive prices,
or at all. If the exchange notes are traded, they may trade at a
discount from their initial offering price, depending on
prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities,
our credit rating, our operating performance and financial
condition and other factors. To the extent that an active
trading market does not develop, the price at which you may be
able to sell the exchange notes may be less than the price you
paid for the outstanding notes.
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and Our Capital
Structure
|
|
|
We have a substantial amount of debt outstanding and have
significant interest payments. |
We have a significant amount of debt outstanding. As of
March 31, 2005, the issuers had $624.9 million of
total long-term debt (including current portion) outstanding and
$189.1 million of stockholders equity. The degree to
which we are leveraged has important consequences for you,
including:
|
|
|
|
|
requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
from operations to make payments on our debt, thereby reducing
funds available for operations, future business opportunities
and other purposes; |
|
|
|
limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to,
changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; |
|
|
|
making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with
respect to the notes and our other debt obligations; |
17
|
|
|
|
|
limiting our ability to borrow additional funds, or to sell
assets to raise funds, if needed, for working capital, capital
expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes; |
|
|
|
increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and
industry conditions, including changes in interest rates; |
|
|
|
limiting noteholders rights to receive payments under the
notes if lenders whose rights are senior have not been paid; |
|
|
|
placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our
competitors which have less debt; and |
|
|
|
preventing us from raising the funds necessary to repurchase
notes tendered to us if there is a change of control, which
would constitute a default under the indenture governing the
notes and the existing credit agreement. |
We cannot assure that we will generate sufficient revenues to
service and repay our debt and have sufficient funds left over
to achieve or sustain profitability in our operations, meet our
working capital and capital expenditure needs or compete
successfully in our markets.
Subject to the restrictions in the existing credit agreement and
the indenture, we may be able to incur additional debt,
including secured and guaranteed debt that would effectively
rank senior to the notes. As of March 31, 2005, we expect
to be able to incur approximately $215.7 million of
additional debt. Although the terms of the existing credit
agreement and the indenture contain restrictions on our ability
to incur additional debt, these restrictions are subject to a
number of important exceptions. If we incur additional debt, the
risks associated with our substantial leverage, including our
ability to service our debt, would likely increase.
|
|
|
We will require a significant amount of cash to service
and repay our debt, including the notes, and our ability to
generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control. |
Our ability to make payments on and repay our debt, including
the notes, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the
future, which will depend on many factors beyond our control. We
cannot assure you that:
|
|
|
|
|
our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations
to service and repay our debt and to fund working capital and
planned capital expenditures; |
|
|
|
future borrowings will be available under our current or any
future credit facilities in an amount sufficient to enable us to
repay our debt; or |
|
|
|
we will be able to refinance any of our debt on commercially
reasonable terms or at all. |
If we cannot generate sufficient cash from our operations to
meet our debt service and repayment obligations, we may need to
reduce or delay capital expenditures, the development of our
business generally and any acquisitions. If for any reason we
are unable to meet our debt service and repayment obligations,
we would be in default under the terms of the agreements
governing our debt, which would allow the lenders under the
existing credit facilities to declare all borrowings outstanding
to be due and payable, which would in turn trigger an event of
default under the indenture. In addition, our lenders could
compel us to apply all of our available cash to repay our
borrowings or they could prevent us from making payments on the
notes. If the amounts outstanding under the existing credit
facilities or the notes were to be accelerated, we cannot assure
you that our assets would be sufficient to repay in full the
money owed to the lenders or to our other debt holders,
including you as a noteholder.
18
|
|
|
The indenture and the existing credit agreement contain
covenants that limit the discretion of our management in
operating our business and could prevent us from capitalizing on
business opportunities and taking other corporate
actions. |
The indenture and the existing credit agreement impose
significant operating and financial restrictions on us. These
restrictions limit or restrict, among other things, our and our
restricted subsidiaries ability to:
|
|
|
|
|
incur additional debt and issue preferred stock; |
|
|
|
make restricted payments, including paying dividends on,
redeeming, repurchasing or retiring our capital stock; |
|
|
|
make investments and prepay or redeem debt; |
|
|
|
enter into agreements restricting our subsidiaries ability
to pay dividends, make loans or transfer assets to us; |
|
|
|
create liens; |
|
|
|
sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of
subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
engage in transactions with affiliates; |
|
|
|
engage in sale and leaseback transactions; |
|
|
|
make capital expenditures; |
|
|
|
engage in business other than telecommunications
businesses; and |
|
|
|
consolidate or merge. |
In addition, the existing credit agreement requires, and any
future credit agreements may require, us to comply with
specified financial ratios, including regarding interest
coverage, total leverage, senior secured leverage and fixed
charge coverage. Our ability to comply with these ratios may be
affected by events beyond our control. The restrictions
contained in the indenture and the existing credit agreement:
|
|
|
|
|
limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions,
meet capital needs or otherwise restrict our activities or
business plans; and |
|
|
|
adversely affect our ability to finance our operations, enter
into acquisitions or to engage in other business activities that
would be in our interest. |
In the event of a default under the existing credit agreement,
the lenders could foreclose on the assets and capital stock
pledged to them.
A breach of any of the covenants contained in the existing
credit agreement, or in any future credit agreements, or our
inability to comply with the financial ratios could result in an
event of default, which would allow the lenders to declare all
borrowings outstanding to be due and payable, which would in
turn trigger an event of default under the indenture. In
addition, our lenders could compel us to apply all of our
available cash to repay our borrowings or they could prevent us
from making payments on the notes. If the amounts outstanding
under the existing credit facilities or the notes were to be
accelerated, we cannot assure you that our assets would be
sufficient to repay in full the money owed to the lenders or to
our other debt holders, including you as a noteholder.
|
|
|
Homebases guarantee is limited to a pledge of the
common stock of each issuer. |
Homebase provided a guarantee of the several obligations of each
of the issuers that is limited in recourse to a second priority
pledge of the common stock of the issuers. The guarantee is not
a guarantee of payment or performance on the notes. If the
issuers fail to fulfill their obligations under the notes or the
indenture, you will not have the right to recover against any of
Homebases assets, other than the common stock of the
issuers, after the lenders under the existing credit facilities
exercise any rights they will have against that guarantee. In
addition, your rights under the pledge to foreclose on and sell
the stock of the
19
issuers would be subject to receipt of federal and Illinois
regulatory commission approvals, which could be delayed,
withheld or denied.
|
|
|
The notes are effectively subordinated to our secured debt
to the extent of the value of the collateral securing the
debt. |
The indebtedness evidenced by the notes is our senior unsecured
obligations. The notes rank equal in right of payment with all
of our existing and future senior indebtedness, and senior to
all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness. Debt
outstanding under the existing credit facilities is secured by a
first priority security interest, subject to certain exceptions,
in substantially all of our assets and, through secured
guarantees, the assets of our subsidiaries. As of March 31,
2005, the total amount of our secured debt was
$424.9 million, excluding $30.0 million in revolving
credit availability and no outstanding letters of credit. In
addition, in the future we may incur additional secured debt.
The notes are also effectively subordinated to all of our
secured indebtedness, including our obligations under the
existing credit facilities, to the extent of the value of the
assets securing such secured indebtedness.
If any of the following events were to occur, the holders of the
secured debt could have the right to foreclose on their
collateral to the exclusion of the holders of the notes even if
an event of default were then to exist under the indenture
governing the notes:
|
|
|
|
|
a bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or other winding up
involving us or any of our subsidiaries; |
|
|
|
a default in the payment under the existing credit facilities,
the notes or other secured debt; or |
|
|
|
an acceleration of any debt under the existing credit
facilities, the notes or other secured debt. |
Upon the occurrence of any of these events, there may not be
sufficient funds to pay amounts due on the notes.
The indebtedness evidenced by the Homebase guarantee and the
cross-guarantees of the issuers is senior unsecured indebtedness
of the applicable guarantor. Such guarantees rank equal in right
of payment with all existing and future senior indebtedness of
such guarantor, and senior to all existing and future
subordinated indebtedness of such guarantor. The guarantees are
also effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness of
such guarantor, including the obligations of such guarantor
under the existing credit facilities, to the extent of the value
of the assets securing such secured indebtedness.
At March 31, 2005:
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CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had approximately $624.9 million
of senior indebtedness, including the notes and the
cross-guarantees, $424.9 million of which was secured
indebtedness of the issuers; |
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CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had no subordinated
indebtedness; and |
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the issuers subsidiaries had total indebtedness, including
such subsidiaries obligations under the existing credit
facilities and the guarantees thereof, of approximately
$424.9 million. |
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Each of the issuers is a holding company, and they may not
have access to sufficient cash to make payments on the notes. In
addition, the notes are effectively subordinated to the
liabilities and any preferred stock of the issuers
subsidiaries. |
Each of the issuers is a holding company with no direct
operations. The principal assets of each of the issuers are the
equity interests it holds in its respective subsidiaries. As a
result, the issuers are dependent upon dividends and other
payments from their subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary
to meet their outstanding debt and other obligations. The
issuers subsidiaries are legally distinct from the issuers
and have no obligation to pay amounts due on the issuers
debt or to make funds available to the issuers for such payment.
The issuers subsidiaries may not generate sufficient cash
from operations to enable the issuers to make principal and
interest payments on their indebtedness, including the notes.
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The notes are the several obligations of the issuers. Since all
of the operations of the issuers are conducted through their
respective subsidiaries, none of which have guaranteed the
notes, each issuers ability to service its indebtedness,
including the notes, will be dependent upon the earnings of its
subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings, or upon
loans or other payments of funds, by those subsidiaries to such
issuer. The payment of dividends and the making of loans and
advances to each issuer by its subsidiaries may be subject to
various restrictions, including restrictions under the existing
credit agreement more fully described below. In addition, the
ability of each issuers subsidiaries to make such payments
or advances to such issuer may be limited by the laws of the
relevant states in which such subsidiaries are organized or
located, including, in some instances, by requirements imposed
by state regulatory bodies that oversee the telecommunications
industry in such states. In certain circumstances, the prior or
subsequent approval of such payments or advances by such
subsidiaries to such issuer is required from such regulatory
bodies or other governmental entities.
The notes will not be guaranteed by the issuers
subsidiaries. The existing credit facilities are, and future
credit facilities may be, guaranteed by some of the
issuers subsidiaries. In addition, claims of creditors of
such subsidiaries, including trade creditors, and claims of
preferred stockholders (if any) of such subsidiaries generally
will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of
such subsidiaries over the claims of creditors of such issuer.
The notes, therefore, are effectively subordinated to creditors
(including trade creditors) and preferred stockholders (if any)
of the subsidiaries of such issuer. Although the indenture
contains limitations on the amount of additional indebtedness
that the issuers and their restricted subsidiaries may incur,
the amounts of such indebtedness could be substantial and such
indebtedness may be secured indebtedness. In addition, each of
the issuers subsidiaries have other liabilities, including
contingent liabilities (including the cross-guarantee
obligations under the existing credit facilities), that may be
significant. As of March 31, 2005, the issuers
subsidiaries had total indebtedness and other liabilities of
$612.4 million.
The Illinois Commerce Commission, or ICC, and the Public Utility
Commission of Texas, or the PUCT, may require our rural
telephone companies to make minimum amounts of capital
expenditures and could limit the amount of cash available to
transfer from our rural telephone companies to the issuers. As
part of the ICCs review of the reorganization we expect to
implement in connection with our proposed initial public
offering, the ICC imposed various conditions as part of its
approval of the reorganization, including (1) prohibitions
on the payment of dividends or other cash transfers from our
Illinois rural telephone company to us if it fails to meet or
exceed agreed benchmarks for a majority of seven service quality
metrics and (2) the requirement that our Illinois rural
telephone company have access to the higher of $5.0 million
or its currently approved capital expenditure budget for each
calendar year through a combination of available cash and
amounts available under credit facilities. In addition, the
Illinois Public Utilities Act prohibits the payment of dividends
by ICTC, except out of earnings and earned surplus, if
ICTCs capital is or would become impaired by payment of
the dividend, or if payment of the dividend would impair
ICTCs ability to render reasonable and adequate service at
reasonable rates, unless the ICC otherwise find that the public
interest requires payment of the dividend, subject to any
conditions imposed by the ICC.
In addition, the existing credit agreement restricts all
payments to the issuers during the continuance of a payment
default and also restrict payments to the issuers for a period
of up to 180 days during the continuance of a non-payment
default. The existing credit agreement also limits the amounts
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas may spend on capital expenditures
through 2011. CCI Illinois and CCI Texas are limited to
aggregate capital expenditures of $45.0 million per year.
In the event the full amount allotted to capital expenditures is
not spent during a fiscal year, the remaining balance may be
carried forward to the following year only. However, the carried
forward balance may not be utilized until such time as the
amount originally established as the capital expenditure limit
for such year has been fully-utilized.
The issuers subsidiaries are permitted under the terms of
our indebtedness to incur additional indebtedness that may
restrict payments from the issuers subsidiaries to the
issuers. We cannot assure you that agreements governing current
and future indebtedness of the issuers subsidiaries will
permit those subsidiaries to provide the issuers with sufficient
cash to fund payments on the notes when due.
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U.S. bankruptcy or fraudulent conveyance law may
interfere with the payment of the notes. |
The incurrence by the issuers of debt, such as the notes, may be
subject to review under U.S. federal bankruptcy law or
relevant state fraudulent conveyance laws if a bankruptcy
proceeding or lawsuit is commenced by or on behalf of unpaid
creditors of the issuers. Under these laws, if in such a
proceeding or lawsuit a court were to find that, at the time
either of the issuers incurred debt (including debt represented
by the notes),
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either of the issuers incurred this debt with the intent of
hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future
creditors; or |
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either of the issuers received less than reasonably equivalent
value or fair consideration for incurring this debt and either
of the issuers: |
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were insolvent or were rendered insolvent by reason of any of
the transactions; |
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were engaged, or about to engage, in a business or transaction
for which the assets remaining with the applicable issuer
constituted unreasonably small capital to carry on their
business; |
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intended to incur, or believed that they would incur, debts
beyond their respective ability to pay as these debts matured
(as all of the foregoing terms are defined in or interpreted
under the relevant fraudulent transfer or conveyance
statues); or |
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were defendants in an action for money damages or had a judgment
for money damages docketed against them (if, in either case,
after final judgment the judgment is unsatisfied), |
then that court could avoid or subordinate the amounts owing
under the notes to presently existing and future debt of the
applicable issuer and take other actions detrimental to you.
The measure of insolvency for purposes of the foregoing
considerations will vary depending upon the law of the
jurisdiction that is being applied in any proceeding. Generally,
a company would be considered insolvent if, at the time it
incurred the debt,
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the sum of its debts (including contingent liabilities) is
greater than its assets, at fair valuation; |
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the present fair saleable value of its assets is less than the
amount required to pay the probable liability on its total
existing debts and liabilities (including contingent
liabilities) as they become absolute and mature; or |
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it could not pay its debts as they became due. |
We cannot predict what standards a court would use to determine
whether either issuer was solvent at the relevant time, or
whether the notes would not be avoided or further subordinated
on another of the grounds set forth above. In rendering their
opinions in connection with the transactions, counsel for the
issuers did not express any opinion as to the applicability of
federal or state fraudulent transfer and conveyance laws.
We believe that at the time the issuers initially incurred debt
represented by the notes:
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insolvent or rendered insolvent by the incurrence; |
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lacking sufficient capital to run its businesses
effectively; or |
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unable to pay obligations on the notes as they mature or become
due; and |
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each had sufficient assets to satisfy any probable money
judgment against it in any pending action. |
In reaching the foregoing conclusions, we relied upon our
analyses of internal cash flow projections and estimated values
of assets and liabilities of the issuers. We cannot assure you,
however, that a court passing on the same questions would reach
the same conclusions.
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We may be unable to repurchase the notes upon a change of
control as required by the indenture. |
Upon the occurrence of a change of control as specified in
Description of Notes, we will be required to make an
offer to repurchase all notes then outstanding. In this
circumstance, we cannot assure you that we will have sufficient
funds available to repay all of our senior debt and any other
debt that would become payable upon a change of control and to
repurchase the notes. Our failure to purchase the notes would be
a default under the indenture, which would in turn trigger a
default under the existing credit agreement, which we would need
to cure or refinance the existing credit facilities, before
making the change of control offer.
Agreements governing future senior indebtedness of the issuers
may contain prohibitions of certain events that would constitute
a change of control or require such senior indebtedness to be
repurchased or repaid upon a change of control. Moreover, the
exercise by the holders of their right to require the issuers to
repurchase the notes could cause a default under such
agreements, even if the change of control itself does not, due
to the financial effect of such repurchase on the issuers.
Finally, an issuers ability to pay cash to the holders
upon a repurchase may be limited by such issuers then
existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that
sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any
required repurchases.
The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating
to the sale or other transfer of all or substantially
all of Homebases or an issuers assets. There
is no precise definition of the phrase under applicable law.
Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree of
uncertainty in ascertaining whether a particular transaction
would involve a disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets of Homebase or the issuers, and
therefore it may be unclear as to whether a change of control
has occurred and whether the holders of the notes have the right
to require the issuers to repurchase such notes.
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None of Homebases owners or their affiliates will
have any liability for payments on the notes. |
Our ability to make payments on the notes will be solely
dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient cash from our
operations. If we fail to fulfill our obligations under the
notes or the indenture, you will not have the right to recover
against any of Homebases owners or against their
respective parents or other affiliates.
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Should our proposed initial public offering occur, we will
face several additional risks. |
We may face several additional risks following the consummation
of the proposed initial public offering, including the following:
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Pursuant to our proposed dividend policy, we expect to
distribute to our stockholders a substantial portion of the cash
generated by our business, which will significantly reduce the
amount of excess cash available for other uses, including
payments on our outstanding indebtedness. In addition, if the
cash generated by our business were to fall below our current
expectations, in order to continue to pay dividends in
accordance with our proposed dividend policy, we may need to
fund dividends from a variety of sources, including (a) by
incurring additional debt, which would likely increase the risks
associated with our substantial leverage, including reducing our
ability to service our debt, and/or (b) from other sources,
such as by asset sales or reducing other expected cash uses,
such as capital expenditures, both which could have a material
adverse affect on our business. |
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Our proposed dividend policy may limit our ability to pursue
growth opportunities and otherwise make us more dependent upon
third party financing in order to pursue growth opportunities,
which may not be available to us on reasonable terms or at all. |
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As a public company with listed equity securities, we will need
to comply with new laws, regulations and requirements, which
will increase our costs and expenses and occupy a significant
amount of our directors, officers and
managements time. |
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Risk Factors Relating to Our Business
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The telecommunications industry is generally subject to
substantial regulatory changes, rapid development and
introduction of new technologies and intense competition that
could cause us to suffer price reductions, customer losses,
reduced operating margins or loss of market share. |
The telecommunications industry has been, and we believe will
continue to be, characterized by several trends, including the
following:
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substantial regulatory change due to the passage and
implementation of the Telecommunications Act, which included
changes designed to stimulate competition for both local and
long distance telecommunications services; |
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rapid development and introduction of new technologies and
services; |
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increased competition within established markets from current
and new market entrants that may provide competing or
alternative services; |
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the blurring of traditional dividing lines between, and the
bundling of, different services, such as local dial tone, long
distance, wireless, cable, data and Internet services; and |
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an increase in mergers and strategic alliances that allow one
telecommunications provider to offer increased services or
access to wider geographic markets. |
We expect competition to intensify as a result of new
competitors and the development of new technologies, products
and services. Some or all of these risks may cause us to have to
spend significantly more in capital expenditures than we
currently anticipate to keep existing, and attract new,
customers.
Many of our voice and data competitors, such as cable providers,
Internet access providers, wireless service providers and long
distance carriers have brand recognition and financial,
personnel, marketing and other resources that are significantly
greater than ours. In addition, due to consolidation and
strategic alliances within the telecommunications industry, we
cannot predict the number of competitors that will emerge,
especially as a result of existing or new federal and state
regulatory or legislative actions. For example, the pending
acquisition of AT&T, one of our largest customers, by SBC,
the dominant local exchange company in the areas in which our
Texas rural telephone companies operate, could increase
competitive pressures for our services and impact our long
distance and access revenues. Such increased competition from
existing and new entities could lead to price reductions, loss
of customers, reduced operating margins or loss of market share.
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The use of new technologies by other existing companies
may increase our costs and cause us to lose customers and
revenues. |
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and
significant changes in technology, frequent new service
introductions and evolving industry standards. Technological
developments may reduce the competitiveness of our services and
require unbudgeted upgrades, significant capital expenditures
and the procurement of additional services that could be
expensive and time consuming. New services arising out of
technological developments may reduce the competitiveness of our
services. If we fail to respond successfully to technological
changes or obsolescence or fail to obtain access to important
new technologies, we could lose customers and revenues and be
limited in our ability to attract new customers or sell new
services to our existing customers. The successful development
of new services, which is an element of our business strategy,
is uncertain and dependent on many factors, and we may not
generate anticipated revenues from such services, which would
reduce our profitability. We cannot predict the effect of these
changes on our competitive position, costs or our profitability.
In addition, part of our marketing strategy is based on market
acceptance of DSL. We expect that an increasing amount of our
revenues will come from providing DSL service. The market for
high-speed Internet access is still developing, and we expect
current competitors and new market entrants to introduce
competing services and to develop new technologies. The markets
for our DSL services could fail to
24
develop, grow more slowly than anticipated or become saturated
with competitors with superior pricing or services. In addition,
our DSL offerings may become subject to newly adopted laws and
regulations. We cannot predict the outcome of these regulatory
developments or how they may affect our regulatory obligations
or the form of competition for these services. As a result, we
could have higher costs and capital expenditures, lower revenues
and greater competition than expected for DSL services.
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If we are not successful in integrating TXUCV, we may have
higher costs and fail to achieve expected cost savings, among
other things. |
Our future success, and thus our ability to pay interest and
principal on the notes, will depend in part on our ability to
integrate TXUCV into our business. We currently expect to incur
approximately $14.5 million in operating expenses
associated with the integration and restructuring of TXUCV in
2004 and 2005. Of the $14.5 million, approximately
$11.5 million relates to the integration and approximately
$3.0 million relates to restructuring. These one-time
integration and restructuring costs will be in addition to
certain ongoing costs we expect to incur to expand certain
administrative functions, such as those relating to SEC
reporting and compliance and do not take into account other
potential cost savings and expenses of the TXUCV acquisition.
The integration of TXUCV involves numerous risks, including the
following:
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greater demands on our management and administrative resources; |
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difficulties and unexpected costs in integrating the operations,
personnel, services, technologies and other systems of CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas; |
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possible unexpected loss of key employees, customers and
suppliers; |
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unanticipated liabilities and contingencies of TXUCV and its
business; |
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unexpected costs of integrating the management and operation of
the two businesses; and |
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failure to achieve expected cost savings. |
These challenges and uncertainties could increase our costs and
cause our management to spend less time than expected executing
our business strategy. We may not be able to manage the combined
operations and assets effectively or realize all or any of the
anticipated benefits of the acquisition. To the extent that we
make any additional acquisitions in the future, these risks
would likely be exacerbated.
We may become responsible for unexpected liabilities or other
contingencies that we did not discover in the course of
performing due diligence in connection with the acquisition.
Under the stock purchase agreement, the parent company of TXUCV
agreed to indemnify us against certain undisclosed liabilities.
We cannot assure you, however, that any indemnification will be
enforceable, collectible or sufficient in amount, scope or
duration to fully offset any possible liabilities associated
with the acquisition. Any of these contingencies, individually
or in the aggregate, could increase our costs.
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Our possible pursuit of acquisitions is expensive, may not
be successful and, even if it is successful, may be more costly
than anticipated. |
Our acquisition strategy entails numerous risks. The pursuit of
acquisition candidates is expensive and may not be successful.
Our ability to complete future acquisitions will depend on our
ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, negotiate
acceptable terms for their acquisition and, if necessary,
finance those acquisitions, in each case, before any attractive
candidates are purchased by other parties, some of whom may have
greater financial and other resources than us. Whether or not
any particular acquisition is closed successfully, each of these
activities is expensive and time consuming and would likely
require our management to spend considerable time and effort to
accomplish them, which would detract from their ability to run
our current business. We may face unexpected challenges in
receiving any required approvals from the FCC, the ICC, or other
applicable state regulatory commissions, which could result in
delay or our not being able to consummate the acquisition.
Although we may spend considerable expense and effort to pursue
acquisitions, we may not be successful in closing them.
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If we are successful in closing any acquisitions, we would face
several risks in integrating them, including those listed above
regarding the risks of integrating TXUCV. In addition, any due
diligence we perform may not prove to have been accurate. For
example, we may face unexpected difficulties in entering markets
in which we have little or no direct prior experience or in
generating expected revenue and cash flow from the acquired
companies or assets. The risks identified above may make it more
challenging and costly to integrate TXUCV if we have not done so
fully by the time of any new acquisition.
Currently, we are not pursuing any acquisitions or other
strategic combinations. But, if any of these risks materialize,
they could have a material adverse effect on our business and
our ability to achieve sufficient cash flow, provide adequate
working capital, service and repay our indebtedness, including
the notes.
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Poor economic conditions in our service areas in Illinois
and Texas could cause us to lose local access lines and
revenues. |
Substantially all of our customers and operations are located in
Illinois and Texas. The customer base for telecommunications
services in each of our rural telephone companies service
areas in Illinois and Texas is small and geographically
concentrated, particularly for residential customers. Due to our
geographical concentration, the successful operation and growth
of our business is primarily dependent on economic conditions in
our rural telephone companies service areas. The economies
of these areas, in turn, are dependent upon many factors,
including:
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demographic trends; |
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in Illinois, the strength of the agricultural markets and the
light manufacturing and services industries, continued demand
from universities and hospitals and the level of government
spending; and |
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in Texas, the strength of the manufacturing and retail
industries and continued demand from schools and hospitals. |
Poor economic conditions and other factors beyond our control in
our rural telephone companies service areas could cause a
decline in our local access lines and revenues.
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A system failure could cause delays or interruptions of
service, which could cause us to lose customers. |
In the past, we have experienced short, localized disruptions in
our service due to factors such as cable damage, inclement
weather and service failures of our third party service
providers. To be successful, we will need to continue to provide
our customers reliable service over our network. The principal
risks to our network and infrastructure include:
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physical damage to our central offices or local access lines; |
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disruptions beyond our control; |
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power surges or outages; and |
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software defects. |
Disruptions may cause interruptions in service or reduced
capacity for customers, either of which could cause us to lose
customers and incur unexpected expenses, and thereby adversely
affect our business, revenues and cash flow.
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Loss of a large customer could reduce our revenues. In
addition, a significant portion of our revenues from the State
of Illinois is based on contracts that are favorable to the
government. |
Our success depends in part upon the retention of our large
customers such as AT&T, McLeodUSA and the State of Illinois.
After giving effect to the TXUCV acquisition, AT&T accounted
for 4.1% and the
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State of Illinois accounted for 6.1% of our revenues during
2004, and 4.0% and 5.7% of our revenues for the three months
ended March 31, 2005, respectively. McLeodUSA, which in
2002 completed a bankruptcy restructuring, accounted for 6.3%
and the State of Illinoiss various relationships with CCI
Illinois accounted for 14.5% of CCI Illinois revenues
during 2004 and 4.4% and 13.7% for the three months ended
March 31, 2005. In general, telecommunications companies
such as ours face the risk of losing customers as a result of a
contract expiration, merger or acquisition, business failure or
the selection of another provider of voice or data services. In
addition, we generate a significant portion of our operating
revenues from originating and terminating long distance and
international telephone calls for carriers such as AT&T and
MCI, which are in the process of being acquired or are
experiencing substantial financial difficulties. We cannot
assure you that we will be able to retain long-term
relationships or secure renewals of short-term relationships
with our customers in the future.
In 2004, virtually all of the revenues of the Public Services
business and 40.8% of the revenues of the Market Response
business of our Other Illinois Operations were derived from our
relationships with various agencies of the State of Illinois,
principally the Department of Corrections and the Toll Highway
Authority and various county governments in Illinois. Obtaining
contracts from government agencies is challenging, and
government contracts, like our contracts with the State of
Illinois, often include provisions that are favorable to the
government in ways that are not standard in private commercial
transactions. Specifically, each of our contracts with the State
of Illinois:
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includes provisions that allow the respective state agency to
terminate the contract without cause and without penalty under
some circumstances; |
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is subject to decisions of state agencies that are subject to
political influence on renewal; |
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gives the State of Illinois the right to renew the contract at
its option but does not give us the same right; and |
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could be cancelled if state funding becomes unavailable. |
The failure of the State of Illinois to perform under the
existing agreements for any reason, or to renew the agreements
when they expire, could have a material adverse effect on the
revenues of CCI Illinois. For example, the State of Illinois,
which represented 40.8% of Market Responses revenues for
2004, recently awarded the renewal of the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority contract, the sole source of those revenues,
to another provider.
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If we are unsuccessful in obtaining and maintaining
necessary rights-of-way for our network, our operations may be
interrupted and we would likely face increased costs. |
We need to obtain and maintain the necessary rights-of-way for
our network from governmental and quasi-governmental entities
and third parties, such as railroads, utilities, state highway
authorities, local governments and transit authorities. We may
not be successful in obtaining and maintaining these
rights-of-way or obtaining them on acceptable terms whether in
existing or new service areas. Some of the agreements relating
to these rights-of-way may be short-term or revocable at will,
and we cannot be certain that we will continue to have access to
existing rights-of-way after they have expired or terminated. If
any of our rights-of-way agreements were terminated or could not
be renewed, we may be forced to remove our network elements from
under the affected rights-of-way or relocate or abandon our
networks. We may not be able to maintain all of our existing
rights-of-way and permits or obtain and maintain the additional
rights-of-way and permits needed to implement our business plan.
In addition, our failure to maintain the necessary
rights-of-way, franchises, easements, licenses and permits may
result in an event of default under the existing credit
agreement and other credit agreements we may enter into in the
future. As a result of the above, our operations may be
interrupted and we may need to find alternative rights-of-way
and make unexpected capital expenditures.
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We are dependent on third party vendors for our
information and billing systems. Any significant disruption in
or relationship with these vendors could increase our costs and
affect our operating efficiencies. |
Sophisticated information and billing systems are vital to our
ability to monitor and control costs, bill customers, process
customer orders, provide customer service and achieve operating
efficiencies. We currently rely on internal systems and third
party vendors to provide all of our information and processing
systems. Some of our billing, customer service and management
information systems have been developed by third parties for us
and may not perform as anticipated. In addition, our plans for
developing and implementing our information and billing systems
rely primarily on the delivery of products and services by third
party vendors. Our right to use these systems is dependent upon
license agreements with third party vendors. Some of these
agreements are cancelable by the vendor, and the cancellation or
nonrenewable nature of these agreements could impair our ability
to process orders or bill our customers. Since we rely on third
party vendors to provide some of these services, any switch in
vendors could be costly and affect operating efficiencies.
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We may be unable to repurchase the shares of Homebase as
required by the Limited Liability Company Agreement of
Homebase. |
After December 31, 2007, each of our existing equity
investors will have the right to require Homebase to repurchase
all of its shares of Homebase, subject to certain regulatory
approvals. In this circumstance, we cannot assure you that we
will have sufficient funds available to repurchase all of the
shares or even be permitted to do so under the indenture or the
terms of the existing credit agreement. Our failure to
repurchase the shares would result in the commencement of a sale
process of our company.
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We cannot predict how a change in control of our existing
equity investors or an exit of any of them could affect our
operations or business. |
Subject to certain restrictions, our existing equity investors
may transfer their interests in Homebase or engage in other
business combination transactions with a third party or with the
other investors that could result in a change in control of any
one of them or Homebase. Therefore, any transfer of an interest
in Homebase or change of control of any one of our existing
equity investors could affect our governance. We cannot predict
how a change of existing equity investors would affect our
operations or business.
Unless waived by each of our existing equity investors, the LLC
agreement provides that a direct, and in the case of Central
Illinois Telephone an indirect, transfer of an interest in
Homebase generally may occur only after a certain date and only
if the other existing equity investors are first offered the
opportunity to purchase the interest. We cannot be certain that
our existing equity investors will not sell, transfer or
otherwise modify their ownership interest in us, whether in
transactions involving third parties or the other investors.
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Our existing equity investors control important decisions
affecting our governance and our operations and their interests
may differ from our and your interests. |
Circumstances may arise in which the interests of our existing
equity investors could be in conflict with yours as a holder of
exchange notes. In particular, our existing equity investors may
have an interest in pursuing certain strategies or transactions
that, in their judgment, enhance the value of their investment
in Homebase even though these strategies or transactions may
involve risks to you as a holder of exchange notes. Further
conflicts of interest may arise between you and our existing
equity investors when we are faced with decisions that could
have different implications for you and our existing equity
investors, including financial budgets, potential competition,
the issuance or disposition of securities, the payment of
distributions by Homebase, regulatory and legal positions and
other matters. Because our existing equity investors control
Homebase, these conflicts may be resolved in a manner adverse
to, or that imposes more risks on, the noteholders.
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In addition, conflicts of interest may arise between Homebase
and one or more of our existing equity investors when we are
faced with decisions that could have different implications for
Homebase and our existing equity investors. Although our LLC
agreement provides certain procedural protections and requires
that any transaction or dealing between Homebase and an existing
equity investor or one of its affiliates be approved on
Homebases behalf by a majority vote of the disinterested
members of our board of managers, this does not address all
conflicts of interest that may arise. For example,
Homebases existing equity investors and their affiliates
are permitted to compete with us. Because our existing equity
investors control us, conflicts of interest arising because of
competition between Homebase and an existing equity investor
could be resolved in a manner adverse to Homebase. It is
possible that there will be situations where our existing equity
investors interests are in conflict with Homebases
interests, and Homebases existing equity investors acting
through the board of managers or through our executive officers
could resolve these conflicts in a manner adverse to Homebase.
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Important decisions require the approval of our board of
managers that are appointed by our existing equity investors and
a failure to agree could result in deadlock. |
Under the terms of the LLC agreement, our board of managers
manages and controls our business, property and affairs,
including the determination and implementation of our strategic
direction. Our board of managers consists of four directors,
with one currently appointed by each of Providence Equity and
Spectrum Equity and two currently appointed by Central Illinois
Telephone. If, and after the date the ICC approves the new
governance structure, which is summarized under Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions Limited
Liability Company Agreement Action by the Board of
Managers Action by the Board of Managers Following
ICC Approval of Governance Change, each existing equity
investor will effectively control one-third of our board of
managers subject to specified rights of Mr. Lumpkin, as a
director, or the other director designated by Central Illinois
Telephone, as applicable, to approve certain actions. Prior to
ICC approval of our new governance structure by the ICC, each of
the directors will have one vote. While the directors appointed
by Central Illinois Telephone are required to vote in favor of
matters that do not affect CCI Illinois, or Homebases
interest in CCI Illinois, that are approved by the directors
appointed by Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity, with regard
to matters relating to CCI Illinois and Homebases interest
in CCI Illinois, it is possible that the board of managers may
not reach agreement regarding matters that are important to us,
which could result in a deadlock. The majority vote of the
directors does not include procedures for resolving deadlocks.
If deadlocks cannot be resolved, inaction may result, which
could, among other things, result in us losing business
opportunities.
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The loss of key management personnel, or the inability to
attract and retain highly qualified management and other
personnel in the future, could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of
operations. |
Our success depends upon the talents and efforts of key
management personnel, many of whom have been with our company
and our industry for a long time, including Mr. Lumpkin,
Robert J. Currey, Steven L. Childers, Joseph R. Dively, Steven
J. Shirar, C. Robert Udell, Jr. and Christopher A. Young.
There are no employment agreements with any of these senior
managers. The loss of any such management personnel, due to
retirement or otherwise, and the inability to attract and retain
highly qualified technical and management personnel in the
future, could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
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If we are not able to implement the requirements of
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in a timely
manner or with adequate compliance, we may be unable to provide
the required financial information in a timely and reliable
manner and may be subject to sanctions by regulatory
authorities. The perception of these matters could cause our
share price to fall. |
Changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate
governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 and related regulations implemented by the SEC are
creating
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uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial
compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming.
We will be evaluating our internal controls systems to allow
management to report on, and our independent auditors to attest
to, our internal controls. We will be performing the system and
process evaluation and testing (and any necessary remediation)
required to comply with the management certification and auditor
attestation requirements of Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. While we anticipate being able to fully
implement the requirements relating to internal controls and all
other aspects of Section 404 by our December 31, 2006
deadline, we cannot be certain as to the timing of completion of
our evaluation, testing and remediation actions or the impact of
the same on our operations since there is presently no precedent
available by which to measure compliance adequacy. If we are not
able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a
timely manner or with adequate compliance, we might be subject
to sanctions or investigation by regulatory authorities such as
the SEC. Any such action could adversely affect our financial
results or investors confidence in our company. In
addition, the controls and procedures that we will implement may
not comply with all of the relevant rules and regulations of the
SEC. If we fail to develop and maintain effective controls and
procedures, we may be unable to provide the financial
information in a timely and reliable manner.
Regulatory Risks
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The telecommunications industry in which we operate is
subject to extensive federal, state and local regulation that
could change in a manner adverse to us. |
Our main sources of revenues are our local telephone businesses
in Illinois and Texas. The laws and regulations governing these
businesses may be, and in some cases have been, challenged in
the courts, and could be changed by Congress, state legislatures
or regulators at any time. In addition, new regulations could be
imposed by federal or state authorities increasing our operating
costs or capital requirements or that are otherwise adverse to
us. We cannot predict the impact of future developments or
changes to the regulatory environment or the impact such
developments or changes may have on us. Adverse rulings,
legislation or changes in governmental policy on issues material
to us could increase our competition, cause us to lose customers
to competitors and decrease our revenues, increase our costs and
decrease profitability.
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Our rural telephone companies could lose their rural
status under interconnection rules, which would increase our
costs and could cause us to lose customers and the associated
revenues to competitors. |
The Telecommunications Act imposes a number of interconnection
and other requirements on local communications providers,
including incumbent telephone companies. Each of the
subsidiaries through which we operate our local telephone
businesses is an incumbent telephone company and is also
classified as a rural telephone company under the
Telecommunications Act. The Telecommunications Act exempts rural
telephone companies from some of the more burdensome
interconnection requirements such as unbundling of network
elements and sharing information and facilities with other
communications providers. These unbundling requirements and the
obligation to offer unbundled network elements, or UNEs, to
competitors, impose substantial costs on, and result in customer
attrition for, the incumbent telephone companies that must
comply with these requirements. The ICC or the PUCT can
terminate the applicable rural exemption for each of our rural
telephone companies if it receives a bona fide request for full
interconnection from another telecommunications carrier and the
state commission determines that the request is technically
feasible, not unduly economically burdensome and consistent with
universal service requirements. Neither the ICC nor the PUCT has
yet terminated, or proposed to terminate, the rural exemption
for any of our rural telephone companies. However, our Illinois
rural telephone company has received a request that we provide
interconnection services that are not required of an incumbent
telephone company holding a rural exemption, which could result
in a request to the ICC to terminate our Illinois rural
telephone companys exemption. If the ICC or PUCT
terminates the applicable rural exemption in whole or in part
for any of our rural telephone companies, or if the applicable
state commission does not allow us adequate compensation for the
costs of providing the interconnection or
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UNEs, our administrative and regulatory costs could increase
significantly and we could suffer a significant loss of
customers and revenues to existing or new competitors.
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Legislative or regulatory changes could reduce or
eliminate the revenues our rural telephone companies receive
from network access charges. |
A significant portion of our rural telephone companies
revenues come from network access charges paid by long distance
and other carriers for originating or terminating calls in our
rural telephone companies service areas. The amount of
network access charge revenues that our rural telephone
companies receive is based on interstate rates set by the FCC
and intrastate rates set by the ICC and PUCT. The FCC has
reformed, and continues to reform, the federal network access
charge system, and the states, including Illinois and Texas,
often establish intrastate network access charges that mirror or
otherwise interrelate with the federal rules.
Traditionally, regulators have allowed network access rates to
be set higher in rural areas than the actual cost of originating
or terminating calls as an implicit means of subsidizing the
high cost of providing local service in rural areas. In 2001,
the FCC adopted rules reforming the network access charge system
for rural carriers, including reductions in per-minute access
charges and increases in both universal service fund subsidies
and flat-rate, monthly per line charges on end-user customers.
Our Illinois rural telephone companys intrastate network
access rates mirror interstate network access rates. Illinois
does not provide, however, an explicit subsidy in the form of a
universal service fund applicable to our Illinois rural
telephone company. As a result, while subsidies from the federal
universal service fund have offset Illinois Telephone
Operations decrease in revenues resulting from the
reduction in interstate network access rates, there was not a
corresponding offset for the decrease in revenues from the
reduction in intrastate network access rates.
The FCC is currently considering even more sweeping potential
changes in network access charges. Depending on the FCCs
decisions, our current network access charge revenues could be
reduced materially, and we do not know whether increases in
other revenues, such as federal or Texas subsidies and monthly
line charges, will be sufficient to offset any such reductions.
The ICC and the PUCT also may make changes in our intrastate
network access charges, which may also cause reductions in our
revenues. To the extent any of our rural telephone companies
become subject to competition and competitive telephone
companies increase their operations in the areas served by our
rural telephone companies, a portion of long distance and other
carriers network access charges will be paid to our
competitors rather than to our companies. In addition, the
compensation our companies receive from network access charges
could be reduced due to competition from wireless carriers.
In addition, VOIP services are increasingly being embraced by
cable companies, incumbent telephone companies, competitive
telephone companies and long distance carriers. The FCC is
considering whether VOIP services are regulated
telecommunications services or unregulated information services
and is considering whether providers of VOIP services are
obligated to pay access charges for calls originating or
terminating on incumbent telephone company facilities. We cannot
predict the outcome of the FCCs rulemaking or the impact
on the revenues of our rural telephone companies. The
proliferation of VOIP, particularly to the extent such
communications do not utilize our rural telephone
companies networks, may cause significant reductions to
our rural telephone companies network access charge
revenues.
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We believe telecommunications carriers, such as long
distance carriers or VOIP providers, are disputing and/or
avoiding their obligation to pay network access charges to rural
telephone companies for use of their networks. If carriers
successfully dispute or avoid the applicability of network
access charges, our revenues could decrease. |
In recent years, telecommunications carriers, such as long
distance carriers or VOIP providers, have become more
aggressive in disputing interstate access charge rates set by
the FCC and the applicability of network access charges to their
telecommunications traffic. We believe that these disputes have
increased in part due to advances in technology that have
rendered the identity and jurisdiction of traffic more difficult
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ascertain and that have afforded carriers an increased
opportunity to assert regulatory distinctions and claims to
lower access costs for their traffic. As a result of the
increasing deployment of VOIP services and other technological
changes, we believe that these types of disputes and claims will
likely increase. In addition, we believe that there has been a
general increase in the unauthorized use of telecommunications
providers networks without payment of appropriate access
charges, or so-called phantom traffic, due in part
to advances in technology that have made it easier to use
networks without having to pay for the traffic. As a general
matter, we believe that this phantom traffic is due to
unintended usage and, in some cases, fraud. We cannot assure you
that there will not be material claims made against us
contesting the applicability of network access charges billed by
our rural telephone companies or continued or increased phantom
traffic that uses our network without paying us for it. If there
is a successful dispute or avoidance of the applicability of
network access charges, our revenues could decrease.
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Legislative or regulatory changes could reduce or
eliminate the government subsidies we receive. |
The federal and Texas state system of subsidies, from which we
derive a significant portion of our revenues, are subject to
modification. Our rural telephone companies receive significant
federal and state subsidy payments.
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In 2004, CCI Illinois received $10.6 million from the
federal universal service fund and CCI Texas received an
aggregate of $40.9 million from the federal universal
service fund and the Texas universal service fund, which in the
aggregate comprised 15.9% of our revenues in 2004, after giving
effect to the TXUCV acquisition. |
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For the three months ended March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois
received $4.2 million from the federal universal service
fund and CCI Texas received an aggregate of $9.5 million
from the federal universal service fund and the Texas universal
service fund, which in the aggregate comprised 17.2% of our
revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005 |
During the last two years, the FCC has made modifications to the
federal universal service fund system that changed the sources
of support and the method for determining the level of support
recipients of federal universal service fund subsidies receive.
It is unclear whether the changes in methodology will continue
to accurately reflect the costs incurred by our rural telephone
companies and whether we will continue to receive the same
amount of federal universal service fund support that our rural
telephone companies have received in the past. The FCC is also
currently considering a number of issues regarding the source
and amount of contributions to, and eligibility for payments
from, the federal universal service fund, and these issues may
also be the subject of legislative amendments to the
Telecommunications Act.
In December 2004, Congress suspended the application of a law
called the Urgent Deficiency Act to the FCCs universal
service fund until December 31, 2005. The Urgent Deficiency
Act prohibits government agencies from making financial
commitments in excess of their funds on hand. Currently, the
universal service fund administrator makes commitments to fund
recipients in advance of collecting the contributions from
carriers that will pay for these commitments. The FCC has not
determined whether the Urgent Deficiency Act would apply to
payments to our rural telephone companies. Congress is now
considering whether to extend the current temporary legislation
that exempts the universal service fund from the Urgent
Deficiency Act. If it does not grant this extension, however,
the universal service subsidy payments to our rural telephone
companies may be delayed or reduced in the future.
We cannot predict the outcome of any federal or state
legislative action or any FCC, PUCT or ICC rulemaking or similar
proceedings. If our rural telephone companies do not continue to
receive federal and state subsidies, or if these subsidies are
reduced, our rural telephone companies will likely have lower
revenues and may not be able to operate as profitably as they
have historically. In addition, if the number of local access
lines that our rural telephone companies serve increases, under
the rules governing the federal universal service fund, the rate
at which we can recover certain federal universal service fund
payments may decrease. This may have an adverse effect on our
revenues and profitability.
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In addition, under the Telecommunications Act, our competitors
can obtain the same level of federal universal service fund
subsidies as we do if the ICC or PUCT, as applicable, determines
that granting these subsidies to competitors would be in the
public interest and the competitors offer and advertise certain
telephone services as required by the Telecommunications Act and
the FCC. Under current rules, any such payments to our
competitors would not affect the level of subsidies received by
our rural telephone companies, but they would facilitate
competitive entry into our rural telephone companies
service areas and our rural telephone companies may not be able
to compete as effectively or otherwise continue to operate as
profitably.
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The high costs of regulatory compliance could make it more
difficult for us to enter new markets, make acquisitions or
change our prices. |
Regulatory compliance results in significant costs for us and
diverts the time and effort of management and our officers away
from running our business. In addition, because regulations
differ from state to state, we could face significant costs in
obtaining information necessary to compete effectively if we try
to provide services, such as long distance services, in markets
in different states. These information barriers could cause us
to incur substantial costs and to encounter significant
obstacles and delays in entering these markets. Compliance costs
and information barriers could also affect our ability to
evaluate and compete for new opportunities to acquire local
access lines or businesses as they arise.
Our intrastate services are also generally subject to
certification, tariff filing and other ongoing state regulatory
requirements. Challenges to our tariffs by regulators or third
parties or delays in obtaining certifications and regulatory
approvals could cause us to incur substantial legal and
administrative expenses. If successful, these challenges could
adversely affect the rates that we are able to charge to
customers, which would negatively affect our revenues.
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Legislative and regulatory changes in the
telecommunications industry could raise our costs by
facilitating greater competition against us and reduce potential
revenues. |
Legislative and regulatory changes in the telecommunications
industry could adversely affect our business by facilitating
greater competition against us, reducing our revenues or raising
our costs. For example, federal or state legislatures or
regulatory commissions could impose new requirements relating to
standards or quality of service, credit and collection policies,
or obligations to provide new or enhanced services such as
high-speed access to the Internet or number portability, whereby
consumers can keep their telephone number when changing
carriers. Any such requirements could increase operating costs
or capital requirements.
The Telecommunications Act provides for significant changes and
increased competition in the telecommunications industry. This
federal statute and the related regulations remain subject to
judicial review and additional rulemakings of the FCC, as well
as to implementing actions by state commissions.
Currently, there exists only a small body of law and regulation
applicable to access to, or commerce on, the Internet. As the
significance of the Internet expands, federal, state and local
governments may adopt new rules and regulations or apply
existing laws and regulations to the Internet. The FCC is
currently reviewing the appropriate regulatory framework
governing high speed access to the Internet through telephone
and cable providers communications networks. The outcome
of these proceedings may affect our regulatory obligations and
costs and competition for our services which could have a
material adverse effect on our revenues.
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Do not call registries may increase our costs
and limit our ability to market our services. |
Our Market Response business is subject to various federal and
state do not call list requirements. Recently, the
FCC and the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, amended their
rules to provide for a national do not call
registry. Under these new federal regulations, consumers may
have their phone numbers added to the national registry and
telemarketing companies, such as our Market Response business,
are prohibited from calling anyone on that registry other than
for limited exceptions. In
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September 2003, telemarketers were given access to the registry
and are now required to compare their call lists against the
national do not call registry at least once every
31 days. We are required to pay a fee to access the
registry on a quarterly basis. This rule may restrict our
ability to market our services effectively to new customers.
Furthermore, compliance with this new rule may prove difficult,
and we may incur penalties for improperly conducting our
marketing activities.
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Because we are subject to extensive laws and regulations
relating to the protection of the environment, natural resources
and worker health and safety, we may face significant
liabilities or compliance costs in the future. |
Our operations and properties are subject to federal, state and
local laws and regulations relating to protection of the
environment, natural resources and worker health and safety,
including laws and regulations governing and creating liability
relating to, the management, storage and disposal of hazardous
materials, asbestos, petroleum products and other regulated
materials. We also are subject to environmental laws and
regulations governing air emissions from our fleets of vehicles.
As a result, we face several risks, including the following:
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Under certain environmental laws, we could be held liable,
jointly and severally and without regard to fault, for the costs
of investigating and remediating any actual or threatened
environmental contamination at currently and formerly owned or
operated properties, and those of our predecessors, and for
contamination associated with disposal by us or our predecessors
of hazardous materials at third party disposal sites. Hazardous
materials may have been released at certain current or formerly
owned properties as a result of historic operations. |
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The presence of contamination can adversely affect the value of
our properties and our ability to sell any such affected
property or to use it as collateral. |
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We could be held responsible for third party property damage
claims, personal injury claims or natural resource damage claims
relating to any such contamination. |
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The cost of complying with existing environmental requirements
could be significant. |
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Adoption of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in
existing laws or regulations or their interpretations could
result in significant compliance costs or as yet identified
environmental liabilities. |
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Future acquisitions of businesses or properties subject to
environmental requirements or affected by environmental
contamination could require us to incur substantial costs
relating to such matters. |
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In addition, environmental laws regulating wetlands, endangered
species and other land use and natural resource issues may
increase costs associated with future business or expansion
opportunities, delay, alter or interfere with such plans, or
otherwise adversely affect such plans. |
As a result of the above, we may face significant liabilities
and compliance costs in the future.
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements contained in this prospectus that are not
statements of historical fact, including statements about our
beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and
should be evaluated as such. The words anticipates,
believes, expects, intends,
plans, estimates, targets,
projects, should, may,
will and similar words and expressions are intended
to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements are contained throughout this prospectus, for example
in Summary, Risk Factors, Dividend
Policy and Restrictions, Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations CCI Illinois and CCI Texas,
Business, Regulation and the unaudited
pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements and the
related notes. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among
other things, our current expectations, plans and strategies,
and anticipated financial results, all of which are subject to
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and factors that may
cause our actual results to differ materially from those
expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many
of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. All
forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting
on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
cautionary statements contained throughout this prospectus.
Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you
should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking
statements. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only
as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation
to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as
a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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THE TRANSACTIONS
We summarize below the transactions and the principal terms
of the stock purchase agreement and other agreements that relate
to the transactions. This summary is not a complete description
of the terms of these agreements. For a summary of the effects
of the proposed initial public offering and related matters, see
IPO Matters.
Overview
The offering of the outstanding notes was part of a series of
simultaneous transactions. Upon consummation of the transactions
on April 14, 2004, Homebase, the parent of the issuers,
through its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Texas Acquisition,
acquired all of the capital stock of TXUCV and continued to own
all of the capital stock of CCI Illinois. The transactions
included the following:
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the contribution by our existing equity investors of
$89.0 million in cash in exchange for additional
class A preferred shares of Homebase, the distribution by
CCI of $63.4 million to Homebase and the contribution by
Homebase of $152.4 million to Texas Acquisition of the
aggregate proceeds of such distribution and contribution; |
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the offering of the outstanding notes; |
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the borrowing by CCI and Texas Acquisition of
$437.0 million under the existing credit facilities; |
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the repayment of all the outstanding debt of CCI under its old
credit facility; |
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the acquisition, pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, by
Texas Acquisition of TXUCV from Pinnacle One Partners L.P., or
Pinnacle One, an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of TXU Corp.,
for $524.1 million in cash, net of cash acquired and
including transaction costs; and |
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the payment of fees and expenses. |
Our Existing Equity Investors
Homebase is a Delaware limited liability company that was formed
on June 26, 2002. In connection with the acquisition of
TXUCV, our existing equity investors made additional cash
investments in Homebase in an aggregate amount of
$89.0 million in exchange for additional class A
preferred shares of Homebase. As a result of these and prior
cash contributions, they each beneficially own 3,000,000 common
shares and approximately 60,666.7 class A preferred shares
of Homebase, accounting for approximately 90% of the issued and
outstanding common shares and 100% of the issued and outstanding
class A preferred shares. The remainder of the common
shares are owned by members of our management.
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Central Illinois Telephone |
Central Illinois Telephone is a limited liability company
managed by our Chairman, Mr. Lumpkin. Mr. Lumpkin,
members of his family and their respective affiliates
beneficially own 90.9% of the equity interests in Central
Illinois Telephone, and the remainder is owned by members of our
management and other investors.
Providence Equity is a private investment firm specializing in
equity investments in telecommunications and media companies
around the world. Providence Equity manages funds with over
$5.0 billion in equity commitments, including Providence
Equity Partners IV, a private equity fund of approximately
$2.8 billion, and has invested in more than
70 companies. Providence Equitys investment
professionals are located in North America and Europe, with
offices in Rhode Island, New York and London, England. Some of
its recent investments include eircom ltd, Madison River
Telephone Company, LLC, Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc., Bresnan
Broadband Holdings, LLC, VoiceStream Wireless Corp. and Yankees
Entertainment and Sports Network, LLC.
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Spectrum Equity is a private equity firm specializing in
investments in the media and communications industries on a
global basis. Based in Boston, Massachusetts and Menlo Park,
California, Spectrum Equity has over $3.0 billion in
capital under management and its investment professionals have
invested in more than 90 companies since the firms
inception. Some of its investments include American Cellular
Corporation, American Tower Corporation, CBD Media LLC,
Illuminet Holdings, Inc., Jazztel, p.l.c., and Patriot Media and
Communications LLC.
Stock Purchase Agreement
On January 15, 2004, Texas Acquisition and Pinnacle One
entered into a stock purchase agreement pursuant to which Texas
Acquisition acquired, effective as of April 14, 2004, all
of the capital stock of TXUCV. Texas Acquisition is a Delaware
corporation formed solely for the purpose of acquiring TXUCV. By
acquiring the stock of TXUCV, Texas Acquisition acquired
substantially all of TXU Corp.s telecommunications
business, consisting of the following:
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Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company (formerly
known as Fort Bend Telephone Company) and Consolidated
Communications of Texas Company (formerly known as TXU
Communications Telephone Company, which was formerly known as
Lufkin-Conroe Telephone Exchange, Inc.), which together serve
markets in Conroe, Katy and Lufkin, Texas; |
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a telephone directory publishing business; and |
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a transport services business. |
The cash purchase price for the sale of TXUCVs capital
stock was $524.1 million, net of cash acquired and
including transaction costs. All of TXUCVs outstanding
indebtedness as of the closing date, other than the GECC capital
leases and inter-company amounts relating to contracts that
continued following the closing of the transactions, has been
paid. In addition, Pinnacle One bore the first $5.1 million
of the severance and similar expenses associated with work force
reductions occurring between the signing the stock purchase
agreement on January 15, 2004 and the closing on
April 14, 2004. Texas Acquisition was responsible for any
amount in excess thereof. These severance and similar expenses
totaled $5.9 million, $0.8 million of which were borne
by Texas Acqusition.
The stock purchase agreement contains customary representations
and warranties, covenants and indemnification provisions. In
general, Pinnacle One may be liable to us for any breaches of
representations and warranties to the extent that our losses, in
the aggregate, exceed $7.5 million, and then only up to
$131.8 million, in the aggregate, subject to specified
exceptions. Most representations and warranties expired on
April 30, 2005.
TXU Corp. has agreed to guarantee the payment obligations of
Pinnacle One for up to the purchase price and has further agreed
to guarantee certain tax indemnification obligations up to, and
in excess of, the purchase price.
Other Agreements
In connection with the closing of the acquisition, Homebase
and/or its subsidiaries entered into several agreements
including the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Post-Closing Guaranty, dated as of April 14, 2004, pursuant
to which TXU Corp., subject to defined limitations, guaranteed
Pinacle Ones obligations to indemnify Texas Acquisition
under the stock purchase agreement following the closing of the
transactions; |
|
|
|
Trademark Assignment, dated as of 14, 2004, between TXUCV
and TXU Corp., pursuant to which TXUCV assigned specified
trademarks to TXU Corp.; |
37
|
|
|
|
|
Internet Domain Name License Agreement, dated as of
April 14, 2004, between TXUCV and TXU Corp, pursuant to
which TXU Corp. licensed specified domain names to TXUCV for a
transition period of two years; |
|
|
|
Software License and Services Agreement, dated as of
December 24, 2003, between PeopleSoft USA, Inc. and TXUCV
and Partial Assignment, Assumption and Release Agreement, dated
as of December 22, 2003, by and between PeopleSoft USA,
Inc., TXUCV and TXU Business Services Company, an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of TXU Corp., pursuant to which TXUCV
obtained the right to continue to use PeopleSofts
applications for financial, human resources and inventory
purposes following the closing of the transactions; |
|
|
|
Professional Services Fee letter, dated April 14, 2004,
pursuant to which CCI agreed to pay a professional services fee
to our existing equity investors in the aggregate amount of
$2.0 million per year, as described under Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Professional Services Fee Agreements; and |
|
|
|
Professional Services Fee letter, dated as of April 14,
2004, pursuant to which Texas Acquisition agreed to pay a
professional services fee to our existing equity investors in
the aggregate amount of $3.0 million per year, as described
under Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Professional Services Fee
Agreements. |
In addition, we may modify the Services and Facilities Agreement
as described under Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Services and Facilities Agreement
to permit the allocation of common costs and expenses among CCI
Illinois, CCI Texas and their subsidiaries. The modification may
require prior filing with or approval of the ICC.
USE OF PROCEEDS
This exchange offer is intended to satisfy the obligations of
the issuers and Homebase under the registration rights
agreement. We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of
the exchange notes in the exchange offer. You will receive, in
exchange for outstanding notes validly tendered and accepted for
exchange pursuant to the exchange offer, exchange notes in the
same principal amount as such outstanding notes. Outstanding
notes validly tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the
exchange offer will be retired and cancelled and cannot be
reissued. Accordingly, the issuance of the exchange notes will
not result in any increase of our outstanding debt.
38
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth as of March 31, 2005, the
cash and cash equivalents and capitalization of each of CCI
Illinois, CCI Texas and Homebase. You should read this table in
conjunction with Use of Proceeds,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations CCI Illinois and
CCI Texas, the financial statements and the related notes
of each of Illinois Holdings, Texas Holdings, and Homebase and
the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
CCI Illinois | |
|
CCI Texas | |
|
Homebase | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
23,818 |
|
|
$ |
32,720 |
|
|
$ |
56,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt (including current portion):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Existing credit facilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility(1)
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan facilities(2)
|
|
|
164,702 |
|
|
|
259,148 |
|
|
|
423,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total credit facilities
|
|
|
164,702 |
|
|
|
259,148 |
|
|
|
423,850 |
|
Capital lease obligation(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
93/4
Senior Notes due 2012
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long term debt (including current portion)
|
|
|
239,702 |
|
|
|
385,207 |
|
|
|
624,909 |
|
Redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210,092 |
|
Members deficit/stockholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, no par value
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
29,600 |
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
Accumulated earnings (deficit)
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
|
4,225 |
|
|
|
(23,033 |
) |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
1,017 |
|
|
|
1,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members deficit/stockholders equity
|
|
|
31,361 |
|
|
|
157,700 |
|
|
|
(21,031 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$ |
271,063 |
|
|
$ |
542,907 |
|
|
$ |
813,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The existing credit facilities contain a $30.0 million
revolving credit facility. See Description of Other
Indebtedness Existing Credit Facilities. |
|
(2) |
As of March 31, 2005, the existing credit facilities
included a $112.0 million term loan A facility and a
$311.9 million term loan C facility. See
Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities. |
|
(3) |
The capital lease obligation represents the outstanding balance
under the GECC capital lease. On May 27, 2005, we elected
to pay in full the outstanding balance on this capital lease.
See Description of Other Indebtedness GECC
Capital Leases. |
39
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
ILLINOIS HOLDINGS
Illinois Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of CCI. CCI
acquired ICTC and the related businesses on December 31,
2002. We believe the operations of ICTC and the related
businesses prior to December 31, 2002 represent the
predecessor of Illinois Holdings.
The selected consolidated financial information set forth below
have been derived from the unaudited combined financial
statements of ICTC and related businesses as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2000, the audited combined financial
statements of ICTC and related businesses as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, the audited
consolidated financial statements of Illinois Holdings as of and
for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the
unaudited consolidated financial statements of Illinois Holdings
as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and
2005. The unaudited combined financial statements of ICTC and
related businesses, the predecessor of Illinois Holdings, as of
and for the year ended December 31, 2000 and the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of Illinois Holdings as of and
for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 reflect
all adjustments that management believes to be of a normal and
recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the
results for the period. Operating results for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the full year.
The following selected historical consolidated financial
information should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition CCI Illinois and CCI Texas and the
audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Illinois Holdings and the audited and unaudited combined
financial statements of ICTC and related businesses and the
related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor of Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$ |
117.1 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
109.9 |
|
|
|
$ |
132.3 |
|
|
$ |
136.5 |
|
|
$ |
34.1 |
|
|
$ |
33.6 |
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
38.9 |
|
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
|
46.3 |
|
|
|
46.2 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
42.1 |
|
|
|
36.0 |
|
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
|
|
42.5 |
|
|
|
45.5 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
12.0 |
|
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(1)
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
|
|
31.8 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
13.9 |
|
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
Interest expense, net(2)
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
|
(11.9 |
) |
|
|
(19.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
(4.2 |
) |
|
Other, net(3)
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
(8.0 |
) |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
Income tax (expense) benefit
|
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(0.6 |
) |
|
$ |
6.6 |
|
|
$ |
8.0 |
|
|
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
$ |
(5.1 |
) |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
$ |
0.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations revenues
|
|
$ |
82.0 |
|
|
$ |
79.8 |
|
|
$ |
76.7 |
|
|
|
$ |
90.3 |
|
|
$ |
97.3 |
|
|
$ |
22.9 |
|
|
$ |
24.7 |
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor of Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local access lines in service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
|
63,064 |
|
|
|
62,249 |
|
|
|
60,533 |
|
|
|
|
58,461 |
|
|
|
55,627 |
|
|
|
58,345 |
|
|
|
55,407 |
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
32,933 |
|
|
|
33,473 |
|
|
|
32,475 |
|
|
|
|
32,426 |
|
|
|
31,255 |
|
|
|
32,481 |
|
|
|
31,217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total local access lines(3)
|
|
|
95,997 |
|
|
|
95,722 |
|
|
|
93,008 |
|
|
|
|
90,887 |
|
|
|
86,882 |
|
|
|
90,826 |
|
|
|
86,624 |
|
|
DSL subscribers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,501 |
|
|
|
5,761 |
|
|
|
|
7,951 |
|
|
|
10,794 |
|
|
|
8,456 |
|
|
|
11,915 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total connections
|
|
|
95,997 |
|
|
|
98,223 |
|
|
|
98,769 |
|
|
|
|
98,838 |
|
|
|
97,676 |
|
|
|
99,282 |
|
|
|
98,539 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$ |
36.1 |
|
|
$ |
34.3 |
|
|
$ |
28.5 |
|
|
|
$ |
28.9 |
|
|
$ |
30.4 |
|
|
$ |
5.9 |
|
|
|
10.3 |
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(21.8 |
) |
|
|
(13.1 |
) |
|
|
(14.1 |
) |
|
|
|
(296.1 |
) |
|
|
(13.3 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
(1.4 |
) |
|
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(21.5 |
) |
|
|
(18.9 |
) |
|
|
(16.6 |
) |
|
|
|
277.4 |
|
|
|
(10.5 |
) |
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
13.3 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor of Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
Illinois Holdings | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
3.3 |
|
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
|
$ |
10.1 |
|
|
$ |
16.7 |
|
|
|
23.8 |
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
26.7 |
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
44.0 |
|
|
|
46.5 |
|
|
Net plant, property & equipment(4)
|
|
|
102.6 |
|
|
|
100.5 |
|
|
|
105.1 |
|
|
|
|
104.6 |
|
|
|
101.6 |
|
|
|
98.7 |
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
270.0 |
|
|
|
248.9 |
|
|
|
236.4 |
|
|
|
|
317.6 |
|
|
|
307.9 |
|
|
|
306.2 |
|
|
Total long-term debt (including current portion)(5)
|
|
|
21.3 |
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
|
180.4 |
|
|
|
241.5 |
|
|
|
239.7 |
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
191.3 |
|
|
|
178.1 |
|
|
|
174.5 |
|
|
|
|
98.0 |
|
|
|
30.3 |
|
|
|
31.4 |
|
|
|
(1) |
On January 1, 2002, CCI Illinois adopted
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, CCI Illinois ceased
amortizing goodwill on January 1, 2002 and instead tests
for goodwill impairment annually. Amortization expense for
goodwill and intangible assets was $17.6 million in 2000
and 2001, $10.1 million in 2002 and $7.0 million in
2003. In accordance with SFAS 142, CCI Illinois recognized
intangible asset impairments of $11.6 million in 2004.
Depreciation and amortization excludes amortization of deferred
financing costs. |
|
(2) |
Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing
costs totaling $0.5 million in 2003, $5.2 million in
2004 and $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. |
|
(3) |
On September 30, 2001, ICTC sold two exchanges of
approximately 2,750 access lines, received proceeds from the
sale of $7.2 million and recorded a gain on the sale of
assets of approximately $5.2 million. |
|
(4) |
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses. When
property, plant and equipment are retired from ICTC, the
original cost, net of salvage, is charged against accumulated
depreciation, with no gain or loss recognized in accordance with
composite group life remaining methodology used for regulated
telephone plant assets. |
|
(5) |
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition on April 14, 2004,
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas incurred, severally and not jointly,
an aggregate of $637.0 million of new long-term debt. As of
March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois was severally responsible for
$75.0 million in outstanding notes and $164.7 million
in term loans under the existing credit facilities. |
41
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
TEXAS HOLDINGS
Texas Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of Texas
Acquisition. Texas Holdings and Texas Acquisition were formed
for the sole purpose of acquiring TXUCV, which was renamed Texas
Holdings after the closing of the acquisition. We believe that
the operations of TXUCV prior to April 14, 2004 represent
the predecessor of Texas holdings. In addition, TXU Corp.
contributed the parent company of Fort Bend Telephone
Company on August 11, 2000 to TXUCV. We believe the
operations of Fort Bend Telephone Company prior to
August 11, 2000 represent the predecessor of TXUCV.
The selected consolidated financial information set forth below
have been derived from the audited consolidated financial
statements of Fort Bend Telephone Company, the predecessor
of TXUCV, as of and for the period ended August 10, 2000,
the audited consolidated financial statements of TXUCV, the
predecessor of Texas Holdings, as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and as of and for the
period ended April 13, 2004, the audited consolidated
financial statements of Texas Holdings as of and for the period
ended December 31, 2004, the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of TXUCV as of and for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of Texas Holdings as of and for the three
months ended March 31, 2005. The unaudited consolidated
financial statements of TXUCV as of and for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and of Texas Holdings as of and for
the three months ended March 31, 2005 reflect all
adjustments that management believes to be of a normal and
recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the
results for the period. Operating results for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 are not necessarily
indicative of the results for the full year.
The following selected consolidated financial information should
be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition CCI Illinois and
CCI Texas and the consolidated financial statements of
TXUCV and Texas Holdings and the related notes included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to TXUCV | |
|
|
Predecessor to Texas Holdings | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Period | |
|
|
Period | |
|
|
|
Period | |
|
|
Period | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
from | |
|
|
from | |
|
|
|
from | |
|
|
from | |
|
| |
|
|
1/1/00 to | |
|
|
8/11/00 to | |
|
|
|
1/1/04 to | |
|
|
4/14/04 to | |
|
Predecessor | |
|
Texas Holdings | |
|
|
8/10/00 | |
|
|
12/31/00 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
4/13/04 | |
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$ |
93.2 |
|
|
|
$ |
67.9 |
|
|
$ |
207.5 |
|
|
$ |
214.7 |
|
|
$ |
194.8 |
|
|
$ |
53.9 |
|
|
|
$ |
133.1 |
|
|
$ |
45.4 |
|
|
$ |
46.3 |
|
|
Network operating costs (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
38.7 |
|
|
|
|
29.9 |
|
|
|
95.6 |
|
|
|
76.9 |
|
|
|
58.4 |
|
|
|
15.3 |
|
|
|
|
34.4 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
13.6 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
31.8 |
|
|
|
|
32.1 |
|
|
|
88.7 |
|
|
|
109.4 |
|
|
|
75.4 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
|
42.4 |
|
|
|
15.1 |
|
|
|
14.3 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(1)
|
|
|
19.3 |
|
|
|
|
17.1 |
|
|
|
50.2 |
|
|
|
41.0 |
|
|
|
32.9 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
Restructuring, asset impairment and other charges(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101.4 |
|
|
|
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill impairment charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18.0 |
|
|
|
13.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
3.4 |
|
|
|
|
(11.2 |
) |
|
|
(27.0 |
) |
|
|
(132.0 |
) |
|
|
14.7 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
|
24.1 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
Interest expense, net(3)
|
|
|
(3.6 |
) |
|
|
|
(4.9 |
) |
|
|
(11.1 |
) |
|
|
(7.5 |
) |
|
|
(5.4 |
) |
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
|
(20.0 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(7.2 |
) |
|
Other, net(4)
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
9.9 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
1.2 |
|
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
|
(5.2 |
) |
|
|
(28.2 |
) |
|
|
(128.1 |
) |
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
Income taxes (expense) benefit
|
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
|
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
38.3 |
|
|
|
(12.4 |
) |
|
|
(2.5 |
) |
|
|
|
(3.1 |
) |
|
|
(3.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
$ |
(5.5 |
) |
|
$ |
(21.9 |
) |
|
$ |
(89.8 |
) |
|
$ |
(2.3 |
) |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
$ |
4.0 |
|
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
to TXUCV | |
|
|
Predecessor to Texas Holdings | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Period | |
|
|
Period | |
|
|
|
Period | |
|
|
Period | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
from | |
|
|
from | |
|
|
|
from | |
|
|
from | |
|
| |
|
|
1/1/00 to | |
|
|
8/11/00 to | |
|
|
|
1/1/04 to | |
|
|
4/14/04 to | |
|
Predecessor | |
|
Texas Holdings | |
|
|
8/10/00 | |
|
|
12/31/00 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
4/13/04 | |
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local access lines in service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
117,130 |
|
|
|
119,488 |
|
|
|
119,060 |
|
|
|
116,862 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
113,151 |
|
|
|
116,485 |
|
|
|
112,610 |
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,292 |
|
|
|
50,406 |
|
|
|
53,023 |
|
|
|
54,780 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
55,175 |
|
|
|
54,850 |
|
|
|
53,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total local access lines
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
166,422 |
|
|
|
169,894 |
|
|
|
172,083 |
|
|
|
171,642 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
168,326 |
|
|
|
171,335 |
|
|
|
166,447 |
|
|
DSL subscribers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,593 |
|
|
|
4,069 |
|
|
|
5,423 |
|
|
|
8,668 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
16,651 |
|
|
|
10,592 |
|
|
|
18,903 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total connections
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
168,015 |
|
|
|
173,963 |
|
|
|
177,506 |
|
|
|
180,310 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
184,977 |
|
|
|
183,377 |
|
|
|
185,350 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLEC access lines
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,541 |
|
|
|
58,591 |
|
|
|
26,088 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from (used in) operating activities
|
|
$ |
(16.5 |
) |
|
|
$ |
37.4 |
|
|
$ |
6.8 |
|
|
$ |
34.7 |
|
|
$ |
75.1 |
|
|
$ |
5.3 |
|
|
|
$ |
49.4 |
|
|
$ |
6.1 |
|
|
$ |
4.3 |
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(27.3 |
) |
|
|
|
(48.3 |
) |
|
|
(59.9 |
) |
|
|
(21.3 |
) |
|
|
(14.3 |
) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
|
(540.8 |
) |
|
|
(4.5 |
) |
|
|
(4.1 |
) |
|
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
34.2 |
|
|
|
|
(3.8 |
) |
|
|
46.3 |
|
|
|
(4.4 |
) |
|
|
(61.8 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
|
526.7 |
|
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
36.0 |
|
|
|
|
59.2 |
|
|
|
67.0 |
|
|
|
27.4 |
|
|
|
18.2 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
Predecessor to Texas Holdings | |
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
As of | |
|
|
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
4/13/04 | |
|
|
12/31/04 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
10.3 |
|
|
$ |
3.4 |
|
|
$ |
12.4 |
|
|
$ |
11.5 |
|
|
$ |
9.9 |
|
|
|
$ |
35.4 |
|
|
$ |
32.7 |
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
63.8 |
|
|
|
44.3 |
|
|
|
86.4 |
|
|
|
34.5 |
|
|
|
37.1 |
|
|
|
|
56.6 |
|
|
|
57.4 |
|
|
Net plant, property & equipment(5)
|
|
|
332.4 |
|
|
|
363.4 |
|
|
|
240.8 |
|
|
|
231.4 |
|
|
|
230.0 |
|
|
|
|
259.2 |
|
|
|
254.4 |
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
787.0 |
|
|
|
800.4 |
|
|
|
700.1 |
|
|
|
647.9 |
|
|
|
625.2 |
|
|
|
|
702.2 |
|
|
|
697.8 |
|
|
Total long-term debt (including current portion)(6)
|
|
|
157.5 |
|
|
|
172.8 |
|
|
|
166.2 |
|
|
|
100.4 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
|
388.0 |
|
|
|
385.2 |
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
490.5 |
|
|
|
496.6 |
|
|
|
407.6 |
|
|
|
410.9 |
|
|
|
513.3 |
|
|
|
|
156.4 |
|
|
|
157.7 |
|
|
|
(1) |
On January 1, 2002, TXUCV adopted SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Pursuant to
SFAS No. 142, TXUCV ceased amortizing goodwill on
January 1, 2002, and instead tests for goodwill impairment
annually. Amortization expense for goodwill and intangible
assets was $8.7 million in 2000 and $13.7 million in
2001. Depreciation and amortization excludes amortization of
debt issuance expenses. In accordance with SFAS 142, TXUCV
recognized goodwill impairments of $18.0 million in 2002
and $13.2 million in 2003. |
|
(2) |
During 2002, TXUCV recognized restructurings, asset impairment
and other charges of $101.4 million due to the write down
of assets relating to TXUCVs competitive telephone company
and transport businesses. |
|
(3) |
Interest expense prior to the transactions was from the
TXUCVs revolving credit facility, GECC capital leases,
mortgage notes and is reduced by allowance for funds used during
construction. |
|
(4) |
Other, net includes equity earnings from our investments in
cellular partnerships, dividend income, recognizing the minority
interests of investors in East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated as
well as certain other miscellaneous non-operating items. |
43
See Note 6 to Texas Holdingss audited consolidated
financial statements for a description of these investments. The
table below sets out the components of the Other, net:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months | |
|
Three Months | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
March 31, 2004 | |
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Partnership income
|
|
$ |
2.5 |
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(0.4 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.1 |
) |
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
$ |
4.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.8 |
|
|
$ |
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5) |
Property, plant and equipment items are recorded at cost. The
cost of additions, replacements and major improvements is
capitalized, while repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense. |
|
(6) |
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition on April 14, 2004,
CCI Texas and CCI Illinois incurred, severally and not jointly,
an aggregate of $637.0 million of new long-term debt. As of
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas was severally responsible for
$125.0 million in outstanding notes and $259.0 million
in term loans under the existing credit facilities. |
44
SELECTED HISTORICAL AND OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
HOMEBASE
Homebase is a holding company with no income from operations or
assets except for the capital stock of Illinois Holdings and
Texas Holdings. Illinois Holdings was formed for the sole
purpose of acquiring ICTC and the related businesses on
December 31, 2002. We believe the operations of ICTC and
the related businesses prior to December 31, 2002 represent
the predecessor of Homebase. Texas Holdings is a holding company
with no income from operations or assets except for the capital
stock of Texas Acquisition. Texas Acquisition was formed for the
sole purpose of acquiring TXUCV, which was acquired on
April 14, 2004 and renamed CCV after the closing of the
acquisition. Texas Holdings operates its business through and
receives all of its income from Texas Acquisition, CCV and its
subsidiaries. Results for the year ended December 31, 2004
include the results of operations of Texas Holdings since the
date of the TXUCV acquisition.
The selected consolidated financial information set forth below
have been derived from the unaudited combined financial
statements of ICTC and related businesses as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2000, the audited combined financial
statements of ICTC and related businesses as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, the audited
consolidated financial statements of Homebase as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of Homebase as of and for the
three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005. The unaudited
combined financial statements of ICTC and related
businesses, the predecessor of Homebase, as of and for the year
ended December 31, 2000 and the unaudited consolidated
financial statements of Homebase as of and for the three months
ended March 31, 2004 and 2005 reflect all adjustments that
management believes to be of a normal and recurring nature and
necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the period.
Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2004
and 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the
full year.
The following selected historical consolidated financial
information should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition CCI Illinois and CCI Texas, the
audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Homebase and the audited combined financial statements of ICTC
and related businesses and the related notes included elsewhere
in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
Homebase | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
$ |
117.1 |
|
|
$ |
115.6 |
|
|
$ |
109.9 |
|
|
|
$ |
132.3 |
|
|
$ |
269.6 |
|
|
$ |
34.1 |
|
|
$ |
79.8 |
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
39.0 |
|
|
|
38.9 |
|
|
|
35.8 |
|
|
|
|
46.3 |
|
|
|
80.6 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
24.4 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
42.1 |
|
|
|
36.0 |
|
|
|
35.6 |
|
|
|
|
42.5 |
|
|
|
87.9 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
Asset impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization(1)
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
|
|
31.8 |
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
54.5 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
16.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
2.4 |
|
|
|
8.9 |
|
|
|
13.9 |
|
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
35.0 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
Interest expense, net(2)
|
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.8 |
) |
|
|
(1.6 |
) |
|
|
|
(11.9 |
) |
|
|
(39.6 |
) |
|
|
(2.8 |
) |
|
|
(11.4 |
) |
|
Other, net(3)
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
12.9 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
|
|
|
|
9.2 |
|
|
|
(0.9 |
) |
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
(1.7 |
) |
|
|
(6.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.7 |
) |
|
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
|
(0.2 |
) |
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
(0.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(0.6 |
) |
|
$ |
6.6 |
|
|
$ |
8.0 |
|
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
(1.1 |
) |
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
0.7 |
|
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8.5 |
) |
|
|
(15.0 |
) |
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3.0 |
) |
|
$ |
(16.1 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.5 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.9 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share basic and diluted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.79 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
45
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
Homebase | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone Operations revenues
|
|
$ |
82.0 |
|
|
$ |
79.8 |
|
|
$ |
76.7 |
|
|
|
$ |
90.3 |
|
|
$ |
230.4 |
|
|
$ |
22.9 |
|
|
$ |
71.0 |
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local access lines in service
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential
|
|
|
63,064 |
|
|
|
62,249 |
|
|
|
60,533 |
|
|
|
|
58,461 |
|
|
|
168,778 |
|
|
|
58,345 |
|
|
|
168,017 |
|
|
|
Business
|
|
|
32,933 |
|
|
|
33,473 |
|
|
|
32,475 |
|
|
|
|
32,426 |
|
|
|
86,430 |
|
|
|
32,481 |
|
|
|
85,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total local access lines(3)
|
|
|
95,997 |
|
|
|
95,722 |
|
|
|
93,008 |
|
|
|
|
90,887 |
|
|
|
255,208 |
|
|
|
90,826 |
|
|
|
253,071 |
|
|
DSL subscribers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,501 |
|
|
|
5,761 |
|
|
|
|
7,951 |
|
|
|
27,445 |
|
|
|
8,456 |
|
|
|
30,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total connections
|
|
|
95,997 |
|
|
|
98,223 |
|
|
|
98,769 |
|
|
|
|
98,838 |
|
|
|
282,653 |
|
|
|
99,282 |
|
|
|
283,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Cash Flow Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$ |
36.1 |
|
|
$ |
34.3 |
|
|
$ |
28.5 |
|
|
|
$ |
28.9 |
|
|
$ |
79.8 |
|
|
$ |
5.9 |
|
|
$ |
14.6 |
|
|
Cash flows used in investing activities
|
|
|
(21.8 |
) |
|
|
(13.1 |
) |
|
|
(14.1 |
) |
|
|
|
(296.1 |
) |
|
|
(554.1 |
) |
|
|
(2.7 |
) |
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
|
Cash flows from (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
(21.5 |
) |
|
|
(18.9 |
) |
|
|
(16.6 |
) |
|
|
|
277.4 |
|
|
|
516.3 |
|
|
|
(2.6 |
) |
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
20.7 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
|
|
14.1 |
|
|
|
|
11.3 |
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
2.7 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
As of December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
Homebase | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(dollars in millions) | |
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
0.9 |
|
|
$ |
3.3 |
|
|
$ |
1.1 |
|
|
|
$ |
10.1 |
|
|
$ |
52.1 |
|
|
$ |
56.5 |
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
27.1 |
|
|
|
26.7 |
|
|
|
23.2 |
|
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
98.9 |
|
|
|
103.9 |
|
|
Net plant, property & equipment(4)
|
|
|
102.6 |
|
|
|
100.5 |
|
|
|
105.1 |
|
|
|
|
104.6 |
|
|
|
360.8 |
|
|
|
353.1 |
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
270.0 |
|
|
|
248.9 |
|
|
|
236.4 |
|
|
|
|
317.6 |
|
|
|
1,006.1 |
|
|
|
1,002.2 |
|
|
Total long-term debt (including current portion)(5)
|
|
|
21.3 |
|
|
|
21.1 |
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
|
180.4 |
|
|
|
629.4 |
|
|
|
624.9 |
|
|
Redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
101.5 |
|
|
|
205.5 |
|
|
|
210.1 |
|
|
Parent company investment/ Members deficit
|
|
|
191.3 |
|
|
|
178.1 |
|
|
|
174.5 |
|
|
|
|
(3.5 |
) |
|
|
(18.8 |
) |
|
|
(21.0 |
) |
|
|
(1) |
On January 1, 2002, ICTC and related businesses adopted
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Pursuant to SFAS No. 142, ICTC ceased amortizing
goodwill on January 1, 2002 and instead tested for goodwill
impairment annually. Amortization expense for goodwill and
intangible assets was $17.6 million for 2000 and 2001,
$10.1 million in 2002 and $7.0 million in 2003.
Depreciation and amortization excludes amortization of deferred
financing costs. |
|
(2) |
Interest expense includes amortization of deferred financing
costs totaling $0.5 million in 2003, $6.4 million in
2004 and $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the three
months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005, respectively. |
|
(3) |
On September 30, 2001, ICTC sold two exchanges of
approximately 2,750 access lines, received proceeds from the
sale of $7.2 million and recorded a gain on the sale of
assets of approximately $5.2 million. |
|
(4) |
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expenses. When
property, plant and equipment are retired from ICTC, the
original cost, net of salvage, is charged against accumulated
depreciation, with no gain or loss recognized in accordance with
composite group life remaining methodology used for regulated
telephone plant assets. |
|
(5) |
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition on April 14, 2004,
we issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of
senior notes and entered into the existing credit facilities, of
which $423.9 million was outstanding as of March 31,
2005. |
46
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CCI ILLINOIS AND CCI
TEXAS
We present below Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations of each of CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas followed by a discussion of liquidity and
capital resources of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas on a combined
basis after giving effect to the transactions and after giving
effect to the IPO transactions. For the twelve months ended
December 31, 2004, CCI Texas financial results are
presented on a combined historical basis, comprised of
(a) TXUCVs historical results of operations for the
period from January 1, 2004 through and including
April 13, 2004 and (b) Texas Holdings results of
operations for the period from April 14, 2004 through and
including December 31, 2004.
Homebase is a holding company with no income from operations
or assets except for that which is derived from its ownership of
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. As a result, a separate
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations for Homebase has not been provided
because we do not believe such a discussion would provide
additional meaningful information to holders of the notes. The
following discussion should be read in conjunction with the
historical consolidated financial statements and notes and other
financial information related to CCI Illinois and CCI Texas
appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
CCI Illinois
Overview
CCI Illinois is an established rural local exchange company that
provides communications services to residential and business
customers in Illinois. As of March 31 2005, we estimate
that CCI Illinois would have been the 25th largest local
telephone company in the United States had it been a separate
company, based on industry sources, with approximately 86,624
local access lines and 11,915 DSL lines in service. CCI
Illinois main sources of revenues are our local telephone
businesses in Illinois, which offer an array of services,
including local dial tone, custom calling features, private line
services, long distance, dial-up and high-speed Internet access,
carrier access and billing and collection services. CCI Illinois
also operates a number of complementary businesses, such as
telephone service to county jails and state prisons, operator
and national directory assistance and telemarketing and order
fulfillment services and expects to begin publishing telephone
directories in the third quarter of 2005.
In accordance with the reporting requirement of Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 131,
Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information, CCI Illinois has two reportable business
segments, Illinois Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations. The results of operations discussed below reflect
the consolidated results of CCI Illinois.
|
|
|
Acquisition from McLeodUSA |
CCI Illinois began operations in its present form with the
acquisition of ICTC and several related businesses from
McLeodUSA on December 31, 2002. As a result,
period-to-period comparisons of CCI Illinois financial
results to date are not necessarily meaningful and should not be
relied upon as an indication of future performance due to the
following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues and expenses for the three months ended March 31,
2004 and 2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and
2004 for certain long distance services and data and Internet
services include services that were not part of the financial
results of our Illinois Telephone Operations segment when it was
owned by McLeodUSA in 2002. These services were provided, and
revenues were recognized, by McLeodUSA as part of its
competitive telephone company operations. In order for McLeodUSA
to provide these services to customers in our Illinois rural
telephone companys service area, ICTC provided
McLeodUSAs competitive telephone company operations access
to its network and billing and collection services for which it
received network access charges and billing |
47
|
|
|
|
|
and collection fees. Following the acquisition by Homebase of
ICTC and the related businesses, Illinois Telephone Operations
launched its own business providing similar long distance and
data and Internet services to customers primarily located in our
Illinois rural telephone companys service area. As a
result, the results of operations of Illinois Telephone
Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and
2005 and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004
include businesses that were not included in 2002 when ICTC and
the related operations were owned by McLeodUSA. |
|
|
|
Expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005
and for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 included
$0.5 million, $0.5 million, $2.0 million and
$2.0 million, respectively, in aggregate professional
services fees paid to Mr. Lumpkin, Providence Equity and
Spectrum Equity pursuant to a professional services agreement.
This is in addition to a professional services fee that was paid
by CCI Texas to these parties under a separate professional
services fee agreement, entered at the closing of the
transactions. See Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Professional Services Fee
Agreements. |
|
|
|
In 2001 and 2002 McLeodUSA encountered financial difficulties
and, as a result, initiated cost-cutting initiatives and reduced
financial support for all operations other than ICTC. Although
certain expenses were reduced as a result of these initiatives,
revenues and income from operations also declined in these
periods. In connection with its bankruptcy proceeding in 2002,
McLeodUSA identified ICTC and the related businesses as assets
held for sale and as discontinued operations. |
Illinois Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations. To date, CCI Illinois revenues have been
derived primarily from the sale of voice and data communications
services to residential and business customers in our Illinois
rural telephone companys service area. For the three
months ended March 31, 2005, approximately 73.8%, or
$24.8 million, of its operating revenues came from Illinois
Telephone Operations and approximately 26.2%, or
$8.8 million, came from Other Illinois Operations. For the
year ended December 31, 2004, approximately 71.3%, or
$97.3 million, of CCI Illinois operating revenues
came from Illinois Telephone Operations and approximately 28.7%,
or $39.2 million, came from Other Illinois Operations. For
the year ended December 31, 2003, approximately 68.3%, or
$90.3 million, of CCI Illinois operating revenues
came from Illinois Telephone Operations and 31.7%, or
$42.0 million, came from Other Illinois Operations. For the
year ended December 31, 2002, approximately 69.8%, or
$76.7 million, of CCI Illinois operating revenues
came from Illinois Telephone Operations and 30.2%, or
$33.2 million, from Other Illinois Operations.
Illinois Telephone Operations added revenues in 2004 and in the
three months ended March 31, 2005 from long distance and
Internet services provided primarily to our Illinois rural
telephone companys customers that had been previously
provided by McLeodUSA. At March 31, 2005, Illinois
Telephone Operations had approximately 55,318 long distance
customers, which represented approximately a 63.9% penetration
of CCI Illinois local access lines. At December 31,
2004, Illinois Telephone Operations had approximately 54,345
long distance customers, which represented approximately a 62.6%
penetration of CCI Illinois local access lines. We do not
anticipate significant growth in revenues for Illinois Telephone
Operations due to its primarily rural service area, but we do
expect relatively consistent cash flow from year to year due to
stable customer demand, limited competition and a generally
supportive regulatory environment.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005, Other Illinois
Operations revenues were down from the same period in
2004, primarily due to losing the telemarketing and fulfillment
contract with the Illinois Toll Highway Authority in mid-2004
and a decline in telephone system sales. In 2004, Other Illinois
Operations revenues were down from 2003, reflecting the loss of
the contract with the Illinois Toll Highway Authority and the
repricing of some large Operator Services customer contracts at
lower rates. We had success in growing Other Illinois Operations
revenues between 2002 and 2003 for several reasons. Due to its
financial difficulties and bankruptcy in 2002, McLeodUSA
initiated cost-cutting initiatives and reduced financial support
for all operations other than Illinois Telephone Operations and,
as a result,
48
revenues for Other Illinois Operations suffered. In 2003,
following the acquisition from McLeodUSA, management renewed its
focus on growing this segment. In addition, revenue growth was
driven by the award to Public Services by the State of Illinois
of an extension to the prison contract in December 2002, that
nearly doubled the number of prison sites we served.
Local Access Lines and Bundled Services. Local access
lines are an important element of our business. An access
line is the telephone line connecting a persons home
or business to the public switched telephone network. The
monthly recurring revenue we generate from end users, the amount
of traffic on our network and related access charges generated
from other carriers, the amount of federal and state subsidies
we receive and most other revenue streams are directly related
to the number of local access lines in service. As of
March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had approximately 86,624 local
access lines in service, which was a decrease of 258 from the
86,882 local access lines in service as of December 31,
2004, which was a decrease of 4,005 from the local access lines
in service as of December 31, 2003.
Historically, rural telephone companies have experienced
consistent growth in access lines because of positive
demographic trends, insulated rural local economies and limited
competition. Recently, many rural telephone companies have
experienced a loss of local access lines due to challenging
economic conditions, increased competition from wireless
providers, competitive telephone companies and, in some cases,
cable television operators. CCI Illinois has not been immune to
these conditions. CCI Illinois has lost access lines in each of
the last two years and its Telephone Operations have experienced
difficult economic and demographic conditions. In addition, we
believe CCI Illinois lost local access lines due to the
disconnection of second telephone lines by our residential
customers in connection with their substituting DSL or cable
modem service for dial-up Internet access and wireless services
for wireline service.
Despite the slight loss of local access lines, CCI Illinois has
been able to mitigate the loss in its markets and has increased
average revenue per customer by focusing on the following:
|
|
|
|
|
aggressively promoting DSL service; |
|
|
|
bundling value-added services, such as DSL with a combination of
local service, custom calling features, voicemail and Internet
access; |
|
|
|
maintaining excellent customer service standards, particularly
as we introduce new services to existing and new
customers; and |
|
|
|
keeping a strong local presence in the communities we serve. |
The number of DSL subscribers CCI Illinois serves grew
substantially for the year ended 2004 and during the
three months ended March 31, 2005. CCI Illinois
DSL lines in service increased 10.4% to approximately 11,915
lines as of March 31, 2005 from approximately 10,794 lines
as of December 31, 2004, which was a 35.8% increase from
approximately 7,951 lines as of December 31, 2003. Our
penetration rate for DSL lines in service was approximately
13.8% of our Illinois rural telephone companys local
access lines at March 31, 2005.
We have also been successful in growing our revenues in Illinois
Telephone Operations by bundling combinations of local service,
custom calling features, voicemail and Internet access. The
number of these bundles, which we refer to as service bundles,
increased 5.9% to approximately 9,300 service bundles at
March 31, 2005 from over 8,700 service bundles at
December 31, 2004, which itself was a 29.2% increase from
over 6,700 service bundles at December 31, 2003.
CCI Illinois has implemented a number of initiatives to gain new
access lines and retain existing access lines by enhancing the
attractiveness of the bundle with new service offerings,
including unlimited long distance (introduced in July 2004),
digital video service (introduced in January 2005) and
promotional offers like discounted second lines. In addition, we
intend to continue to integrate best practices across our
Illinois and Texas regions. These efforts may act to mitigate
the financial impact of any access line loss we may experience.
However, if these actions fail to mitigate access line loss, or
we experience a higher degree of access line loss than we
currently expect, it could have an adverse impact on our
revenues and earnings. Our strategy is to continue to execute
the plan we have had for the past two years.
49
Historically, Illinois Telephone Operations had reported fairly
consistent operating expenses. However, following the
acquisition from McLeodUSA in 2003, Illinois Telephone
Operations expenses increased substantially due to the start-up
of the long distance and data and Internet businesses, the need
to build new information technology and systems and the cost of
hiring and retaining the senior management team.
In 2004, Other Illinois Operations experienced increased
operating expenses. The increase was primarily due to the
write-off of $11.6 million to recognize impairment of
goodwill and tradenames in two of our Other Illinois Operations
business units. Operating expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 have decreased compared to the same period
in 2004 primarily due to decreased sales costs.
CCI Illinois primary operating expenses consist of cost of
services, selling, general and administrative expenses and
depreciation and amortization expense.
|
|
|
Cost of Services and Products |
CCI Illinois cost of services include:
|
|
|
|
|
operating expenses relating to plant costs, including those
related to the network and general support costs, central office
switching and transmission costs and cable and wire facilities; |
|
|
|
general plant costs, such as testing, provisioning, network,
administration, power and engineering; and |
|
|
|
the cost of transport and termination of long distance and
private lines outside our Illinois rural telephone
companys service area. |
Illinois Telephone Operations has agreements with McLeodUSA and
other carriers to provide long distance transport and
termination services. These agreements contain various
commitments and expire at various times. We believe Illinois
Telephone Operations will meet all commitments in the agreements
and believe it will be able to procure services for future
periods. We are currently procuring services for future periods,
and at this time, the costs and related terms under which we
will purchase long distance transport and termination services
have not been determined. We do not, however, expect any
material adverse changes from any changes in any new service
contract.
|
|
|
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
In general, selling, general and administrative expenses include:
|
|
|
|
|
selling and marketing expenses; |
|
|
|
expenses associated with customer care; |
|
|
|
billing and other operating support systems; and |
|
|
|
corporate expenses, including professional service fees. |
Illinois Telephone Operations incurs selling and marketing and
customer care expenses from its customer service centers and
commissioned sales representatives. Our Illinois customer
service centers are the primary sales channels for residential
and business customers with one or two phone lines, whereas
commissioned sales representatives provide customized proposals
to larger business customers. In addition, we use customer
retail centers for various communications needs, including new
telephone, Internet and paging service purchases.
Each of our Other Illinois Operations businesses primarily use
an independent sales and marketing team comprised of dedicated
field sales account managers, management teams and service
representatives to execute our sales and marketing strategy.
CCI Illinois has operating support and other back office systems
that are used to enter, schedule, provision and track customer
orders, test services and interface with trouble management,
inventory, billing, collection and customer care service systems
for the local access lines in our operations. We are in the
process of migrating key business processes of CCI Illinois and
CCI Texas onto single, company-wide systems and platforms. Our
objective is to improve profitability by reducing individual
company costs through centralization, standardization and
sharing of best practices. We expect that our operating support
50
systems and customer care expenses will increase as we integrate
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas back office systems.
During 2004, $5.5 million and $1.5 million had been
spent on integration in Texas and Illinois, respectively.
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization Expenses |
CCI Illinois recognizes depreciation expenses for our regulated
telephone plant using rates and lives approved by the ICC. The
provision for depreciation on nonregulated property and
equipment is recorded using the straight-line method based upon
the following useful lives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years | |
|
|
| |
Buildings
|
|
|
15-20 |
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
5-15 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
3-10 |
|
Amortization expenses are recognized primarily for our
intangible assets considered to have finite useful lives on a
straight-line basis. In accordance to SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not
amortized but rather are tested annually for impairment. Because
tradenames have been determined to have indefinite lives, they
are not amortized. Software and customer relationships are
amortized over their useful lives of five and ten years,
respectively.
The following summarizes the revenues and operating expenses
from continuing operations for (i) ICTC and related
business, the predecessor of CCI Illinois, for the year
ended December 31, 2002 and (ii) CCI Illinois for
the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2004 and for the
three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2005, from these
sources:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
CCI Illinois | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Local calling services
|
|
$ |
33.4 |
|
|
|
30.4 |
% |
|
|
$ |
34.4 |
|
|
|
26.0 |
% |
|
$ |
33.9 |
|
|
|
24.8 |
% |
|
$ |
8.5 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
% |
|
$ |
8.3 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
% |
|
Network access services
|
|
|
29.0 |
|
|
|
26.4 |
|
|
|
|
27.5 |
|
|
|
20.8 |
|
|
|
30.3 |
|
|
|
22.2 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
|
|
|
19.5 |
|
|
|
6.8 |
|
|
|
20.2 |
|
|
Subsidies
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
3.5 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
12.5 |
|
|
Long distance services
|
|
|
1.4 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
6.7 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
2.0 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
1.9 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
Data and Internet services
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
|
10.8 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
10.6 |
|
|
|
7.8 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
|
|
|
7.7 |
|
|
Other services
|
|
|
4.5 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
|
4.1 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
2.9 |
|
|
|
1.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Illinois Telephone Operations
|
|
|
76.7 |
|
|
|
69.8 |
|
|
|
|
90.3 |
|
|
|
68.3 |
|
|
|
97.3 |
|
|
|
71.2 |
|
|
|
22.9 |
|
|
|
67.2 |
|
|
|
24.8 |
|
|
|
73.8 |
|
Other Illinois Operations
|
|
|
33.2 |
|
|
|
30.2 |
|
|
|
|
42.0 |
|
|
|
31.7 |
|
|
|
39.2 |
|
|
|
28.8 |
|
|
|
11.2 |
|
|
|
32.8 |
|
|
|
8.8 |
|
|
|
26.2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
109.9 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
132.3 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
136.5 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
34.1 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
33.6 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
CCI Illinois | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
Three Months Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
|
% of | |
|
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
$ | |
|
Total | |
|
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
(Millions) | |
|
Revenues | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations
|
|
|
46.9 |
|
|
|
42.7 |
|
|
|
|
54.7 |
|
|
|
41.3 |
|
|
|
56.7 |
|
|
|
41.5 |
|
|
|
13.5 |
|
|
|
39.6 |
|
|
|
14.6 |
|
|
|
43.4 |
|
|
Other Illinois Operations
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
22.4 |
|
|
|
|
34.1 |
|
|
|
25.8 |
|
|
|
46.6 |
|
|
|
34.2 |
|
|
|
9.5 |
|
|
|
27.9 |
|
|
|
8.3 |
|
|
|
24.7 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
24.5 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
|
22.5 |
|
|
|
17.0 |
|
|
|
22.3 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
|
|
|
15.8 |
|
|
|
5.8 |
|
|
|
17.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
96.0 |
|
|
|
87.4 |
|
|
|
|
111.3 |
|
|
|
84.1 |
|
|
|
125.6 |
|
|
|
92.0 |
|
|
|
28.4 |
|
|
|
83.3 |
|
|
|
28.7 |
|
|
|
85.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
13.9 |
|
|
|
12.6 |
|
|
|
|
21.0 |
|
|
|
15.9 |
|
|
|
10.9 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
|
|
|
16.7 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
|
|
|
14.6 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
1.6 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
|
|
|
|
11.9 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
19.7 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
4.4 |
|
|
|
13.1 |
|
Other income, net
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.1 |
|
|
|
0.8 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Income taxes expense (benefit)
|
|
|
4.7 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
|
3.7 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
|
(2.9 |
) |
|
|
(2.1 |
) |
|
|
1.1 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
8.0 |
|
|
|
7.2 |
% |
|
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
|
4.2 |
% |
|
$ |
(5.1 |
) |
|
|
(3.7 |
)% |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
$ |
0.5 |
|
|
|
1.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
This category corresponds to the line items presented under
Business CCI Illinois
Overview Illinois Telephone Operations and
provides more detail than that presented in the consolidated
statement of income of CCI Illinois. See Consolidated
Financial Statements of CCI Illinois and audited Combined
Financial Statements of ICTC and related businesses. |
|
(2) |
This category reflects costs of services and products and
selling, general and administrative expenses line items set
forth in the Consolidated Financial Statement of Income of
CCI Illinois and the audited Combined Statements of Income
for ICTC. |
Results of Operations
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 compared to
March 31, 2004 |
CCI Illinois revenues decreased by 1.5%, or
$0.5 million, to $33.6 million in 2005 from
$34.1 million in 2004. An increase of $1.9 million in
our Telephone Operations revenue was offset by a decrease of
$2.4 million in our Other Operations revenue.
Illinois Telephone Operations revenues increased 8.3%, or
$1.9 million, to $24.8 million in 2005 from
$22.9 million in 2004. As explained below, the increase was
due to increased subsidy revenues.
Other Illinois Operations revenues decreased 21.4%, or
$2.4 million, to $8.8 million in 2005 from
$11.2 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to a
$1.4 million decline in Market Response revenue that
resulted from the loss in 2004 of the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority as a customer. In addition, a decrease in
equipment sales and installations resulted in a
$0.7 million decrease in Business System revenue while a
general decline in demand for its services led to a revenue
decrease of $0.3 million for Operator Services.
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Revenues |
Local calling services revenues declined by 2.4%, or
$0.2 million, to $8.3 million in 2005 from
$8.5 million in 2004. Local calling services revenues
declined due to the loss of local access lines, which was
partially offset by increased sales of our service bundles, in
each case, for the reasons describe under
Overview Revenues Local Access Lines and
Bundled Services.
Network access services increased by 3.0%, or
$0.2 million, to $6.8 million in 2005 from
$6.6 million 2004. In 2005, we adopted new revenue sharing
arrangements that resulted in our recognizing $0.5 million
52
of revenue for services provided in prior periods. This revenue
increase was partially offset by a decrease in end user revenues
due to a decrease in lines in service and minutes used.
Subsidies revenues increased by 82.6%, or
$1.9 million, to $4.2 million in 2005 from
$2.3 million in 2004. The subsidy settlement process
relates to the process of separately identifying regulated
assets that are used to provide interstate services, and
therefore fall under the regulatory regime of the FCC, from
regulated assets used to provide local and intrastate services,
which fall under the regulatory regime of the ICC. Since our
Illinois rural telephone company is regulated under a rate of
return system for interstate revenues, the value of all assets
in the interstate rate base is critical to calculating the rate
of return and, therefore, the subsidies our Illinois rural
telephone company will receive. In 2004 our Illinois rural
telephone company analyzed its regulated assets and associated
expenses and reclassified some of these for purposes of
regulatory filings. Due to this reclassification, our Illinois
rural telephone company received additional subsidy payments in
2005 in addition to $1.6 million of subsidy payments
recovered for prior years.
Long distance services revenues decreased 5.0%, or
$0.1 million, to $1.9 million in 2005 from
$2.0 million in 2004 because of a decline in billable
minutes due to the substitution of competitive services and the
introduction of our unlimited long distance calling plans in
Illinois. While these plans are helpful in attracting new
customers, they can also lead to a reduction in long distance
revenue as heavy users of our long distance services take
advantage of the fixed pricing offered by these plans.
Data and Internet revenue increased by 4.0%, or
$0.1 million, to $2.6 million in 2005 from
$2.5 million in 2004 due to the addition of over 3,400 DSL
subscribers in Illinois, which was partially offset by a portion
of our residential customers substituting other DSL or cable
modem services for our dial-up Internet service.
Other Services revenue was $1.0 million in both 2005
and 2004.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations Revenue |
Other Illinois Operations revenues decreased by 21.4%, or
$2.4 million, to $8.8 million in 2005 from
$11.2 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to a
$1.4 million decline in Market Response revenue that
resulted from the loss in 2004 of the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority as a customer. In addition, a decrease in
equipment sales and installations resulted in a
$0.7 million decrease in Business System revenue while a
general decrease in demand for its services led to a revenue
decline of $0.3 million for Operator Services.
Public Services revenues remained constant at
$4.8 million from 2004 to 2005.
Operator Services revenues decreased by 15.0%, or
$0.3 million, to $1.7 million in 2005 from
$2.0 million in 2004. The decrease was primarily due to
competitive pricing pressure.
Market Response revenues declined by 60.9%, or
$1.4 million, to $0.9 million in 2005 from
$2.3 million in 2004. Much of the decrease is due to the
non-renewal of a service agreement with the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority, which resulted in a revenue loss of
$1.1 million.
Business Systems revenues declined by 38.9%, or
$0.7 million, to $1.1 million in 2005 from
$1.8 million in 2004. Two large installations in 2004
resulted in revenue of $0.6 million, which did not recur in
2005.
Mobile Services revenue remained constant at
$0.3 million from 2004 to 2005.
|
|
|
CCI Illinois Operating Expenses |
CCI Illinois operating expenses increased 1.1%, or
$0.3 million, to $28.7 million in 2005 from
$28.4 million in 2004. This increase was primarily due to
increased depreciation and amortization expense, as well as
$0.6 million of CCI Illinois integration and
restructuring expenses, which was partially offset by a
reduction in Other Illinois Operations operating expense.
53
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Illinois Telephone Operations increased
8.1%, or $1.1 million, to $14.6 million in 2005 from
$13.5 million in 2004. Expenses incurred in connection with
our integration and restructuring activities accounted for
$0.6 million of the increase in 2005. The balance of the
increase is primarily attributable to cost of sales and
acquisition expense associated with the introduction of our
digital video service in selected Illinois markets and the start
of our Illinois directory sales and production operations.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Other Illinois Operations decreased
12.6%, or $1.2 million, to $8.3 million in 2005 from
$9.5 million in 2004. Operating expenses for Business
Systems and Market Response decreased by $0.6 million and
$0.5 million, respectively, due to lower sales volumes,
which resulted in a corresponding decrease in cost of sales.
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization increased by 7.4%, or
$0.4 million, to $5.8 million in 2005 from
$5.4 million in 2004.
Income from operations decreased by 14.0%, or $0.8 million,
to $4.9 million in 2005 from $5.7 million in 2004 due
primarily to a revenue decrease of $0.5 million.
Interest expense increased 57.1%, or $1.6 million, to
$4.4 million in 2005 from $2.8 million in 2004. The
increase in primarily due to the issuance of $75.0 million
of 9.75% senior notes in connection with the acquisition of
TXUCV.
Other income increased to $0.3 million in 2005, from $0 in
2004, due to interest earned on our excess cash deposits.
Provision for income taxes decreased 72.7%, or
$0.8 million, to $0.3 million in 2005 from
$1.1 million in 2004. The effective income tax rate for
2005 and 2004 was 41.6% and 40.0% respectively.
Net income decreased by 72.2%, or $1.3 million, to
$0.5 million in 2005 from $1.8 million in 2004.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2004 compared to
December 31, 2003 |
CCI Illinois revenues increased by 3.2%, or $4.2 million,
to $136.5 million in 2004 from $132.3 million in 2003.
This increase was due to a $7.0 million increase in
Illinois Telephone Operations revenues, which was
partially offset by a $2.8 million decrease in Other
Illinois Operations revenues.
Illinois Telephone Operations revenues increased 7.8%, or
$7.0 million, to $97.3 million in 2004 from
$90.3 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to
the increase in subsidy revenue as well as recognition of prior
period subsidy settlements revenue received in 2004.
Other Illinois Operations revenues decreased 6.7%, or
$2.8 million, to $39.2 million in 2004 from
$42.0 million in 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a
$1.1 million decline in Operator Services revenues
resulting from a general decline in the demand for these
services and a $1.3 million decrease in Market Response
revenue due to the loss in 2004 of the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority as a customer.
54
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Revenues |
Local calling services revenues decreased 1.5%, or
$0.5 million, to $33.9 million in 2004 from
$34.4 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily due to a
decline in local access lines, which was partially offset by
increased sales of our service bundles, in each case, for the
reasons described under Overview
Revenues Local Access Lines and Bundled
Services.
Network access services revenues increased 10.2%, or
$2.8 million, to $30.3 million in 2004 from
$27.5 million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to the
recognition of interstate access revenues previously reserved
during the FCCs prior two-year monitoring period. The
current regulatory rules allow recognition of revenues earned
when the FCC has deemed those rates to be lawful.
Subsidies revenues increased 125.5%, or
$5.9 million, to $10.6 million in 2004 from
$4.7 million in 2003. The increase was primarily a result
of an increase in universal service fund support due in part to
normal subsidy settlement processes and in part to the FCC
modifications to our Illinois rural telephone companys
cost recovery mechanisms described above in network access
services revenues. The subsidy settlement process relates to the
process of separately identifying regulated assets that are used
to provide interstate services, and therefore fall under the
regulatory regime of the FCC, from regulated assets used to
provide local and intrastate services, which fall under the
regulatory regime of the ICC. Since our Illinois rural telephone
company is regulated under a rate of return system for
interstate revenues, the value of all assets in the interstate
rate base is critical to calculating this rate of return and,
therefore, the subsidies that our Illinois rural telephone
company will receive. In 2004, our Illinois rural telephone
company analyzed its regulated assets and associated expenses
and reclassified some of these for purposes of regulatory
filings. The net effect of this reclassification was that our
Illinois rural telephone company was able to recover
$2.4 million of additional subsidy payments for prior years
and for 2004.
Long distance services revenues decreased 12.5%, or
$1.1 million, to $7.7 million in 2004 from
$8.8 million in 2003. The decrease was due to competitive
pricing pressure, which led to our introduction of unlimited
long distance calling plans in our Illinois markets beginning in
July 2004. While these plans are helpful in attracting new
customers, they can also lead to a reduction in long distance
revenue as heavy users of our long distance services take
advantage of the fixed pricing offered by these plans.
Data and Internet services revenues decreased 1.9%, or
$0.2 million, to $10.6 million in 2004 from
$10.8 million in 2003 due to competitive pricing pressure
for DSL as well as a portion of our residential customers
substituting other DSL or cable modem services for our dial-up
Internet service. In addition, as DSL becomes more competitive
in pricing and performance, corporate customers are switching to
DSL from higher cost private data lines. These decreases were
partially offset by the addition of 2,843 DSL subscribers in
Illinois.
Other services revenues increased 2.4%, or
$0.1 million, to $4.2 million in 2004 from
$4.1 million in 2003. The increase was due primarily to an
increase in directory advertising revenues.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations Revenues |
Other Illinois Operations revenues decreased 6.7%, or
$2.8 million, to $39.2 million in 2004 from
$42.0 million in 2003. The decrease was due primarily to a
$1.1 million decline in operator services revenues resulting
from a general decline in demand for these services and a
$1.3 million decrease in Market Response revenue due to the
loss in 2004 of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority as a
customer.
Public Services revenues increased 2.3%, or
$0.4 million, to $18.1 million in 2004 from
$17.7 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to
the extension of the prison contract awarded by the State of
Illinois Department of Corrections in December 2002 pursuant to
which the number of prisons serviced by Public Services nearly
doubled. The new prison sites were implemented during the first
half of 2003. As a result, we did not receive the revenue from
these additional prison sites for the entire year ended
December 31, 2003.
55
Operator Services revenues decreased 12.2%, or
$1.1 million, to $7.9 million in 2004 from
$9.0 million in 2003. The decrease was due to a general
decline in demand for these services and competitive pricing
pressure.
Market Response revenues decreased by 17.8%, or
$1.3 million, to $6.0 million in 2004 from
$7.3 million in 2003. The decrease is due to the
non-renewal of a service agreement with the Illinois State Toll
Highway Authority, which resulted in a revenue loss of
$1.6 million. This revenue decrease was partially offset by
additional revenues from new customers added during 2004.
Business Systems revenues decreased 9.0%, or
$0.6 million, to $6.1 million in 2004 from
$6.7 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily due to the
weakened economy and general indecision or delay in equipment
purchases.
Mobile Services revenues decreased 21.4%, or
$0.3 million, to $1.1 million in 2004 from
$1.4 million in 2003. This decrease was primarily due to a
continuing erosion of the customer base for one-way paging
products as competitive alternatives are increasing in
popularity.
|
|
|
CCI Illinois Operating Expenses |
CCI Illinois operating expenses increased 12.8%, or
$14.3 million, to $125.6 million in 2004 from
$111.3 million in 2003 due largely to $11.6 million of
impairment charges in Other Illinois Operations. The remaining
increase was caused by increased labor costs and integration and
restructuring charges of $1.5 million.
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Illinois Telephone Operations increased
3.7%, or $2.0 million, to $56.7 million in 2004 from
$54.7 million in 2003 primarily due to increased labor
costs and expenses incurred in connection with
CCI Illinois integration and restructuring activities.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Other Illinois Operations increased
36.7%, or $12.5 million, to $46.6 million in 2004 from
$34.1 million in 2003. In 2004, the Operator Services and
Mobile Services units recognized $11.5 million and
$0.1 million of intangible asset impairment, respectively.
The remaining increase is due to increased costs incurred with
the growth of the prison system business and increased expense
in the telemarketing and fulfillment business unit.
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization decreased 0.9%, or
$0.2 million, to $22.3 million in 2004 from
$22.5 million in 2003.
Income from operations decreased 48.1%, or $10.1 million,
to $10.9 million in 2004 from $21.0 million in 2003
due to intangible asset impairment charges in Other Illinois
Operations, which were partially offset by increased income from
operations in our Illinois Telephone Operations.
Interest expense increased 65.5%, or $7.8 million, to
$19.7 million in 2004 from $11.9 million in 2003. In
connection with the acquisition of TXUCV, CCI Illinois
refinanced its old credit facility resulting in a charge of
$4.2 million to write-off unamortized deferred financing
costs. The remaining increase was primarily due to an increase
in long-term debt to help fund the TXUCV acquisition. Interest
bearing debt increased by $60.4 million from
$182.8 million in 2003 to $243.2 million in 2004.
Other income increased 700.0%, or $0.7 million, to
$0.8 million in 2004 from $0.1 million in 2003 due to
increased interest income and dividends received from
investments.
56
Provision for income taxes decreased 178.4%, or
$6.6 million, to $(2.9) million in 2004 from
$3.7 million in 2003. The effective income tax rate for
2004 and 2003 was approximately (36.0)% and 40.3%, respectively.
Net income (loss) decreased 192.7%, or $10.6 million, to
$(5.1) million in 2004 from $5.5 million in 2003. The
decrease was attributable to a $11.6 million asset
impairment expense.
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31, 2003 compared to
December 31, 2002 |
CCI Illinois revenues increased by 20.4%, or $22.4 million,
to $132.3 million in 2003 from $109.9 million in 2002.
Illinois Telephone Operations revenues increased 17.7%, or
$13.6 million, to $90.3 million in 2003 from
$76.7 million in 2002. The increase was due primarily to
the inclusion of long distance and data and Internet revenues
previously recognized by McLeodUSA.
Other Illinois Operations revenues increased 26.5%, or
$8.8 million, to $42.0 million in 2003 from
$33.2 million in 2002. The increase was due primarily to a
significant growth in Public Services revenues as a result of
the inclusion of additional prisons when the applicable contract
to provide telecommunications services to the State of Illinois
Department of Corrections was renewed.
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Revenues |
Local calling services revenues increased 3.0%, or
$1.0 million, to $34.4 million in 2003 from
$33.4 million in 2002. The increase was due to an increase
in fees paid to our Illinois rural telephone company by wireless
carriers for local access. In addition, revenues from custom
calling features and voicemail increased $0.3 million due
primarily to the success of selling service bundles. These
increases were partially offset by the impact of a reduction in
local access lines of 2,121 lines.
Network access services revenues decreased 5.2%, or
$1.5 million, to $27.5 million in 2003 from
$29.0 million in 2002. During the last two years, the FCC
instituted modifications to our Illinois rural telephone
companys cost recovery mechanisms, decreasing implicit
support, which allowed rural carriers to set interstate network
access charges higher than the actual cost of originating and
terminating calls, and increasing explicit support through
subsidy payments from the federal universal service fund. The
ICC similarly decreased intrastate network access charges but
did not offset these reductions with state universal service
fund subsidies.
Subsidies revenues increased 14.6%, or $0.6 million,
to $4.7 million in 2003 from $4.1 million in 2002. The
increase was a result of an increase in federal universal
service fund support due in part to normal subsidy settlement
processes and in part due to the FCC modifications to our
Illinois rural telephone companys cost recovery mechanisms
described above in network access services revenues. The subsidy
settlement process relates to the process of separately
identifying regulated assets that are used to provide interstate
services, and therefore fall under the regulatory regime of the
FCC, from regulated assets used to provide local and intrastate
services, which fall under the ICC for regulatory purposes.
Since our Illinois rural telephone company is regulated under a
rate of return system for interstate revenues, the value of all
assets in the interstate rate base is critical to calculating
this rate of return, and thus the extent to which our Illinois
rural telephone company will receive subsidy payments. In 2003,
our Illinois rural telephone company analyzed its regulated
assets and reclassified some of these assets for purposes of
regulatory filings. The net effect of this reclassification was
that our Illinois rural telephone company was able to recover
additional subsidy payments for prior years and for 2003.
Long distance services revenues increased 528.6%, or
$7.4 million, to $8.8 million in 2003 from
$1.4 million in 2002. Illinois Telephone Operations did not
provide interLATA long distance service in 2002, and instead
this service was offered by other divisions of McLeodUSA. The
only long distance
57
service revenues included in 2002 was for intraLATA long
distance services offered by our Illinois rural telephone
company. At December 31, 2003 Illinois Telephone
Operations long distance penetration was approximately
54.6%. LATAs are the 161 local access transport areas created to
define the service areas of the RBOCs by the judgment breaking
up AT&T. References to interLATA long distance service mean
long distance service provided between LATAs and intraLATA
refers to service within the applicable LATA.
Data and Internet services revenues increased 151.2%, or
$6.5 million, to $10.8 million in 2003 from
$4.3 million in 2002. As with long distance services, while
certain portions of revenues for DSL and non-local private lines
was attributed to our Illinois Telephone Operations, the
remainder of revenues from data and Internet services was
included in other McLeodUSA divisions for 2002. Revenues from
DSL service increased 70.0%, or $0.7 million, in 2003.
Total DSL lines in service increased 38.7% to approximately
7,951 lines as of December 31, 2003 from approximately
5,761 lines as of December 31, 2002.
Other services revenues decreased 8.9%, or
$0.4 million, to $4.1 million in 2003 from
$4.5 million in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to a
reduction in billing and collection revenues.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations Revenues |
Other Illinois Operations revenues increased 26.5%, or
$8.8 million, to $42.0 million in 2003 from
$33.2 million in 2002. The increase was primarily due to
the extension of the prison contract awarded by the State of
Illinois Department of Corrections in December 2002 pursuant to
which the number of prisons serviced by Public Services nearly
doubled and, secondarily, a more concerted commitment from
management in 2003 to developing these services.
Public Services revenues increased 78.8%, or
$7.8 million, to $17.7 million in 2003 from
$9.9 million in 2002. The increase was due to the extension
of the prison contract awarded by the State of Illinois
Department of Corrections in December 2002 pursuant to which the
number of prisons serviced by Public Services nearly doubled.
Operator Services revenues decreased 20.4%, or
$2.3 million to $9.0 million in 2003 from
$11.3 million in 2002. The decrease was due primarily to
decreases in revenues from general declines in demand.
Market Response revenues increased 62.2%, or
$2.8 million, to $7.3 million in 2003 from
$4.5 million in 2002. The increase was due to a renewed
commitment from management to serving third party customers and
a $500,000 investment in technology that allowed a larger sales
team to be more competitive in pursuing additional business
opportunities.
Business Systems revenues increased 13.6%, or
$0.8 million, to $6.7 million in 2003 from
$5.8 million in 2002. The increase was due in part to the
ability to secure performance bonds necessary to bid on certain
structured wiring business opportunities which CCI Illinois was
previously unable to secure due to McLeodUSAs financial
difficulties. The increase was also due to a general improvement
in the demand for telecom equipment spending in CCI
Illinois markets.
Mobile Services revenues decreased 6.6%, or
$0.1 million, to $1.4 million in 2003 from
$1.5 million in 2002. This decrease was due to a continuing
shift in demand from residential customers for one-way paging
services to business customers who generate lower average
revenues per customer.
|
|
|
CCI Illinois Operating Expenses |
CCI Illinois operating expenses increased 24.2%, or
$17.3 million, to $88.8 million in 2003 from
$71.5 million in 2002. The increase was due primarily to
expenses incurred to generate new services. In addition,
expenses increased compared to 2002 due to the growth in its
continuing operations, expenses related to the acquisition of
ICTC and the related businesses, including the re-establishment
of the CCI brand, systems and other related separation expenses,
the hiring and retention of the management team and
$2.0 million in professional services fees paid to our
existing equity investors.
58
|
|
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Illinois Telephone Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Illinois Telephone Operations for 2003
increased 16.6%, or $7.8 million, to $54.7 million in
2003 from $46.9 million in 2002. Expenses associated with
the initiation of our Illinois Telephone Operations long
distance services accounted for the majority of the variance
resulting in $6.5 million of direct costs associated with
long distance services revenues and data and Internet services
revenues that were not included in 2002. Information technology
and systems expenses increased $1.3 million in 2003 from
$4.3 million in 2002, as ICTC and the related businesses
were separated from McLeodUSA and Illinois Telephone Operations
invested in new systems and software. Executive compensation
increased $0.9 million primarily due to the hiring and
retention of the management team. In addition, 2003 results
include professional services fees paid to our existing equity
investors. Other expenses, primarily equipment maintenance and
office equipment rents, decreased from prior year results
slightly offsetting the increases described above.
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Other Illinois Operations Operating Expenses |
Operating expenses for Other Illinois Operations increased
38.6%, or $9.5 million, to $34.1 million in 2003 from
$24.6 million in 2002. The increase was due principally to
increased direct cost of sales associated with a higher revenues
and an increase in expenses due to managements efforts to
grow these other operations. Total commissions paid to the State
of Illinois Department of Corrections in connection with the
renewed prison contract increased $4.7 million in 2003. In
addition, due to the credit characteristics of the prison
population served pursuant to the prison contracts, the increase
in the number of prisons served under the contract also had a
corresponding impact on bad debt expenses, which increased
proportionately, $1.3 million from 2002. In addition,
expenses relating to the telemarketing and order fulfillment
business increased by $2.3 million to $6.1 million in
2003 from $3.8 million in 2002 as a result of
managements effort to grow this business.
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Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization decreased 8.2%, or
$2.0 million, to $22.5 million in 2003 from
$24.5 million in 2002. The majority of the decrease was due
to the sale and leaseback of five buildings on December 31,
2002, as further described in Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions LATEL Sale/
Leaseback. McLeodUSAs decision not to invest in the
Other Illinois Operations resulted in a reduction in capital
expenditure in 2001 and 2002 which decreased depreciation
expenses proportionately in 2003.
Income from operations increased 51.1%, or $7.1 million, to
$21.0 million in 2003 from $13.9 million in 2002. The
increase was due to the addition of long distance and data and
Internet services of the type which had previously been
attributable to other McLeodUSA divisions, resulting in
$8.5 million of incremental income from operations for
Illinois Telephone Operations in 2003. The increase was offset
by the expenses related to the acquisition of ICTC and the
related businesses, as well as the $2.0 million of
professional services fees paid to our existing equity
investors, increased costs associated with the hiring and
retention of the management team and additional information
technology expenses of $1.3 million relating to the
investment in information technology infrastructure necessary to
transition from McLeodUSA to CCI Illinois.
Interest expense increased 644.0%, or $10.3 million, to
$11.9 million in 2003 from $1.6 million in 2002. The
increase was due to the increased interest incurred from
borrowing under the old credit facility to fund, in part, the
acquisition of ICTC and the related businesses from McLeodUSA on
December 31, 2002.
59
Other income decreased 75.0%, or $0.3 million, to
$0.1 million in 2003 from $0.4 million in 2002 due to
a general reduction in, and intercompany elimination of,
intrastate billing and collection fees revenues.
Provision for income taxes decreased $1.0 million, to
$3.7 million, in 2003 from $4.7 million in 2002. The
effective income tax rate for CCI Illinois increased to 40.3% in
2003 from 36.8% in 2002. The effective income tax rate for 2003
for CCI Illinois approximated the combined federal and state
rate of approximately 40%. In conjunction with the acquisition
on December 31, 2002, CCI Illinois made an election under
the Internal Revenue Code that resulted in approximately
$172.5 million of goodwill and other intangibles, being
deductible ratably over a 15-year period.
Net income decreased 31.2%, or $2.5 million, to
$5.5 million in 2003 from $8.0 million in 2002. The
decrease is primarily attributable to increased interest expense
due to the borrowings incurred in connection with the
acquisition of the predecessor of CCI Illinois, offset by
revenues growth and additional income from operations.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this
section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an
understanding of CCI Illinois financial statements because
they inherently involve significant judgements and
uncertainties. In making these estimates, we considered various
assumptions and factors that will differ from the actual results
achieved and will need to be analyzed and adjusted in future
periods. These differences may have a material impact on CCI
Illinois financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows. We believe that of CCI Illinois significant
accounting policies, the following involve a higher degree of
judgement and complexity.
Subsidies Revenues
CCI Illinois recognizes revenues from universal service
subsidies and charges to interexchange carriers for switched and
special access services. In certain cases, our Illinois rural
telephone company, ICTC, participates in interstate revenue and
cost sharing arrangements, referred to as pools, with other
telephone companies. Pools are funded by charges made by
participating companies to their respective customers. The
revenue CCI Illinois receives from its participation in pools is
based on its actual cost of providing the interstate services.
Such costs are not precisely known until after the year-end and
special jurisdictional cost studies have been completed. These
cost studies are generally completed during the second quarter
of the following year. Detailed rules for cost studies and
participation in the pools are established by the FCC and
codified in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
We evaluate the collectibility of CCI Illinois accounts
receivable based on a combination of estimates and assumptions.
When we are aware of a specific customers inability to
meet its financial obligations, such as a bankruptcy filing or
substantial down-grading of credit scores, CCI Illinois records
a specific allowance against amounts due to set the net
receivable to an amount we believe is reasonable to be
collected. For all other customers, we reserve a percentage of
the remaining CCI Illinois outstanding accounts receivable
balance as a general allowance based on a review of specific
customer balances, trends and our experience with CCI
Illinois prior receivables, the current economic
environment and the length of time the receivables are past due.
If circumstances change, we review the adequacy of the CCI
Illinois allowance to determine if our estimates of the
recoverability of amounts due CCI Illinois could be reduced by a
material amount. At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois
total allowance for uncollectable accounts for all business
segments was $1.6 million. If our estimate were understated
by 10%, the result would be a charge of approximately
$0.2 million to CCI Illinois results of operations.
60
Valuation of Goodwill and Tradenames
We review CCI Illinois goodwill and tradenames for
impairment as part of our annual business planning cycle in the
fourth quarter and whenever events or circumstances make it more
likely than not that an impairment may have occurred. Several
factors could trigger an impairment review such as:
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a change in the use or perceived value of CCI Illinois
tradenames; |
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significant underperformance relative to expected historical or
projected future operating results; |
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significant regulatory changes that would impact future
operating revenues; |
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significant negative industry or economic trends; or |
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significant changes in the overall strategy in which we operate
our overall business. |
We determine if an impairment exists based on a method of using
discounted cash flows. This requires management to make certain
assumptions regarding future income, royalty rates and discount
rates, all of which affect this calculation. Upon completion of
our impairment review in December 2004 and as a result of a
decline in the future estimated cash flows in CCI Illinois
Mobile Services and Operator Services businesses, CCI Illinois
recognized impairment losses of $0.1 million and
$11.5 million, respectively. The carrying value of CCI
Illinois tradenames and goodwill totaled $104 million
at March 31, 2005.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The amounts recognized in our financial statements for pension
and postretirement benefits are determined on an actuarial basis
utilizing several critical assumptions.
A significant assumption used in determining CCI Illinois
pension and postretirement benefit expense is the expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets. We used an expected
long-term rate of return of 8.5% in 2004 and 8.0% in the first
three months of 2005 as we moved toward uniformity of
assumptions and investment strategies across all our plans and
in response to the actual returns on our portfolio in recent
years being significantly below our expectations.
Another significant estimate is the discount rate used in the
annual actuarial valuation of CCI Illinois pension and
postretirement benefit plan obligations. In determining the
appropriate discount rate, we consider the current yields on
high quality corporate fixed-income investments with maturities
that correspond to the expected duration of CCI Illinois
pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations. For 2004
and for the first three months of 2005 we used a discount rate
of 6.0%.
In 2004, we contributed $0.9 million to the CCI Illinois
pension plan and another $0.8 million to CCI Illinois
other postretirement plan. We do not expect to contribute to the
CCI Illinois pension plan in 2005 but do expect to contribute
$0.8 million to the CCI Illinois postretirement plan.
The effect of the change in selected assumptions on CCI
Illinois estimate of pension plan expense is shown below:
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Percentage | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
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Point | |
|
Obligation | |
|
2005 Expense | |
Assumption |
|
Change | |
|
Higher/(Lower) | |
|
Higher/(Lower) | |
| |
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|
(dollars in thousands) | |
Discount rate
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±0.5 pts |
|
|
$(3,281)/$3,634 |
|
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|
$(27)/$26 |
|
Expected return on assets
|
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±1.0 pts |
|
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|
|
|
|
$(515)/$515 |
|
The effect of the change in selected assumptions on CCI
Illinois estimate of other postretirement benefit plan
expense is shown below:
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|
|
|
Percentage | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
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|
|
Point | |
|
Obligation | |
|
2005 Expense | |
Assumption |
|
Change | |
|
Higher/(Lower) | |
|
Higher/(Lower) | |
| |
|
|
(dollars in thousands) | |
Discount rate
|
|
±0.5 pts |
|
|
$(346)/$372 |
|
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|
$(14)/$14 |
|
61
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, the operating requirements of CCI Illinois and the
predecessor business of CCI Illinois acquired from McLeodUSA
have been funded from cash flow generated from its business and
borrowings under credit facilities. As of March 31, 2005,
CCI Illinois had $239.7 million of debt, exclusive of
unused commitments.
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Operating, Investing & Financing
Activities |
Cash provided by operating activities was $10.3 million and
$5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005
and 2004, respectively. Net income adjusted for non-cash charges
generated $8.2 million of operating cash in 2005, compared
to $7.3 million in 2004. Changes in working capital
components, particularly reductions in inventory and accounts
receivable, accounted for the remaining change in cash from
operating activities. As of January 1, 2005, CCI Texas
began purchasing and holding all inventory for
CCI Illinois, resulting in a $2.1 million reduction in
inventory for CCI Illinois. In addition, due to an increased
collection effort, our accounts receivable balance decreased by
$1.6 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, CCI
Illinois generated net cash from operating activities of
$30.4 million and $28.9 million, respectively, an
increase of $1.5 million. While net income (loss) decreased
by $10.6 million, non-cash adjustments to net income were
$41.3 million in 2004 compared to $29.9 million in
2003, an increase of $11.4 million. Differences totaling
$0.8 million in the components of working capital accounted
for the remaining increase in cash from operating activities.
For the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, CCI
Illinois generated net cash from operating activities of
$28.9 million and $28.5 million, respectively.
Comparing 2003 to 2002, the change in net cash flows from
operating activities increased $0.4 million. For 2003, our
net income before non-cash charges for depreciation and
amortization and other long-term deferred credits reflect net
cash provided of $2.4 million, a $4.6 million decrease
from $7.0 million provided in 2002. In 2003, CCI Illinois
made estimated income tax payments of $2.0 million for
which no comparable payments were made in 2002.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, cash
used in investing activities was $1.4 million and
$2.7 million, respectively. In both periods, all cash used
in investing activities was for capital expenditures.
For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, net cash
used in investing activities was $13.3 million and
$296.1 million, respectively, a decline of
$282.8 million. The decrease was primarily due to the
$271.2 million cash portion of the purchase price and
$13.6 million of transaction fees and other expenses paid
in 2003 in connection with the ICTC acquisition.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, net cash used in
investing activities was $296.1 million, primarily due to
the ICTC acquisition from McLeodUSA. For the year ended
December 31, 2003, capital expenditures accounted for
$11.3 million in cash used by investing activities. For the
year ended December 31, 2002, CCI Illinois used
$14.1 million in cash for investing activities, all of
which was due to capital expenditures. Over the three years
ended December 31, 2004, CCI Illinois used
$38.7 million in cash for capital investments. Of that
total, 78.8%, or $30.5 million, was for the expansion or
upgrade of outside plant facilities and switching assets.
Payments of $1.8 million and $2.6 million made on
long-term obligations were the primary uses of cash for
financing activities during the three months ended
March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, net cash used in
financing activities was $10.5 million compared to
$277.4 million of net cash provided by financing activities
for the year ended December 31, 2003. In connection with
the TXUCV acquisition in April 2004, CCI Illinois incurred
$245.0 of new long-
62
term debt, repaid $178.2 million of existing debt and
distributed $63.4 million in dividends to Homebase that was
in turn contributed to Texas Acquisition. CCI Illinois also
incurred $8.1 million of costs to secure the new financing.
In addition, $4.0 million was used to retire debt prior to
the TXUCV acquisition. To fund the ICTC acquisition in 2003, CCI
Illinois received $283 million from equity and debt
issuances and approximately $9.2 million in proceeds from
the sale of the building subject to the LATEL sale/leaseback
described under Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions LATEL Sale/ Leaseback. Long-term
debt of $10.2 million was also repaid in 2003.
For the year ended December 31, 2003, net cash provided by
financing activities was $277.4 million. The majority was
from financing obtained to fund the ICTC acquisition described
above. After settling the purchase consideration, funds from
financing activities were also used to repay $10.2 million
of outstanding borrowings under the old credit facility in 2003.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, net cash used in
financing activities was $16.6 million. 2002 financing
activities were primarily attributable to funds required to
settle intercompany net receivables with McLeodUSA.
In connection with the acquisition by Homebase of ICTC and the
related businesses, CCI entered into the old credit facility.
The old credit facility provided for aggregate borrowings of
$195.0 million, consisting of a $5.0 million revolving
credit facility, a $120.0 million term loan A facility
and a $70.0 million term loan B facility. Borrowings
under the old credit facility were secured by substantially all
of the assets of CCI and its subsidiaries. In connection with
the closing of the transactions, all of CCIs debt
outstanding under the old credit facility was repaid and
replaced with the existing credit facilities that provided
financing of $467.0 million, consisting of:
(a) $122.0 million term loan A facility;
(b) $315.0 million term loan B facility; and
(c) a 30.0 million revolving credit facility. See
Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities.
On April 14, 2004, CCI and Texas Acquisition entered into
the existing credit facilities pursuant to which CCI borrowed an
aggregate of $170.0 million, $50.0 million under the
term loan A facility and $120.0 million under the term
loan B facility. In addition, the existing credit
facilities also provide for a $30.0 million revolving
credit facility, that is available to both CCI and Texas
Acquisition in the same proportion as borrowings under the term
loan facilities, none of which had been drawn as of
March 31, 2005. Borrowings under the existing credit
facilities are secured by substantially all of the assets of CCI
(except ICTC, which is contingent upon obtaining the consent of
the ICC for ICTC to guarantee $195.0 million of the
borrowings) and Texas Acquisition. For a detailed description of
the collateral and guarantees securing borrowings under the
existing credit facilities, see Description of Other
Indebtedness Collateral and Guarantees
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The borrowings under the existing credit facilities bear
interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the
borrowers election, either a base rate or the
London Interbank Offered Rate, or LIBOR. The applicable margin
is based upon the borrowers total leverage ratio. As of
December 31, 2004, the applicable margin for interest rates
on LIBOR based loans was 2.25% on the term loan A facility
and 2.50% on the term loan C facility. At December 31,
2004 the weighted average rate, including swaps, of interest on
CCIs term debt facilities was 5.2% per annum. See
Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities elsewhere in this prospectus.
On April 14, 2004, Illinois Holdings issued
$75.0 million of outstanding notes, which we are offering
to exchange for exchange notes in this offering. The outstanding
notes pay, and the exchange notes will pay, interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. See
Description of Notes for a detailed discussion of
the terms and conditions of the existing notes and the exchange
notes.
On October 22, 2004, we amended and restated the existing
credit facilities to, among other things, convert all borrowings
then outstanding under the term loan B facility into
approximately $314.0 million of aggregate borrowings under
a new term loan C facility. The term loan C facility
is substantially identical to the term loan B facility,
except that the applicable margin for borrowings under the term
loan C facility through April 1, 2005 was 1.50% with
respect to base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to LIBOR loans.
63
Thereafter, provided certain credit ratings are maintained, the
applicable margin for borrowings under the term loan C
facility is 1.25% with respect to base rate loans and 2.25% with
respect to LIBOR loans.
CCI has two operating leases with its affiliates. For a
description of these leases and other related party
transactions, see Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions LATEL Sale/ Leaseback and
MACC, LLC.
In 2004, CCI Illinois primary uses of cash and capital
consisted of:
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scheduled principal and interest payments on its long-term debt; |
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capital expenditures of approximately $13.3 million for
network, central offices and other facilities and information
technology for operating support and other systems; and |
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|
$1.5 million to integrate and restructure the operations of
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas following the TXUCV acquisition. |
In 2005, CCI Illinois expects that its primary uses of cash and
capital will consist of:
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scheduled principal and interest payments on its long-term debt; |
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|
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$15.0 million of the $37.5 million cash distribution
to our existing equity investors; |
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capital expenditures of approximately $14.8 million for
similar investments as were made in 2004; |
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approximately $2.5 million in TXUCV integration and
restructuring costs; and |
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incremental costs associated with being a public company. |
The expected one-time integration and restructuring costs of
approximately $4.0 million in 2004 and 2005 will be in
addition to certain additional ongoing costs CCI Illinois will
incur to expand certain administrative functions, such as those
related to SEC reporting and compliance, and do not take into
account other potential cost savings of and expenses of the
TXUCV acquisition. CCI Illinois does not expect to incur costs
relating to TXUCV integration after 2005.
Beyond 2005, CCI Illinois will require significant cash to
service and repay debt and make capital expenditures. In the
future, CCI Illinois will assess the need to expand its network
and facilities based on several criteria, including the expected
demand for access lines and communications services, the cost
and expected return on investing to develop new services and
technologies and competitive and regulatory factors. CCI
Illinois believes that its current network in Illinois is
capable of supporting video with limited additional capital
investment.
In the ordinary course of business, CCI Illinois enters into
surety, performance and similar bonds. As of March 31,
2005, CCI Illinois had approximately $1.2 million of these
types of bonds outstanding.
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Table of Contractual Obligations &
Commitments |
As of March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois material
contractual cash obligations and commitments, on an historical
basis, were as follows:
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|
Payments Due by Period | |
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| |
|
|
Total | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
Thereafter | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Long-term debt
|
|
|
239,702 |
|
|
|
14,279 |
|
|
|
8,884 |
|
|
|
9,397 |
|
|
|
10,934 |
|
|
|
13,598 |
|
|
|
182,610 |
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
15,860 |
|
|
|
1,943 |
|
|
|
2,312 |
|
|
|
1,914 |
|
|
|
1,511 |
|
|
|
1,514 |
|
|
|
6,666 |
|
Pension and other post-retirement obligations
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
|
|
628 |
|
|
|
1,922 |
|
|
|
1,974 |
|
|
|
1,964 |
|
|
|
1,979 |
|
|
|
3,578 |
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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Total contractual cash obligations and commitments
|
|
|
267,607 |
|
|
|
16,850 |
|
|
|
13,118 |
|
|
|
13,285 |
|
|
|
14,409 |
|
|
|
17,091 |
|
|
|
192,854 |
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|
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64
Pension funding is an estimate of our minimum contribution
requirements through 2004 to provide pension benefits for
employees. Obligations relating to other postretirement benefits
are based on estimated future benefit payments.
Our estimates are based on forecasts of future benefit payments
which may change over time due to a number of factors, including
life expectancy, medical costs and trends and on the actual rate
of return on the plan assets, discount rates, discretionary
pension contributions and regulatory rules. For more
information, see Note 10 (Pension Costs and Other
Postretirement Benefits) to the audited consolidated financial
statements of Illinois Holdings.
Impact of Inflation
The effect of inflation on CCI Illinois financial results
has not been significant in the periods presented.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
that will provide a prescription drug subsidy beginning in 2006
to companies that sponsor post-retirement health care plans that
provide drug benefits. Additional legislation is anticipated
that will clarify whether a company is eligible for the subsidy,
the amount of the subsidy available and the procedures to be
followed in obtaining the subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued
Staff Position 106-2 Accounting and Disclosure
Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003, which
provides guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the
effects of this Act. We have determined that CCI Illinois
post-retirement prescription drug plan is actuarially equivalent
and intend to reflect the impact beginning on July 1, 2004
without a material adverse effect on its financial condition or
results of operations.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supercedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first annual period after June 15, 2005, with
early adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. We are required to adopt
SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, we must determine the appropriate fair market
value model to be used for valuing share-based payments, the
amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. We are currently
evaluating the effect SFAS 123R will have on our financial
condition or results of operations, but we do not expect it to
have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets An
Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transaction. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception
from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar
productive assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB Opinion
No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions, and replaces it with an exception for
exchanges that do not have commercial substance. SFAS 153
specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance
if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change
significantly as a result of the exchange. SFAS 153 is
effective for fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005
and is required to be adopted by us in the three months ended
September 30, 2005. We are currently evaluating the effect
that the adoption of SFAS 153 will have on our financial
condition or results of operations, but do not expect it to have
a material impact.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
CCI Illinois is exposed to market risk from changes in interest
rates on its long-term debt obligations. CCI Illinois estimates
its market risk using sensitivity analysis. Market risk is
defined as the potential change in the fair value of a
fixed-rate debt obligation due to hypothetical adverse change in
interest rates and the potential change in interest expense on
variable rate long-term debt obligations due to a change in
market interest rates. The fair value on long-term debt
obligations is determined based on discounted cash flow
analysis, using the rates and the maturities of these
obligations compared to terms and rates currently
65
available in long-term debt markets. The potential change in
interest expense is determined by calculating the effect of the
hypothetical rate increase on the portion of CCI Illinois
variable rate debt that is not hedged through the interest swap
agreements described below and does not assume changes in our
capital structure. As of March 31, 2005, approximately
66.0% of CCI Illinois long-term debt obligations were
fixed rate and approximately 34.0% were variable rate
obligations that were not subject to interest rate swap
agreements.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had $164.7 million of
debt outstanding under the existing credit facilities, including
$81.4 million of variable rate debt not covered by interest
rate swap agreements. We have limited CCI Illinois
exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by entering into
interest rate swap agreements that effectively convert a portion
of the variable rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thus reducing
the impact of interest rate changes on future interest expenses.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had interest rate swap
agreements covering $83.2 million of aggregate principal
amount of its variable rate debt at fixed LIBOR rates ranging
from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements expire on
December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007 and December 31,
2007. The fair value of the interest rate swaps amounted to an
asset of $1.5 million at March 31, 2005. The
accumulated gain on derivative instruments of $0.9 million
net of tax, is included in other comprehensive income at
March 31, 2005.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had $75.0 million of
aggregate principal amount of fixed rate long-term debt
obligations and the fair market value of these obligations was
estimated to be $79.1 million based on the overall weighted
average interest rate of CCI Illinois fixed rate long-term
debt obligations of 9.75% and an overall weighted maturity of
7.0 years, compared to rates and maturities currently
available in long-term debt markets. Market risk is estimated as
the potential loss in fair value of CCI Illinois fixed
rate long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical increase of
10% in interest rates. Such an increase in interest rates would
result in an approximately $3.4 million decrease in the
fair value of CCI Illinois fixed rate long-term debt. At
March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had $81.4 million of
variable rate debt not covered by interest rate swap agreements.
If market interest rates average 1% higher than the average
rates that prevailed from January 1, 2005 through
March 31, 2005, interest expense would increase by
approximately $0.2 million for the period.
66
CCI Texas
Overview
CCI Texas is an established rural local exchange company that
provides communications services to residential and business
customers in Texas. As of March 31, 2005, we estimate that
CCI Texas would have been the 18th largest local telephone
company in the United States had it been a separate company,
based on industry sources, with approximately 166,447 local
access lines and approximately 18,889 DSL lines in service. CCI
Texas main source of revenues is its local telephone
businesses in Texas, which offers an array of services,
including local dial tone, custom calling features, private line
services, long distance, dial-up and high-speed Internet access,
carrier access and billing and collection services. CCI Texas
also operates complementary businesses, including publishing
telephone directories and offering wholesale transport services
on a fiber optic network.
Beginning in 1999, CCI Texas began operating a competitive
telephone company business in a number of local markets in
Texas. The competitive telephone company business grew to more
than 58,000 lines in service by the end of 2001, at which time
CCI Texas reevaluated its strategic direction and decided to
refocus on its rural telephone company business. During the
subsequent 18 months, CCI Texas systematically exited
certain of its less profitable competitive telephone company
markets, ceased service to residential customers and
concentrated on making the competitive telephone company
profitable by focusing solely on business customers within a
limited number of geographic markets. In late 2002, CCI Texas
decided to exit the competitive telephone company business
entirely, placed its competitive telephone company assets and
customer base for sale and classified all competitive telephone
company assets and liabilities as held for sale. In 2003, CCI
Texas continued to rationalize its business plan and, in March
2003, CCI Texas sold the majority of its remaining competitive
telephone company assets and customer base to Grande
Communications. By the end of March 2003, with the exception of
a small number of remaining competitive telephone company
customers who were in the process of transitioning to other
carriers, CCI Texas had effectively exited the competitive
telephone company business.
Competitive telephone company revenues, reflected in Exited
Operations, represent primarily local access revenues and
features attributable to competitive telephone company
customers. In addition, some competitive telephone company
customers also subscribed to other CCI Texas services including
long distance and dial-up Internet. For the relevant periods,
the revenues from competitive telephone company customers
associated with these products are included in the relevant
product categories listed above.
In 2002, as a part of CCI Texas refocus on its Texas rural
telephone companies, CCI Texas initiated a process to sell its
transport business. The transport assets were consequently
classified as held for sale at the end of 2002. In early 2003,
it became apparent that a sale of the entire company was likely
and the decision was made to cease efforts to sell the transport
network as a separate entity. Consequently, in June 2003, the
transport assets were reclassified as held and used.
Prior to the closing of the transactions, TXUCV had been a
direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle One, which is owned
by TXU Corp. When the transactions were consummated on
April 14, 2004, Homebase, the parent of the issuers of the
notes, through its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary Texas
Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock of TXUCV. Texas
Holdings and Texas Acquisition were each formed solely for the
purpose of acquiring TXUCV. TXUCV was subsequently renamed CCV.
Telephone Operations. To date, CCI Texas revenues
have been derived primarily from the sale of voice and data
communications services to residential and business customers in
our Texas rural telephone companies service areas. For the
three months ended March 31, 2005, approximately 87.6%, or
$40.6 million, of our revenues were derived from local and
long distance voice and data services, associated carrier access
fees and subsidies associated with customers with CCI
Texas rural telephone companies
67
service areas, approximately 6.5%, or $3.0 million, came
from directory services and approximately 5.9%, or
$2.7 million, was derived from transport services,
primarily to other carriers. After giving effect to the
transactions, for the year ended December 31, 2004,
approximately 88.6% of CCI Texas $187.0 million of
revenues were derived from local and long distance voice and
data services, associated carrier access fees and subsidies
associated with customers within CCI Texas rural telephone
companies service areas. Of the remaining 11.4% of
revenues, $11.0 million, or 5.9%, was derived from
directory services and $10.3 million, or 5.5%, was derived
from transport services, primarily to other carriers.
Local Access Lines and Bundled Services. Local access
lines are an important element of our business. An access
line is the telephone line connecting a persons home
or business to the public switched telephone network. The
monthly recurring revenue we generate from end users, the amount
of traffic on our network and related access charges generated
from other carriers, the amount of federal and state subsidies
we receive and most other revenue streams are directly related
to the number of local access lines in service. As of
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had approximately 166,447 local
access lines in service, which was a decrease of 1,879 from
168,326 local access lines in service as of December 31,
2004, which was a decrease of 3,316 from 171,642 local access
lines in service as of December 31, 2003.
Historically, rural telephone companies have experienced
consistent growth in access lines because of positive
demographic trends, insulated rural local economics and limited
competition. Recently, many rural telephone companies have
experienced a loss of local access lines due to challenging
economic conditions, increased competition from wireless
providers, competitive telephone companies and, in same cases,
cable television operators. CCI Texas has not been immune to
these conditions. We believe that the principal reason our Texas
rural telephone companies lost local access lines during 2004
was due to the weak economy in Texas. In addition, we believe we
lost local access lines due to the disconnection of second
telephone lines by our residential customers in connection with
their substituting DSL or cable modem service for dial-up
Internet access and wireless service for wireline service.
Furthermore, CCI Texas implemented a more stringent disconnect
policy for non-paying customers in July 2003 following the
consolidation of CCI Texas two local billing systems.
Partially offsetting some of this residential decline was an
increase in housing starts in the suburban parts of our Texas
rural telephone companies service areas.
A significant portion of CCI Texas line loss in the first
quarter of 2005 is attributable to the migration of
MCIMetros Internet service provider, or ISP, traffic from
our primary rate interface, or PRI, facilities and local T-1
facilities to interconnection trunks. As a result of this
migration, CCI Texas experienced a loss of approximately
1,534 access lines during the first quarter of 2005 and
expects to lose approximately 3,200 additional access lines
during the second quarter of 2005. Because these access lines do
not generate special feature, long distance, access or subsidy
revenue, the revenue loss associated with the migration is
approximately one fifth what it would have been if we had lost
an equivalent number of commercial access lines. In other words,
the loss of 1,534 ISP lines has a revenue impact comparable
to the loss of 279 commercial access lines. The expected
second quarter loss of 3,200 additional ISP lines will have a
revenue impact comparable to the loss of 582 commercial
lines. Once the migration of MCIMetros ISP traffic is
complete, we will have no remaining MCIMetro ISP lines in Texas
and approximately 1,035 ISP lines remaining with other
customers.
Despite the slight loss of local access lines, CCI Texas has
been able to mitigate the loss in its markets and has increased
average revenue per customer by focusing on the following:
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aggressively promoting DSL service; |
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bundling value-added services, such as DSL with a combination of
local service, custom calling features, voicemail and Internet
access; |
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maintaining excellent customer service standards, particularly
as we introduce new services to existing and new
customers; and |
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keeping a strong local presence in the communities we serve. |
CCI Texas number of DSL subscribers grew substantially in
2004 and during the three months ended March 31, 2005. We
believe this growth was due to CCI Texas strong focus on
selling DSL
68
service, including the deployment of a customer
self-installation kit. DSL lines in service increased 13.4% to
approximately 18,889 lines as of March 31, 2005 from
approximately 16,651 lines as of December 31, 2004. DSL
lines in service increased 92.1% to approximately 16,651 lines
as of December 31, 2004 from approximately 8,668 lines as
of December 31, 2003. CCI Texas penetration rate for
DSL lines in service was approximately 11.3% of our Texas rural
telephone companies local access lines at March 31,
2005.
In October 2003, CCI Texas initiated a new campaign to market
service bundles. While CCI Texas offered limited service bundles
prior to 2003, this initiative was subsequently marketed more
aggressively and took advantage of increased pricing flexibility
associated with the change from a Chapter 59 to
Chapter 58 state regulatory election. See
Regulation State Regulation of CCI
Texas. Between the introduction of five service bundles in
October 2003 and December 31, 2003, CCI Texas sold over
7,500 service bundles, and has sold over 8,900 and 1,300
additional service bundles during 2004 and the three months
ended March 31, 2005, respectively.
We have implemented a number of initiatives to gain new access
lines and retain existing access lines by enhancing the
attractiveness of the bundle with new service offerings. In
addition, we intend to continue to integrate best practices
across our Texas region. These efforts may act to mitigate the
financial impact of any access line loss we may experience.
However, if these actions fail to mitigate access line loss, or
we experience a higher degree of access line loss than we
currently expect, it could have an adverse impact on our
revenues and earnings.
Directory Publishing. In 2002, CCI Texas began to sell
and publish its yellow and white pages directories in-house.
Until then, CCI Texas had contracted with a third party provider
to sell, publish and distribute its directories. As compensation
for selling and publishing the directories, CCI Texas had
previously paid this contractor a portion of the directory
revenues on a revenue share basis of between 32.5% and 35.5%.
The first directory that CCI Texas produced in-house was the
Lufkin directory published in August 2002, which was followed by
the Conroe directory in February 2003 and the Katy directory in
April 2003.
Transport Services. CCI Texas transport business
has remained relatively stable despite the general pricing
pressure in the wholesale transport business nationwide. This
stability is partly due to the relative lack of competition on
some of CCI Texas routes and CCI Texas having built fiber
routes directly to some significant carrier customers. In 2002,
CCI Texas began to investigate selling the transport network
and, consequently did not focus on aggressively growing this
part of its business. In light of TXU Corp.s decision to
sell the entire company in 2003, CCI Texas continued to manage
the transport network in a maintenance mode and did not make any
significant investments in the network. We intend to continue to
evaluate the opportunities for growing the transport business
going forward.
Operating expenses include Network Operating Cost and Selling,
General and Administrative expenses. They have fluctuated over
the past three years because CCI Texas business strategy
has undergone several significant changes. The exit from the
competitive telephone company line of business contributed to a
significant reduction in the size of the company and led to
expense reductions primarily in employee expenses and network
circuit and operating costs. Several significant systems
projects contributed to higher costs historically than we
anticipate will be the case. These projects included a financial
system restructuring and conversion, the integration of the
Fort Bend Communications Company billing and operations
systems and projects designed to automate procedures and
processes.
CCI Texas cost of services includes:
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expenses related to plant costs, including those related to
network and general support costs, central office switching and
transmission costs, and cable and wire facilities; |
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general plant costs, such as testing, provisioning, network,
administration, power and engineering; and |
69
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the cost of transport and termination of long distance and
private lines outside our Texas rural telephone companies
service areas. |
CCI Texas operates a dedicated long distance switch in Dallas
and transports the majority of its long distance traffic to this
switch over its transport network. Historically, CCI Texas was a
party to several long distance contracts for the purchase of
wholesale long distance minutes that involved minimum volume
commitments and that, at times, resulted in above market rate
average costs per minute for long distance services. CCI Texas
has since terminated all such contracts requiring minimum volume
commitments and now has considerably greater flexibility in its
ability to select long distance carriers for its traffic and to
manage a variety of carriers in order to minimize its cost of
long distance minutes.
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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
In general, selling, general and administrative expenses include:
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selling and marketing expenses; |
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expenses associated with customer care; |
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billing and other operating support systems; and |
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corporate expenses, including professional service fees. |
CCI Texas markets to residential customers and small business
customers primarily through its customer service centers and to
larger business customers through a dedicated, commissioned
sales force. The transport and directory divisions use dedicated
sales forces.
CCI Texas has operating support and other back office systems
that are used to enter, schedule, provision and track customer
orders, test services and interface with trouble management,
inventory, billing, collection and customer care service systems
for the local access lines in our Texas rural telephone
companies operations.
We are in the process of migrating key business processes of CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas onto single, company-wide systems and
platforms. Our objective is to improve profitability by reducing
individual company costs through centralization, standardization
and sharing of best practices. We expect that our operating
support systems costs will increase temporarily as we integrate
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas back office systems. As
of March 31, 2005, $7.1 million and $2.1 million
had been spent on integration and restructuring in Texas and
Illinois, respectively.
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Depreciation and amortization expenses |
CCI Texas recognizes depreciation expenses for our regulated
telephone plant and equipment and nonregulated property and
equipment using the straight-line method. The depreciation rates
and depreciable lives for regulated telephone plant and
equipment are approved by the PUCT. CCI Texas depreciable
assets have the following useful lives:
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Years | |
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Buildings
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15-35 |
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Network and outside plant facilities
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5-30 |
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Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
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3-17 |
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Amortization expenses were recognized on goodwill over its
useful life, normally 15 to 40 years prior to
January 1, 2002. Beginning January 1, 2002, CCI Texas
implemented SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets. SFAS 142 requires that goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives not be
amortized, but rather be tested annually for impairment. CCI
Texas conducted impairment tests and recorded impairment losses
of $13.2 million and $18.0 million respectively for
2003 and 2002.
The following summarizes revenues and operating expenses from
continuing operations for (i) TXUCV, the predecessor of
CCI Texas, for the years ended December 31, 2002 and
2003 and for the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004, (ii) CCI Texas for the period
from April 14, 2004 to December 31, 2004,
(iii) the combined operations of TXUCV for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and of CCI Texas for
the period from April 14, 2004 to December 31, 2004,
(iv) TXUCV
70
for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and
(v) CCI Texas for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas believes the combined results for
the year ended December 31, 2004 are useful to compare to
the operations and financial results of TXUCV in the prior year
period. The results of operations presented herein for all
periods prior to the acquisition are sometimes referred to as
the results of operations of the predecessor.
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Year Ended |
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Three Months |
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December 31, |
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Ended March 31, |
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Predecessor |
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CCI Texas |
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Predecessor |
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CCI Texas |
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1/1/04 to |
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4/14/04 to |
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Combined |
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2002 |
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2003 |
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4/13/04 |
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12/31/04 |
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2004 |
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2004 |
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2005 |
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% of |
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% of |
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% of |
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% of |
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% of |
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% of |
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% of |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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$ |
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Total |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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(Millions) |
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Revenues |
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Revenues(1)
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Local calling services
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$ |
54.3 |
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25.3 |
% |
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$ |
56.2 |
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28.9 |
% |
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$ |
16.9 |
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31.4 |
% |
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$ |
41.0 |
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30.8 |
% |
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$ |
57.9 |
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31.0 |
% |
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$ |
14.5 |
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31.9 |
% |
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$ |
14.2 |
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30.7 |
% |
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Network access services
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36.2 |
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16.9 |
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35.2 |
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18.1 |
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10.6 |
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19.7 |
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26.5 |
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19.9 |
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37.1 |
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19.8 |
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9.0 |
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19.8 |
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9.6 |
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20.7 |
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Subsidies
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31.8 |
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14.8 |
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41.4 |
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21.2 |
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11.0 |
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20.4 |
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29.9 |
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22.5 |
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40.9 |
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21.9 |
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8.5 |
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18.7 |
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9.5 |
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20.5 |
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Long distance services
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20.1 |
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9.4 |
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13.4 |
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6.9 |
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3.5 |
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6.4 |
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7.0 |
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5.3 |
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10.5 |
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5.6 |
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3.0 |
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6.6 |
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2.1 |
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4.5 |
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Data and Internet services
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14.1 |
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6.6 |
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14.7 |
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7.5 |
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3.9 |
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7.2 |
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10.3 |
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7.7 |
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14.2 |
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7.6 |
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3.5 |
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7.7 |
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3.9 |
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8.4 |
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Directory publishing
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9.6 |
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4.4 |
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10.4 |
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5.3 |
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3.1 |
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5.8 |
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7.9 |
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5.9 |
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11.0 |
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5.9 |
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2.7 |
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6.0 |
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3.0 |
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6.5 |
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Transport services
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12.6 |
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5.8 |
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12.8 |
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6.6 |
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3.2 |
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5.9 |
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7.1 |
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5.3 |
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10.3 |
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5.5 |
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2.8 |
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6.2 |
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2.7 |
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5.9 |
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Other services
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6.0 |
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2.8 |
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4.8 |
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2.5 |
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1.7 |
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3.2 |
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3.4 |
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2.6 |
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5.1 |
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2.7 |
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|
1.4 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
|
2.8 |
|
|
Exited services
|
|
|
30.0 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
|
|
|
5.9 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
214.7 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
194.8 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
53.9 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
133.1 |
|
|
|
100.0 |
|
|
|
187.0 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
45.4 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
46.3 |
|
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses(2)
|
|
|
186.3 |
|
|
|
86.8 |
|
|
|
133.8 |
|
|
|
68.7 |
|
|
|
39.5 |
|
|
|
73.3 |
|
|
|
76.8 |
|
|
|
57.7 |
|
|
|
116.3 |
|
|
|
62.2 |
|
|
|
28.2 |
|
|
|
62.1 |
|
|
|
27.9 |
|
|
|
60.2 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
41.0 |
|
|
|
19.1 |
|
|
|
32.9 |
|
|
|
16.9 |
|
|
|
8.1 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
|
|
|
32.2 |
|
|
|
24.2 |
|
|
|
40.3 |
|
|
|
21.5 |
|
|
|
8.2 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
11.0 |
|
|
|
23.8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other charges
|
|
|
119.4 |
|
|
|
55.6 |
|
|
|
13.4 |
|
|
|
6.9 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
346.7 |
|
|
|
161.5 |
|
|
|
180.1 |
|
|
|
92.5 |
|
|
|
47.6 |
|
|
|
88.3 |
|
|
|
109.0 |
|
|
|
81.9 |
|
|
|
156.6 |
|
|
|
83.7 |
|
|
|
36.4 |
|
|
|
80.2 |
|
|
|
38.9 |
|
|
|
84.0 |
|
Operating (loss) income
|
|
|
(132.0 |
) |
|
|
(61.5 |
) |
|
|
14.7 |
|
|
|
7.5 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
|
|
|
11.7 |
|
|
|
24.1 |
|
|
|
18.1 |
|
|
|
30.4 |
|
|
|
16.3 |
|
|
|
9.0 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
|
|
|
7.4 |
|
|
|
16.0 |
|
Total other (expense) income, net
|
|
|
3.9 |
|
|
|
1.8 |
|
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
|
|
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
(3.7 |
) |
|
|
(17.0 |
) |
|
|
(12.8 |
) |
|
|
(19.0 |
) |
|
|
(10.2 |
) |
|
|
(0.3 |
) |
|
|
(0.7 |
) |
|
|
(6.9 |
) |
|
|
14.9 |
|
(Loss) income before income taxes
|
|
|
(128.1 |
) |
|
|
(59.7 |
) |
|
|
10.1 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
|
4.3 |
|
|
|
8.0 |
|
|
|
7.1 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
|
|
|
11.4 |
|
|
|
6.1 |
|
|
|
8.7 |
|
|
|
19.1 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
|
|
|
0.9 |
|
Income tax (benefit) expense
|
|
|
(38.3 |
) |
|
|
(17.9 |
) |
|
|
12.4 |
|
|
|
6.4 |
|
|
|
2.5 |
|
|
|
4.6 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
|
|
|
2.3 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
|
|
|
3.2 |
|
|
|
(7.0 |
) |
|
|
0.3 |
|
|
|
0.4 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (loss) income
|
|
$ |
(89.8 |
) |
|
|
(41.8 |
)% |
|
$ |
(2.3 |
) |
|
|
(1.2 |
)% |
|
$ |
1.8 |
|
|
|
3.4 |
% |
|
$ |
4.0 |
|
|
|
3.0 |
% |
|
$ |
5.8 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
$ |
5.5 |
|
|
|
12.1 |
% |
|
$ |
0.2 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
This category corresponds to the line items presented under
Business CCI Texas and provides more
detail than that presented in the consolidated statement of
operations and comprehensive loss of TXUCV. See the Consolidated
Financial Statements of TXUCV and Texas Holdings. |
|
(2) |
This line item includes network operating costs and selling,
general and administrative expenses. |
Results of Operations
|
|
|
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 Compared to
March 31, 2004 |
CCI Texas total revenues increased by 2.0%, or
$0.9 million, to $46.3 million in 2005 from
$45.4 million in 2004. The increase was primarily due to
the timing of reimbursements received through the subsidy
settlement process that is described below in the discussion of
Subsidies revenues.
Local services revenue decreased 2.1%, or
$0.3 million, to $14.2 million in 2005 from
$14.5 million in 2004 due to the loss of local access
lines, which was partially offset by increased sales of our
service bundles, in each case, for the reasons described under
Overview Revenues Local
Access Lines and Bundled Services.
Network access revenues increased 6.7%, or
$0.6 million, to $9.6 million in 2005 from
$9.0 million in 2004 due to increased usage.
Subsidies revenues increased 11.8%, or $1.0 million,
to $9.5 million in 2005 from $8.5 million in 2004. The
increase in subsidy revenue is due to timing of receipt as a
result of the settlement process with the federal and state
regulatory commissions.
Long distance services revenues decreased by 30.0%, or
$0.9 million, to $2.1 million in 2005 from
$3.0 million in 2004 due to decreased minutes of use and a
change in the average rate per minute due to customers selecting
lower rate plans as part of bundle offerings.
71
Data and Internet services revenues increased 11.4%, or
$0.4 million, to $3.9 million in 2005 from
$3.5 million in 2004. DSL lines increased by 57.0%, or
6,861 lines, to 18,903 lines from 12,042 lines compared to 2004.
The increased revenue from DSL was partially offset by a
decrease in dial-up Internet service driven by the substitution
by customers of high speed Internet access.
Directory publishing revenues increased by 11.1%, or
$0.3 million, to $3.0 million in 2005 from
$2.7 million in 2004 due to increased advertising revenues
generated on increased advertisements placed in the current
phone books.
Transport services revenues decreased 2.5%, or
$0.1 million, to $2.7 million in 2005 from
$2.8 million in 2004 primarily due to customer losses and
lower demand.
Other services revenues decreased by 7.1%, or
$0.1 million, to $1.3 million in 2005 from
$1.4 million in 2004 due to a reduction in equipment sales
to our competitive telephone company customers.
Operating expenses decreased by 1.1%, or $0.3 million, to
$27.9 million in 2005 from $28.2 million in 2004.
Expenses of $1.6 million were incurred by CCI Texas in 2005
to integrate its operations with CCI Illinois. In addition, upon
closing of the TXUCV acquisition CCI Texas entered into a
professional services agreement with Mr. Lumpkin,
Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity. Fees under this agreement
totaled $0.7 million in 2005. These costs were offset by
$1.7 million of savings as a result of a reduction in
workforce after the acquisition. Results for 2004 also included
non-recurring sale related charges of $1.1 for due diligence,
transaction costs and severance payments. The balance is
primarily due to employee attrition post-acquisition.
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 34.2%, or
$2.8 million, to $11.0 million in 2005 from
$8.2 million in 2004. The increase is primarily due to the
amortization expense associated with intangibles acquired in the
TXUCV acquisition.
Other expense increase by $6.6 million to $6.9 million
in 2005 from $0.3 million in 2004. In connection with the
TXUCV acquisition, additional debt was incurred, causing an
increase in net interest expense of $6.1 million. In
addition, income from partnership and other minority investments
decreased by $0.6 million in 2005 compared to 2004.
Income tax expense decreased 90.6%, or $2.9 million, to
$0.3 million in 2005 from $3.2 million in 2004 due to
a sharp decrease in pre-tax earnings. The effective income tax
rate for 2005 and 2004 was (49.4%) and 37.1% respectively.
Net income decreased by 95.8%, or $5.3 million, to
$0.2 million in 2005 from $5.5 million in 2004.
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2004 compared to
December 31, 2003 |
CCI Texas total revenues decreased by 4.0%, or
$7.8 million, to $187.0 million in 2004 from
$194.8 million in 2003. The decrease was primarily due to
CCI Texas exit of the competitive telephone company and
wholesale long distance businesses in 2003.
Local services revenue increased 3.0%, or
$1.7 million, to $57.9 million in 2004 from
$56.2 million in 2003 despite a 1.9% decrease in local
access lines. The net increase in local services revenue was
primarily due to the success of targeted promotions of service
bundles.
Network access revenues increased 5.4%, or
$1.9 million, to $37.1 million in 2004 from
$35.2 million in 2003. This increase is attributable to
increased universal service fund surcharge rates, a temporary
72
increase in network access rates and increased revenue from
charges to consumers for local number portability.
Subsidies revenues decreased 1.2%, or $0.5 million,
to $40.9 million in 2004 from $41.4 million in 2003.
The decrease was due in part to the subsidy settlement processes
that resulted in the recovery of additional subsidy payments in
2003. This additional recovery was associated with the
requirement that rural telephone companies separately identify
assets that are used to provide interstate services, and
therefore fall under the regulatory regime of the FCC, from
regulated assets used to provide local and intrastate services,
which fall under the regulatory regime of the PUCT. Since our
Texas rural telephone companies are regulated under a rate of
return mechanism for interstate revenues, the value of assets in
the interstate rate base is critical to calculating this rate of
return and therefore, the subsidies our Texas rural telephone
companies will receive. In 2003, our Texas rural telephone
companies analyzed their regulated assets and reclassified some
of these assets for purposes of regulatory filings. The net
effect of the reclassification was that our Texas rural
telephone companies were able to recover additional one-time
subsidy payments for prior years and for 2003. Of the decrease,
$4.7 million related to subsidies received in the second
quarter of 2003 that were related to prior years. Offsetting
this decrease, there was an increase in the normal monthly
reimbursement rate as a result of the settlement process.
Long distance services revenues decreased by 21.6%, or
$2.9 million, to $10.5 million in 2004 from
$13.4 million in 2003 primarily due to decreased minutes of
use and a decrease in the average rate per minute due to
customers selecting lower rate plans as part of bundle offerings.
Data and Internet services revenues decreased by 3.4%, or
$0.5 million, to $14.2 million in 2004 from
$14.7 million in 2003. The decrease was caused primarily by
a decrease in dial-up Internet service as a portion of our
residential customers substituted other DSL or cable modem
services for our dial-up Internet access. This was partially
offset by increased sales of DSL service. DSL lines increased by
83.0% compared to 2003 to a penetration rate of 9.0%, or 16,651
DSL lines in service as of December 31, 2004.
Directory Publishing revenues increased by 5.8%, or
$0.6 million, to $11.0 million in 2004 from
$10.4 million in 2003. The increase was in part due to the
transition from a third-party sales force to an internal sales
force for the sale of advertising for yellow and white pages
directories, beginning with the publication of the Lufkin
directory in August 2002, followed by Conroe in February 2003
and Katy in April 2003. This resulted in increased sales
productivity and higher revenue due to the addition of the
approximately 35.5% of revenue previously shared with the prior
publisher. Since CCI Texas recognizes the revenue from each
directory over the 12-month life of the directory, 2003 revenue
still reflects a combination of outsourced and in-house
directory operations.
Transport services revenues decreased by 19.5%, or
$2.5 million, to $10.3 million in 2004 from
$12.8 million in 2003 primarily due to higher revenues
received from our non-recurring fiber agreements in 2003 and
customer losses and lowered demand for our transmission services
in 2004.
Other services revenues increased by 6.3%, or
$0.3 million, to $5.1 million in 2004 from
$4.8 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to an
increase in the rate charged to customers for our inside wire
maintenance contracts.
Exited services revenue from exited operations was
$5.9 million in 2003 compared to $0 in 2004. CCI Texas
exited both the competitive telephone company and the wholesale
long distance service business in 2003. Of the $5.9 million
amount, $3.9 million was related to the local service
revenue from the competitive telephone company business and
$2.0 million was related to the wholesale long distance
service.
Operating expenses decreased by 13.1%, or $17.5 million, to
$116.3 million in 2004 from $133.8 million in 2003.
Network costs decreased primarily as a result of having exited
in 2003 the wholesale long distance and the competitive
telephone company businesses. Exiting these businesses led to
the removal of leased circuit costs from SBC Communications and
other providers. Total employee head count decreased from 655 at
December 31, 2003 to 554 at December 31, 2004 as a
result of the
73
competitive telephone company exit and the TXUCV acquisition,
resulting in savings in salaries and benefits. These savings
were offset by $5.7 million in severance, $1.9 million
in retention and project bonuses, $5.5 million in
integration and restructuring costs and $1.0 million in
transaction costs related to the TXUCV acquisition in 2004,
compared to $9.1 million in severance and retention costs
in the comparable period of 2003.
Severance expenses for 2004 included $5.2 million in
severance expenses for approximately 70 TXUCV employees
separated at the closing of the acquisition. The full year
impact of the cost saving of these headcount reductions was
approximately $7.0 million, exclusive of other cost savings
and expenses of the acquisition and current and future
integration plans.
We currently expect to incur approximately $14.5 million in
operating expenses associated with the integration and
restructuring process in 2004 and 2005. Of the
$14.5 million, approximately $11.5 million relates to
integration and approximately $3.0 million relates to
restructuring. As of December 31, 2004, CCI Texas had spent
$5.5 million on integration and restructuring. These
one-time integration and restructuring costs will be in addition
to certain ongoing expenses we expect to incur to expand certain
administrative functions, such as those relating to SEC
reporting and compliance, and do not take into account other
potential cost savings and expenses of the TXUCV acquisition.
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization expense increased 22.5%, or
$7.4 million, to $40.3 million in 2004 from
$32.9 million in 2003. The increase was primarily due to
the amortization expense associated with intangibles acquired in
the TXUCV acquisition.
Other income (expense) increased 219.5%, or
$14.4 million, to $(19.0) million in 2004 from
$(4.6) million in 2003. The increase is primarily due to a
$17.8 million increase in interest expense associated with
CCI Texas incurrence of $392.0 million in debt, a
$1.9 million prepayment penalty incurred in connection with
the termination of the old credit facility and the amortization
of debt issuance costs of $1.3 million, each incurred in
connection with the TXUCV acquisition. Offsetting the decrease
was a $1.4 million increase in income received from
investments in two cellular partnerships. The year ended
December 31, 2003 also included $0.5 million loss on
the sale of the competitive telephone company business, a
$0.7 million write-down in connection with CCI Texas
reevaluation of transport assets and $0.3 million in due
diligence costs to prepare TXUCV for sale.
Income tax expense decreased by 54.8% or $6.8 million to
$5.6 million in 2004 from $12.4 million in 2003. The
effective tax rate was approximately 49.1% and 122.8% for 2004
and 2003, respectively. During 2003 our income tax provision was
exceptionally high due to a nondeductible goodwill impairment
charge which increased our tax expense by $4.7 million and
a nondeductible increase in our valuation reserve of
$3.1 million.
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2003 compared to
December 31, 2002 |
CCI Texas total revenues decreased by 9.3%, or
$19.9 million, to $194.8 million in 2003 from
$214.7 million in 2002. The decrease was primarily due to
CCI Texas exit from the competitive telephone company
business.
Local services revenues increased 3.5%, or
$1.9 million, to $56.2 million in 2003 from
$54.3 million in 2002. The increase was primarily due to
the success of targeted promotions of custom calling features.
Network access revenues decreased 2.8%, or
$1.0 million, to $35.2 million in 2003 from
$36.2 million in 2002. During the last two years, the FCC
instituted certain modifications to our Texas rural telephone
companies cost recovery mechanisms, decreasing implicit
support, which allowed rural carriers to set interstate network
access charges higher than the actual cost of originating and
terminating calls, and increasing explicit support through
subsidy payments from the federal universal service fund.
74
Subsidies revenues increased 30.2%, or $9.6 million,
to $41.4 million in 2003 from $31.8 million in 2002.
The increase was due in part to the subsidy settlement processes
resulting in the recovery of additional subsidy payments
associated with prior years and 2003. Since our Texas rural
telephone companies are regulated under a rate of return
mechanism for interstate revenues, the value of assets in the
interstate rate base is critical to calculating this rate of
return and therefore, the subsidies our Texas rural telephone
companies will receive. During 2003, the Texas rural telephone
companies recognized revenues of $6.4 million of receipts
from the federal universal service fund that were attributable
to 2002 and 2001, which was a larger out-of-period adjustment
than in prior years. The receipts were the result of filings CCI
Texas made in 2003 that updated prior year cost studies and
reclassified certain asset and expense categories for regulatory
purposes. The increase was also due to the FCC modifications to
our Texas rural telephone companies cost recovery mechanisms
described above in network access service revenues.
Long distance services revenues decreased by 33.3%, or
$6.7 million, to $13.4 million in 2003 from
$20.1 million in 2002 due to decreased minutes of use and a
change in the average rate per minute due to customers selecting
lower rate plans.
Data and Internet services revenues increased by 4.3%, or
$0.6 million, to $14.7 million in 2003 from
$14.1 million in 2002. The increase was primarily due to
increased sales of DSL service. Growth in sales of DSL lines of
59.8% in 2003 contributed to a penetration of 5.1%, or
approximately 8,668 DSL lines in service, as of
December 31, 2003. The increase was offset by a decrease in
dial-up Internet service driven by the substitution by customers
of high speed Internet access and a decrease in dial-up and DSL
customers as a result of CCI Texas exiting the competitive
telephone company business.
Directory Publishing revenues increased by 8.3%, or
$0.8 million, to $10.4 million in 2003 from
$9.6 million in 2002. The increase was in part due to the
transition from a third party sales force to an internal sales
force for the sale of advertising for yellow and white pages
directories, beginning with the publication of the Lufkin
directory in August 2002 and followed by Conroe in February 2003
and Katy in April 2003. This transition resulted in increased
sales productivity and higher revenues due to the termination of
revenue sharing with the previous publisher of between 32.5% and
35.5%. Since CCI Texas recognizes the revenues from each
directory over the 12-month life of the directory, 2003 revenues
still reflect a combination of outsourced and in-house directory
operations.
Transport services revenues remained flat in 2003 with no
significant customer gains or losses.
Other services revenues decreased by 20.0%, or
$1.2 million, to $4.8 million in 2003 from
$6.0 million in 2002. The decrease was due to a reduction
in equipment sales to our competitive telephone company
customers and the termination of the pager product line.
Exited services revenues decreased 80.3%, or
$24.1 million, to $5.9 million in 2003 from
$30.0 million in 2002. The decrease was due to decreases in
revenues from the exit of the competitive telephone company
business and from lower revenues from wholesale long distance
service. Of this amount, $19.6 million was related to the
local service revenues from the competitive telephone company
business and $4.5 million was related to the wholesale long
distance service resulting from the exit from these businesses.
Operating expenses decreased by 28.2%, or $52.5 million, to
$133.8 million in 2003 from $186.3 million in 2002.
The decrease was due principally to the following factors.
|
|
|
|
|
Network costs decreased primarily as a result of CCI Texas
having substantially exited the competitive telephone company
business by the end of March 2003, which led to the removal of
leased circuit costs from SBC and other carriers. |
|
|
|
Related to the exit from the competitive telephone company
business, total headcount decreased by 161 to 644 as of
December 31, 2003. CCI Texas estimates that the actual
expense of salaries and benefits for these employees was
approximately $4.4 million in addition to the
$4.4 million in severance costs CCI Texas incurred in
connection with these terminations. |
75
|
|
|
|
|
Bad debt expense decreased by $11.0 million from
$10.2 million in 2002 to a $0.8 million benefit in
2003. This was primarily due to (1) a re-evaluation of the
bad debt reserve from $5.0 million at year-end 2002, which
included a $2.7 million reserve for MCI accounts receivable
due to the bankruptcy of MCIs parent, Worldcom, Inc., to
$1.5 million at year-end 2003 and (2) a decrease in
bad debt write-offs to $2.3 million in 2003, which decrease
primarily related to the exit from the competitive telephone
company business. |
|
|
|
Non-competitive telephone company network costs decreased due to
process improvements and network optimization projects. Process
improvements were related to implementation of an automated
system for tracking circuit costs payable to other carriers,
including a monthly feed to the general ledger. Network
optimization projects included renegotiation of contracts with
long distance and other carriers, which eliminated monthly
minimum usage fees. In addition, network costs decreased due to
the removal of circuits in connection with the exit from the
wholesale long distance business. |
|
|
|
Operating expenses decreased due to one-time system
consolidation projects in 2002 that were not experienced in
2003. This decrease, however, was partially offset by expenses
associated with a one-time software development project to
enhance CCI Texas customer billing system in connection
with the sale process. |
|
|
|
The incurrence of $1.4 million of one-time transaction
costs, including financial and legal expenses associated with
preparing TXUCV for sale. |
|
|
|
In addition, $2.4 million in retention bonuses that were
paid to key employees to facilitate the sales transaction
process while running the day to day operations of the business. |
|
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization |
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased 19.8%, or
$8.1 million, to $32.9 million in 2003 from
$41.0 million in 2002 primarily due to the decrease in
depreciable asset base resulting from the impairment write-down
of the transport and competitive telephone company assets. In
connection with the impairment, TXUCV recorded a
$90.3 million write-down of the net book value of its
transport and competitive telephone company depreciable assets
from $98.3 million to $8.0 million.
Other charges decreased 88.8%, or $106.0 million, to
$13.4 million in 2003 from $119.4 million in 2002.
This decrease is primarily due to asset impairment and
restructuring charges for the competitive telephone company and
transport business of $0.2 million in 2003 compared to
$101.4 million in 2002. In accordance with SFAS 142,
CCI Texas conducted impairment tests on October 1, 2003 and
October 1, 2002 and, as a result of TXUs decision in
2003 to sell TXUCV for a known price and CCI Texas
decision to exit the competitive telephone company and transport
businesses, recognized on its consolidated financial statements,
goodwill impairment losses of $13.2 million and
$18.0 million, respectively for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002.
Other income (expense) decreased 217.9%, or
$8.5 million, to $(4.6) million from
$3.9 million. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease
in interest expense of $2.1 million (net of allowance for
funds used during construction), a decrease in minority interest
of $8.9 million which resulted from the large transport
impairment charges recorded in 2002, which was offset by an
increase in partnership income of $0.4 million. Partnership
income is primarily derived from a minority interest in two
wireless partnerships as further described in
Business CCI Texas
Overview Cellular Partnerships.
|
|
|
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) |
Income tax expense increased by 132.4%, or $50.7 million,
to $12.4 million in 2003 from $(38.3) million in 2002.
Of this increase, $48.3 million was due to the federal
income tax effect of the increase in income before income taxes
of $138.2 million primarily due to the significant one-time
charges
76
in 2002 discussed above. Related to this increase was the
increase in state franchise tax of $4.8 million and the tax
effect on minority interest of $3.1 million. The remaining
$(5.5) million of the change was primarily due to permanent
differences and a change in the valuation reserve. See
Note D (Income Taxes) to the audited Consolidated Financial
Statements of TXUCV.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this
section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an
understanding of CCI Texas financial statements because
they inherently involve significant judgements and
uncertainties. In making these estimates, we considered various
assumptions and factors that will differ from the actual results
achieved and will need to be analyzed and adjusted in future
periods. These differences may have a material impact on CCI
Texas financial condition, results of operations or cash
flows. We believe that of CCI Texas significant accounting
policies, the following involve a higher degree of judgement and
complexity.
Subsidies Revenues
CCI Texas recognizes revenues from universal service subsidies
and charges to interexchange carriers for switched and special
access services. In certain cases, its rural telephone
companies, Consolidated Communications of Texas Company and
Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company, participate in
interstate revenue and cost sharing arrangements, referred to as
pools, with other telephone companies. Pools are funded by
charges made by participating companies to their respective
customers. The revenue CCI Texas receives from its participation
in pools is based on its actual cost of providing the interstate
services. Such costs are not precisely known until after the
year-end and special jurisdictional cost studies have been
completed. These cost studies are generally completed during the
second quarter of the following year. Detailed rules for cost
studies and participation in the pools are established by the
FCC and codified in Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts
We evaluate the collectibility of CCI Texas accounts
receivable based on a combination of estimates and assumptions.
When we are aware of a specific customers inability to
meet its financial obligations, such as a bankruptcy filing or
substantial down-grading of credit scores, CCI Texas records a
specific allowance against amounts due to set the net receivable
to an amount we believe is reasonable to be collected. For all
other customers, we reserve a percentage of the remaining CCI
Texas outstanding accounts receivable balance as a general
allowance based on a review of specific customer balances,
trends and our experience with CCI Texas prior
receivables, the current economic environment and the length of
time the receivables are past due. If circumstances change, we
review the adequacy of the CCI Texas allowance to determine if
our estimates of the recoverability of the amounts due CCI Texas
could be reduced by a material amount. At March 31, 2005,
the allowance for uncollectable accounts for CCI Texas was
$1.2 million. If our estimates were understated by 10%, the
result would be a charge of approximately $0.1 million to
CCI Texas results of operations.
Valuation of Goodwill and Tradenames
We review CCI Texas goodwill and tradenames for impairment
as part of our annual business planning cycle in the fourth
quarter and whenever events or circumstances make it more likely
than not that an impairment may have occurred. Several factors
could trigger an impairment review such as:
|
|
|
|
|
a change in the use or perceived value of CCI Texas
tradenames; |
|
|
|
significant underperformance relative to expected historical or
projected future operating results; |
|
|
|
significant regulatory changes that would impact future
operating revenues; |
|
|
|
significant negative industry or economic trends; or |
|
|
|
significant changes in the overall strategy in which we operate
our overall business. |
We determine if an impairment exists based on a method of using
discounted cash flows. This requires management to make certain
assumptions regarding future income, royalty rates and discount
77
rates, all of which affect this calculation. Upon completion of
our impairment review in December 2004, it was determined that
an impairment did not exist for CCI Texas. The carrying value of
CCI Texas goodwill totaled $228.8 million at
March 31, 2005.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
The amounts recognized in our financial statements for pension
and postretirement benefits are determined on an actuarial basis
utilizing several critical assumptions.
A significant assumption used in determining CCI Texas
pension and postretirement benefit expense is the expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets. We used an expected
long-term rate of return of 8.5% in 2004 and 8.0% in the first
three months of 2005 as we moved toward uniformity of
assumptions and investment strategies across all our plans and
in response to the actual returns on our portfolio in recent
years being significantly below our expectations.
Another significant estimate is the discount rate used in the
annual actuarial valuation of CCI Texas pension and
postretirement benefit plan obligations. In determining the
appropriate discount rate, we consider the current yields on
high quality corporate fixed-income investments with maturities
that correspond to the expected duration of CCI Texas
pension and postretirement benefit plan obligations. For 2004
and for the first three months of 2005 we used a discount rate
of 6.0%.
In connection with the April 2004 sale of TXUCV, TXU Corp.
contributed $2.9 million to TXUCVs pension plan. In
2005, we expect to contribute $2.2 million to the CCI Texas
pension plan and $1.0 million to the other CCI Texas
postretirement benefits plans.
The effect of the change in selected assumptions on CCI
Texas estimate of pension plan expense is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
December 31, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
Point |
|
Obligation |
|
2005 Expense |
Assumption |
|
Change |
|
Higher/(Lower) |
|
Higher/(Lower) |
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Discount rate
|
|
±0.5 pts |
|
$(4,545)/$5,110 |
|
$(114)/$116 |
Expected return on assets
|
|
±1.0 pts |
|
|
|
$(413)/$413 |
The effect of the change in selected assumptions on CCI
Texas estimate of our other postretirement benefit plan
expense is shown below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage |
|
December 31, 2004 |
|
|
|
|
Point |
|
Obligation |
|
2005 Expense |
Assumption |
|
Change |
|
Higher/(Lower) |
|
Higher/(Lower) |
|
|
|
(dollars in thousands) |
Discount rate
|
|
±0.5 pts |
|
$(1,881)/$2,125 |
|
$(80)/$33 |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, the operating requirements of TXUCV have been
funded from cash flow generated from its business, borrowings
under a credit facility provided by its parent, TXU Corp., other
debt and capital contributions from a subsidiary of TXU Corp.
All TXU Corp. debt was paid in full at the closing of the
acquisition of TXUCV. As of March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had
$384.1 million of debt, exclusive of unused commitments.
See Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities.
|
|
|
Operating, Investing & Financing
Activities |
Cash provided by operating activities was $4.3 million and
$6.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2005
and 2004, respectively. This decrease was primarily due to a
$5.2 million decrease in our net income, which was offset
by a $2.9 million increase in depreciation and amortization
as a result of the TXUCV acquisition.
For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, CCI Texas
generated net cash from operating activities of
$54.7 million and $75.1 million, respectively, a
decrease of $20.4 million. Net income in 2004
78
was $8.1 million higher than 2003; however non-cash
adjustments to net income decreased by $18.0 from
$69.7 million in 2003 to $49.4 million in 2004. In
2003 CCI Texas recognized $13.2 million of goodwill
impairment. Unfavorable changes in working capital components
made up the remaining shortfall of $7.2 million from 2004
compared to 2003.
CCI Texas generated net cash from operating activities of
$75.1 million, $34.7 million and $6.8 million for
the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
The net loss of $2.3 million and $89.8 million for the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were
offset by non cash items of depreciation and amortization,
$32.9 million and $41.0 million, long-lived asset
impairments of $0.2 million and $101.4 million, goodwill
impairment charges of $13.2 million and $18.0 million
and a decrease in deferred income tax assets of
$22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and
an increase in deferred income tax assets of $38.9 million
for the year ended December 31, 2002.
For the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, cash
used in investing activities was $4.1 million and
$4.5 million, respectively. The primary use of cash for
investing activities, including all of the 2005 amount, was for
capital expenditures. Capital expenditures totaled
$4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004.
CCI Texas net cash used in investing activities, after
giving effect to the transactions, was $547.1 million and
$14.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively. Acquisition costs, which include the
purchase price and fees and expenses, totaled
$524.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
See Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities. Capital expenditures were
$23.4 million and $18.2 million for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
CCI Texas net cash used in investing activities was
$14.3 million and $21.3 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 primarily due to capital
expenditures of $18.2 million and $27.4 million for
the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Payments of $2.7 million made on long-term obligations was
the primary use of cash for financing activities during the
three months ended March 31, 2005. Cash used for financing
activities during the three months ended March 31, 2004 was
$0.1 million.
For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, net cash
provided by financing activities was $526.2 million while
we used $61.8 million during 2003. In connection with the
TXUCV acquisition, CCI Texas borrowed an aggregate of
$392.0 million and received $152.5 million in equity
contributions from Homebase. In 2004 CCI Texas made payments of
$23.6 million on its long-term obligations.
Cash used in financing activities were $61.8 million and
$4.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and
2002. Net reductions in debt of $65.8 million and
$11.4 million occurred for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002. Equity contributions from TXU
Corp. were $4.3 million and $7.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2003 and 2002.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had a working capital surplus
of $2.4 million compared to deficiencies of
$3.6 million and $102.1 million as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At
December 31, 2002, CCI Texas had working capital of
$39.8 million. Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement for
the TXUCV acquisition, all debt except the GECC capital leases
was required to be retired prior to the closing of the
acquisition on April 14, 2004. This resulted in
$95.7 million of debt, which would have been classified as
long term absent the stock purchase agreement, being classified
as short term at December 31, 2003. In addition, the change
in treatment of transport assets from held for sale to held and
used resulted in a transfer of approximately $24.5 million
of deferred tax assets from current to noncurrent. Also, assets
held for sale at December 31, 2002 of $8.0 million
were characterized as property plant and equipment during 2003.
79
On April 14, 2004, CCI and Texas Acquisition entered into
the existing credit facilities pursuant to which Texas
Acquisition borrowed an aggregate of $267.0 million,
$72.0 million under the term loan A facility and
$195.0 million under the term loan B facility. In
addition, the existing credit facilities also provide for a
$30.0 million revolving credit facility, that is available
to both Texas Acquisition and CCI in the same proportion as
borrowings under the term loan facilities, none of which had
been drawn as of June 30, 2004. Borrowings under the
existing credit facilities are secured by substantially all of
the assets of Texas Acquisition and CCI (except ICTC, which is
contingent upon obtaining the consent of the ICC for ICTC to
guarantee $195.0 million of the borrowings). For a detailed
description of the collateral and guarantees securing borrowings
under the existing credit facilities, see Description of
Other Indebtedness Collateral and Guarantees
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The borrowings under the existing credit facilities bear
interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the
borrowers election, either a base rate or the
LIBOR. The applicable margin is based upon the borrowers
total leverage ratio. As of December 31, 2004, the
applicable margin for interest rates on LIBOR based loans was
2.25 on the term loan A facility and 2.5 on the term
loan C facility. At December 31, 2004 the weighted
average rate, including swaps, of interest on Texas
Acquisitions term debt was 5.23% per annum. See
Description of Other Indebtedness Existing
Credit Facilities elsewhere in this prospectus.
On April 14, 2004, Texas Holdings issued
$125.0 million of outstanding notes, which we are offering
to exchange for exchange notes in this offering. The outstanding
notes pay, and the exchange notes will pay, interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. See
Description of Notes for a detailed discussion of
the terms and conditions of the outstanding notes and the
exchange notes.
On October 22, 2004, we entered into an amended and
restated credit facility to, among other things, convert all
borrowings then outstanding under the term loan B facility
into approximately $314.0 million of aggregate borrowings
under a new term loan C facility. The term loan C
facility is substantially identical to the term loan B
facility, except that the applicable margin for borrowings under
the term loan C facility through April 1, 2005 was
1.50% with respect to base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to
LIBOR loans. Thereafter, provided certain credit ratings are
maintained, the applicable margin for borrowings under the term
loan C facility is 1.25% with respect to base rate loans
and 2.25% with respect to LIBOR loans.
CCI Texas is a party to a Master Lease Agreement with GECC, as
further described in Description of Other
Indebtedness GECC Capital Leases elsewhere in
this prospectus. On May 27, 2005, CCI Texas elected to
pay in full the outstanding balance on this lease.
In 2004, CCI Texas primary uses of cash and capital
consisted of:
|
|
|
|
|
scheduled principal and interest payments on its long-term debt; |
|
|
|
capital expenditures of approximately $23.4 million for
network, central offices and other facilities and information
technology for operating support and other systems; and |
|
|
|
$5.5 million to integrate and restructure the operations of
CCI Illinois following the TXUCV acquisition. |
In 2005, CCI Texas expects that its primary uses of cash and
capital will consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
scheduled principal and interest payments on its long-term debt; |
|
|
|
$22.5 million of the $37.5 million cash distribution
to our existing equity investors; |
|
|
|
capital expenditures of approximately $18.7 million for
similar investments as were made in 2004; |
|
|
|
approximately $5.0 million in TXUCV integration and
restructuring costs; and |
|
|
|
incremental costs associated with being a public company. |
The expected one-time integration and restructuring costs of
approximately $10.5 million in 2004 and 2005 will be in
addition to certain additional ongoing costs CCI Texas will
incur to expand certain administrative functions, such as those
related to SEC reporting and compliance, and do not take into
80
account other potential cost savings of and expenses associated
with the acquisition. CCI Texas does not expect to incur costs
relating to integration after 2005.
Beyond 2005, CCI Texas will require significant cash to service
and repay debt and make capital expenditures. In the future, CCI
Texas will assess the need to expand its network and facilities
based on several criteria, including the expected demand for
access lines and communications services, the cost and expected
return on investing to develop new services and technologies and
competitive and regulatory factors.
In the ordinary course of business, CCI Texas enters into
surety, performance and similar bonds. As of March 31,
2005, CCI Texas has approximately $1.8 million of these
types of bonds outstanding.
|
|
|
Table of Contractual Obligations &
Commitments |
The following table contains a summary of CCI Texas
material contractual cash obligations and commitments as of
March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Total | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
Thereafter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Long-term debt
|
|
$ |
384,148 |
|
|
$ |
21,890 |
|
|
$ |
13,016 |
|
|
$ |
13,753 |
|
|
$ |
15,966 |
|
|
$ |
19,802 |
|
|
$ |
299,721 |
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
8,416 |
|
|
|
1,701 |
|
|
|
1,584 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
1,090 |
|
|
|
1,057 |
|
|
|
1,729 |
|
Capital lease
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum purchase contracts
|
|
|
1,056 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
396 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and other post-retirement obligations
|
|
|
50,879 |
|
|
|
2,399 |
|
|
|
3,385 |
|
|
|
3,730 |
|
|
|
3,975 |
|
|
|
4,285 |
|
|
|
33,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations and commitments
|
|
$ |
445,558 |
|
|
$ |
26,685 |
|
|
$ |
18,944 |
|
|
$ |
19,199 |
|
|
$ |
21,031 |
|
|
$ |
25,144 |
|
|
$ |
334,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005, the minimum purchase contract was a
60-month High-Capacity Term Payment Plan agreement with
Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, dated November 25,
2002. The agreement requires CCI Texas to make monthly purchases
of at least $33,000 from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company on
a take-or-pay basis. The agreement also provides for an early
termination charge of 45% of the monthly minimum commitment
multiplied by the number of months remaining through the
expiration date of November 25, 2007. As of March 31,
2005, the potential early termination charge was approximately
$0.5 million.
Pension funding is an estimate of our minimum funding
requirements through 2005 to provide pension benefits for
employees based on service through 2004. Obligations relating to
other post retirement benefits are based on estimated future
benefit payments. Our estimates are based on forecasts of future
benefit payments and the value of the related portfolio, which
may change over time due to a number of factors, including life
expectancy, medical costs and trends, the actual rate of return
on the plan assets, discount rates, discretionary pension
contributions and regulatory rules. For more information, see
Note E (Post Retirement Benefit Plans) to the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of TXUCV and Note 12
(Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits) to the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements of Texas Holdings.
Impact of Inflation
The effect of inflation on CCI Texas financial results has not
been significant in the periods presented.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
that will provide a prescription drug subsidy beginning in 2006
to companies that sponsor post-retirement health care plans that
provide drug benefits. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff
Position 106-2 Accounting and Disclosure Requirements
Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and
Modernization Act of 2003 that provides guidance on
the accounting and disclosure for
81
the effects of this Act. We have determined that our
post-retirement prescription drug plan is actuarially equivalent
and intend to reflect the impact beginning on July 1, 2004.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first annual period after June 15, 2005, with
early adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. We are required to adopt
SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, we must determine the appropriate fair market
value model to be used for valuing share-based payments, the
amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. We are currently
evaluating the effect SFAS 123R will have on our financial
condition or results of operations, but we do not expect it to
have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets An
Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transaction. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception
from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar
productive assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and
replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have
commercial substance. SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary
exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of
the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of
the exchange. SFAS 153 is effective for fiscal periods
beginning after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted
by us in the three months ended September 30, 2005. We are
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on our financial condition or results of
operations, but do not expect it to have a material impact.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
CCI Texas is exposed to market risk from changes in interest
rates on its long-term debt obligations. CCI Texas estimates its
market risk using sensitivity analysis. Market risk is defined
as the potential change in the fair value of a fixed-rate debt
obligation due to hypothetical adverse change in interest rates
and the potential change in interest expense on variable rate
long-term debt obligations due to a change in market interest
rates. The fair value on long-term debt obligations is
determined based on discounted cash flow analysis, using the
rates and the maturities of these obligations compared to terms
and rates currently available in long-term debt markets. The
potential change in interest expense is determined by
calculating the effect of the hypothetical rate increase on the
portion of CCI Texas variable rate debt that is not hedged
through the interest swap agreements described below and does
not assume changes in our capital structure. As of
March 31, 2005, approximately 67.0% of CCI Texas
long-term debt obligations were fixed rate and approximately
33.0% were variable rate obligations that were not subject to
interest rate swap agreements.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had $259.2 million of
debt outstanding under the existing credit facilities, including
$126.8 million of variable rate debt not covered by
interest rate swap agreements. We have limited our exposure to
fluctuations in interest rates by entering into interest rate
swap agreements that effectively convert a portion of the
variable rate debt to a fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the
impact of interest rate changes on future interest expenses. At
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had interest rate swap agreements
covering $132.4 million of aggregate principal amount of
its variable rate debt at fixed LIBOR rates ranging from 3.26%
to 3.31%. The swap agreements expire on May 19, 2007. The
fair value of the interest rate swaps amounted to an asset of
$2.3 million at March 31, 2005. The accumulated gain
on derivative instruments of $1.3 million, net of tax, is
included in other comprehensive income at March 31, 2005.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had $125.0 million of
aggregate principal amount of fixed rate long-term debt
obligations and the fair market value of these obligations was
estimated to be $131.9 million based on the overall
weighted average interest rate of CCI Texas fixed rate
long-term debt obligations of 9.75% and an overall weighted
maturity of 7.0 years, compared to rates and maturities
currently available in long-term debt markets. Market risk is
estimated as the potential loss in fair value of CCI Texas
fixed
82
rate long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical increase of
10% in interest rates. Such an increase in interest rates would
result in an approximately $5.6 million decrease in the
fair value of CCI Texas fixed rate long-term debt. At
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had $126.8 million of
variable rate debt not covered by interest rate swap agreements.
If market interest rates average 1% higher than the average
rates that prevailed from January 1, 2005 through
March 31, 2005, interest expense would increase by
approximately $0.3 million for the period.
Combined Liquidity and Capital Resources
Following the closing of the transactions, the principal
liquidity requirements of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas became to
service and repay debt, integrate the operations of CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas, and meet our capital expenditure needs. After the
closing of the transactions, CCI Illinois and CCI Texas became
significantly leveraged. As of March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas had outstanding $624.9 million of debt,
exclusive of unused commitments. Following the closing of the
proposed initial public offering, we expect that our operating
requirements will continue to be funded from cash flow generated
from our business and borrowings under our revolving credit
facility.
|
|
|
Operating, Investing and Financing Activities |
Our borrowings for working capital have traditionally been
minimal because our operations have generated sufficient cash to
meet our operating and capital expenditure needs. Because we
have operated in markets with relatively little competition, our
operating cash flows have historically been stable and
predictable. Our borrowings have been primarily for acquisitions
and capital expenditures. As of March 31, 2005, we had a
cash balance of $56.5 million and no borrowings on our
revolving credit facilities.
The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and for the three months
ended March 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Homebase | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Three | |
|
|
|
|
Months | |
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in millions) | |
Net Cash Provided (Used):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Activities
|
|
|
79.8 |
|
|
|
14.6 |
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
(554.1 |
) |
|
|
(5.5 |
) |
Financing Activities
|
|
|
516.3 |
|
|
|
(4.6 |
) |
Cash provided by operating activities has historically been
generated primarily by net income adjusted for non-cash charges.
Cash provided by operating activities was $14.6 million for
the three months ended March 31, 2005. Net income adjusted
for non-cash charges generated $21.2 million of operating
cash. Partially offsetting the cash generated were cash payments
related to certain working capital components, primarily annual
payments for prepaid insurance, taxes and other items.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, a net loss of
$1.1 million adjusted for $76.5 million of non-cash
charges accounted for the majority of our $79.8 million of
operating cash flows. The primary component of our non-cash
charges is depreciation and amortization, which was
$54.5 million in 2004. In addition, we recorded
$11.6 million of intangible asset impairment charges and
our provision for bad debt losses was $4.7 million. We also
recorded non-cash interest expense of $2.3 million for the
amortization of deferred financing costs and wrote off
$4.2 million of deferred financing costs upon entering into
our existing credit facilities in connection with the TXUCV
acquisition.
83
Cash used in investing activities has traditionally been for
capital expenditures or acquisitions. Cash used in investing
activities of $5.5 million for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 was entirely for capital expenditures. Of
the $554.1 million used for investing activities during the
year ended December 31, 2004, $524.1 million, net of
cash acquired and including transaction costs, was for the
acquisition of TXUCV. We used $30.0 million for capital
expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2004.
We expect our remaining capital expenditures for 2005 will be
approximately $28.0 million, which will be used primarily
to maintain and upgrade our physical plant.
Payments of $4.5 million made on our long-term obligations were
the primary uses of cash for financing activities during the
three months ended March 31, 2005. No new financing was
obtained during this period.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, net cash provided by
financing activities was $516.3 million. In connection with
the TXUCV acquisition in April 2004, we incurred $637.0 of
new long-term debt, repaid $178.2 million of debt and
received $89.0 million in net capital contributions from
our equity investors. In addition, we incurred
$19.0 million of expenses to finance the TXUCV acquisition.
New long-term debt of $8.8 million was also repaid after
the TXUCV acquisition in 2004.
On the closing of the transactions, CCI terminated the old
credit facility, Texas Acquisition and CCI severally entered
into, and borrowed under, the existing credit facilities, CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas severally issued the outstanding notes
and CCI Texas assumed the former TXUCV capital leases.
The following table summarizes our indebtedness and capital
leases as of March 31, 2005:
Historical Debt and Capital Leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
Maturity Date | |
|
Rate(1) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(In thousands) | |
Revolving credit facility
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
April 14, 2010 |
|
|
|
LIBOR + 2.25 |
% |
Term loan A facility
|
|
|
112,000 |
|
|
|
April 14, 2010 |
|
|
|
LIBOR + 2.25 |
% |
Term loan C facility
|
|
|
311,850 |
|
|
|
October 14, 2011 |
|
|
|
LIBOR + 2.50 |
% |
Senior notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
April 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
9.75 |
% |
Capital lease
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
March 1, 2007 |
|
|
|
6.50 |
% |
|
|
(1) |
As of March 31, 2005, the 90-day LIBOR rate was 3.12%. |
|
|
|
Existing Credit Facilities |
On April 14, 2004, CCI and Texas Acquisition entered into
the existing credit facilities pursuant to which CCI borrowed an
aggregate of $170.0 million, $50.0 million under the
term loan A facility and $120.0 million under the term
loan B facility, and Texas Acquisition borrowed an
aggregate of $267.0 million, $72.0 million under the
term loan A facility and $195.0 million under the term
loan B facility. In addition, the existing credit
facilities also provide for a $30.0 million revolving
credit facility, that is available to both CCI and Texas
Acquisition in the same proportion as borrowings under the term
loan facilities, none of which had been drawn as of
March 31, 2005. Borrowings under the existing credit
facilities are secured by substantially all of the assets of CCI
(except ICTC, which is contingent upon obtaining the consent of
the ICC for ICTC to guarantee $195.0 million of the
borrowings) and Texas Acquisition. For a detailed description of
the collateral and guarantees securing borrowings under the
existing credit facilities, see Description of Other
Indebtedness Collateral and Guarantees
elsewhere in this prospectus.
The borrowings under the existing credit facilities bear
interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the
borrowers election, either a base rate or
LIBOR. The applicable margin is based upon the
84
borrowers total leverage ratio. As of March 31, 2005,
the applicable margin for interest rates on LIBOR based loans
was 2.25% on the term loan A facility and 2.50% on the term
loan C facility. The applicable margin for the alternative
base rate loans was 1.25% per year for the revolving loan
facility and term loan A facility and 1.75% for the term
loan C facility. At March 31, 2005, the weighted
average interest rate, including swaps, of interest on
CCIs term debt and on Texas Acquisitions term debt
was 5.4% per annum. See Description of Other
Indebtedness Existing Credit Facilities
elsewhere in this prospectus.
On October 22, 2004, we amended and restated the existing
credit facilities to, among other things, convert all borrowings
then outstanding under the term loan B facility into
approximately $314.0 million of aggregate borrowings under
a new term loan C facility. The term loan C facility
is substantially identical to the term loan B facility,
except that the applicable margin for borrowings under the term
loan C facility through April 1, 2005 was 1.50% with
respect to base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to LIBOR
loans. Thereafter, provided certain credit ratings are
maintained, the applicable margin for borrowings under the term
loan C facility is 1.25% with respect to base rate loans
and 2.25% with respect to LIBOR loans.
In connection with the transactions, Illinois Holdings and Texas
Holdings severally issued $200.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding notes. The outstanding notes
are each issuers senior unsecured obligation. Each issuer
guaranteed the other issuers obligations on a senior
unsecured basis. Homebase provided a non-recourse guarantee of
the several obligations of each of the issuers, which is limited
in recourse to a second priority pledge of the common stock of
the issuers. The indenture contains customary covenants that
restrict our, and our restricted subsidiaries ability to,
incur debt and issue preferred stock, make restricted payments
(including paying dividends on, redeeming, repurchasing or
retiring our capital stock), enter into agreements restricting
our subsidiaries ability to pay dividends, make loans or
transfer assets to us, create liens, sell or otherwise dispose
of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries, engage in
transactions with affiliates, engage in sale and leaseback
transactions, engage in business other than telecommunications
businesses and consolidate or merge. See Description of
Notes elsewhere in this prospectus.
CCI Texas was a party to a Master Lease Agreement with GECC, as
further described in Description of Other
Indebtedness GECC Capital Leases elsewhere in
this prospectus. On May 27, 2005, CCI Texas elected to pay
in full the outstanding balance on this lease.
In 2004, our primary uses of cash and capital consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
scheduled principal and interest payments on our long-term debt; |
|
|
|
capital expenditures of approximately $30.0 million for
network, central offices and other facilities and information
technology for operating support and other systems; and |
|
|
|
approximately $7.0 million in aggregate to integrate and
restructure the operations of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas
following the TXUCV acquisition. |
In 2005, we expect that our primary uses of cash and capital
will consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
interest payments on our long-term debt; |
|
|
|
a $37.5 million cash distribution to our existing equity
investors; |
|
|
|
capital expenditures of approximately $33.5 million for
similar investments as we made in 2004; |
|
|
|
approximately $7.5 million in TXUCV integration and
restructuring costs; and |
|
|
|
following the closing of the proposed initial public offering,
incremental costs associated with being a public company. |
The expected one-time integration and restructuring costs of
approximately $14.5 million in aggregate for 2004 and 2005
will be in addition to certain additional ongoing costs we will
incur to expand certain administrative functions, such as those
relating to SEC reporting and compliance, and do not take into
85
account other potential cost savings and expenses of the TXUCV
acquisition. We do not expect to incur costs relating to the
TXUCV integration after 2005.
Beyond 2005, we will require significant cash to service and
repay debt, and make capital expenditures. In the future, we
will assess the need to expand our network and facilities based
on several criteria, including the expected demand for access
lines and communications services, the cost and expected return
on investing to develop new services and technologies and
competitive and regulatory factors. We believe that our current
network in Illinois is capable of supporting video with limited
additional capital investment.
In the future, we also expect to assess the cost and benefit of
selected acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances as
market conditions and other factors warrant. If we were to make
an acquisition, we could fund any such acquisition by using
available cash, incurring debt, subject to the restrictions in
the agreements governing or debt, issuing equity securities or
raising proceeds from the sale of assets or a combination of
these funding sources. Currently, we are not pursuing any
acquisition or other strategic transaction.
The ICC and the PUCT could require us to make minimum amounts of
capital expenditures and could limit the amount of cash
available to transfer from our rural telephone companies to the
issuers. As part of the ICCs review of the reorganization
we expect to implement in connection with our proposed initial
public offering, the ICC imposed various conditions as part of
its approval of the reorganization, including
(1) prohibitions on the payment of dividends or other cash
transfers from our Illinois rural telephone company to us if it
fails to meet or exceed agreed benchmarks for a majority of
seven service quality metrics and (2) the requirement that
our Illinois rural telephone company have access to the higher
of $5.0 million or its currently approved capital
expenditure budget for each calendar year through a combination
of available cash and amounts available under credit facilities.
In addition, the existing credit agreement restricts all
payments to the issuers during the continuance of a payment
default and also restricts payments to the issuers for a period
of up to 180 days during the continuance of a non-payment
default. The existing credit agreement also limits the amounts
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas may spend on capital expenditures
between 2004 and 2011.
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas are limited to aggregate capital
expenditures of $45.0 million per year. In the event the
full amount allotted to capital expenditures is not spent during
a fiscal year, the remaining balance may be carried forward to
the following year only. However, the carried forward balance
may not be utilized until such time as the amount originally
established as the capital expenditure limit for such year has
been fully utilized.
We believe that cash flow from operating activities, together
with our existing cash and borrowings available under the
existing credit facilities, will be sufficient for approximately
the next twelve months to fund our currently anticipated
requirements for debt service and repayments, capital
expenditures and the costs of integrating TXUCV into our
business. After 2005, our ability to fund these requirements and
to comply with the financial covenants under our debt agreements
will depend on the results of future operations, performance and
cash flow. Our ability to do so will be subject to prevailing
economic conditions and to financial, business, regulatory,
legislative and other factors, many of which are beyond our
control.
We may be unable to access the cash flow of our subsidiaries
since certain of our subsidiaries are parties to credit or other
borrowing agreements that restrict the payment of dividends or
making intercompany loans and investments, and those
subsidiaries are likely to continue to be subject to such
restrictions and prohibitions for the foreseeable future. In
addition, future agreements that our subsidiaries may enter into
governing the terms of indebtedness may restrict our
subsidiaries ability to pay dividends or advance cash in
any other manner to us.
To the extent that our business plans or projections change or
prove to be inaccurate, we may require additional financing or
require financing sooner than we currently anticipate. Sources
of additional financing may include commercial bank borrowings,
other strategic debt financing, sales of nonstrategic assets,
vendor financing or the private or public sales of equity and
debt securities. We cannot assure you
86
that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations in
the future, that anticipated revenue growth will be realized or
that future borrowings or equity contributions will be available
in amounts sufficient to provide adequate working capital,
service our indebtedness or make anticipated capital
expenditures. Failure to obtain adequate financing, if
necessary, could require us to significantly reduce our
operations or level of capital expenditures which could have a
material adverse effect on our projected financial condition and
results of operations.
In the ordinary course of business, CCI Illinois and CCI Texas
enter into surety, performance and similar bonds. As of
March 31, 2005, we had approximately $3.0 million of
these types of bonds outstanding.
|
|
|
Table of Contractual Obligations &
Commitments |
As of March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois and CCI
Texas material contractual cash obligations and
commitments were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Total | |
|
2005 | |
|
2006 | |
|
2007 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2009 | |
|
Thereafter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(in thousands) | |
Long-term debt(a)
|
|
$ |
623,850 |
|
|
$ |
36,169 |
|
|
$ |
21,900 |
|
|
$ |
23,150 |
|
|
$ |
26,900 |
|
|
$ |
33,400 |
|
|
$ |
482,331 |
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
24,276 |
|
|
|
3,644 |
|
|
|
3,896 |
|
|
|
3,169 |
|
|
|
2,601 |
|
|
|
2,571 |
|
|
|
8,395 |
|
Capital lease(b)
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
398 |
|
|
|
563 |
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum purchase contracts(c)
|
|
|
1,056 |
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
396 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and other post-retirement obligations(d)
|
|
|
62,924 |
|
|
|
3,027 |
|
|
|
5,307 |
|
|
|
5,704 |
|
|
|
5,939 |
|
|
|
6,264 |
|
|
|
36,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations and commitments
|
|
$ |
713,165 |
|
|
$ |
43,535 |
|
|
$ |
32,062 |
|
|
$ |
32,484 |
|
|
$ |
35,440 |
|
|
$ |
42,235 |
|
|
$ |
527,409 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
This item consists of loans outstanding under our existing
credit facilities and our notes. Our existing credit facilities
consist of a $112.0 million term loan A facility with
a maturity of six years, a $311.9 million term loan C
facility with a maturity of seven years and six months, and a
$30.0 million revolving credit facility with a maturity of
six years, which is fully available. |
|
(b) |
|
This item consists of a $1.1 million capital lease entered
into by CCI Texas with GECC. On May 27, 2005, CCI Texas
elected to pay in full the outstanding balance on this lease.
See Description of Other Indebtedness GECC
Capital Leases. |
|
(c) |
|
As of March 31, 2005, the minimum purchase contract was a
60-month High-Capacity Term Payment Plan agreement with
Southwestern Bell, dated November 25, 2002. The agreement
requires CCI Texas to make monthly purchases of at least $33,000
from Southwestern Bell on a take-or-pay basis. The agreement
also provides for an early termination charge of 45.0% of the
monthly minimum commitment multiplied by the number of months
remaining through the expiration date of November 25, 2007.
As of March 31, 2005, the potential early termination
charge was approximately $0.5 million. |
|
(d) |
|
Pension funding is an estimate of our minimum funding
requirements to provide pension benefits for employees based on
service through 2004. Obligations relating to other post
retirement benefits are based on estimated future benefit
payments. Our estimates are based on forecasts of future benefit
payments which may change over time due to a number of factors,
including life expectancy, medical costs and trends and on the
actual rate of return on the plan assets, discount rates,
discretionary pension contributions and regulatory rules. See
Note E (Post Retirement Benefit Plans) to the consolidated
financial statements of TXUCV and Note 12 (Pension Costs
and Other Post Retirement Benefits) consolidated financial
statements of Homebase. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas are exposed to market risk from
changes in interest rates on their long-term debt obligations.
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas estimate their market risk using
sensitivity analysis. Market risk is defined as the potential
change in the fair value of a fixed-rate debt obligation due to
hypothetical adverse
87
change in interest rates and the potential change in interest
expense on variable rate long-term debt obligations due to a
change in market interest rates. The fair value on long-term
debt obligations is determined based on discounted cash flow
analysis, using the rates and the maturities of these
obligations compared to terms and rates currently available in
long-term debt markets. The potential change in interest expense
is determined by calculating the effect of the hypothetical rate
increase on the portion of variable rate debt of CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas that is not hedged through the interest swap
agreements described below and does not assume changes in our
capital structure. As of December 31, 2004, approximately
62.1% of the long-term debt obligations of CCI Illinois and CCI
Texas were fixed rate and approximately 37.9% were variable rate
obligations that were not subject to interest rate swap
agreements.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had
$423.9 million of debt, including $210.2 million of
variable rate debt not covered by interest rate swap agreement
outstanding under the existing credit facilities. We have
limited our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates by
entering into interest rate swap agreements that effectively
convert a portion of the variable rate debt to a fixed-rate
basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate changes on
future interest expenses. At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas had interest rate swap agreements covering
$215.6 million of aggregate principal amount of their
variable rate debt at fixed LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to
3.35%. CCI Illinois swap agreements expire on
December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007 and December 31,
2007. CCI Texas swap agreements expire on May 19,
2007. The fair value of the interest rate swaps amounted to an
asset of $3.8 million at March 31, 2005. The
accumulated gain on derivative instruments of $2.2 million,
net of tax, is included in other comprehensive income for CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas at March 31, 2005.
At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois and CCI Texas had
$200.0 million of aggregate principal amount of fixed rate
long-term debt obligations and the fair market value of these
obligations was estimated to be $211.0 million based on the
overall weighted average interest rate of the fixed rate
long-term debt obligations of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas of
9.75% and an overall weighted maturity of 7.0 years,
compared to rates and maturities currently available in
long-term debt markets. Market risk is estimated as the
potential loss in fair value of the fixed rate long-term debt of
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas resulting from a hypothetical
increase of 10% in interest rates. Such an increase in interest
rates would result in an approximately $9.0 million
decrease in the fair value of the fixed rate long-term debt of
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. At March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas had $210.2 million of variable rate debt not
covered by the interest rate swap agreements. If market interest
rates average 1% higher than the average rates that
prevailed from January 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005,
interest expense would increase by approximately
$0.5 million for the period.
|
|
|
Effect of the Proposed IPO |
Effect of the Initial Public Offering and the Related
Transactions on Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital
Resources
We expect that the IPO transactions will have the following
effects on our results of operations, liquidity and capital
resources in the future:
|
|
|
|
|
We expect to pay approximately $13.6 million in one-time
fees and expenses. |
|
|
|
We expect to pay a premium of $6.8 million in connection
with the redemption of the notes. |
|
|
|
We expect to have a net decrease in interest expense of
$6.8 million per year due to the partial redemption of the
notes and amendment and restatement of the amended and restated
credit facility. |
|
|
|
We expect to have a net increase in deferred financing costs,
due to the write-off of approximately $2.5 million of
deferred financing costs relating to the partial redemption of
the notes, and the incurrence of approximately $3.4 million
of deferred financing costs to amend and restate the amended and
restated credit facilities. |
88
|
|
|
|
|
As a result of the amendment and restatement of our amended and
restated credit facility, we expect to (a) have
approximately $18.1 million less in scheduled amortization
payments due to the elimination of the requirement to amortize
outstanding principal amounts and (b) no longer be required
to prepay our outstanding term loans with 50% of our excess cash
flow. |
|
|
|
As a public company, we expect to incur approximately
$1.0 million in incremental ongoing expenses. |
|
|
|
Following the proposed initial public offering, we will have
$5.0 million less annually in selling, general and
administrative expenses from the termination of the two
professional service agreements. |
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We expect to incur a non-cash compensation expense of
$8.8 million as a result of the amendment and restatement
of our restricted share plan in connection with the proposed
initial public offering. In the future, we expect to incur an
additional $8.8 million of non-cash compensation expense
under the restricted share plan that will be recognized ratably
over the remaining three year vesting period of the issued, but
unvested restricted shares outstanding at the offering date. We
may also incur additional non-cash compensation expenses in
connection with any new grants under our proposed 2005 long-term
incentive plan, consistent with other public companies. |
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As a result of the proposed dividend policy we currently intend
to pay approximately $46.0 million in aggregate dividends
for the first year following the closing of the proposed initial
public offering, subject to various restrictions on our ability
to do so. |
Capital
Resources
Upon consummation of the proposed initial public offering, our
debt is currently expected to decrease by approximately
$70.0 million due to the redemption of $70.0 million
of the notes. Although we expect to have a net debt reduction,
we will still be able to incur additional debt under the amended
and restated credit facility and the indenture governing our
notes.
Debt and Capital
Leases
The following tables summarize our indebtedness and capital
leases as of March 31, 2005 on a pro forma basis to give
effect to this initial public offering and the related
transactions:
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Amount | |
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Maturity Date | |
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Rate(1) | |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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(Dollars in thousands) | |
Revolving credit facility
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$ |
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April 14, 2010 |
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LIBOR + 2.00% |
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Term loan D facility
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423,850 |
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October 14, 2011 |
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LIBOR + 2.50% |
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Senior notes
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130,000 |
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April 1, 2012 |
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9.75% |
|
Capital lease
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1,059 |
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March 1, 2007 |
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6.50% |
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(1) |
As of March 31, 2005, the 90-day LIBOR rate was 3.12%. |
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Existing Credit Facilities and Amended and Restated Credit
Facilities |
Concurrently with the closing of the initial public offering, we
will amend and restate our existing credit facilities with a
group of lenders, including Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and
Credit Suisse First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands
branch, an affiliate of Credit Suisse First Boston LLC,
underwriters in this offering, providing for a total of up to
$455.0 million in new term and revolving credit facilities,
which we refer to as the amended and restated credit facilities.
The amended and restated credit facilities will provide
financing of up to $455.0 million, consisting of:
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a new term loan D facility of up to $425.0 million
maturing on October 14, 2011; and |
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a $30.0 million new revolving credit facility maturing on
April 14, 2010. |
The amended and restated credit facilities will bear the same
rates of interest as before their amendment and restatement and
that they will require no amortization of principal before their
maturity. However, under certain circumstances, we may be
required to make annual mandatory prepayments with a portion of
our available cash, as described under Description of
Indebtedness Amended and Restated Credit
89
Facilities Restricted Payments. For a more
complete description of the expected terms of the amended and
restated credit facilities, see Description of
Indebtedness Amended and Restated Credit
Facilities.
Upon closing of the amended and restated credit facilities, we
intend to repay in full the $112.0 million of debt under
our term loan A facility and the $311.9 million of
debt under our term loan C facility (plus any revolving
debt, which we anticipate will be zero) and to borrow
$423.9 million under a new term loan D facility. Upon
the closing of the amended and restated credit facilities and
such repayment, we will have a total of $423.9 million
outstanding under the term loan D facility and no debt
outstanding under the revolving credit facility.
We expect the term loan D facility will provide for up to
$425.0 million in commitments by the lenders and to borrow
approximately $423.9 million on the closing of this
offering based on our March 31, 2005 cash balance. If, at
the closing, our cash balance is less than our cash balance on
March 31, 2005, we could borrow up to the entire amount of
the term loan D facility. See Description of
Indebtedness Amended and Restated Credit
Facilities.
Following the initial public offering, we plan on redeeming
35.0% of the aggregate amount of the senior notes, or
$70.0 million, with a portion of the net proceeds we will
receive from this offering, pursuant to an optional redemption
provision. We expect the total cost of the redemption, including
the redemption premium, to be $76.8 million.
90
BUSINESS
Overview
We are an established rural local exchange company that provides
communications services to residential and business customers in
Illinois and Texas. As of March 31, 2005, we estimate that
we were the 15th largest local telephone company in the United
States, based on industry sources, with approximately 253,071
local access lines and approximately 30,804 DSL lines in
service. Our main sources of revenues are our local telephone
businesses in Illinois and Texas which offer an array of
services, including local dial tone, custom calling features,
private line services, long distance, dial-up and high-speed
Internet access, carrier access and billing and collection
services. We also operate a number of complementary businesses.
In Illinois, we provide additional services such as telephone
services to county jails and state prisons, operator and
national directory assistance and telemarketing and order
fulfillment services and expect to begin publishing telephone
directories in the third quarter of 2005. In Texas, we publish
telephone directories and offer wholesale transport services on
a fiber optic network.
Each of the subsidiaries through which we operate our local
telephone businesses is classified as an rural telephone company
under the Telecommunications Act. Our rural telephone companies,
ICTC, Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company and
Consolidated Communications of Texas Company, in general benefit
from stable customer demand and a favorable regulatory
environment. In addition, because we primarily provide service
in rural areas, competition for local telephone service has been
limited due to the generally unfavorable economics of
constructing and operating competitive systems in these areas.
For the year ended December 31, 2004 and the three months
ended March 31, 2005, after giving effect to the
transactions, we would have had $323.5 million and
$79.8 million of revenues, respectively, of which
approximately 15.9% and 17.2% came from state and federal
subsidies. For the year ended December 31, 2004 and the
three months ended March 31, 2005, we had a net loss of
$3.6 million and net income of $0.7 million,
respectively. As of March 31, 2005, we had
$624.9 million of total long-term debt (including current
portion), an accumulated deficit of $23.0 million and
$210.1 million redeemable preferred shares.
Our Strengths
Stable Local Telephone Businesses
We are the incumbent local telephone company in the rural
communities we serve, and demand for local telephone services
from our residential and business customers has been stable
despite changing economic conditions. We operate in a favorable
regulatory environment, and competition in our markets is
limited. As a result of these favorable characteristics, the
cash flow generated by our local telephone business is
relatively consistent from year to year, and our long-standing
relationship with our local telephone customers provides us with
an opportunity to pursue increased revenue per access line by
selling additional services to existing customers using
integrated packages, or bundles, of local, long distance and
internet service on a single monthly bill.
Favorable Regulatory Environment
Each of the subsidiaries through which we operate our local
telephone businesses is classified as an rural telephone company
under the Telecommunications Act. As a result, we are exempt
from some of the more burdensome interconnection and unbundling
requirements that have affected larger incumbent telephone
companies. Also, we benefit from federal and Texas state
subsidies designed to promote widely available, quality
telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas, which are
also referred to as universal service. For the year ended
December 31, 2004, CCI Illinois received $10.6 million
from the federal universal service fund, $2.4 million of
which represented the recovery of additional subsidy payments
from the federal universal service fund for prior periods. CCI
Texas received an aggregate $40.9 million from the federal
universal service fund and the Texas universal service fund,
$2.0 million of which represented the recovery of
additional subsidy payments from the federal universal service
fund for prior periods. In the aggregate, the $51.5 million
comprised 15.9% of our revenues for the year ended
December 31, 2004, after giving effect to the TXUCV
acquisition. For the three months ended March 31,
91
2005, CCI Illinois received $4.2 million from the federal
universal fund, $1.6 million of which represented the
recovery of additional subsidy payments from the federal
universal service fund for prior periods and CCI Texas
received an aggregate $9.5 million from the federal
universal service fund and the Texas universal service fund. In
the aggregate, the $13.7 million comprised 17.2% of our
revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
Attractive Markets and Limited Competition
The geographic areas in which our rural telephone companies
operate are characterized by a balanced mix of stable, insular
territories in which we have limited competition and growing
suburban areas where we expect our business to grow in tandem.
Currently, we have limited competition for basic voice services
from wireless carriers and cable providers.
Our Lufkin, Texas and central Illinois markets have experienced
nominal population growth over the past decade. As of
March 31, 2005, 134,142, or approximately 53% of our
253,071 local telephone access lines were located in these
markets. We have experienced limited competition in these
markets because the low customer density and high residential
component have discouraged the significant capital investment
required to offer service over a competing network.
Our Conroe, Texas and Katy, Texas markets are suburban areas
located on the outskirts of the Houston metropolitan area that
have experienced above-average population and business
employment growth over the past decade as compared to Texas and
the United States as a whole. According to the most recent
census, the median household income in the primary county in our
Conroe market was over $50,000 per year and in our Katy
market was over $60,000 per year, both significantly higher
than the median household income in Texas of $39,927 per
year. As of March 31, 2005, 118,929, or approximately 47%
of our 253,071 local access lines were located in these markets.
Technologically Advanced Network
We have invested significantly in the last several years to
build a technologically advanced network capable of delivering a
broad array of reliable, high quality voice and data and
Internet services to our customers on a cost-effective basis.
For example, as of March 31, 2005, approximately 90% of our
total local access lines in both Illinois and Texas were
DSL-capable, excluding access lines already served by other high
speed connections. The service options we are able to provide
over our existing network allow us to generate additional
revenues per customer. We believe our current network in
Illinois is capable of supporting video with limited additional
capital investment.
Broad Service Offerings and Bundling of Services
We offer our customers a single point of contact for access to a
broad array of voice and data and Internet services. For
example, we offer all of our customers custom calling features,
such as caller name and number identification, call forwarding
and call waiting. In addition, we offer value-added services
such as teleconferencing and voicemail. These service options
allow us to generate additional revenues per customer.
We also generate additional revenues per customer by bundling
services. Bundling enables us to provide a more complete package
of services to our customers at a relatively small incremental
cost to us. We believe the bundling of services results in
increased customer loyalty and higher customer retention. As of
March 31, 2005, our Illinois Telephone Operations had
approximately 7,300 customers who subscribed to service bundles
that included local service, custom calling features and
voicemail and approximately 2,000 additional customers who
subscribed to service bundles that included these services and
Internet access. This represents an increase of approximately
5.9% over the number of Illinois customers who subscribed to
service bundles as of December 31, 2004. As of
March 31, 2005, our Texas Telephone Operations had over
22,600 customers who subscribed to service bundles that
included local service, custom calling features and voicemail.
This represents an increase of approximately 6.2% over the
number of Texas customers who subscribed to service bundles as
of December 31, 2004.
92
Experienced Management Team with Proven Track Record
With an average of approximately 20 years of experience in
both regulated and non-regulated telecommunications businesses,
our management team has demonstrated the ability to deliver
profitable growth while providing high levels of customer
satisfaction. Specifically, our management team has:
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particular expertise in providing superior quality services to
rural customers in a regulated environment; |
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a proven track record of successful business integrations,
including the integration of ICTC and several related
businesses, including long distance and private line services,
into McLeodUSA in 1998; and |
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a proven track record of launching and growing of new, regulated
services, such as long distance and DSL services, and
complementary services, such as operator and telemarketing and
order fulfillment services. |
Business Strategy
Improve Operating Efficiency and Maintain Capital Expenditure
Discipline
Since acquiring ICTC and the related businesses in December
2002, we have made significant operating and management
improvements. We have centralized many of our business and back
office functions for our Illinois Telephone Operations. By
providing these centrally managed resources to our Illinois
operating companies, we have allowed our management and customer
service functions to focus on their business and to better serve
our customers in a cost-effective manner. We intend to continue
to seek and implement more cost efficient methods of managing
our business, including sharing best practices across our
operations.
We believe we have successfully managed the capital expenditures
for our Illinois Telephone Operations in order to optimize our
returns, while appropriately allocating resources to allow us to
maintain and upgrade our network. We intend to maintain our
capital expenditure discipline across our company.
Increase Revenues Per Customer
We will continue to focus on increasing our revenues per
customer, primarily by seeking to increase our DSL
services market penetration, increasing the sale of other
value-added services and encouraging customers to subscribe for
service bundles. We believe that this strategy enables us to
provide a more complete package of services to our customers and
increase our revenues per customer at a relatively small
incremental cost to us.
We are expanding our service bundle in Illinois with the
introduction of an all-digital video service. Having made the
necessary upgrades to our network and purchased programming
content, we launched digital video service in the first quarter
of 2005 in our key Illinois exchanges: Mattoon; Charleston; and
Effingham. Initial customer feedback has been positive, and
management believes that video will enhance the competitive
appeal of our service bundle and increase revenue per customer.
We plan to use innovative marketing strategies for enhanced,
ancillary services and to continue to offer new applications and
technologies. By building on our long-standing relationships
with our customers while continuing to offer new services, we
believe we can continue to generate strong revenues and cash
flow.
Build on our Reputation for High Quality Service
We will seek to continue to build on our strong reputation,
which dates to 1894 in Illinois and 1898 in Texas. We plan to do
this by continuing to offer a broad array of high quality
telecommunications services and consistent, high quality
customer service. We have consistently exceeded all ICC and PUCT
quality of service requirements, and we believe we can continue
this standard of excellence throughout the company. We will
continue to focus on building long-term relationships with our
customers by having an active local
93
presence. We believe these strategies will lead to high levels
of customer loyalty and increased demand for our services in
Illinois and Texas.
Selective Acquisitions
We intend to pursue a disciplined process of selective
acquisitions of access lines from Regional Bell Operating
Companies and other rural local exchange carriers, as well as
acquiring providers of businesses complementary to ours, such as
dial-up and DSL Internet access services. Over the past five
years, Regional Bell Operating Companies have divested a
significant number of access lines nationwide and are expected
to continue these divestitures in order to focus on larger
markets. We also believe there may be attractive opportunities
to acquire rural local exchange carriers. For example, in
Illinois and Texas, there are approximately 90 rural local
exchange carriers serving a fragmented market representing
approximately 1.5 million total access lines. Our
acquisition criteria include:
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attractiveness of the markets; |
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quality of the network; |
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our ability to integrate the acquired company efficiently; |
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potential operating synergies; and |
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the potential of any proposed transaction to permit increased
dividends on our common stock. |
Currently, we are not pursuing any acquisitions or other
strategic transactions.
History of the Company
Founded in 1894 as the Mattoon Telephone Company by the
great-grandfather of our Chairman, Mr. Lumpkin, CCI
Illinois began as one of the nations first independent
telephone companies. After several subsequent acquisitions, the
Mattoon Telephone Company was incorporated as the Illinois
Consolidated Telephone Company, or ICTC, on April 10, 1924.
On September 24, 1997, McLeodUSA acquired the predecessor
of CCI.
The Lumpkin family has been continuously involved in managing
CCI Illinois since inception, including the period during which
it was owned by McLeodUSA, when Mr. Lumpkin served as Vice
Chairman of McLeodUSA and Chairman of ICTC. In December 2002,
Mr. Lumpkin, through his affiliated entity Central Illinois
Telephone, together with Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity,
purchased the capital stock and assets of ICTC and several
related businesses from McLeodUSA for $284.8 million and
assumed specified liabilities. Illinois Holdings, a Delaware
corporation, was formed on March 22, 2002 as an acquisition
vehicle for the purpose of acquiring ICTC and several related
businesses from McLeodUSA.
TXUCV began operations in November 1997 with the acquisition by
TXU Corp. of Lufkin-Conroe Communications, a fourth-generation
family-owned business founded in 1898. The rural telephone
company subsidiary of Lufkin-Conroe Communications was renamed
TXU Communications Telephone Company. In August 2000, TXU Corp.
contributed the parent company of Fort Bend Telephone
Company, a family-owned business based in Katy, Texas which
began operations in 1914, to TXUCV. Beginning in 1999, TXUCV
began operating a competitive telephone company in a number of
local markets within Texas. In late 2001, TXUCV decided to
refocus its business strategy on its Texas rural telephone
companies. TXUCV systematically exited its competitive telephone
company markets, culminating in the sale of some of its
competitive telephone company operations to Texas-based Grande
Communications in March 2003 and the termination of the
remainder of its competitive telephone company operations by
June 2003.
On April 14, 2004, we acquired TXUCV, an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of TXU Corp., for a cash purchase price of
$524.1 million, net of cash acquired and including
transaction costs. Texas Holdings, a Delaware corporation, was
formed on January 29, 2004 as a holding company for Texas
Acquisition, a Delaware corporation formed on October 8,
2003, which acquired TXUCV from TXU Corp. TXUCV was subsequently
renamed to CCV.
94
CCI Illinois
Overview
CCI Illinois operates its business in two segments, which we
refer to as Illinois Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations.
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Illinois Telephone Operations |
Illinois Telephone Operations consists of local telephone, long
distance and data and Internet services and serves residential
and business customers in central Illinois. As of
December 31, 2004, our Illinois Telephone Operations had
approximately:
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86,624 local access lines in service, of which approximately 64%
served residential customers and 36% served business customers; |
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64% long distance penetration of Illinois Telephone
Operations local access lines; |
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7,611 dial-up Internet customers; and |
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11,915 DSL lines, which represented an approximately 13.8%
penetration of total local access lines. Approximately 90% of
Illinois Telephone Operations total local access lines,
excluding local access lines already served by other high speed
connections, are DSL-capable. |
In 2004, our Illinois Telephone Operations generated
$97.3 million of revenues and $27.6 million from cash
flows from operating activities. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, our Illinois Telephone Operations generated
$24.8 million of revenues and $9.9 million of cash
flows from operating activities. As of March 31, 2005, our
Illinois Telephone Operations had total assets of
$260.9 million.
The following chart summarizes the primary sources of revenues
for our Illinois Telephone Operations for the three months ended
March 31, 2005.
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% of Net | |
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Revenue of | |
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Illinois | |
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Telephone | |
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Revenue Source |
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Operations | |
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Description |
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Local Calling Services
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33.6% |
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Offers the local customer the ability to originate and receive
an unlimited number of calls within a defined local calling
area. The customer is charged a flat monthly fee for basic
service, including local calls, and service charges for custom
calling features, value added services and local private line
services |
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Network Access Services
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27.5% |
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Offers long distance and other carriers the opportunity to use
our Illinois rural telephone companys network to originate
or terminate long distance calls in our Illinois rural telephone
companys service area. Network access charges are paid by
the long distance or other carriers to our Illinois rural
telephone company and are regulated by the FCC and the ICC.
These revenues also include special access and certain
regulated, end-user charges |
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95
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% of Net | |
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Revenue of | |
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Illinois | |
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Telephone | |
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Revenue Source |
|
Operations | |
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Description |
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Subsidies
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17.0% |
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Our Illinois rural telephone company receives federal subsidy
payments designed to promote widely available, quality telephone
service at affordable prices in rural areas |
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Long Distance Services
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7.7% |
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Offers intrastate and interstate long distance services provided
to local customers who subscribe to Illinois Telephone
Operations long distance services |
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Data and Internet Services
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10.6% |
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Offers DSL, non-local private line service, dial-up Internet
access and frame relay networks and related enhanced Internet
services |
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Other Services
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3.6% |
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Offers other services, including billing and collection services
and commissions from the sale of advertising for yellow and
white pages directories |
The percentages of revenues listed above have been adjusted to
eliminate intra-company revenues and provide more detail than
that presented in the consolidated statement of income of
CCI Illinois. See consolidated financial statements of
CCI Illinois and audited combined financial statements of
ICTC and the related businesses.
Local calling services include dial tone and local
calling services. Illinois Telephone Operations generally
charges residential and business customers a fixed monthly rate
for access to the network and for originating and receiving
telephone calls within their local calling area, which is the
geographic area established for administration and pricing of
telecommunications services. Custom calling features consist of
caller name and number identification, call forwarding and call
waiting. Value added services consist of teleconferencing and
voicemail. For custom calling features and value added services,
Illinois Telephone Operations usually charges a flat monthly
fee, which varies depending on the type of service. In addition,
Illinois Telephone Operations offers local private lines
providing direct connections between two or more local locations
primarily to business customers at flat monthly rates.
Network access services allow the origination or
termination of calls in our Illinois service area for which our
Illinois Telephone Operations charge long distance or other
carriers network access charges, which are regulated. Network
access fees also apply to private lines provisioned between a
customer in our Illinois service area and a location outside of
our Illinois service area. For long distance calls, our Illinois
Telephone Operations bill the long distance or other carrier on
a per minute or per minute, per mile usage basis. For private
lines, our Illinois Telephone Operations bill the long distance
or other carrier at a flat monthly rate. Included in this
category are subscriber line charges paid by the end user.
Our Illinois Telephone Operations record the details of the long
distance and private line calls through its carrier access
billing system and bills the applicable carrier on a monthly
basis. The network access charge rates for intrastate long
distance calls and private lines within Illinois are regulated
and approved by the ICC, whereas the access charge rates for
interstate long distance calls and private lines are regulated
and approved by the FCC.
Subsidies consist of federal subsidies designed to
promote widely available, quality telephone service at
affordable prices in rural areas. The subsidies are allocated
and distributed to our Illinois Telephone Operations from funds
to which telecommunications providers, including local, long
distance and wireless
96
carriers, must contribute on a monthly basis. Funds are
distributed to our Illinois Telephone Operations on a monthly
basis based upon our costs for providing local service in
Illinois. Unlike our Texas Telephone Operations, our Illinois
Telephone Operations receive federal but not state subsidies.
Long distance services in Illinois include services
provided to subscribers to long distance plans to originate
calls that terminate outside the callers local calling
area. For this service, our Illinois Telephone Operations
charges its subscribers a combination of subscription and usage
fees.
Data and Internet services include revenues from
non-local private lines and the provision of access to the
Internet by DSL, T-1 lines and dial-up access. Illinois
Telephone Operations also offers a variety of data connectivity
services, including frame relay networks. Frame relay networks
are public data networks commonly used for local area network to
local area network communications as an alternative to private
line data communications. In addition, our Illinois Telephone
Operations offer enhanced Internet services, which include basic
web site design and hosting, content feeds, domain name
services, e-mail services and obtaining Internet protocol
addresses.
Other services includes revenues from billing and
collection services. Our Illinois Telephone Operations also
receive what is referred to as revenue retention payments. These
payments are essentially a commission on advertising revenues
paid to ICTC by The Yell Group, which publishes yellow and white
pages directories for our Illinois service area.
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition, we acquired a
directory sales and publishing group, which currently publishes
the telephone directories for CCI Texas. We intend to have this
group publish directories for CCI Illinois as well. As such, we
notified Yellow Book on November 8, 2004 of our intention
to terminate our directory publishing agreement. We expect to
begin publishing telephone directories for CCI Illinois
beginning in the third quarter of 2005.
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Other Illinois Operations |
Our Other Illinois Operations consist of the following
complementary businesses:
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Public Services provides local and long distance service
and automated collect calling from county jails and state
prisons in Illinois under multi-year contracts as described
under Customers and Markets. These
services include fraud control, customer service, call
management and technical field support. The range of customized
applications include institution-specific branding, call time
and dollar limits, 3-way call detection, Personal Identification
Number System, call blocking and screening, public defender
access, call restriction application, on-site training, fully
automated collect calls, touch tone and rotary dial acceptable,
inmate tested equipment and monitors and recorders. Public
Services also provides payphone services to approximately 356
payphones in our Illinois service area. |
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Operator Services offers both live and automated local
and long distance operator assistance and national directory
assistance on a wholesale and retail basis to incumbent
telephone companies, competitive telephone companies, long
distance companies and payphone providers. Operator Services
also provides specialized message center services and corporate
and governmental attendant services and private corporate
directory assistance and messaging services to corporations and
government agencies. |
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Market Response provides telemarketing and order
fulfillment services to customers nationwide. Our order
fulfillment services provide our clients with the ability to
quickly and cost-effectively meet their customers requests
for shipment of information and products. Typically, these
customers are responding to a direct-response advertising
campaign by the Internet, mail or telephone. |
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Business Systems sells, installs and maintains
telecommunications equipment and wiring to residential and
business customers in our Illinois rural telephone
companys service area and in nearby, larger markets
including Champaign, Decatur and Springfield, Illinois. This
operation allows us to cross-sell our services to many of our
Illinois Telephone Operations business customers, such as
colleges, hospitals and secondary schools. |
97
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Mobile Services provides one-way messaging service to
residential and business customers. The basic paging capability
has been supplemented with other complimentary mobile
information services, including Internet, 800 service, info-text
and voicemail. |
In 2004, our Other Illinois Operations generated
$39.2 million of revenues and $2.8 million from cash
flows from operating activities. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, our Other Illinois Operations generated
$8.8 million of revenues and $0.4 million of cash
flows from operating activities. As of March 31, 2005, our
Other Illinois Operations had total assets of $45.3 million.
Customers and Markets
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations |
Illinois Telephone Operations local telephone markets
consist of 35 geographically contiguous exchanges serving
predominantly small towns and rural areas in an approximately
2,681 square mile area in central Illinois. An exchange is
a geographic area established for administration and pricing of
telecommunications services. Illinois Telephone Operations is
the incumbent provider of basic telephone services within these
exchanges, with approximately 86,624 local access lines, or
approximately 32 lines per square mile, as of
March 31, 2005. Approximately 64% of our Illinois local
access lines serve residential customers and the remainder serve
business customers. Our Illinois business customers, 75% of
which have one to three lines, are predominantly in the light
manufacturing and services industries or are universities and
hospitals. AT&T and McLeodUSA accounted for
approximately 12.1% and 10.2% of the revenues of Illinois
Telephone Operations in 2004 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, respectively.
The local telephone markets served by Illinois Telephone
Operations include all or a substantial percentage of five
counties: Coles; Christian; Montgomery; Effingham; and Shelby.
According to the U.S. Census 2000, the population in these
counties has grown slightly in the last ten years, which is
consistent with our belief that these markets are mature and
stable.
We list below selected data from the U.S. Census 2000,
together with our number of local access lines as of
March 31, 2005.
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
Coles | |
|
Christian | |
|
Montgomery | |
|
Effingham | |
|
Shelby | |
|
Other | |
|
Totals | |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2000 Census Data
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
County Population (2000)
|
|
|
53,196 |
|
|
|
35,372 |
|
|
|
30,652 |
|
|
|
34,264 |
|
|
|
22,893 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
176,377 |
|
|
County Population CAGR 1990-2000
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.27 |
% |
|
|
(0.03 |
)% |
|
|
0.78 |
% |
|
|
0.28 |
% |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
County Median Household Income
|
|
$ |
32,286 |
|
|
$ |
36,561 |
|
|
$ |
33,123 |
|
|
$ |
39,379 |
|
|
$ |
37,313 |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
n/a |
|
Market Territory (sq. miles)
|
|
|
531 |
|
|
|
662 |
|
|
|
585 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
520 |
|
|
|
357 |
|
|
|
2,681 |
|
Local Access Lines
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residence
|
|
|
19,095 |
|
|
|
12,276 |
|
|
|
9,564 |
|
|
|
4,369 |
|
|
|
6,002 |
|
|
|
4,101 |
|
|
|
55,407 |
|
|
Business
|
|
|
12,859 |
|
|
|
4,670 |
|
|
|
4,239 |
|
|
|
5,568 |
|
|
|
1,958 |
|
|
|
1,923 |
|
|
|
31,217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
Total
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|
|
31,954 |
|
|
|
16,946 |
|
|
|
13,803 |
|
|
|
9,937 |
|
|
|
7,960 |
|
|
|
6,024 |
|
|
|
86,624 |
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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Number of Exchanges
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
8 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
35 |
|
Each of the counties in which our Illinois rural telephone
company operates consists of predominantly small towns and
agricultural areas with a mix of small businesses. Illinois
Telephone Operations two largest exchanges are Mattoon and
Charleston, which are in Coles County. Effingham Countys
largest town is Effingham, which is Illinois Telephone
Operations third largest exchange, tied for seventh place
in Site Selection Magazines March 2003 ranking of the best
U.S. small town for corporate facilities.
Illinois Telephone Operations largest network access
customers include AT&T, McLeodUSA and MCI, collectively
representing 13.5% and 13.0% of our Illinois Telephone
Operations revenues for 2004 and the three months ended
March 31, 2005, respectively.
98
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations |
Public Services has provided service to inmates in
Illinois state correctional facilities since 1990 and is
currently providing service to 56 state and county
correctional institutions. In 2004 and for the three months
ended March 31, 2005, approximately 92.8% and 92.7%,
respectively, of Public Services revenues, which was
approximately 42.8% and 50.4%, respectively, of our Other
Illinois Operations revenues over the same period, was
derived from a contract with the Department of Corrections of
the State of Illinois. Under the contract, the State of Illinois
does not pay Public Services directly, but rather, Public
Services bills and collects revenue from the called parties and
rebates commissions to the State of Illinois based on this
revenue. In 2004 and for the three months ended March 31,
2005, the actual commissions recognized by Public Services to
the State of Illinois under this contract was approximately
$9.4 million and $2.5 million, respectively. The
initial term of the contract expires on June 2007, with five
additional one-year extensions available at the State of
Illinois option. Public Services currently serves
all 46 Illinois state correctional facilities pursuant to
this contract.
Operator Services offers service to callers nationwide.
McLeodUSA represented 48.1% and 43.1%, respectively, of Operator
Services revenues for 2004 and for the three months ended
March 31, 2005, which was 9.7% and 8.5%, respectively, of
our Other Illinois Operations revenues over the same
periods.
Market Response provides telemarketing and order
fulfillment services to customers nationwide. The State of
Illinois represented 40.8% of Market Responses revenues,
which was 6.2% of our Other Illinois Operations revenues
during 2004, and 2.9% and 0.4% was derived from McLeodUSA during
2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
Revenues derived from the State of Illinois related to a
contract with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority pursuant
to which Market Response distributed to customers and provided
customer service for transponders used for electronic toll
collection on Illinois toll-roads. In May 2004, the State
of Illinois informed us that it had awarded the renewal of this
contract to another provider. Market Response ended its
provision of service to the Illinois State Toll Highway
Authority in September 2004. While the recent non-renewal of the
contract with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority will
have a material impact on the revenues generated by our Market
Response business in the near-term, we do not expect the loss of
this contract to have a material adverse impact on our results
of operations as a whole.
Business Systems sells, installs and maintains
telecommunications equipment and wiring primarily in our
Illinois rural telephone companys service area and nearby
cities. Revenues are derived from equipment sales and
maintenance contracts. Most of Business Systems equipment
sales are telephone systems and associated wiring to small
business customers.
Mobile Services provides paging services as a convenience
to some of Illinois Telephone Operations emergency medical
and government customers in and around our Illinois rural
telephone companys service area.
In 2004 and for the three months ended March 31, 2005,
49.6% and 51.1%, respectively, of the revenues of our Other
Illinois Operations were derived from our relationships with
various agencies of the State of Illinois, principally the
Department of Corrections. Overall, during 2004 and for the
three months ended March 31, 2005, 6.1% and 5.7%,
respectively, of CCI Illinois revenues were derived from
our various relationships with the State of Illinois. In
addition, Public Services receives revenues from various
counties in Illinois. CCI Illinois and its predecessors
relationship with the Department of Corrections and the Toll
Highway Authority have existed since 1990 and 1997,
respectively, despite changes in government administrations.
Nevertheless, obtaining contracts from government agencies is
challenging, and government contracts, like our contracts with
the State of Illinois, often include provisions that are
favorable to the government in ways that are not standard in
private commercial transactions. Specifically, each of our
contracts with the State of Illinois:
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|
includes provisions that allow the respective state agency and
county to terminate the contract without cause and without
penalty under some circumstances; |
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|
|
is subject to decisions of state agencies and counties that are
subject to political influence on renewal; |
99
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|
gives the State of Illinois the right to renew the contract at
its option but does not give us the same right; and |
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|
could be cancelled if state funding becomes unavailable. |
Sales and Marketing
Key components of CCI Illinois overall sales and marketing
strategy have included the following:
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positioning itself as a single point of contact for
customers telecommunications needs; |
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|
providing its customers with a broad array of voice and data
services and bundling services where possible; |
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|
providing excellent customer service, including providing
24-hour, 7-day a week centralized customer support to coordinate
installation of new services, repair and maintenance functions; |
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|
|
developing and delivering new services; and |
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|
|
leveraging the history of CCI Illinois and its involvement with
its local communities and expanding Consolidated
Communications and Consolidated brand
recognition, subject to regulatory and strategic business
considerations. |
We have combined the management teams for sales and marketing
for CCI Illinois and CCI Texas into a single centralized
organization. Our combined strategy is focused on:
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|
accelerating DSL service penetration in all of our rural
telephone companies service areas; |
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|
cross-selling our services; |
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|
developing additional services to maximize revenues and increase
average revenues per customer; |
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|
|
increasing customer loyalty through superior customer service,
local presence and motivated service employees; and |
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|
|
leveraging the CCI Illinois telemarketing, order
fulfillment and directory-assistance capabilities to provide
functions that are currently being outsourced by CCI Texas, a
process that has already begun with the migration of Texas
directory assistance traffic to the CCI Illinois system in May
2004. |
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations |
Illinois Telephone Operations currently has two main sales
channels: customer service centers and commissioned sales
people. Our Illinois customer service centers are the primary
sales channels for residential and business customers with one
or two phone lines, whereas commissioned sales representatives
provide customized proposals to larger business customers. In
addition, our customers can also visit customer retail centers
for various communications needs, including new telephone,
Internet and paging service purchases. We believe that customer
service centers have helped decrease our customers late
payments and bad debt due to their ability to pay their bills
easily at these centers. Illinois Telephone Operations
sales efforts are supported by direct mail, bill inserts,
newspaper advertising, public relations activities, sponsorship
of community events and website promotions.
|
|
|
Other Illinois Operations |
Each of our Other Illinois Operations businesses primarily use
an independent sales and marketing team comprised of dedicated
field sales account managers, management teams and service
representatives to execute our sales and marketing strategy.
These efforts are supported by attendance at industry trade
shows and leadership in industry groups including the United
States Telecom Association, the Associated Communications
Companies of America and the Independent Telephone and
Telecommunications Alliance.
100
Information Technology and Support Systems
CCI Illinois information technology and support systems
staff is a seasoned organization that supports day-to-day
operations and develops system enhancements. The technology
supporting CCI Illinois is centered on a core of commercially
available and internally maintained systems.
We have developed detailed plans to migrate key business
processes of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas onto single,
company-wide systems and platforms. Our objective is to improve
profitability by reducing individual company costs through the
sharing of best practices, centralization or standardization of
functions and processes and the use of technologies and systems
that provide for greater efficiencies. A number of key billing,
network provisioning, network management and workforce
management systems of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas already use
common software and hardware platforms, and both CCI Illinois
and CCI Texas have successfully completed large-scale customer
and billing migration projects in the last five years. We
believe our core operating systems and hardware platform will
have significant scalability.
Network Architecture and Technology
Our local network in Illinois is based on a carrier serving area
architecture. Carrier serving area architecture is a structure
that allows access equipment to be placed closer to customer
premises enabling the customer to be connected to the equipment
over shorter copper loops than would be possible if all
customers were connected directly to the carriers main
switch. The access equipment is then connected back to that
switch on a high capacity fiber circuit, resulting in extensive
fiber deployment throughout the network. The access equipment is
sometimes referred to as a digital loop carrier and the
geographic area that it serves is the carrier serving area.
We have begun the integration of the CCI Texas and CCI Illinois
long distance networks and are leveraging the combined usage of
the two networks to obtain reduced costs of transport and
termination from wholesale vendors of those services. A single
engineering team is responsible for the overall architecture and
interoperability of the various elements in the combined network
of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. Currently, CCI Illinois has a
network operations center in Mattoon, which monitors network
performance 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. We
believe this network operations center allows CCI Illinois to
maintain high network performance standards. Our goal is to
interconnect the Illinois and Texas network operations centers,
using common network systems and platforms where possible. We
expect this will allow us to share weekend and after-hours
coverage between markets and more efficiently allocate personnel
to manage fluctuations in our workload volumes.
Our CCI Illinois network is supported by three advanced 100%
digital switches, with a fiber network connecting 33 of our 35
exchanges and 69 of our 103 field-deployed carriers. These
switches provide all of our Illinois Telephone Operations
local telephone customers with access to custom calling
features, value-added services and dial-up Internet access. In
addition, as of March 31, 2005, approximately 90% of our
Illinois Telephone Operations total local access lines,
excluding local access lines already served by other high speed
connections, are served by exchanges or carriers equipped with
digital subscriber line access multiplexers, or DSLAMs, and are
within distance limitations for providing DSL service. DSLAMs
are devices designed to separate voice-frequency signals from
DSL traffic. CCI Illinois has two additional switches, one
primarily dedicated to long distance service and the other
primarily dedicated to Public Services and Operator Services.
In late 2003, we commenced the network improvements needed to
support the introduction of an all digital video service that is
functionally similar to a digital cable television offering in
our Illinois markets of Mattoon, Charleston and Effingham. We
have since completed the initial capital investments necessary
to provide these services and introduced digital video services
in these markets in January, 2005. Other than the provision of
success-based set-top boxes to subscribers, we do not anticipate
having to make any material capital upgrades to our network
infrastructure in connection with our introduction of digital
video services in these markets. As of March 31, 2005,
these services were available to approximately 74% of our
residential customers in these markets, which represented
approximately 25% of all of our Illinois residential customers.
101
Employees
As of March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois had a total of 746
employees, 634 of which were full-time and 112 of which were
part-time. Of these 746 employees, 304 employees are
attributable to our Illinois rural telephone company. In
addition, at March 31, 2005, Market Response had
165 temporary employees hired through a local temporary
employment agency. 340 of our Illinois full-time employees and
102 part-time employees are represented by the
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The current
collective bargaining agreement expires on November 15,
2005. We believe management currently has a good relationship
with our Illinois union and non-union employees.
Properties
Our headquarters and most of the administrative offices for CCI
Illinois are located in Mattoon, Illinois. The properties that
CCI Illinois leases are pursuant to leases that expire at
various times between 2004 and 2007. The following chart
summarizes the principal facilities CCI Illinois owned or leased
as of March 31, 2005.
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
Owned/ |
|
Approx. | |
Location |
|
Primary Use |
|
Leased |
|
Sq. Ft. | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Charleston
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations Communications Center and Market
Response Offices(1) |
|
Leased |
|
|
33,987 |
|
Effingham
|
|
Office and Illinois Telephone Operations Communications Center |
|
Leased |
|
|
2,500 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Sales and Administration Office(1) |
|
Leased |
|
|
30,687 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Corporate Headquarters(1) |
|
Leased |
|
|
49,054 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Operator Services and Operations |
|
Owned |
|
|
36,263 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Archive |
|
Owned |
|
|
9,097 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Operations and Distribution Center(1) |
|
Leased |
|
|
30,883 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Communications Center |
|
Leased |
|
|
5,677 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Market Response Order Fulfillment(2) |
|
Leased |
|
|
20,000 |
|
Mattoon
|
|
Office |
|
Owned |
|
|
10,086 |
|
Taylorville
|
|
Operations and Branch Distribution Center(1) |
|
Leased |
|
|
14,655 |
|
Taylorville
|
|
Office and Illinois Telephone Operations Communications Center |
|
Owned |
|
|
15,934 |
|
Taylorville
|
|
Operator Services Call Center(2) |
|
Leased |
|
|
11,500 |
|
|
|
(1) |
In 2002, CCI Illinois sold these facilities to, and leased them
back from, LATEL, LLC, or LATEL, an entity affiliated with
Mr. Lumpkin. For more information about these arrangements,
see Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions LATEL Sale/ Leaseback. |
|
(2) |
All properties listed above other than these two properties are
used by both Illinois Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations. These two properties are used by Other Illinois
Operations only. |
In addition to the facilities listed above, CCI Illinois owns or
has the right to use 181 additional properties consisting of
central offices, remote switching sites and buildings, tower
sites, small offices, storage sites and parking lots. Some of
the facilities listed above also serve as central office
locations.
Legal Proceedings
CCI Illinois, currently and from time to time, is subject to
claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Except as
described below, CCI Illinois is not currently subject to any
such claims that we believe could reasonably be expected to have
a material adverse effect on CCI Illinois results of
operation or financial condition.
In addition, on March 1, 2005, Michael Hinds filed a claim
against us and certain of our existing equity investors in the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas,
Galveston division, asserting various contract and tort claims
relating to an alleged oral agreement to provide Mr. Hinds
with compensation and investment opportunities in connection
with the acquisition of TXUCV. Mr. Hinds is seeking
approximately $75.0 million in compensatory damages,
punitive damages and reimbursement of his
102
attorneys fees and expenses. Although we believe that this
suit is without merit and intend to vigorously defend our
position, we cannot predict at this time the outcome of this
matter. If adversely determined, this lawsuit could have a
material adverse effect an our financial condition and results
of operations.
CCI Texas
Overview
CCI Texas operates its business as one segment and serves
residential and business customers in east Texas and rural and
suburban areas surrounding Houston. As of December 31,
2004, CCI Texas had approximately:
|
|
|
|
|
166,447 local access lines in service, of which approximately
68% served residential customers and 32% served business
customers; |
|
|
|
40% long distance penetration of CCI Texas local access
lines; |
|
|
|
11,998 dial-up Internet customers; and |
|
|
|
18,889 DSL lines, which represented an approximately 11.3%
penetration of total local access lines. Approximately 90% of
CCI Texas total local access lines, excluding local access
lines already served by other high speed connections, are
DSL-capable. |
CCI Texas also includes the following complementary businesses:
Directory Publishing sells directory advertising and
publishes yellow and white pages directories in and around our
Texas rural telephone companies service areas. The
directories are each published once per year and have a combined
circulation of approximately 400,000.
Transport Services provides connectivity to customers
within Texas over a fiber optic transport network consisting of
approximately 2,500 route-miles of fiber. This transport network
supports CCI Texas long distance, Internet access and data
services and provides bandwidth on a wholesale basis to third
party customers, including national long distance and wireless
carriers. The transport network includes fiber owned by
Consolidated Communications Transport Company, a wholly owned
subsidiary of CCV and East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated, a
corporation in which CCI Texas owns a 63.0% equity interest. In
addition, Consolidated Communications Transport Company owns a
39.1% equity interest in, and is the managing partner of,
Fort Bend Fibernet, a partnership.
Cellular Partnerships. CCI Texas holds limited
partnership interests in the following two cellular partnerships:
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas, which serves the greater Houston
metropolitan area. CCI Texas owns approximately 2.3% of
this partnership. In 2004, CCI Texas recognized income of
$2.5 million and received cash distributions totaling
$3.2 million from this partnership. For the three months
ended March 31, 2005, CCI Texas did not receive any income
or receive any cash distributions from this partnership. |
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17, which serves rural areas in
and around Conroe, Texas. CCI Texas owns approximately
17.0% of this partnership. In 2004, CCI Texas recognized income
of $1.7 million and received cash distributions totaling
$0.8 million from this partnership. For the three months
ended March 31, 2005, CCI Texas recognized income of
$0.3 million, but did not receive any cash distributions
from this partnership. |
San Antonio MTA, L.P., a wholly owned partnership of Cellco
Partnership (doing business as Verizon Wireless), is the general
partner for both partnerships.
In 2004, CCI Texas generated $186.9 million of revenues and
$46.1 million from cash flows from operating activities on
a combined historical basis. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, CCI Texas generated $46.3 million
of revenues and $4.3 million of cash flows from operating
activities. As of March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had total
assets of $697.8 million.
103
The following chart summarizes the primary sources of revenues
for CCI Texas for the three months ended March 31, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
% of Net | |
|
|
|
|
Revenue of | |
|
|
Revenue Source |
|
CCI Texas | |
|
Description |
|
|
| |
|
|
Local Calling Services
|
|
|
30.7% |
|
|
Offers the local customer the ability to originate and receive
an unlimited number of calls within a defined local calling
area. The customer is charged a flat monthly fee for basic
service, including local calls, and service charges for custom
calling features, voicemail and local private line services. |
|
Network Access Services
|
|
|
20.7% |
|
|
Offers long distance and other carriers the opportunity to use
our Texas rural telephone companies network to originate
or terminate long distance calls in our Texas rural telephone
companies service areas. Network access charges are paid
by the long distance or other carriers to our Texas rural
telephone companies and are regulated by the FCC and PUCT. These
revenues also include special access and certain regulated, end
user charges. |
|
Subsidies
|
|
|
20.5% |
|
|
Our Texas rural telephone companies receive federal and state
subsidy payments designed to promote widely available, quality
telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas. |
|
Long Distance Services
|
|
|
4.5% |
|
|
Offers intrastate and interstate long distance services provided
to local customers who subscribe to CCI Texas long
distance services. |
|
Data and Internet Services
|
|
|
8.4% |
|
|
Offers DSL, non-local private line service, dial-up Internet
access, Asynchronous Transfer Mode, or ATM, based services and
frame relay networks and related enhanced Internet services. |
|
Directory Publishing
|
|
|
6.5% |
|
|
Offers the sale of directory advertising and publishes yellow
and white pages directories in and around our Texas rural
telephone companies service areas. |
|
Transport Services
|
|
|
5.9% |
|
|
Offers connectivity to customers within Texas over a fiber-optic
transport network. |
|
Other Services
|
|
|
2.8% |
|
|
Offers other services, including equipment sales and billing and
collection services. |
The percentages of revenues listed above have been adjusted to
eliminate intra-company revenues and provides more detail than
that presented in the consolidated statement of operations and
comprehensive income of CCI Texas. See the consolidated
financial statements of CCI Texas and its predecessor,
TXUCV.
104
Local calling services include dial tone and local
calling services. CCI Texas generally charges residential and
business customers a fixed monthly rate for access to the
network and for originating and receiving telephone calls within
their local calling areas. Custom calling and other features
include caller name and number identification, call forwarding,
call waiting and voicemail. For custom calling features, CCI
Texas usually charges a flat monthly fee, which varies depending
on the type of service. In addition, CCI Texas offers local
private lines providing direct connections between two or more
local locations primarily to business customers at flat monthly
rates.
Network access services allow the origination or
termination of calls in our Texas service areas for which our
Texas Telephone Operations charge long distance or other
carriers network access charges. The network access fees also
apply to private lines provisioned between a customer in one of
our Texas Telephone Operations service areas and a location
outside of such service area. For long distance calls, our Texas
Telephone Operations bill the long distance or other carrier on
a per minute or per minute per mile usage basis. For private
lines, our Texas Telephone Operations bill the long distance or
other carrier at a flat monthly rate. Included in this category
are subscriber line charges paid by the end user.
CCI Texas records the details of the long distance and private
line calls through its carrier access billing system and bills
the applicable carrier on a monthly basis. The network access
charge rates for intrastate long distance calls and private
lines within Texas are regulated and approved by the PUCT,
whereas the access charge rates for interstate long distance
calls and private lines are regulated and approved by the FCC.
Subsidies consist of federal and state subsidies designed
to promote widely available, quality telephone service at
affordable prices in rural areas. The federal and state
subsidies are allocated and distributed to our Texas Telephone
Operations from funds to which telecommunications providers,
including local, long distance and wireless carriers, must
contribute on a monthly basis. Funds are distributed to our
Texas Telephone Operations on a monthly basis based upon our
costs for providing local service in Texas.
Long distance services in Texas include services provided
to subscribers to long distance plans to originate calls that
terminate outside the callers local calling area. For this
service, CCI Texas charges its subscribers a combination of
subscription and usage fees.
Data and Internet services includes revenues from
non-local private lines and the provision of access to the
Internet by DSL, T-1 lines and dial-up access. CCI Texas also
offers a variety of data connectivity services, including ATM
services and frame relay networks. ATM is a high-speed switching
technique used to transmit voice, data and video. In addition,
CCI Texas offers enhanced Internet services, which include
domain name services, obtaining Internet protocol addresses,
e-mail services and web site and hosting services.
Directory Publishing includes revenues from the sale of
directory advertising and the publication of yellow and white
pages directories in and around our Texas service areas.
Transport services includes revenues from the sale of
transmission services for high-capacity data circuits over a
fiber-optic transport network within Texas.
Other services includes revenues from equipment sales and
billing and collection services.
Exited services are services that are no longer offered
by CCI Texas, including its competitive telephone company
operations and wholesale long distance services.
Customers and Markets
CCI Texas 21 exchanges serve three principal geographic
markets, Conroe, Lufkin and Katy, Texas in an approximately
2,054 square mile area. Lufkin is located in east Texas and
Katy and Conroe are located in the suburbs of Houston and
adjacent rural areas. CCI Texas is the incumbent provider of
basic telephone services within these exchanges, with
approximately 166,447 local access lines, or approximately
81 lines per square mile, as of March 31, 2005. As of
March 31, 2005, approximately 68% of our Texas local access
lines served residential customers and the remainder served
business customers. Our Texas business customers, approximately
75% of which have one to three lines, are predominately in the
105
manufacturing and retail industries, and our largest business
customers are hospitals, local governments and school districts.
The local telephone markets served by CCI Texas include all or
parts of three counties: Angelina, Fort Bend and
Montgomery. The population growth within Fort Bend and
Montgomery has outpaced both the Texas and U.S. national
averages. According to data from the U.S. Census 2000, the
population of these counties grew by 3.6% annually between 1990
and 2000. This compares to a growth rate of 1.9% for Texas and
1.2% for the United States during the same period. In addition,
according to the most recent census, the weighted average median
household income in our three Texas markets was $55,298, which
was higher than the average for Texas, which was $39,927, and
for the United States, which was $42,148.
We list below selected data from the U.S. Census 2000,
together with our number of local access lines as of
March 31, 2005.
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Conroe Market | |
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Lufkin Market | |
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Katy Market | |
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(Montgomery | |
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(Angelina | |
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(Fort Bend | |
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County) | |
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County) | |
|
County) | |
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Totals | |
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2000 Census Data
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County Population (2000)
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293,768 |
|
|
|
80,130 |
|
|
|
354,452 |
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|
|
728,350 |
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County Population CAGR 1990-2000
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|
|
4.9 |
% |
|
|
1.4 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
County Median Household Income
|
|
$ |
50,864 |
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|
$ |
33,806 |
|
|
$ |
63,831 |
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|
|
Market Territory (sq. miles)
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|
|
433 |
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|
|
1,080 |
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
|
2,054 |
|
Local Access Lines
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Residential
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|
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49,868 |
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|
|
30,552 |
|
|
|
32,190 |
|
|
|
112,610 |
|
|
Business
|
|
|
23,400 |
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|
|
16,966 |
|
|
|
13,471 |
|
|
|
53,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
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|
|
73,268 |
|
|
|
47,518 |
|
|
|
45,661 |
|
|
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166,447 |
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|
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Number of Exchanges
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7 |
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|
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9 |
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|
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5 |
|
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|
21 |
|
The Conroe market is located primarily in Montgomery County and
is centered approximately 40 miles north of Houston on
Interstate I-45. Parts of the Conroe operating territory extend
south to within 28 miles of downtown Houston, including
parts of the affluent suburb of The Woodlands. Major industries
in this market include education, health care, manufacturing,
retail and social services.
The Lufkin market is centered primarily in Angelina County in
east Texas approximately 120 miles northeast of Houston and
extends into three neighboring counties. Lufkin is the largest
town within this market, which also includes the towns of
Diboll, Hudson and Huntington. The area is a center for the
lumber industry. Other significant industries include education,
health care, manufacturing, retail and social services.
The Katy market is located in parts of Fort Bend, Harris,
Waller and Brazoria counties and is centered approximately
30 miles west of downtown Houston along the busy and
expanding I-10 corridor. The majority of the Katy market is
considered part of metropolitan Houston with major industries
including administrative, education, health care, management,
professional, retail, scientific and waste management services.
Some of CCI Texas largest network access customers include
AT&T, MCI and Sprint.
Directory Publishing sells advertising and publishes
yellow and white pages directories in our Texas rural telephone
companies service areas and neighboring communities, with
approximately 75% of yellow and white pages revenues as of
March 31, 2005 derived from customers within our Texas
rural telephone companies service areas. Directory
Publishing customers are primarily small- to medium-sized local
businesses and companies in surrounding service areas and large
national accounts that advertise nationally in local yellow and
white pages directories.
Transport Services provides connectivity in and between
major markets in Texas, including Austin, Corpus Christi,
Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio and many
second- and third-tier markets in-
106
between these centers. Major third party customers include some
of the largest national wireless and long distance carriers,
such as Cingular Wireless and AT&T.
Sales and Marketing
Key components of CCI Texas overall sales and marketing
strategy have included the following:
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positioning itself as a single point of contact for
customers telecommunications needs; |
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providing its customers with a broad array of voice and data
services and bundling services where possible; |
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providing excellent customer service, including providing
24-hour, 7-day a week repair and maintenance functions; |
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developing and delivering new services; and |
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|
leveraging the history of CCI Texas and its involvement with its
local communities. |
We have combined the management teams for sales, marketing and
customer service for CCI Illinois and CCI Texas into a single
centralized organization. Our combined strategy is described
above under CCI Illinois Sales and
Marketing.
CCI Texas currently has two main sales channels: customer
service centers and commissioned sales people. Our Texas
customer service centers are the primary sales channels for
residential customers and business customers with one or two
phone lines, whereas commissioned sales people provide
customized proposals to larger businesses. In addition, CCI
Texas field service technicians are trained in customer service
and are provided with incentives to cross-sell additional
services to customers. Our sales efforts in Texas are supported
by local print and electronic media advertising, and also by
bill inserts, door hangers, special promotional activities and
sponsorship of community events.
Directory Publishing is supported by a dedicated sales force,
which spends a certain number of months each year focused on
each of the directory markets in order to maximize the
advertising sales in each directory. We believe the directory
business has been an efficient tool for marketing our other CCI
Texas services and for promoting brand development and awareness.
Transport Services has a sales force that consists of
commissioned sales people specializing in wholesale transport
products.
Information Technology and Support Systems
CCI Texas information technology and support systems staff
is a seasoned organization that supports day-to-day operations
and develops system enhancements. The technology supporting CCI
Texas is centered on a core of commercially available and
internally maintained systems.
We have developed detailed plans to migrate key business
processes of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas onto single,
company-wide systems and platforms and are currently
implementing these plans as further described above under
CCI Illinois Information Technology and
Support Systems.
Network Architecture and Technology
Our local network in Texas is based on a carrier serving area
architecture. CCI Texas network is supported by advanced
100% digital switches, with fiber network connecting all of our
21 exchanges and 68% of our wire centers. These switches provide
all of our CCI Texas local telephone customers with access
to custom calling features. In addition, as of March 31,
2005, approximately 90% of CCI Texas total local access
lines, excluding local access lines already served by other high
speed connections, were served by exchanges or carriers are
equipped with DSLAMs and were within distance limitations for
providing DSL service. CCI Texas also dedicates a separate
switch for the provision of long distance service.
CCI Texas transport network consists of approximately
2,500 route-miles of fiber optic cable. Approximately 54% of
this network consists of cable sheath owned by CCI Texas, either
directly or through CCI Texas majority-owned subsidiary
East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated and a partnership
107
partly owned by CCI Texas, Fort Bend Fibernet. For most of
the remaining route-miles of the network, CCI Texas purchased
strands on third-party fiber networks pursuant to contracts
commonly known as indefeasible rights of use. In limited cases,
CCI Texas also leases capacity on third-party fiber networks to
complete routes, in addition to these fiber routes.
We have begun the integration of the CCI Texas and CCI Illinois
long distance networks and are leveraging the combined usage of
the two networks to obtain reduced costs of transport and
termination from wholesale vendors of those services. A single
engineering team is responsible for the overall architecture and
interoperability of the various elements in the combined network
of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. Currently, CCI Texas has a
network operations center in Lufkin, Texas, which monitors
network performance 24 hours per day, 365 days per
year. We are interconnecting the Illinois and Texas NOCs, using
common network systems and platforms. We expect this will allow
us to share weekend and after hours coverage between markets and
more efficiently allocate personnel to manage fluctuations in
our workload volumes across both states.
Employees
As of March 31, 2005, CCI Texas had a total of 534
employees, of which 529 were full-time and five of which were
part-time. Approximately 223 of the employees located in Lufkin
or Conroe, are represented by a collective bargaining agreement
with the Communications Workers of America, which expired on
October 16, 2004. On November 4, 2004, CCI Texas
signed a new three-year labor agreement with its unionized
employees, which included one-time signing bonuses of $225,000
and other ongoing benefits. In the winter of 2003, a union
expansion campaign was initiated in Katy but was unsuccessful.
CCI Texas is not aware of any further attempts to organize
employees. We believe that management currently has a good
relationship with our Texas union and non-union employees.
Properties
The headquarters for CCI Texas is located in Mattoon, Illinois.
In addition, CCI Texas expects to continue to execute its
current strategy of moving all employees into owned space, with
the exception of the offices in Irving and the long distance
switch location in Dallas, and canceling or subletting leased
office space. The properties that CCI Texas leases are pursuant
to leases that expire at various times between 2004 and 2015.
CCI Texas has recently initiated legal proceedings to terminate
our office lease in Irving, Texas. We do not believe, however,
that any liability that may result from such lease termination
would have a material adverse effect on CCI Texas results
of operations or financial condition.
108
The following chart summarizes the principal facilities CCI
Texas owned or leased as of March 31, 2005:
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Owned/ |
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Approx. | |
Location |
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Primary Use |
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Leased |
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Sq. Ft. | |
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Brookshire
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Office |
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Owned |
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4,400 |
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Conroe
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Regional Office |
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Owned |
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51,875 |
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Conroe
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Warehouse & Plant |
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Owned |
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28,500 |
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Conroe
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Office |
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Owned |
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10,650 |
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Dallas
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|
Current Texas Headquarters Administration |
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Leased |
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5,997 |
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Irving
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Office |
|
Leased |
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44,060 |
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Katy
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Regional Office |
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Owned |
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6,500 |
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Katy
|
|
Office (Electric Shop) |
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Owned |
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1,600 |
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Katy
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Warehouse |
|
Owned |
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13,983 |
|
Katy
|
|
Office |
|
Owned |
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5,733 |
|
Lufkin
|
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Regional Office |
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Owned |
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30,145 |
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Lufkin
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Business Office |
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Owned |
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23,190 |
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Lufkin
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Warehouse |
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Owned |
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14,240 |
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Lufkin
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Office and Data Center |
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Owned |
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11,920 |
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Lufkin
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Office |
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Owned |
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8,000 |
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Lufkin
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Office and Parking Area |
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Owned |
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7,925 |
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Needville
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Office |
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Owned |
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6,649 |
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Rosenberg
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Storage |
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Leased |
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10,000 |
|
In addition to the facilities listed above, CCI Texas owns or
has the right to use 275 additional properties consisting of
cabinet/pop sites, central offices, remote switching sites and
buildings, small offices, tower sites, storage sites and parking
lots. Some of the facilities listed above also serve as central
office locations.
Legal Proceedings
CCI Texas currently, and from time to time, is subject to claims
arising in the ordinary course of business, including property
damage claims. Except as described below, CCI Texas is not
currently subject to any such claims that we believe could
reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on CCI
Texas results of operation or financial condition.
In addition, on March 1, 2005, Michael Hinds filed a claim
against us and certain of our existing equity investors in the
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas,
Galveston division, asserting various contract and tort claims
relating to an alleged oral agreement to provide Mr. Hinds
with compensation and investment opportunities in connection
with the acquisition of TXUCV. Mr. Hinds is seeking
approximately $75.0 million in compensatory damages,
punitive damages and reimbursement of his attorneys fees
and expenses. Although we believe that this suit is without
merit and intend to vigorously defend our position, we cannot
predict at this time the outcome of this matter. If adversely
determined, this lawsuit could have a material adverse effect on
our financial condition and results of operations.
Industry Overview and Competition
Local Exchange Market
The telecommunications industry is comprised of companies
involved in the transmission of voice, data and video
communications over various media and through various
technologies. There are two predominant types of local telephone
service providers, or carriers, in the telecommunications
industry: incumbent telephone companies and competitive
telephone companies. An incumbent telephone company refers to
the regional bell operating companies, which were the local
telephone companies created from the break up of AT&T in
1984 and independent telephone companies, such as Cincinnati
Bell Inc. and Sprints local telephone division, which sell
local telephone service. These incumbent telephone companies
109
were the traditional monopoly providers of local telephone
service prior to the break up of AT&T. Within the incumbent
telephone company sector, there are rural telephone companies,
such as our local telephone operations that operate primarily in
rural areas, and regional bell operating companies, such as SBC
and Verizon Communications. Each of our subsidiaries that
operates our local telephone businesses is classified as an
incumbent telephone company and a rural telephone company under
the Telecommunications Act. A competitive telephone company is a
competitor to local telephone companies that has been granted
permission by a state regulatory commission to offer local
telephone service in an area already served by an incumbent
telephone company.
The most common measure of the relative size of an incumbent
telephone company, including our rural telephone companies, is
the number of access lines it operates. An access
line is the telephone line connecting a persons home
or business to the public switched telephone network. An
incumbent telephone company can acquire access lines either
through normal growth or through a transaction with another
incumbent telephone company. We believe the net increase or
decrease in access lines incurred by an incumbent telephone
company on an annual basis is a relevant measure because the
access line is the foundation for a majority of incumbent
telephone company revenues and it is also an indicator of
customer growth or contraction. An incumbent telephone company
experiences normal growth when it activates additional access
lines in a particular market due to increased demand for
telephone service by current customers or from new customers,
such as a result of the construction of new residential or
commercial buildings. Growth in access lines through
transactions with other incumbent telephone companies occurs
less frequently. Typically, one incumbent telephone company
purchases access lines as well as the associated network
infrastructure from another incumbent telephone company. Such
purchases usually provide the acquiring incumbent telephone
company the opportunity to expand the geographic areas it
serves, rather than increasing its access line totals in markets
that it already serves.
Rural Telephone Company Cost
Structure and Competition
In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is more
costly to provide than service in urban areas because the lower
customer density necessitates higher capital expenditures on a
per customer basis. In rural areas, local access line density is
relatively low, typically less than 100 local access lines per
square mile versus urban areas that can be in excess of 300
local access lines per square mile. This low customer density in
rural areas means that switching and other facilities serve few
customers. It also means that a given length of cable,
connecting the telephone company office to end users, serves
fewer customers than it would in a more densely populated area.
As a result, the average operating and capital cost per line is
higher for rural telephone companies than non-rural operators.
An industry source estimates that the total investment cost per
loop for rural operators is $5,000, compared to $3,000 for
non-rural carriers. The amount is estimated to be as high as
$10,000 for the smallest rural carriers. The rural telephone
companies higher cost structure has two important
consequences.
The first consequence is that it is generally not commercially
viable to overbuild an rural telephone company. In urban areas,
where population density is higher, some competitive telephone
companies have built redundant wireline telephone networks
within the incumbent providers service territory. These
facilities-based competitive telephone companies compete with
the incumbent providers on their own stand-alone networks.
Because it is comparatively more expensive to build a redundant
network in rural areas, overbuilding is less common in rural
telephone company service territories.
The second consequence associated with the rural telephone
companys higher cost structure is the existence of federal
and state subsidies designed to promote widely available,
quality telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas.
This is accomplished through two principal mechanisms. The first
mechanism is through network access fees that regulators
historically have allowed to be set at higher rates in rural
areas than the actual cost of originating or terminating
interstate and intrastate calls. The second mechanism is through
explicit transfers to rural telephone companies via the
universal service fund and state funds such as the Texas
universal service fund.
110
Furthermore, rural telephone companies face less regulatory
oversight than the larger carriers and are exempt from the more
burdensome interconnection requirements of the
Telecommunications Act such as unbundling of network elements,
information sharing and co-location.
Despite the barriers to entry for voice services described
above, rural telephone companies face some competition for voice
services from new market entrants, such as cable providers,
competitive telephone companies and electric utility companies.
Cable providers are entering the telecommunications market by
upgrading their networks with fiber optics and installing
facilities to provide fully interactive transmission of
broadband voice, data and video communications. Electric utility
companies have existing assets and low cost access to capital
that may allow them to enter a market rapidly and accelerate
network development. Increased competition could lead to price
reductions, reduced operating margins and loss of market share.
While we have limited competition for basic voice services from
cable providers and electric utilities, we cannot guarantee that
we will not face increased competition from such providers in
the future.
Rural telephone companies are facing increasing competition for
voice services from wireless carriers. In particular, the
FCCs new number portability rules may result in increased
competition from wireless providers. As of May 2004, the FCC
requires all rural telephone companies to allow consumers to
move a phone number from a wireline phone to a wireless phone.
Generally, rural telephone companies face less wireless
competition than non-rural providers of voice services because
wireless networks in rural areas are generally less developed
than in urban areas. Our Texas rural telephone companies
service areas in Conroe and Katy, Texas are exceptions to this
general rule due to their proximity to Houston and, as a result,
are facing increased competition from wireless service
providers. Although we do not believe that wireless technology
represents a significant threat to our rural telephone companies
in the near term, we expect to face increased competition from
wireless carriers as technology, wireless network capacity and
economies of scale improve, wireless service prices continue to
decline and subscribers continue to increase.
VOIP service is increasingly being embraced by all industry
participants. VOIP service essentially involves the routing of
voice calls, at least in part, over the Internet through packets
of data instead of transmitting the calls over the existing
telephone system. While current VOIP applications typically
complete calls using incumbent telephone company infrastructure
and networks, as VOIP services obtain acceptance and market
penetration and technology advances further, a greater quantity
of communication may be placed without the use of the telephone
system. On March 10, 2004, the FCC issued a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking with respect to IP-enabled Services. Among
other things, the FCC is considering whether VOIP Services are
regulated telecommunications services or unregulated information
services. We cannot predict the outcome of the FCCs
rulemaking or the impact on the revenues of our rural telephone
companies. The proliferation of VOIP, particularly to the extent
such communications do not utilize our rural telephone
companies networks, may result in an erosion of our
customer base and loss of access fees and other funding.
The Internet services market in which our company operates is
highly competitive and there are few barriers to entry. Industry
sources expect competition to intensify. Internet services,
meaning both Internet access, wired and wireless, and on-line
content services, are provided by cable providers, Internet
service providers, long distance carriers and satellite-based
companies. Many of these companies provide direct access to the
Internet and a variety of supporting services to businesses and
individuals. In addition, many of these companies offer on-line
content services consisting of access to closed, proprietary
information networks. Cable providers and long distance
carriers, among others, are aggressively entering the Internet
access markets. Both have substantial transmission capabilities,
traditionally carry data to large numbers of customers and have
a billing system infrastructure that permits them to add new
services. Satellite
111
companies are also offering broadband access to the Internet. We
expect that competition for Internet services will increase.
|
|
|
Long Distance Competition |
The long distance telecommunications market is highly
competitive. Competition in the long distance business is based
primarily on price, although service bundling, branding,
customer service, billing service and quality play a role in
customers choices.
Our other lines of business are subject to substantial
competition from local, regional and national competitors. In
particular, our directory publishing and transport businesses
operate in competitive markets. We expect that competition as a
general matter in our businesses will continue to intensify as
new technologies and new services are offered. Our businesses
operate in a competitive environment where long-term contracts
are either not the norm or have cancellation clauses that allow
quick termination of the agreements. Where long-term contracts
are common, they are being renewed with shorter duration terms.
Customers in these businesses can and do change vendors
frequently. Customer business failures and consolidation of
customers through mergers and buyouts can cause loss of
customers.
Our ability to compete successfully in our markets will depend
on several factors, including the following:
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how well we market our existing services and develop new
technologies; |
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the quality and reliability of our network and service; and |
|
|
|
our ability to anticipate and respond to various competitive
factors affecting the telecommunications industry, including a
changing regulatory environment that may affect us differently
from our competitors, pricing strategies by competitors, changes
in consumer preferences, demographic trends and economic
conditions. |
We expect competition to intensify as a result of new
competitors and the development of new technologies, products
and services. In addition, we believe that the traditional
dividing lines between different telecommunications services
will be blurred and that mergers and strategic alliances may
allow one telecommunications provider to offer increased
services or access to wider geographic markets. Some or all of
these risks may cause us to have to spend significantly more in
capital expenditures than we currently anticipate to keep
existing and attract new customers.
Some of our voice and data competitors, such as cable providers,
Internet access providers, wireless service providers and long
distance carriers have brand recognition and financial,
personnel, marketing and other resources that are significantly
greater than ours. In addition, due to consolidation and
strategic alliances within the telecommunications industry, we
cannot predict the number of competitors that will emerge,
especially as a result of existing or new federal and state
regulatory or legislative actions. For example, the pending
acquisition of AT&T, one of our largest customers, by SBC,
the dominant local exchange company in the areas in which our
Texas rural telephone companies operate, could increase
competitive pressures for our services and impact our long
distance and access revenues. Such increased competition from
existing and new entities could lead to price reductions, loss
of customers, reduced operating margins or loss of market share.
Market and industry data and other information used throughout
this prospectus are based on independent industry publications,
government publications, publicly available information, reports
by market research firms or other published independent sources.
Some data is also based on estimates of our management, which
are derived from their review of internal surveys and industry
knowledge. Although we believe these sources are reliable, we
have not independently verified the information. In addition, we
note that our market share in each of our markets or for our
services is not known or reasonably obtainable given the nature
of our businesses and the telecommunications market in general
(for example, wireless providers both compete with and
complement local telephone services).
112
REGULATION
The following summary does not describe all present and
proposed federal, state and local legislation and regulations
affecting the telecommunications industry. Some legislation and
regulations are currently the subject of judicial proceedings,
legislative hearings and administrative proposals that could
change the manner in which this industry operates. Neither the
outcome of any of these developments, nor their potential impact
on us, can be predicted at this time. Regulation can change
rapidly in the telecommunications industry, and these changes
may have an adverse effect on us in the future. See Risk
Factors Regulatory Risks.
Overview
The telecommunications industry in which we operate is subject
to extensive federal, state and local regulation. Pursuant to
the Telecommunications Act, federal and state regulators share
responsibility for implementing and enforcing statutes and
regulations designed to encourage competition and the
preservation and advancement of widely available, quality
telephone service at affordable prices. At the federal level,
the FCC generally exercises jurisdiction over facilities and
services of local exchange carriers, such as our rural telephone
companies, to the extent they are used to provide, originate or
terminate interstate or international communications. State
regulatory commissions, such as the ICC in Illinois and the PUCT
in Texas, generally exercise jurisdiction over these facilities
and services to the extent they are used to provide, originate
or terminate intrastate communications. In particular, state
regulatory agencies have substantial oversight over
interconnection and network access by competitors of our rural
telephone companies. In addition, municipalities and other local
government agencies regulate the public rights-of-way necessary
to install and operate networks.
The FCC has the authority to condition, modify, cancel,
terminate or revoke our operating authority for failure to
comply with applicable federal laws or rules, regulations and
policies of the FCC. Fines or other penalties also may be
imposed for any of these violations. In addition, the states
have the authority to sanction our rural telephone companies or
to revoke our certifications if we violate relevant laws or
regulations.
Federal Regulation
Our rural telephone companies must comply with the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, or the Communications
Act, which requires, among other things, that telecommunications
carriers offer services at just and reasonable rates and on
non-discriminatory terms and conditions. The amendments to the
Communications Act enacted in 1996 and contained in the
Telecommunications Act dramatically changed, and are expected to
continue to change, the landscape of the telecommunications
industry.
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Removal of Entry Barriers |
The central aim of the Telecommunications Act is to open local
telecommunications markets to competition while enhancing
universal service. Prior to the enactment of the
Telecommunications Act, many states limited the services that
could be offered by a company competing with an incumbent
telephone company. The Telecommunications Act preempts these
state and local laws.
The Telecommunications Act imposes a number of interconnection
and other requirements on all local communications providers.
All telecommunications carriers have a duty to interconnect
directly or indirectly with the facilities and equipment of
other telecommunications carriers. Local exchange carriers,
including our rural telephone companies, are required to:
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allow others to resell their services; |
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where feasible, provide number portability; |
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ensure dialing parity, whereby consumers can choose their local
or long distance telephone company over which their calls will
automatically route without having to dial additional digits; |
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ensure that competitors customers receive
nondiscriminatory access to telephone numbers, operator service,
directory assistance and directory listing; |
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afford competitors access to telephone poles, ducts, conduits
and rights-of-way; and |
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establish reciprocal compensation arrangements for the transport
and termination of telecommunications traffic. |
Furthermore, the Telecommunications Act imposes on incumbent
telephone companies, other than rural telephone companies that
maintain their so-called rural exemption, additional
obligations, by requiring them to:
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negotiate any interconnection agreements in good faith; |
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interconnect their facilities and equipment with any requesting
telecommunications carrier, at any technically feasible point,
at nondiscriminatory rates and on nondiscriminatory terms and
conditions; |
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provide nondiscriminatory access to unbundled network elements,
commonly known as UNEs, such as local loops and transport
facilities, at any technically feasible point, at
nondiscriminatory rates and on nondiscriminatory terms and
conditions; |
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offer their retail services for resale at discounted wholesale
rates; |
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provide reasonable notice of changes in the information
necessary for transmission and routing of services over the
incumbent telephone companys facilities or in the
information necessary for interoperability; and |
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provide, at rates, terms and conditions that are just,
reasonable and nondiscriminatory, for the physical co-location
of equipment necessary for interconnection or access to UNEs at
the premises of the incumbent telephone company. |
The unbundling requirements, while not applicable to our rural
telephone companies as long as they maintain their rural
exemption, have been some of the most controversial requirements
of the Telecommunications Act. The FCC has generally required
incumbent telephone companies to lease a wide range of unbundled
network elements to competitive telephone companies to enable
delivery of services to the competitors customers in
combination with the competitive telephone companies
network or as a recombined service offering on an UNEP. These
unbundling requirements, and the duty to offer UNEs to
competitors, imposed substantial costs on, and resulted in
customer attrition for, the incumbent telephone companies that
had to comply with these requirements. A decision by the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated several
components of the latest FCC ruling concerning incumbent
telephone companies obligations to offer UNEs and UNEPs to
competitors, effective June 30, 2004. In response to this
court ruling the FCC issued revised rules on February 4,
2005 that reinstated some unbundling requirements for incumbent
telephone companies that are not protected by the rural
exemption but eliminated certain other unbundling requirements.
Those new rules are subject to further court proceedings.
Each of the subsidiaries through which we operate our local
telephone businesses is an incumbent telephone company and a
rural telephone company under the Telecommunications Act. The
Telecommunications Act exempts rural telephone companies from
certain of the more burdensome interconnection requirements such
as unbundling of network elements, information sharing and
co-location.
As to each of our rural telephone companies, the ICC or PUCT can
remove the applicable rural exemption if the rural telephone
company receives a bona fide request for full interconnection
and the state commission determines that the request is
technically feasible, not unduly economically burdensome and
consistent with universal service requirements. Neither the ICC
nor the PUCT has yet terminated, or proposed to terminate, the
rural exemption for any of our rural telephone companies.
However, our Illinois rural telephone company has received a
request that we provide interconnection services that are not
required of an incumbent telephone company holding a rural
exemption, which could result in a request to the ICC to
terminate our Illinois rural telephone companys exemption.
If the ICC or PUCT rescinds the applicable rural exemption in
whole, or in part, for any of our rural telephone companies or
if the applicable state commission does not allow us adequate
compensation for the costs of providing the interconnection or
UNEs, our administrative and regulatory costs could
significantly increase and we could suffer a significant loss of
customers to existing or new competitors.
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A significant portion of our rural telephone companies
revenues come from network access charges paid by long distance
and other carriers for originating or terminating calls within
our rural telephone companies service areas. The amount of
network access charge revenues our rural telephone companies
receive is based on rates set by federal and state regulatory
commissions, and these rates are subject to change at any time.
The FCC regulates the prices our rural telephone companies may
charge for the use of our local telephone facilities in
originating or terminating interstate and international
transmissions. The FCC has structured these prices as a
combination of flat monthly charges paid by the end-users and
usage sensitive charges or flat monthly rate charges paid by
long distance or other carriers. Intrastate network access
charges are regulated by state commissions, which in our case
are the ICC and the PUCT. Our Illinois rural telephone
companys intrastate network access charges currently
mirror interstate network access charges for all but one
element, local switching. In contrast, in accordance with the
regulatory regime in Texas, our Texas rural telephone companies
may charge significantly higher intrastate network access
charges than interstate network access charges.
The FCC regulates levels of interstate network access charges by
imposing price caps on RBOCs and large incumbent telephone
companies. These price caps can be adjusted based on various
formulae, such as inflation and productivity, and otherwise
through regulatory proceedings. Small incumbent telephone
companies may elect to base network access charges on price
caps, but are not required to do so. Our Illinois rural
telephone company and Texas rural telephone companies elected
not to apply federal price caps. Instead, our rural telephone
companies employ rate-of-return regulation for their network
interstate access charges, whereby they earn a fixed return on
their investment over and above operating costs. The FCC
determines the profits our rural telephone companies can earn by
setting the rate-of-return on their allowable investment base,
which is currently 11.25%.
Traditionally, regulators have allowed network access rates to
be set higher in rural areas than the actual cost of terminating
or originating long distance calls as an implicit means of
subsidizing the high cost of providing local service in rural
areas. Following a series of federal circuit court decisions in
2001 ruling that subsidies must be explicit rather than
implicit, the FCC began to consider various reforms to the
existing rate structure for interstate network access rates as
proposed by the Multi Association Group, and the Rural Task
Force, each of which is a consortium of various
telecommunications industry groups. We believe that the states
will likely mirror any FCC reforms in establishing intrastate
network access charges.
In 2001, the FCC adopted an order implementing the beginning
phases of the plan of the Multi Association Group to reform the
network access charge system for rural carriers. The FCC reforms
reduced network access charges and shifted a portion of cost
recovery, which historically was based on minutes of use and was
imposed on long distance carriers, to flat-rate, monthly
subscriber line charges imposed on end-user customers. While the
FCC has simultaneously increased explicit subsidies through the
universal service fund to rural telephone companies, the
aggregate amount of interstate network access charges paid by
long distance carriers to access providers, such as our rural
telephone companies, has decreased and may continue to decrease.
In addition, the FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding to
investigate the Multi Association Groups proposed
incentive regulation plan for small incumbent telephone
companies and other means of allowing rate-of-return carriers to
increase their efficiency and competitiveness.
The FCCs 2001 access reform order had a negative impact on
the intrastate network access revenues of our Illinois rural
telephone company. Under Illinois network access regulations,
our Illinois rural telephone companys intrastate network
access rates mirror interstate network access rates. Illinois,
however, unlike the federal system, does not provide an explicit
subsidy in the form of a universal service fund. Therefore,
while subsidies from the federal universal service fund offset
Illinois Telephone Operations decrease in revenues
resulting from the reduction in interstate network access rates,
there was not a corresponding offset for the decrease in
revenues from the reduction in intrastate network access rates.
In Texas, because the intrastate network access rate regime
applicable to our Texas rural telephone companies does not
mirror the FCC regime, the impact of the reforms was revenue
neutral. The ICC and
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the PUCT are continuing to investigate possible changes to the
structure for intrastate access charges in their respective
states.
VOIP service is increasingly being embraced by many industry
participants, including AT&T, SBC and Time Warner. On
March 10, 2004, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking with respect to issues relating to services and
applications of IP-enabled services. Among other things, the FCC
is considering whether VOIP services are regulated
telecommunications services or unregulated information services.
We cannot predict the outcome of the FCCs rulemaking or
the impact on the revenues of our rural telephone companies. The
proliferation of VOIP, particularly to the extent such
communications do not utilize our rural telephone
companies networks, may result in an erosion of our
customer base and loss of access fees and other funding.
In recent years, long distance carriers, such as AT&T, MCI
and Sprint, have become more aggressive in disputing interstate
access charge rates set by the FCC and the applicability of
access charges to their telecommunications traffic. We believe
that these disputes have increased in part due to advances in
technology which have rendered the identity and jurisdiction of
traffic more difficult to ascertain and which have afforded
carriers an increased opportunity to assert regulatory
distinctions and claims to lower access costs for their traffic.
For example, in October 2002, AT&T filed a petition with the
FCC challenging its current and prospective obligation to pay
access charges to local exchange carriers for the use of their
networks. The FCC rejected AT&Ts petition. In
September 2003, Vonage Holdings Corporation filed a petition
with the FCC to preempt an order of the Minnesota Public
Utilities Commission which had issued an order requiring Vonage
to comply with the Minnesota Commissions order. The FCC
determined that Vonages VOIP service was such that it was
impossible to divide it into interstate and intrastate
components without negating federal rules and policies.
Accordingly, the FCC found it was an interstate service not
subject to traditional state telephone regulation. While the FCC
order did not specifically address the issue of the application
of intrastate access charges to Vonages VOIP service, the
fact that the service was found to be solely interstate raises
that concern. We cannot predict what other actions that other
long distance carriers may take before the FCC or with their
local exchange carriers, including our rural telephone
companies, to challenge the applicability of access charges. To
date, no long distance or other carrier has made a claim to us
contesting the applicability of network access charges billed by
our rural telephone companies. We cannot assure you, however,
that long distance or other carriers will not make such claims
to us in the future nor, if such a claim is made, can we predict
the magnitude of the claim. As a result of the increasing
deployment of VOIP services and other technological changes, we
believe that these types of disputes and claims will likely
increase.
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Promotion of Universal Service |
In general, telecommunications service in rural areas is more
costly to provide than service in urban areas because there is a
lower customer density and higher capital requirements compared
to urban areas. The low customer density in rural areas means
that switching and other facilities serve fewer customers and
loops are typically longer requiring greater capital expenditure
per customer to build and maintain. By supporting the high cost
of operations in our rural markets, the federal universal
service fund subsidies our rural telephone companies receive are
intended to promote widely available, quality telephone service
at affordable prices in rural areas. In 2004 and for the three
months ended March 31, 2005, CCI Illinois received
$10.6 million and $4.2 million, respectively, from the
federal universal service fund and CCI Texas received an
aggregate of $40.9 million and $9.5 million,
respectively, from the federal universal service fund and Texas
universal service fund.
The administration of collections and distributions of federal
universal service fund payments is performed by the National
Exchange Carrier Association, or NECA, which was formed by the
FCC in 1983 to perform telephone industry tariff filings and
revenue distributions following the breakup of AT&T. The
board of directors of NECA is comprised of representatives from
the RBOCs, large and small incumbent telephone companies and
other industry participants. NECA also performs various other
functions including filing access charge tariffs with the FCC,
collecting and validating cost and revenues data, assisting with
compliance with FCC rules and processing FCC regulatory fees.
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NECA distributes federal universal service fund subsidies only
to carriers that are designated as eligible telecommunications
carriers, or ETCs, by a state commission. Each of our rural
telephone companies has been designated as an ETC by the
applicable state commission. Under the Telecommunications Act,
however, competitors can obtain the same level of federal
universal service fund subsidies as we do, per line served, if
the ICC or PUCT, as applicable, determines that granting such
federal universal service fund subsidies to competitors would be
in the public interest and the competitors offer and advertise
certain telephone services as required by the Telecommunications
Act and the FCC. One such application for ETC designation by a
potential competitor in Illinois was recently dismissed by the
ICC due to the applicants lack of appropriate ICC
certifications and at least two such applications are presently
pending before the ICC. We are not aware of any having been
filed in our Texas service areas. Under current rules, the
subsidies received by our rural telephone companies are not
affected by any such payments to competitors.
With some limitations, incumbent telephone companies receive
federal universal service fund subsidies pursuant to existing
mechanisms for determining the amounts of such payments on a
cost per loop basis. The FCC has adopted, with modifications,
the proposed framework of the Rural Task Force for rural,
high-cost universal service fund subsidies. The FCC order
modifies the existing universal service fund mechanism for rural
telephone companies and adopts an interim embedded, or
historical, cost mechanism for a five-year period that provides
predictable levels of support to rural carriers. The FCC intends
to develop a long-term plan based on forward-looking costs when
the five-year period expires in 2006.
During the last two years, the FCC has made modifications to the
universal service support system that changed the sources of
support and the method for determining the level of support.
These changes, which, among other things, removed the implicit
support from network access charges and made it explicit
support, have been, generally, revenue neutral to our rural
telephone companies operations. It is unclear whether the
changes in methodology will continue to accurately reflect the
costs incurred by our rural telephone companies and whether it
will provide for the same amount of universal service support
that our rural telephone companies have received in the past. In
addition, several parties have raised objections to the size of
the federal universal service fund and the types of services
eligible for support. A number of issues regarding the source
and amount of contributions to, and eligibility for payments
from, the federal universal service fund need to be resolved in
the near future. The FCC recently adopted new rules making it
more difficult for competitors to qualify for federal universal
service subsidies.
In December 2004, Congress suspended the application of a law
called the Urgent Deficiency Act to the FCCs universal
service fund until December 31, 2005. The Urgent Deficiency
Act prohibits government agencies from making financial
commitments in excess of their funds on hand. Currently, the
universal service fund administrator makes commitments to fund
recipients in advance of collecting the contributions from
carriers that will pay for these commitments. The FCC has not
determined whether the Urgent Deficiency Act would apply to
payments to our rural telephone companies. Congress is now
considering whether to extend the current temporary legislation
that exempts the universal service fund from the Urgent
Deficiency Act. If it does not grant this extension, however,
the universal service subsidy payments to our rural telephone
companies may be delayed or reduced in the future.
We cannot predict the outcome of any FCC rulemaking or similar
proceedings. The outcome of any of these proceedings or other
legislative or regulatory changes could affect the amount of
universal service support received by our rural telephone
companies.
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Rural Telephone Company Services Regulation |
The FCC treats our rural telephone companies DSL services
as interstate network access services, and therefore regulates
the rates, terms and conditions for these services. This
regulation requires us to give advance notice of proposed rate
changes and new service offerings, and allows the FCC to suspend
and investigate proposed changes, thereby limiting our
flexibility to respond to offerings by providers of competing
services such as cable broadband. The FCC is currently
considering two proposals that may increase our competitive
flexibility. Under one proposal, DSL services would be
classified as information services, not telecommunications, and
thereby would become exempt from all FCC price regulation. Under
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the second proposal, DSL would continue to be regulated as a
telecommunications service, but the FCC would forbear from
enforcing some or all of its regulatory requirements on this
service. We cannot predict when, or if, the FCC will act, or
whether it will eventually adopt either of these proposals.
The FCC requires incumbent telephone companies providing
interstate long distance services originating from their local
exchange service territories to operate in accordance with
separate affiliate rules. These rules require that
our subsidiaries providing long distance service do the
following:
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maintain separate books of account; |
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not own transmission or switching facilities jointly with our
rural telephone companies; and |
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acquire any services from our rural telephone companies at
tariffed rates, term and conditions. |
The FCC has initiated a rulemaking proceeding to examine whether
there is a continuing need for these requirements. We cannot
predict, however, the outcome of that proceeding.
In addition, generally, the FCC must approve in advance most
transfers of control, and assignments of operating
authorizations by, FCC-regulated entities. Therefore, if, in the
future, we seek to acquire a company holding an FCC
authorization, in most instances we will be required to seek
approval from the FCC prior to completing the acquisition.
Similarly, we would need to obtain FCC approval to dispose of
our rural telephone company properties, or for our existing
equity investors to transfer control of our rural telephone
companies to third parties.
States may also require prior approvals or notifications for
certain acquisitions and transfers or dispositions of assets,
customers, or ownership of regulated entities, issuance of debt
and equity, and in certain instances, transactions between an
incumbent telephone company and its affiliates.
State Regulation of CCI Illinois
Illinois requires providers of telecommunications services to
obtain authority from the ICC prior to offering common carrier
services. Our Illinois rural telephone company is certified to
provide local telephone services. In addition, Illinois
Telephone Operations long distance, operator services and
payphone services subsidiaries hold the necessary certifications
in Illinois and the other states in which they operate. In
Illinois, our long distance, operator services and payphone
services subsidiaries are required to file tariffs with the ICC
but generally can change the prices, terms and conditions stated
in their tariffs on one days notice, with prior notice of
price increases to affected customers. Our Illinois Telephone
Operations other services are not subject to any significant
state regulations in Illinois. Our Other Illinois Operations are
not subject to any significant state regulation outside of any
specific contractually imposed obligations.
Our Illinois rural telephone company operates as a distinct
company from an Illinois regulatory standpoint and is regulated
under a rate of return system for intrastate revenues. Although
the FCC has preempted certain state regulations pursuant to the
Telecommunications Act, as explained above, Illinois retains the
authority to impose requirements on our Illinois rural telephone
company to preserve universal service, protect public safety and
welfare, ensure quality of service and protect consumers. For
instance, our Illinois rural telephone company must file tariffs
setting forth the terms, conditions and prices for their
intrastate services and these tariffs may be challenged by third
parties. Our Illinois rural telephone company has not had,
however, a general rate proceeding before the ICC since 1983.
The ICC has broad authority to impose service quality and
service offering requirements on our Illinois rural telephone
company, including credit and collection policies and practices,
and to require our Illinois rural telephone company to take
other actions in order to insure that it meets its statutory
obligation to provide reliable local exchange service. In
particular, we were required to obtain the approval of the ICC
to effect the reorganization we expect to implement in
connection with our proposed initial public offering. As part of
the ICCs review of the reorganization we expect to
implement in connection with our proposed initial public
offering, the ICC imposed various conditions as part of its
approval of the reorganization, including (1) prohibitions
on payment of dividends or other cash transfers from ICTC to us
if it fails to meet or exceed agreed benchmarks for a majority
of seven service quality metrics and (2) the requirement
that our Illinois rural telephone company have access to the
higher of $5.0 million or
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its currently approved capital expenditure budget for each
calendar year through a combination of available cash and
amounts available under credit facilities.
Any requirements or restrictions of this type could limit the
amount of cash that is available to be transferred from our
Illinois rural telephone company to Illinois Holdings and could
adversely impact our ability to meet our debt service
requirements and repayment obligations.
The Illinois General Assembly has made major revisions and added
significant new provisions to the portions of the Illinois
Public Utilities Act governing the regulation and obligations of
telecommunications carriers on at least three occasions since
1985. However, the Illinois General Assembly concluded its
session in May 2005 and made no changes to the current state
telecommunications law except to extend the sunset date from
July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2007. The governor is expected
to sign this extension into law prior to July 1, 2005.
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Local Government Authorizations |
In Illinois, we historically have been required to obtain
franchises from each incorporated municipality in which our
Illinois rural telephone company operates. Effective
January 1, 2003, an Illinois state statute prescribes the
fees that a municipality may impose on our Illinois rural
telephone company for the privilege of originating and
terminating messages and placing facilities within the
municipality. Illinois Telephone Operations may also be required
to obtain from municipal authorities permits for street opening
and construction, or operating franchises to install and expand
fiber optic facilities in specified rural areas and from county
authorities in unincorporated areas. These permits or other
licenses or agreements typically require the payment of fees.
State Regulation of CCI Texas
Texas requires providers of telecommunications services to
obtain authority from the PUCT prior to offering common carrier
services. Our Texas rural telephone companies are each certified
to provide local telephone services in their respective
territories. In addition, CCI Texas long distance and
transport subsidiaries are registered with the PUCT as
interexchange carriers. The transport subsidiary also has
obtained from the PUCT a service provider certificate of
operating authority to better assist the transport subsidiary
with its operations in municipal areas. While our Texas rural
telephone company services are extensively regulated by the
PUCT, CCI Texas other services, such as long distance and
transport services, are not subject to any significant state
regulation.
Our Texas rural telephone companies operate as distinct
companies from a Texas regulatory standpoint. Each Texas rural
telephone company is separately regulated by the PUCT in order
to preserve universal service, protect public safety and
welfare, ensure quality of service and protect consumers. Each
Texas rural telephone company also must file and maintain
tariffs setting forth the terms, conditions and prices for its
intrastate services.
Currently, both Texas rural telephone companies have immunity
from adjustments to their rates, including their intrastate
network access rates, due to their election of incentive
regulation under the Texas Public Utilities Regulatory Act, or
PURA. In order to qualify for this incentive regulation, our
rural telephone companies agreed to fulfill certain
infrastructure requirements and, in exchange, they are not
subject to challenge by the PUCT regarding their rates, overall
revenues, return on invested capital or net income.
There are two different forms of incentive regulation designated
by PURA: Chapter 58 and Chapter 59. Generally under
either election, the rates, including network access rates, an
incumbent telephone company may charge in connection with basic
local services cannot be increased from the amount(s) on the
date of election without PUCT approval. Even with PUCT approval,
increases can only occur in very specific situations. Pricing
flexibility under Chapter 59 is extremely limited. In
contrast, Chapter 58 allows greater pricing flexibility on
non-basic network services, customer specific contracts and new
services.
Initially, both Texas rural telephone companies elected
incentive regulation under Chapter 59 and fulfilled the
applicable infrastructure requirements to maintain their
election status. Consolidated
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Communications of Texas Company made its election on
August 17, 1997. Consolidated Communications of
Fort Bend Company made its election on May 12, 2000.
On March 25, 2003, both Texas rural telephone companies
changed their election status from Chapter 59 to
Chapter 58. The rate freezes for basic services with
respect to the current Chapter 58 elections are due to
expire on March 24, 2007.
In connection with the 2003 election by each of our Texas rural
telephone companies to be governed under an incentive regulation
regime, our Texas rural telephone companies were obligated to
fulfill certain infrastructure requirements. While our Texas
rural telephone companies have met the current infrastructure
requirements, the PUCT could impose additional or other
restrictions of this type in the future. Any requirements or
restrictions of this type could limit the amount of cash that is
available to be transferred from our rural telephone companies
to Texas Holdings and could adversely impact our ability to meet
our debt service requirements and repayment obligations.
Telecommunications regulation in Texas may undergo extensive
changes in the future. The Texas Legislature has made major
revisions to PURA on numerous occasions since its adoption in
1975. Various changes were proposed but not adopted in the most
recent legislative session and can be expected to be revisited
in future legislative sessions. We cannot predict the nature or
extent of the legislative changes that may result or the impact
these changes may have on CCI Texas, its incumbent telephone
companies or our other subsidiaries operating in Texas.
The Texas universal service fund was established within PURA and
is administered by NECA. The law directs the PUCT to adopt and
enforce rules requiring local exchange carriers to contribute to
a state universal service fund which assists telecommunications
providers in providing basic local telecommunications service at
reasonable rates in high cost rural areas. The Texas universal
service fund is also used to reimburse telecommunications
providers for revenues lost by providing Tel-Assistance and to
reimburse carriers for providing lifeline service. The Texas
universal service fund is funded by a statewide charge payable
by specified telecommunications providers at rates determined by
the PUCT. Our Texas rural telephone companies qualify for
disbursements from this fund pursuant to criteria established by
the PUCT. In 2003, CCI Texas received Texas universal service
fund subsidies of $20.0 million, or 10.3% of CCI
Texas revenues.
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Local Government Authorizations |
In Texas, incumbent telephone companies have historically been
required to obtain franchises from each incorporated
municipality in which our Texas rural telephone companies
operate. In 1999, Texas enacted legislation generally
eliminating the need for incumbent telephone companies to obtain
franchises or other licenses to use municipal rights-of-way for
delivering services. Payments to municipalities for
rights-of-way are administered through the PUCT and through a
reporting process by each incumbent telephone company and other
similar telecommunications provider. Incumbent telephone
companies still need to obtain permits from municipal
authorities for street opening and construction, but most
burdens of obtaining municipal authorizations for access to
rights-of-way have been streamlined or removed.
Our Texas rural telephone companies still operate pursuant to
the terms of municipal franchise agreements in some territories
served by Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company.
As the franchises expire, they are not being renewed.
Potential Internet Regulatory Obligations
Our Internet access offerings may become subject to newly
adopted laws and regulations. Currently, there exists only a
small body of law and regulation applicable to access to, or
commerce on, the Internet. As the significance of the Internet
expands, federal, state and local governments may adopt new
rules and regulations or apply existing laws and regulations to
the Internet. The FCC is currently reviewing the appropriate
regulatory framework governing high speed access to the Internet
through telephone and cable providers communications
networks. We cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings,
and they may affect our regulatory obligations and the form of
competition for these services.
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Direct Marketing Regulation
Our Market Response business is subject to various federal and
state do not call list requirements. Recently, the
FCC and the FTC amended their rules to provide for a national
do not call registry. Under these new federal
regulations, consumers may have their phone numbers added to the
national registry and telemarketing companies, such as our
Market Response business, are prohibited from calling anyone on
that registry other than for limited exceptions. In September
2003, telemarketers were given access to the registry and are
now required to compare their call lists against the national
do not call registry at least once every
31 days. We are required to pay a fee to access the
registry on a quarterly basis. In addition, the rule provides
for fines of up to $11,000 per violation and other possible
penalties. This rule may restrict our ability to market our
services effectively to new customers. Furthermore, compliance
with this new rule may prove difficult, and we may incur
penalties for improperly conducting our marketing activities. A
recent decision by the court of appeals for the Tenth Circuit
rejected challenges to several aspects of the do not
call rules, but we cannot predict whether there will be
any further appeal of this decision or what the outcome of such
appeals might be. In addition, under the Consolidated
Appropriations Act of 2004, the FTC has proposed amending the
rules to require that telemarketers access the registry and
purge numbers from their call lists every month.
121
MANAGEMENT
Board of Managers and Executive Officers
Each of the issuers is managed by its parent and sole
stockholder, Homebase. Homebase is managed by a board of
managers consisting of four members, referred to as directors.
Our existing equity investors, as members of Homebase, exercise
their authority to manage and control the issuers through the
board of managers, subject to delegation of authority to the
executive officers discussed below. Currently, each existing
equity investor has the right to designate directors as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
two directors are designated by Central Illinois Telephone,
currently Messrs. Lumpkin and Currey; |
|
|
|
one director is designated by Providence Equity, currently Mark
A. Pelson; and |
|
|
|
one director is designated by Spectrum Equity, currently Kevin
J. Maroni. |
The businesses of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas are managed
functionally. The following table lists information about the
directors and executive officers of Homebase and its
subsidiaries and their ages as of May 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age | |
|
Position |
|
|
| |
|
|
Richard A. Lumpkin
|
|
|
70 |
|
|
Chairman of the board of managers and Director of Homebase |
Robert J. Currey
|
|
|
59 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Homebase,
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings |
Steven L. Childers
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings |
Joseph R. Dively
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Senior Vice President of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings
and President of Telephone Operations of Illinois Holdings |
Steven J. Shirar
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Senior Vice President of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings
and President of Enterprise Operations of Illinois Holdings and
Texas Holdings |
C. Robert Udell, Jr.
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
Senior Vice President of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings
and President of Telephone Operations of Texas Holdings |
Christopher A. Young
|
|
|
49 |
|
|
Chief Information Officer of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings |
Steven L. Grissom
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
Treasurer and Secretary of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings |
Kevin J. Maroni
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
Director |
Mark A. Pelson
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Director |
Richard A. Lumpkin is the Chairman of the board of
managers and a director of Homebase. Mr. Lumpkin has served
in these positions since 2002. From 1997 to 2002,
Mr. Lumpkin served as Vice Chairman of McLeodUSA, which
acquired the predecessor of CCI in 1997. From 1963 to 1997,
Mr. Lumpkin served in various positions at the predecessor
of CCI and ICTC, including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer,
President and Treasurer. Mr. Lumpkin is currently a
director of Ameren Corp., a public utility holding company,
First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc., or First Mid-Illinois, a
financial services holding company, and Agracel, Inc., a real
estate investment company, and serves on the advisory board of
Eastern Illinois University and as a director of The Lumpkin
Family Foundation. Mr. Lumpkin is also a former director,
former President and former Treasurer of the United States
Telecom Association and a former president of the Illinois
Telecommunications Association. Mr. Lumpkin has also served
on the University Council Committee on Information Technology
for Yale University.
122
Robert J. Currey serves as the President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of Homebase, Illinois Holdings and Texas
Holdings. Mr. Currey served as a director of Homebase since
2002 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of CCI since
2002. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Currey served as Vice Chairman
of RCN Corporation, a competitive telephone company providing
telephony, cable and Internet services in high-density markets
nationwide. From 1998 to 2000, Mr. Currey served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of 21st Century
Telecom Group. From 1997 to 1998, Mr. Currey served as
Director and Group President of Telecommunications Services of
McLeodUSA, which acquired the predecessor of CCI in 1997.
Mr. Currey joined the predecessor of CCI in 1990 and served
as President through its acquisition in 1997. Mr. Currey is
also a director of Management Network Group, Inc., Telution
Inc., The United States Telecom Association and the Illinois
Business Roundtable.
Steven L. Childers serves as Chief Financial Officer of
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings. Mr. Childers has
served in this position for CCI since April 2004. From April
2003 to April 2004, Mr. Childers served as Vice President
of Finance of CCI. From January 2003 to April 2003,
Mr. Childers served as the Director of Corporate
Development of CCI. From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Childers served
in various capacities at McLeodUSA, including as Vice President
of Customer Service and, most recently, as a member of its
Business Process Teams, leading an effort to implement new
revenue assurance processes and controls. Mr. Childers
joined the predecessor of CCI in 1986 and served in various
capacities through its acquisition in 1997, including as
President of its then existing Market Response division and in
various finance and executive roles. Mr. Childers is a
member of the board of directors and serves as Treasurer of the
Eastern Illinois University Foundation.
Joseph R. Dively serves as Senior Vice President of
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings and President of Telephone
Operations of Illinois Holdings. Mr. Dively has served in
this position for CCI since 2002. From 1999 to 2002,
Mr. Dively served as Vice President and General Manager of
ICTC. In 2001, Mr. Dively also assumed responsibility for
the then existing non-regulated subsidiaries of the predecessor
of CCI, including Operator Services, Public Services, and Market
Response. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Dively served as Senior
Vice President of Sales of McLeodUSA. Mr. Dively joined the
predecessor of CCI in 1991 and served in various capacities
through its acquisition in 1997, including Vice President and
General Manager of Consolidated Market Response and Vice
President of Sales and Marketing of Consolidated Communications.
Mr. Dively is currently a director of First Mid-Illinois.
Mr. Dively currently serves on the boards of the Sarah Bush
Lincoln Health System, the Lincoln-Sargent Foundation and chairs
the EIU Business School Advisory Board. He is also past
president of the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce.
Steven J. Shirar serves as Senior Vice President of
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings and President of Enterprise
Operations of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings.
Mr. Shirar has served in this position for CCI since 2003.
From 1997 to 2002, Mr. Shirar served in various capacities
at McLeodUSA, progressing from Chief Marketing Officer to Chief
Sales and Marketing Officer. From 1996 to 1997, Mr. Shirar
served as President of the predecessor of CCIs then
existing software development subsidiary, Consolidated
Communications Systems and Services, Inc.
C. Robert Udell, Jr. serves as Senior Vice
President of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings and President
of Telephone Operations of Texas Holdings. From 1999 to 2004,
Mr. Udell served in various capacities at the predecessor
of CCI Texas, including Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer. He is also Chairman of East Texas Fiber Line
Incorporated. Prior to joining the predecessor of CCI Texas in
March 1999, Mr. Udell was employed by the predecessor of
CCI from 1993 to 1999 in a variety of senior roles including
Senior Vice President, Network Operations, and Engineering.
Christopher A. Young serves as Chief Information Officer
of Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings. Mr. Young served
in this position for CCI since 2003. From 2000 to 2003,
Mr. Young served as Chief Information Officer of NewSouth
Communications, Inc., a broadband communications provider. From
1998 to 2000, Mr. Young served as Chief Information Officer
for 21st Century Telecom Group.
Steven L. Grissom serves as Treasurer and Secretary of
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings. Mr. Grissom has
served in this position for CCI since 2002. Since 1997,
Mr. Grissom has also served as the administrative officer
of SKL Investment Group, LLC, or SKL Investment Group, an
investment
123
holding company. Since 1989, Mr. Grissom has served as
Treasurer of ICTC. Mr. Grissom is currently a director of
First Mid-Illinois. Mr. Grissom is also a director of
Agracel, Coles Together, Mattoon Area Industrial Development
Corporation and The Lumpkin Family Foundation.
Kevin J. Maroni has been a director of Homebase since
2002. Mr. Maroni is a General Partner of Spectrum Equity.
Mr. Maroni has worked for Spectrum Equity since its
inception in 1994.
Mark A. Pelson has been a director of Homebase since
2002. Mr. Pelson is a Managing Director of Providence
Equity. Mr. Pelson has worked for Providence Equity since
1996. Mr. Pelson is also a director of Madison River
Telephone Company, LLC.
Each of Messrs. Lumpkin, Shirar, Dively, Childers and
Grissom were employed by McLeodUSA during 2002. In January 2002,
in order to complete a recapitalization, McLeodUSA filed a
prenegotiated plan of reorganization through a Chapter 11
bankruptcy petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for
the District of Delaware. In April 2002, McLeodUSAs plan
of reorganization became effective and McLeodUSA emerged from
Chapter 11 protection. Messrs Lumpkin and Shirar resigned
from McLeodUSA in April 2002 and June 2002, respectively. In
addition, Mr. Currey was employed by RCN Corporation from
2000 to 2002. In May 2004, RCN Corporation filed a plan of
reorganization through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition on
a voluntary basis.
Management and Corporate Governance Changes After the
Proposed IPO
Our Board of Managers currently consists of four members,
Messrs. Lumpkin, Currey, Maroni and Pelson.
Upon closing of the proposed initial public offering, the board
of directors of Consolidated Holdings will consist of five
members, taking into account the resignation of Messrs. Maroni
and Pelson and the election of three new members, Messrs.
Blumenstein and Moore and Ms. Rahe. Each of the new directors
will qualify as an independent director under
applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. These rules require that
Consolidated Holdings has a majority of independent directors on
its board of directors and that its compensation and corporate
governance committees be comprised solely of independent
directors no later than the first anniversary of the listing
date.
Pursuant to the charter of Consolidated Holdings, the board of
directors will be divided into three classes. The members of
each class will serve for a staggered, three-year term. Upon the
expiration of the term of a class of directors, directors in
that class will be elected for a three-year term at the annual
meeting of stockholders in the year in which their term expires.
The classes will be comprised as follows:
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|
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|
|
Class I Directors. Mr. Lumpkin will be the
Class I director, whose term will expire at the 2006 annual
meeting of stockholders; |
|
|
|
Class II Directors. Messrs. Moore and
Blumenstein will be the Class II directors, whose terms
will expire at the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders; and |
|
|
|
Class III Directors. Mr. Currey and
Ms. Rahe will be the Class III directors, whose terms
will expire at the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. |
Any additional directorship resulting from an increase in the
number of directors will be distributed among the three classes
so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of
one-third of our directors.
Committees of the Board
The standing committees of Consolidated Holdings board of
directors will consist of an audit committee, a compensation
committee and a corporate governance committee.
Audit Committee. Upon completion of the initial public
offering, Consolidated Holdings will have an audit committee
that will be comprised of Messrs. Blumenstein, Moore and
Ms. Rahe, each of whom will qualify as an independent
director under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules.
The principal duties and responsibilities of the audit committee
will be to assist the board of directors in its oversight of:
|
|
|
|
|
the integrity of our financial statements and reporting process; |
124
|
|
|
|
|
our compliance with legal and regulatory matters; |
|
|
|
the independent registered public accounting firms
qualifications and independence; and |
|
|
|
the performance of our registered public accounting firm. |
Our audit committee will also be responsible for:
|
|
|
|
|
conducting an annual performance evaluation of the audit
committee; |
|
|
|
compensating, retaining and overseeing the work of our
registered public accounting firm; |
|
|
|
establishing procedures for (a) receipt and treatment of
complaints on accounting and other related matters and
(b) submission of confidential employee concerns regarding
questionable accounting or auditing matters; and |
|
|
|
preparing reports to be included in our public filings with the
SEC. |
The audit committee will have the power to investigate any
matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties.
It will also have the authority to retain counsel and advisors
to fulfill its responsibilities and duties. Our board of
directors will adopt a written charter for the audit committee,
which will be posted on our website.
Compensation Committee. Upon completion of the initial
public offering, Consolidated Holdings will have a compensation
committee that will be comprised of Messrs. Lumpkin,
Blumenstein and Moore. The board of directors will determine
that each of Messrs. Blumenstein and Moore qualify as an
independent director under applicable Nasdaq rules. The
principal duties and responsibilities of the compensation
committee will be as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
to review and approve goals and objectives relating to the
compensation of our chief executive officer and, based upon a
performance evaluation, to determine and approve the
compensation of the chief executive officer; |
|
|
|
to make recommendations to our board of directors on the
compensation of other executive officers and on incentive
compensation and equity-based plans; and |
|
|
|
to prepare reports on executive compensation to be included in
our public filings with the SEC. |
Corporate Governance Committee. Upon completion of the
initial public offering, Consolidated Holdings will have a
corporate governance committee that will be comprised of
Messrs. Lumpkin, Moore and Ms. Rahe. Our board of
directors has determined that each of Mr. Moore and
Ms. Rahe qualify as an independent director under
applicable Nasdaq rules. The principal duties and
responsibilities of the corporate governance committee will be
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
to identify individuals qualified for membership on our board of
directors and to select, or recommend for selection, director
nominees; |
|
|
|
to develop and recommend to our board of directors a set of
corporate governance principles; and |
|
|
|
to oversee the evaluation of our board of directors and
management. |
125
Compensation of Executive Officers
|
|
|
Summary Compensation Table |
The following table lists information regarding the compensation
of our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and the four next most
highly compensated executive officers, to whom we refer to,
collectively, as the named executive officers. The compensation
of each of these named executive officers exceeded $100,000 in
each of the years indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term | |
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation | |
|
Compensation | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
2003 Restricted | |
|
|
|
|
Fiscal | |
|
|
|
Other Annual | |
|
Share Plan | |
|
All Other | |
Name(1) |
|
Year | |
|
Salary | |
|
Bonus | |
|
Compensation | |
|
Awards(8) | |
|
Compensation(9) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Richard A. Lumpkin
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
1,528,205 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
653,019 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,538 |
|
|
Chairman of the board of managers and Director |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
816,205 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,945 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,077 |
|
Robert J. Currey
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
301,923 |
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
8,931 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
263,846 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
13,847 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
3,077 |
|
Steven J. Shirar
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
193,846 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,123 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
5,873 |
|
|
Senior Vice President and President of Enterprise Operations |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
178,615 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,138 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,769 |
|
Joseph R. Dively
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
170,769 |
|
|
$ |
115,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,141 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
6,828 |
|
|
Senior Vice President and President of Telephone Operations of
Illinois Holdings |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
148,846 |
|
|
$ |
70,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,979 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
2,423 |
|
Steven L. Childers
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
157,692 |
|
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
|
$ |
834 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
6,250 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
106,692 |
|
|
$ |
65,000 |
|
|
$ |
86,978 |
(6) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,246 |
|
Christopher A. Young
|
|
|
2004 |
|
|
$ |
166,923 |
|
|
$ |
85,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,568 |
(5) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
6,791 |
|
|
Chief Information Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
$ |
144,615 |
|
|
$ |
74,000 |
|
|
$ |
58,724 |
(7) |
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
$ |
1,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Each of the named executive officers served in their positions
throughout fiscal years 2003 and 2004, other than
Mr. Young, who was hired on February 3, 2003 and Mr.
Childers, who was hired on January 13, 2003. |
|
|
(2) |
Includes professional services fees of $1,378,205 and $666,667
in 2004 and 2003, respectively, paid to Mr. Lumpkin as one of
our existing equity investors. See Certain Relationships
and Related Party Transactions Professional Services
Fee Agreements. Pursuant to a side letter agreement with
some of the other investors in Central Illinois Telephone,
including affiliates of Mr. Lumpkin and members of his
family, whereby Mr. Lumpkin shares a portion of this
professional services fee, Mr. Lumpkin retained only
$967,547 and $492,468 of the professional services fee in 2004
and 2003, respectively. In addition, the remaining $150,000 and
$149,538 in the table above represents amounts paid to
Mr. Lumpkin for his services to ICTC in 2004 and 2003,
respectively. |
|
|
(3) |
Includes a lump sum payment of $649,617 by ICTC to
Mr. Lumpkin to terminate the Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan for Mr. Lumpkin. See
Employment and Other Arrangements
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The amount in the
table above also includes $3,402 for the reimbursement of taxes. |
|
|
(4) |
Includes $21,050 we paid to purchase Mr. Lumpkins
personal automobile, $542 attributable to
Mr. Lumpkins personal use of the automobile in 2003
and $353 for the reimbursement of taxes. |
|
|
(5) |
All amounts represent reimbursement of taxes. |
|
|
(6) |
Includes a relocation allowance of $86,978. Of the relocation
allowance $25,781 represents reimbursement of taxes. |
126
|
|
|
|
(7) |
Includes a relocation allowance of $58,724. Of the relocation
allowance, $24,315 represents reimbursement of taxes. |
|
|
(8) |
Our board of managers ascribed no value to the restricted shares
on the date awarded. The value of the restricted common shares
held by each of the named executive officers as of
December 31, 2004 was as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted | |
|
Value as of | |
Named Officer |
|
Shares Held | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Robert J. Currey
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Steven J. Shirar
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Joseph R. Dively
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Steven L. Childers
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Christopher A. Young
|
|
|
62,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
|
|
|
25.0% of these shares vested on December 31, 2004 and 25%
will vest on the day prior to the completion of the proposed
initial public offering. The remaining 50% (or 75% in the event
the proposed initial public offering is not consummated) will
vest in three equal installments on December 31, 2005, 2006
and 2007. Holders of restricted common shares are entitled to
receive dividends and other distributions if and when declared
by the board of managers. |
|
|
|
|
(9) |
Amounts listed consist of CCIs matching contributions to
its 401(k) plan. We also provide the named executive officers
with certain group life, health, medical and other non-cash
benefits generally available to all salaried employees and
excluded from this column pursuant to SEC rules. |
Board of Managers Compensation
Directors who are affiliates of the existing equity investors
receive no salary or other compensation for their services.
Homebase does, however, reimburse each director for reasonable
travel and other incidental expenses incurred in connection with
the directors service on the board of managers.
Restricted Share Plan
In August 2003, the board of managers adopted the 2003
Restricted Share Plan, or the restricted share plan. The
restricted share plan authorizes the board of managers to grant
to members of management, as incentive compensation, awards of
restricted common shares of Homebase or securities convertible
into common shares of Homebase. Unless altered by the board of
managers, awards under the restricted share plan cannot exceed
an aggregate of 1,000,000 common shares. As of March 31,
2005, the entire 1,000,000 shares had been awarded under the
plan and were issued and outstanding. The restricted share plan
provides for adjustment of the number of common shares of
Homebase available for grant in the event of an increase or
reduction in the number of the common shares of Homebase, an
exchange of common shares of Homebase for a different number or
type of security of Homebase or other specified changes in the
capitalization of Homebase. All common shares awarded under the
restricted share plan are and will be subject to restrictions on
transfer.
In connection with the proposed initial public offering, we will
effect a reorganization pursuant to which all holders of
Homebase restricted common shares will receive similarly
restricted shares of Consolidated Holdings common stock.
|
|
|
Administration and Terms of Awards |
The board of managers administers the restricted share plan and
designates the employees to receive awards. The board of
managers of Homebase will determine the nature of the awards,
the number of common shares of Homebase subject to the awards
and the terms and conditions of each award. In connection with
the proposed initial public offering, the restricted share plan
will be amended to eliminate the boards ability to make
any future awards under the plan.
127
25.0% of the 975,000 shares granted in 2003 will vest every
December 31st, beginning December 31, 2004 and ending
December 31, 2007. The remaining 25,000 shares and,
unless otherwise agreed, all subsequent awards under the
restricted share plan will vest 25.0% on the second anniversary
date of the award and 25.0% each following year through the
fifth anniversary date of the award. In connection with the
proposed initial public offering, the restricted share plan will
be amended to provide that 25% of the Homebase shares granted in
2003 will vest on the day prior to the completion of the
offering (which is in addition to the 25% of such shares that
vested on December 31, 2004) and the remaining 50% of the
Consolidated Holdings shares received in exchange for unvested
Homebase shares granted in 2003 will vest in three equal
installments on December 31, 2005, 2006 and 2007. The
shares granted in 2004 will vest 25% on the day prior to the
completion of the offering and 25% on each of December 31,
2005, 2006 and 2007.
All common shares of Homebase awarded under the restricted share
plan will automatically vest:
|
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|
|
if the board of managers accelerates the vesting of common
shares at any time for any reason, which it is entitled to
do; or |
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|
|
upon a change of control (as defined in the restricted share
plan) of Homebase, if the employee is terminated without cause,
the employees compensation is reduced below 90.0% of the
compensation prior to the change of control or the employee is
assigned duties and responsibilities materially inconsistent
with his or her previous level of responsibility. |
If the employee is terminated without cause by Homebase or as a
result of death or disability, subject to Homebases right
to purchase the shares described below under
Call Rights, the employee will retain
all vested shares but will forfeit all of his or her rights to
unvested shares.
All common shares of Homebase, vested or unvested, awarded under
the restricted share plan are subject to forfeiture and
employees are required to sell to Homebase, at the price the
employee paid for the common shares, upon any of the following
events: termination of employment for cause or any attempt by
the employee to transfer the common shares of Homebase without
the prior written approval of the board of managers.
For one year following an employees death, disability or
termination of employment for any reason other than for cause,
Homebase has the right to buy all vested shares at a price per
share equal to the lesser of (1) the fair market value of a
vested share, as determined by the board of managers in good
faith, and (2) the amount determined by dividing the
enterprise value of Homebase (as defined in the restricted share
plan) and its subsidiaries by the total number of common shares
outstanding as of the date of the triggering event. In
connection with the proposed initial public offering, the
restricted share plan will be amended to remove this call right.
If a majority of our existing equity investors decide to sell
more than 50% of Homebase to a third party, employees granted
shares will be required to sell the common shares awarded under
the restricted share plan to the third party at the price and on
the other terms agreed to by the majority of the existing equity
investors. In connection with the proposed initial public
offering, the restricted share plan will be amended to remove
the drag-along rights.
Other than as described above, employees will have all of the
rights of a shareholder, including the right to vote the shares
and receive dividends and other distributions.
The restricted share plan will continue in effect until
August 28, 2013, unless terminated prior to that date by
the board of managers.
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Committees of the Board of Managers
The board of managers of Homebase expects to perform the
functions of an audit committee, a compensation committee and a
disclosure committee.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
Our board of managers performs the functions of a compensation
committee. Following the proposed initial public offering, the
compensation levels of our executive officers will be determined
by the board of directors upon recommendation of the
compensation committee. In 2004, Mr. Currey, our President
and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Lumpkin, our Chairman,
both employees of ICTC, participated in deliberations of the
board of managers regarding executive compensation.
Employment and Other Arrangements
We do not anticipate entering into any employment agreements
with our officers or employees.
On March 27, 2003, TXUCV entered into a retention and
change in control agreement with Mr. Udell. Pursuant to the
retention agreement, TXUCV named Mr. Udell as Executive
Vice President through March 27, 2005. The retention
agreement provided that Mr. Udell would receive an annual
base salary of $243,775 with a bonus based on the greater of
45.0% of his base salary and $109,698 and Mr. Udell was
also entitled to participate in an annual incentive plan and all
benefit plans, programs and arrangements and fringe benefit
policies applicable generally to other employees. The retention
agreement also provided that Mr. Udell would receive a one
time payment upon a change of control, which included the
closing of the transactions. In addition, Mr. Udells
salary may not be decreased for a period of two years following
the closing of the transactions.
In connection with the transactions, we paid Mr. Udell
$706,948 to terminate the retention agreement without the other
benefits described in the preceding paragraph in exchange for
continuing to be employed in the position described above under
Board of Managers and Executive
Officers. Mr. Udells annual base salary is now
$200,000 with a potential bonus of up to 50% of his annual
salary based on the achievement of various corporate objectives.
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Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan |
The Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Mr. Lumpkin
has been effective since 1986 and provided that Mr. Lumpkin
or his beneficiary would have been entitled to supplemental
benefits of $50,000 per year, payable monthly for a period
of twenty years, if Mr. Lumpkin retired after age 65
or if his employment was terminated prior to such time due to
his death. On July 29, 2004, the board of directors of ICTC
paid Mr. Lumpkin a lump sum of $649,617 to terminate the
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Mr. Lumpkin.
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Directors and Officers Indemnification and
Insurance |
Pursuant to the LLC agreement, Homebase agreed:
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to indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
its directors, employees and agents and the existing equity
investors and their respective directors, stockholders, members,
partners, representatives or agents for losses which the
indemnified person may incur as a result of any act or omission
performed by the indemnified person on behalf of Homebase in a
manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of authority
provided by the LLC agreement; and |
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to obtain a policy of directors and officers
liability insurance in an amount of at least $12.5 million. |
Upon consummation of the proposed initial public offering, our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide
that, to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law, or the DGCL, and except as otherwise provided
in the amended and restated bylaws, none of our directors shall
be personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary
damages for a breach of fiduciary duty. In
129
addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation
permits indemnification of, and the advancement of expenses to,
any person who was or is a party, or threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
other proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or
investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the
registrant) by reason of the fact that he or she was director or
officer of CCI Holdings, or service as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust or other enterprise at our request to the fullest
extent authorized under the DGCL against all expenses (including
attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in
connection with such action, suit or proceeding. Further, our
amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide
that we may purchase and maintain insurance on our own behalf
and on behalf of any other person who is or was a director,
officer or agent of ours or was serving at our request as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise.
130
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Illinois Holdings
Homebase owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Illinois
Holdings, which, in turn, owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of CCI.
Texas Holdings
Homebase owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Texas
Holdings, which, in turn, owns all of the outstanding capital
stock of Texas Acquisition, which, in turn, owns all of the
outstanding capital stock of CCV.
Homebase
Membership interests in Homebase are represented by common
shares and Class A preferred shares. As of May 31,
2005, Homebase had issued and outstanding 9,995,000 of its
common shares and 182,000 of its Class A preferred shares.
We refer to Homebases common shares and Class A
preferred shares, collectively, as the shares.
The following table lists information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Homebase of:
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each person or entity who is known to us to beneficially own
more than 5.0% of Homebase shares; |
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our named executive officers and directors; and |
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our directors and executive officers as a group, |
in each case, as of May 31, 2005. Beneficial ownership has
been determined in accordance with the applicable rules and
regulations of the SEC, which generally require inclusion of
shares over which a person has voting or investment power. Share
ownership in each case includes shares that may be acquired
within 60 days through the exercise of any options. Unless
otherwise indicated, the address of all individuals listed in
the table is c/o Homebase, P.O. Box 1234, Mattoon,
Illinois 61938.
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Number of | |
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Percentage of | |
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Number of | |
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Percentage of | |
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Class A | |
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Class A | |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
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Common Shares | |
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Common Shares | |
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Preferred Shares | |
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Preferred Shares | |
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Central Illinois Telephone(a)
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3,000,000 |
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30.0 |
% |
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60,666.7 |
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33.3 |
% |
Providence Equity(b)
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3,000,000 |
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30.0 |
% |
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60,666.7 |
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33.3 |
% |
Spectrum Equity(c)
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3,000,000 |
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30.0 |
% |
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60,666.7 |
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33.3 |
% |
Named Executive Officers and the Board of Managers
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Richard A. Lumpkin(d)
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Robert J. Currey(e)
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300,000 |
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3.0 |
% |
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Steven J. Shirar(f)
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100,000 |
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1.0 |
% |
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Joseph R. Dively(g)
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100,000 |
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1.0 |
% |
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Steven L. Childers(h)
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100,000 |
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1.0 |
% |
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Christopher A. Young(i)
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62,500 |
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* |
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Kevin J. Maroni(j)
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* |
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Mark A. Pelson(k)
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* |
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All directors and executive officers as a group (10
persons)(l)
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707,500 |
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7.1 |
% |
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* |
Less than 1% ownership. |
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(a) |
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The equity interests in Central Illinois Telephone are
approximately 81.9% owned by SKL Investment Group, a Delaware
limited liability company, approximately 9.5% owned by LTIC,
LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, approximately 1.0%
owned by GRISS, LLC, an Illinois limited liability company, and
approximately 7.6% owned collectively by Messrs. Currey,
Shirar, Dively, Udell and |
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others, either directly or indirectly through retirement
accounts and various trusts. SKL Investment Group is owned by
Mr. Lumpkin and members of his family, Mr. Lumpkin is
the sole manager of an SKL Investment Group investment fund and
has the sole power to direct the voting and disposition of its
investments. LTIC, LLC is managed by Agracel, an Illinois
corporation, which has a four member board of directors, two of
whom are Messrs. Lumpkin and Grissom. In addition,
Mr. Lumpkin and members of his family own approximately
50.0% of Agracel and Mr. Grissom owns approximately 2.6% of
Agracel. In addition, GRISS, LLC is approximately 80.0% owned by
Mr. Grissom and members of his family, and Mr. Grissom
is also a co-trustee of trusts that own approximately 37.4% of
the common shares of Central Illinois Telephone through SKL
Investment Group. As a result of the above,
Messrs. Lumpkin, Currey, Shirar, Dively, Udell and Grissom
may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of
Homebase owned by Central Illinois Telephone. Each of them
disclaims this beneficial ownership. Mr. Lumpkin is the sole
manager of Central Illinois Telephone and has sole investment
and voting power with respect to the shares held by Central
Illinois Telephone. The address of Central Illinois Telephone
and Mr. Lumpkin is c/o Homebase, P.O. Box 1234, Mattoon,
Illinois 61938. |
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(b) |
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Consists of 2,990,355 common shares and 60,471.6 Class A
preferred shares held by Providence Equity Partners IV, L.P. and
9,645 common shares and 195 Class A preferred shares held
by Providence Equity Operating Partners IV, L.P. Providence
Equity GP IV, L.P. is the general partner of each of these
entities and Providence Equity Partners IV, LLC is the general
partner of Providence Equity GP IV, L.P. Providence Equity
Partners IV, LLC has the sole power to direct the voting and
disposition of the shares. As a result, each of the entities may
be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares owned by
the others. Each of the entities disclaims this beneficial
ownership. Jonathan M. Nelson, by virtue of his ownership
interest in, and as managing member of, Providence Equity
Partners IV, LLC, may also be deemed to possess indirect
beneficial ownership of the securities owned by these entities.
He disclaims such beneficial ownership except to the extent of
his pecuniary interest in those securities. Glenn M. Creamer and
Paul J. Salem are the remaining voting members of Providence
Equity Partners IV, LLC, but neither has a voting interest
sufficient, by itself, to either direct or prevent the voting or
disposition of the shares deemed to be aired by Providence
Equity Partners IV, LLC. The address of Providence Equity and
Mr. Nelson is c/o Providence Equity Partners, Inc., 50
Kennedy Plaza, 18th Floor, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. |
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(c) |
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Consists of 2,702,563 common shares and 54,651.8 Class A
preferred shares held by Spectrum Equity Investors IV, L.P.
(SEI4); 32,183 common shares and 650.8 Class A
preferred shares held by Spectrum IV Investment Managers
Fund, L.P. (SIM4); 15,954 common shares and 322.6
Class A preferred shares held by Spectrum Equity Investors
Parallel IV, L.P. (SEIP4); 239,328 common shares and
4,839.7 Class A preferred shares held by Spectrum Equity
Investors III, L.P. (SEI3); 7,479 common shares and
151.2 Class A preferred shares held by SEI III
Entrepreneurs Fund, L.P. (SEI3E); and 2,493
common shares and 50.4 Class A preferred shares held by
Spectrum III Investment Managers Fund, L.P.
(SIM3). Spectrum Equity Associates IV, L.P.
(SEA4) is the sole general partner of SEI4 and
SEIP4. Spectrum Equity Associates III, L.P. (SEA3)
is the sole general partner of SEI3. SEI III Entrepreneurs
LLC (SEI3LLC) is the general partner of SEI3E.
Because these funds ultimately are under common management that
shares the power to direct the voting and disposition of the
shares, each of these entities may be deemed to share beneficial
ownership of the shares owned by the others. Each of these
entities disclaims this beneficial ownership except to the
extent of their pecuniary interest therein. Because decisions by
each of the entities serving as the ultimate general partners of
the individual funds in question are made by majority vote of
either four or seven partners or members, as the case may be, no
individual partner of SEA4, SIM4, SEA3 or SIM3, and no
individual member of SEI3LLC, has the power alone to direct the
voting or disposition of the shares, and no such individual has
the power to prevent the voting or disposition of such shares
over his objection. The address of Spectrum Equity is c/o
Spectrum Equity Investors, One International Place, 29th Floor,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110. |
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Mr. Lumpkin and his family own a majority of the common
shares of Central Illinois Telephone, Mr. Lumpkin is its
sole manager and has the sole power to direct the voting of its
shares. As a result, |
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Mr. Lumpkin may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of
the shares of Homebase owned by Central Illinois Telephone.
Mr. Lumpkin disclaims this beneficial ownership except to
the extent of his pecuniary interest in those securities. |
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Consists of common shares initially awarded under the restricted
share plan. See Management Restricted Share
Plan. In addition, Mr. Currey, through an IRA trust,
owns less than 1.0% of Central Illinois Telephone. As a result,
Mr. Currey may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of
the shares of Homebase owned by Central Illinois Telephone.
Mr. Currey disclaims this beneficial ownership except to
the extent of his pecuniary interest in those securities. |
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Consists of common shares initially awarded under the restricted
share plan. See Management Restricted Share
Plan. In addition, Mr. Shirar, through a trust, owns
less than 1.0% of Central Illinois Telephone. As a result,
Mr. Shirar may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of
the shares of Homebase owned by Central Illinois Telephone.
Mr. Shirar disclaims this beneficial ownership except to
the extent of his pecuniary interest in those securities. |
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Consists of common shares initially awarded under the restricted
share plan. See Management Restricted Share
Plan. In addition, Mr. Dively owns less than 1.0% of
Central Illinois Telephone. As a result, Mr. Dively may be
deemed to share beneficial ownership of the shares of Homebase
owned by Central Illinois Telephone. Mr. Dively disclaims
this beneficial ownership. |
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Consists of common shares initially awarded under the restricted
share plan. See Management Restricted Share
Plan. |
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(i) |
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Consists of common shares initially awarded under the restricted
share plan. See Management Restricted Share
Plan. |
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(j) |
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Mr. Maroni is a general partner or managing member of, and
holds a minority interest in, the Spectrum Equity funds that own
Homebase shares. As a result, Mr. Maroni may be deemed to
share beneficial ownership of the shares of Homebase owned by
Spectrum Equity. Mr. Maroni disclaims this beneficial
ownership. |
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(k) |
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Mr. Pelson is a Managing Director of Providence Equity and
holds a minority interest in the Providence Equity funds that
own Homebase shares. As result, Mr. Pelson may be deemed to
share beneficial ownership of the shares of Homebase owned by
Providence Equity. Mr. Pelson disclaims this beneficial
ownership. |
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(l) |
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Excludes 287,500 common awarded to employees, other than our
executive officers, under the restricted share plan. |
133
THE EXCHANGE OFFER
General
We hereby offer, upon the terms and subject to the conditions
set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of
transmittal (which together constitute the exchange offer), to
exchange up to $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of
the issuers outstanding notes for a like aggregate
principal amount of the issuers exchange notes, properly
tendered on or prior to the expiration date and not withdrawn as
permitted pursuant to the procedures described below. The
exchange offer is being made with respect to all of the
outstanding notes.
As of the date of this prospectus $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding notes are outstanding. This
prospectus, together with the letter of transmittal, is first
being sent on or about July 26, 2005 to all holders of
outstanding notes known to us. Our obligation to accept
outstanding notes for exchange pursuant to the exchange offer is
subject to certain conditions set forth under
Conditions to the Exchange Offer below.
We currently expect that each of the conditions will be
satisfied and that no waivers will be necessary.
Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer
The issuers and Homebase have entered into a registration rights
agreement with the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes
in which we agreed, under some circumstances, to file a
registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the
outstanding notes for exchange notes. We also agreed to use our
reasonable best efforts to cause the exchange offer registration
statement to become effective under the Securities Act and to
keep the exchange offer open for at least 10 business days. The
exchange notes will have terms substantially identical to the
outstanding notes, except that the transfer restrictions,
registration rights and additional interest provisions
applicable to the outstanding notes will not apply to the
exchange notes. The outstanding notes were issued on
April 14, 2004.
Under certain circumstances set forth in the registration rights
agreement, we will use our reasonable best efforts to cause the
SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with
respect to the resale of the outstanding notes and keep the
registration statement effective for up to two years after the
date on which the outstanding notes were issued.
If we fail to comply with certain obligations under the
registration rights agreement, we will be required to pay
additional interest to holders of the outstanding notes.
Each holder of outstanding notes that wishes to exchange
outstanding notes for transferable exchange notes in the
exchange offer will be required to make the following
representations:
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any exchange notes will be acquired in the ordinary course of
its business; |
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the holder will have no arrangements or understanding with any
person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes
within the meaning of the Securities Act; |
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the holder is not an affiliate, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of either issuer or, if it
is an affiliate, that it will comply with applicable
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act to the extent applicable; |
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if the holder is a broker-dealer, that it will receive exchange
notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes that
were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities and that it will be required to acknowledge
that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange
notes. See Plan of Distribution; and |
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the holder is not acting on behalf of any person who could not
truthfully make the foregoing representations. |
Resale of Exchange Notes
Based on interpretations of the SEC staff set forth in no action
letters issued to unrelated third parties, we believe that
exchange notes issued under the exchange offer in exchange for
outstanding notes
134
may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by
any exchange note holder without compliance with the
registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the
Securities Act, if:
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the holder is not an affiliate of either issuer
within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act; |
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the exchange notes are acquired in the ordinary course of the
holders business; and |
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the holder does not intend to participate in the distribution of
the exchange notes. |
Any holder who tenders in the exchange offer with the intention
of participating in any manner in a distribution of the exchange
notes:
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cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC set forth in
Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available
June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation
(available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the
SECs letter to Shearman & Sterling (dated
July 2, 1993), or similar no-action letters; and |
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in the absence of any exemption therefrom, must comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction. |
This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, for the
resale or for other retransfer of exchange notes only as
specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to
broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the
outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or
other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the outstanding
notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of the exchange notes. Please read the section
captioned Plan of Distribution for more details
regarding the transfer of exchange notes.
Terms of the Exchange Offer
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this
prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we
will accept for exchange any outstanding notes properly tendered
and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date. We will issue
$1,000 principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for each
$1,000 principal amount of outstanding notes surrendered under
the exchange offer. Outstanding notes may be tendered only in
integral multiples of $1,000.
The form and terms of the exchange notes will be substantially
identical to the form and terms of the outstanding notes except
the exchange that the transfer restrictions, registration rights
and additional interest provisions applicable to the outstanding
notes will not apply to the exchange notes. The exchange notes
will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The
exchange notes will be issued under and entitled to the benefits
of the same indenture that authorized the issuance of the
outstanding notes. Consequently, the outstanding notes and the
exchange notes will be treated as a single class of debt
securities under the indenture.
The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate
principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for
exchange.
As of the date of this prospectus, $200.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the outstanding notes are outstanding. This
prospectus and a letter of transmittal are being sent to all
registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed
record date for determining registered holders of outstanding
notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer.
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the
provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable
requirements of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the
rules and regulations of the SEC. Outstanding notes that are not
tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain
outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled
to the rights and benefits the holders have under the indenture
relating to the outstanding notes and the registration rights
agreement, except for any rights under the registration rights
agreement that by their terms terminate upon the consummation of
the exchange offer.
135
We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly
tendered outstanding notes when we have given oral or written
notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange
agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the
purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering
exchange notes to the holders. We reserve the right to amend or
terminate the exchange offer, and not to accept for exchange any
outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the
occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under the
caption Conditions to the Exchange Offer.
Holders who tender outstanding notes in the exchange offer will
not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject
to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes
with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay
all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes
described below, in connection with the exchange offer. It is
important that you read the section labeled
Fees and Expenses below for more details
regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on August 23, 2005, unless in our sole discretion we
extend it.
In order to extend the exchange offer, we will notify the
exchange agent orally or in writing of any extension. We will
notify the registered holders of outstanding notes of the
extension by press release or other public announcement no later
than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day
immediately following the previously scheduled expiration date.
We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:
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to delay accepting for exchange any outstanding notes; |
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to extend the exchange offer or to terminate the exchange offer
and to refuse to accept outstanding notes not previously
accepted if any of the conditions set forth below under
Conditions to the Exchange Offer have
not been satisfied, by giving oral or written notice of the
delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent; or |
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to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner. |
Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination, or amendment
will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written
notice to the registered holders of outstanding notes. If we
amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine
constitutes a material change, we will promptly disclose the
amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holder
of outstanding notes of the amendment.
Without limiting the manner in which we may choose to make
public announcements of any delay in acceptance, extension,
termination or amendment of the exchange offer, we will have no
obligation to publish, advertise, or otherwise communicate any
public announcement, other than by making a timely release to a
financial news service.
Conditions to the Exchange Offer
Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be
required to accept for exchange, or issue any exchange notes
for, any outstanding notes, and we may terminate the exchange
offer as provided in this prospectus before accepting any
outstanding notes for exchange if in our reasonable judgment:
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the exchange notes to be received will not be tradable by the
holder without restriction under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act and without material restrictions under the blue
sky or securities laws of substantially all of the states of the
United States; |
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the exchange offer, or the making of any exchange by a holder of
outstanding notes, violates applicable law or any applicable
interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or |
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any action or proceeding has been instituted or threatened in
any court or by or before any governmental agency with respect
to the exchange offer that, in our judgment, would reasonably be
expected to impair our ability to proceed with the exchange
offer. |
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In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the
outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:
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the representations and acknowledgements described under
Purpose and Effect of the Exchange
Offer, Procedures for Tendering
and Plan of Distribution; and |
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such other representations as may be reasonably necessary under
applicable SEC rules, regulations or interpretations to make
available to it an appropriate form for registration of the
exchange notes under the Securities Act. |
We expressly reserve the right, at any time or at various times,
to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is
open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding
notes by giving oral or written notice of the extension to their
holders. During any such extensions, all outstanding notes
previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer,
and we may accept them for exchange. We will return any
outstanding notes that we do not accept for exchange for any
reason without expense to their tendering holder as promptly as
practicable after the expiration or termination of the exchange
offer.
We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the
exchange offer, and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes
not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any
of the conditions of the exchange offer specified above. We will
give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment,
nonacceptance, or termination to the holders of the outstanding
notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension,
such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New
York City time, on the business day immediately following the
previously scheduled expiration date.
These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them
regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or
waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times in our
sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the
foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of
this right. Each right will be deemed an ongoing right that we
may assert at any time or at various times.
In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding
notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange
for any outstanding notes, if at the time any stop order will be
threatened or in effect with respect to the registration
statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the
qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of
1939.
Procedures for Tendering
Only a holder of outstanding notes may tender the outstanding
notes in the exchange offer. To tender in the exchange offer, a
holder must:
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complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal,
or a facsimile of the letter of transmittal; have the signature
on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if the letter of
transmittal so requires; and mail or deliver the letter of
transmittal or facsimile to the exchange agent prior to the
expiration date; or |
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comply with DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program procedures
described below. |
In addition, either:
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the exchange agent must receive certificates for the outstanding
notes along with the accompanying letter of transmittal prior to
the expiration date; or |
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the exchange agent must receive, prior to the expiration date, a
timely confirmation of book-entry transfer of the outstanding
notes into the exchange agents account at DTC according to
the procedures for book-entry transfer described below or a
properly transmitted agents message; or |
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the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures
described below. |
To be tendered effectively, the exchange agent must receive any
physical delivery of a letter of transmittal and other required
documents at the address set forth below under
Exchange Agent prior to the expiration
date.
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The tender by a holder that is not withdrawn prior to the
expiration date will constitute an agreement between the holder
and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the
conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying
letter of transmittal.
The method of delivery of outstanding notes, the letter of
transmittal and all other required documents to the exchange
agent is at the holders election and risk. Rather than
mail these items, we recommend that holders use an overnight or
hand delivery service. In all cases, holders should allow
sufficient time to assure delivery to the exchange agent before
the expiration date. Holders should not send the letter of
transmittal or outstanding notes to us. Holders may request
their respective brokers, dealers, commercial banks, trust
companies or other nominees to effect the above transactions for
them.
Any beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in
the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or
other nominee and who wishes to tender should contact the
registered holder promptly and instruct it to tender on the
owners behalf. If the beneficial owner wishes to tender on
its own behalf, it must, prior to completing and executing the
accompanying letter of transmittal and delivering its
outstanding notes either:
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make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the
outstanding notes in such owners name; or |
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obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered
holder of outstanding notes. |
The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time
and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal
described below must be guaranteed by a member firm of a
registered national securities exchange or of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or
trust company having an office or correspondent in the United
States or another eligible institution within the
meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, unless the
outstanding notes are tendered:
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by a registered holder who has not completed the box entitled
Special Issuance Instructions or Special
Delivery Instructions on the accompanying letter of
transmittal; or |
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for the account of an eligible institution. |
If the accompanying letter of transmittal is signed by a person
other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed
on the outstanding notes, the outstanding notes must be endorsed
or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond
power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered
holders name appears on the outstanding notes and an
eligible institution must guarantee the signature on the bond
power.
If the accompanying letter of transmittal or any outstanding
notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors,
administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of
corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative
capacity, these persons should so indicate when signing. Unless
waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to
us of their authority to deliver the accompanying letter of
transmittal.
The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial
institution that is a participant in DTCs system may use
DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program to tender.
Participants in the program may, instead of physically
completing and signing the accompanying letter of transmittal
and delivering it to the exchange agent, transmit their
acceptance of the exchange offer electronically. They may do so
by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange
agent in accordance with its procedures for transfer. DTC will
then send an agents message to the exchange agent. The
term agents message means a message
transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming
part of the book-entry confirmation, to the effect that:
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DTC has received an express acknowledgment from a participant in
its Automated Tender Offer Program that is tendering outstanding
notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation; |
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the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the terms
of the accompanying letter of transmittal, or, in the case of an
agents message relating to guaranteed delivery, that the
participant has received and agrees to be bound by the
applicable notice of guaranteed delivery; and |
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the agreement may be enforced against that participant. |
We will determine in our sole discretion all outstanding
questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time
or receipt, acceptance of tendered outstanding notes and
withdrawal of tendered outstanding notes. Our determination will
be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject
any outstanding notes not properly tendered or any outstanding
notes the acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our
counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the right to waive any
defects, irregularities or conditions of tender as to particular
outstanding notes. Our interpretation of the terms and
conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in
the accompanying letter of transmittal, will be final and
binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or
irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes
must be cured within such time as we will determine. Although we
intend to notify holders of defects or irregularities with
respect to tenders of outstanding notes, neither we, the
exchange agent, nor any other person will incur any liability
for failure to give the notification. Tenders of outstanding
notes will not be deemed made until any defects or
irregularities have been cured or waived. Any outstanding notes
received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered
and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been
cured or waived will be returned to the exchange agent without
cost to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the
letter of transmittal, as soon as practicable following the
expiration date.
In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for outstanding notes
that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only
after the exchange agent timely receives:
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outstanding notes or a timely book-entry confirmation of the
outstanding notes into the exchange agents account at
DTC; and |
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a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and
all other required documents or a properly transmitted
agents message. |
By signing the accompanying letter of transmittal or authorizing
the transmission of the agents message, each tendering
holder of outstanding notes will represent or be deemed to have
represented to us that, among other things:
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any exchange notes that the holder receives will be acquired in
the ordinary course of its business; |
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the holder has no arrangement or understanding with any person
or entity to participate in the distribution of the exchange
notes; |
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the holder is not an affiliate, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act, of either issuer or, if the
holder is an affiliate, it will comply with any applicable
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act; |
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if the holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not engaged in
and does not intend to engage in the distribution of the
exchange notes; |
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if the holder is a broker-dealer, that will receive exchange
notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes that
were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities, that it will deliver a prospectus, as
required by law, in connection with any resale of any exchange
notes. See Plan of Distribution; and |
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the holder is not acting on behalf of any person who could not
truthfully make the foregoing representations. |
Book-Entry Transfer
The exchange agent will make a request to establish an account
with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC for purposes of the
exchange offer promptly after the date of this prospectus. Any
financial institution participating in DTCs system may
make book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing DTC to
transfer the outstanding notes into the exchange agents
account at DTC in accordance with DTCs procedures for
transfer. Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver
confirmation of the
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book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC or all other documents required by
the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to
the expiration date must tender their outstanding notes
according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
Holders wishing to tender their outstanding notes but whose
outstanding notes are not immediately available or who cannot
deliver their outstanding notes, the accompanying letter of
transmittal or any other available required documents to the
exchange agent or comply with the applicable procedures under
DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program prior to the
expiration date may tender if:
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the tender is made through an eligible institution; |
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prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent receives from
the eligible institution either a properly completed and duly
executed notice of guaranteed delivery, by facsimile
transmission, mail or hand delivery, or a properly transmitted
agents message and notice of guaranteed delivery: |
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setting forth the name and address of the holder, the registered
number(s) of the outstanding notes and the principal amount of
outstanding notes tendered: |
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stating that the tender is being made thereby; and |
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guaranteeing that, within three New York Stock Exchange trading
days after the expiration date, the accompanying letter of
transmittal, or facsimile thereof, together with the outstanding
notes or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents
required by the accompanying letter of transmittal will be
deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange
agent; and |
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the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed
letter of transmittal, or facsimile thereof, as well as all
tendered outstanding notes in proper form for transfer or a
book-entry confirmation and all other documents required by the
accompanying letter of transmittal, within three New York Stock
Exchange trading days after the expiration date. |
Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed
delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their
outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery
procedures set forth above.
Withdrawal of Tenders
Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, holders of
outstanding notes may withdraw their tenders at any time prior
to the expiration date.
For a withdrawal to be effective:
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the exchange agent must receive a written notice of withdrawal,
which notice may be by telegram, telex, facsimile transmission
or letter of withdrawal at one of the addresses set forth below
under Exchange Agent, or |
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holders must comply with the appropriate procedures of
DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program system. |
Any notice of withdrawal must:
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specify the name of the person who tendered the outstanding
notes to be withdrawn; |
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identify the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the
principal amount of the outstanding notes; and |
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where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted,
specify the name in which the outstanding notes were registered,
if different from that of the withdrawing holder. |
If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or
otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the
release of the certificates, the withdrawing holder must also
submit:
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the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be
withdrawn; and |
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a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an
eligible institution unless the holder is an eligible
institution. |
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If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the
procedure for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of
withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at
DTC to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and
otherwise comply with the procedures of that facility. We will
determine all questions as to the validity, form and
eligibility, including time of receipt, of the notices, and our
determination will be final and binding on all parties. We will
deem any outstanding notes so withdrawn not to have been validly
tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any
outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that
are not exchanged for any reason will be returned to their
holder without cost to the holder, or, in the case of
outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the
exchange agents account at DTC according to the procedures
described above, the outstanding notes will be credited to an
account maintained with DTC for outstanding notes, as soon as
practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination
of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn, outstanding notes may
be retendered by following one of the procedures described
under Procedures for Tendering above at any
time on or prior to the expiration date.
Exchange Agent
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. has been appointed as exchange agent for
the exchange offer. You should direct questions and requests for
assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or
for the letter of transmittal and requests for the notice of
guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent as follows:
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By Registered and Certified Mail
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A
Corporate Trust Operations
MAC N9303-121
P.O. Box 1517
Minneapolis, MN 55480 |
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By Overnight Courier or Regular Mail
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Corporate Trust Operations
MAC N9303-121
6th
& Marquette Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55479 |
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By Hand Delivery
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Corporate Trust Services
608
2nd Avenue
South
Northstar East Building
12th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402 |
Or
By Facsimile Transmission:
(612) 667-4927
Confirm by Telephone:
(612) 667-9764
Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other
than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile other than
as set forth above does not constitute a valid delivery of the
letter of transmittal.
Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders. The principal
solicitation is being made by mail; however, we may make
additional solicitations by telephone or in person by our
officers and regular employees and those of our affiliates.
We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the
exchange offer and will not make any payments to broker-dealers
or others soliciting acceptance of the exchange offer. We will,
however, pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees
for its services and reimburse it for its related reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses.
We will pay the cash expenses to be incurred in connection with
the exchange offer. The expenses are estimated in the aggregate
to be approximately $310,000. They include:
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SEC registration fees; |
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fees and expenses of the exchange agent and trustee; |
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accounting and legal fees and printing costs; and |
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related fees and expenses. |
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Transfer Taxes
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the
exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer. The
tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer
taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other
person, if:
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certificates representing outstanding notes for principal
amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be
delivered to, or are to be issued in the name of, any person
other than the registered holder of outstanding notes tendered; |
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tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any
person other than the person signing the letter of
transmittal; or |
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a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange
of outstanding notes under the exchange offer. |
If satisfactory evidence of payment of the taxes is not
submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of the
transfer taxes will be billed to that tendering holder.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange
Holders of outstanding notes who do not exchange their
outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer
will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of the
outstanding notes:
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as set forth in the legend printed on the outstanding notes as a
consequence of the issuance of the outstanding notes under the
exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the
registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable
state securities laws; and |
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otherwise as set forth in the offering circular distributed in
connection with the private offering of the outstanding notes. |
In general, you may not offer or sell the outstanding notes
unless they are registered under the Securities Act, or if the
offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities
Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by
the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register
resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. Based
on interpretations of the SEC staff, exchange notes issued in
the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or
otherwise transferred by their holders (other than any holder
that is an affiliate of either issuer within the
meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act, provided that the holders
acquired the exchange notes in the ordinary course of the
holders business and the holders have no arrangement or
understanding with respect to the distribution of the exchange
notes to be acquired in the exchange offer. Any holder who
tenders in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating
in a distribution of the exchange notes:
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cannot rely on the applicable interpretations of the
SEC; and |
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must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a
secondary resale transaction. |
Accounting Treatment
We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at
the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the
aggregate principal amount, as reflected in our accounting
records on the date of exchange. Accordingly, we will not
recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes in connection
with the exchange offer. We will record the expenses of the
exchange offer as incurred.
Other
Participation in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should
carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult
your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on
what action to take.
We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding
notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions,
through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no
present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not
tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration
statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Limited Liability Company Agreement
Homebase is a Delaware limited liability company organized on
June 26, 2002. The LLC agreement provides for
Homebases capitalization, management and the conduct of
its business. Except as provided below, the provisions of the
LLC agreement will terminate upon completion of the proposed
initial public offering.
Pursuant to the LLC agreement, in connection with the
acquisition of TXUCV, our existing equity investors made cash
contributions to Homebase in the aggregate amount of
$89.0 million. As a result of these and prior cash
contributions, they each currently beneficially own 3,000,000
common shares and approximately 60,666.7 Class A preferred
shares of Homebase, accounting for 90% of the issued and
outstanding common shares and 100% of the issued and outstanding
Class A preferred shares of Homebase. The remainder of the
common shares of Homebase are owned by members of management of
our company.
Homebase has 10,000,000 of its common shares and 182,000 of its
Class A preferred shares authorized for issuance in the
discretion of the board of managers. Of the authorized shares,
9,995,000 of Homebases common shares and 182,000 of its
Class A preferred shares are issued and outstanding. All
but 5,000 of the common shares reserved for issuance pursuant to
a restricted share plan have been granted.
Holders of common shares are entitled to one vote per share in
matters submitted to the shareholders. The Class A
preferred shares have no voting rights except as required by law.
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Action by the Board of Managers |
The board of managers is authorized to exercise the authority of
the members of Homebase to manage and control the company,
subject to delegation of authority to the executive officers,
except as required by law or as otherwise specified in the LLC
agreement. So long as each existing equity investor maintains a
specified ownership interest in Homebase, each will have the
right to designate directors as follows:
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two directors designated by Central Illinois Telephone; |
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one director designated by Providence Equity; and |
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one director designated by Spectrum Equity. |
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Action by the Board of Managers Prior to ICC Approval of
Governance Change |
As described below, we expect to make certain changes to our
governance provisions to limit the scope of the right of Central
Illinois Telephone to block specified actions by our board of
managers. Approval of the ICC is required in order to adopt
these changes to our governance structure. Until such time as
the changes are implemented, the consent of a majority of the
board of managers is required for Homebase, or its subsidiaries,
to take specified actions, including the following:
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issuing equity securities; |
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effecting a merger, consolidation, liquidation, dissolution or
similar transaction, except as provided in the LLC agreement; |
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acquiring or disposing of businesses or assets outside the
ordinary course of business; |
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incurring debt, other than working capital borrowings of
subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000, or
granting liens on property of Homebase or its subsidiaries to
secure any debt; |
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making capital investments in excess of $500,000; |
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entering into material contracts or commitments in excess of
$500,000 in any year; |
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engaging in transactions with the existing equity investors,
except as provided in the LLC agreement; |
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establishing committees of the board of managers or appointing
directors thereto; |
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waiving material rights or settling litigation; |
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instituting material litigation and similar proceedings outside
the ordinary course of business; |
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filing for protection under any bankruptcy or insolvency law; |
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adopting or amending the annual plan, which includes monthly
capital and operating expenses budgets, cash flow statements and
profit and loss projections; and |
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filing a registration statement with the SEC for any securities
of Homebase. |
Currently, each member of the board of managers has one vote. As
a result, Central Illinois Telephone has the right to block the
actions of our board of managers. Upon the occurrence of the
following board shift events, the director appointed
by Providence Equity and the director appointed by Spectrum
Equity will each have two votes, meaning Central Illinois
Telephones right to block the specified actions by our
board of managers will cease with respect to the foregoing
matters:
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Mr. Lumpkin ceases to make the business and affairs of our
company his principal business activity or otherwise ceases to
be a director or to be involved in our business and affairs at a
level consistent with that of a director; |
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Mr. Lumpkins death or disability; |
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Mr. Lumpkin ceases to have sole voting control of at least
51.0% of the shares of Homebase held by Central Illinois
Telephone as of the date of the acquisition of TXUCV; or |
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any of Mr. Lumpkin, specified members of his family or
Central Illinois Telephone exercises their respective put rights
in accordance with the LLC agreement, as summarized below under
Put Rights. |
In addition, upon the occurrence of the following put
breach events, the director appointed by Providence Equity
and the director appointed by Spectrum Equity will each have two
votes:
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the failure of Homebase to comply with the appraisal rights
granted to Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity, which may be
exercised at any time after June 30, 2007, in accordance
with the terms of the LLC agreement; or |
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the failure of Homebase to comply with the put rights of
Mr. Lumpkin and his affiliates, Providence Equity or
Spectrum Equity in accordance with the terms of the LLC
agreement. |
Until ICC approval of the governance change is obtained, Central
Illinois Telephone has agreed to cause its directors to vote in
favor of matters that do not affect CCI Illinois, or
Homebases interest in CCI Illinois, and are approved by
the directors appointed by Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity.
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Action By the Board of Managers Following ICC Approval of
Governance Change |
If, and after the date the ICC approves our new governance
structure, the directors appointed by each of Providence Equity
and Spectrum Equity will have the number of votes equal to the
number of common shares held by that existing equity investor
and the directors appointed by Central Illinois Telephone will
each have the number of votes equal to 50% of the number of
common shares held by Mr. Lumpkin, his affiliates and his
family.
Prior to a board shift event, a put breach event, a public
equity offering by Homebase or Mr. Lumpkins failure
to purchase CCI Illinois after offering to do so, the board of
managers may not permit Illinois Holdings or any of its
subsidiaries or any of their respective boards, without the
consent of Mr. Lumpkin or one of the directors appointed by
Central Illinois Telephone, to:
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effect a sale of CCI Illinois other than to Mr. Lumpkin; |
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effect a sale of Homebase prior to January 1, 2006, unless
specified rights of Central Illinois Telephone remain in place
following any such sale; |
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incur debt in excess of specified leverage ratios; |
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relocate our headquarters and our senior management team from
Mattoon, Illinois; |
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terminate Mr. Currey as our chief executive officer prior
to April 14, 2006; |
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incorporate or merge into a dormant corporation, unless
immediately prior to, and in connection with, a public equity
offering; or |
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with regard to Illinois Holdings or its subsidiaries: |
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adopt or amend the annual plan, as summarized below under
Annual Plan; |
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acquire or dispose of business or assets outside of the ordinary
course of business; |
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make capital investments in excess of $500,000; |
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enter into contracts or commitments, other than in connection
with incurring debt, in excess of $500,000 a year; |
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waive any material rights or settle or initiate any litigation; |
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liquidate, dissolve or file for protection under any bankruptcy
or insolvency law; |
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conduct a public offering of common shares; |
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hire, fire or change the compensation of management; or |
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effect transactions with CCI Texas or its subsidiaries, except
in limited circumstances, including those related to the and
Facilities Agreement discussed below. |
The LLC agreement further provides that, following ICC approval,
the right to designate members of the boards of directors, or
bodies serving similar functions, of Homebases
subsidiaries, including the boards of directors of the issuers,
will be similarly distributed among designees of our existing
equity investors and their affiliates.
Under the LLC agreement, at least 30 days prior to the
beginning of each fiscal year, Homebase is required to prepare
and submit to the board of managers an annual plan for such
year, including monthly capital and operating expenses budgets,
cash flow statements and profit and loss projections. Homebase
is authorized, without further action by the board of managers,
to expend funds in a manner consistent with the then approved
current annual plan.
Except under limited circumstances, if Homebase offers to issue
capital stock or other ownership interests of Homebase at any
time prior to conducting an initial public offering, our
existing equity investors have the right to purchase that number
of offered securities that allows the existing equity investors
to maintain their respective ownership percentages in Homebase.
The holders of Homebases Class A preferred shares are
entitled to receive distributions before the holders of the
common shares until each holder of Class A preferred shares
receives the cumulative amount of such holders investment
in respect to its Class A preferred shares, plus a return
on that investment, accruing at the rate of 9.0% per year.
Thereafter, distributions are to be made in accordance with each
members relative holdings of common shares.
In addition, Homebase is required to make tax distributions to
its members in an amount equal to 45.0% of the cumulative amount
of taxable income and gain allocated to the members on account
of their common shares.
Prior to December 30, 2005 or, if the ICC has not approved
our new governance structure, December 30, 2007, our
existing equity investors are prohibited from transferring their
common shares or
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Class A preferred shares except to certain successors or
affiliates that agree in writing to become a party to the LLC
agreement.
Thereafter, any existing equity investor may sell its shares
subject to a right of co-sale and first refusal granted to each
of the other existing equity investors. If an existing equity
investor desires to sell its shares, that existing equity
investor must first give written notice to each of the other
existing equity investors. Within 15 days after receiving
such notice, the other existing equity investors may elect to
participate with the selling existing equity investor in selling
their shares of the same class and on the same terms as those
set forth in the offer notice. An existing equity investor that
does not participate in the sale will then have the option,
exercisable by delivering written notice of the exercise to any
selling equity investor within 45 days after receiving the
original offer notice, to elect to purchase all of the shares of
the selling existing equity investor and those that have elected
to participate in the sale on the terms described in the
original offer notice. Unless otherwise agreed, if more than one
existing equity investor delivers notice of acceptance of the
offer, then the shares will be transferred in proportion to the
applicable existing equity investors current ownership
percentage.
If a non-selling existing equity investor does not elect to
purchase all of the shares offered for sale within 45 days
after the receipt of the original offer notice, the selling
existing equity investor will have a further 60 days during
which it may consummate the sale of its shares to a third-party.
The sale to a third-party must be at a price and on such other
terms that are no more favorable to the third-party than the
terms offered to the non-selling existing equity investor. If
the sale is not completed within 60 days, the original
offer notice will expire, and a new notice and offer shall be
required before the selling existing equity investor may make
any transfer of its shares.
Furthermore, Mr. Lumpkin has agreed that neither he, nor
any member of his family, will divest more than
331/3%
of their current ownership interest in Central Illinois
Telephone, nor otherwise dispose of that interest to the extent
that that disposition would contravene the purposes of the
transfer restrictions.
In addition, any member of management who has been granted
common shares under the restricted share plan will not be
permitted to transfer shares except under limited circumstances.
Following the proposed initial public offering, each of our
existing equity investors will have the right to participate, on
a proportional basis, in any sale of our equity securities that
would result in either the purchaser of those securities
becoming the largest single holder of our equity securities or
the holder of more than 40.0% of our outstanding voting
securities.
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Right of First Offer to Purchase the Capital Securities of
CCI Illinois |
Following approval by the ICC of our new governance
arrangements, Central Illinois Telephone will have a right of
first offer to acquire CCI Illinois at fair market value before
any sale of Homebase.
After June 30, 2007, Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity
will have the right, up to twice in any twelve month period, to
have the value of their common shares appraised. For
30 days following that appraisal, either of Providence
Equity or Spectrum Equity can require Homebase to purchase all,
but not less than all, of that existing equity investors
shares. If either Providence Equity or Spectrum Equity requires
Homebase to purchase its shares, the other existing equity
investors will have additional time to elect to sell their
shares to Homebase on similar terms. This put right will
terminate upon the consummation of the proposed initial public
offering.
In connection with the proposed initial public offering, the
existing equity investors will be granted registration rights
that provide each existing equity investor with:
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up to two demand registrations rights; |
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unlimited shelf registration rights; and |
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unlimited piggyback registration rights. |
Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity are free to engage, or
possess an interest, in any business and to avail themselves of
any business opportunity without having to offer Homebase, its
subsidiaries or any of our members the opportunity to
participate in that business. In addition, Providence Equity and
Spectrum Equity are not required to present any particular
investment opportunity to Homebase even if that opportunity is
related to our business.
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Indemnification and Limitations on the Fiduciary Duty of
Members |
Under the LLC agreement, Homebase agreed to indemnify, to the
fullest extent permitted by applicable law, its directors,
employees and agents and the existing equity investors and their
respective directors, stockholders, members, partners,
representatives or agents for losses which the indemnified
person may sustain, incur or assume as a result of, or relative
to, any act or omission performed by the indemnified person on
behalf of Homebase in a manner reasonably believed to be within
the scope of authority provided by the LLC agreement. The
indemnification does not apply to any loss incurred by the
indemnified person as a result of his or its gross negligence or
willful misconduct. Furthermore, this indemnity is limited to
the value of the assets of Homebase.
Under the LLC agreement, none of Homebases members,
directors, employees or agents will be liable to Homebase or
other members, directors, employees or agents of Homebase for
acts undertaken in good faith reliance on the provisions of the
LLC agreement.
Waivers and amendments to the LLC agreement require the written
consent of the board of managers and the existing equity
investors holding more than 50.0% of the common shares then held
by all of Homebases members, excluding any common shares
issued to employees under the restricted share plan. The consent
of a majority of the shares of an existing equity investor,
however, is required if that existing equity investors
rights or duties are affected in a manner that is materially
different from other existing equity investors.
The LLC agreement is governed by Delaware law.
Reorganization Agreement
Our existing equity investors and members of management who will
own shares of common stock will enter into a reorganization
agreement, effective immediately prior to the closing of the
initial public offering, which sets forth the terms of the
reorganization and the certain other rights and obligations of
our existing equity investors in connection with this offering.
The reorganization agreement will provide first for the merger
of Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. with and
into CCI Holdings and then for the merger of Homebase with and
into CCI Holdings, in each case, with CCI Holdings being
the entity surviving the merger. CCI Holdings, the issuer in
this offering, is presently a wholly owned subsidiary of
Homebase Acquisition, LLC. In connection with the
reorganization, we will amend and restate our certificate of
incorporation to, among other things, change our name from
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc. to
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. Throughout this
prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires, we have
assumed that the foregoing reorganization and name change have
been completed.
In connection with the merger of Homebase with and into CCI
Holdings:
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Central Illinois Telephone will receive from Homebase an
aggregate of 7,504,001 shares of common stock; |
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Spectrum Equity will receive from Homebase an aggregate of
7,504,003 shares of common stock; |
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Providence Equity will receive from Homebase an aggregate of
7,504,001 shares of common stock; and |
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our management stockholders will receive from Homebase an
aggregate of 1,175,509 shares of common stock. |
The number of shares of common stock received by each of Central
Illinois Telephone, Providence Equity, Spectrum Equity and our
management in the reorganization will be determined based on the
relative value of the Homebase preferred and common shares
assuming a liquidation of Homebase as part of the
reorganization. The aggregate equity value of Homebase will be
assumed to be equal to our aggregate equity value immediately
prior to the offering after giving effect to the reorganization
and was based upon an initial public offering price of
$15.00 per share. In the reorganization, each preferred
share in Homebase will be exchanged for a number of shares of
our common stock with a value at the initial public offering
price that equals the liquidation preference of such preferred
share at the closing of the initial public offering. The holders
of Homebase common shares will receive shares of common stock
representing the remaining equity value of the company based
upon their respective number of Homebase common shares.
The reorganization agreement also provides for the following:
In connection with this offering and the related transactions,
we will grant registration rights to each of our existing equity
investors that provide each such investor with:
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up to two demand registration rights; |
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unlimited shelf registration rights; and |
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unlimited piggyback registration rights. |
Professional Services Fee Agreements
Homebase and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into two
professional services fee agreements, each effective as of
April 14, 2004, with Mr. Lumpkin and Providence Equity
and Spectrum Equity. One agreement requires CCI to pay to
Mr. Lumpkin and such affiliates of Providence Equity and
Spectrum Equity an annual professional services fee in the
aggregate amount of $2.0 million for consulting, advisory
and other professional services provided to CCI and its
subsidiaries relating to the Illinois operations. The other
agreement requires Texas Acquisition to pay to Mr. Lumpkin
and such affiliates of Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity an
annual professional services fee in the aggregate amount of
$3.0 million for consulting, advisory and other
professional services provided to Texas Acquisition and its
subsidiaries relating to the Texas operations. The professional
services fees are generally payable in cash. The professional
services fees, however, must be paid in the form of class A
preferred shares if payment in cash is prohibited by the
existing credit agreement or if consolidated EBITDA (determined
in accordance with the existing credit agreement) is less than
or equal to $106.0 million. Payment of the professional
services fees is subordinate to the obligations under the
existing credit agreement and the notes. The rights of
Mr. Lumpkin and the affiliates of Providence Equity and
Spectrum Equity to receive professional services fees described
above will automatically terminate upon the consummation of the
proposed initial public offering.
Cash Distribution to the Existing Equity Investors
On June 7, 2005, we made a $37.5 million cash
distribution to our existing equity investors from cash on our
balance sheet.
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LATEL Sale/ Leaseback
In 2002, in connection with the acquisition by Homebase of ICTC
and several related businesses from McLeodUSA, each of ICTC and
Consolidated Communications Market Response, Inc., or
Consolidated Market Response, an indirect, wholly owned
subsidiary of Illinois Holdings, entered into separate
agreements with LATEL, pursuant to which each of them sold to
LATEL real property for total consideration of approximately
$9.2 million and then leased the property back from LATEL.
LATEL is owned 50.0% by Mr. Lumpkin and 50.0% by Agracel.
Agracel is the sole managing member of LATEL. Mr. Lumpkin,
together with members of his family, beneficially owns 49.7% and
Mr. Grissom owns 2.6% of Agracel. In addition,
Messrs. Lumpkin and Grissom are directors of Agracel.
The initial term of both leases was one year beginning on
December 31, 2002. Each lease automatically renews for
successive one year terms through 2013, unless either ICTC or
Consolidated Market Response provides one year prior written
notice that it intends to terminate its respective lease.
Collectively, the lease expense for 2004 was approximately
$1.2 million, of which ICTC paid approximately
$1.0 million and Consolidated Market Response paid the
remainder. These lease payments represent 100% of the revenues
of LATEL. The annual rent for each lease will increase by 2.5%
upon each renewal. Either subsidiary can terminate its lease
agreement with LATEL at any time by giving LATEL one year prior
written notice.
The sale prices for the properties sold to LATEL were determined
based on an appraisal of each property. We believe the sale
prices were reasonable and comparable to those that could have
been obtained in an arms length transaction.
Upon the occurrence of any the following events, LATEL has the
option to convert the term of the lease to a fixed term of six
years which would commence on the date LATEL exercises its
option:
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a public offering of our equity securities; |
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a change of control, defined as the acquisition of control by a
person, group or entity other than one or more affiliates of
Mr. Lumpkin or LATEL, of either ICTC, Consolidated Market
Response or any entity that directly or indirectly controls
either of them; |
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a board shift event, as described under
Limited Liability Company
Agreement Action By the Board of
Managers Action By the Board of Managers Prior to
ICC Approval of Governance Change; or |
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a put breach event, as described under in
Limited Liability Company
Agreement Action by the Board of
Managers Action By the Board of Managers Prior to
ICC Approval of Governance Change. |
Upon the consummation of the proposed initial public offering,
we expect that LATEL will exercise its option to convert the
term of the lease to a fixed term of six years commencing on the
date the option is exercised. Currently, the leases are recorded
as operating leases of ICTC and Consolidated Market Response.
MACC, LLC
In 1997, prior to our acquisition of ICTC at the end of 2002,
Consolidated Market Response entered into a lease agreement with
MACC LLC, or MACC, an Illinois limited liability company,
pursuant to which Consolidated Market Response agreed to lease
office space for a period of five years. Agracel is the sole
managing member and 66.7% owner of MACC, LLC, or MACC, an
Illinois limited liability company. Mr. Lumpkin and members
of his family directly own the remainder of MACC. The parties
extended the lease for an additional five years beginning
October 14, 2002. Consolidated Market Response paid MACC
rent for 2004 in the amount of $123,278. These payments
represent approximately 58.0% of MACCs total revenues for
2004. The lease provides for a cost of living increase to the
annual lease payments based on the Revised Consumers Price
Index, All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics for the United States Department of Labor.
Neither party has the right to terminate this agreement by the
terms of the agreement. We believe the terms of this lease are
reasonable and comparable to those that could have been obtained
in an arms length transaction.
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SKL Investment Group, LLC
Mr. Lumpkin, together with members of his family,
beneficially owns 100% of SKL Investment Group, a Delaware
limited liability company which is an investment company serving
the Lumpkin family. Mr. Lumpkin and members of his family
are the sole voting members of SKL Investment Group. SKL
Investment Group paid to CCI $76,800 in 2004 for the use of
office space, computers and telephones and for other office
related expenses. This amount also includes a reimbursement of
approximately $34,750 in 2004 for a pro rata portion of
Mr. Grissoms salary paid by CCI. Mr. Grissom
serves as Administrative Officer of SKL Investment Group. The
amount CCI charged SKL for the use of its office space,
equipment and other office related expenses is based upon the
amounts incurred by CCI. For example, in 2004 SKL paid $28,100
to rent approximately 1,677 square feet of office space,
which is equivalent to CCIs base rent per square foot plus
SKLs pro rata share of real estate taxes, utilities and
maintenance. SKLs use of equipment and other office
related expenses was based on actual third-party charges or
SKLs estimated usage. We believe these terms are
reasonable and comparable to those that could have been obtained
in an arms length transaction.
First Mid-Illinois
Pursuant to various agreements with CCI, First Mid-Illinois
provides CCI Illinois with general banking services, including
depository, disbursement and payroll accounts, on terms
comparable to those available to other large unaffiliated
business accounts. Mr. Lumpkin and members of his family
own approximately 29.0% of the common stock of First
Mid-Illinois, Mr. Grissom owns less than 1%, and is the
co-trustee of trusts, with discretionary voting power, that hold
5.8% of the common stock of First Mid-Illinois and
Mr. Dively owns less than 1% of the common stock of First
Mid-Illinois. In addition, Messrs. Lumpkin, Grissom and
Dively are directors of First Mid-Illinois. The fees charged and
earnings received on deposits, through repurchase agreements,
are based on First Mid-Illinoiss standard schedule for
large customers. During 2004, CCI Illinois paid maintenance and
activity related charges of $5,465 to First Mid-Illinois and
earned $170,219 of interest on its deposits. In addition, First
Mid-Illinois administers CCI Illinois hourly 401(k) plan.
During 2004, CCI paid $77,222 to First Mid-Illinois for this
service, which is a competitive market rate based on assets
under management that we believe is comparable to rates charged
by independent third parties.
In 2004, a wholly owned subsidiary of First Mid-Illinois
received a commission from Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management
Services, Inc., or AJG Risk Management, a company which provides
insurance and risk management services, for introducing CCI to
AJG Risk Management. CCI selected AIG Risk Management because it
was the lowest cost provider among the three companies that
supplied bids to us for insurance and risk management services.
In 2004, CCI Illinois paid AJG Risk Management approximately
$2.0 million for insurance and risk management services.
Illinois Telephone Operations provides First Mid-Illinois with
local dial tone, custom calling features, long distance and
other related services. In 2004, First Mid-Illinois paid
Illinois Telephone Operations $462,498 for these services. These
services are regulated and, as a result, First Mid-Illinois paid
the same rate that is applicable to all customers.
Consolidated Communications Business Services, Inc., or
Consolidated Business Services, an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Illinois Holdings, provides repair services and,
if First Mid-Illinois elects, maintenance services for First
Mid-Illinoiss communications equipment, all of which are
pursuant to standard Centrex sales pricing formulas, which we
believe are comparable to those charged to independent third
parties. First Mid-Illinois paid $10,892 in 2004 to Consolidated
Business Services for these services. The contracts
automatically renew annually unless either party provides prior
written notice of termination.
Consolidated Communications Mobile Services, Inc., or
Consolidated Mobile Services, an indirect wholly subsidiary of
Illinois Holdings, provides paging services to First
Mid-Illinois. During 2004, First Mid-Illinois paid $2,616 to
Consolidated Mobile Services. The amounts received from First
Mid-Illinois were equal to or greater than the rate charged to
customers that are not affiliated with us.
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DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
We summarize below certain terms of our existing credit
agreement, the amended and restated credit agreement we expect
to enter in connection with the proposed initial public offering
the CCI Texas capital leases and other indebtedness. This
summary is not a complete description of all of the terms and
provisions of the agreements governing this debt.
Existing Credit Facilities
CCI and Texas Acquisition entered into a Credit Agreement, dated
as of April 14, 2004, with a syndicate of banks and other
financial institutions led by Credit Suisse First Boston, acting
through its Cayman Islands branch, and Citigroup Global Markets
Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, Citicorp
North America, Inc., as administrative agent, Credit Suisse
First Boston, acting through its Cayman Islands branch, as
syndication agent, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as
documentation agent.
Our existing credit facilities provide financing of
$467.0 million, consisting of:
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$122.0 million term loan A facility with a six year
maturity; |
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$315.0 million term loan B facility with a seven year
and six-month maturity; and |
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$30.0 million revolving credit facility with a six year
maturity. |
Each of CCI and Texas Acquisition is a borrower under the
existing credit facilities. CCI has borrowed approximately
$50.0 million of loans under the term loan A facility
and approximately $120.0 million of loans under the term
loan B facility and Texas Acquisition has borrowed the
remaining loans under each of these facilities. The revolving
credit facility is available to either borrower. The
borrowers obligations under the existing credit facilities
will be several and not joint.
The proceeds of the term loans were drawn on the closing date
and the proceeds thereof were used to finance the acquisition,
refinance certain existing indebtedness of CCI and to pay
related costs and expenses. The revolving credit facility
includes a subfacility for letters of credit as well as a
swingline subfacility. The revolving credit facility was undrawn
on the closing date and remains available for general corporate
purposes. We refinanced the term loan B borrowings and
amended and restated the existing credit agreement on
October 22, 2004. For a description of the amendment and
restatement, see Existing Credit Facilities,
Amendment and Restatement below.
Amortization; Prepayments. Our existing credit agreement
requires the borrowers to make amortization payments as follows:
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with respect to the term loan A facility, the amortization
is 8.2% (payable in quarterly installments) in the first year,
increasing in each of the following five years to 12.3%, 16.4%,
16.4%, 20.5% and 26.2%, respectively. |
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with respect to the term loan B facility, the amortization
is 1.0% per year (payable in quarterly installments for
each quarter ended on or prior to December 31, 2010) with
the remaining amount payable in four equal payments in the final
year prior to the maturity date. |
Principal amounts outstanding under the revolving credit
facility will be due and payable in full at maturity, six years
from April 14, 2004, the closing date of the existing
credit facilities.
Prepayments. The existing credit agreement requires CCI
and Texas Acquisition to prepay the outstanding term loans,
subject to certain exceptions, with:
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50.0% of excess cash flow; |
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100% of the net proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales
and any insurance or condemnation proceeds, not reinvested
within required time periods; |
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100% of the net proceeds of certain incurrences of
indebtedness; and |
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50.0% of the net proceeds from certain issuances of equity. |
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We may also voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the
existing credit facilities at any time without any premium or
penalty, other than customary breakage costs with
respect to LIBOR loans.
Interest Rates and Fees. The borrowings under the
existing credit facilities bear interest at a rate equal to an
applicable margin plus, at the borrowers option, either a
base rate or a LIBOR rate. The initial applicable margin for
borrowings under the existing credit facilities is:
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in respect of the term loan A facility and the revolving
credit facility, 1.50% with respect to base rate loans and 2.50%
with respect to LIBOR loans; and |
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in respect of the term loan B facility, 1.75% with respect
to base rate loans and 2.75% with respect to LIBOR loans. |
Upon the occurrence of certain events, the applicable margin in
respect of the term loan A facility and the revolving
credit facility will be subject to adjustment.
In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under
the existing credit facilities, the borrowers are required to
pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the revolving credit
facility in respect of unutilized commitments thereunder at a
rate equal to 0.50%, subject to adjustment upon the occurrence
of certain events. The borrowers will also pay customary letter
of credit fees and fees of the administrative agent.
Collateral and Guarantees. Homebase has guaranteed the
obligations of each of CCI and Texas Acquisition on a limited,
non-recourse basis with recourse only to a first priority
security interest in the outstanding shares of capital stock of
Illinois Holdings and Texas Holdings (for which the notes will
have a second priority security interest).
Texas Holdings and each of its existing (other than Texas
Acquisition, East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated and Telecon,
Inc.) and certain future direct and indirect subsidiaries, or
the Texas Subsidiary Guarantors, have unconditionally guaranteed
the obligations of Texas Acquisition on a joint and several
basis and Texas Holdings, Texas Acquisition and the Texas
Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the obligations of CCI on
a joint and several basis. Illinois Holdings and each of its
existing (other than CCI and in the case of ICTC, subject to
obtaining the consent of the ICC for ICTC to guarantee
$195.0 million of the borrowings) and certain future direct
and indirect subsidiaries, or the Illinois Subsidiary
Guarantors, have unconditionally guaranteed the obligations of
CCI on a joint and several basis and Illinois Holdings, CCI and
the Illinois Subsidiary Guarantors have guaranteed the
obligations of Texas Acquisition on a joint and several basis.
The obligations under the existing credit facilities and all the
guarantees (other than the guarantee by Homebase) are secured by
substantially all of the assets of each borrower and each
guarantor, including, but not limited to, the following, and
subject to certain exceptions:
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a pledge of the capital stock of the borrowers and each of the
Texas Subsidiary Guarantors, the Illinois Subsidiary Guarantors
and ICTC (the enforcement of the pledges of capital stock being
subject to regulatory restriction); and |
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a security interest in substantially all tangible and intangible
assets of Texas Holdings and Illinois Holdings, the borrowers,
the Texas Subsidiary Guarantors and the Illinois Subsidiary
Guarantors. |
Certain Covenants and Events of Default. The existing
credit agreement contains a number of covenants, that, among
other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the
borrowers ability and the ability of Homebase and its
subsidiaries, to:
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incur additional indebtedness or issue capital stock; |
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create liens on assets; |
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repay other indebtedness (including the notes); |
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sell assets; |
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make investments, loans, guarantees or advances; |
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pay dividends, repurchase equity interests or make other
restricted payments; |
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engage in transactions with affiliates; |
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make capital expenditures; |
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engage in mergers, acquisitions or consolidations; |
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enter into sale-leaseback transactions; |
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amend or otherwise modify agreements governing indebtedness,
formation documents and certain material agreements, |
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enter into agreements that restrict dividends from
subsidiaries; and |
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change the business conducted by Homebase and its subsidiaries. |
In addition, the existing credit agreement limits the business
activities of Homebase and its subsidiaries to specific
activities and requires the borrowers and the guarantors to,
among other things:
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furnish specified financial information to the lenders; |
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comply with applicable laws; |
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maintain its properties and assets; |
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maintain insurance on its properties; |
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keep books and records which accurately reflect its business
affairs; |
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comply with environmental laws; |
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pledge after acquired property as collateral and cause certain
additional subsidiaries to become guarantors; |
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keep in effect all rights, licenses, permits, privileges,
franchises, patents and other intellectual property; and |
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hedge a portion of the term loans. |
Our existing credit agreement also includes specified financial
covenants, requiring the borrowers to comply with certain
financial covenants, and to certify compliance on a quarterly
basis, including a maximum total leverage ratio, a minimum
interest coverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio
and a maximum senior secured leverage ratio. The existing credit
agreement contains customary representations and warranties and
events of default, including but not limited to payment
defaults, breach of representations and warranties, covenant
defaults, cross-defaults to certain indebtedness and other
material agreements, certain events of bankruptcy, material
judgments, the occurrence of certain ERISA events and the
occurrence of a change of control. If such an event of default
occurs, the lenders under the existing credit facilities are
entitled to take various actions, including accelerating the
amounts due thereunder and enforcing the rights of a secured
creditor.
Amendment and Restatement. On October 22, 2004, we
entered into an amended and restated credit facility to, among
other things, convert all borrowings then outstanding under the
term loan B facility into approximately $314.0 million
of aggregate borrowings under a new term loan C facility.
The term loan C facility is substantially identical to the
term loan B facility, except that the applicable margin for
borrowings under the term loan C facility through
April 1, 2005 was 1.50% with respect to base rate loans and
2.50% with respect to LIBOR loans. Thereafter, provided certain
credit ratings are maintained, the applicable margin for
borrowings under the term loan C facility is 1.25% with
respect to base rate loans and 2.25% with respect to LIBOR loans.
As of March 31, 2005, CCI and Texas Acquisition had
borrowed $118.8 million and $193.1 million,
respectively, under the term loan C facility and had no
borrowings outstanding under the term loan B facility. The
amended and restated credit agreement also permits us, subject
to certain exceptions, to repurchase or redeem up to
$50.0 million of the notes.
In connection with the proposed initial public offering, we plan
to amend and restate our amended and restated credit facility to
allow us, upon the satisfaction of certain financial tests, to
pay dividends in accordance with the proposed dividend policy.
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Amended and Restated Credit Facilities
Concurrently with the closing of the initial public offering, we
will amend and restate our existing credit agreement. The
closing of the initial public offering is conditioned upon the
closing of the amended and restated credit facilities.
The amended and restated credit facilities will provide
financing of up to $455.0 million, consisting of:
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a new term loan D facility of up to $425.0 million
available at closing and maturing on October 14,
2011; and |
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a $30.0 million revolving credit facility maturing on
April 14, 2010. |
Each of CCI and Texas Holdings will be a borrower under the
amended and restated credit facilities. The borrowers
obligations under the amended and restated credit facilities
will be joint and several. The revolving credit facility will
not change materially from our existing revolving credit
facility, and will continue to include a subfacility for letters
of credit as well as a swingline subfacility. We currently
expect that the revolving credit facility will be undrawn on the
closing of the offering and will remain available for general
corporate purposes.
Principal amounts outstanding under the term loan D
facility and the revolving credit facility will be due and
payable in full on their respective maturity dates.
The amended and restated credit agreement will require the
borrowers to prepay the term D loan facility, subject to
certain exceptions, with (i) 100% of Excess Subject Payment
Amounts (defined below under Restricted
Payments), subject to adjustment from time to time based
on our total net leverage ratio, (ii) 50% of any increase
of Available Cash (defined below under
Restricted Payments) during a dividend
suspension period, (iii) 100% of the net proceeds of all
non-ordinary course assets sales and any insurance or
condemnation proceeds not reinvested within required time
periods, and (iv) 100% of the net proceeds of certain
incurrences of indebtedness.
The borrowers will also be able to voluntarily repay outstanding
loans under the amended and restated credit facilities at any
time without any premium or penalty, other than customary
breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans and
subject to payment of a 1.0% premium for certain prepayments of
the term loan D facility made prior to October 22,
2005 with proceeds from a new tranche of term loans under any
amendment to the amended and restated credit facilities, which
new tranche bears interest at a rate less than that applicable
to the term D loans.
Interest Rates and
Fees
The borrowings under the amended and restated credit facilities
will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable
margin plus, at the borrowers option, either a base rate
or a LIBOR rate. The initial applicable margin for borrowings
under the amended and restated credit facilities will be 1.5%
with respect to base rate loans and 2.5% with respect to LIBOR
loans. After April 1, 2005, if and for so long as the loans
are rated at least B1 (stable) by Moodys Investors
Service, Inc. and B+ (stable) by Standard &
Poors Rating Services, a division of the McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc., the amended and restated credit facilities will
provide that the applicable margin under the term loan D
facility will decrease by 0.25% (and any rating with a negative
outlook will be treated as one notch below that rating). The
applicable margin under the revolving credit facility will also
be adjusted from time to time in the future based on our total
net leverage ratio (defined below under
Restricted Payments), but will not
exceed 1.5% with respect to base rate loans and 2.5% with
respect to LIBOR loans.
In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal amounts
under the amended and restated credit facilities, the borrowers
will be required to pay a commitment fee of 0.5% per annum
to the lenders under the revolving credit facility for
unutilized commitments thereunder subject to adjustment from
time to time in the future based on our total net leverage
ratio, but not exceeding 0.5%. The borrowers will also be
required to pay customary letter of credit fees and fees of the
administrative agent.
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Collateral and
Guarantees
CCI Holdings and each of the existing subsidiaries of CCI and
CCV (other than ICTC) and certain future direct and indirect
domestic subsidiaries, or the subsidiary guarantors, will, on a
joint and several basis, fully and unconditionally guarantee the
obligations of the borrowers under the amended and restated
credit facilities.
The obligations under the amended and restated credit facilities
and all the guarantees will be secured by substantially all of
the assets of each borrower and each guarantor, including, but
not limited to, the following, and subject to certain exceptions:
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a pledge of the capital stock of the borrowers and each of the
subsidiary guarantors and ICTC (the enforcement of the pledges
of capital stock being subject to regulatory
restriction); and |
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a security interest in substantially all tangible and intangible
assets of CCI Holdings, the borrowers and the subsidiary
guarantors. |
Certain Covenants and Events
of Default
The amended and restated credit agreement will contain a number
of covenants, that, among other things, restrict, subject to
certain exceptions, the borrowers ability and the ability
of CCI Holdings and CCI Holdings subsidiaries, to:
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incur additional indebtedness or issue capital stock; |
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create liens on assets; |
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repay other indebtedness (including our senior notes other than
as described under Use of Proceeds); |
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sell assets; |
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make investments, loans, guarantees or advances; |
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pay dividends, repurchase equity interests or make other
restricted payments (other than Subject Payments as described
below) from the borrowers to CCI Holdings; |
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engage in transactions with affiliates; |
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make capital expenditures; |
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engage in mergers, acquisitions or consolidations; |
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enter into sale-leaseback transactions; |
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amend or otherwise modify agreements governing indebtedness,
formation documents and certain material agreements; |
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enter into agreements that restrict dividends from
subsidiaries; and |
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change the business conducted by us and our subsidiaries. |
In addition, the amended and restated credit agreement will
contain customary affirmative covenants, including but not
limited to, the requirement that the borrowers and the
guarantors pledge after-acquired property as collateral and
hedge a portion of the term loans.
Our amended and restated credit agreement will also require the
borrowers to comply with certain financial covenants, including
a maximum total net leverage ratio, a minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio, maximum capital expenditures amount and a
maximum senior secured leverage ratio. The amended and restated
credit agreement will also contain customary representations and
warranties and events of default, including but not limited to
payment defaults, covenant defaults, cross-defaults to certain
indebtedness and other material agreements, and defaults
relating to the incorrectness in any material respect of
representations and warranties, certain events of bankruptcy,
material judgments, certain ERISA events and a change of
control. If such an event of default occurs, the lenders under
the amended and restated credit facilities will be entitled to
take various actions, including accelerating the amounts due
thereunder and enforcing the rights of a secured creditor.
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Restricted Payments
The restricted payments covenant in the amended and restated
credit agreement will permit the borrowers among other things,
during any fiscal quarter and so long as no event of default
under the amended and restated credit agreement is continuing,
subject to specified conditions and restrictions, to pay
dividends and distributions on their equity to CCI Holdings and
to redeem or repurchase their or CCI Holdings debt or
equity (Subject Payments) under two bases as follows:
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First, the borrowers may make Subject Payments in an aggregate
amount not to exceed Cumulative Available Cash which will be
equal to the sum of: |
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(1) for the portion of the quarter between the closing date
of the initial public offering and September 30, 2005, a
specified dollar amount; |
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(2) plus the excess, if any, of: |
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(a) Available Cash, as defined below, for a period
commencing on the first day of the first full fiscal quarter
commencing after the closing and ending on the last day of the
fiscal quarter then most recently reported; and |
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(b) the aggregate amount of Subject Payments paid after the
closing out of Available Cash. |
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Second, the borrowers may make Subject Payments from the portion
of the proceeds of any equity sale not used to redeem or
repurchase their indebtedness and not used to fund acquisitions,
capital expenditures or make other investments. |
For the twelve months ended March 31, 2005, on a pro forma
basis and after giving affect to this offering and related
transactions, the borrowers would have been permitted to pay
dividends to CCI Holdings of $69.8 million under the
amended and restated credit agreement.
Available Cash means an amount equal to the sum of the following
for the applicable period:
(1) Bank EBITDA;
(2) minus (to the extent not deducted in the
determination of Bank EBITDA) the sum of the following: non-cash
dividend income; interest expense net of amortization of debt
issuance costs incurred in connection with or prior to the
consummation of the initial public offering; capital
expenditures from internally generated funds; cash income taxes;
any scheduled principal payments of indebtedness; voluntary
prepayments of debt (other than in connection with this initial
public offering and the related transactions); mandatory
prepayments of Term D loans on account of Excess Subject
Payment Amounts (defined below) or during a dividend suspension
period, and net increases in revolving loans; the cash cost of
any extraordinary or unusual losses or charges; and all cash
payments made on account of losses or charges expensed during or
prior to the period (to the extent not deducted in the
determination of Bank EBITDA for such prior period);
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(3) plus (to the extent not included in the
determination of Bank EBITDA), cash interest income for the
period, the cash amount realized in respect of extraordinary or
unusual gains during the period and net decreases in revolving
loans during the period. |
Bank EBITDA means our Bank Consolidated Net Income (defined
below) for the period
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(a) plus all amounts deducted in arriving at Bank
Consolidated Net Income amount in respect of (without
duplication) interest expense, amortization or write-off of debt
discount and non-cash expense incurred in connection with equity
compensation plans, foreign, federal, state and local income
taxes for the period, charges for depreciation of fixed assets
and amortization of intangible assets during the period,
non-cash charges for the impairment of long-lived assets during
the period, fees accrued during periods prior to this offering
payable to certain of our existing equity investors not
exceeding $5.0 million in any twelve-month period, and
fees, expenses and charges incurred in connection with this
initial public offering and the related transactions as
specified in reasonable detail in an amount not to exceed the
amount of fees and expenses disclosed under the heading
Use of Proceeds in this prospectus; |
156
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(b) minus (in the case of gains) or plus (in
the case of losses) gain or loss on any sale of assets; |
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(c) minus (in the case of gains) or plus (in
the case of losses) non-cash charges relating to foreign
currency gains or losses; |
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(d) plus (in the case losses) and minus (in
the case of income) non-cash minority interest income or loss; |
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(e) plus (in the case of items deducted in arriving
at Bank Consolidated Net Income) and minus (in the case
of items added in arriving at Bank Consolidated Net Income)
non-cash charges resulting from changes in accounting principles; |
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(f) plus extraordinary loss as defined by GAAP; |
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(g) plus the first $15.0 million of other
expenses relating to the integration of CCV incurred after
April 14, 2004 and prior to December 31, 2005; |
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(h) minus the sum of interest income and
extraordinary income or gains as defined by GAAP; and |
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(i) plus unusual or nonrecurring charges, fees or
expenses (excluding integration expenses) relating to the
acquisition of TXUCV (including severance payments and retention
bonuses) that were incurred during the fiscal quarter ended
June 30, 2004 (net of any offsetting items that increased
Bank EBITDA in such quarter as a result thereof) and to give pro
forma effect to the TXUCV acquisition and the IPO transactions
as if they had occurred on the first day of such fiscal quarter
and in an aggregate amount not to exceed $12.0 million. |
Bank Consolidated Net Income means our net income or loss for
the period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with
GAAP excluding, the income or loss of any person (other than any
of our consolidated subsidiaries) in which any other person
(other than the borrowers or any of their consolidated
subsidiaries) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the
amount of dividends or other distributions actually paid to
either borrower or any of their consolidated subsidiaries by
that person during the period, the cumulative effect of a change
in accounting principles during such period, any net after-tax
income (loss) from discontinued operations and any net after-tax
gains or losses on disposal of discontinued operations, the
income or loss of any person accrued prior to the date it
becomes a subsidiary of a borrower or is merged into or
consolidated with either borrower or any of their subsidiaries
or that persons assets are acquired by either borrower or
any of their subsidiaries, and the income of any consolidated
subsidiary of a borrower to the extent that declaration of
payment of dividends or similar distributions by that subsidiary
of that income is not at the time permitted by operation of the
terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment,
decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation
applicable to that subsidiary.
Excess Subject Payment Amount means for any fiscal quarter, the
amount by which restricted payments, investments out of
Available Cumulative Cash, or redemptions or repurchases of
indebtedness during such fiscal quarter exceed the sum of
$11.875 million plus the amount of proportionate dividends
paid on common stock issued under our restricted share plan to
the extent reserved for future issuance at the time of
consummation of the initial public offering.
The borrowers ability to make restricted payments will
depend on our compliance with, among other things, the following:
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If the total net leverage ratio, as of any fiscal quarter, is
greater than 4.75:1.0, we will not be allowed to pay our Subject
Payments from Available Cash. The total net leverage ratio will
be defined as the ratio of total net debt (defined as total debt
minus the lesser of (x) the consolidated cash and cash
equivalents in excess of $5,000,000 reflected on our balance
sheets, other than amount that could be classified as
restricted cash in accordance with GAAP (and
excluding consolidated cash of any subsidiary that is not a loan
party to the extent the subsidiary would be prohibited from
distributing cash to a loan party), and (y) $25.0 million)
to Bank EBITDA. |
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In addition, the borrowers will not be permitted to pay Subject
Payments if an event of default exists under the amended and
restated credit agreement. In particular, it will be an event of
default if: |
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our total net leverage ratio, as of the end of any fiscal
quarter, is greater than 5.00:1.00; |
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our senior secured leverage ratio (as defined in the amended and
restated credit agreement), as of the end of any fiscal quarter,
is greater than 4.00:1.00; |
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our fixed charge coverage ratio, as of the end of any fiscal
quarter, is not (x) after the closing date and on or prior
to December 31, 2005, at least 2.50 to 1.00, (y) after
January 1, 2006 and on or prior to December 31, 2006,
at least 2.00 to 1.00 and (z) after January 1, 2007,
at least 1.75 to 1.00; or |
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we make or commit to make capital expenditures greater than
$45,000,000 in any fiscal year, provided that the base amount
may be increased by up to 100% of such base amount by carrying
over to any such period any portion of the base amount (without
giving effect to any increase) not spent in the immediately
preceding period, and that capital expenditures in any period
shall be deemed first made from the base amount applicable to
such period in any given period. |
GECC Capital Leases
CCI Texas leases certain furniture, fixtures, equipment and
leasehold improvements at CCI Texas current corporate
headquarters in Irving pursuant to two Master Lease Agreements
between CCI Texas and GECC. During 2004, CCI Texas paid a total
of $1.2 million to GECC pursuant to these capital leases.
The leases had an initial term of 30 months and, each ended
on October 1, 2004. At the termination of the initial term
of the first lease for leasehold improvements, CCI Texas elected
to purchase the scheduled leasehold improvements for
$1.1 million. At the termination of the initial term of the
second lease for furniture, fixtures and equipment, CCI Texas
elected to extend the term of the agreement until April 1,
2007, at which time CCI Texas will have an option to purchase
the equipment for its then fair market value. As of
March 31, 2005, the outstanding principal amount of this
capital lease was $1.1 million. On May 27, 2005, CCI
Texas elected to pay in full the outstanding balance on this
lease.
158
DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
General
The form and terms of the exchange notes are substantially
identical to the outstanding notes, except that the transfer
restrictions, registration rights and additional interest
provisions applicable to the outstanding notes will not apply to
the exchange notes. References in this section to the
notes are references to both the outstanding notes
and the exchange notes.
The outstanding notes were, and the exchange notes will be,
issued under an indenture, dated as of April 14, 2004 (the
Indenture), among the issuers, Homebase and Wells
Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee. Upon the issuance of the exchange
notes, the Indenture will be subject to and governed by the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the TIA).
The terms of the notes include those stated in the Indenture and
those made part of the Indenture by reference to the TIA.
The following is a summary of certain provisions of the
Indenture and the notes. It does not purport to be complete and
is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions
of certain terms therein. You can obtain a copy of the Indenture
by following the directions set forth under the heading
Where You Can Find More Information. The capitalized
terms defined in Certain Definitions
below are used in this Description of Notes as so
defined. As used herein, the term Company or
Homebase refers to Homebase Acquisition, LLC and the
terms Issuers, our, we or
us refers to CCI Illinois and CCI Texas,
collectively, as several but not joint issuers of the notes.
Principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on the notes
will be payable, and the notes may be exchanged or transferred,
at the office or agency of the Issuers in the Borough of
Manhattan, The City of New York, except that, at the option of
the Issuers, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to
the address of the registered Holders of the notes as such
address appears in the Note Register.
The exchange notes will be issued only in fully registered form,
without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and any integral
multiple of $1,000. No service charge will be made for any
registration of transfer or exchange of notes, but the Issuers
may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer
tax or other similar governmental charge payable in connection
therewith.
Effect of the Reorganization and IPO
On the closing of the reorganization and the proposed initial
public offering, the issuers and Homebase will be merged and
Consolidated Holdings (currently one of the issuers) will
survive these mergers. As a result, for all purposes for this
summary, references to issuers and
Issuers should be understood to be Consolidated
Holdings as the single issuer of the notes under the Indenture.
Terms of the Notes
The outstanding notes were issued initially in an aggregate
principal amount of $200.0 million. Additional securities
may be issued under the Indenture in one or more series from
time to time (Additional Notes), subject to the
limitations set forth under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock, which may vote as a class with the notes
and otherwise be treated as notes for purposes of the Indenture.
The notes are the several obligations of the Issuers. Of the
initial aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million of
notes, CCI Illinois is severally liable with respect to the
payment of 37.5% of each $1,000 principal amount of notes
together with interest thereon (the CCI Illinois
Portion), and CCI Texas is severally liable with respect
to the payment of 62.5% of each $1,000 principal amount of notes
together with interest thereon (the CCI Texas
Portion). Except as otherwise described herein, CCI
Illinois and CCI Texas are severally but not jointly liable in
respect of each note in the relative proportions of the CCI
Illinois Portion and the CCI Texas Portion, respectively.
The notes will mature on April 1, 2012. Each note bears, or
will bear, interest at a rate per annum shown on the front cover
of this prospectus from the date of issuance, or from the most
recent date to which interest has been paid or provided for,
payable semiannually in arrears in cash to Holders of record
159
at the close of business on the March 15 or September 15
immediately preceding the interest payment date on April 1
and October 1 of each year, commencing October 1, 2004.
Special Redemption
The notes (and any Additional Notes) will be redeemable, at the
Issuers option, in whole, but not in part, at any time
during the first 540 days following their original date of
issuance with all or a portion of the proceeds of a Qualified
IDS Offering. Such redemption may be made upon notice mailed by
first-class mail to each Holders registered address, not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption
date. Any such redemption and notice may, in the Issuers
discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more
conditions precedent including, without limitation, the
successful completion of the Qualified IDS Offering on terms and
conditions acceptable to the Company. The notes will be so
redeemable at the following redemption prices (expressed as a
percentage of principal amount), plus accrued interest, if any,
to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of
record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on
the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the
periods set forth below (expressed as days following the date of
original issuance of the notes):
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Redemption | |
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Day 1 through Day 360
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107.313 |
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Day 361 through Day 540
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109.750 |
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Qualified IDS Offering means a bona fide
offering in the United States of units consisting of common
stock and notes of the Company or a Parent entity thereof, the
proceeds of which are contributed to the Issuers in such amount
as is sufficient to redeem the notes at the applicable
redemption price on the date of redemption.
Optional Redemption
Except as provided under Special Redemption above
and in the next succeeding paragraph, the notes (and any
Additional Notes) will not be redeemable at the option of the
Issuers prior to April 1, 2008. Thereafter, the notes (and
any Additional Notes) will be redeemable, at the Issuers
option, in whole or in part, and from time to time on and after
April 1, 2008 and prior to maturity. Such redemption may be
made upon notice mailed by first-class mail to each
Holders registered address, not less than 30 nor more than
60 days prior to the redemption date. Any such redemption
and notice may, in the Issuers discretion, be subject to
the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent. The notes
will be so redeemable at the following redemption prices
(expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued
interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the right
of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive
interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed
during the 12-month period commencing on April 1 of the
years set forth below:
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Redemption | |
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Price | |
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2008
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104.875 |
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2009
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102.438 |
% |
2010 and thereafter
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100.000 |
% |
In addition, at any time and from time to time prior to
April 1, 2007, the Issuers at their option may concurrently
redeem the notes (and any Additional Notes) in an aggregate
principal amount equal to up to 35% of the original aggregate
principal amount of the notes (plus the principal amount of any
Additional Notes), with funds in an aggregate amount not
exceeding the aggregate cash proceeds of one or more Equity
Offerings (as defined below), at a redemption price (expressed
as a percentage of principal amount thereof) of 109.750% plus
accrued interest, if any, to the redemption date (subject to the
right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to
receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date);
provided, however, that an aggregate principal amount of
the notes equal to at least 65% of the original aggregate
principal amount of the notes (plus the principal amount of any
Additional Notes) must remain outstanding after each such
redemption. Equity Offering means a sale of Capital
Stock (x) that
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is a sale of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of
the Company or a Parent entity thereof, and (y) proceeds of
which in an amount equal to or exceeding the redemption amount
are contributed as Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock)
to the Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries. The
Issuers may make such redemption upon notice mailed by
first-class mail to each Holders registered address, not
less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the redemption
date (but in no event more than 180 days after the
completion of the related Equity Offering). Any such notice may
be given prior to the completion of the related Equity Offering,
and any such redemption or notice may, at the Issuers
discretion, be subject to the satisfaction of one or more
conditions precedent, including but not limited to the
completion of the related Equity Offering.
Redemptions of notes will not necessarily be required to be
pro rata between the Issuers. In addition, in connection
with any partial redemption of notes, the notice of redemption
will advise holders, among other things, of the several amounts
of the CCI Illinois Portion and the CCI Texas Portion to be
redeemed.
Mandatory Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market
Purchases
The Issuers will not be required to make any mandatory
redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes.
However, under certain circumstances, the Issuers may be
required to offer to purchase notes as described under the
captions Change of Control and
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Asset Sales. The Issuers may at any time, and from time to
time, purchase notes in the open market or otherwise.
Selection
In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the notes
for redemption will be made by the Trustee on a pro rata
basis, by lot or by such other method as the Trustee in its
sole discretion shall deem to be fair and appropriate, although
no note of $1,000 in original principal amount or less will be
redeemed in part. If any note is to be redeemed in part only,
the notice of redemption relating to such note shall state the
portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new
note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof
will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon
cancellation of the original note. In the event of any partial
redemption, the liability of each Issuer for each note that
remains outstanding shall continue in the same proportion as the
relative proportions of the CCI Illinois Portion and the CCI
Texas Portion, respectively.
Note Guarantees
The monetary obligations of each Issuer pursuant to the notes,
including any repurchase obligation resulting from a Change of
Control, is guaranteed on a non-recourse basis by the Company,
limited in recourse to a second priority pledge of the common
stock of the Issuers. The obligation of CCI Illinois with
respect to the CCI Illinois Portion is guaranteed on a senior
unsecured basis by CCI Texas. The obligation of CCI Texas with
respect to the CCI Texas Portion is guaranteed on a senior
unsecured basis by CCI Illinois. The terms and conditions of
these Note Guarantees are further described below.
Pursuant to the Pledge and Guarantee Agreement, the Company will
unconditionally Guarantee, on a limited non-recourse basis, the
punctual payment when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise, of all monetary obligations of each
Issuer under the Indenture and the notes, whether for principal
of or interest on the notes, expenses, indemnification or
otherwise (all such obligations of each Issuer being herein
called the Guaranteed Note Obligations).
If either or both of the Issuers are unable to make payment of
principal and interest due under the notes, the Companys
Guarantee of each Issuers Guaranteed Note Obligations will
be limited solely to the value of a second priority lien on the
Issuers capital stock (the Collateral).
The Company shall not be liable to either Issuer for any
deficiency resulting from any such realization or otherwise. In
general, pursuant to the terms of the Pledge and Guarantee
Agreement, the Trustee will have no rights with respect to the
Collateral except to receive the proceeds therefrom after the
discharge in full of all obligations under the Credit Agreement
(or any successor Credit Facility) and the termination of all
commitments thereunder. Following such discharge and
termination, any remaining proceeds from the sale of the
Collateral will be made available to the
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Trustee for application as provided in the Indenture. There can
be no assurance that the proceeds from the sale of the
Collateral ultimately available to the holders of notes, if any,
will be sufficient to satisfy amounts owing on the notes at such
time. In addition, your rights under the Pledge and Guarantee
Agreement to foreclose on and sell the stock of the Issuers
would be subject to receipt of federal and Illinois regulatory
commission approvals, which could be delayed, withheld or denied.
CCI Illinois will fully and unconditionally Guarantee, on a
senior unsecured basis, the punctual payment when due, whether
at Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all the
Guaranteed Note Obligations of CCI Texas under the
Indenture and the notes with respect to the CCI Texas Portion.
CCI Texas will fully and unconditionally Guarantee, on a senior
unsecured basis, the punctual payment when due, whether at
Stated Maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all Guaranteed
Note Obligations of CCI Illinois under the Indenture and
the notes with respect to the CCI Illinois Portion.
Subject to the limitations described above, the Issuers (but not
the Company) as Note Guarantors will also agree to pay any and
all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses) incurred by the Trustee or the
Holders in enforcing any rights under its Note Guarantee.
Each Note Guarantee shall be a continuing Guarantee and shall
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(1) remain in full force and effect until payment in full
of the principal amount of all outstanding notes (whether by
payment at maturity, purchase, redemption, defeasance,
retirement or other acquisition) and all other relevant
Guaranteed Note Obligations then due and owing, unless
earlier terminated as described below, |
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(2) be binding upon such Note Guarantor and |
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(3) inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
Trustee, the Holders and their permitted successors, transferees
and assigns. |
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, Note Guarantees will be
subject to termination and discharge under the circumstances
described in this paragraph:
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(1) The Company will automatically and unconditionally be
released from all obligations under its Note Guarantee, and such
Note Guarantee shall thereupon terminate and be discharged and
of no further force or effect, |
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(A) with respect to the predecessor Company, as and when
provided under the provisions described in the second paragraph
under Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Property, |
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(B) pursuant to the terms of its Note Guarantee, |
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(C) upon legal or covenant defeasance of the relevant
Issuers obligations, or satisfaction and discharge of the
Indenture, |
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(D) subject to customary contingent reinstatement
provisions, upon payment in full of the aggregate principal
amount of all notes then outstanding for which the relevant
Issuer is liable and all other Guaranteed Note Obligations
of such Issuer then due and owing and |
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(E) in the event of an Intermediate Holdco Reorganization
as contemplated by the definition of the Company
following the assumption of such Note Guarantee by the
Intermediate Holdco. |
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(2) An Issuer will automatically and unconditionally be
released from all obligations under its Note Guarantee, and such
Note Guarantee shall thereupon terminate and be discharged and
of no further force or effect, |
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(A) with respect to the relevant predecessor Issuer, as and
when provided under the provisions described in the second
paragraph under Merger, Consolidation and Sale
of Property, |
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(B) pursuant to the terms of its Note Guarantee, |
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(C) upon legal or covenant defeasance of the other
Issuers obligations, or satisfaction and discharge of the
Indenture, and |
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(D) subject to customary contingent reinstatement
provisions, upon payment in full of the aggregate principal
amount of all notes then outstanding for which the Issuer is
liable and all other Guaranteed Note Obligations of the
Issuer then due and owing. |
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Upon any such occurrence specified in this paragraph, the
Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably required in order
to evidence such release, discharge and termination in respect
of such Note Guarantee. |
The Note Guarantors shall not be required to make a notation on
the notes to reflect any such Note Guarantee or any such
release, termination or discharge.
Ranking
The indebtedness evidenced by the notes is unsecured senior
obligations of each Issuer. The notes rank pari passu in
right of payment with all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness of each Issuer, and senior to all existing and
future Subordinated Indebtedness of each Issuer. The notes are
also effectively subordinated to any Secured Indebtedness of
each Issuer, including the obligations of the Issuers under the
Credit Agreement on the closing date, to the extent of the value
of the assets securing such Secured Indebtedness.
The indebtedness evidenced by the Note Guarantees of each Issuer
are unsecured Senior Indebtedness of the applicable Note
Guarantor. Such Note Guarantees rank pari passu in right
of payment with all existing and future Senior Indebtedness of
such Note Guarantor, and senior to all existing and future
Subordinated Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor. The Note
Guarantees are also effectively subordinated to any Secured
Indebtedness of such Note Guarantor, including the obligations
of such Note Guarantor under the Credit Agreement on the closing
date, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such
Secured Indebtedness.
In addition, the Note Guarantee of the Company is contractually
subordinated to the Guarantee by the Company of the Credit
Agreement.
At March 31, 2005,
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(1) CCI Illinois and CCI Texas would have had approximately
$624.9 million of Senior Indebtedness, including the notes
and the Note Guarantees of the Issuers, $424.9 million of
which was Secured Indebtedness of CCI Illinois and CCI Texas; |
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(2) CCI Illinois and CCI Texas would have had no
Subordinated Indebtedness; and |
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(3) the Issuers Subsidiaries would have had total
Indebtedness, including such Subsidiarys obligations under
the Credit Agreement and the guarantees thereof, of
approximately $424.9 million. |
The notes are the several obligations of the Issuers. Since all
of the operations of the Issuers are conducted through their
Subsidiaries, none of which will guarantee the notes, each
Issuers ability to service its Indebtedness, including the
notes, will be dependent upon the earnings of its Subsidiaries
and the distribution of those earnings, or upon loans or other
payments of funds, by those Subsidiaries to such Issuer. The
payment of dividends and the making of loans and advances to
each Issuer by its Subsidiaries may be subject to various
restrictions. The Credit Agreement may contain provisions that
may under certain circumstances prohibit the payment of
dividends or the making of other payments or advances to such
Issuer. In addition, the ability of each Issuers
Subsidiaries to make such payments or advances to such Issuer
may be limited by the laws of the relevant states in which such
Subsidiaries are organized or located, including, in some
instances, by requirements imposed by state regulatory bodies
that oversee the telecommunications industry in such states. In
certain circumstances, the prior or subsequent approval of such
payments or advances by such Subsidiaries to such Issuer is
required from such regulatory bodies or other governmental
entities. In addition, unless such Subsidiary becomes a Note
Guarantor of such Issuer in the future, claims of creditors of
such Subsidiaries, including trade creditors, and claims of
preferred stockholders (if any) of such Subsidiaries generally
will have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of
such Subsidiaries over the claims of creditors of such Issuer.
The notes, therefore, will be effectively subordinated to
creditors (including trade creditors) and preferred stockholders
(if any) of the Subsidiaries of such Issuer that are not Note
Guarantors. Although the Indenture contains limitations on the
amount of additional Indebtedness that the Issuers and their
Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur, the amounts of such
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Indebtedness could be substantial and such Indebtedness may be
Secured Indebtedness. In addition, each of the Issuers
Subsidiaries have other liabilities, including contingent
liabilities (including the cross-guarantee obligations under the
Credit Agreement), that may be significant. See Risk
Factors Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness and Our
Capital Structure Each of the issuers is a holding
company, and they may not have access to sufficient cash to make
payments on the notes. In addition, the notes will be
effectively subordinated to the liabilities and any preferred
stock of the issuers subsidiaries.
Although the Indenture limits the incurrence of Indebtedness
(including Preferred Stock) by certain of the Companys
Subsidiaries, such limitation is subject to a number of
significant qualifications.
Change of Control
Upon the occurrence after the Issue Date of a Change of Control,
each Holder will have the right to require the Issuers to
concurrently repurchase all or any part of such Holders
notes equal to $1,000 or in integral multiples of $1,000 at a
purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of repurchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the
relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date); provided, however, that the
Issuers shall not be obligated to repurchase notes pursuant to
this covenant in the event that they have exercised their right
to redeem all the notes as described under
Optional Redemption.
The Issuers will not be required to make a Change of Control
Offer (as defined below) following a Change of Control if a
third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at
the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set
forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer
made by the Issuers, and purchases all notes validly tendered
and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.
The Change of Control covenant is a result of negotiations
between the Company and the Initial Purchasers. Management has
no present intention to engage in a transaction involving a
Change of Control, although it is possible that the Company
would decide to do so in the future. Subject to certain
covenants described below, the Company could, in the future,
enter into certain transactions, including acquisitions,
refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not
constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that
could increase the amount of debt outstanding at such time or
otherwise affect the Companys capital structure or credit
ratings.
Unless the Issuers have exercised their right to redeem all the
notes as described under Optional
Redemption, the Issuers shall, not later than 30 days
following the date the Issuers obtain actual knowledge of any
Change of Control having occurred, or that it will occur, mail a
notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee stating:
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(1) that a Change of Control has occurred or may occur and
that such Holder has, or upon such occurrence will have, the
right to require the Issuers to concurrently purchase such
Holders notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of
the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders
of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant
interest payment date); |
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(2) the circumstances and relevant facts and financial
information regarding such Change of Control; |
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(3) the repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than
30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such
notice is mailed); |
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(4) the instructions determined by the Issuers, consistent
with this covenant, that a Holder must follow in order to have
its notes purchased; and |
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(5) if such notice is mailed prior to the occurrence of a
Change of Control, that such offer (the Change of
Control Offer) is conditioned on the occurrence of
such Change of Control. |
The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
repurchase of notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent
that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations
conflict
164
with provisions of this covenant, the Issuers will comply with
the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be
deemed to have breached its obligations under this covenant by
virtue thereof.
Agreements governing future Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers
may contain prohibitions of certain events that would constitute
a Change of Control or require such Senior Indebtedness to be
repurchased or repaid upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the
exercise by the Holders of their right to require the Issuers to
repurchase the notes could cause a default under such
agreements, even if the Change of Control itself does not, due
to the financial effect of such repurchase on the Issuers.
Finally, an Issuers ability to pay cash to the Holders
upon a repurchase may be limited by such Issuers then
existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that
sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any
required repurchases.
The definition of Change of Control includes a phrase relating
to the sale or other transfer of all or substantially
all of the Companys or an Issuers assets.
There is no precise definition of the phrase under applicable
law. Accordingly, in certain circumstances there may be a degree
of uncertainty in ascertaining whether a particular transaction
would involve a disposition of all or substantially
all of the assets of the Company or the Issuers, and
therefore it may be unclear as to whether a Change of Control
has occurred and whether the Holders of the notes have the right
to require the Issuers to repurchase such notes.
Certain Covenants
The Indenture contains covenants including, among others, the
following:
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock. (a) The Issuers shall not, and shall not permit
any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to, Incur, directly or
indirectly, any Indebtedness and the Issuers shall not issue any
Disqualified Capital Stock, and shall not permit any of their
Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any Preferred Stock;
provided that the Issuers or their Restricted
Subsidiaries may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired
Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock if after
giving effect to the Incurrence of such Indebtedness and the
receipt and application of the proceeds thereof, the Leverage
Ratio of the Issuers and their respective Restricted
Subsidiaries (on a consolidated combined basis) would not exceed
6.0 to 1.0.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the
Issuers and their Restricted Subsidiaries, collectively, may
Incur the following Indebtedness (including, if applicable,
Acquired Indebtedness or, in the case of the Issuers only,
Disqualified Capital Stock) (Permitted
Indebtedness):
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(1) Indebtedness of the Issuers evidenced by the notes
issued on the Issue Date and any Note Guarantee; |
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(2) Indebtedness under one or more Credit Facilities,
provided that the aggregate principal amount of all such
Indebtedness under the Credit Facilities at any one time
outstanding under this clause (2) shall not exceed
$515.0 million; |
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(3) Indebtedness of the Issuers or any of their Restricted
Subsidiaries in respect of Capital Lease Obligations and
Purchase Money Indebtedness, provided that (1) the
aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed
the Fair Market Value (on the date of the Incurrence thereof) of
the Property acquired, constructed or leased and (2) the
aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness Incurred and then
outstanding pursuant to this clause (3) (together with all
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred and then outstanding
in respect of Indebtedness previously Incurred pursuant to this
clause (3)) shall not exceed $20.0 million; |
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(4) Indebtedness of an Issuer owing to and held by the
other Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and Indebtedness of a
Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer owing to and held by an
Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that any subsequent issue or transfer of Capital
Stock or other event that results in any such Restricted
Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any
subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness (except to such
Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer) shall be
deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the issuer thereof; |
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(5) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or
other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument inadvertently (except in the case of daylight
overdrafts) drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary
course of business, provided, however, that such
Indebtedness is extinguished within two Business Days of receipt
by the borrower of notice of such overdraft; |
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(6) obligations arising from or representing deferred
compensation to employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries
that constitute or are deemed to be Indebtedness under GAAP and
that are Incurred in the ordinary course of business; |
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(7) Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Issuers or
any Restricted Subsidiary providing for indemnification,
adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, in each
case, Incurred in connection with the disposition of any
business, assets or a Subsidiary thereof, other than guarantees
of Indebtedness incurred by a Person acquiring all or any
portion of such business, assets or Subsidiary for the purpose
of financing such acquisition; provided that
(1) such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet
of an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (contingent
obligations referred to in the footnote or footnotes to
financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance
sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet
for purposes of this clause (1)) and (2) the maximum
liability in respect of such Indebtedness shall at no time
exceed the gross proceeds including non-cash proceeds (the Fair
Market Value of such non-cash proceeds being measured at the
time received without giving effect to any such subsequent
changes in value) actually received by one or both Issuers
and/or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such
disposition; |
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(8) Indebtedness under Hedging Obligations entered into by
the Issuers or their Restricted Subsidiaries for the purpose of
limiting interest rate risk in the ordinary course of the
financial management of such Issuer or its Restricted
Subsidiaries and not for speculative purposes, provided
that the obligations under such agreements are directly
related to payment obligations on Indebtedness otherwise
permitted by the terms of this covenant; |
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(9) Indebtedness in connection with one or more standby
letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or appeal bonds
or performance bonds issued by the Issuers or their Restricted
Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to
self-insurance obligations or in connection with workers
compensation claims and not in connection with the borrowing of
money or the obtaining of advances or credit; |
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(10) Indebtedness (in addition to any Indebtedness
permitted by clauses (1) through (9) above or that is
entitled to be Incurred pursuant to the
paragraph (a) of this covenant) outstanding on the
Issue Date not otherwise described in clauses (1) through
(9) above; |
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(11) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount or
liquidation preference (or accreted value, as applicable)
outstanding at any one time not to exceed $20.0 million; |
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(12) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness Incurred in respect
of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) of
this covenant and clauses (1) and (10) above; and |
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(13) Indebtedness, to the extent that the net proceeds
thereof are promptly (1) used to repurchase notes tendered
upon a Change of Control Offer or (2) deposited to defease
all of the notes, any Additional Notes or any Exchange Notes as
described below under Defeasance. |
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this
covenant, (a) the Issuers shall not Incur any Indebtedness
pursuant to this covenant if the proceeds thereof are used,
directly or indirectly, to Refinance any Subordinated
Obligations of an Issuer unless such Indebtedness shall be
subordinated to the notes to at least the same extent as such
Subordinated Obligations, and (b) the Issuers shall not
permit any of their Restricted Subsidiaries to Incur any
Indebtedness pursuant to this covenant if the proceeds thereof
are used, directly or indirectly, to Refinance any Subordinated
Obligations of such Issuer, provided, however, that no
Indebtedness of an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be
deemed to be contractually subordinated in right of payment to
any other Indebtedness of such Issuer or Restricted Subsidiary
solely by virtue of being unsecured.
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The accrual of interest, the accretion of principal or
amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest
on any Indebtedness in the form of additional Indebtedness with
the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock
in the form of additional shares of the same class of
Disqualified Stock and the obligation to pay a premium in
respect of Indebtedness arising in connection with the issuance
of a notice of redemption or the making of a mandatory offer to
purchase such Indebtedness will not be deemed to be an
Incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of Disqualified Stock
for purposes of this covenant.
For purposes of determining compliance with the foregoing
covenant, (A) in the event that an item of Indebtedness
(including Indebtedness issued by an Issuer to the lenders that
are party to a Credit Facility) meets the criteria of more than
one of the types of Indebtedness described above, an Issuer, in
its sole discretion, will be permitted to classify, and,
subsequent to its initial Incurrence, reclassify such item of
Indebtedness and only be required to include the amount and type
of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses and
(B) an item of Indebtedness (including Indebtedness issued
by an Issuer to the lenders that are party to a Credit Facility)
may be divided and classified in more than one of the types of
Indebtedness described above and the outstanding principal
amount of any Indebtedness shall be counted only once and any
obligations arising under any Guarantee, Lien, letter of credit
or similar instrument supporting such Indebtedness shall be
disregarded.
Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Issuers
shall not make, and shall not permit any of their Restricted
Subsidiaries to make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted
Payment if at the time of, and after giving effect to, such
proposed Restricted Payment:
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(1) a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing (or would result therefrom); |
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(2) the Issuers (on a consolidated combined basis) could
not Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to
paragraph (a) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock; or |
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(3) the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payment and all
other Restricted Payments (the amount so expended, if other than
in cash, to be based upon Fair Market Value) declared or made
subsequent to the Issue Date and then outstanding would exceed,
at the date of determination, without duplication, the sum of: |
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(A) an amount (whether positive or negative) equal to the
Issuers combined EBITDA from the beginning of the first
fiscal quarter in which the notes are originally issued to the
end of the Issuers most recent fiscal quarter for which
internal financial statements are available at the date of such
Restricted Payment, taken as a single accounting period, less
the product of 1.5 times the Issuers Consolidated Interest
Expense from the first date of the fiscal quarter in which the
Issue Date occurs to the end of the Issuers most recent
fiscal quarter ending at least 45 days prior to the date of
such Restricted Payment, taken as a single accounting period, |
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(B) Capital Stock Sale Proceeds, |
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(C) the sum of (A) the aggregate net cash proceeds
received by any Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
from the issuance or sale after the Issue Date of convertible or
exchangeable Indebtedness that has been converted into or
exchanged for Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of
the Issuers and (B) the aggregate amount by which
Indebtedness of the Issuers or any of their Restricted
Subsidiaries is reduced on the Issuers consolidated
combined balance sheet on or after the Issue Date upon the
conversion or exchange of any Indebtedness issued or sold on or
prior to the Issue Date that is convertible or exchangeable for
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuers
(excluding, in the case of clause (A) or (B),
(x) any such Indebtedness issued or sold to the Issuers or
a Subsidiary of the Issuers or an employee stock ownership plan
or trust established by the Issuers or any such Subsidiary for
the benefit of their employees and (y) the aggregate amount
of any cash or other Property distributed by the Issuers or any
of their Restricted Subsidiaries upon any such conversion or
exchange), and |
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(D) an amount equal to the sum of (A) the net
reduction in, or any return on, Investments (other than
Permitted Investments) resulting from dividends, repayments of
loans or advances or other transfers of Property, in each case
to any Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such
Investment, or from the reclassification of any Unrestricted
Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, or from the disposition
of capital stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary for cash or
Property (valued at the Fair Market Value thereof) received by
any Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, and (B) the
portion (proportionate to any Issuers equity interest in
an Unrestricted Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net
assets of an Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such
Unrestricted Subsidiary is designated a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that the foregoing sum shall not
exceed, in the case of any Person, the amount of Investments
previously made (and treated as a Restricted Payment) by any
Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Person. |
(b) The provisions of the foregoing
paragraph (a) will not prohibit any of the following
(each, a Permitted Payment):
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(1) the payment of dividends on Capital Stock of the
Company or the Issuers within 60 days of the declaration
thereof if, on said declaration date, such dividends could have
been paid in compliance with the Indenture; provided,
however, that such dividend shall be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(2) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance,
acquisition or retirement for value of Capital Stock of an
Issuer or Subordinated Obligations in exchange for, or out of
the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, Capital
Stock of an Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock and other than
Capital Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of an Issuer or an
employee stock ownership plan or trust established by an Issuer
or any such Subsidiary for the benefit of their employees);
provided, however, that (A) such purchase,
repurchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or retirement
shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments and (B) the Capital Stock Sale Proceeds from such
exchange or sale shall be excluded from the calculation pursuant
to clause (a)(3) above; |
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(3) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance,
acquisition or retirement for value of any Subordinated
Obligations in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the
substantially concurrent sale of, Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness; provided, however, that such purchase,
repurchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or retirement
shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments; |
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(4) the repurchase of shares of, or of options to purchase
shares of, common stock of an Issuer or any of its Affiliates or
Subsidiaries from current or former officers, directors,
employees or consultants of an Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries
(or permitted transferees of such current or former officers,
directors, employees or consultants), pursuant to the terms of
agreements (including employment agreements) or plans (or
amendments thereto) approved by the Board of Directors under
which such individuals purchase or sell, or are granted the
option to purchase or sell, shares of such common stock;
provided, however, that (A) the aggregate amount of
such repurchases shall not exceed $5.0 million in any
fiscal year, (B) such repurchases shall be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and (C) at
the time of any such repurchase, no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); |
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(5) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, the payment of the fees and expenses
of the Equity Investors as contemplated by the Professional
Service Fee Agreements up to $5.0 million in aggregate in
each fiscal year; provided, however, that any such
amounts paid in excess of $3.0 million per fiscal year
shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments; |
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(6) the declaration and payment of dividends to holders of
any class or series of Disqualified Stock of an Issuer Incurred
in accordance with the covenant described under
Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and
Issuance of Preferred Stock to the extent that the amount
of all |
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Repayment obligations with respect thereto is included in the
calculation of the consolidated combined Indebtedness of the
Issuers for the purposes of the Leverage Ratio, provided,
however, that such amounts are excluded in the calculation
of the amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(7) the payment of dividends, other distributions or other
amounts by an Issuer to the Company, to pay fees and expenses
required to maintain its existence as a limited liability
company, including as contemplated by the LLC Agreement
(including franchise taxes and federal, state, local and foreign
income taxes), customary salary, bonus and other benefits
payable to its officers and employees, expenses of members of
the Board of Directors and other general corporate
administrative and overhead expenses, in the aggregate not to
exceed $1.0 million in any fiscal year, of which $500,000
may be carried over to the succeeding fiscal year to the extent
not used in the preceding fiscal year; provided, however,
that upon the consummation of a Public Equity Offering, such
amounts shall be $2.0 million and $1.0 million,
respectively; provided, further, however, that such
Permitted Payments shall be included in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(8) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing or shall be in existence immediately
thereafter, making loans to members of management of the Issuers
pursuant to written agreements with such members in an aggregate
principal amount not to exceed $2.0 million in the
aggregate at any one time outstanding, provided, however,
that any such loans shall be included in the calculation of
Restricted Payments; |
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(9) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon (A)
the exercise of stock options if such Capital Stock represents a
portion of the exercise price thereof and (B) any purchase
or acquisition from, or withholding on issuances to, any
employee of an Issuers Capital Stock in order to satisfy
any applicable federal, state or local tax payments in respect
of the receipt of shares of the Issuers Capital Stock,
provided, however, that such amounts shall be excluded in
the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(10) in the event of a Change of Control, and if no Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, the payment, purchase,
redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of
Subordinated Obligations of an Issuer at a purchase price not
greater than 101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated
Obligations, plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon;
provided, however, that prior to such payment, purchase,
redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement, the
Issuer (or a third party to the extent permitted by the
Indenture) has made a Change of Control Offer with respect to
the notes as a result of such Change of Control and has
repurchased all notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in
connection with such Change of Control Offer; provided
further, however, that such payment, purchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition or retirement shall be included
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(11) the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of
fractional shares of Capital Stock upon the exercise or
conversion of securities exercisable or convertible into Capital
Stock of an Issuer, provided, however, that such payments
shall be included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments; |
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(12) payments or distributions, in the nature of
satisfaction of dissenters or appraisal rights, pursuant
to or in connection with a consolidation, merger or transfer of
assets that complies with the provisions hereof applicable to
mergers, consolidations and transfers of all or substantially
all of the Property and assets of the Company or an Issuer,
provided, however, that such payments shall be excluded
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; |
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(13) following the first Public Equity Offering that
results in a Public Market, pay dividends on the Capital Stock
of the Issuers of up to 6.0% per year of the cash proceeds
contributed to the Issuers (net of underwriters fees,
discounts or commissions paid by the Issuers) of such first
Public Equity Offering; provided, however, that
(1) such dividends shall be (x) paid pro rata to the
holders of all classes of the applicable class of Capital Stock
of the ultimate parent entity of the Issuers and
(y) included in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments and (2) at the time of payment |
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of any such dividend, no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; |
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(14) the declaration and payment of dividends by an Issuer
to the Company; provided that an equal amount of cash
equity is concurrently contributed by the Company to the other
Issuer; provided, however, that such payments shall be
excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments; and |
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(15) other Permitted Payments in an amount which does not
exceed $10.0 million; provided, however, that such
Permitted Payments shall be included in the calculation of the
amount of Restricted Payments. |
Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries. An Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist any consensual
restriction on the right of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to
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(a) pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other
distributions on or in respect of its Capital Stock, or pay any
Indebtedness or other obligation owed to such Issuer or any of
its other Restricted Subsidiaries, |
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(b) make any loans or advances to such Issuer or any of its
other Restricted Subsidiaries or |
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(c) transfer any of its Property to such Issuer or any of
its other Restricted Subsidiaries. |
The foregoing limitations will not apply
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(1) with respect to clauses (a), (b) and (c), to
restrictions |
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(A) arising under agreements of such Issuer and any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries (as of the Issue Date) that were in
effect on the Issue Date, including with respect to the Exchange
Notes, |
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(B) arising under Credit Facilities; provided such
restrictions are no more restrictive than those contained in the
Credit Agreement as in effect on the Issue Date, |
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(C) relating to Indebtedness of such Issuers
Restricted Subsidiary and existing at the time it became a
Restricted Subsidiary if such restriction was not created in
connection with or in anticipation of the transaction or series
of transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary
became a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by such Issuer or
another of its Restricted Subsidiaries, |
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(D) that result from the Refinancing of Indebtedness,
provided such restriction is no more restrictive than
those under the agreement evidencing the Indebtedness so
Refinanced, |
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(E) required by any governmental body or regulatory
authority having jurisdiction over such Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or any of their businesses or any rule,
regulation, order or applicable law, |
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(F) with respect to the disposition or distribution of
assets or Property in joint venture and other similar agreements
entered into in the ordinary course of business, or |
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(G) on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under
contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business; and |
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(2) with respect to clause (c) only, to restrictions |
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(A) relating to Indebtedness that is permitted to be
Incurred and/or secured without also securing the notes pursuant
to the covenants described under Limitation on
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock and/or
Limitation on Liens, as applicable, that
limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the Property
securing such Indebtedness, |
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(B) encumbering Property at the time such Property was
acquired by such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,
so long as such restriction relates solely to the Property so
acquired and was not created in connection with or in
anticipation of such acquisition, |
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(C) resulting from customary provisions restricting
subletting or assignment of leases or customary provisions in
other agreements that restrict assignment of such agreements or
rights thereunder, or |
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(D) customary restrictions contained in asset sale or stock
purchase agreements limiting the transfer of such Property, or
payments, dividends or other distributions by any Restricted
Subsidiary (including Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary
and Property of any such Restricted Subsidiary subject to a
pending sale) pending the closing of such sale. |
Limitation on Issuance or Sale of Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries. An Issuer shall not (a) sell, transfer,
convey or otherwise dispose of any shares of Capital Stock of
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or
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(b) permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, issue, sell, transfer, convey or otherwise
dispose of any shares of its Capital Stock, other than |
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(1) directors qualifying shares, |
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(2) to such Issuer or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such
Issuer, or |
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(3) if, immediately after giving effect to such
disposition, (A) such Restricted Subsidiary would no longer
constitute a Restricted Subsidiary and (B) any Investment
in such Person remaining after giving effect thereto is treated
as a new Investment by an Issuer and such Investment would be
permitted to be made under the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments if
made on the date of such issuance, sale or other disposition;
provided, however, that, in the case of this
clause (3), such issuance, sale or disposition is effected
in compliance with the covenant described under
Limitation on Asset Sales. |
For purposes of this covenant, the creation of a Lien on any
Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary to secure Indebtedness
of an Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries will not be
deemed to be a violation of this covenant; provided,
however, that any sale or other disposition by the secured
party of such Capital Stock following foreclosure of its Lien
will be subject to this covenant.
Limitation on Asset Sales. An Issuer shall not, and shall
not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, consummate any Asset Sale unless
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(a) such Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to
the Fair Market Value of the Property subject to such Asset Sale; |
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(b) at least 75.0% of the consideration paid to such Issuer
or its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset
Sale is in the form of cash or cash equivalents; and |
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(c) such Issuer delivers an Officers Certificate to
the Trustee certifying that such Asset Sale complies with the
foregoing clauses (a) and (b). |
For purposes of this covenant, each of the following will be
deemed to be cash or cash equivalents:
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(a) any liabilities, as shown on an Issuers most
recent consolidated balance sheet, (other than contingent
liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated
to the notes) that are assumed by the transferee of any such
assets pursuant to an agreement that releases the Issuers and
the Restricted Subsidiaries from further liability; |
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(b) any securities, notes or other obligations received by
an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that
are converted by such Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary into
cash, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion,
within 180 days after receipt; |
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(c) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by an
Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in such Asset Sale having an
aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other
Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this
clause (c) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed
$10.0 million at the time of the receipt of such Designated
Non-cash Consideration (with the Fair Market Value of each item
of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured at the time
received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in
value). |
171
The Net Available Cash (or any portion thereof) from Asset Sales
may be applied by such Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries, to
the extent that such Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries
elects (or is required by the terms of any Indebtedness):
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(a) to Repay Senior Indebtedness of an Issuer or a
Restricted Subsidiary (excluding any Indebtedness owed to an
Affiliate of such Issuer); |
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(b) subject to the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments, to
reinvest in Additional Assets (including by means of an
Investment in Additional Assets by a Restricted Subsidiary with
Net Available Cash received by an Issuer or another of its
Restricted Subsidiaries); or |
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(c) any combination of the foregoing clauses (a) and
(b). |
Pending such application, and subject in all respects to the
procedures set forth below, an Issuer may, to the extent such
use would not constitute a Repayment, use such Net Available
Cash to temporarily reduce Indebtedness or may make an
Investment in U.S. Government Obligations.
Any Net Available Cash from an Asset Sale not applied in
accordance with the preceding paragraph within 365 days
from the date of the receipt of such Net Available Cash or that
is not (to the extent not used to temporarily reduce
Indebtedness) segregated from the general funds of such Issuer
for investment in identified Additional Assets in respect of a
project that shall have been commenced, and for which binding
contractual commitments have been entered into, prior to the end
of such 365-day period and that shall not have been completed or
abandoned shall constitute Excess Proceeds;
provided, however, that the amount of any Net Available
Cash that ceases to be so segregated as contemplated above and
any Net Available Cash that is segregated in respect of a
project that is abandoned or completed shall also constitute
Excess Proceeds at the time any such Net Available
Cash ceases to be so segregated or at the time the relevant
project is so abandoned or completed, as applicable. When the
aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million
(taking into account income earned on such Excess Proceeds, if
any), the Issuers will concurrently be required to make an offer
to purchase (the Prepayment Offer) the notes
which offer shall be in the amount of the Allocable Excess
Proceeds, on a pro rata basis according to principal amount, at
a purchase price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
purchase date (subject to the right of holders of record on the
relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date), in accordance with the procedures
(including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth
in the Indenture. To the extent that any portion of the amount
of Net Available Cash remains after compliance with the
preceding sentence and provided that all holders of notes
have been given the opportunity to tender their notes for
purchase in accordance with the Indenture, such Issuer or such
Restricted Subsidiary may use such remaining amount for any
purpose permitted by the Indenture and the amount of Excess
Proceeds will be reset to zero. The term Allocable
Excess Proceeds will mean the product of (a) the
Excess Proceeds and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which
is the aggregate principal amount of the notes outstanding on
the date of the Prepayment Offer and the denominator of which is
the sum of the aggregate principal amount of the notes
outstanding on the date of the Prepayment Offer and the
aggregate principal amount of other Indebtedness of the Issuers
outstanding on the date of the Prepayment Offer that is pari
passu in right of payment with the notes and subject to
terms and conditions in respect of Asset Sales similar in all
material respects to the covenant described hereunder and
requiring the Issuers to concurrently make an offer to purchase
such Indebtedness at substantially the same time as the
Prepayment Offer.
Within five Business Days after the Issuers are concurrently
obligated to make a Prepayment Offer as described in the
preceding paragraph, the Issuers shall send a written notice, by
first-class mail, to the holders of notes, accompanied by such
information regarding the Issuers and their Subsidiaries as the
Issuers in good faith believe will enable such holders to make
an informed decision with respect to such Prepayment Offer. Such
notice shall state, among other things, the purchase price and
the purchase date, which shall be, subject to any contrary
requirements of applicable law, a Business Day no earlier than
30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such
notice is mailed.
172
The Issuers will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any
other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
repurchase of notes pursuant to the covenant described
hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any securities
laws or regulations conflict with provisions of the covenant
described hereunder, the Issuers will comply with the applicable
securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have
breached its obligations under the covenant described hereunder
by virtue thereof.
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates. An Issuer
shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, conduct any business or
enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of
transactions (including the purchase, sale, transfer,
assignment, lease, conveyance or exchange of any Property or the
rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of, any
Affiliate of either Issuer (an Affiliate
Transaction), unless
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(a) the terms of such Affiliate Transaction are |
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(1) set forth in writing, |
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(2) in the best interest of such Issuer or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, and |
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(3) no less favorable to such Issuer or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, as the case may be, taken as a whole, than those
that could be obtained in a comparable arms-length
transaction with a Person that is not an Affiliate of such
Issuer, |
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(b) if such Affiliate Transaction involves aggregate
payments or value in excess of $5.0 million, either
(x) such Issuers Board of Directors (including a
majority of the disinterested members of such Issuers
Board of Directors) approves such Affiliate Transaction, and in
its good faith judgment, believes that such Affiliate
Transaction complies with clauses (a)(2) and (3) of
this paragraph as evidenced by a board resolution promptly
delivered to the Trustee or (y) such Issuer complies with
clause (c) of this paragraph (without regard to the
dollar threshold contained therein), and |
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(c) if such Affiliate Transaction involves aggregate
payments or value in excess of $10.0 million, such Issuer
obtains a written opinion from an Independent Appraiser to the
effect that the consideration to be paid or received in
connection with such Affiliate Transaction is fair, from a
financial point of view, to such Issuer or its Restricted
Subsidiary, as the case may be. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing limitation, an Issuer or its
Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into or suffer to exist the
following:
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(a) any transaction or series of transactions exclusively
between or among, as the case may be, |
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(w) the Issuers, |
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(x) an Issuer and one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, |
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(y) two or more Restricted Subsidiaries, or |
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(z) the Issuers and one or more Restricted Subsidiaries of
either Issuer; |
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(b) any Restricted Payment permitted to be made pursuant to
the covenant described under Limitation on
Restricted Payments, including, but not limited to,
Permitted Payments and Permitted Investments; |
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(c) the payment of compensation (including amounts paid
pursuant to employee benefit plans) or the entering into, and
performance of, any indemnification agreement, for the personal
services of officers, directors and employees of an Issuer or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, so long as such payments are
pursuant to a policy (1) established by its Board of
Directors in good faith and (2) evidenced by a resolution
of its Board of Directors that establishes standards to ensure
that the terms and amount of such compensation are fair
consideration for the services to be performed; |
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(d) loans and advances to employees made in the ordinary
course of business of an Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, provided that such loans and advances
do not exceed $2.0 million in the aggregate at any one time
outstanding; |
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(e) any sale or other issuance of Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Stock) of an Issuer; |
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(f) in the case of joint ventures in which an Issuer or any
Restricted Subsidiary has an interest, so long as the other
parties to the joint venture which are not Affiliates of the
Issuer own at least 50% of the equity of such joint venture,
transactions between such joint venture and the Issuer or any
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that the Board of
Directors of such Issuer or Restricted Subsidiary approves such
transaction and, in its good faith judgment, believes that such
transaction complies with clauses (a)(2) and (3) of
the first paragraph of this covenant; |
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(g) any transactions between Homebase and any of its
Subsidiaries or Affiliates and any existing or future portfolio
company of any of the Equity Investors in the Telecommunications
Business in the ordinary course of business (including, without
limitation, the payment of access fee charges); provided,
that the Board of Directors of such Issuer or Restricted
Subsidiary approves such transaction and, in its good faith
judgment, believes that such transaction complies with
clauses (a)(2) and (3) of the first paragraph of this
covenant; or |
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(h) any transactions, to the extent not addressed by other
clauses of this paragraph or the definition of Permitted
Payments, as in effect on the Issue Date and contemplated by
this prospectus and reasonable modifications or extensions of
such transactions consistent with past practice and not less
favorable to the Issuers from a financial point of view. |
Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. An Issuer
shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to, enter into any Sale and Leaseback Transaction
with respect to any Property unless
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(a) such Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries would be
entitled to (1) Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to
the Attributable Indebtedness with respect to such Sale and
Leaseback Transaction pursuant to the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock and (2) create a Lien on such
Property securing such Attributable Indebtedness without also
securing the notes pursuant to the covenant described under
Limitation on Liens and |
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(b) such Sale and Leaseback Transaction is effected in
compliance with the covenant described under
Limitation on Asset Sales. |
Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.
The Board of Directors of an Issuer may designate any Subsidiary
of such Issuer to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if
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(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated does not own any
Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or own or hold any Lien on any
Property of, such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, |
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(b) the Subsidiary to be so designated is not obligated
under any Indebtedness, Lien or other obligation that, if in
default, would result (with the passage of time or notice or
otherwise) in a default on any Indebtedness of such Issuer or of
any of its Restricted Subsidiary and |
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(c) either (1) the Subsidiary to be so designated has
total assets of $1,000 or less or (2) such designation is
effective immediately upon such entity becoming a Subsidiary of
such Issuer. |
Unless so designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any Person
that becomes a Subsidiary of such Issuer will be classified as a
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such
Subsidiary shall not be designated a Restricted Subsidiary of
such Issuer and shall be automatically classified as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary if either of the requirements set forth
in clauses (x) and (y) of the immediately following
paragraph will not be satisfied after giving pro forma effect to
such classification. Except as provided in the first sentence of
this paragraph, no Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer may be
redesignated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Issuer.
The Board of Directors may designate any of such Issuers
Unrestricted Subsidiaries to be a Restricted Subsidiary of such
Issuer if, immediately after giving pro forma effect to such
designation, (x) the Issuers could Incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to clause (a) of the first
paragraph of the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock and (y) no Default or Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result
therefrom.
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Any such designation or redesignation by the Board of Directors
of an Issuer will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the
Trustee a board resolution giving effect to such designation or
redesignation and an Officers Certificate
(a) certifying that such designation or redesignation
complies with the foregoing provisions and (b) giving the
effective date of such designation or redesignation, such filing
with the Trustee to occur within 45 days after the end of
the fiscal quarter of the Issuers in which such designation or
redesignation is made (or, in the case of a designation or
redesignation made during the last fiscal quarter of the
Issuers fiscal year, within 90 days after the end of
such fiscal year).
Limitation on Companys Business. An Issuer shall
not, and shall not permit any or its Restricted Subsidiaries,
to, directly or indirectly, engage in any business other than
the Telecommunications Business.
Limitation on Activities of the Company. The Company
shall not conduct or engage in any business or hold or acquire
any assets other than
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(a) the ownership of all of the Capital Stock of the
Issuers and any activities directly related to such ownership, |
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(b) the performance of its obligations under and in
connection with its Note Guarantee and the Credit Agreement and
the performance of similar obligations with respect to any
Credit Facility or other items of indebtedness of future direct
subsidiaries of the Company other than the Issuers, |
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(c) the undertaking of any actions required by law,
regulation or order, including to maintain its existence, |
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(d) the ownership of the Capital Stock of other Persons
that are corporations or limited liability companies or other
Persons consisting of limited partnership interests in limited
partnerships; |
provided, however, that if there is a reorganization or
other transaction (any such reorganization or other transaction,
an Intermediate Holdco Reorganization) the
effect of which is to create a new immediate parent of the
Issuers other than Homebase (an Intermediate
Holdco) and such Intermediate Holdco assumes the
obligations of Homebase under the Indenture, the notes, any
Additional Notes and the Exchange Notes and any related
guarantees in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Trustee, then for all purposes, the Company shall
refer to such Intermediate Holdco and Homebase shall not be
subject to this or other covenants of the Indenture.
Limitation on Liens. An Issuer shall not, and shall not
permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, Incur or suffer to exist, any Lien (other than
Permitted Liens) upon any of its Property (including Capital
Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary), whether owned at the Issue
Date or thereafter acquired, or any interest therein or any
income or profits therefrom, unless (a) if such Lien
secures Senior Indebtedness, the notes are secured on an equal
and ratable basis with such Indebtedness and (b) if such
Lien secures any other Indebtedness, such Lien shall be
subordinated to a Lien securing the notes in the same Property
as that securing such other Indebtedness (and if such Lien
secures a Subordinated Obligation, such Lien shall be
subordinated to a Lien securing the notes to at least the same
extent as such Subordinated Obligation is subordinated to the
notes).
Any Lien created for the benefit of the Holders of the notes
pursuant to the preceding paragraph shall provide by its terms
that such Lien shall be automatically and unconditionally
released and discharged upon the release and discharge of the
initial Lien giving rise to the requirement under this covenant
to equally and ratably secure the notes under either
clause (a) or (b) above.
SEC Reports. At all times from and after the date of the
commencement of an exchange offer or the effectiveness of a
shelf registration statement relating to the notes (the
Registration), notwithstanding that the
Issuers may not be required to be or remain subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, the Issuers will file with the SEC (unless such
filing is not permitted under the Exchange Act or by the SEC),
so long as notes are outstanding, the annual reports, quarterly
reports and other documents which the Issuers would have been
required to file with the SEC pursuant to the reporting
requirements of such Section 13(a) or 15(d) if the Issuers
were so subject, such
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documents to be filed with the SEC on or prior to the respective
dates by which the Issuers would have been required so to file
such documents if the Issuers were so subject, including:
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(a) an annual report on Form 10-K (or any successor
form) containing the information required to be contained
therein for such fiscal year, |
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(b) quarterly reports on Form 10-Q containing
unaudited financial statements (including a balance sheet and
statement of income, changes in stockholders equity and
cash flows) and Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for and as of the
end of such quarters (with comparable financial statements for
such quarter of the immediately preceding fiscal year); and |
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(c) all current reports that would be required to be filed
with the SEC on Form 8-K. |
Each report filed by an Issuer pursuant to clause (a) or
(b) above shall contain, or shall be accompanied by a
current report on Form 8-K containing, the most recent
audited financial statements (in the case of clause (a)) or
unaudited financial statements (in the case of clause (b))
of the Issuers on a combined consolidated basis for the period
covered by such Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, as the case
may be.
The Issuers will also, within 15 days after the date on
which the Issuers file such reports, transmit by mail to all
Holders, as their names and addresses appear in the
Note Register, and to the Trustee copies of any such
information, documents and reports (without exhibits) (or, in
lieu of one or more of the quarterly reports for fiscal 2004, a
registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities
Act or any amendment thereto, provided such registration
statement or amendment contains the information that would have
been included in each such report). The Issuers will be deemed
to have satisfied such requirements if the Company files and
provides reports, documents and information of the types
otherwise so required to be filed by the Company, or of the
types required to be filed by a U.S. issuer with the SEC
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, in
each case within the applicable time periods, and the Issuers
are not required to file such reports, documents and information
separately under the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC
(after giving effect to any exemptive relief) because of the
filings by the Company. The Issuers also will comply with the
other provisions of TIA § 314(a).
At all times prior to the Registration, upon the request of any
Holder or any prospective purchaser of the Notes designated by a
Holder, the Issuers shall supply to such holder or such
prospective purchaser the information required under
Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
Notwithstanding the above, any parent of the Issuers may comply
with this covenant, in lieu of the Issuers obligation to
do so, if such parent entity is permitted under GAAP,
Regulation S-X and the Exchange Act to provide consolidated
financial statements of itself and its subsidiaries (including
the Issuers) in filings made under the Exchange Act on behalf of
the Issuers in lieu of consolidated financial statements of the
Issuers themselves, in which event, the Issuers shall be
relieved of the obligation to comply with this covenant, except
as otherwise required by GAAP, Regulation S-X or the
Exchange Act.
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Property
The Company shall not, and will not permit either Issuer to,
merge, consolidate or amalgamate with or into any other Person
(other than a merger of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, an Issuer or
any Note Guarantor, into an Issuer or any Note Guarantor) or
sell, transfer, assign, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of
all or substantially all its Property in any one transaction or
series of transactions unless:
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(a) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the
Surviving Person) will be a corporation organized
and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any
State thereof or the District of Columbia; |
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(b) the Surviving Person (if other than the Company, an
Issuer or a Note Guarantor) expressly assumes, by supplemental
indenture in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee,
executed and delivered to the Trustee by such Surviving Person,
the due and punctual payment of the principal of, and premium,
if any, and interest on, all the notes, according to their
tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of
all the covenants and conditions of the Indenture to be
performed by the Company, such Issuer or Note Guarantor; |
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(c) in the case of a sale, transfer, assignment, lease,
conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all the
Property of the Company, any Issuer or Note Guarantor, such
Property shall have been transferred as an entirety or virtually
as an entirety to one Person; |
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(d) immediately before and after giving effect to such
transaction or series of transactions on a pro forma basis (and
treating, for purposes of this clause (d) and
clauses (e) and (f) below, any Indebtedness that
becomes, or is anticipated to become, an obligation of the
Surviving Person or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of
such transaction or series of transactions as having been
Incurred by the Surviving Person or such Restricted Subsidiary
at the time of such transaction or series of transactions), no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing; |
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(e) immediately after giving effect to such transaction or
series of transactions on a pro forma basis, the Issuers or the
Surviving Person, as the case may be, would be able to Incur at
least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under
paragraph (a) of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock; and |
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(f) the Issuers shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to
the Trustee, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the Trustee, an Officers Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that such transaction and the supplemental
indenture, if any, in respect thereto comply with this covenant
and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating
to such transaction have been satisfied. |
The Surviving Person shall succeed to, and be substituted for,
and may exercise every right and power of, the Company, the
Issuers or the Note Guarantors, as the case may be, under the
Indenture, but the predecessor company in the case of a sale,
transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or other disposition
shall not be released from its obligations under the Indenture
and the notes (except the predecessor company shall be so
released in the case of the sale, transfer, assignment,
conveyance or other disposition, but not the lease, of the
assets as an entirety or virtually as an entirety).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company be
permitted to sell, transfer or assign, convey or otherwise
dispose of the Capital Stock of either Issuer except in
connection with an Intermediate Holdco Reorganization as
contemplated in the definition of the Company.
Events of Default
Events of Default in respect of the notes as set forth in the
Indenture include:
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(a) failure by the Issuers to make the payment of any
interest on the notes when the same becomes due and payable, and
such failure continues for a period of 30 days; |
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(b) failure by the Issuers to make the payment of any
principal of, or premium, if any, on, any of the notes when the
same becomes due and payable at its Stated Maturity, upon
acceleration, redemption, optional redemption, required
repurchase or otherwise; |
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(c) failure by the Issuers to comply with the covenant
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Upon a Change of Control or
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Property; |
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(d) failure by the Issuers to comply with any other
covenant or agreement in the notes or in the Indenture (other
than a failure that is the subject of the foregoing
clause (a), (b) or (c)) and such failure continues for
60 days after written notice is given to the Issuers as
provided below; |
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(e) a default under any Indebtedness by the Company, an
Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that results in
acceleration of the maturity of such Indebtedness, or failure to
pay any such Indebtedness at maturity, in an aggregate amount
greater than $10.0 million or its foreign currency
equivalent at the time (the cross acceleration
provisions); |
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(f) any judgment or judgments for the payment of money in
an aggregate amount in excess of $10.0 million (or its
foreign currency equivalent at the time) shall be rendered
against the Company, an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries and shall not be waived, satisfied or discharged
for any period of 60 consecutive days during which a stay of
enforcement shall not be in effect (the judgment
default provisions); |
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(g) any Note Guarantee by the Company or an Issuer fails to
be in full force or effect; and |
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(h) certain events involving bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of the Company, any Issuer or an Significant
Subsidiary (the bankruptcy provisions). |
A Default under clause (d) is not an Event of Default until
the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25.0% in aggregate
principal amount of the notes then outstanding notify the
Issuers of the Default and the Issuers do not cure such Default
within the time specified after receipt of such notice. Such
notice must specify the Default, demand that it be remedied and
state that such notice is a Notice of Default.
The Issuers shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days
after the occurrence thereof, written notice in the form of an
Officers Certificate of any Event of Default and any event
that with the giving of notice or the lapse of time would become
an Event of Default, its status and what action the Issuers are
taking or propose to take with respect thereto.
The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default with respect
to the notes (other than an Event of Default resulting from the
bankruptcy provisions) shall have occurred and be continuing,
the Trustee or the registered holders of not less than 25.0% in
aggregate principal amount of the notes then outstanding may
declare to be immediately due and payable the principal amount
of all the notes then outstanding, plus accrued but unpaid
interest to the date of acceleration. In case an Event of
Default resulting from the bankruptcy provisions with respect to
the Company or an Issuer shall occur, such amount with respect
to all the notes shall be due and payable immediately without
any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or the
holders of the notes. After any such acceleration, but before a
judgment or decree based on acceleration is obtained by the
Trustee, the registered holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the notes then outstanding may, under
certain circumstances, rescind and annul such acceleration if
all Events of Default, other than the nonpayment of accelerated
principal, premium or interest, have been cured or waived as
provided in the Indenture.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the
duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default shall occur
and be continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to
exercise any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the
request or direction of any of the holders of the notes, unless
such holders shall have offered to the Trustee reasonable
indemnity. Subject to such provisions for the indemnification of
the Trustee, the holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the notes then outstanding will have the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or exercising any trust
or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to the notes.
No holder of notes will have any right to institute any
proceeding with respect to the Indenture, or for the appointment
of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy thereunder, unless
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(a) such holder has previously given to the Trustee written
notice of a continuing Event of Default, |
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(b) the registered holders of at least 25.0% in aggregate
principal amount of the notes then outstanding have made written
request and offered reasonable indemnity to the Trustee to
institute such proceeding as trustee and |
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(c) the Trustee shall not have received from the registered
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes
then outstanding a direction inconsistent with such request and
shall have failed to institute such proceeding within
60 days. |
However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a
holder of any note for enforcement of payment of the principal
of, and premium, if any, or interest on, such note on or after
the respective due dates expressed in such note.
Amendments and Waivers
Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with
the consent of the registered holders of a majority in aggregate
principal amount of the notes then outstanding (including
consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange
offer for the notes) and any past default or
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compliance with any provisions may also be waived (except a
default in the payment of principal, premium or interest and
certain covenants and provisions of the Indenture that cannot be
amended without the consent of each holder of an outstanding
note) with the consent of the registered holders of at least a
majority in aggregate principal amount of the notes then
outstanding. However, without the consent of each holder of an
outstanding note, no amendment may, among other things,
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(a) reduce the amount of notes whose holders must consent
to an amendment or waiver, |
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(b) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of
interest on any note, |
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(c) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity
of any note, |
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(d) make any note payable in money other than that stated
in the note, |
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(e) impair the right of any holder of the notes to receive
payment of principal of and interest on such holders notes
on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such
holders notes, |
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(f) release any security interest that may have been
granted in favor of the holders of the notes other than pursuant
to the terms of such security interest, |
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(g) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any
note nor change the time at which any note may be redeemed, as
described under Optional Redemption, |
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(h) reduce the premium payable upon a Change of Control or,
at any time after a Change of Control has occurred, change the
time at which the Change of Control Offer relating thereto must
be made or at which the notes must be repurchased pursuant to
such Change of Control Offer, |
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(i) at any time after the Issuers are obligated to make a
Prepayment Offer with the Excess Proceeds from Asset Sales,
change the time at which such Prepayment Offer must be made or
at which the notes must be repurchased pursuant thereto or |
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(j) make any change with respect to the ranking of the
notes or any Note Guarantee relative to any other Indebtedness
or other obligations of the Issuers or any Note Guarantor, as
the case may be. |
Without the consent of any holder of the notes, the Company, the
Issuers and the Trustee may amend the Indenture to cure any
ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, to provide for the
assumption by a successor corporation of the obligations of the
Company or the Issuers under the Indenture, to provide for
uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated
notes (provided that the uncertificated notes are issued
in registered form for purposes of Section 163(f) of the
Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated notes are
described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code), to add
Guarantees with respect to the notes, to secure the notes, to
add to the covenants of the Issuers for the benefit of the
holders of the notes or to surrender any right or power
conferred upon the Issuers, to make any change that does not
materially adversely affect the rights of any holder of the
notes, to provide for or confirm the issuance of additional
notes or to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection
with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
The consent of the holders of the notes is not necessary under
the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed
amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the
substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under
the Indenture becomes effective, the Issuers are required to
mail to each registered holder of the notes at such
holders address appearing in the Notes Register a
notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure
to give such notice to all holders of the notes, or any defect
therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.
Satisfaction and Discharge
The Indenture shall be discharged and shall cease to be of
further effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of
transfer or exchange of the notes, as expressly provided for in
the Indenture) as to all outstanding notes when
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(a) either (1) all outstanding notes (other than lost,
destroyed or stolen notes which have been replaced) have been
delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (2) all
outstanding notes have |
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become due and payable, whether at maturity or as a result of
the mailing of a notice of redemption, and the Issuers have
irrevocably deposited with the Trustee funds sufficient to pay
at maturity or upon redemption all outstanding notes, including
interest thereon to the maturity date or redemption date, as the
case may be; |
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(b) the Issuers have paid all other sums payable under the
Indenture; and |
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(c) the Issuers have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating
that all conditions precedent under the Indenture relating to
the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture have been
complied with. |
Defeasance
The Issuers at any time may, concurrently and only concurrently,
severally terminate all the respective obligations of the
Company and the Issuers under the notes and the Indenture
(legal defeasance), except for certain obligations,
including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations
to register the transfer or exchange of the notes, to replace
mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes and to maintain a
registrar and paying agent in respect of the notes. The Issuers
at any time may concurrently (and not separately) terminate the
respective obligations of the Issuers under the covenants
described under Repurchase at the Option of
Holders Upon a Change of Control and
Certain Covenants, the operation of the
cross acceleration provisions, the judgment default provisions
and the bankruptcy provisions, described under
Events of Default above and the
limitation contained in clauses (e) under the first
paragraph of Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Property above (covenant defeasance). The
Issuers may concurrently (and not separately) exercise their
legal defeasance option notwithstanding their prior exercise of
the covenant defeasance option. If the Issuers exercise their
legal defeasance option or their covenant defeasance option,
each Note Guarantor will be released from all its obligations
with respect to its Note Guarantee.
If the Issuers exercise their legal defeasance option, payment
of the notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of
Default with respect thereto. If the Issuers exercise their
covenant defeasance option, payment of the notes may not be
accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in
clauses (d) (with respect to the covenants described under
Certain Covenants), (e), (f) or
(h) (with respect only to Restricted Subsidiaries in the
case of clauses (f) and (h)) under Events
of Default above or because of the failure of the Company
or the Issuers to comply with clauses (e) and
(f) under the first paragraph of Merger,
Consolidation and Sale of Property above.
The legal defeasance option or the covenant defeasance option
may be exercised only if:
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(a) the Issuers irrevocably deposit in trust with the
Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations for the
payment of principal of and interest on the notes to maturity or
redemption, as the case may be; |
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(b) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee a certificate from a
nationally recognized firm of independent certified public
accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of
principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the
deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited
money without investment will provide cash at such times and in
such amounts as will be sufficient to pay principal and interest
when due on all the notes to maturity or redemption, as the case
may be; |
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(c) 91 days pass after the deposit is made and during
the 91-day period no Default described in clause (g) under
Events of Default occurs with respect to
the Company or any Issuer which is continuing at the end of the
period; |
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(d) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing on the date of such deposit and after giving effect
thereto; |
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(e) such deposit does not constitute a default under any
other agreement or instrument binding on the Issuers; |
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(f) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that the trust resulting from the deposit
does not constitute, or is qualified as, a regulated investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; |
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(g) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Issuers
deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that
(1) the Issuers have received from the Internal Revenue
Service a ruling, or (2) since the date of the Indenture
there has been a change in the applicable Federal income tax
law, to the effect, in either case, that, and based thereon such
Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the holders of the notes
will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal income tax
purposes as a result of such defeasance and will be subject to
Federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and
at the same time as would have been the case if such defeasance
had not occurred; |
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(h) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the
Issuers deliver to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the
effect that the holders of the notes will not recognize income,
gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such
covenant defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on
the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such covenant defeasance had not
occurred; and |
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(i) the Issuers deliver to the Trustee an Officers
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all
conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the
notes have been complied with as required by the Indenture. |
No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees,
Incorporators and Stockholders
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of
the Company, the Issuers, or any Subsidiary of any thereof shall
have any liability for any obligation of the Company or any
Issuer under the Indenture, the notes or any Note Guarantee, or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, any such
obligation or its creation. Each noteholder, by accepting the
notes, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes.
Concerning the Trustee
The Trustee under the Indenture will be appointed by the Issuers
as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the notes.
The Indenture will provide that, except during the continuance
of an Event of Default, the Trustee will perform only such
duties as are set forth specifically in the Indenture. During
the existence of an Event of Default, the Trustee will exercise
such of the rights and powers vested in it under the Indenture
and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a
prudent person would exercise under the circumstances in the
conduct of such persons own affairs.
The Indenture and the TIA will impose certain limitations on the
rights of the Trustee, should it become a creditor of the
Company or an Issuer, to obtain payment of claims in certain
cases or to realize on certain property received by it in
respect of any such claims, as security or otherwise. The
Trustee is permitted to engage in other transactions;
provided, however, that if it acquires any conflicting
interest as described in the TIA, it must eliminate such
conflict, apply to the SEC for permission to continue as Trustee
with such conflict, or resign.
Governing Law
The Indenture provides that it and the notes will be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of
New York.
Certain Definitions
Acquired Indebtedness means Indebtedness of
any Person that is assumed by an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries in connection with its acquisition of assets from
such Person or any Affiliate thereof or is issued and
outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Person was
acquired by, merged into or consolidated with such Issuer or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries or merged or consolidated with
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or into such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other
than Indebtedness Incurred to finance, or otherwise in
connection with, such acquisition).
Acquisition means the acquisition by the
Company, through its indirect Wholly Owned Subsidiary Texas
Acquisition, of TXUCV from Pinnacle One for a purchase price of
$527 million, subject to a working capital and a net debt
adjustment pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Stock Purchase Agreement.
Additional Assets means (a) any Property
(other than cash, cash equivalents and securities) to be owned
by an Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and used in a
Telecommunications Business; or (b) Capital Stock of a
Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the
acquisition of such Capital Stock by an Issuer or another of its
Restricted Subsidiaries from any Person other than an Affiliate
of such Issuer; provided, however, that, in the case of
clause (b), such Restricted Subsidiary is primarily engaged
in a Telecommunications Business. For the avoidance of doubt,
the making of capital expenditures in a Telecommunications Asset
or Telecommunications Business by an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries will constitute the purchase of, or
investment or reinvestment in, Additional Assets.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any
other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by
or under direct or indirect common control with such specified
Person. For the purposes of this definition, control
when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct
the management and policies of such Person, directly or
indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities,
by contract or otherwise; and the terms controlling
and controlled have meanings correlative to the
foregoing. For purposes of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Transactions with Affiliates, Limitation
on Asset Sales and the definition of Additional
Assets only, Affiliate shall also mean any
beneficial owner of shares representing 10.0% or more of the
total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted
basis) of the Company or of rights or warrants to purchase such
Voting Stock (whether or not currently exercisable) and any
Person who would be an Affiliate of any such beneficial owner
pursuant to the first sentence hereof.
Asset Sale means any sale, lease, transfer,
issuance or other disposition (or series of related sales,
leases, transfers, issuances or dispositions) by an Issuer or
any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of
a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to
for the purposes of this definition as a
disposition), of
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(a) any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary
(other than directors qualifying shares) or |
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(b) any other assets of an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries outside of the ordinary course of business of such
Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries |
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(other than, in the case of clauses (a) and (b) above, |
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(1) any disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to an Issuer
or by an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to a Restricted
Subsidiary, |
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(2) for purposes of the covenant described under
Limitation on Asset Sales only,
(x) any disposition that constitutes a Permitted Investment
or Restricted Payment permitted by the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments and
(y) contemporaneous exchanges by an Issuer or any
Restricted Subsidiary of Telecommunications Assets for other
Telecommunications Assets in the ordinary course of business;
provided that the applicable Telecommunications Assets
received by such Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries have at
least substantially equal Fair Market Value to such Issuer or
its Restricted Subsidiaries (as evidenced by a board resolution
of the Board of Directors of such Issuer), |
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(3) any disposition effected in compliance with the first
paragraph of the covenant described under
Merger, Consolidation and Sale of
Property, |
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(4) any disposition of Property or equipment that has
become worn out, obsolete or damaged or otherwise unsuitable or
not required for use in connection with the business of an
Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, |
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(5) the lease, assignment or sub-lease of any real or
personal property in the ordinary course of business, |
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(6) a disposition of cash or Temporary Cash Investments, |
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(7) any sale or disposition deemed to occur in connection
with creating, granting or exercising remedies in respect of any
Permitted Liens or Liens permitted pursuant to the
Limitation on Liens covenant, and |
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(8) a transaction or series of related transactions for
which the Company or its Related Subsidiaries receive aggregate
consideration of less than $1.0 million). |
Attributable Indebtedness in respect of a
Sale and Leaseback Transaction means, at any date of
determination, (a) if such Sale and Leaseback Transaction
is a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness
represented thereby according to the definition of Capital
Lease Obligation and (b) in all other instances, the
greater of (1) the Fair Market Value of the Property
subject to such Sale and Leaseback Transaction and (2) the
present value (discounted at the interest rate borne by the
notes, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the
lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the
lease included in such Sale and Leaseback Transaction (including
any period for which such lease has been extended).
Average Life means, as of any date of
determination, with respect to any Indebtedness or Preferred
Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the sum of the
product of the numbers of years (rounded to the nearest
one-twelfth of one year) from the date of determination to the
dates of each successive scheduled principal payment of such
Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to
such Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment by
(b) the sum of all such payments.
Board of Directors of a Person means the
board of directors or other governing body of the Ultimate
Parent Person (as defined in the definition of Change of
Control) of such Person or any committee thereof duly
authorized to act on behalf of such board or governing body.
Business Day means a day other than a
Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banking
institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New
York City or Mattoon, Illinois.
Capital Lease Obligations means any
obligation under a lease that is required to be capitalized for
financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP; and the
amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation shall be
the capitalized amount of such obligations determined in
accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be
the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due
under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease
may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
For purposes of Certain Covenants
Limitation on Liens, a Capital Lease Obligation shall be
deemed secured by a Lien on the Property being leased.
Capital Stock means, with respect to any
Person, any shares or other equivalents (however designated) of
any class of corporate stock or partnership interests or any
other participations, rights, warrants, options or other
interests in the nature of an equity interest in such Person,
including Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt security
convertible or exchangeable into such equity interest.
Capital Stock Sale Proceeds means the
aggregate cash proceeds or Fair Market Value of Property or
assets received by an Issuer from the issuance or sale (other
than to a Subsidiary of such Issuer or an employee stock
ownership plan or trust established by such Issuer or any such
Subsidiary of such Issuer for the benefit of their employees) by
such Issuer of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock)
after the Issue Date, net of attorneys fees,
accountants fees, underwriters or placement
agents fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage,
consultant and other fees actually incurred in connection with
such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
CCI Illinois means Consolidated
Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and any successor in interest thereto.
CCI Texas means Consolidated Communications
Texas Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor
in interest thereto.
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Change of Control means the occurrence of any
of the following events:
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(a) prior to the first Public Equity Offering that results
in a Public Market, the Permitted Holders cease to be the
beneficial owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3
under the Exchange Act, except that a Person will be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of all shares that any
such Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, of a majority of the total voting power
of the Voting Stock of the Company, whether as a result of the
issuance of securities of the Company, any merger,
consolidation, liquidation or dissolution of the Company, any
direct or indirect transfer of securities by the Permitted
Holders or otherwise (for purposes of this clause (a), the
Permitted Holders will be deemed to beneficially own any Voting
Stock of a specified Person held directly or indirectly by a
Person so long as the Permitted Holders beneficially own,
directly or indirectly, in the aggregate a majority of the total
voting power of the Voting Stock of such Person); or |
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(b) on or after the first Public Equity Offering that
results in a Public Market, (i) if any Person
or group (as such terms are used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act or any
successor provisions to either of the foregoing), including any
group acting for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or
disposing of securities within the meaning of
Rule 13d-5(b)(1) under the Exchange Act, other than any one
or more of the Permitted Holders, becomes the beneficial
owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act, except that a Person will be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of all shares that any such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, of 35.0% or more of the total voting
power of the Voting Stock of the Company; provided,
however, that the Permitted Holders are the beneficial
owners (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act, except that a Person will be deemed to have
beneficial ownership of all shares that any such
Person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, in the aggregate of a lesser percentage
of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company
than such other Person or group (for purposes of this
clause (b) (i) a Person or group (a Parent
Group) shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting
Stock of a specified Person (a Subsidiary
Person) held by an intermediate Person (an
Intermediate Person) so long as such Parent
Group beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, in the
aggregate a majority of the total voting power of the Voting
Stock of such Intermediate Person) and (ii) a Parent Group
shall be deemed to own the percentage of Voting Stock of a
Subsidiary Person that it owns of an Intermediate Person so long
as such Intermediate Person beneficially owns all of the Voting
Stock of such Subsidiary Person; or |
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(c) the sale, transfer, assignment, lease, conveyance or
other disposition, directly or indirectly, of all or
substantially all the assets of the Company and the Restricted
Subsidiaries, considered as a whole (other than a disposition of
such assets as an entirety or virtually as an entirety to a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary or direct or indirect parent of the
Company or one or more Permitted Holders) shall have occurred,
or the Company merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into
any other Person (other than with a direct or indirect parent or
subsidiary of the Company or one or more Permitted Holders) or
any other Person (other than one or more Permitted Holders)
merges, consolidates or amalgamates with or into the Company, in
any such event pursuant to a transaction in which the
outstanding Voting Stock of the Company is reclassified into or
exchanged for cash, securities or other Property, other than any
such transaction where (1) the outstanding Voting Stock of
the Company is reclassified into or exchanged for Voting Stock
of the surviving Person and (2) the holders of the Voting
Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction own,
directly or indirectly, not less than a majority of the Voting
Stock of the surviving Person immediately after such
transaction; or |
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(d) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals
who at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of
Directors (together with any new directors whose election or
appointment or whose nomination for election (1) was
approved by a vote of a majority of the directors then still in
office who were either directors at the beginning of such period
or whose election or nomination for |
184
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election was previously so approved or (2) was pursuant to
one or more agreements among members in effect on the Issue
Date) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board
of Directors then in office; or |
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(e) the members of the Company shall have approved any plan
of liquidation or dissolution of the Company. |
For the avoidance of doubt, by way of example, with respect to
clause (b) above, if the Company is a wholly owned
subsidiary of an Intermediate Person and such Intermediate
Person is a wholly owned subsidiary of an Intermediate Person
(such top level Intermediate Person being an Ultimate
Parent Person), beneficial ownership of such Ultimate
Parent Person shall be deemed to be beneficial ownership of the
Company.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction effected to create
a new holding company of the Issuers other than Homebase
pursuant to an Intermediate Holdco Reorganization or otherwise
will not be deemed to constitute a Change of Control if
(1) pursuant to such transaction each Issuer becomes a
Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such holding company and (2) the
events or circumstances set forth in clause (a) or
(b) above, as applicable, do not occur with respect to such
new holding company (as if it were the Company) in
connection with such reorganization.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
Commodity Price Protection Agreement means,
in respect of a Person, any forward contract, commodity swap
agreement, commodity option agreement or other similar agreement
or arrangement designed to protect such Person against
fluctuations in commodity prices.
Company means Homebase Acquisition, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company and any successor in interest
thereto; provided, however, that if there is an
Intermediate Holdco Reorganization, Company shall
mean the immediate parent of the Issuers as contemplated by such
Intermediate Holdco Reorganization.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any
period, the total interest expense of the Issuers and their
Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated combined basis, plus,
to the extent not included in such total interest expense, and
to the extent Incurred by the Issuers or their Restricted
Subsidiaries, without duplication,
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(a) interest expense attributable to leases constituting
part of a Sale and Leaseback Transaction and to capital leases, |
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(b) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost,
including commitment fees, |
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(c) capitalized interest, |
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(d) non-cash interest expenses, |
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(e) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed
with respect to letters of credit and bankers acceptance
financing, |
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(f) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations
(including amortization of fees), |
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(g) Disqualified Stock Dividends, |
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(h) Preferred Stock Dividends, |
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(i) interest Incurred in connection with Investments in
discontinued operations, |
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(j) interest accruing on any Indebtedness of any other
Person to the extent such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by an
Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and |
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(k) the lesser of (1) cash contributions to any
employee stock ownership plan or similar trust and (2) the
interest or fees paid by such plan or trust to any Person (other
than the Issuers) in connection with Indebtedness Incurred by
such plan or trust. |
185
Consolidated Net Income means, for any
period, the net income (loss) of the Issuers and their
Subsidiaries on a consolidated combined basis; provided,
however, that there shall not be included in such
Consolidated Net Income
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(a) any net income (loss) of any Person (other than the
Issuers) if such Person is not a Restricted Subsidiary of an
Issuer, except that (1) subject to the exclusion contained
in clause (c) below, there shall be included in such
Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash
distributed by such Person during such period to the Issuers or
their Restricted Subsidiaries as a dividend or other
distribution, whether or not reflected on the Issuers
consolidated combined income statement and (2) the
Issuers equity in a net loss of any such Person other than
an Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in
determining such Consolidated Net Income, |
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(b) any net income (but not loss) of any Restricted
Subsidiary of an Issuer, if such Restricted Subsidiary is
subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment
of dividends or the making of distributions, directly or
indirectly, to such Issuer, except that, subject to the
exclusion contained in clause (c) below, such Issuers
equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for
such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up
to the aggregate amount of cash distributed by such Restricted
Subsidiary during such period to such Issuer or another of such
Issuers Restricted Subsidiaries as a dividend or other
distribution, plus the amount of income accrued during such
period in excess of such distributed cash to the extent such
excess income could be distributed on the date of determination
(subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution to
another Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer, to the limitation
contained in this clause), |
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(c) any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other
disposition of any Property of the Issuers or any of their
Subsidiaries on a consolidated combined basis (including
pursuant to any Sale and Leaseback Transaction) that is not sold
or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business, |
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(d) any net, after tax extraordinary gain or loss, |
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(e) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principles and |
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(f) any non-cash compensation expense realized for grants
of performance shares, stock options or other stock awards to
officers, directors and employees of an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries, |
in each case, for such period.
Credit Agreement means that certain credit
agreement, dated as of April 14, 2004, among Homebase, CCI
Texas, CCI Illinois, Consolidated Communications, Inc.,
Consolidated Communications Acquisition Texas Inc., the lenders
referred to therein, Citicorp North America, Inc., as
administrative agent, Credit Suisse First Boston LLC, as
syndication agent, Credit Suisse First Boston LLC and Citigroup
Global Markets Inc., as joint lead arrangers and joint
bookrunners, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as
documentation agent.
Credit Facilities means one or more of
(1) the Credit Agreement and (2) other facilities or
arrangements, in each case with one or more banks or other
institutions providing for revolving credit loans, term loans,
receivables financings (including without limitation through the
sale of receivables to such institutions or to special purpose
entities formed to borrow from such institutions against such
receivables), letters of credit or other Indebtedness, in each
case, including all agreements, instruments and documents
executed and delivered pursuant to or in connection with any of
the foregoing, including but not limited to any promissory notes
and letters of credit issued pursuant thereto and any guarantee
and collateral agreement, patent and trademark security
agreement, mortgages or letter of credit applications and other
guarantees, pledge agreements, security agreements and
collateral documents, in each case as the same may be amended,
supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time, or
refunded, refinanced, restructured, replaced, renewed, repaid,
increased or extended from time to time (whether in whole or in
part, whether with the original banks or other institutions or
other banks or other institutions or otherwise, and whether
provided under any original Credit Facility or one or more other
credit
186
agreements, indentures, financing agreements or other Credit
Facilities or otherwise). Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the term Credit Facility shall include
any agreement
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(a) changing the maturity of any Indebtedness incurred
thereunder or contemplated thereby, |
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(b) adding Subsidiaries as additional borrowers or
guarantors thereunder, |
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(c) increasing the amount of Indebtedness incurred
thereunder or available to be borrowed thereunder or |
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(d) otherwise altering the terms and conditions thereof. |
Currency Exchange Protection Agreement means,
in respect of a Person, any foreign exchange contract, currency
swap agreement, currency option or other similar agreement or
arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations
in currency exchange rates.
Default means any event or condition that is,
or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of
Default.
Designated Non-cash Consideration means the
Fair Market Value of non-cash consideration received by an
Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an Asset
Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration
pursuant to an Officers Certificate, setting forth the
basis of such valuation, less the amount of cash equivalents
received in connection with a subsequent sale of such Designated
Non-cash Consideration.
Disqualified Stock means, with respect to any
Person, any Capital Stock that by its terms (or by the terms of
any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable, in either case at the option of the holder
thereof) or otherwise (a) matures or is mandatorily
redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise,
(b) is or may become redeemable or repurchaseable at the
option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part, or
(c) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the
holder thereof for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock, on or
prior to, in the case of clause (a), (b) or (c), the
date that is 91 days after the Stated Maturity of the
notes, provided, however, that any Capital Stock that
would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions
thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person
to purchase or redeem such Capital Stock in cash upon the
occurrence of an Asset Sale or Change of
Control (or similar terms having the same meaning)
occurring prior to the date that is 91 days after the
Stated Maturity of the notes shall not constitute Disqualified
Stock if:
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(x) the asset sale or change of
control provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are
not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the
terms applicable to the notes and described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Asset Sales and Certain
Covenants Change of Control; and |
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(y) any such requirement only becomes operative after
compliance with such terms applicable to the notes, including
the purchase of any notes tendered pursuant thereto; |
provided, further, however, that any Capital Stock of an
Issuer that would otherwise constitute Disqualified Stock shall
not be deemed to constitute Disqualified Stock if the holders
thereof cannot require that it be paid or redeemed in cash upon
its Stated Maturity or upon the happening of any event if the
issuer thereof has the option to satisfy its obligations
thereunder in additional shares of Capital Stock (provided
that such additional shares of Capital Stock would not
otherwise constitute Disqualified Stock).
Disqualified Stock Dividends means all
dividends with respect to Disqualified Stock of an Issuer held
by Persons other than a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such Issuer.
The amount of any such dividend shall be equal to the quotient
of such dividend divided by the difference between one and the
maximum statutory federal income tax rate (expressed as a
decimal number between 1 and 0) then applicable to such Issuer.
187
EBITDA means, for any period, an amount equal
to, for the Issuers and their Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated combined basis, (a) the sum of Consolidated
Net Income for such period, plus the following to the extent
deducted in computing Consolidated Net Income for such period:
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(1) the provision for taxes based on income or profits or
utilized in computing net loss, |
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(2) Consolidated Interest Expense, |
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(3) depreciation expense, |
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(4) amortization expense, |
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(5) any other non-cash items (other than any such non-cash
item to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve
for cash expenditures in any future period), |
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(6) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and
advisory fees and related expenses paid to the Company or any of
its Equity Investors (or any accruals relating to such fees and
related expenses) during such period, provided that such
amount shall not exceed $5.0 million in any fiscal
year, and |
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(7) (a) any unusual or nonrecurring charges, fees or
expenses, including those relating to the Transactions
(including for severance payments, retention bonuses,
transaction fees and expenses and other unusual or nonrecurring
charges, fees or expenses relating to the Transactions) to the
extent incurred on or prior to the Issue Date and (b) other
charges relating to the integration of the businesses and
operations of the Issuers and their Subsidiaries after the Issue
Date up to, in the case of clause (b) of this
paragraph (7), an aggregate of $15.0 million for
fiscal years 2004 and 2005, |
minus (b) all non-cash items increasing Consolidated Net
Income for such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the
depreciation and amortization and other non-cash charges of, a
Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer shall be added to
Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent
(and in the same proportion) that the net income of such
Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer was included in calculating
Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would
be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to
such Issuer by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval
of any governmental body or regulatory authority (that has not
been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction
pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements,
instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and
governmental regulations applicable to such Restricted
Subsidiary or its shareholders.
For the avoidance of doubt the adjustments to pro forma EBITDA
set forth in this prospectus under Summary shall be
deemed to fall within this definition of EBITDA.
Equity Investors means (1) Central
Illinois Telephone, LLC and its current or future Affiliates,
(2) Providence Equity Partners IV, L.P. as its current or
future Affiliates and (3) Spectrum Equity Investors IV,
L.P. and its current or future Affiliates.
Equity Sale means (1) a Public Equity
Offering following which a Public Market exists or (2) a
Strategic Equity Investment.
Event of Default has the meaning set forth
under Events of Default.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended.
Fair Market Value means, with respect to any
Property, the price that could be negotiated in an
arms-length free market transaction, for cash, between a
willing seller and a willing buyer, neither of whom is under
undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction. Fair
Market Value shall be determined, except as otherwise
provided, (a) if such Property has a Fair Market
Value equal to or less than $5.0 million, by any Officer of
the applicable Issuer or (b) if such Property has a Fair
Market Value in excess of $5.0 million, by a majority of
the Board of Directors of the applicable Issuer and evidenced by
a board resolution, dated within 30 days of the relevant
transaction, delivered to the Trustee.
188
GAAP means United States generally accepted
accounting principles as in effect on the Issue Date, including
those set forth
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(a) in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants, |
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(b) in the statements and pronouncements of the Financial
Accounting Standards Board, |
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(c) in such other statements by such other entity as
approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession
and |
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(d) in the rules and regulations of the SEC or the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board governing the inclusion of
financial statements (including pro forma financial statements)
in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to
Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and
pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written
statements from the accounting staff of the SEC. |
Guarantee means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any
Indebtedness of any other Person and any obligation, direct or
indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (a) to
purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or
payment of) such Indebtedness of such other Person (whether
arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements
to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services,
to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or
otherwise) or (b) entered into for the purpose of assuring
in any other manner the obligee against loss in respect thereof
(in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term
Guarantee shall not include (1) endorsements
for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business or
(2) a contractual commitment by one Person to invest in
another Person for so long as such Investment is reasonably
expected to constitute a Permitted Investment under
clause (c) of the definition of Permitted Investments. The
term Guarantee used as a verb has a corresponding
meaning. The term Guarantor shall mean any Person
Guaranteeing any obligation.
Pledge and Guarantee Agreement means that
certain pledge and guarantee agreement, dated as of
April 14, 2004, among the company, Citicorp North America,
Inc., as collateral agent for the first priority secured parties
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as collateral agent
for the second priority secured parties.
Hedging Obligation of any Person means any
obligation of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate
Agreement, Currency Exchange Protection Agreement, Commodity
Price Protection Agreement or any other similar agreement or
arrangement.
Holder or Noteholder means
the Person in whose name a note is registered in the Register.
Incur means, with respect to any Indebtedness
or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by
merger, conversion, exchange or otherwise), extend, assume,
Guarantee or become liable in respect of such Indebtedness or
other obligation or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP
or otherwise, of any such Indebtedness or obligation on the
balance sheet of such Person (and Incurrence and
Incurred shall have meanings correlative to the
foregoing); provided, however, that a change in GAAP that
results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such
time, and is not theretofore classified as Indebtedness,
becoming Indebtedness shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such
Indebtedness; provided further, however, that solely for
purposes of determining compliance with
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock, amortization
of debt discount shall not be deemed to be the Incurrence of
Indebtedness, provided that in the case of Indebtedness
sold at a discount, the amount of such Indebtedness Incurred
shall at all times be the accreted value of such Indebtedness.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any
Person on any date of determination (without duplication),
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(a) the principal of and premium (if any) in respect of
(1) debt of such Person for money borrowed and
(2) debt evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other
similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is
responsible or liable; |
189
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(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all
Attributable Indebtedness in respect of Sale and Leaseback
Transactions entered into by such Person; |
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(c) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the
deferred purchase price of Property, all conditional sale
obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person
under any title retention agreement (but excluding trade
accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business); |
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(d) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of
any obligor on any letter of credit, bankers acceptance or
similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect
to letters of credit securing obligations (other than
obligations described in (a) through (c) above)
entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person
to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if
and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no
later than the third Business Day following receipt by such
Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the
letter of credit); |
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(e) the amount of all obligations of such Person with
respect to the Repayment of any Disqualified Stock or, with
respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, any Preferred Stock
(but excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends but only to
the extent that any such dividends are mandatorily payable
pursuant to the certificate of designations, or other applicable
instrument, pursuant to which such Preferred Stock was issued); |
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(f) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (a) through (e) of other Persons and all
dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either
case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or
indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by
means of any Guarantee; |
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(g) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (a) through (f) of other Persons secured by
any Lien on any Property of such Person (whether or not such
obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such
obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such
Property or the amount of the obligation so secured; and |
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(h) to the extent not otherwise included in this
definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person. |
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be
the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional
obligations as described above and the maximum liability, upon
the occurrence of the contingency giving rise to the obligation,
of any contingent obligations at such date. The amount of
Indebtedness represented by a Hedging Obligation shall be equal
to (1) zero if such Hedging Obligation has been Incurred
pursuant to clause (h) of the second paragraph of the
covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of
Preferred Stock or (2) the notional amount of such
Hedging Obligation if not Incurred pursuant to such clause.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness shall
not include (1) advance payments by customers in the
ordinary course of business for services or products to be
provided or delivered in the future or (2) deferred taxes.
Independent Appraiser means an investment
banking firm of national standing or any third party appraiser
of national standing, provided that such firm or
appraiser is not an Affiliate of the Company or either Issuer.
Initial Purchasers means Credit Suisse First
Boston LLC, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Deutsche Bank
Securities Inc.
Interest Rate Agreement means, for any
Person, any interest rate swap agreement, interest rate cap
agreement, interest rate collar agreement or other similar
agreement designed to protect against fluctuations in interest
rates.
Investment by any Person means any direct or
indirect loan (other than advances to customers in the ordinary
course of business that are recorded as accounts receivable on
the balance sheet of such Person), advance or other extension of
credit or capital contribution (by means of transfers of cash or
other Property to others or payments for Property or services
for the account or use of others, or otherwise) to, or
Incurrence of a Guarantee of any obligation of, or purchase or
acquisition of Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other
securities or evidence of Indebtedness issued by, any other
Person but shall exclude direct or indirect advances to
customers or suppliers in the ordinary course of business
190
that are, in conformity with GAAP, recorded as accounts
receivable, prepaid expenses or deposits on, an Issuers or
any Restricted Subsidiarys balance sheet, endorsements for
collection or deposit arising in the ordinary course of business
and extensions of trade credit on commercially reasonable terms
in accordance with normal trade practices. For purposes of the
covenants described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments
and Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted
Subsidiaries and the definition of Restricted
Payment, Investment shall include the portion
(proportionate to an Issuers equity interest in such
Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of any
Subsidiary of an Issuer at the time that such Subsidiary is
designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary. In determining the amount
of any Investment made by transfer of any Property other than
cash, such Property shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at
the time of such Investment.
Issue Date means the first date on which
notes are issued.
Leverage Ratio means the ratio of
(a) the outstanding Indebtedness of the Issuers and their
Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated combined basis to
(b) the Pro Forma EBITDA for the last four full fiscal
quarters preceding the date on which such calculation is made.
Lien means, with respect to any Property of
any Person, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge,
hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security
interest, lien, charge, easement (other than any easement not
materially impairing usefulness or marketability), encumbrance,
preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential
arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect
to such Property (including any Capital Lease Obligation,
conditional sale or other title retention agreement having
substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing
or any Sale and Leaseback Transaction).
LLC Agreement means the Second Amended and
Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, dated as of
January 15, 2004 among Homebase and the members listed on
Schedule A thereto, as the same may be amended from time to
time.
Moodys means Moodys Investors
Service, Inc. or any successor to the rating agency business
thereof.
Net Available Cash from any Asset Sale means
cash payments received therefrom (including any cash payments
received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a
note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and
when received, but excluding any other consideration received in
the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness
or other obligations relating to the Property that is the
subject of such Asset Sale or received in any other non-cash
form), in each case net of
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(a) all legal, title and recording tax expenses,
commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all
Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to
be accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such
Asset Sale, |
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(b) all payments made on any Indebtedness that is secured
by any Property subject to such Asset Sale, in accordance with
the terms of any Lien upon or other security agreement of any
kind with respect to such Property, or which must by its terms,
or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Sale, or
by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset
Sale, |
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(c) all distributions and other payments required to be
made to minority interest holders in Subsidiaries or joint
ventures as a result of such Asset Sale, |
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(d) the deduction of appropriate amounts provided by the
seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with the Property disposed in such Asset
Sale and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary
after such Asset Sale, and |
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(e) any portion of the purchase price from an Asset Sale
placed in escrow, whether as a reserve for adjustment of the
purchase price, for satisfaction of indemnities in respect of
such Asset Sale or otherwise in connection with that Asset Sale;
provided, however, that upon the termination of such
escrow, Net Available Cash will be increased by any portion of
funds in the escrow that are released to an Issuer or any
Restricted Subsidiary. |
191
Note Guarantee means any of (x) the
Guarantee of the notes by the Company to be entered into on the
Issue Date as described under Note
Guarantees and (y) the Guarantee of the Guaranteed
CCI Illinois Obligations by CCI Texas, the Guarantee of the
Guaranteed CCI Texas Obligations by CCI Illinois, to be entered
into on the Issue Date as described under Note
Guarantees.
Note Guarantor means each of the Company and
the Issuers.
Officer means the Chief Executive Officer,
the President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Operating
Officer or any Vice President of the Company.
Officers Certificate means a
certificate signed by two Officers of the applicable Issuer, at
least one of whom shall be the principal executive officer or
principal financial officer of such Issuer, and delivered to the
Trustee.
Opinion of Counsel means a written opinion
from legal counsel who is acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel
may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuers or the Trustee.
Parent means the direct and or indirect
parent of the Company and Issuers, including by means of any
reorganization, conversion, merger or other transaction and any
successor in interest in interest thereto.
Permitted Holders means any of the Equity
Investors or any successor entity of the Equity Investors
controlled by the current principals of the Equity Investors or
any entity controlled by, or under common control with, the
Equity Investors and their respective estates, spouses,
ancestors and lineal descendants, the legal representatives of
any of the foregoing and the trustees of any bona fide trusts of
which the foregoing are the sole beneficiaries or the grantors,
or any Person of which the foregoing beneficially
owns (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange
Act), individually or collectively with any of the foregoing, at
least a majority of the total voting power of the Voting Stock
of such Person.
Permitted Investment means any Investment by
the Issuers or their Restricted Subsidiaries in:
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(a) an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer,
or any Person that will, upon the making of such Investment,
become a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(b) any Person if as a result of such Investment such
Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or
conveys all or substantially all its Property to, such Issuer or
its Restricted Subsidiaries, provided that such
Persons primary business is a Telecommunications Business; |
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(c) Temporary Cash Investments; |
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(d) receivables owing to an Issuer or its Restricted
Subsidiaries, if created or acquired in the ordinary course of
business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with
customary trade terms; provided, however, that such trade
terms may include such concessionary trade terms as such Issuer
or its Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the
circumstances; |
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(e) payroll, travel and similar advances to employees and
other advances to customers and vendors, in each case, to cover
matters that are expected at the time of such advances
ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting purposes and
that are made in the ordinary course of business of an Issuer or
its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
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(f) loans and advances to employees made in the ordinary
course of business of an Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries,
as the case may be, provided that such loans and advances
do not exceed $2.0 million at any one time outstanding; |
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(g) stock, obligations or other securities received in
settlement of debts created in the ordinary course of business
and owing to an Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries or in
satisfaction of judgments; |
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(h) any Person to the extent such Investment represents the
non-cash portion of the consideration received in connection
with an Asset Sale consummated in compliance with the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Asset Sales; |
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(i) any acquisition of assets solely in exchange for the
issuance of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of an
Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; |
192
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(j) Hedging Obligations entered into in the ordinary course
of business and not for speculative purposes; |
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(k) Investments in the notes, any Additional Notes or any
Exchange Notes; |
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(l) any Person where such Investment was acquired by the
Company, an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (1) in
exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by
the Company, an Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary in
connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout,
reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other
Investment or accounts receivable or (2) as a result of a
foreclosure by the Company, an Issuer or any Restricted
Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investment or other
transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in
default; |
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(m) any Person to the extent such Investments consist of
prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and
lease, utility and workers compensation, performance and
other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business
by the Company, an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(n) other Investments equal to the amount of net proceeds
received by the Company or an Issuer (and of received by the
Company, which proceeds are contributed to an Issuer or the
Issuers) after the closing date from an Equity Sale or as a
capital contribution, from the sale of its Capital Stock (other
than Disqualified Stock) to a Person who is not a direct or
indirect Subsidiary of the Company, except to the extent such
net proceeds are used to make Restricted Payments permitted
pursuant to clause (a)(3)(B) of the Limitation on
Restricted Payments covenant; |
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(o) any Investment existing as of the Issue Date, and any
amendment, modification, extension or renewal thereof to the
extent such amendment, modification, extension or renewal does
not require an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to make any
additional cash or non-cash payments or provide additional
services in connection therewith; and |
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(p) other Investments made for Fair Market Value that do
not exceed $10.0 million outstanding at any one time in the
aggregate, when taken together with all other Investments made
pursuant to this clause (p) since the Issue Date. |
Permitted Liens means:
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(a) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred
under clause (2) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock
and Hedging Obligations in respect of such Indebtedness owed to
lenders under the Credit Facilities and their Affiliates (even
if such lender ceases to be a party to the Credit Facilities); |
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(b) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred
under clause (3) of the second paragraph of the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred
Stock, provided that any such Lien may not extend
to any Property of an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, other than the Property acquired, constructed or
leased with the proceeds of such Indebtedness and any
improvements or accessions to such Property; |
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(c) Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or
levies on the Property of an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries if the same shall not at the time be delinquent or
thereafter can be paid without penalty, or are being contested
in good faith and by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
and diligently concluded, provided that any reserve or
other appropriate provision that shall be required in conformity
with GAAP shall have been made therefor; |
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(d) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers,
warehousemens and mechanics Liens and other similar
Liens, on the Property of an Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries arising in the ordinary course of business and
securing payment of obligations that are being contested in good
faith and by appropriate proceedings, if such reserve or other
appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP
shall have been made in respect thereof; |
193
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(e) Liens on the Property of an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred in the ordinary course of
business to secure performance of obligations with respect to
statutory or regulatory requirements, performance or
return-of-money bonds, surety bonds or other obligations of a
like nature and Incurred in the ordinary course of business
(including, without limitation, landlord Liens on leased
properties), in each case which are not Incurred in connection
with the Incurrence of Indebtedness and which do not in the
aggregate impair in any material respect the use of Property in
the operation of the business of such Issuer and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole; |
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(f) Liens on Property at the time an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries acquired such Property, including any
acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with or into
such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided,
however, that any such Lien may not extend to any other
Property of such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
provided further, however, that such Liens shall not have
been Incurred in anticipation of or in connection with the
transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such
Property was acquired by such Issuer or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; |
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(g) Liens on the Property of a Person at the time such
Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer;
provided, however, that any such Lien may not extend to
any other Property of such Issuer or any of its other Restricted
Subsidiaries that is not a direct Subsidiary of such Person;
provided further, however, that any such Lien was not
Incurred in anticipation of or in connection with the
transaction or series of transactions pursuant to which such
Person became a Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(h) pledges or deposits by an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries under workmens compensation laws,
unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good
faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts
(other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases to which
such Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is party, or
deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of the
Company, or deposits for the payment of rent, in each case
Incurred in the ordinary course of business; |
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(i) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, or
reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses,
rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone
lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other
restrictions as to the use of real property or Liens incidental
to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the
ownership of its Properties which were not Incurred in
connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate
materially adversely affect the value of said Properties or
materially impair their use in the operation of the business of
such Person; |
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(j) Liens in favor of an Issuer or any Restricted
Subsidiary; |
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(k) leases or subleases granted to, and any operating lease
with, third persons in the ordinary course of business of an
Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; |
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(l) Liens securing reimbursement obligations with respect
to letters of credit which encumber Property relating to such
letters of credit and the products and proceeds thereof; |
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(m) attachment or judgment Liens not giving rise to a
Default or an Event of Default; |
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(n) customary Liens for the fees, costs and expenses of
trustees and escrow agents pursuant to an indenture, escrow
agreement or similar agreement establishing a trust or escrow
arrangement, and Liens pursuant to merger agreements, stock
purchase agreements, asset sale agreements, option agreements
and similar agreements in respect of the disposition of Property
or assets of an Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary on the
Property to be disposed of, to the extent such dispositions are
permitted hereunder; |
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(o) Liens existing on the Issue Date not otherwise
described in clauses (a) through (n) above; |
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(p) Liens on the Property of an Issuer or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries to secure any Refinancing, in whole or
in part, of any Indebtedness secured by Liens referred to in
clause (b), (f), (g) or (o) above; provided,
however, that any such Lien shall be limited to all or part
of the same Property that secured the original Lien (together
with improvements and accessions to such Property) |
194
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and the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness that is
secured by such Lien shall not be increased to an amount greater
than the sum of (1) the outstanding principal amount, or,
if greater, the committed amount, of the Indebtedness secured by
Liens described under clause (b), (f), (g) or
(o) above, as the case may be, at the time the original
Lien became a Permitted Lien under the Indenture and (2) an
amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including
premiums and defeasance costs, incurred by an Issuer or such
Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Refinancing; |
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(q) Liens securing Indebtedness in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $50.0 million at any one time
outstanding and permitted to be Incurred under
paragraph (a) of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock and Hedging
Obligations in respect of such Indebtedness owed to lenders
under a Credit Facility and their Affiliates (even if such
lender ceases to be a party to such Credit Facility); |
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(r) Liens granted to secure the notes pursuant to the
covenant described under Certain
Covenant Limitation on Liens; and |
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(s) Liens not otherwise permitted by clauses (a)
through (r) above encumbering assets having an aggregate
Fair Market Value not in excess of $5.0 million. |
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness means any
Indebtedness that Refinances any other Indebtedness, including
any successive Refinancings, so long as
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(a) such Indebtedness is in an aggregate principal amount
(or if Incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate issue
price) not in excess of the sum of (1) the aggregate
principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount,
the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding of the
Indebtedness being Refinanced and (2) an amount necessary
to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums and defeasance
costs, related to such Refinancing, |
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(b) the Average Life of such Indebtedness is equal to or
greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being
Refinanced, |
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(c) the Stated Maturity of such Indebtedness is no earlier
than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced and |
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(d) the new Indebtedness shall not be senior in right of
payment to the Indebtedness that is being Refinanced; |
provided, however, that Permitted Refinancing
Indebtedness shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a
Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of an Issuer or
(y) Indebtedness of an Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiary
that Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary of
such Issuer.
Person means any individual, corporation,
partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company,
limited liability company, trust, unincorporated organization,
government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any
other entity.
Preferred Stock means any Capital Stock of a
Person, however designated, which entitles the holder thereof to
a preference with respect to the payment of dividends, or as to
the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares of any
other class of Capital Stock issued by such Person.
Preferred Stock Dividends means all dividends
with respect to Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries of an
Issuer held by Persons other than such Issuer or a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary of such Issuer. The amount of any such dividend shall
be equal to the quotient of such dividend divided by the
difference between one and the maximum statutory federal income
tax rate (expressed as a decimal number between 1 and 0) then
applicable to the issuer of such Preferred Stock.
Professional Service Fee Agreements means
each of the Professional Service Fee Letter dated as of the
Issue Date among Homebase, CCI, Richard Lumpkin, Providence
Equity Partners IV, Inc. and Applegate & Collatos, Inc.
and the Professional Service Fee Letter dated as of the Issue
Date among Homebase, CCI, Richard Lumpkin, Providence Equity
Partners IV, Inc. and Applegate & Collatos, Inc.
195
pro forma means, with respect to any
calculation made or required to be made pursuant to the terms
hereof, (1) a calculation performed in accordance with
Article 11 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the
Securities Act, as interpreted in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the applicable Issuer after consultation with the
independent certified public accountants of the Issuers, or
(2) otherwise a calculation made in good faith by the Board
of Directors of the applicable Issuer after consultation with
the independent certified public accountants of the Issuers, as
the case may be.
Pro Forma EBITDA means, for any period, the
EBITDA of the Issuers and their Restricted Subsidiaries on a
consolidated combined basis, after giving effect to the
following: if (a) since the beginning of such period, the
Issuers or any of their Restricted Subsidiaries shall have made
any Asset Sale, Investment (by merger or otherwise) in any
Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer (or any Person that becomes
a Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer) or an acquisition of
Property, (b) the transaction giving rise to the need to
calculate Pro Forma EBITDA is such an Asset Sale, Investment or
acquisition or (c) since the beginning of such period any
Person (that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary of such
Issuer or was merged with or into such Issuer or any Restricted
Subsidiary of such Issuer since the beginning of such period)
shall have made such an Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition,
EBITDA for such period shall be calculated after giving pro
forma effect to such Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition as if
such Asset Sale, Investment or acquisition occurred on the first
day of such period.
For purposes of this definition, notwithstanding the definition
of pro forma, EBITDA shall be calculated on a pro
forma basis after giving effect to cost savings resulting from
employee terminations, facilities consolidations and closings,
standardization of employee benefits and compensation practices,
consolidation of property, casualty and other insurance coverage
and policies, standardization of sales representation
commissions and other contract rates, and reductions in taxes
other than income taxes (collectively, Cost Savings
Measures), which cost savings the Company reasonably
believes in good faith would have been achieved during the
period for which such calculation is being made as a result of
acquisitions of Property, including the Acquisition, (regardless
of whether such Cost Savings Measures could then be reflected in
pro forma financial statements under GAAP, Regulation S-X
promulgated by the SEC or any other regulation or policy of the
SEC), provided that both (1) such cost savings and
Cost Savings Measures were identified and such cost savings were
quantified in an Officers Certificate delivered to the
Trustee at the time of the consummation of an acquisition of
Property and such Officers Certificate states that such
officers believe in good faith that actions will be commenced or
initiated within 90 days of such acquisition of Property to
effect such Cost Savings Measures and (2) with respect to
each acquisition of Property completed prior to the 90th day
preceding such date of determination, actions were commenced or
initiated by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
within 90 days of such acquisition of Property to effect
the Cost Savings Measures identified in such Officers
Certificate (regardless, however, of whether the corresponding
cost savings have been achieved).
Property means, with respect to any Person,
any interest of such Person in any kind of property or asset,
whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible,
including Capital Stock in, and other securities of, any other
Person. For purposes of any calculation required pursuant to the
Indenture, the value of any Property shall be its Fair Market
Value.
Public Equity Offering means an underwritten
public offering of common stock of the Company or any Parent as
the case may be, pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act.
Public Market means any time after (a) a
Public Equity Offering has been consummated and (b) at
least 15.0% of the total issued and outstanding common stock of
the Company or any Parent, as the case may be, has been
distributed by means of an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act or sales pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act.
Purchase Money Indebtedness means
Indebtedness (a) consisting of the deferred purchase price
of property, conditional sale obligations, obligations under any
title retention agreement, mortgage financings, other purchase
money obligations and obligations in respect of industrial
revenue bonds, in each case where the maturity of such
Indebtedness does not exceed the anticipated useful life of the
Property being financed, and (b) Incurred to finance the
acquisition, construction or lease by an Issuer or its
Restricted Subsidiaries of such Property, including additions
and improvements thereto; provided, however, that such
196
Indebtedness is Incurred within 180 days after the
acquisition, construction or lease of such Property by such
Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries.
Refinance means, in respect of any
Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay,
prepay, repurchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other
Indebtedness, in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness.
Refinanced and Refinancing shall have
correlative meanings.
Repay means, in respect of any Indebtedness,
to repay, prepay, repurchase, redeem, legally defease or
otherwise retire such Indebtedness. Repayment and
Repaid shall have correlative meanings. For purposes
of the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Asset Sales and
clause (b) of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock, Indebtedness
shall be considered to have been Repaid only to the extent the
related loan commitment, if any, shall have been permanently
reduced in connection therewith, without the right on the part
of the Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries, pursuant to an
agreement in effect at the time of such Repayment, to cause such
commitment to be reinstated or replaced with a substantially
similar commitment.
Restricted Payment means
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(a) any dividend or distribution (whether made in cash,
securities or other Property) declared or paid on or with
respect to any shares of Capital Stock of an Issuer or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries (including any payment in connection
with any merger or consolidation with or into such Issuer or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries), except for (1) any
dividend or distribution that is made solely to such Issuer or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, (2) any dividend or
distribution made to the shareholders of a Restricted Subsidiary
on a pro rata basis or on a basis that results in the receipt by
the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of dividends or
distributions of greater value than it would receive on a pro
rata basis or, (3) any dividend or distribution payable
solely in shares of Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock) of such Issuer; |
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(b) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, acquisition or
retirement for value of any Capital Stock of an Issuer or any
Affiliate of an Issuer (other than from such Issuer or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries) or any securities exchangeable for
or convertible into any such Capital Stock, including the
exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than
for or into Capital Stock of such Issuer that is not
Disqualified Stock); |
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(c) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, acquisition or
retirement for value, prior to the date for any scheduled
maturity, sinking fund or amortization or other installment
payment, of any Subordinated Obligation (other than the
purchase, repurchase or other acquisition of any Subordinated
Obligation (1) purchased in anticipation of satisfying a
scheduled maturity, sinking fund or amortization or other
installment obligation, in each case due within one year of the
date of acquisition) or (2) constituting Indebtedness of
the type described in clause (4) of
paragraph (b) of the Limitation on Indebtedness
and Issuance of Preferred Stock covenant; |
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(d) any Investment (other than Permitted Investments) in
any Person; |
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(e) the issuance, sale or other disposition of Capital
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer to a Person
other than such Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary of such
Issuer if the result thereof is that such Restricted Subsidiary
shall cease to be a Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer, in
which event the amount of such Restricted Payment
shall be the Fair Market Value of the remaining interest, if
any, in such former Restricted Subsidiary held by such Issuer
and the other Restricted Subsidiaries of such Issuer; or |
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(f) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting and
advisory fees and related expenses paid to the Company or any of
its Equity Investors (or any accruals relating to such fees and
related expenses). |
Restricted Subsidiary means (a) any
Subsidiary of an Issuer unless such Subsidiary shall have been
designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary as permitted or required
pursuant to the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Designation of
Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries and (b) an
Un-
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restricted Subsidiary that is redesignated as a Restricted
Subsidiary as permitted pursuant to such covenant.
Sale and Leaseback Transaction means any
arrangement relating to Property now owned or hereafter acquired
whereby an Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries
transfers such Property to another Person (other than another
Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) and such Issuer or any of
its Restricted Subsidiaries, within two years of such transfer,
leases it from such Person.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of
1933, as amended.
Senior Indebtedness means
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(a) the notes; |
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(b) all obligations consisting of the principal, premium,
if any, and accrued and unpaid interest (including interest
accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or
for reorganization relating to the Issuers whether or not
post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding) in respect
of (1) Indebtedness of the Issuers for borrowed money
(including all monetary obligations of the Issuers under a
Credit Facility) and (2) Indebtedness of the Issuers
evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar
instruments permitted under the Indenture for the payment of
which the Issuers are responsible or liable; |
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(c) all Capital Lease Obligations of the Issuers and all
Attributable Indebtedness in respect of Sale and Leaseback
Transactions entered into by the Issuers; |
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(d) all obligations of the Issuers (1) for the
reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of credit,
bankers acceptance or similar credit transaction,
(2) under Hedging Obligations or (3) issued or assumed
as the deferred purchase price of Property and all conditional
sale obligations of the Issuers and all obligations under any
title retention agreement permitted under the Indenture; and |
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(e) all obligations of other Persons of the type referred
to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the
payment of which the Issuers are responsible or liable as
Guarantor; |
provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not
include
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(A) any Indebtedness of the Issuers that is by its terms
subordinate or junior in right of payment to the notes or any
other Indebtedness of the Issuers; |
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(B) any Indebtedness Incurred in violation of the
provisions of the Indenture (but, as to any such obligation, no
such violation shall be deemed to exist for purposes of this
clause (B) if the holders of such obligation or their
representative and the Trustee shall have received an
Officers Certificate of the Issuers to the effect that the
Incurrence of such Indebtedness does not (or, in the case of
revolving credit indebtedness, that the Incurrence of the entire
committed amount thereof at the date on which the initial
borrowing thereunder is made would not) violate such provisions
of the Indenture); |
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(C) accounts payable or any other obligations of the
Issuers to trade creditors created or assumed by the Issuers in
the ordinary course of business in connection with the obtaining
of materials or services (including Guarantees thereof or
instruments evidencing such liabilities); |
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(D) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes
owed or owing by the Issuers; |
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(E) any obligation of the Issuers to any Subsidiary; or |
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(F) any obligations with respect to any Capital Stock of
the Issuers. |
Significant Subsidiary means any Restricted
Subsidiary of an Issuer that would be a significant
subsidiary of such Issuer within the meaning of
Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC,
as in effect on the Issue Date.
S&P means Standard & Poors
Ratings Service, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, or any
successor to the rating agency business thereof.
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Stated Maturity means, with respect to any
security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date
on which the payment of principal of such security is due and
payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption
provision (but excluding any provision providing for the
repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof
upon the happening of any contingency beyond the control of the
issuer unless such contingency has occurred).
Stock Purchase Agreement means the Stock
Purchase Agreement dated as of January 15, 2004, by and
between Pinnacle One Partners, L.P. and Homebase Acquisition
Texas Corp., as the same may be amended from time to time.
Strategic Equity Investment means an equity
investment made by a Strategic Investor in the Company
contributed to an Issuer in an aggregate amount of at least
$25.0 million and that results in such Strategic Investor
becoming the owner of at least 15.0% of the total issued and
outstanding common stock of the Company.
Strategic Investor means a corporation,
partnership or other entity engaged in one or more
Telecommunications Businesses that has, or 80.0% or more of the
Voting Stock of which is owned by a Person that has, an equity
market capitalization, at the time of its initial investment in
the Company in excess of $1.0 billion.
Subordinated Obligations means, with respect
to an Issuer or any Note Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such
Person (whether outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter
Incurred) that is subordinate or junior in right of payment to
the notes (in the case of such Issuer) or to the Note Guarantee
(in the case of such Note Guarantor) pursuant to a written
agreement to that effect (which shall include the subordination
section of any document governing such Indebtedness).
Subsidiary means, in respect of any Person,
any corporation, company (including any limited liability
company), association, partnership, joint venture or other
business entity of which a majority of the total voting power of
the Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled, directly or
indirectly, by (a) such Person, (b) such Person and
one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (c) one or more
Subsidiaries of such Person.
Telecommunications Asset means any Property,
including licenses and applications, bids and agreements to
acquire licenses, or other authority to provide
telecommunications services, previously granted, or to be
granted, by the Federal Communications Commission, used or
intended for use primarily in connection with a
Telecommunications Business.
Telecommunications Business means the
development, ownership or operation of one or more telephone,
telecommunications or information systems or the provision of
telephony, telecommunications or information services
(including, without limitation, any voice, video transmission,
data or Internet services) and any related, ancillary or
complementary business or other business contemplated by this
prospectus, provided that the determination of what
constitutes a Telecommunications Business shall be made in good
faith by the Board of Directors of an Issuer.
Temporary Cash Investments means any of the
following:
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(a) Investments in U.S. Government Obligations
maturing within one year of such Investment; |
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(b) Investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of
deposit and money market deposits maturing within one year of
the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust
company organized under the laws of the United States of America
or any State thereof or with First Mid-Illinois Bank &
Trust, N.A., Mattoon, Illinois or consistent with past practice
or, otherwise having capital, surplus and undivided profits
aggregating in excess of $500.0 million and whose long-term
debt is rated A-3 or A- or higher
according to Moodys or S&P (or such similar equivalent
rating by at least one nationally recognized statistical
rating organization (as defined in Rule 436 under the
Securities Act)); |
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(c) Investments in repurchase obligations with a term of
not more than 30 days for underlying securities of the
types described in clause (a) entered into with a bank
meeting the qualifications described in clause (b) above; |
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(d) Investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than
90 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a
corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) organized
and in existence under the laws of the United States of America
or with First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, N.A., Mattoon,
Illinois or consistent with past practice or, otherwise with a
rating at the time as of which any Investment therein is made of
P-1 (or higher) according to Moodys or
A-1 (or higher) according to S&P (or such
similar equivalent rating by at least one nationally
recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in
Rule 436 under the Securities Act)); |
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(e) direct obligations (or certificates representing an
ownership interest in such obligations) of any State of the
United States of America (including any agency or
instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which the full faith
and credit of such State is pledged and which are not callable
or redeemable at the issuers option, provided that
(1) the long-term debt of such State is rated
A-3 or A- or higher according to
Moodys or S&P (or such similar equivalent rating by at
least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization (as defined in Rule 436 under the
Securities Act)) and (2) such obligations mature within
180 days of the date of acquisition thereof; |
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(f) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than
seven days for underlying securities of the types described in
clauses (a) and (e) above entered into with any bank
meeting the qualifications specified in clause (b)
above; and |
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(g) investments in money market funds which invest at least
95% of their assets in securities of the types described in
clauses (a) through (f) above. |
Transactions means, collectively, the
entering into and performing, as the case may be, of the
following:
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(a) the amendment of the LLC Agreement (as contemplated by
the definition of LLC Agreement) and the contribution by the
Equity Investors of $89 million in cash in exchange for
additional Class A Preferred Stock of the Company pursuant
to the LLC Agreement, |
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(b) the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights
Agreement, the Indenture and any related agreements and the
issuance of the notes pursuant to this offering circular, |
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(c) the entering into of the Credit Agreement on the
closing date and the borrowings by CCI and Texas Acquisition
thereunder, |
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(d) the repayment of all the outstanding Indebtedness of
CCI under its old credit facility, |
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(e) the Acquisition and the entering into the agreements
contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, |
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(f) the payment of related fees and expenses and |
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(g) all transactions related to or contemplated by the
above clauses of this definition. |
Trustee means the party named as such in the
Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means
the successor.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary
of an Unrestricted Subsidiary and any Subsidiary of an Issuer
that is designated after the Issue Date as an Unrestricted
Subsidiary of such Issuer as permitted or required pursuant to
the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted
Subsidiaries and not thereafter redesignated as a
Restricted Subsidiary of such Issuer as permitted pursuant
thereto.
U.S. Government Obligations means direct
obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest
in such obligations) of the United States of America (including
any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which
the full faith and credit of the United States of America is
pledged and which are not callable or redeemable at the
issuers option.
Voting Stock of any Person means all classes
of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership
interests) of such Person then outstanding and normally entitled
(without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in
the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.
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Wholly Owned Subsidiary means, at any time, a
Restricted Subsidiary of an Issuer all the Voting Stock of which
(except directors qualifying shares) is at such time
owned, directly or indirectly, by such Issuer and its other
Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
Exchange Offer; Registration Rights
The summary herein of certain provisions of the Registration
Rights Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject
to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement, a copy of which
is attached as an exhibit to the registration statement.
Exchange Offer. The Issuers and the Note Guarantors and
the Initial Purchasers entered into a registration rights
agreement (the Registration Rights
Agreement), dated as of April 14, 2004, the date
on which the notes were originally issued (the Issue
Date). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement,
the Issuers and Homebase agreed, for the benefit of the Holders
of the outstanding notes that they will, at their own expense,
use their reasonable best efforts (1) to file a
registration statement (the Exchange Offer Registration
Statement) with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the SEC) with respect to a registered offer
(the Exchange Offer) to exchange the
outstanding notes for exchange notes of the Issuers (the
Exchange Notes) having terms substantially
identical to the outstanding notes (except that the transfer
restrictions, registration rights and additional interest
provisions applicable to the outstanding notes will not apply to
the Exchange Notes), within 195 days after the Issue Date
and (2) to cause the Exchange Offer Registration Statement
to be declared effective under the Securities Act within
270 days after the Issue Date. Upon the effectiveness of
the Exchange Offer Registration Statement, the Issuers will
offer the Exchange Notes in exchange for surrender of the
outstanding notes. The Issuers will keep the Exchange Offer open
for the period required by applicable law (including pursuant to
any applicable interpretation by the staff of the SEC), but in
any event for at least ten Business Days, after the date that
notice of the Exchange Offer is mailed to Holders of the
outstanding notes.
For each outstanding note surrendered to the Issuers pursuant to
the Exchange Offer, the Holder of such outstanding note will
receive an Exchange Note issued in substitution therefor having
a principal amount equal to that of the surrendered outstanding
note. The Exchange Notes will be issued as substituted evidence
of indebtedness and will not represent the incurrence of new
indebtedness. Interest on each Exchange Note will accrue from
the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the
outstanding note surrendered in exchange therefor, or, if no
interest has been paid on such outstanding note, from the Issue
Date, provided, that if an outstanding note is surrendered for
exchange on or after a record date for an interest payment date
that will occur on or after the date of such exchange and as to
which interest will be paid, interest on the Exchange Note
received in exchange therefor will accrue from the date of such
interest payment date.
Under existing SEC interpretations contained in several no
action letters to third parties, the Exchange Notes would
generally be freely transferable by Holders thereof (other than
affiliates of the Company) after the Exchange Offer without
further registration under the Securities Act (subject to
certain representations required to be made by each Holder of
Notes participating in the Exchange Offer, as set forth below).
However, any purchaser of notes who is an affiliate
of either of the Issuers or Homebase or who intends to
participate in the Exchange Offer for the purpose of
distributing the Exchange Notes (1) will not be able to
rely on such SEC interpretations, (2) will not be able to
tender its notes in the Exchange Offer and (3) must comply
with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of
the Securities Act in connection with any sale or transfer of
the notes unless such sale or transfer is made pursuant to an
exemption from such requirements. In addition, in connection
with any resales of Exchange Notes, any broker-dealer that
acquired the outstanding notes for its own account as a result
of market making or other trading activities (a
Participating Broker-Dealer) must deliver a
prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act. The
SEC has taken the position that Participating Broker-Dealers may
fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to
Exchange Notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from
the original sale of the outstanding notes) with the prospectus
contained in the Exchange Offer Registration Statement. Under
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Issuers and Homebase will
be required to allow any Participating Broker-Dealer to use, for
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a period of not less than 90 days after the consummation of
the Exchange Offer, the prospectus contained in the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement in connection with the resale of
such Exchange Notes.
A Holder of outstanding notes who wishes to exchange such
outstanding notes for Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer will
be required to make representations to the effect
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(1) that any Exchange Notes to be received by it will be
acquired in the ordinary course of its business, |
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(2) that at the time of the commencement of the Exchange
Offer it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the
Securities Act) of the Exchange Notes, |
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(3) that it is not an affiliate of either of
the Issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act,
or if it is an affiliate, that it will comply with the
registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act to the extent applicable, |
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(4) if such Holder is not a broker-dealer, that it is not
engaged in, and does not intend to engage in, the distribution
of Exchange Notes, |
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(5) if such Holder is a Participating Broker-Dealer, that
it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of
such Exchange Notes, and |
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(6) that it is not acting on behalf of any person who could
not truthfully make the foregoing representations. |
Shelf Registration. The Issuers and the Note Guarantors
will file a shelf registration statement covering resales of
outstanding notes or Exchange Notes, as the case may be (a
Shelf Registration Statement), if
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(1) because of any change in law or in applicable
interpretations thereof by the staff of the SEC, the Issuers and
Homebase are not permitted to effect such an Exchange Offer, |
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(2) the Exchange Offer is not consummated within
300 days of the Issue Date, |
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(3) under certain circumstances, the Initial Purchasers so
request with respect to notes not eligible to be exchanged for
Exchange Notes in the Exchange Offer, or |
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(4) if certain Holders of outstanding notes are not
permitted by applicable law to participate in the Exchange Offer
or do not receive freely tradeable Exchange Notes in the
Exchange Offer (other than, in either case, due solely to the
status of such Holder as an affiliate of either of the Issuers
or due to such Holders inability to make the
representations referred to above). |
If any of these events occur, the Issuers and the Note
Guarantors will, at their own expense, use their reasonable best
efforts (a) as promptly as reasonably practicable, to file
a Shelf Registration Statement covering resales of outstanding
notes or Exchange Notes, as the case may be, and (b) to
cause the Shelf Registration Statement to be declared effective
under the Securities Act within 300 days after the Issue
Date. After such Shelf Registration Statement is declared
effective, the Issuers will use their reasonable best efforts to
keep the Shelf Registration Statement in effect until the
earlier of two years from the Issue Date (or one year in the
case of a shelf registration effected at the request of the
Initial Purchasers) or such shorter period that will terminate
when all the outstanding notes or Exchange Notes covered by the
Shelf Registration Statement (1) have been sold pursuant
thereto or (2) are distributed to the public pursuant to
Rule 144 or become eligible for resale pursuant to
Rule 144 without volume restriction, if any. Under certain
circumstances, the Issuers may suspend the availability of the
Shelf Registration Statement for certain periods of time.
The Issuers will, in the event a Shelf Registration Statement is
filed, among other things, provide to each Holder for whom such
Shelf Registration Statement was filed, copies of the prospectus
that is a part of the Shelf Registration Statement, notify each
such Holder when the Shelf Registration Statement has become
effective and take certain other actions as are required to
permit unrestricted resales of the outstanding notes or the
Exchange Notes, as the case may be. A Holder of outstanding
notes selling such outstanding notes pursuant to the Shelf
Registration Statement generally would be required to be named
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as a selling security holder in the related prospectus and to
deliver a prospectus to purchasers, will be subject to certain
of the civil liability provisions under the Securities Act in
connection with such sales and will be bound by certain
provisions of the Registration Rights Agreement (including
certain indemnification obligations). In addition, each such
Holder of outstanding notes will be required, among other
things, to deliver information to be used in connection with the
Shelf Registration Statement within the time periods set forth
in the Registration Rights Agreement in order to benefit from
the provisions regarding additional interest set forth in the
following paragraph.
Additional Interest. Because the issuers have not yet
effected the Exchange Offer, which constitutes a Registration
Default (as defined below), additional interest started accruing
on the Transfer Restricted Notes (as defined below) on
February 9, 2005, the 300th day after the Issue Date. From
the date of a Registration Default to the date on which such
Registration Default has been cured, additional interest will
accrue on the Transfer Restricted Notes at the rate
(a) prior to the 91st day of such period (for so long
as such period is continuing), of 0.25% per annum and
(b) thereafter (so long as such period is continuing),
increasing by a rate of 0.25% per annum during each
successive 90 day period that such Registration Default
shall continue. Any such additional interest shall not exceed
such respective rates for such respective periods, and shall not
in any event exceed 1.0% per annum in the aggregate,
regardless of the number of Registration Defaults that shall
have occurred and be continuing. Any such additional interest
shall be paid in the same manner and on the same dates as
interest payments in respect of Transfer Restricted Notes.
Following the cure of all Registration Defaults, the accrual of
such additional interest will cease. All Registration Defaults
shall be deemed cured upon consummation of the Exchange Offer.
For purposes of the foregoing, each of the following events is a
Registration Default: (1) neither the Exchange
Offer Registration Statement nor a Shelf Registration Statement
has been filed with the SEC on or before the 195th day after the
Issue Date; (2) the Exchange Offer is not consummated on or
before the 300th day after the Issue Date; (3) if a Shelf
Registration Statement is required to be filed under the
Registration Rights Agreement, (A) the Shelf Registration
Statement is not declared effective by the SEC on or before the
300th day after the Issue Date (or, in the case of a Shelf
Registration Statement required to be filed in response to any
change in applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC, if
later, on or before the 90th day after publication of such
change) or (B) during the time the Issuers are required to
use their reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration
in effect, the Issuers shall have suspended and be continuing to
suspend the availability of the Shelf Registration Statement for
more than 30 days in the aggregate in any consecutive
twelve-month period.
For purposes of the foregoing, Transfer Restricted
Notes means each outstanding note until (1) the date
on which such outstanding note has been exchanged for a freely
transferable Exchange Note in the Exchange Offer, (2) the
date on which such outstanding note has been effectively
registered under the Securities Act and disposed of in
accordance with a Shelf Registration Statement, or (3) the
date on which such outstanding note is distributed to the public
pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act or is eligible
for resale pursuant to Rule 144 without volume restriction,
if any.
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IPO MATTERS
We summarize below certain aspects of the proposed initial
public offering and its effect on our company. This section
should be read together with the other sections of this
prospectus that summarize other aspects and effects of the
initial public offering that are referred to below.
Overview
On December 8, 2004, we filed a registration statement on
Form S-1 with the SEC in connection with a proposed initial
public offering of common stock. We currently expect to price
the initial public offering on July 21, 2005 and to close
it on July 27, 2005, subject to specified closing
conditions and market conditions.
Reorganization
Prior to, and conditioned upon the closing of the initial public
offering, we plan to effect a reorganization pursuant to which
first Texas Holdings and then Homebase will merge with and into
Illinois Holdings. The result of the mergers will be to have
Illinois Holdings be the survivor of the mergers of itself,
Texas Holdings and Homebase. Following the proposed
reorganization, Illinois Holdings will change its name to
Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc., or Consolidated
Holdings, and will succeed to all of the obligations of Texas
Holdings and Homebase, including Texas Holdings
obligations under the indenture and Homebases obligations
under its limited non-recourse guarantee of the outstanding
notes and the exchange notes, which we refer to collectively as
the notes. As a result, there will only be one issuer of the
notes, Consolidated Holdings, under the indenture. The purpose
of the reorganization is to facilitate the initial public
offering of common stock by simplifying our corporate structure;
it will not substantively affect the rights of the note holders.
For charts illustrating our current and post-IPO organizational
structures, see Organizational Charts below,
and for more information regarding the reorganization, see
Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Reorganization.
Management and Corporate Governance Changes
The board of directors of Consolidated Holdings will change
along with other changes to our corporate governance as
described in more detail under Management
Management and Corporate Governance Changes After the Proposed
IPO.
Dividend Policy
Effective upon the closing of the proposed initial public
offering, the board of directors of Consolidated Holdings will
adopt a dividend policy that reflects its judgment that its
stockholders would be better served if it distributed to them a
substantial portion of the cash generated by our business in
excess of our expected cash needs rather than retaining it or
using the cash for other purposes, such as to make investments
in our business or to make acquisitions. In accordance with our
dividend policy, the expected cash needs referred to above
include interest payments on its indebtedness, capital
expenditures, taxes, incremental costs associated with being a
public company and certain other costs.
Amended and Restated Credit Facility
In connection with the above, we will further amend and restate
our existing credit agreement to allow us, upon the satisfaction
of certain financial tests, to pay dividends in accordance with
the proposed dividend policy. For a summary of the amended and
restated credit agreement, see Description of Other
Indebtedness Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement.
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Use of Proceeds
We currently expect to use the net proceeds from the proposed
initial public offering, together with borrowings under our new
amended and restated credit facilities and cash on hand to:
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redeem 35.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes and
pay the associated redemption premium of 9.75% of the principal
amount to be redeemed, together with accrued but unpaid interest
through the date of redemption; |
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repay in full outstanding borrowings under our term loan A
facility and term loan C facility, together with accrued
but unpaid interest through the closing date of the proposed
initial public offering; |
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pre-fund expected integration and restructuring costs for 2005
relating to the TXUCV acquisition; and |
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pay fees and expenses associated with the repayment of the term
loan A facility and term loan C facility and the
entering into of the new amended and restated credit facilities. |
We refer to the reorganization, the initial public offering and
these related transactions as the IPO transactions. As of
March 31, 2005, after giving effect to the reorganization,
the initial public offering, the amendment and restatement of
our amended and restated credit facilities and our application
of the net proceeds in the manner described above, we would have
had $423.9 million outstanding under a new term loan D
facility and $130.0 million in aggregate principal amount
of the notes outstanding.
MD&A Liquidity and Capital Resources
For a summary of the effect of the IPO transactions on our
liquidity and capital resources, see Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations CCI Illinois and
CCI Texas Effect of the Proposed IPO
Transactions.
Risks
For a description of the risks relating to the proposed initial
public offering, see Risk Factors Risks
Related to the Exchange Offer Should our proposed
initial public offering occur, we will face several additional
risks.
205
BOOK ENTRY; DELIVERY AND FORM
The Global Exchange Note
The exchange notes will initially be represented by one or more
global notes in registered, global form without interest
coupons, which we refer to collectively as the global exchange
note. The global exchange note will initially be deposited with
the trustee as a custodian for The Depositary Trust Company, or
DTC, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each
case for credit to an account of a direct or indirect direct
participant as described below.
We expect that pursuant to procedures established by DTC
(i) upon the issuance of the global exchange note, DTC or
its custodian will credit, on its internal system, the principal
amount at maturity of the individual beneficial interests
represented by such global exchange note to the respective
accounts of persons who have accounts with such depositary and
(ii) ownership of beneficial interests in the global
exchange note will be shown on, and the transfer of such
ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by
DTC or its nominee (with respect to interests of direct
participants) and the records of direct participants (with
respect to interests of indirect participants). Ownership of
beneficial interests in the global exchange note will be limited
to persons who have accounts with DTC, who we refer to as direct
participants, or persons who hold interests through direct
participants, who we refer to as indirect participants. Holders
may hold their interests in the global exchange note directly
through DTC if they are direct participants in such system, or
indirectly through organizations which are direct participants
in such system.
So long as DTC, or its nominee, is the registered owner or
holder of the global exchange note, DTC or such nominee, as the
case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the
exchange notes represented by such global exchange note for all
purposes under the indenture. No beneficial owner of an interest
in the global exchange note will be able to transfer that
interest except in accordance with DTCs procedures, in
addition to those provided for under the indenture with respect
to the exchange notes.
Payments of the principal of, premium (if any) and interest
(including additional interest) on the global exchange note will
be made to DTC or its nominee, as the case may be, as the
registered owner thereof. None of us, the trustee or any paying
agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect
of the records relating to or payments made on account of
beneficial ownership interests in the global exchange note or
for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating
to such beneficial ownership interest.
We expect that DTC or its nominee, upon receipt of any payment
of principal, premium, if any, interest (including additional
interest) on the global exchange note, will credit direct
participants accounts with payments in amounts
proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of the global exchange note as shown on the
records of DTC or its nominee. We also expect that payments by
direct participants to owners of beneficial interests in the
global exchange note held through such direct participants will
be governed by standing instructions and customary practice, as
is now the case with securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in the names of nominees for such
customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such
direct participants.
Transfers between direct participants in DTC will be effected in
the ordinary way through DTCs same-day funds system in
accordance with DTC rules and will be settled in same day funds.
If a holder requires physical delivery of a certificated
security for any reason, including to sell exchange notes to
persons in states that require physical delivery of the exchange
notes, or to pledge such securities, such holder must transfer
its interest in the global exchange note, in accordance with the
normal procedures of DTC and with the procedures set forth in
the indenture.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be
taken by a holder of exchange notes (including the presentation
of exchange notes for exchange as described below) only at the
direction of one or more direct participants to whose account
the DTC interests in the global exchange note is credited and
only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal
amount of exchange notes as to which such
206
direct participant or direct participants has or have given such
direction. However, if there is an event of default under the
indenture, DTC will exchange the global exchange note for
certificated securities, which it will distribute to its direct
participants.
DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust
company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing
corporation within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
Code and a Clearing Agency registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934. DTC was created to hold securities for its direct
participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of
securities transactions between direct participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its direct
participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers
and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. Indirect access to the DTC
system is available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a direct participant, either directly or
indirectly.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of interests in the global exchange note
among direct participants of DTC, it is under no obligation to
perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued
at any time. Neither we nor the trustee under the indenture will
have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its direct
participants or indirect direct participants of their respective
obligations under the rules and procedures governing their
operations.
Certificated Securities
A beneficial interest in the global exchange note may not be
exchanged for an exchange note in certificated form unless:
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(1) DTC (a) notifies the issuers that it is unwilling
or unable to continue as depositary for the global exchange note
or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under
the Exchange Act, and in either case the issuers thereupon fail
to appoint a successor depositary within 90 days; |
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(2) The issuers, at their option, notify the trustee in
writing that they elect to cause the issuance of the exchange
notes in certificated form; or |
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(3) There shall have occurred and be continuing an event of
default or any event which after notice or lapse of time or both
would be an event of default with respect to the exchange notes. |
In all cases, certificated exchange notes delivered in exchange
for any global exchange note or beneficial interests therein
will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved
denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in
accordance with its customary procedures).
207
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We are not using any underwriters for this exchange offer.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of exchange notes received in
exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were
acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of
180 days after the expiration date of the exchange offer,
we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any
such resale. In addition, until October 24, 2005, all
dealers effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be
required to deliver a prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes
by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for
their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold
from time to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the
writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of
such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or
negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to
purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any
such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes.
Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received
by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such
exchange notes may be deemed to be an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions
received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal
states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date of the
exchange offer we will promptly send additional copies of this
prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus to
any broker-dealer that requests such documents in the letter of
transmittal. We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the
exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the
holders of the outstanding notes) other than commissions or
concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the
holders of the outstanding notes (including any broker-dealers)
against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Exchange of Notes
The exchange of outstanding notes for exchange notes in the
exchange offer will not constitute a taxable event to holders.
Consequently,
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no gain or loss will be recognized by a holder upon receipt of
an exchange note; |
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the holding period of the exchange note will include the holding
period of the outstanding note; and |
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the adjusted tax basis of the exchange note will be the same as
the adjusted tax basis of the outstanding note immediately
before the exchange. |
In any event, persons considering the exchange of outstanding
notes for exchange notes should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the U.S. federal income tax consequences in
light of their particular situations, as well as any
consequences arising under the laws of any other taxing
jurisdiction.
208
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the exchange notes offered hereby will be passed
upon for the issuers by King & Spalding LLP.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Homebase Acquisition,
LLC (doing business as Consolidated Communications) at
December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2004, and for the
years then ended, appearing in this prospectus and registration
statement, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in
their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are
included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The
consolidated financial statements of Consolidated Communications
Illinois Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 2003 and
December 31, 2004, and for the years then ended, appearing
in this prospectus and registration statement, have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing
elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report
given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing. The consolidated financial statements of Consolidated
Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. at December 31, 2004
and for the period from April 14, 2004 to December 31,
2004, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance
upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts
in accounting and auditing. The combined financial statements of
Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and Related Businesses
(as predecessor company to Consolidated Communications Illinois
Holdings, Inc.) at December 30, 2002 and for the year then
ended, appearing in this prospectus and registration statement,
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report
thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance
upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts
in accounting and auditing.
The financial statements of TXU Communications Ventures Company
and Subsidiaries as of April 13, 2004, December 31,
2003 and 2002, and the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004 and each of the three years ended
December 31, 2003 included in this prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
appearing herein (which report expresses an unqualified opinion
and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption
of the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets), and has
been so included in reliance upon the report of such firm given
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. The
financial statements of GTE Mobilnet of Texas #17 Limited
Partnership as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for each
of the three years ended December 31, 2004, included in
this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche
LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated
in their report appearing herein, and are included in reliance
upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as
experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The issuers and Homebase have filed with the SEC a registration
statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act relating to
the offering of the exchange notes. This prospectus, which forms
a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of
the information set forth in the registration statement. For
further information with respect to us and the exchange notes,
you should refer to the registration statement. Statements made
in this prospectus as to the content of any contract or other
document are not necessarily complete, and, where such contract
or other document is an exhibit to the registration statement,
each such statement is qualified by the provisions of such
exhibit.
209
As a result of the exchange offer, the issuers and Homebase will
become subject to the periodic reporting and other informational
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
or the Exchange Act. The registration statement, such reports
and other information can be inspected and copied at the Public
Reference Room of the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington D.C. 20549. Copies of such materials, including
copies of all or any portion of the registration statement, can
be obtained from the Public Reference Room of the SEC at
prescribed rates. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 to
obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference
Room. Such materials may also be accessed electronically by
means of the SECs home page on the Internet
(http://www.sec.gov).
So long as the notes are outstanding, the issuers and Homebase
have agreed that, even if they are not required under the
Exchange Act to furnish such information to the SEC, they will
nonetheless continue to furnish with the SEC information that
would be required to be filed by Section 13(a) or
Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. However, if Homebase is
permitted under generally accepted accounting principles and
applicable SEC rules and regulations to provide consolidated
financial statements for itself and the issuers in filings made
under the Exchange Act on behalf of the issuers, the issuers
will be relieved of their obligations to file information with
the SEC in the manner described above.
You may request a copy of the issuers and Homebases
filings with the SEC, or any of the agreements or other
documents that constitute exhibits to those filings, at no cost,
by writing or telephoning us at the following address or phone
number:
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Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc. |
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Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. |
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Homebase Acquisition, LLC |
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121 South 17th Street |
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Mattoon, Illinois 61938-3987 |
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Attention: Secretary |
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Telephone: (217) 235-3311 |
To obtain timely delivery of this information, you must
request it no later than five business days before
August 23, 2005, the expiration date of the exchange
offer.
210
INDEX TO
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Page | |
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P-2 |
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P-4 |
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P-5 |
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P-7 |
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P-8 |
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P-9 |
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P-10 |
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P-11 |
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P-12 |
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P-1
HOMEBASE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed statement of
operations is based on the historical financial statements of
Homebase and TXUCV included elsewhere in this prospectus,
adjusted to give effect to the following transactions:
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the contribution by our existing equity investors of
$89.0 million in cash in exchange for additional
Class A preferred shares of Homebase, the distribution by
CCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Homebase, of
$63.4 million to Homebase and the contribution by Homebase
of $152.4 million to Texas Acquisition of the aggregate
proceeds of such distribution and contribution; |
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the TXUCV acquisition by Texas Acquisition, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Homebase, on April 14, 2004, pursuant to
which Texas Acquisition acquired all of the capital stock of
TXUCV for $524.1 million in cash, net of cash acquired and
including transaction costs; |
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the refinancing and termination of the old credit facilities of
CCI, and the entering into, and borrowing under, the existing
credit facilities; |
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the issuance of the notes; and |
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the payment of related fees and expenses. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations was
prepared to give effect to the forgoing transactions as if they
had occurred on January 1, 2004. The pro forma adjustments
are based upon available information and certain assumptions
that we believe are reasonable. The unaudited pro forma
condensed statement of operations does not purport to represent
what Homebases results of operations would actually have
been had these transactions in fact occurred as of such date or
to project Homebases results of operations.
The TXUCV acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in
accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS
141). Following the closing of the TXUCV acquisition, the
total purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed of TXUCV based on their respective fair
values in accordance with the purchase method of accounting.
We engaged independent appraisers to assist in determining the
fair values of tangible and intangible assets acquired in the
TXUCV acquisition. We allocated the total purchase price to the
assets and liabilities using estimates of their fair value based
on work performed to date by the independent appraisers.
The existing credit facilities provided financing of
$467.0 million, consisting of:
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A $122.0 million term loan A facility with a six year
maturity; |
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A $315.0 million term loan B facility with a seven year and
six-month maturity; and |
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A $30.0 million revolving credit facility with a six year
maturity, all of which remains available for general corporate
purposes. |
On October 22, 2004 we amended and restated the existing
credit agreement to, among other things, convert all borrowings
then outstanding under the term loan B facility into
approximately $314.0 million of aggregate borrowings under
a new term loan C facility. The term loan C facility is
substantially identical to the term loan B facility, except that
the applicable margin for borrowings under the term loan C
facility through April 1, 2005 was 1.50% with respect to
base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to LIBOR loans.
Thereafter, provided certain credit ratings are maintained, the
applicable margin for borrowings under the term loan C facility
is 1.25% with respect to base rate loans and 2.25% with respect
to LIBOR loans. The pro forma condensed statement of operations
does not reflect this amendment and restatement.
P-2
The borrowings under the existing credit facilities have borne
interest at a rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at the
borrowers option, either a base rate or a LIBOR rate. The
current applicable margin for borrowings under the existing
credit facilities are:
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in respect of the term loan A facility and the revolving credit
facility, 1.25% with respect to base rate loans and 2.25% with
respect to LIBOR loans; and |
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in respect of the term loan C facility, 1.50% with respect to
base rate loans and 2.50% with respect to LIBOR loans. |
You should read the unaudited pro forma condensed statement of
operations and the accompanying notes in conjunction with the
information contained in Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations CCI Illinois and CCI Texas and the
consolidated financial statements and the related notes included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
P-3
HOMEBASE
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
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CCI Texas | |
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Historical | |
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Acquisition | |
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Pro Forma as | |
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Homebase | |
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January 1 - | |
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Pro Forma | |
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Adjusted for | |
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Historical | |
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April 13 | |
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Adjustments | |
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Acquisition | |
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Revenues
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$ |
269,608 |
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$ |
53,855 |
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$ |
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$ |
323,463 |
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Operating expenses:
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Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
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80,572 |
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15,296 |
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95,868 |
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Selling, general and administrative expenses
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87,955 |
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24,138 |
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(1,118 |
)(2) |
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110,975 |
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Depreciation and amortization
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54,522 |
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8,124 |
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4,875 |
(3) |
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67,521 |
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Intangible impairment charges
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11,578 |
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(12 |
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11,566 |
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Total operating expenses
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234,627 |
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47,546 |
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3,757 |
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285,930 |
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Income from operations
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34,981 |
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6,309 |
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(3,757 |
) |
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37,533 |
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Other income (expense):
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Interest income
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384 |
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384 |
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Interest expense
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(39,935 |
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(1,244 |
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(3,484 |
)(4) |
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(44,663 |
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Prepayment penalty on extinguishment of debt
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(1,914 |
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(1,914 |
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Partnership income
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1,288 |
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1,174 |
(1) |
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2,462 |
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Minority interest
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(327 |
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(106 |
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(433 |
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Other, net
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2,698 |
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37 |
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2,735 |
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Income (loss) before income taxes
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(911 |
) |
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4,256 |
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(7,241 |
) |
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(3,896 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit)
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232 |
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2,473 |
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(3,012 |
)(5) |
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(307 |
) |
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Net income (loss)
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(1,143 |
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1,783 |
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(4,229 |
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(3,589 |
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Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
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(14,965 |
) |
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(2,225 |
)(6) |
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(17,190 |
) |
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Net income (loss) applicable to common shareholders
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$ |
(16,108 |
) |
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$ |
1,783 |
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$ |
(6,454 |
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$ |
(20,779 |
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See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Statement of Operations.
P-4
Homebase
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of
Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
The consolidated historical financial statements include the
results of operations of the TXUCV acquisition since the
April 14, 2004 acquisition date. The adjustments described
in notes 2 through 5 have been made to the accompanying
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
operations to reflect the results of operations as if this
acquisition occurred on January 1, 2004 (amounts in
thousands):
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition on April 14, 2004,
we acquired:
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a 2.34% interest in GTE Mobilnet of South, Texas, LP
(South Texas); |
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a 17.02% interest in GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17, LP
(RSA #17); and |
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a 39.06% interest in Fort Bend Fibernet, LP
(Fort Bend). |
Prior to the date of the TXUCV acquisition, TXUCV accounted for
each of these partnership investments using the equity method of
accounting. Under this method of accounting, partnership income
(or loss) was recognized based upon TXUCVs pro rata
share of the income (or loss) from each partnership. For
periods subsequent to the date of the TXUCV acquisition,
Homebase determined (in accordance with Topic D-46:
Accounting for Limited
Partnership Investments) to continue to account
for RSA #17 and Fort Bend using the equity method, but
to account for South Texas using the cost method. The decision
to change from the equity method to the cost method was based
upon several factors, including Homebases small ownership
interest and its limited ability to influence South Texas
operating and financial policies.
As a result of the change from the equity method to the cost
method, the partnership income recognized from South Texas
during the period it was owned by TXUCV will not continue in the
future. Instead, under the cost method, Homebase will only
recognize income when it receives a cash distribution from South
Texas, and then only to the extent such distribution represents
earnings from South Texas rather than a return of capital.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, Homebases
unaudited pro forma condensed statement of operations included
$661 of partnership income and $1,806 of dividend income from
its investment in South Texas. However, had Homebase accounted
for its investment in South Texas on the cost method,
Homebases unaudited pro forma condensed statement of
operations would have included $0 of partnership income and
$2,467 of dividend income over the same period.
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2. |
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses |
The pro forma adjustments to selling, general and administrative
expenses reflect a reduction in costs resulting from the
termination of TXUCV employees that occurred in connection with
the TXUCV acquisition and was recognized in accordance with
EITF 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in
Connection with a Purchase Business Combination, and
incremental professional service fees to be paid to
Mr. Lumpkin, Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity pursuant
to the second professional services agreement entered into in
connection with the TXUCV acquisition.
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Effect of TXUCV acquisition related headcount reductions
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$ |
(1,983 |
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Incremental professional service fees
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865 |
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$ |
(1,118 |
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P-5
Homebase
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Statement of
Operations
For the Year Ended December 31,
2004 (Continued)
(Dollars in thousands)
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3. |
Depreciation and Amortization |
The pro forma adjustments to depreciation and amortization
reflect (a) the removal of the historical basis of depreciation
and amortization of the TXUCV assets and (b) the increase
in depreciation and amortization expense for of property and
equipment, capitalized software, and intangible assets acquired
in the TXUCV acquisition based on the write-up of these assets
to fair value in accordance with SFAS 141.
|
|
|
|
|
Removing historical depreciation and amortization
|
|
$ |
(62,646 |
) |
Recording new depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
67,521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
The pro forma adjustments to interest expense are based on the
amounts borrowed and the rates assumed to be in effect at the
closing of the TXUCV transaction. Amounts outstanding under the
term loan facilities A and B bore interest at 250 and
275 basis points above LIBOR respectively.
In connection with the TXUCV acquisition, the Company issued
$200 million of
93/4% Senior
Notes due in 2012.
A summary of the pro forma adjustment follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Twelve Months | |
|
|
Estimated | |
|
Estimated | |
|
Ended | |
|
|
Principal | |
|
Interest | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
Outstanding | |
|
Rates | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Removal of historical interest expense including amortization of
deferred financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
41,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording of new interest expense, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
$ |
122,000 |
|
|
|
LIBOR+2.50% |
|
|
|
(4,892 |
) |
|
Term loan B
|
|
|
315,000 |
|
|
|
LIBOR+2.75% |
|
|
|
(13,419 |
) |
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
9.750% |
|
|
|
(19,500 |
) |
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
6.500% |
|
|
|
(69 |
) |
|
Revolver commitment fee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(150 |
) |
|
Net effect of interest rate hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,733 |
) |
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,900 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total new interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44,663 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net adjustment to interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3,484 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average LIBOR rate for the year ended
December 31, 2004 was 1.51%.
The blended effective tax rate applied to the pro forma
adjustments related to the TXUCV acquisition and the related
financing is as follows:
|
|
|
Twelve months ended December 31, 2004
|
|
41.6% |
|
|
6. |
Dividends on Preferred Shares |
At closing of the TXUCV acquisition, we issued an additional
$89,000 of Class A redeemable preferred shares with a 9%
annual preferred dividend.
P-6
CCI ILLINOIS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
statement of operations is based on the historical financial
statements of Illinois Holdings included elsewhere in this
prospectus, adjusted to give effect to the following
transactions, or the Illinois transactions, set forth below.
Illinois Holdings conducts all of its business through CCI,
shares of which constitute its only asset. The historical
financial statements of Illinois Holdings are adjusted to give
effect to the following transactions.
|
|
|
|
|
the issuance of the notes; |
|
|
|
the borrowing by CCI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Illinois
Holdings, of $170.0 million under the existing credit
facilities; |
|
|
|
the repayment of all the outstanding debt of CCI under its old
credit facility; |
|
|
|
the distribution of $63.4 million by CCI to Homebase and
the contribution by Homebase of these funds to Texas Acquisition
in connection with the purchase of TXUCV; and |
|
|
|
the payment of fees and expenses. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
operations was prepared to give effect to the Illinois
transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information
and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable. The
unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
operations does not purport to represent what Illinois
Holdingss results of operations would actually have been
had the Illinois transactions in fact occurred as of such date
or to project Illinois Holdingss results of operations.
You should read the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
statement of operations and the accompanying notes in
conjunction with the information contained in
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations CCI
Illinois and the consolidated financial statements and
related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.
P-7
CCI ILLINOIS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCI | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
|
|
Illinois | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois telephone operations
|
|
$ |
97,326 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
97,326 |
|
Other Illinois operations
|
|
|
39,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
136,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136,533 |
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of revenues
|
|
|
46,198 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,198 |
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
45,557 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,557 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
22,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,347 |
|
Intangible impairment charges
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total expenses
|
|
|
125,680 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
125,680 |
|
Other, net
|
|
|
840 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
840 |
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(19,715 |
) |
|
|
2,788 |
(1) |
|
|
(16,927 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(8,022 |
) |
|
|
2,788 |
|
|
|
(5,234 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
(2,887 |
) |
|
|
1,160 |
(2) |
|
|
(1,727 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(5,135 |
) |
|
$ |
1,628 |
|
|
$ |
(3,507 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations.
P-8
CCI Illinois
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
The pro forma adjustments to interest expense, net are based on
the amounts borrowed and the rates in effect at the closing of
the Illinois transactions. Amounts outstanding under the term
loans A and B bore interest at 250 and 275 basis points
above LIBOR, respectively. The interest rate on the notes is
9.75%.
A summary of the pro forma adjustments follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense of existing credit facilities and notes
|
|
$ |
(15,838 |
) |
Amortization of deferred financing costs of existing credit
facilities and notes
|
|
|
(1,089 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Pro forma interest expense
|
|
|
(16,927 |
) |
Elimination of historical interest expense, including
amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
19,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma adjustment to interest expense
|
|
$ |
2,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average LIBOR rate for the year ended
December 31, 2004 was 1.51%.
Deferred financing costs of $8,131 were incurred in connection
with the existing credit facilities and issuance of notes. Such
costs will be amortized on a straight line basis, which
approximates the interest method, over the term of the related
indebtedness. The initial terms of the term loan A, term
loan B and the notes were 6 years, 7.5 years, and
8 years, respectively. Deferred financing costs of $4,245
as of December 31, 2004 were eliminated for the existing
credit facility of CCI upon the closing of the Illinois
transactions.
An increase or decrease of 0.125% in the interest rate of the
debt would change pro forma interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 2004 by $213.
The assumed effective tax rate of the pro forma adjustments is
41.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
P-9
CCI TEXAS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
statement of operations is based on the historical financial
statements of TXUCV and Texas Holdings included elsewhere in
this prospectus, adjusted to give effect to the transactions set
forth below, or the Texas transactions. Texas Holdings conducts
all of its business through CCV, its indirect wholly owned
subsidiary. Texas Holdings owns no assets other than the shares
of Texas Acquisition. Texas Acquisition owns no assets other
than the shares of CCV. The historical financial statements of
TXUCV and Texas Holdings have been adjusted to give effect to
the following transactions:
|
|
|
|
|
the offering of the notes; |
|
|
|
the borrowing by Texas Acquisition, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Texas Holdings, of $267.0 million under the existing credit
facilities; |
|
|
|
the acquisition, pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, by
Texas acquisition of TXUCV from Pinnacle One, an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of TXU Corp., for $524.1 million in
cash, net of cash acquired and including transaction
costs; and |
|
|
|
the payment of fees and expenses. |
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
operations was prepared to give effect to the Texas transactions
as if they had occurred on January 1, 2004. The pro forma
adjustments are based upon available information and certain
assumptions that we believe are reasonable. The unaudited pro
forma condensed consolidated statement of operations does not
purport to represent what Texas Holdings results of
operations would actually have been had the Texas transactions
in fact occurred as of such date or to project Texas
Holdings results of operations for any future period.
The TXUCV acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in
accordance with Statements of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 141, Business Combinations
(SFAS 141). Following the closing of the
TXUCV acquisition, the total purchase price was allocated
to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of TXUCV based on
their respective fair values in accordance with the purchase
method of accounting.
We engaged independent appraisers to assist in determining the
fair values of tangible and intangible assets acquired in the
TXUCV acquisition. We allocated the total purchase price to the
assets and liabilities using estimates of their fair value based
on work performed to date by the independent appraisers.
You should read the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
statement of operations and the accompanying notes in
conjunction with the information contained in
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations CCI Texas and the consolidated
financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
P-10
CCI TEXAS
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCI Texas | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Historical | |
|
CCI Texas | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 1, 2004 | |
|
Historical | |
|
|
|
Pro Forma as | |
|
|
to April 13, | |
|
April 14, 2004 to | |
|
Pro Forma | |
|
Adjusted for | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Acquisition | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
53,855 |
|
|
$ |
133,075 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
186,930 |
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network operating costs
|
|
|
15,296 |
|
|
|
34,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,670 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
24,138 |
|
|
|
42,398 |
|
|
|
(1,118 |
)(1) |
|
|
65,418 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
8,124 |
|
|
|
32,175 |
|
|
|
4,875 |
(2) |
|
|
45,174 |
|
|
Restructuring, asset impairment and other charges
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
47,546 |
|
|
|
108,947 |
|
|
|
3,757 |
|
|
|
160,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
6,309 |
|
|
|
24,128 |
|
|
|
(3,757 |
) |
|
|
26,680 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(1,244 |
) |
|
|
(20,220 |
) |
|
|
(6,272 |
)(3) |
|
|
(27,736 |
) |
Pre-payment penalty on extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
(1,914 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,914 |
) |
Other, net
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
3,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
4,256 |
|
|
|
7,111 |
|
|
|
(10,029 |
) |
|
|
1,338 |
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
2,473 |
|
|
|
3,119 |
|
|
|
(4,172 |
)(4) |
|
|
1,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
1,783 |
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
|
$ |
(5,857 |
) |
|
$ |
(82 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Consolidated Statement of Operations.
P-11
CCI Texas
Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement
of Operations
For the Year Ended December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
1. |
Selling, General and Administrative |
The pro forma adjustments to selling, general and administrative
expenses reflect a reduction in costs resulting from the
termination of TXUCV employees that occurred in connection with
the TXUCV acquisition and was recognized in accordance with
EITF 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in
Connection with a Purchase Business Combination, and
incremental professional service fees to be paid to
Mr. Lumpkin, Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity pursuant
to the second professional services agreement entered into in
connection with the TXUCV acquisition.
|
|
|
|
|
Effect of transaction related headcount reductions
|
|
$ |
(1,983 |
) |
Incremental fee
|
|
|
865 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(1,118 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2. |
Depreciation and Amortization: |
The pro forma adjustments to depreciation and amortization
reflect (a) the removal of the historical basis of depreciation
and amortization of the TXUCV assets and (b) the increase
in depreciation and amortization expense for of property and
equipment, capitalized software, and intangible assets acquired
in the TXUCV acquisition based on the write-up of these assets
to fair value in accordance with SFAS 141.
|
|
|
|
|
Removing historical depreciation and amortization
|
|
$ |
(40,299 |
) |
Recording new depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
45,174 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
The pro forma adjustments to interest expense, net are based on
the amounts borrowed and the rates assumed to be in effect at
the closing of the Texas transactions. Amounts outstanding under
the term loan facilities A and B bore interest at 250 and
275 basis points above LIBOR, respectively. The interest
rate on the notes is 9.75%.
A summary of the pro forma adjustments follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense of existing credit facilities and notes
|
|
$ |
(25,925 |
) |
Amortization of deferred financing costs of existing credit
facilities and notes
|
|
|
(1,811 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Pro forma interest expense
|
|
|
(27,736 |
) |
Elimination of historical interest expense, including
amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
21,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma adjustment to interest expense
|
|
$ |
(6,272 |
) |
|
|
|
|
The weighted average LIBOR rate for the year ended
December 31, 2004 was 1.51%.
Deferred financing costs of $12,311 were incurred in connection
with the new term loans and the issuance of the notes. Such
costs will be amortized on a straight line basis, which
approximates the interest method, over the term of the related
indebtedness. The initial terms of the term loan A, term
loan B and senior notes are 6 years, 7.5 years
and 8 years, respectively.
An increase or decrease of 0.125% in the interest rate of the
debt would change pro forma interest expense for the year ended
December 31, 2004 by $333.
The assumed effective tax rate of the pro forma adjustments is
41.6% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004.
P-12
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
Audited Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Financial Statements Homebase
Acquisition, LLC
|
|
|
F-3 |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
F-4 |
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and
2003
|
|
|
F-5 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003
|
|
|
F-6 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Members
Deficit for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
|
|
|
F-7 |
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003
|
|
|
F-8 |
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-9 |
|
|
|
|
F-34 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-35 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-36 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-37 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-38 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-39 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-40 |
|
|
|
|
F-59 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-60 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-61 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-62 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-63 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-64 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-65 |
|
|
|
|
F-77 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-78 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-79 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-80 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-81 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-82 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-83 |
|
|
|
|
F-100 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-101 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-102 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-103 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-104 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-105 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-106 |
|
F-1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
Financial Statements GTE Mobilnet of Texas
RSA #17 Limited Partnership
|
|
|
F-128 |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
F-129 |
|
|
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003
|
|
|
F-130 |
|
|
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002
|
|
|
F-131 |
|
|
Statements of Changes in Partners Capital for the years
ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
|
|
|
F-132 |
|
|
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002
|
|
|
F-133 |
|
|
Notes to Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-134 |
|
Unaudited Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Homebase
Acquisition, LLC
|
|
|
F-141 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2005
|
|
|
F-142 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-143 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common
Members Deficit for the three months ended March 31,
2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-144 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-145 |
|
|
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-146 |
|
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
F-155 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2005
|
|
|
F-156 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-157 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in
Shareholders Equity for the three months ended
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
F-158 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-159 |
|
|
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-160 |
|
Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated
Communications Texas Holdings, Inc.
|
|
|
F-165 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2005
|
|
|
F-166 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-167 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Shareholders Equity for the three months ended
March 31, 2005
|
|
|
F-168 |
|
|
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
|
|
|
F-169 |
|
|
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
F-170 |
|
F-2
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
December 31, 2004 and 2003
With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-3
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Hombase Acquisition, LLC
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Homebase Acquisition, LLC (the Company) as of December 31,
2004 and December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, members deficit, and cash flows
for the years then ended. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of
their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended,
in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2005
F-4
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
52,084 |
|
|
$ |
10,142 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,613 and $1,837,
respectively
|
|
|
33,817 |
|
|
|
18,701 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
3,529 |
|
|
|
2,277 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
3,278 |
|
|
|
2,868 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
6,179 |
|
|
|
5,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
98,887 |
|
|
|
39,631 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
360,760 |
|
|
|
104,580 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
42,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
318,481 |
|
|
|
99,554 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
149,805 |
|
|
|
53,559 |
|
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
14,546 |
|
|
|
15,863 |
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
20,736 |
|
|
|
4,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
1,006,099 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS DEFICIT |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
41,079 |
|
|
$ |
10,300 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
11,176 |
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
11,061 |
|
|
|
6,368 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
34,251 |
|
|
|
12,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
97,567 |
|
|
|
34,828 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
588,342 |
|
|
|
170,100 |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
66,641 |
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
61,361 |
|
|
|
12,595 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
3,223 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
817,134 |
|
|
|
219,609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
2,291 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Redeemable preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A, redeemable preferred shares, $1 par value,
182,000 shares authorized, 182,000 and 93,000 shares
issued and outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference of
$205,469 and $101,504, respectively
|
|
|
205,469 |
|
|
|
101,504 |
|
Common members deficit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, no par value, 10,000,000 shares, authorized,
10,000,000 and 9,975,000 shares issued and outstanding,
respectively
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(19,111 |
) |
|
|
(3,003 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
258 |
|
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total common members deficit
|
|
|
(18,795 |
) |
|
|
(3,518 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and members deficit
|
|
$ |
1,006,099 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-5
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
269,608 |
|
|
$ |
132,330 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
80,572 |
|
|
|
46,305 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
87,955 |
|
|
|
42,495 |
|
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
54,522 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
34,981 |
|
|
|
21,054 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
384 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(39,935 |
) |
|
|
(11,975 |
) |
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
2,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(911 |
) |
|
|
9,218 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
|
|
5,501 |
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
(14,965 |
) |
|
|
(8,504 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(16,108 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,003 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(1.79 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-6
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN COMMON MEMBERS
DEFICIT
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Paid in Capital | |
|
Deficit | |
|
Income (Loss) | |
|
Total | |
|
Income (Loss) | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
9,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares issued under employee plan
|
|
|
975,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,504 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,504 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of ($344) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003
|
|
|
9,975,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,003 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
(3,518 |
) |
|
$ |
4,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,143 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,143 |
) |
Shares issued under employee plan
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,965 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,965 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability, net of ($174) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of ($33) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $1,090 tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
$ |
(19,111 |
) |
|
$ |
258 |
|
|
$ |
(18,795 |
) |
|
$ |
(370 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-7
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(1,143 |
) |
|
$ |
5,501 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
54,522 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
4,666 |
|
|
|
3,412 |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
3,388 |
|
|
|
Asset impairment
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
(1,288 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
|
|
|
327 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
6,476 |
|
|
|
504 |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of
acquisitions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(3,499 |
) |
|
|
(9,799 |
) |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(249 |
) |
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
4,401 |
|
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(2,689 |
) |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
6,463 |
|
|
|
6,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
79,766 |
|
|
|
28,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(30,010 |
) |
|
|
(11,296 |
) |
|
|
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
(524,090 |
) |
|
|
(284,834 |
) |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(554,100 |
) |
|
|
(296,132 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from investors
|
|
|
89,058 |
|
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term obligations
|
|
|
637,000 |
|
|
|
190,000 |
|
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(190,826 |
) |
|
|
(10,193 |
) |
|
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(18,956 |
) |
|
|
(4,602 |
) |
|
|
Proceeds from sale of building
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
516,276 |
|
|
|
277,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
41,942 |
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
52,084 |
|
|
$ |
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
$ |
27,758 |
|
|
$ |
11,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid (refunded)
|
|
$ |
(509 |
) |
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-8
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Homebase Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Homebase or the Company), was formed on
June 26, 2002, and commenced operations in Illinois on
December 31, 2002, with its acquisition of Illinois
Consolidated Telephone Company and the related businesses
(collectively, ICTC) and in Texas on April 14,
2004 with its acquisition of TXU Communications Ventures Company
(TXUCV). Homebase is a holding company with no
income from operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
(Illinois Holdings) and Consolidated Communications
Texas Holdings, Inc. (Texas Holdings). Homebase and
its wholly owned subsidiaries operate under the name
Consolidated Communications.
Illinois Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI). Illinois
Holdings operates its business through, and receives all of its
income from, CCI and its subsidiaries. CCI was formed for the
sole purpose of acquiring ICTC. Texas Holdings is a holding
company with no income from operations or assets except for the
capital stock of Consolidated Communications Texas, Inc.
(Texas Acquisition). Texas Holdings and Texas
Acquisition were formed for the sole purpose of acquiring TXUCV,
which was subsequently renamed Consolidated Communications
Ventures Company (CCV). Texas Holdings operates its
business through, and receives all of its income from, CCV and
its subsidiaries.
The Company provides local telephone, long-distance and network
access services, and data and Internet products to both
residential and business customers. The Company also provides
operator services, telecommunications services to state prison
facilities, telecommunications equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services.
|
|
2. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
|
|
|
Principles of Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Homebase and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in
which it has a controlling financial interest. All material
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform previously
reported data to the current presentation. Line costs totaling
$17,800 and $16,244 for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively, were reclassified from general and
administrative expenses to cost of services.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could
differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
F-9
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Certain wholly owned subsidiaries, ICTC, Consolidated
Communications of Texas Company and Consolidated Communications
of Fort Bend Company, are independent local exchange
carriers (ILECs) which follow the accounting for
regulated enterprises prescribed by Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 71, Accounting for the
Effects of Certain Types of Regulation
(SFAS No 71). SFAS No. 71 permits
rates (tariffs) to be set at levels intended to recover
estimated costs of providing regulated services or products,
including capital costs. SFAS No. 71 requires the
ILECs to depreciate wireline plant over the useful lives
approved by the regulators, which could be different than the
useful lives that would otherwise be determined by management.
SFAS No. 71 also requires deferral of certain costs
and obligations based upon approvals received from regulators to
permit recovery of such amounts in future years. Criteria that
would give rise to the discontinuance of SFAS No. 71
include (1) increasing competition restricting the wireline
business ability to establish prices to recover specific
costs and (2) significant changes in the manner by which
rates are set by regulators from cost-base regulation to another
form of regulation.
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid
investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less
when purchased.
Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable
fair values are categorized as available for sale securities and
are carried at fair value. The unrealized gains or losses on
securities classified as available for sale are included as a
separate component of common members equity. Investments
in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair
values are carried at cost.
Investments in affiliated companies that Homebase does not
control but does have the ability to exercise significant
influence over operations and financial policies, are accounted
for using the equity method. Investments in affiliated companies
that Homebase does not control and does not have the ability to
exercise significant influence over such affiliated
companies operations and financial policies are accounted
for using the cost method.
To determine whether an impairment of an investment exists, the
Company monitors and evaluates the financial performance of the
business in which it invests and compares the carrying value of
the investee to quoted market prices if available or the fair
value of similar investments, which in certain circumstance, is
based on traditional valuation models utilizing multiple of cash
flows. When circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair
value of the investment has occurred and the decline is other
than temporary, the Company records the decline in value as
realized impairment loss and a reduction in the cost of the
investment.
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts |
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to the
Company from normal activities. Accounts receivable are
determined to be past due when the amount is overdue based on
the payment terms with the customer. In certain circumstances,
the Company requires deposits from customers to mitigate
potential risk associated with receivables. The Company
maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect
managements best estimate of probable losses inherent in
the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the
allowance balance based on known troubled accounts, historical
F-10
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
experience and other currently available evidence. Accounts
receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts
when management of the Company determines that the receivable
will not be collected.
Inventory consists mainly of copper and fiber cable that will be
used for network expansion and upgrades and materials and
equipment used in the maintenance and installation of telephone
systems. Inventory is stated at the lower of average cost or
market.
|
|
|
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets (SFAS 142), goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not
amortized but rather are tested annually for impairment.
Tradenames have been determined to have indefinite lives; thus
they are not being amortized but are tested annually for
impairment using discounted cash flows based on a relief from
royalty method. The Company evaluates the carrying value of
goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. As part of the
evaluation, the Company compares the carrying value of the
goodwill for each reporting unit with their fair value to
determine whether impairment exists. If impairment is determined
to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based upon
fair value.
SFAS 142 also provides that assets which have finite lives
be amortized over their useful lives. Customer lists are being
amortized over their estimated useful lives based upon the
Companys historical experience with customer attrition and
the recommendation of an independent appraiser. The estimated
lives range from 10 to 13 years.
|
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements, and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense.
Depreciation is determined based upon the assets estimated
useful lives using either the group or unit method.
The group method is used for depreciable assets dedicated to
providing regulated telecommunication services, including the
majority of the network and outside plant facilities. Under the
group method, a specific asset group has an average life. A
depreciation rate is developed based on the average useful life
for the specific asset group as approved by regulatory agencies.
This method requires periodic revision of depreciation rates.
When an individual asset is sold or retired under the group
method, the difference between the proceeds, if any, and the
cost of the asset is charged or credited to accumulated
depreciation, without recognition of a gain or loss.
The unit method is primarily used for buildings, furniture,
fixtures and other support assets. Under the unit method, assets
are depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful life of the individual asset. When an individual asset is
sold or retired under the unit method, the cost basis of the
asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and any associated gain or loss is recognized.
F-11
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Estimated useful lives are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years | |
|
|
| |
Buildings
|
|
|
15-35 |
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
5-30 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
|
|
|
3-17 |
|
Wireline local access revenues are recognized over the period
that the service is provided. Nonrecurring installation revenues
are deferred upon service activation and are recognized over the
shorter of three to five years or the determined useful life.
The associated costs are recorded in the period in which they
are incurred. Revenues from other telecommunications services,
including network access charges, custom calling feature
revenues, billing and collection services, long distance and
private line services, Internet service provider charges,
operator services, and paging services are recognized monthly as
services are provided.
Telephone equipment revenues generated from retail channels are
recorded at the point of sale. Telecommunications systems and
structured cabling project revenues are recognized upon
completion and billing of the project. Maintenance services are
provided on both a contract and time and material basis and are
recorded when the service is provided.
Teleservices revenues include both inbound and outbound calling
as well as fulfillment services. All revenues are recorded as
program activity is completed.
Print advertising and publishing revenues are recognized ratably
over the life of the related directory, generally twelve months.
The costs of advertising are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising expenses totaled $1,521 and $1,839 in 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Illinois Holdings and its subsidiaries and Texas Holdings and
its subsidiaries file separate consolidated federal income tax
returns and East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated files a separate
federal income tax return. State income tax returns are filed on
a consolidated or separate legal entity basis depending on the
state. Federal and state income tax expense or benefit is
allocated to each subsidiary based on separately determined
taxable income or loss.
Amounts in the financial statements related to income taxes are
calculated using the principles of Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes (FAS 109). Deferred income taxes are
provided for the temporary differences between assets and
liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such
amounts recognized for tax purposes as well as loss
carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. We record a valuation
allowance related to our deferred income tax assets when, in the
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that deferred
tax assets would not be realized.
F-12
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Provisions for federal and state income taxes are calculated on
reported pre-tax earnings based on current tax law and also
include, in the current period, the cumulative effect of any
changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining
deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions differ from
the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain
items of income and expense are recognized in different time
periods for financial reporting purposes than for income tax
purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income
tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. We establish
reserves for income tax when, despite the belief that our tax
positions are fully supportable, there remain certain positions
that are probable to be challenged and possibly disallowed by
various authorities. The consolidated tax provision and related
accruals include the impact of such reasonably estimable losses.
To the extent that the probable tax outcome of these matters
changes, such changes in estimate will impact the income tax
provision in the period in which such determination is made.
The Company maintains a restricted share plan to award certain
employees of the Company restricted common shares of the Company
as an incentive to enhance their long-term performance as well
as an incentive to join or remain with the Company. The Company
accounts for its employee restricted share plan in accordance
with Accounting Principles Board No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees
(APB No. 25) and related interpretations. The
restricted share plan contains a call provision whereby upon
termination of employment, the Company may elect to repurchase
the shares held by the former employee. The purchase price is
based upon the lesser of fair value or a formula specified in
the plan. The existence of the employer call provision for a
purchase price that is below fair value results in the plan
being accounted for as variable, with compensation expense, if
any, determined based upon the formula rather than fair value.
At December 31, 2004, the formula computation results in a
negative value being ascribed to the common shares. As a result,
no stock compensation expense has been recognized in these
consolidated financial statements.
|
|
|
Financial Instruments and Derivatives |
As of December 31, 2004, the Companys financial
instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, investments, accounts payable and long-term debt
obligations. At December 31, 2004, the carrying value of
these financial instruments approximated their fair values.
Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activity (SFAS No. 133).
SFAS No. 133 provides comprehensive and consistent
standards for the recognition and measurement of derivative and
hedging activities. It requires that derivatives be recorded on
the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and establishes
criteria for hedges of changes in fair values of assets,
liabilities or firm commitments, hedges of variable cash flows
of forecasted transactions and hedges of foreign currency
exposures of net investments in foreign operations. To the
extent that the derivatives qualify as a cash flow hedge, the
gain or loss associated with the effective portion is recorded
as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in
the fair value of derivatives that do not meet the criteria for
hedges are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
Upon termination of interest rate swap agreements, any resulting
gain or loss is recognized over the shorter of the remaining
original term of the hedging instrument or the remaining life of
the underlying debt obligation. Since the Companys
interest swap agreements are with major financial institutions,
the Company does not anticipate any nonperformance by any
counterparty.
F-13
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning in 2006 to companies that sponsor
post-retirement health care plans that provide drug benefits.
Additional legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether
a company is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy
available and the procedures to be following in obtaining the
subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides
guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the
Medicare Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription
drug plans are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the
Company began reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on
July 1, 2004, without a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
for public companies with the first annual period after
June 15, 2005, with early adoption encouraged. The pro
forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS 123 no
longer will be an alternative to financial statement
recognition. The Company is required to adopt SFAS 123R
beginning January 1, 2006. Under SFAS 123R, the
Company must determine the appropriate fair market value model
to be used for valuing share-based payments, the amortization
method for compensation cost and the transition method to be
used at date of adoption. As disclosed in the summary of
significant accounting policies, the Companys restricted
share plan contains a call provision whereby upon termination of
employment, the Company may elect to repurchase the shares held
by the former employee. The purchase price is based upon the
lesser of fair value or a formula specified in the plan. The
existence of the employer call provision for a purchase price
that is below fair value results in the plan being accounted for
as variable, with compensation expense, if any, determined based
upon the formula rather than fair value. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 123R will have on the financial condition or results
of operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets An
Amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21 (b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
|
|
|
Acquisition of ICTC and Related Businesses |
On December 31, 2002, the Company, through its wholly owned
subsidiary CCI, acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
ICTC, McLeodUSA Public Services, Inc., and Consolidated Market
F-14
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Response, Inc, as well as substantially all of the assets of
three other related telecom lines of business (or divisions)
which were all owned by McLeodUSA and its affiliates. The
purchase price for the businesses acquired totaled $284,834,
including acquisition costs, and was funded with proceeds from
the issuance of redeemable preferred stock and debt. The Company
accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of
accounting; accordingly the financial statements reflect the
allocation of the total purchase price to the net tangible and
intangible assets acquired, based on their respective fair
values. The accompanying consolidated financial statements
include the results of operations of the acquired businesses
from the date of acquisition.
The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
25,802 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
118,057 |
|
Customer lists
|
|
|
59,517 |
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
15,863 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
99,554 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(33,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net purchase price
|
|
$ |
284,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill represents the residual aggregate purchase price after
all tangible and identified intangible assets have been valued,
offset by the value of liabilities assumed. The aggregate
purchase price was derived from a competitive bidding process
and negotiations and was influenced by our assessment of the
value of the overall acquired business. The significant goodwill
value reflects our view that the acquired business can generate
strong cash flow and sales and earnings following acquisition.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the tradenames and
goodwill acquired are not amortized but are tested for
impairment at least annually. The customer lists are amortized
over their weighted average estimated useful lives of ten years.
The Company made an election under the Internal Revenue Code
that resulted in the tax basis of goodwill and other intangible
assets associated with this acquisition to be deductible for tax
purposes ratably over a 15-year period.
On April 14, 2004, Homebase, through its wholly owned
subsidiary Texas Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock
of TXUCV from Pinnacle One Partners L.P. (Pinnacle
One). By acquiring all of the capital stock of TXUCV,
Homebase acquired substantially all of the telecommunications
assets of TXU Corp., including two rural local exchange carriers
(RLECs), that together serve markets in Conroe, Katy
and Lufkin, Texas, a directory publishing business, a transport
services business that provides connectivity within Texas and
minority interests in cellular partnerships.
In connection with the closing of the TXUCV acquisition, the
Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, issued $200,000
in the aggregate principal amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, entered into a new $437,000 bank credit
facility, repaid its existing credit facility and entered into
certain related transactions. The indenture governing the notes
and the existing credit agreement contain covenants, events of
default and other provisions (see Note 14).
The Company accounted for the TXUCV acquisition using the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the financial
statements reflect the allocation of the total purchase price to
the net tangible
F-15
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
and intangible assets acquired based on their respective fair
values. The purchase price, including acquisition costs and net
of $9,897 of cash acquired, was allocated to assets acquired and
liabilities assumed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
27,478 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
268,706 |
|
Customer list
|
|
|
108,200 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
43,291 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(152,377 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total purchase price, net of cash acquired
|
|
$ |
524,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate purchase price was derived from a competitive
bidding process and negotiations and was influenced by the
Companys assessment of the value of the overall TXUCV
business. The significant goodwill value reflects the
Companys view that the TXUCV business can generate strong
cash flow and sales and earnings following the acquisition. In
accordance with SFAS 142, the $228,792 in goodwill recorded
as part of the TXUCV acquisition will not be amortized and will
be tested for impairment at least annually. The customer list
will be amortized over its estimated useful life of thirteen
years. The goodwill and other intangibles associated with this
acquisition did not qualify under the Internal Revenue Code as
deductible for tax purposes.
The Companys consolidated financial statements include the
results of operations for the TXUCV acquisition since the
April 14, 2004, acquisition date. Unaudited pro forma
results of operations data for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003 as if the acquisition had occurred at the
beginning of each period presented are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Total revenues
|
|
$ |
323,463 |
|
|
$ |
327,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
$ |
37,533 |
|
|
$ |
29,507 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proforma net loss
|
|
$ |
(3,589 |
) |
|
$ |
(15,431 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proforma net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(20,779 |
) |
|
$ |
(31,945 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(2.31 |
) |
|
$ |
(3.55 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-16
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
4. |
Prepaids and other current assets |
Prepaids and other current assets consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Deferred charges
|
|
$ |
1,637 |
|
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
3,492 |
|
|
|
1,991 |
|
Income tax receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,179 |
|
|
$ |
5,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Property, plant and equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Property, plant and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings
|
|
$ |
49,567 |
|
|
$ |
15,487 |
|
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
641,913 |
|
|
|
209,927 |
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
68,360 |
|
|
|
29,145 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
7,783 |
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
767,623 |
|
|
|
257,198 |
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(406,863 |
) |
|
|
(152,618 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
$ |
360,760 |
|
|
$ |
104,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense totaled $42,652 and $16,518 in 2004 and
2003, respectively.
Investments consist of the following as of December 31,
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
|
|
$ |
1,708 |
|
Cost method investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (2.34% owned)
|
|
|
21,450 |
|
|
CoBank, ACB stock
|
|
|
1,879 |
|
|
Rural Telephone Bank stock
|
|
|
5,921 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
19 |
|
Equity method investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (17.02%
owned)
|
|
|
11,759 |
|
|
Fort Bend Fibernet Limited Partnership (39.06% owned)
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,884 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company obtained 2.34% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of South
Texas Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet South
Partnership) in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV
on April 14, 2004. The
F-17
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
principal activity of the Mobilnet South Partnership is
providing cellular service in the Houston, Galveston and
Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas. The Company has very limited
influence on the operating and financial policies of this
partnership and accounts for this investment on the cost basis.
The cost basis of $22,850 as of April 14, 2004 was
determined with the help of an independent appraiser. During the
period from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004
the Company received $3,206 of cash distributions from the
Mobilnet South Partnership. These distributions exceeded the
Companys share of earnings in the Mobilnet South
Partnership by $1,400. Accordingly, $1,400 was applied as a
reduction in the carrying amount of the investment and $1,806
was recognized as dividend income in 2004.
The CoBank investment represents purchases of CoBank stock as
required by the CoBank loan agreement and patronage
distributions from CoBank in the form of stock. CoBank operates
on a cooperative basis with a portion of the bank earnings
returned to the owners in the form of patronage refunds. For
2004, the Companys allocation of patronage capital from
CoBank was $380, of which $152 was in cash and $228 in patronage
capital certificates. The Company will be receiving annual
refunds of a portion of the stock only when their stock balances
reaches 10% of the five-year moving average of CoBank loan
balance. Cash dividends are recorded as reduction of interest
expense and the patronage distribution in form of stock are
recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of
operations.
The Rural Telephone Bank stock consists of 5,921 shares of
$1,000 par value Class C stock which is stated at
original cost plus a gain recognized at conversion of
Class B to Class C.
The Company received partnership distributions totaling $340 and
$78 from GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA # 17 Limited
Partnership and Fort Bend Fibernet Limited Partnership,
respectively, for the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004.
Summarized
financial information for significant investments
The Company obtained 17.02% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of Texas
RSA #17 Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet RSA
Partnership) in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV
on April 14, 2004. The principal activity of the Mobilnet
RSA Partnership is providing cellular service to a limited rural
area in Texas. The Company has some influence on the operating
and financial policies of this partnership and accounts for this
investment on the equity basis. Summarized 100 percent
financial information for the Mobilnet RSA Partnership was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
35,203 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
9,636 |
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
10,116 |
|
Net income or loss
|
|
|
10,116 |
|
As of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
6,443 |
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
22,494 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership equity
|
|
|
27,204 |
|
F-18
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Homebase has recorded its pro rata share of the equity earnings
from these investments since the date of the TXUCV acquisition
on April 14, 2004, through December 31, 2004.
East Texas Fiber Line, Inc. (ETFL) is a joint
venture owned 63% by the Company and 37% by Eastex Celco. ETFL
provides connectivity to certain customers within Texas over a
fiber optic transport network.
|
|
8. |
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill and tradenames are
not amortized but are subject to an annual impairment test, or
to more frequent testing if circumstances indicate that they may
be impaired. In 2004, the Company completed its annual
impairment test and determined that goodwill was impaired in one
of its reporting units within the Other Operations segment of
the Company and a resulting goodwill impairment charge of
$10,147 was recognized. The fair value of each reporting unit
was determined by discounting their respective projected cash
flows. The goodwill impairment was limited to our Operator
Services reporting unit, and was due to a decline in current and
projected cash flows for this reporting unit. Operator Services
has also reduced its pricing to retain certain customers at the
time of contract renewal, as well as, offered lower rates to
attract new customers in the face of increasing competition due
to automation and cheaper offshore call center alternatives
available to our customers.
The following table presents the carrying amount of goodwill by
segment at December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance at January 1, 2004
|
|
$ |
78,443 |
|
|
$ |
21,111 |
|
|
$ |
99,554 |
|
Impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,147 |
) |
|
|
(10,147 |
) |
Finalization of ICTC and related businesses purchase accounting
|
|
|
2,292 |
|
|
|
(2,010 |
) |
|
|
282 |
|
TXUCV acquisition
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
309,527 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
318,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-19
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Companys most valuable tradename is the federally
registered mark CONSOLIDATED, which is used in association with
our telephone communication services and is a design of
interlocking circles. The Companys corporate branding
strategy leverages a CONSOLIDATED naming structure. All business
units and several product/services names incorporate the
CONSOLIDATED name. These tradenames are indefinitely renewable
intangibles. In 2004, the Company completed its annual
impairment test and determined that the recorded value of its
tradename was impaired in two of its reporting units within the
Other Operations segment of the Company, and a resulting
impairment charge of $1,431 was recognized. The fair value of
the tradenames was determined using discounted cash flow
analysis based on a relief from royalty method. The tradename
impairment was limited to our Operator and Mobile Services
reporting units, and were due to lower than previously
anticipated revenues within these two reporting units. The
following table presents the carrying amount of tradenames by
segment at December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance at January 1, 2004
|
|
$ |
10,046 |
|
|
$ |
5,817 |
|
|
$ |
15,863 |
|
Impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
10,046 |
|
|
$ |
4,500 |
|
|
$ |
14,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys customer lists consist of an established core
base of customers that subscribe to its services. The carrying
amount of customer lists is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Gross carrying amount
|
|
$ |
167,633 |
|
|
$ |
59,517 |
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(17,828 |
) |
|
|
(5,958 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount
|
|
$ |
149,805 |
|
|
$ |
53,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate amortization expense associated with customer
lists for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was
$11,870 and $5,958, respectively. Customer lists are being
amortized using a weighted average life of 11.8 years. The
estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years
ended December 31, is a follows: 2004 $14,266,
2005 $14,266, 2006 $14,266,
2007 $14,266, and 2008 $14,266.
|
|
9. |
Affiliated Transactions |
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into
two professional services fee agreements, each effective
April 14, 2004, with its existing equity investors. One
agreement requires CCI to pay to Richard A. Lumpkin,
Chairman of the Company, Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity
an annual professional services fee in the aggregate amount of
$2,000, to be divided equally among them, for consulting,
advisory and other professional services provided to CCI and its
subsidiaries relating to the Illinois operations. The other
agreement requires Texas Holdings to pay to Richard A.
Lumpkin, Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity an annual
professional services fee in the aggregate of $3,000, to be
divided equally among them, for consulting, advisory and other
professional services provided to Texas Holdings and its
subsidiaries relating to the Texas operations. The professional
services fees are generally payable in cash. The professional
services fees, however, must be paid in the form of Class A
preferred
F-20
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
shares if payment in cash is prohibited by the existing credit
facilities or if consolidated Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA), as
determined in accordance with the existing credit facilities, is
less than or equal to $106.0 million. The Company
recognized fees of $4,135 and $2,000 for the years ended
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively, associated with
these agreements. These fees are included in selling, general
and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
Agracel, Inc., or Agracel, is a real estate investment company
of which Mr. Lumpkin, together with his family,
beneficially owns 49.7%. In addition, Mr. Lumpkin is a
director of Agracel. Agracel is the sole managing member and 50%
owner of LATEL LLC. Mr. Lumpkin directly owns the remaining
50% of LATEL. Effective December 31, 2002, the Company sold
five of its buildings and associated land to LATEL, LLC for the
aggregate purchase price of $9,180, and then entered into an
agreement to leaseback the same facilities for general office
and warehouse functions. The initial term of both leases was for
one year. Each lease automatically renews for successive one
year terms through 2013, unless either ICTC or Consolidated
Market Response (CMR) provides one year prior
written notice that it intends to terminate its respective
leases. The leases are triple net lease that require the Company
to continue to pay substantially all expenses associated with
general maintenance and repair, utilities, insurance and taxes.
The Company recognized operating lease expenses of $1,251 and
$1,221 during 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with
the LATEL leases. There is no associated lease payable balance
outstanding at December 31, 2004.
Agracel is the sole managing member and 66.7% owner of MACC,
LLC, or MACC. Mr. Lumpkin, together with his family, owns
the remainder of MACC. In 1997, CMR entered into a lease
agreement to rent office space for a period of five years. The
parties extended the lease for an additional five years
beginning October 14, 2002. CMR recognized rent expense in
the amount of $123 in both 2004 and 2003 in connection with the
MACC lease.
Mr. Lumpkin, together with members of his family,
beneficially owns 100% of SKL Investment Group, LLC or SKL. The
Company charged SKL $77 and $74 in 2004 and 2003, respectively,
for use of office space, computers, telephone service and for
other office related services.
Mr. Lumpkin also has an ownership interest in First
Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (First Mid-Illinois)
which provides CCI Illinois with general banking services,
including depository, disbursement and payroll accounts and
retirement plan administrative services, on terms comparable to
those available to other large business accounts. The Company
provides certain telecommunications products and services to
First Mid-Illinois. Those services are based upon standard
prices for strategic business customers. Following is summary of
the transactions between the Company and First Mid-Illinois:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Fees charged from First Mid-Illinois for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking fees
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
401K plan administration
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
Interest income earned by the Company on deposits at First
Mid-Illinois
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Fees charged by the Company to First Mid-Illinois for
telecommunication services
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
F-21
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The components of the income tax provision charged to expense
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
393 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
673 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(305 |
) |
|
|
3,252 |
|
|
State
|
|
|
(529 |
) |
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(834 |
) |
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
$ |
232 |
|
|
$ |
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Following is a reconciliation between the statutory federal
income tax rate and the Companys overall effective tax
rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Statutory federal income tax rate (benefit)
|
|
|
(35.0 |
)% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal effect
|
|
|
15.1 |
% |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
Other permanent differences
|
|
|
28.8 |
% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Derivative instruments
|
|
|
24.6 |
|
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
(5.7 |
)% |
|
|
0.0 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
(2.2 |
)% |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25.6 |
% |
|
|
40.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid (refunded) for federal and state income taxes was
$(509,000) and $2,000,000 during years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively.
F-22
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Net deferred taxes consist of the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Current deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
|
|
$ |
1,020 |
|
|
$ |
385 |
|
|
Accrued vacation pay deducted when paid
|
|
|
1,504 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue
|
|
|
754 |
|
|
|
1,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,278 |
|
|
|
2,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
21,866 |
|
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
Derivative instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
Goodwill and other intangibles
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and post retirement obligations
|
|
|
23,402 |
|
|
|
3,691 |
|
|
Minimum tax credit carryforward
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(17,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,784 |
|
|
|
6,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and other intangibles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,641 |
) |
|
Derivative instruments
|
|
|
(547 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership investment
|
|
|
(6,898 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(87,348 |
) |
|
|
(5,761 |
) |
|
Basis in investment
|
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(96,425 |
) |
|
|
(7,402 |
) |
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(66,641 |
) |
|
|
(1,114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred income tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
$ |
(63,363 |
) |
|
$ |
1,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during
the periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and
tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to
fully realize the gross deferred tax assets, the Company will
need, to generate future taxable income in increments sufficient
to recognize net operating loss carryforwards prior to
expiration as described below. Based upon the level of
historical taxable income and projections for future taxable
income over the periods that the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that
the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible
differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at
December 31, 2004. The amount of the deferred tax assets
considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near
term if estimates of future taxable income during the
carryforward period are reduced. There is an annual limitation
on the use of the NOL carryforwards, however the
F-23
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
amount of projected future taxable income is expected to be
lower than the amount of the limitation calculated. Amounts and
expiration dates of carryforwards are as follows:
Illinois Holdings and its subsidiaries, which file a
consolidated federal income tax return, estimates it has
available NOL carryforwards of approximately $15.0 million
for federal and state income tax purposes to offset against
future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards expire from
2022 to 2024 and state NOL carryforwards expire from 2015 to
2022.
Texas Holdings and its subsidiaries, which file a consolidated
federal income tax return, estimates it has available NOL
carryforwards of approximately $26.4 million for federal
income tax purposes and $108.2 million for state income tax
purposes to offset against future taxable income. The federal
NOL carryforwards expire from 2020 to 2022 and state NOL
carryforwards expire from 2005 to 2009.
East Texas Fiber Line Incorporated, a nonconsolidated subsidiary
for federal income tax return purposes, estimates it has
available NOL carryforwards of approximately $9.0 million
for federal income tax purposes and $6.5 million for state
income tax purposes to offset against future taxable income. The
federal NOL carryforwards expire from 2007 to 2024 and state NOL
carryforwards expire from 2005 to 2009.
The valuation allowance is attributed to tax loss carryforwards
for which no tax benefit is expected to be utilized. If it
becomes evident that sufficient taxable income will be available
in the jurisdictions where these deferred tax assets exist, the
Company would release the valuation allowance accordingly.
During 2004, the valuation allowance decreased by $1,314 from
the April 14, 2004 Texas Acquisition opening balance sheet
amount of $18,450 to $17,136 at December 31, 2004.
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Salaries and employee benefits
|
|
$ |
9,191 |
|
|
$ |
2,542 |
|
Taxes payable
|
|
|
6,915 |
|
|
|
987 |
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
6,490 |
|
|
|
859 |
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
11,655 |
|
|
|
8,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
34,251 |
|
|
$ |
12,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its hourly employees and certain salaried
employees, primarily those located in Texas. The plans provide
retirement benefits based on years of service and earnings. The
pension plans are generally noncontributory. The Companys
funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the
minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit
and tax laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
F-24
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Company used a September 30 measurement date for its
plans in Illinois and a December 31 measurement date for
its plans in Texas.
The following tables present the benefit obligation, plan assets
and funded status of the plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
55,528 |
|
|
$ |
49,637 |
|
|
$ |
8,951 |
|
|
$ |
7,966 |
|
TXUCV acquisition
|
|
|
60,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,629 |
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
|
2,930 |
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
989 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
5,902 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Plan amendments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,652 |
) |
|
|
454 |
|
Plan curtailment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(772 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(7,237 |
) |
|
|
(3,403 |
) |
|
|
(1,747 |
) |
|
|
(692 |
) |
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial (gain)/ loss
|
|
|
(57 |
) |
|
|
5,317 |
|
|
|
2,612 |
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, end of period
|
|
$ |
117,640 |
|
|
$ |
55,528 |
|
|
$ |
35,747 |
|
|
$ |
8,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
$ |
105,451 |
|
|
$ |
51,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
50,704 |
|
|
$ |
45,446 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
TXUCV acquisition
|
|
|
40,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
6,715 |
|
|
|
7,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employer contributions
|
|
|
3,887 |
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
1,589 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(7,237 |
) |
|
|
(3,403 |
) |
|
|
(1,747 |
) |
|
|
(692 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
|
|
$ |
94,292 |
|
|
$ |
50,704 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$ |
(23,348 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,824 |
) |
|
$ |
(35,747 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,951 |
) |
Employer contributions after measurement date and before fiscal
year end
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
194 |
|
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
918 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
|
|
|
(177 |
) |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit cost
|
|
$ |
(23,525 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,669 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,933 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
|
$ |
(23,982 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,669 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,933 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
$ |
(23,525 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(34,669 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,933 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-25
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Companys pension plans weighted average asset
allocations by investment category are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Plan assets by category at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
|
54.8 |
% |
|
|
52.8 |
% |
Debt securities
|
|
|
36.8 |
% |
|
|
44.5 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
8.4 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys investment strategy is to maximize long-term
return on invested plan assets while minimizing risk of market
volatility. Accordingly, the Company targets it allocation
percentage at 50% to 60% in equity funds with the remainder in
fixed income funds and cash equivalents.
The Company expects to contribute $2,215 to its pension plans
and $1,820 to its other postretirement plans in 2005. The
expected future benefit payments to be paid during the years
ended December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
$ |
5,388 |
|
|
$ |
1,820 |
|
2006
|
|
|
5,587 |
|
|
|
1,924 |
|
2007
|
|
|
5,864 |
|
|
|
2,085 |
|
2008
|
|
|
6,101 |
|
|
|
2,129 |
|
2009
|
|
|
6,481 |
|
|
|
2,259 |
|
2010 through 2014
|
|
|
40,217 |
|
|
|
12,555 |
|
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
2,930 |
|
|
$ |
770 |
|
|
$ |
989 |
|
|
$ |
165 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
5,902 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(6,434 |
) |
|
|
(3,507 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
2,396 |
|
|
$ |
470 |
|
|
$ |
2,549 |
|
|
$ |
718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-26
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The weighted average assumptions used in measuring the
Companys benefit obligations as of December 31, 2004
and 2003 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
|
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Discount rate
|
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
Compensation rate increase
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
|
11.0 |
% |
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0 |
% |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 to 2012 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net
periodic benefit cost for 2004 and 2003 are as follows: discount
rate 6.0% and 6.8%, expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets 8.3% and 8.0%; and rate of compensation increases 3.9%
and 3.5%, respectively.
In determining the discount rate, the Company considers the
current yields on high quality corporate fixed income
investments with maturities corresponding to the expected
duration of the benefit obligations. The expected return on plan
assets assumption was based upon the categories of the assets
and the past history of the return on the assets. The
Compensation rate increase is based upon past history and
long-term inflationary trends. A one percentage point change in
the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following
effects on the Companys other postretirement benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1% Increase | |
|
1% Decrease | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Effect on 2004 service and interest costs
|
|
$ |
581 |
|
|
$ |
(452 |
) |
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations as of
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
4,424 |
|
|
|
(3,565 |
) |
|
|
13. |
Employee 401k Benefit Plans and Deferred Compensation
Agreements |
The Company sponsors several 401(k) defined contribution
retirement savings plans. Virtually all employees are eligible
to participant in one of these plans. Each employee may elect to
defer a portion of his or her compensation, subject to certain
limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the
Company matched 50% or 100% of employee contributions up to a
maximum of 3% or 4% for hourly employees depending upon the
particular plan and matched 100% of employee contributions up to
a maximum of 2% or 4% for salaried employees, depending upon the
particular plan. During the year ended December 31, 2003,
the Company matched employee contributions up to a maximum of 4%
for hourly employees and matched employee contributions up to 2%
for salaried employees. Total Company contributions to the plans
were $1,223 and $496 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Agreements |
The Company has deferred compensation agreements with the former
members of the board of directors of TXUCVs predecessor
company, Lufkin-Conroe Communications, and certain former
employees. The benefits are payable for up to 15 years and
may begin as early as age 65 or upon the death of the
participant.
F-27
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Deferred compensation expense was $208 for the period from
April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Payments
related to deferred compensation agreements were $336 for the
period from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
The remaining obligation totaled $2,710 as of December 31,
2004 and is included in pension and postretirement benefit
obligations in the accompanying balance sheet.
The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain of the
participating former directors and employees. The excess of the
cash surrender value of life insurance policies over the notes
payable balances related to these policies totaled $1,708 as of
December 31, 2004 and is included in investments in the
accompanying balance sheet. These plans do not qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code and therefore, federal income tax
deductions are allowed only when benefits are paid.
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Senior Secured Credit Facility Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
115,333 |
|
|
|
110,400 |
|
|
Term loan B
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
312,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
629,421 |
|
|
|
180,400 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(41,079 |
) |
|
|
(10,300 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
588,342 |
|
|
$ |
170,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility |
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, maintains
credit agreements with various financial institutions, which
provides for aggregate borrowings of $466,000 consisting of a
$122,000 term loan A facility, a $314,000 term loan C
facility and a $30,000 revolving credit facility. Borrowings
under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of
the assets of CCI and Texas Acquisition, other than ICTC.
ICTCs guarantee (and the corresponding security interest
in ICTCs assets) of $195,000 of total borrowing under the
credit facility is contingent upon obtaining the consent of the
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
The term loans are due in quarterly installments, which increase
annually, with all borrowings under term loan A and term
loan C due April 14, 2010 and October 14, 2011,
respectively. The revolving credit facility matures on
April 14, 2010. Within 90 days after the end of the
Companys fiscal year, commencing on December 31,
2004, the Company shall be obligated to repay the loans in an
amount equal to 50% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal
year, provided that certain leverage ratios are maintained at
the end of the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2004, the
Company estimated that the excess cash flow repayment will be
approximately $22,556. In addition, subject to certain
exceptions, the Company is required to prepay the outstanding
term loans with 100% of the net proceeds of all non-ordinary
course of business asset sales and any insurance or condemnation
proceeds not reinvested within a required time period, 100% of
the net
F-28
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
proceeds of certain occurrences of indebtedness and 50% of the
net proceeds from certain issuances of equity.
At the Companys election, borrowings bear interest at
fluctuating interest rates based on: (a) a base rate (the
highest of the administrative agents base rate in effect
on such day, 0.5% per annum above the latest three week
moving average of secondary market morning offering rates in the
United States for three month certificates of deposit or 0.5%
above the Federal Funds rate); or (b) the London Interbank
Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus, in either case, an applicable
margin within the relevant range of margins (0.75% to 2.50%)
provided for in the credit agreement. The applicable margin is
based upon the Companys total leverage ratio. As of
December 31, 2004, the margins for interest rates on LIBOR
based loans was 2.25% on the term loan A facility and 2.50%
under the term loan C facility. At December 31, 2004,
the weighted average rate, including swaps, of interest on the
Companys term debt facilities was 5.23% per annum.
Interest is payable at least quarterly.
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants,
which include, among other items, restrictions on the ability to
pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital
stock, as well as, limitations on future capital expenditures.
The Company has also agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage, fixed charge coverage and
leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement.
On April 14, 2004, the Company, through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, issued $200,000 of
93/4% Senior
Notes due on April 1, 2012. The senior notes pay interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The senior notes
may be redeemed on or prior to October 6, 2005 using all or
a portion of the proceeds of a qualified income depository
security offering. The redemption price plus accrued interest
will be, as a percentage of the principal amount, 107.313%
through April 10, 2004, and 109.75% between April 1,
2005 and October 6, 2005.
Up to 35% of the senior notes may be redeemed using the proceeds
of certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
April 1, 2007 at a price of 109.75%. Some or all of the
senior notes may be redeemed on or after April 1, 2008. The
redemption price plus accrued interest will be, as a percentage
of the principal amount, 104.875% in 2008, 102.438% in 2009 and
100% in 2010 and thereafter. In addition, holders may require
the repurchase of the notes upon a change in control, as such
term is defined in the indenture governing the senior notes, at
101%. The indenture contains certain provisions and covenants,
which include, among other items, restrictions on the ability to
issue certain types of stock, incur additional indebtedness,
make restricted payments, pay dividends and enter other lines of
business.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar year 2005
|
|
$ |
41,079 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
22,463 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
23,248 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
26,900 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
33,400 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
482,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
629,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-29
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At December 31, 2004,
the Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $217,809
in aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of $1,060 and liability of $859 at December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively. The $1,060 is included in other
current assets at December 31, 2004. The $859 is included
in accrued expenses at December 31, 2003. The Company
recognized a net loss of $228 in interest expense during 2004
related to its derivative instruments. The after tax change in
the market value of derivative instruments is recorded in other
comprehensive income. The Company recognized comprehensive
income of $1,105 and a comprehensive loss of $515 during 2004
and 2003 respectively.
|
|
15. |
Redeemable Preferred Shares and Members Equity |
The Company has authorized 182,000 Class A Preferred Shares
of which 182,000 and 93,000 shares were issued and
outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
The preferred shares are redeemable to the holders with a
preferred return on their capital contributions at the rate of
9% per annum. The preferred return is cumulative and
compounded annually in arrears on December 31, of each
year. At any time on or after June 30, 2007, certain
members have the right to require the Company to redeem all of
their Class A Preferred Shares. Preferred shares are
redeemable at a price equal to $1,000 per share plus any
accrued but unpaid preferred return.
The Company has authorized 10,000,000 Common Shares of which
10,000,000 and 9,975,000 shares were issued and outstanding
at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. At any time on
or after June 30, 2007, certain members have the right to
require the Company to redeem all of their common shares. Common
shares are redeemable based upon an appraised value by a third
party.
|
|
16. |
Restricted Share Plan |
In August 2003, the Company established the 2003 Restricted
Share Plan, which provides for the issuance of 1,000,000 common
shares to key employees as an incentive to enhance their
long-term performance as well as an incentive to join or remain
with the Company. In November 2003, the Company granted
975,000 shares of its common stock to certain Company
executives. In April 2004, the remaining 25,000 shares of
common stock were sold to certain Company executives at
$2.32 per share. These shares generally vest with the
individuals every December 31, beginning December 31
2004 through December 31, 2007. As of December 31,
2004, 250,000 of these shares were vested.
The restricted share plan contains a call provision whereby upon
termination of employment, the Company may elect to repurchase
the shares held by the former employee. The purchase price is
based upon the lesser of fair value or a formula specified in
the plan. The existence of the employer call provision for a
purchase price that is potentially below fair value results in
the plan being accounted for as variable, with compensation
expense, if any, determined based upon the formula rather than
fair value. At
F-30
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
December 31, 2004, the formula computation results in a
negative value being ascribed to the common shares. As a result,
no stock compensation expense has been recognized in these
consolidated financial statements.
|
|
17. |
Environmental Remediation Liabilities |
Environmental remediation liabilities were $914 and $931 at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These liabilities
relate to anticipated remediation and monitoring costs in
respect of two sites, are undiscounted and are included in
accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheet.
|
|
18. |
Commitments and Contingencies |
From time to time the Company is involved in litigation and
regulatory proceedings arising out of its operations. The
Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings, the
adverse outcome of which, individually or in aggregate,
management believes would have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
The Company has entered into several operating lease agreements
covering buildings and office space and office equipment. The
terms of these agreements generally range from three to five
years. Rent expense totaled $4,515 and $2,043 in 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under existing agreements for each
of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter
are as follows: 2005 $4,860, 2006
$3,896, 2007 $3,169, 2008 $2,601,
2009 $2,571, thereafter $8,395.
|
|
19. |
Net Loss per Common Share |
The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per
common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(16,108 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,003 |
) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
9,000,685 |
|
|
|
9,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share
|
|
$ |
(1.79 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-vested shares issued pursuant to the Restricted Share Plan
(Note 16) are not considered outstanding for the basic net
loss per common share and are not included in the computation of
diluted net loss per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.
The Company is viewed and managed as two separate, but highly
integrated, reportable business segments, Telephone
Operations and Other Operations. Telephone
Operations consists of local telephone, long-distance and
network access services, and data and Internet products provided
to both residential and business customers. All other business
activities comprise Other Operations including
operator services products, telecommunications services to state
prison facilities, equipment sales and
F-31
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
maintenance, inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment
services, and paging services. Management evaluates the
performance of these business segments based upon revenue, gross
margins, and net operating income.
The business segment reporting information as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Year ended December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
230,401 |
|
|
$ |
39,207 |
|
|
$ |
269,608 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
56,339 |
|
|
|
24,233 |
|
|
|
80,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
174,062 |
|
|
|
14,974 |
|
|
|
189,036 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
77,123 |
|
|
|
10,832 |
|
|
|
87,955 |
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
49,061 |
|
|
|
5,461 |
|
|
|
54,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
47,878 |
|
|
$ |
(12,897 |
) |
|
$ |
34,981 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
28,779 |
|
|
$ |
1,231 |
|
|
$ |
30,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
90,282 |
|
|
$ |
42,048 |
|
|
$ |
132,330 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
21,762 |
|
|
|
24,543 |
|
|
|
46,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,520 |
|
|
|
17,505 |
|
|
|
86,025 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
32,987 |
|
|
|
9,508 |
|
|
|
42,495 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
16,488 |
|
|
|
5,988 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income
|
|
$ |
19,045 |
|
|
$ |
2,009 |
|
|
$ |
21,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
9,117 |
|
|
$ |
2,179 |
|
|
$ |
11,296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
309,527 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
318,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
936,545 |
|
|
$ |
69,554 |
|
|
$ |
1,006,099 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
78,443 |
|
|
$ |
21,111 |
|
|
$ |
99,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
245,855 |
|
|
$ |
71,740 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-32
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
21. |
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31 | |
|
June 30 | |
|
September 30 | |
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
|
$ |
72,538 |
|
|
$ |
84,405 |
|
|
$ |
78,598 |
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
|
22,401 |
|
|
|
23,223 |
|
|
|
22,574 |
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
|
|
22,441 |
|
|
|
27,768 |
|
|
|
27,157 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
15,176 |
|
|
|
16,942 |
|
|
|
17,038 |
|
|
|
Asset impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
28,329 |
|
|
|
60,018 |
|
|
|
67,933 |
|
|
|
78,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
5,738 |
|
|
|
12,520 |
|
|
|
16,472 |
|
|
|
251 |
|
Other expenses, net
|
|
|
2,797 |
|
|
|
12,984 |
|
|
|
10,143 |
|
|
|
9,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pretax income (loss)
|
|
|
2,941 |
|
|
|
(464 |
) |
|
|
6,329 |
|
|
|
(9,717 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
(357 |
) |
|
|
2,842 |
|
|
|
(3,430 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
|
1,764 |
|
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
|
3,487 |
|
|
|
(6,287 |
) |
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
(2,274 |
) |
|
|
(4,019 |
) |
|
|
(4,330 |
) |
|
|
(4,342 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(510 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,126 |
) |
|
$ |
(843 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,629 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.46 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.18 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
31,772 |
|
|
$ |
33,224 |
|
|
$ |
33,741 |
|
|
$ |
33,593 |
|
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
11,081 |
|
|
|
12,028 |
|
|
|
12,355 |
|
|
|
10,841 |
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
10,090 |
|
|
|
10,114 |
|
|
|
10,348 |
|
|
|
11,943 |
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,494 |
|
|
|
5,938 |
|
|
|
5,698 |
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
26,665 |
|
|
|
28,080 |
|
|
|
28,401 |
|
|
|
28,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
5,107 |
|
|
|
5,144 |
|
|
|
5,340 |
|
|
|
5,463 |
|
Other expenses, net
|
|
|
3,131 |
|
|
|
2,889 |
|
|
|
2,961 |
|
|
|
2,855 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
790 |
|
|
|
902 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
|
|
1,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,186 |
|
|
|
1,353 |
|
|
|
1,427 |
|
|
|
1,535 |
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
(2,119 |
) |
|
|
(2,119 |
) |
|
|
(2,119 |
) |
|
|
(2,148 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(933 |
) |
|
$ |
(766 |
) |
|
$ |
(692 |
) |
|
$ |
(613 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share
|
|
$ |
(0.10 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.09 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.08 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-33
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
December 31, 2004 and 2003
With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-34
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc. (the
Company) as of December 31, 2004 and December 31,
2003, and the related consolidated statements of income,
shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the years
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company at
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows
for the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2005
F-35
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
16,726 |
|
|
$ |
10,142 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,668 and $1,837,
respectively
|
|
|
20,474 |
|
|
|
18,701 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
2,136 |
|
|
|
2,277 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
|
2,868 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
3,082 |
|
|
|
5,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
44,016 |
|
|
|
39,631 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
101,577 |
|
|
|
104,580 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
89,689 |
|
|
|
99,554 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
47,541 |
|
|
|
53,559 |
|
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
14,546 |
|
|
|
15,863 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
2,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
8,246 |
|
|
|
4,408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
307,866 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
16,045 |
|
|
$ |
10,300 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
3,041 |
|
|
|
5,518 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
7,605 |
|
|
|
6,368 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
12,451 |
|
|
|
12,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
39,142 |
|
|
|
34,828 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
225,423 |
|
|
|
170,100 |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,114 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
11,745 |
|
|
|
12,595 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,299 |
|
|
|
972 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
277,609 |
|
|
|
219,609 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders Equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized,
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
29,600 |
|
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
30,257 |
|
|
|
97,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$ |
307,866 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-36
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
136,533 |
|
|
$ |
132,330 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
46,198 |
|
|
|
46,305 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
45,557 |
|
|
|
42,495 |
|
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
22,347 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
10,853 |
|
|
|
21,054 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
154 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(19,715 |
) |
|
|
(11,975 |
) |
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
310 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
(15 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
(8,022 |
) |
|
|
9,218 |
|
Income tax (benefit) expense
|
|
|
(2,887 |
) |
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(5,135 |
) |
|
$ |
5,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-37
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS
EQUITY
Years Ended December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in | |
|
Retained | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Capital | |
|
Earnings | |
|
Income (Loss) | |
|
Total | |
|
Income (Loss) | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of ($344) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
|
5,501 |
|
|
|
(515 |
) |
|
|
97,986 |
|
|
$ |
4,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,135 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,135 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,135 |
) |
Capital distributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $547 of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
29,600 |
|
|
$ |
366 |
|
|
$ |
291 |
|
|
$ |
30,257 |
|
|
$ |
(4,329 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-38
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(5,135 |
) |
|
$ |
5,501 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
22,347 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
3,509 |
|
|
|
3,412 |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
(2,094 |
) |
|
|
3,388 |
|
|
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
5,184 |
|
|
|
504 |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(5,282 |
) |
|
|
(9,799 |
) |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
141 |
|
|
|
(73 |
) |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
2,091 |
|
|
|
(480 |
) |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(2,477 |
) |
|
|
(2,267 |
) |
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
523 |
|
|
|
6,227 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
30,385 |
|
|
|
28,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(13,339 |
) |
|
|
(11,296 |
) |
|
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(284,834 |
) |
|
Proceeds from investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(13,339 |
) |
|
|
(296,132 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital (distributions to) contributions from investors
|
|
|
(63,400 |
) |
|
|
93,000 |
|
|
Proceeds from long-term obligations
|
|
|
245,000 |
|
|
|
190,000 |
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(183,932 |
) |
|
|
(10,193 |
) |
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(8,130 |
) |
|
|
(4,602 |
) |
|
Proceeds from sale of building
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(10,462 |
) |
|
|
277,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
6,584 |
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
16,726 |
|
|
$ |
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
$ |
12,624 |
|
|
$ |
11,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid (refunded)
|
|
$ |
(2,004 |
) |
|
$ |
2,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-39
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Homebase Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Homebase), was formed on June 26, 2002, and
commenced operations in Illinois on December 31, 2002, with
its acquisition of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and
the related businesses (collectively, ICTC) and in
Texas on April 14, 2004 with its acquisition of TXU
Communications Ventures Company (TXUCV). Homebase is
a holding company with no income from operations or assets
except for the capital stock of Consolidated Communications
Illinois Holdings, Inc. (Illinois Holdings or
CCI Illinois or the Company) and
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. (Texas
Holdings). Homebase and its wholly owned subsidiaries
operate under the name Consolidated Communications.
Illinois Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI). Illinois
Holdings operates its business through, and receives all of its
income from, CCI and its subsidiaries. CCI was formed for the
sole purpose of acquiring ICTC.
The Company provides local telephone, long-distance and network
access services, and data and Internet products to both
residential and business customers. The Company also provides
operator services, telecommunications services to state prison
facilities, telecommunications equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services.
|
|
2. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
|
|
|
Principles of Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Illinois Holdings and its wholly-owned subsidiaries and
subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest.
All material intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform previously
reported data to the current presentation. Line costs totaling
$17,800 and $16,244 for the years ended December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively, were reclassified from general and
administrative expenses to cost of services.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could
differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
ICTC is an independent local exchange carrier (ILEC)
which follows the accounting for regulated enterprises
prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation (SFAS No 71).
SFAS No. 71 permits rates (tariffs) to be set at
levels intended to recover estimated costs of providing
regulated services or products, including capital costs.
SFAS No. 71 requires the ILEC to depreciate wireline
plant over the useful lives approved by the regulators, which
could be different than the useful lives that would otherwise be
determined by management. SFAS No. 71 also requires
deferral of certain costs and obligations based upon approvals
F-40
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in
future years. Criteria that would give rise to the
discontinuance of SFAS No. 71 include
(1) increasing competition restricting the wireline
business ability to establish prices to recover specific
costs and (2) significant changes in the manner by which
rates are set by regulators from cost-base regulation to another
form of regulation.
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid
investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less
when pruchased.
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts |
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to the
Company from normal activities. Accounts receivable are
determined to be past due when the amount is overdue based on
the payment terms with the customer. In certain circumstances,
the Company requires deposits from customers to mitigate
potential risk associated with receivables. The Company
maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect
managements best estimate of probable losses inherent in
the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the
allowance balance based on known troubled accounts, historical
experience and other currently available evidence. Accounts
receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts
when management of the Company determines that the receivable
will not be collected.
Inventory consists mainly of copper and fiber cable that will be
used for network expansion and upgrades and materials and
equipment used in the maintenance and installation of telephone
systems. Inventory is stated at the lower of average cost or
market.
|
|
|
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets (SFAS 142), goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not
amortized but rather are tested annually for impairment.
Tradenames have been determined to have indefinite lives; thus
they are not being amortized but are tested annually for
impairment using discounted cash flows based on a relief from
royalty method. The Company evaluates the carrying value of
goodwill in the fourth quarter of each year. As part of the
evaluation, the Company compares the carrying value of the
goodwill for each reporting unit with their fair value to
determine whether impairment exists. If impairment is determined
to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based upon
fair value.
SFAS 142 also provides that assets which have finite lives
be amortized over their useful lives. Customer lists are being
amortized over their estimated useful lives based upon the
Companys historical experience with customer attrition and
the recommendation of an independent appraiser. The estimated
lives average ten years.
|
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements, and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense.
Depreciation is determined based upon the assets estimated
useful lives using either the group or unit method.
The group method is used for depreciable assets dedicated to
providing regulated telecommunication services, including the
majority of the network and outside plant facilities. Under the
group method, a specific asset group has an average life. A
depreciation rate is developed based on the average useful life
F-41
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
for the specific asset group as approved by regulatory agencies.
This method requires periodic revision of depreciation rates.
When an individual asset is sold or retired under the group
method, the difference between the proceeds, if any, and the
cost of the asset is charged or credited to accumulated
depreciation, without recognition of a gain or loss.
The unit method is primarily used for buildings, furniture,
fixtures and other support assets. Under the unit method, assets
are depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful life of the individual asset. When an individual asset is
sold or retired under the unit method, the cost basis of the
asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and any associated gain or loss is recognized.
Estimated useful lives are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years | |
|
|
| |
Buildings
|
|
|
15-20 |
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
5-15 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
|
|
|
3-10 |
|
Wireline local access revenues are recognized over the period
that the service is provided. Nonrecurring installation revenues
are deferred upon service activation and are recognized over the
shorter of three to five years or the determined useful life.
The associated costs are recorded in the period in which they
are incurred. Revenues from other telecommunications services,
including network access charges, custom calling feature
revenues, billing and collection services, long distance and
private line services, Internet service provider charges,
operator services, and paging services are recognized monthly as
services are provided.
Telephone equipment revenues generated from retail channels are
recorded at the point of sale. Telecommunications systems and
structured cabling project revenues are recognized upon
completion and billing of the project. Maintenance services are
provided on both a contract and time and material basis and are
recorded when the service is provided.
Teleservices revenues include both inbound and outbound calling
as well as fulfillment services. All revenues are recorded as
program activity is completed.
Print advertising and publishing revenues are recognized ratably
over the life of the related directory, generally twelve months.
The costs of advertising are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising expenses totaled $536 and $1,839 in 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Illinois Holdings and its subsidiaries file a consolidated
federal income tax return. State income tax returns are filed on
a consolidated basis. Federal and state income tax expense or
benefit is allocated to each subsidiary based on separately
determined taxable income or loss.
Amounts in the financial statements related to income taxes are
calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes
(SFAS No. 109). Deferred income taxes are
provided for the temporary differences between assets and
liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and
F-42
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
such amounts recognized for tax purposes as well as loss
carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a
valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets when, in the
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that deferred
tax assets will not be realized.
Provisions for federal and state income taxes are calculated on
reported pre-tax earnings based on current tax law and also may
include, in the current period, the cumulative effect of any
changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining
deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions may differ
from the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain
items of income and expense are recognized in different time
periods form financial reporting purposes than for income tax
purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income
tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. The Company
establishes reserves for income tax when, despite the belief
that its tax positions are fully supportable, there remain
certain positions that are probable to be challenged and
possibly disallowed by various authorities. The consolidated tax
provision and related accruals include the impact of such
reasonably estimated losses. To the extent that the probable tax
outcomes of these matters changes, such changes in estimate will
impact the income tax provision in the period in which such
determination is made.
|
|
|
Financial Instruments and Derivatives |
As of December 31, 2004, the Companys financial
instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt obligations. At
December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these financial
instruments approximated fair value.
Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activity (SFAS No. 133).
SFAS No. 133 provides comprehensive and consistent
standards for the recognition and measurement of derivative and
hedging activities. It requires that derivatives be recorded on
the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and establishes
criteria for hedges of changes in fair values of assets,
liabilities or firm commitments, hedges of variable cash flows
of forecasted transactions and hedges of foreign currency
exposures of net investments in foreign operations. To the
extent that the derivatives qualify as a cash flow hedge, the
gain or loss associated with the effective portion is recorded
as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in
the fair value of derivatives that do not meet the criteria for
hedges are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
Upon termination of interest rate swap agreements, any resulting
gain or loss is recognized over the shorter of the remaining
original term of the hedging instrument or the remaining life of
the underlying debt obligation. Since the Companys
interest swap agreements are with major financial institutions,
the Company does not anticipate any nonperformance by any
counterparty.
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning in 2006 to companies that sponsor
post-retirement health care plans that provide drug benefits.
Additional legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether
a company is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy
available and the procedures to be following in obtaining the
subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides guidance
on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the Medicare
Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription
F-43
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
drug plans are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the
Company began reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on
July 1, 2004, without a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first annual period after June 15, 2005, with
early adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. The Company is required to
adopt SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate fair
market value model to be used for valuing share-based payments,
the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is currently
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123R will
have on the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company but does not expect it to have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets-An Amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21 (b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
|
|
|
Acquisition of ICTC and Related Businesses |
On December 31, 2002, the Company, through its wholly owned
subsidiary CCI, acquired all of the outstanding common stock of
ICTC, McLeodUSA Public Services, Inc., and Consolidated Market
Response, Inc, as well as substantially all of the assets of
three other related telecom lines of business (or divisions)
which were all owned by McLeodUSA and its affiliates. The
purchase price for the businesses acquired totaled $284,834,
including acquisition costs, and was funded with proceeds from
the issuance of redeemable preferred stock and debt. The Company
accounted for the acquisition using the purchase method of
accounting; accordingly the financial statements reflect the
allocation of the total purchase price to the net tangible and
intangible assets acquired, based on their respective fair
values. The accompanying consolidated financial statements
include the results of operations of the acquired businesses
from the date of acquisition.
F-44
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and
liabilities assumed is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
25,802 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
118,057 |
|
Customer lists
|
|
|
59,517 |
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
15,863 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
99,554 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(33,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net purchase price
|
|
$ |
284,834 |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill represents the residual aggregate purchase price after
all tangible and identified intangible assets have been valued,
offset by the value of liabilities assumed. The aggregate
purchase price was derived from a competitive bidding process
and negotiations and was influenced by our assessment of the
value of the overall acquired business. The significant goodwill
value reflects our view that the acquired business can generate
strong cash flow and sales and earnings following acquisition.
In accordance with SFAS No. 142, the tradenames and
goodwill acquired are not amortized but are tested for
impairment at least annually. The customer lists will be
amortized over their weighted average estimated useful lives of
ten years. The Company made an election under the Internal
Revenue Code that resulted in the goodwill and other intangible
assets associated with this acquisition to be deductible for tax
purposes ratably over a 15-year period.
|
|
4. |
Prepaids and Other Current Assets |
Prepaids and other current assets consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Deferred charges
|
|
$ |
1,637 |
|
|
$ |
1,138 |
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
1,371 |
|
|
|
1,991 |
|
Income tax receivables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
74 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,082 |
|
|
$ |
5,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-45
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
5. |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Property, plant and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings
|
|
$ |
11,698 |
|
|
$ |
15,487 |
|
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
226,747 |
|
|
|
209,927 |
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
26,931 |
|
|
|
29,145 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
2,813 |
|
|
|
2,639 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
268,189 |
|
|
|
257,198 |
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(166,612 |
) |
|
|
(152,618 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
$ |
101,577 |
|
|
$ |
104,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense totaled $16,413 and $16,518 in 2004 and
2003, respectively.
|
|
6. |
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill and tradenames are
not amortized but are subject to an annual impairment test, or
to more frequent testing if circumstances indicate that they may
be impaired. In 2004, the Company completed its annual
impairment test and determined that goodwill was impaired in one
of its reporting units within the Other Operations segment of
the Company, and a resulting goodwill impairment charge of
$10,147 was recognized. The fair value of each reporting unit
was determined by discounting their respective projected cash
flows. The goodwill impairment was limited to our Operator
Services reporting unit, and was due to a decline in current and
projected cash flows for this reporting unit. Operator Services
has also reduced its pricing to retain certain customers at the
time of contract renewal, as well as, offered lower rates to
attract new customers in the face of increasing competition due
to automation and cheaper offshore call center alternatives
available to our customers.
The following table presents the carrying amount of goodwill by
segment at December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance at January 1, 2004
|
|
$ |
78,443 |
|
|
$ |
21,111 |
|
|
$ |
99,554 |
|
Impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,147 |
) |
|
|
(10,147 |
) |
Finalization of ICTC and related businesses purchase accounting
|
|
|
2,292 |
|
|
|
(2,010 |
) |
|
|
282 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
80,735 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
89,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-46
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Companys most valuable tradename is the federally
registered mark CONSOLIDATED, which is used in association with
our telephone communication services and is a design of
interlocking circles. The Companys corporate branding
strategy leverages a CONSOLIDATED naming structure. All business
units and several product/services names incorporate the
CONSOLIDATED name. These tradenames are indefinitely renewable
intangibles. In 2004, the Company completed its annual
impairment test and determined that the recorded value of its
tradename was impaired in two of its reporting units within the
Other Operations segment of the Company, and a resulting
impairment charge of $1,431 was recognized. The fair value of
the tradenames was determined using discounted cash flow
analysis based on a relief from royalty method. The tradename
impairment was limited to our Operator and Mobile Services
reporting units, and were due to lower than previously
anticipated revenues within these two reporting units. The
following table presents the carrying amount of tradenames by
segment at December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance at January 1, 2004
|
|
$ |
10,046 |
|
|
$ |
5,817 |
|
|
$ |
15,863 |
|
Impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
|
|
(1,431 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
10,046 |
|
|
$ |
4,500 |
|
|
$ |
14,546 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys customer lists consist of an established core
base of customers that subscribe to its services. The carrying
amount of customer lists is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Gross carrying amount
|
|
$ |
59,433 |
|
|
$ |
59,517 |
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(11,892 |
) |
|
|
(5,958 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount
|
|
$ |
47,541 |
|
|
$ |
53,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate amortization expense associated with customer
lists for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 was
$5,934 and $5,958, respectively. Customer lists are being
amortized using a weighted average life of ten years. The
estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years
ended December 31, is as follows: 2004 $5,943,
2005 $5,943, 2006 $5,943,
2007 $5,943, and 2008 $5,943.
|
|
7. |
Affiliated Transactions |
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into a
professional services fee agreement, effective April 14,
2004, with its existing equity investors. The agreement requires
CCI to pay to Richard A. Lumpkin, Chairman of the Company,
Providence Equity and Spectrum Equity an annual professional
services fee in the aggregate amount of $2,000, to be divided
equally among them, for consulting, advisory and other
professional services provided to CCI and its subsidiaries
relating to the Illinois operations. The professional services
fees are generally payable in cash. The Company recognized fees
of $2,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2004 and
2003 associated with these agreements. These fees are included
in selling, general and administrative expenses in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Agracel, Inc., or Agracel, is a real estate investment company
of which Mr. Lumpkin, together with his family,
beneficially owns 49.7%. In addition, Mr. Lumpkin is a
director of Agracel. Agracel is the sole managing member and 50%
owner of LATEL LLC. Mr. Lumpkin directly owns the remaining
50% of LATEL. Effective December 31, 2002, the Company sold
five of its buildings and associated land to
F-47
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
LATEL, LLC for the aggregate purchase price of $9,180, and then
entered into an agreement to leaseback the same facilities for
general office and warehouse functions. The initial term of both
leases was for one year. Each lease automatically renews for
successive one year terms through 2013, unless either ICTC or
Consolidated Market Response (CMR) provides on year
prior written notice that it intends to terminate its respective
leases. The leases are triple net lease that require the Company
to continue to pay substantially all expenses associated with
general maintenance and repair, utilities, insurance and taxes.
The Company recognized operating lease expenses of $1,251 and
$1,221 during 2004 and 2003, respectively, in connection with
the LATEL leases. There is no associated lease payable balance
outstanding at December 31, 2004.
Agracel is the sole managing member and 66.7% owner of MACC,
LLC, or MACC. Mr. Lumpkin, together with his family, owns
the remainder of MACC. In 1997, CMR entered into a lease
agreement to rent office space for a period of five years. The
parties extended the lease for an additional five years
beginning October 14, 2002. CMR recognized rent expense in
the amount of $123 in both 2004 and 2003 in connection with the
MACC lease.
Mr. Lumpkin, together with members of his family,
beneficially owns 100% of SKL Investment Group, LLC or SKL. The
Company charged SKL $77 and $74 in 2004 and 2003, respectively,
for use of office space, computers, telephone service and for
other office related services.
Mr. Lumpkin also has an ownership interest in First
Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc. (First Mid-Illinois)
which provides CCI Illinois with general banking services,
including depository, disbursement and payroll accounts and
retirement plan administrative services, on terms comparable to
those available to other large business accounts. The Company
provides certain telecommunications products and services to
First Mid-Illinois. Those services are based upon standard
prices for strategic business customers. Following is summary of
the transactions between the Company and First Mid-Illinois:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Fees charged from First Mid-Illinois for:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Banking fees
|
|
$ |
5 |
|
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
401K plan administration
|
|
|
77 |
|
|
|
46 |
|
Interest income earned by the Company on deposits at First
Mid-Illinois
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Fees charged by the Company to First Mid-Illinois for
telecommunication services
|
|
|
476 |
|
|
|
437 |
|
F-48
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The components of the income tax provision charged to expense
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
State
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(2,766 |
) |
|
|
3,252 |
|
|
State
|
|
|
(395 |
) |
|
|
465 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,161 |
) |
|
|
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
$ |
(2,887 |
) |
|
$ |
3,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Following is a reconciliation between the statutory federal
income tax rate and the Companys overall effective tax
rate:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Statutory federal income tax rate
|
|
|
(35.0 |
)% |
|
|
35.0 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
|
|
|
(4.8 |
)% |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
3.8 |
% |
|
|
0.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(36.0 |
)% |
|
|
40.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-49
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Net deferred taxes consist of the following components:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Current deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
|
|
$ |
661 |
|
|
$ |
385 |
|
|
Accrued vacation pay deducted when paid
|
|
|
591 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue
|
|
|
346 |
|
|
|
1,971 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
|
2,868 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
6,015 |
|
|
|
2,253 |
|
|
Derivative instruments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
344 |
|
|
Goodwill and other intangibles
|
|
|
846 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and postretirement obligations
|
|
|
4,698 |
|
|
|
3,691 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,559 |
|
|
|
6,288 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and other intangibles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,641 |
) |
|
Derivative instruments
|
|
|
(547 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(8,761 |
) |
|
|
(5,761 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,308 |
) |
|
|
(7,402 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net non-current deferred tax assets (liabilities)
|
|
|
2,251 |
|
|
|
(1,114 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred income tax assets
|
|
$ |
3,849 |
|
|
$ |
1,754 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during
the periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and
tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to
fully realize the gross deferred tax assets, the Company will
need, to generate future taxable income in increments sufficient
to recognize net operating loss carryforwards prior to
expiration as described below. Based upon the level of
historical taxable income and projections for future taxable
income over the periods that the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that
the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible
differences. The amount of the deferred tax assets considered
realizable, however, could be reduced in the near term if
estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward
period are reduced. There is an annual limitation on the use of
the NOL carryforwards, however the amount of projected future
taxable income is expected to be lower than the amount of the
limitation calculated. Amounts and expiration dates of
carryforwards are as follows:
Illinois Holdings and its subsidiaries, which file a
consolidated federal income tax return, estimates it has
available NOL carryforwards of approximately $15.0 million
for federal and state income tax purposes to offset against
future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards expire from
2022 to 2024 and state NOL carryforwards expire from 2015 to
2022.
F-50
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Salaries and employee benefits
|
|
$ |
3,085 |
|
|
$ |
2,542 |
|
Taxes payable
|
|
|
559 |
|
|
|
987 |
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
1,944 |
|
|
|
859 |
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
6,863 |
|
|
|
8,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
12,451 |
|
|
$ |
12,642 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan which covers
substantially all of its hourly employees. The plan provides
retirement benefits based on years of service and earnings. The
pension plan is noncontributory. The Companys funding
policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum
funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax
laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
The Company used a September 30 measurement date for its
plans.
The following tables present the benefit obligation, plan assets
and funded status of the plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
55,528 |
|
|
$ |
49,637 |
|
|
$ |
8,951 |
|
|
$ |
7,966 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
943 |
|
|
|
770 |
|
|
|
186 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
3,234 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Plan amendments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
454 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(3,199 |
) |
|
|
(3,403 |
) |
|
|
(891 |
) |
|
|
(692 |
) |
Actuarial (gain)/ loss
|
|
|
422 |
|
|
|
5,317 |
|
|
|
852 |
|
|
|
366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, end of period
|
|
$ |
56,928 |
|
|
$ |
55,528 |
|
|
$ |
9,708 |
|
|
$ |
8,951 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
$ |
52,389 |
|
|
$ |
51,070 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-51
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
50,704 |
|
|
$ |
45,446 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
4,713 |
|
|
|
7,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employer contributions
|
|
|
916 |
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
|
794 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97 |
|
|
|
135 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(3,199 |
) |
|
|
(3,403 |
) |
|
|
(891 |
) |
|
|
(692 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
|
|
$ |
53,134 |
|
|
$ |
50,704 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$ |
(3,794 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,824 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,708 |
) |
|
$ |
(8,951 |
) |
Employer contributions after measurement date and before fiscal
year end
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
194 |
|
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(115 |
) |
|
|
952 |
|
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
|
|
|
(202 |
) |
|
|
162 |
|
|
|
1,799 |
|
|
|
(128 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit cost
|
|
$ |
(3,996 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,662 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,749 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,933 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys pension plan weighted average asset
allocations by investment category are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Plan assets by category at end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
|
52.9 |
% |
|
|
65 |
% |
Debt securities
|
|
|
35.1 |
% |
|
|
35 |
% |
Other
|
|
|
12.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
100.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys investment strategy is to maximize long-term
return on invested plan assets while minimizing risk of market
volatility. Accordingly, the Company targets it allocation
percentage at 50% to 60% in equity funds with the remainder in
fixed income funds and cash equivalents.
The Company does not expect to contribute to its pension plan in
2005, but does expect to contribute $837 to its other
postretirement plan in 2005. The Companys expected future
benefit payments to be paid during the years ended
December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
$ |
3,173 |
|
|
$ |
837 |
|
2006
|
|
|
3,204 |
|
|
|
922 |
|
2007
|
|
|
3,245 |
|
|
|
974 |
|
2008
|
|
|
3,291 |
|
|
|
964 |
|
2009
|
|
|
3,472 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
2010 through 2014
|
|
|
20,150 |
|
|
|
4,915 |
|
F-52
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
943 |
|
|
$ |
770 |
|
|
$ |
186 |
|
|
$ |
165 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
3,234 |
|
|
|
3,207 |
|
|
|
513 |
|
|
|
557 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(3,927 |
) |
|
|
(3,507 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9 |
) |
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
250 |
|
|
$ |
470 |
|
|
$ |
690 |
|
|
$ |
718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average assumptions used in measuring the
Companys benefit obligations as of December 31, 2004
and 2003 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
|
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Discount rate
|
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
6.0 |
% |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
Compensation rate increase
|
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0 |
% |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 to 2012 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net
periodic benefit cost for 2004 and 2003 are as follows: discount
rate 6.0% and 6.8%, expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets 8.5% and 8.0%, and rate of
compensation increases 3.5% and 3.5%, respectively.
In determining the discount rate, the Company considers the
current yields on high quality corporate fixed income
investments with maturities corresponding to the expected
duration of the benefit obligations. The expected return on plan
assets assumption was based upon the categories of the assets
and the past history of the return on the assets. The
Compensation rate increase is based upon past history and
long-term inflationary trends. A one percentage point change in
the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following
effects on the Companys other postretirement benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1% Increase | |
|
1% Decrease | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Effect on 2004 service and interest costs
|
|
$ |
50 |
|
|
$ |
(44 |
) |
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations as of
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
(452 |
) |
|
|
11. |
Employee 401k Benefit Plan |
The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution retirement
savings plan. Virtually all employees are eligible to
participant in one of these plans. Each employee may elect to
defer a portion of his or her compensation, subject to certain
limitations. During the year ended December 31, 2004, the
Company matched the employee contributions up to a maximum of
4%. During the year ended December 31, 2003, the Company
matched employee contributions up to a maximum of 4% for hourly
employees and matched employee contributions up to 2% for
salaried employees. Total Company contributions to the plans
were $761 and $496 in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
F-53
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Senior Secured Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
47,268 |
|
|
|
110,400 |
|
|
Term loan B
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
70,000 |
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
119,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
241,468 |
|
|
|
180,400 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(16,045 |
) |
|
|
(10,300 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
225,423 |
|
|
$ |
170,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility |
The Company, through its wholly-owned and related subsidiaries,
maintains senior secured credit facility with various financial
institutions, which provides for aggregate borrowings of up to
$466,000 consisting of a $122,000 term loan A facility, a
$314,000 term loan C facility and a $30,000 revolving
credit facility which is available in whole or in part to both
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. Borrowings under the
credit facility are secured by substantially all of the assets
of the Company, other than ICTC. ICTCs guarantee (and the
corresponding security interest in ICTCs assets) of up to
$195,000 of total borrowing under the credit facility is
contingent upon obtaining the consent of the Illinois Commerce
Commission (ICC).
The term loans are due in quarterly installments, which increase
annually, with all borrowings under term loan A and term
loan C due April 14, 2010 and October 14, 2011,
respectively. The revolving credit facility matures on
April 14, 2010. Within 90 days after the end of the
Companys fiscal year, commencing on December 31,
2004, the Company shall be obligated to repay the loans in an
amount equal to 50% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal
year, provided that certain leverage ratios are maintained at
the end of the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2004, the
Company estimated that the excess cash flow repayment would be
approximately $8,768. In addition, subject to certain
exceptions, the Company is required to prepay the outstanding
term loans with 100% of the net proceeds of all non-ordinary
course of business asset sales and any insurance or condemnation
proceeds not reinvested within a required time period, 100% of
the net proceeds of certain occurrences of indebtedness and 50%
of the net proceeds from certain issuances of equity.
At the Companys election, borrowings bear interest at
fluctuating interest rates based on: (a) a base rate (the
highest of the administrative agents base rate in effect
on such day, 0.5% per annum above the latest three week
moving average of secondary market morning offering rates in the
United States for three month certificates of deposit or 0.5%
above the Federal Funds rate); or (b) the London Interbank
Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus, in either case, an applicable
margin within the relevant range of margins (0.75% to 2.50%)
provided for in the credit agreement. The applicable margin is
based upon the Companys total leverage ratio. As of
December 31, 2004, the margins for interest rates on LIBOR
based loans was 2.25% on the term loan A facility and 2.50%
under the term loan C facility. At December 31, 2004,
the weighted
F-54
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
average rate, including swaps, of interest on the Companys
term debt facilities was 5.17% per annum. Interest is
payable at least quarterly.
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants,
which include, among other items, restrictions on the ability to
pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital
stock, as well as, limitations on future capital expenditures.
The Company has also agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage, fixed charge coverage and
leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement.
On April 14, 2004, the Company, through its wholly owned
and related subsidiaries, issued $200,000 of
93/4% Senior
Notes due on April 1, 2012. The senior notes pay interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The senior notes
may be redeemed on or prior to October 6, 2005 using all or
a portion of the proceeds of a qualified income depository
security offering. The redemption price plus accrued interest
will be, as a percentage of the principal amount, 107.313%
through April 10, 2004, and 109.75% between April 1,
2005 and October 6, 2005.
Up to 35% of the senior notes may be redeemed using the proceeds
of certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
April 1, 2007. Some or all of the senior notes may be
redeemed on or after April 1, 2008. The redemption price
plus accrued interest will be, as a percentage of the principal
amount, 104.875% in 2008, 102.438% in 2009 and 100% in 2010 and
thereafter. In addition, holders may require the repurchase of
the notes upon a change in control, as such term is defined in
the indenture governing the senior notes. The indenture contains
certain provisions and covenants, which include, among other
items, restrictions on the ability to issue certain types of
stock, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments,
pay dividends and enter other lines of business.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar year 2005
|
|
$ |
16,045 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
8,884 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
9,397 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
10,934 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
13,598 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
182,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
241,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At December 31, 2004,
the Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $84,117
in aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of $561 and liability of $859 at December 31,
2004 and 2003, respectively. The $561 is included in other
current assets at December 31, 2004. The $859 is included
in accrued expenses at December 31, 2003. The Company
recognized a net loss of $84 in interest expense during 2004
related to its derivative instruments. The after tax change in
the market value of derivative instruments is recorded in other
F-55
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
comprehensive income. The Company recognized comprehensive
income of $806 and a comprehensive loss of $515 during 2004 and
2003, respectively.
|
|
13. |
Environmental Remediation Liabilities |
Environmental remediation liabilities were $914 and $931 at
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. These liabilities
relate to anticipated remediation and monitoring costs in
respect of two sites, are undiscounted and are included in
accrued expenses in the accompanying balance sheet.
|
|
14. |
Commitments and Contingencies |
From time to time the Company is involved in litigation and
regulatory proceedings arising out of its operations. The
Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings, the
adverse outcome of which, individually or in aggregate,
management believes would have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
The Company has entered into several operating lease agreements
covering buildings and office space and office equipment. The
terms of these agreements generally range from three to five
years. Rent expense totaled $2,603 and $2,043 in 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under existing agreements for each
of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter
are as follows: 2005 $1,943, 2006
$2,312, 2007 $1,914, 2008 $1,511,
2009 $1,514, thereafter $6,666.
The Company is viewed and managed as two separate, but highly
integrated, reportable business segments, Telephone
Operations and Other Operations. Telephone
Operations consists of local telephone, long-distance and
network access services, and data and Internet products provided
to both residential and business customers. All other business
activities comprise Other Operations including
operator services products, telecommunications services to state
prison facilities, equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services. Management evaluates the performance of these
business segments based upon revenue, gross margins, and net
operating income.
F-56
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The business segment reporting information as of and for the
years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Year ended December 31, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
97,326 |
|
|
$ |
39,207 |
|
|
$ |
136,533 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
21,965 |
|
|
|
24,233 |
|
|
|
46,198 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,361 |
|
|
|
14,974 |
|
|
|
90,335 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
34,725 |
|
|
|
10,832 |
|
|
|
45,557 |
|
Intangible assets impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
16,886 |
|
|
|
5,461 |
|
|
|
22,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
23,750 |
|
|
$ |
(12,897 |
) |
|
$ |
10,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
12,108 |
|
|
$ |
1,231 |
|
|
$ |
13,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
90,282 |
|
|
$ |
42,048 |
|
|
$ |
132,330 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
21,762 |
|
|
|
24,543 |
|
|
|
46,305 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
68,520 |
|
|
|
17,505 |
|
|
|
86,025 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
32,987 |
|
|
|
9,508 |
|
|
|
42,495 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
16,488 |
|
|
|
5,988 |
|
|
|
22,476 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income
|
|
$ |
19,045 |
|
|
$ |
2,009 |
|
|
$ |
21,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
9,117 |
|
|
$ |
2,179 |
|
|
$ |
11,296 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
80,735 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
89,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
238,312 |
|
|
$ |
69,554 |
|
|
$ |
307,866 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
78,443 |
|
|
$ |
21,111 |
|
|
$ |
99,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
245,855 |
|
|
$ |
71,740 |
|
|
$ |
317,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-57
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
16. |
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31 | |
|
June 30 | |
|
September 30 | |
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
|
$ |
33,028 |
|
|
$ |
34,679 |
|
|
$ |
34,759 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
|
11,372 |
|
|
|
12,439 |
|
|
|
10,013 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
|
|
11,139 |
|
|
|
11,276 |
|
|
|
12,553 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
6,090 |
|
|
|
5,728 |
|
|
|
5,163 |
|
|
Asset impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,578 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
28,329 |
|
|
|
28,601 |
|
|
|
29,443 |
|
|
|
39,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
5,738 |
|
|
|
4,427 |
|
|
|
5,236 |
|
|
|
(4,548 |
) |
Other expenses, net
|
|
|
2,797 |
|
|
|
8,025 |
|
|
|
3,992 |
|
|
|
4,061 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pretax income (loss)
|
|
|
2,941 |
|
|
|
(3,598 |
) |
|
|
1,244 |
|
|
|
(8,609 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit)
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
(1,440 |
) |
|
|
498 |
|
|
|
(3,122 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
$ |
(2,158 |
) |
|
$ |
746 |
|
|
$ |
(5,487 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
31,772 |
|
|
$ |
33,224 |
|
|
$ |
33,741 |
|
|
$ |
33,593 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
11,081 |
|
|
|
12,028 |
|
|
|
12,355 |
|
|
|
10,841 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
10,090 |
|
|
|
10,114 |
|
|
|
10,348 |
|
|
|
11,943 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,494 |
|
|
|
5,938 |
|
|
|
5,698 |
|
|
|
5,346 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
26,665 |
|
|
|
28,080 |
|
|
|
28,401 |
|
|
|
28,130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
5,107 |
|
|
|
5,144 |
|
|
|
5,340 |
|
|
|
5,463 |
|
Other expenses, net
|
|
|
3,131 |
|
|
|
2,889 |
|
|
|
2,961 |
|
|
|
2,855 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
790 |
|
|
|
902 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
|
|
1,073 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
1,186 |
|
|
$ |
1,353 |
|
|
$ |
1,427 |
|
|
$ |
1,535 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-58
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 30, 2002
with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-59
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Consolidated Communications, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet as of
December 30, 2002, of the corporations and lines of
business listed in Note 1 (then owned by McLeodUSA Inc.),
and the related combined statements of income, changes in parent
company investment, and cash flows for the year then ended.
These financial statements are the responsibility of management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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 combined 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 audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined
financial position at December 30, 2002, of the
corporations and lines of business listed in Note 1, and
the combined results of their operations and their cash flows
for the year then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 3 to the combined financial
statements, effective January 1, 2002, the corporations and
lines of business listed in Note 1 discontinued the
amortization of goodwill in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets.
Chicago, Illinois
March 8, 2004
F-60
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
December 30, 2002
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
1,089 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,850
|
|
|
14,107 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
2,204 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
1,399 |
|
|
Deferred directory costs and other charges
|
|
|
369 |
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
2,914 |
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
23,204 |
|
Investments
|
|
|
18 |
|
Property, plant, and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings
|
|
|
24,162 |
|
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
200,481 |
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
32,614 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
3,330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
260,587 |
|
Less: Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
155,526 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant, and equipment
|
|
|
105,061 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
101,324 |
|
|
Other intangibles
|
|
|
6,463 |
|
|
Deferred charges and other assets
|
|
|
333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangibles and other assets
|
|
|
108,120 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
236,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY INVESTMENT |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of capital lease obligations
|
|
$ |
479 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
7,306 |
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
6,725 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
5,307 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
19,817 |
|
Long-term liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unamortized investment tax credits
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
10,815 |
|
|
Pension benefit obligations and other postretirement obligations
|
|
|
9,471 |
|
|
Deferred compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
903 |
|
|
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities
|
|
|
20,593 |
|
|
Long-term capital lease obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term liabilities
|
|
|
42,102 |
|
Parent company investment
|
|
|
174,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and parent company investment
|
|
$ |
236,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-61
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
Year Ended December 30, 2002
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Telephone Operations
|
|
$ |
76,745 |
|
|
Other Illinois Operations
|
|
|
33,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
109,904 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
35,820 |
|
|
Selling, general, and administrative
|
|
|
35,616 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
24,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
95,980 |
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
13,924 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(1,652 |
) |
|
Other, net
|
|
|
428 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(1,218 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
12,706 |
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
4,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
8,036 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-62
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARENT COMPANY INVESTMENT
Year Ended December 30, 2002
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2002
|
|
$ |
178,142 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
8,036 |
|
Net settlement with parent
|
|
|
(11,694 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 30, 2002
|
|
$ |
174,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-63
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
COMBINED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Year Ended December 30, 2002
(Amounts in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
8,036 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
24,544 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
(4,933 |
) |
|
Other deferred credits, net
|
|
|
1,864 |
|
|
Changes in net operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(660 |
) |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
805 |
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
(105 |
) |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
1,102 |
|
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
Accrued income taxes and liabilities
|
|
|
(3,604 |
) |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
28,537 |
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment expenditures
|
|
|
(14,137 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(14,137 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of long-term debt
|
|
|
(68 |
) |
Deferred charges and other noncurrent assets
|
|
|
19 |
|
Settle intercompany receivables, net
|
|
|
(16,515 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(16,564 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(2,164 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
3,253 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$ |
1,089 |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-cash investing and financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment additions
|
|
$ |
4,821 |
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$ |
1,643 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes.
F-64
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Consolidated Communications, Inc., or CCI, is a direct, wholly
owned subsidiary of Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc.
or Illinois Holdings. Illinois Holdings, in turn, is a direct,
wholly owned subsidiary of Homebase Acquisition, LLC, or
Homebase.
Homebase, a Delaware limited liability company that was formed
on June 26, 2002, entered into a sale and purchase
agreement with McLeodUSA, Inc. in July 2002 and the transaction
was concluded on December 31, 2002. CCI was formed on
August 6, 2002 to acquire a highly integrated group of
companies and lines of business as described below. The
accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts
of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and the Related
Businesses (the Business). During the periods covered by these
financial statements the Business operated under the ownership
of McLeodUSA, Inc., or McLeodUSA. The Business comprised of the
following entities and lines of business:
|
|
|
Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company (ICTC) provides a
broad range of local exchange telecommunications services
including local dialtone and central office based vertical
services features, private line services, data services
(including DSL), intraLATA toll and carrier access services.
Operations are subject to regulation by the Illinois Commerce
Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. |
|
|
Consolidated Communications Operator Services provides both live
and automated local and long distance assistance as well as
national directory assistance on a wholesale and retail basis.
CCOS also provides specialized message center services and
corporate and governmental attendant services. |
|
|
McLeodUSA Public Services, Inc. primarily offers managed local
and long distance automated calling from county jails and state
prison facilities in Illinois. These inmate services include
fraud control, customer service, call management, and technical
field support. |
|
|
Consolidated Communications Business Systems sells and installs
telecommunications equipment, and performs cabling, wiring, and
equipment maintenance services to business and residential
customers within the ICTC service territory and to business
customers in adjacent markets. |
|
|
Consolidated Market Response, Inc. is a full service
teleservices business providing inbound and outbound
telemarketing and backend fulfillment services to corporate
clients from diverse industry segments. |
|
|
Consolidated Communications Mobile Services provides one-way
messaging service for both personal and business accounts. The
basic paging service has been supplemented with complimentary
mobile information services including Internet, 800 service,
info text and voice mail. |
The Business has two reportable segments, Illinois Telephone
Operations and Other Illinois Operations (see note 14,
Business Segments). ICTC is represented in Illinois Telephone
Operations while all other entities and lines of business are
reflected in Other Illinois Operations.
These combined financial statements present, on an historical
cost basis, the combined assets, liabilities, revenues and
expenses related to the entities and businesses as if the
Business had existed as an entity separate from McLeodUSA. The
historical cost basis includes the allocation of goodwill and
other intangible assets resulting from McLeodUSAs purchase
of the Business in 1997. As such, the accompanying combined
financial statements are not intended to be a complete
representation of the debt
F-65
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
and equity structure of the Business on a stand-alone basis. All
material transactions between businesses included in these
financial statements have been eliminated. Comprehensive income
is equivalent to net income for all periods presented. Line
costs totaling $17,980 for 2002 were reclassified from general
and administrative expenses to cost of services.
|
|
3. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
ICTC, an independent local exchange carrier, follows the
accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 71,
Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of
Regulation which permits rates (tariffs) to be
set at levels intended to recover estimated costs of providing
regulated services or products, including capital costs.
SFAS No. 71 requires ICTC to depreciate wireline plant
over the useful lives approved by the regulators, which could be
different than the useful lives that would otherwise be
determined by management. SFAS No. 71 also requires
deferral of certain costs and obligations based upon approvals
received from regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in
future years. Criteria that would give rise to the
discontinuance of SFAS No. 71 include
(1) increasing competition restricting the wireline
business ability to establish prices to recover specific
costs and (2) significant changes in the manner by which
rates are set by regulators from cost-based regulation to
another form of regulation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could
differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid
investments with an original maturity of three months or less.
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts |
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to the
Business from normal activities. Accounts receivable are
determined to be past due when the amount is overdue based on
the payment terms with the customer. In certain circumstances,
the Business requires deposits from customers to mitigate
potential risk associated with receivables. The Business
maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect
managements best estimate of probable losses inherent in
the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the
allowance balance based on known troubled accounts, historical
experience and other currently available evidence. Accounts
receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts
when we have determined that the receivable will not be
collected.
Inventory consists mainly of copper and fiber cable that will be
used for ICTC network expansion and upgrades as well as
materials and equipment used in the maintenance and installation
of telephone systems. All inventory is stated at the lower of
average cost or market.
F-66
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Investments primarily consist of the net cash surrender value of
variable whole life insurance policies to cover deferred
compensation liabilities for certain executives. These
investments are carried at fair value. The deferred compensation
arrangement was terminated in January 2002, and accordingly,
proceeds received from the insurance policies were used to pay
the deferred compensation obligations.
|
|
|
Intangible Assets and Goodwill |
Goodwill is stated at cost and was amortized using the
straight-line method over thirty years. Effective
January 1, 2002, the Business adopted
SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets (SFAS 142), at which time amortization
ceased. The Company will test annually for impairment as part of
its annual business planning cycle in the fourth quarter.
Impairment will be tested using the discounted cash flow method
to determine the fair value at the reporting unit level.
Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist of customer
relationships, tradenames, and software and are being amortized
over their useful lives which range from five to ten years.
|
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense. When
property, plant and equipment are retired from ICTC, the
original cost, net of salvage, is charged against accumulated
depreciation, with no gain or loss recognized in accordance with
the composite group remaining life methodology used for
regulated telephone plant assets. When property applicable to
non-regulated operations is sold or retired, the assets and
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts
and the associated gain or loss is recognized.
The provision for depreciation of regulated property and
equipment is computed using rates and lives approved by the
Illinois Commerce Commission. The provision is equivalent to
annual composite depreciation rates of 5.59% for 2002.
The provision for depreciation of nonregulated property and
equipment is recorded using the straight-line method based upon
the following estimated useful lives:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years | |
|
|
| |
Buildings
|
|
|
15-20 |
|
Telecommunications networks
|
|
|
5-15 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
|
|
|
3-10 |
|
Depreciation of assets recorded under capital leases is included
within depreciation and amortization expense.
Wireline local access revenues are recognized over the period
that the service is provided. Nonrecurring installation revenues
are deferred upon service activation and are recognized over the
shorter of three to five years or the determined useful life.
The associated costs are recorded in the period in which they
are incurred. Revenues from other telecommunications services,
including network access charges, custom calling feature
revenues, billing and collection services, long distance and
private line services, Internet service provider charges,
operator services, and paging services are recognized monthly as
services are provided.
F-67
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Telephone equipment revenues generated from retail channels are
recorded at the point of sale. Telecommunications systems and
structured cabling project revenues are recognized upon
completion and billing of the project. Maintenance services are
provided on both a contract and time and material basis and are
recorded when the service is provided.
Teleservices revenues include both inbound and outbound calling
as well as fulfillment services. All revenues are recorded as
program activity is completed.
The costs of advertising are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising expenses totaled $1,758 in 2002.
At December 30, 2002, the Business financial
instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and payable, long-term debt and capital lease
obligations. The fair values of the financial instruments were
not materially different from their carrying value except for
long-term debt. The aggregate fair value of the Business
long-term debt (including current maturities) was approximately
$24,212 at December 30, 2002. Fair values for the long-term
debt were determined using discounted cash flow analyses based
on the Business current incremental interest rates for
similar instruments.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
expected tax consequences of temporary differences between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts.
The Business follows the provisions of Accounting Principle
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stocks Issued
to Employees (APB No. 25) and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options.
In September 1997, McLeodUSA granted 837,245 stock options to
the Business employees at an exercise price of
$24.50 per share. The aggregate intrinsic value of these
options at the date of grant exceeded the aggregate exercise
price by approximately $9,000. As a result, the Business has
amortized the stock compensation expense over the four-year
vesting period of the options. There is no charge for
stock-based compensation in 2002.
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In June 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations (SFAS 143). SFAS 143 requires
companies to record liabilities equal to the fair value of their
asset retirement obligations when they are incurred. When the
liability is initially recorded, companies capitalize an
equivalent amount as part of the cost of the asset. The Business
is required to adopt SFAS 143 on January 1, 2003, and
it does not believe that the adoption of this new standard will
have a material effect on the 2003 consolidated financial
statements.
In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS 144 retains
the requirement to recognize an impairment loss only where the
carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable from its
F-68
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
undiscounted cash flows and to measure such loss as the
difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the
asset. SFAS 144, among other things, changes the criteria
that have to be met in order to classify an asset held-for-sale
and requires that operating losses from discontinued operations
be recognized in the period that the losses are incurred rather
than as of the measurement date. SFAS 144 was adopted for
the Business 2002 accounting period and did not have a
material impact on the combined financial statements.
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, Accounting
for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.
Under SFAS 146, a liability for costs associated with an
exit or disposal activity should be recognized when the
liability is incurred. Previously, such a liability was
recognized at the date of commitment to an exit plan.
SFAS 146 also makes some changes to the timing of
recognizing severance pay costs where benefit arrangements
require employees to render future service beyond a minimum
retention period. SFAS 146 is effective for exit or
disposal activities that are initiated after December 31,
2002. The Business is required to adopt SFAS 146 on
January 1, 2003, and it does not believe that the adoption
of this new standard will have a material effect on the 2003
consolidated financial statements.
In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45
(FIN 45), Guarantors Accounting and
Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect
Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others. FIN 45
requires certain guarantees to be recorded at fair value, which
is different from current practice, which is generally to record
a liability only when a loss is probable and reasonably
estimable. FIN 45 also requires a guarantor to make certain
new disclosures in the financial statements; these disclosure
requirements are effective for the Business 2002 reporting
period. The Business is required to adopt the recognition and
measurement provisions of FIN 45 on a prospective basis
with respect to guarantees issued or modified after
December 31, 2002. The Business does not believe the
adoption of FIN 45 will have a material effect on its 2003
consolidated financial statements.
Interpretation No. 46 (FIN 46), Consolidation
of Variable Interest Entities, was issued by the FASB
in January 2003. FIN 46 requires a company to consolidate a
variable interest entity if the company is subject to a majority
of the risk of loss from the variable interest entitys
activities or is entitled to receive a majority of the
entitys residual returns. The interpretation also requires
disclosures about variable interest entities that the company is
not required to consolidate but in which it has a significant
variable interest. FIN 46 is immediately effective for
variable interest entities created on or after January 31,
2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior
to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 will
become effective for the periods after March 15, 2004,
except for Special Purpose Entities, to which the provisions
apply as of December 31, 2003. The Business has not yet
determined the effect of adopting FIN 46, if any, on its
statement of income or financial position.
|
|
4. |
Affiliated Transactions |
McLeodUSA provided corporate communications, human resources,
treasury and other general and administrative services. In
accordance with the cost allocation manual filed with the ICC,
the following allowable methods were used to apportion costs to
ICTC: corporate of communications departmental time
study; human resources total company wages;
treasury departmental time study; and general and
administrative general allocation factor. We believe
these methods were reasonable and the charges were
representative of what would have been incurred on a stand-alone
basis. Allocations of the costs incurred were charged to ICTC
and amounted to $910 in 2002, which has been recorded in general
and administrative expense.
The 2002 line items net settlement with the parent
reflected in the Combined Statement of Changes in Parent Company
Investment for Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and
Related
F-69
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Businesses depict specifically the settlement of the
intercompany receivables and payables and the associated cash
distribution to the parent company.
|
|
5. |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
Effective January 1, 2002, the Business adopted
SFAS 142. Accordingly, goodwill and other indefinite lived
intangibles are no longer amortized but are subject to an annual
impairment test. Other intangible assets will continue to be
amortized over their useful lives. We have determined that
software and customer lists have a useful life of five years.
The Business tradenames have an estimated useful life of
ten years. Amortization of tradenames will continue for the next
five years. The amortization expense will be $1,360 during each
of the next four years through 2006, and $1,022 in 2007.
For federal income tax purposes, the Business was included in a
consolidated tax return along with other companies in the
McLeodUSA group during 2002. For the purpose of these combined
financial statements, the provision for income taxes has been
computed on a stand-alone basis as if the Business had filed a
separate return for the periods presented and was not a member
of a group. However, due to the fact that the McLeodUSA group
had a consolidated net operating loss, the Business did not make
any cash payments for income taxes during 2002. Therefore,
income taxes that would be payable on a stand-alone basis have
been settled as an increase in parent company investment.
The components of the income tax provision charged to expense
for 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
8,628 |
|
|
State
|
|
|
1,240 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current
|
|
|
9,868 |
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
(4,297 |
) |
|
State
|
|
|
(636 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total Deferred
|
|
|
(4,933 |
) |
|
Investment tax credit amortized
|
|
|
(265 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense
|
|
$ |
4,670 |
|
|
|
|
|
The following is a reconciliation between the statutory federal
income tax rate and the Business overall effective tax
rate:
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory federal income tax rate
|
|
|
34.0 |
% |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
|
|
|
4.8 |
|
Other
|
|
|
(2.0 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Effective overall income tax rate
|
|
|
36.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
F-70
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The temporary differences which give rise to significant
portions of the net deferred tax liability at December 30,
2002, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current deferred income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued vacation
|
|
$ |
582 |
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
|
|
|
541 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
365 |
|
|
Deferred revenue and regulatory reserves
|
|
|
1,426 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
2,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred income tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension and post retirement expense
|
|
|
3,771 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total noncurrent deferred income tax assets
|
|
|
4,091 |
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciable property
|
|
|
(11,740 |
) |
|
Intangibles
|
|
|
(2,685 |
) |
|
Regulatory liabilities
|
|
|
(481 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total noncurrent deferred income tax liability
|
|
|
(14,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net noncurrent deferred income tax liability
|
|
|
(10,815 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total net deferred tax liability
|
|
$ |
(7,401 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
ICTC maintains a noncontributory defined pension and death
benefit plan covering substantially all of its hourly employees.
The pension benefit formula used in the determination of pension
cost is based on the highest five consecutive calendar
years base earnings within the last ten calendar years
immediately preceding retirement or termination. It is
ICTCs policy to fund pension costs as they accrue subject
to any applicable Internal Revenue Code limitations.
The changes in benefit obligation for 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period
|
|
$ |
47,379 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
807 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
3,240 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(3,374 |
) |
Actuarial loss
|
|
|
1,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at end of period
|
|
$ |
49,637 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-71
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The changes in plan assets for 2002 relate to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
|
|
$ |
50,769 |
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
(1,949 |
) |
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(3,374 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
|
|
$ |
45,446 |
|
|
|
|
|
The reconciliations of the funded status of the pension plans as
of December 30, 2002, are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$ |
(4,191 |
) |
Unrecognized net actuarial gain
|
|
|
(220 |
) |
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
2,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized at period-end
|
|
$ |
(1,875 |
) |
|
|
|
|
The components of net periodic benefit cost for 2002 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$ |
807 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
3,240 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(3,940 |
) |
Amortization of prior service costs
|
|
|
482 |
|
Recognized actuarial gain
|
|
|
(223 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
366 |
|
|
|
|
|
The assets of the plan consist principally of equity and fixed
income securities. Actuarial assumptions used to calculate the
projected benefit obligation included a discount rate of 6.75%.
Future compensation level increases were estimated to be 4.0%.
The assumed long-term rate of return on plan assets was 8.0%.
In addition to providing pension benefits, ICTC provides an
optional retiree medical program to its salaried and union
retirees and spouses under age 65 and life insurance
coverage for the salaried retirees. All retirees are required to
contribute to the cost of their medical coverage while the
salaried life insurance is provided at no cost to the retiree.
The following postretirement benefit plan disclosures relate to
ICTC and Related Businesses. The changes in the postretirement
benefit obligation for 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
|
|
$ |
7,710 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
143 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
520 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(393 |
) |
Actuarial gain
|
|
|
(14 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of period
|
|
$ |
7,966 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-72
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The changes in plan assets for 2002 relate to the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
|
|
$ |
|
|
Employer contributions
|
|
|
393 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(393 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The reconciliations of the funded status of the postretirement
benefit plan as of December 30, 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$ |
(7,966 |
) |
Contributions made after measurement date and before fiscal year
end
|
|
|
111 |
|
Unrecognized net actuarial gain
|
|
|
(1,018 |
) |
Unrecognized transition obligation
|
|
|
2,796 |
|
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
(1,519 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized at period-end
|
|
$ |
(7,596 |
) |
|
|
|
|
The components of postretirement benefit cost for 2002 are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$ |
143 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
520 |
|
Amortization of prior service costs
|
|
|
(174 |
) |
Amortization of transitional obligation
|
|
|
388 |
|
Recognized actuarial gain
|
|
|
(26 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
851 |
|
|
|
|
|
The postretirement benefit obligation is calculated assuming
that health-care costs increased by 12.0% in 2002, and that the
rate of increase thereafter (the health-care cost trend rate)
will decline to 6.0% in 2008 and subsequent years. The
health-care cost trend rate has a significant effect on the
amounts reported for costs each year as well as on the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. For example, a
one percentage point increase each year in the health-care cost
trend rate would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation as of December 30, 2002, by approximately $643
and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of
the net periodic postretirement benefit cost by
approximately $62. A one percentage point decrease each
year in the health-care cost trend rate would decrease the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of
December 30, 2002, by approximately $529 and the aggregate
of the service and interest cost components of the net periodic
postretirement benefit cost by approximately $50. The
weighted-average discount rate used in determining the benefit
obligation was 6.75%.
The Business provides a 401(k) defined contribution retirement
savings plan made available to virtually all employees. Each
employee may elect to defer a portion of his or her compensation
subject to certain limitations. During the periods covered in
this report, for all hourly employees participating in the plan,
the Business matched employee contributions up to a maximum of
4%. For salaried employees
F-73
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
during the same periods, McLeodUSA contributed a matching amount
in McLeodUSA company stock. The Business contributions
towards the hourly plan totaled $329 in 2002.
ICTCs first mortgage bonds are collateralized by
substantially all real and personal property. The Series K
Bonds and Series L Bonds provide for early redemption by
payment of the principal amount to be redeemed, any accrued
interest and a make-whole amount as described in the indenture.
As a result of the Series K Bond and Series L Bond
issues, ICTC is restricted from declaring or paying any
dividends or distributions, subject to certain exceptions, that
would reduce the retained earnings balance below $915.
CMR entered into a $1,250 mortgage on their building in
Charleston, Illinois, on March 18, 1994. A floating
interest rate was set at 100 basis points above the Harris
Bank prime with a floor and cap of 5% and 9%, respectively. The
note matures on March 18, 2004.
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31,
2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
ICTC First mortgage bonds:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series K, 8.620%, due September 1, 2022
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
Series L, 7.050%, due October 1, 2013
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
CMR mortgage bond
|
|
|
593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
20,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
As disclosed in Note 15 below, the long-term debt balances
were settled immediately following the acquisition of the
Business by Homebase Acquisition LLC on December 31, 2002.
|
|
10. |
Environmental Remediation Liabilities |
Environmental remediation liabilities totaled $931 at
December 30, 2002. These liabilities relate to anticipated
remediation and monitoring costs in respect of two sites and are
undiscounted.
The Business has operating lease agreements covering buildings
and office space and office equipment. The terms of these
agreements generally range from three to five years. Rent
expense totaled $1,195 in 2002.
Future minimum lease payments under existing agreements for each
of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease | |
Year |
|
Payments | |
|
|
| |
2003
|
|
$ |
675 |
|
2004
|
|
|
457 |
|
2005
|
|
|
419 |
|
2006
|
|
|
364 |
|
2007
|
|
|
312 |
|
2008 and thereafter
|
|
|
815 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
3,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-74
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Business has capital lease agreements for desktop computing
equipment. The terms of these agreements range from
20 months to 39 months, with the remaining open leases
expiring in 2003. The gross amount of assets recorded under
capital leases was $605 at December 30, 2002. The related
accumulated amortization at December 30, 2002 was $458.
Lease payments related to these obligations totaled $357 during
2002. The minimum lease payments in 2003 under these existing
agreements totaled $153.
The Business is viewed and managed as two separate, but highly
integrated, reportable business segments, Illinois
Telephone Operations and Other Illinois
Operations. Illinois Telephone Operations consists of
local telephone, long-distance and network access services, and
data products provided to both residential and business
customers in central Illinois. ICTC is included in Telephone
Operations during the periods covered in these combined
financial statements. All other entities and lines of business
comprise Other Illinois Operations. Services include
operator services products, telecommunications services to state
prison facilities, equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services. Management evaluates the performance of these
business segments based upon revenue, gross margins, and net
operating income. The business segment reporting information is
as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
Illinois | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Illinois | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
76,745 |
|
|
$ |
33,159 |
|
|
$ |
109,904 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
17,980 |
|
|
|
17,840 |
|
|
|
35,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,765 |
|
|
|
15,319 |
|
|
|
74,084 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
28,967 |
|
|
|
6,649 |
|
|
|
35,616 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
20,074 |
|
|
|
4,470 |
|
|
|
24,544 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income
|
|
$ |
9,724 |
|
|
$ |
4,200 |
|
|
$ |
13,924 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
222,380 |
|
|
$ |
14,023 |
|
|
$ |
236,403 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
81,059 |
|
|
|
20,265 |
|
|
|
101,324 |
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
12,005 |
|
|
|
2,132 |
|
|
|
14,137 |
|
F-75
ILLINOIS CONSOLIDATED TELEPHONE COMPANY AND RELATED
BUSINESSES
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Continued)
December 30, 2002
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
14. |
Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
March 31 | |
|
June 30 | |
|
September 30 | |
|
December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
27,155 |
|
|
$ |
27,998 |
|
|
$ |
27,610 |
|
|
$ |
27,141 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
8,837 |
|
|
|
9,188 |
|
|
|
8,518 |
|
|
|
9,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,318 |
|
|
|
18,810 |
|
|
|
19,092 |
|
|
|
17,864 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
8,733 |
|
|
|
7,782 |
|
|
|
8,752 |
|
|
|
10,349 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
6,135 |
|
|
|
6,136 |
|
|
|
6,136 |
|
|
|
6,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income
|
|
|
3,450 |
|
|
|
4,892 |
|
|
|
4,204 |
|
|
|
1,378 |
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
(252 |
) |
|
|
(305 |
) |
|
|
(320 |
) |
|
|
(341 |
) |
Income taxes
|
|
|
1,183 |
|
|
|
2,127 |
|
|
|
1,639 |
|
|
|
(279 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
2,015 |
|
|
$ |
2,460 |
|
|
$ |
2,245 |
|
|
$ |
1,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective December 31, 2002, Homebase purchased the
entities and lines of business that comprise the Business for a
total consideration of $271,200 (excluding acquisition-related
expenses) from McLeodUSA. As a result of the acquisition, the
Business long-term debt of approximately $20,593 was
immediately extinguished. These financial statements do not
include any adjustments that would be required to reflect this
acquisition transaction in the Business combined balance
sheet.
F-76
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of December 31, 2004 and
the Period from April 14, 2004 (Date of Acquisition) to
December 31, 2004
with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-77
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. and
subsidiaries. (the Company) as of December 31, 2004, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
shareholders equity, and cash flows for the period from
April 14, 2004 (date of acquisition) to December 31,
2004. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of the Company at
December 31, 2004 and the consolidated results of their
operations and their cash flows for the period from
April 14, 2004 to December 31, 2004, in conformity
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Chicago, Illinois
March 11, 2005
F-78
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
35,358 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $945
|
|
|
14,946 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
1,393 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
56,579 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
259,183 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
42,554 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
102,264 |
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
12,820 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
702,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
25,034 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
9,738 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
3,456 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
21,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
60,133 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
362,919 |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
68,892 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
49,616 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,924 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
543,484 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
2,291 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares
authorized, issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
3,992 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(33 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
156,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$ |
702,192 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-79
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period from | |
|
|
April 14, 2004 | |
|
|
through | |
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
133,075 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
34,374 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
42,398 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
32,175 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
24,128 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
187 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(20,220 |
) |
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
1,288 |
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
2,187 |
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(327 |
) |
|
Other, net
|
|
|
(132 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
7,111 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
3,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-80
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS
EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Paid in Capital | |
|
Earnings | |
|
Income (Loss) | |
|
Total | |
|
Income | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,992 |
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
Capital contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum pension liability, net of ($174) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
|
|
(283 |
) |
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of ($33) of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
(49 |
) |
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net $200 of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
299 |
|
|
|
299 |
|
|
|
299 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
152,458 |
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
|
$ |
(33 |
) |
|
$ |
156,417 |
|
|
$ |
3,959 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-81
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period from | |
|
|
April 14, 2004 | |
|
|
through | |
|
|
December 31, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
32,175 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
1,157 |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
(1,288 |
) |
|
|
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
|
|
|
327 |
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
1,292 |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
1,783 |
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(390 |
) |
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
2,310 |
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(212 |
) |
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
5,940 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
49,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(16,671 |
) |
|
|
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
(524,090 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(540,761 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital contributions from investors
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term obligations
|
|
|
392,000 |
|
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(6,894 |
) |
|
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(10,826 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
526,738 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
35,358 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
35,358 |
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental cash flow information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid
|
|
$ |
15,134 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
$ |
1,495 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-82
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2004
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Homebase Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Homebase), was formed on June 26, 2002, and
commenced operations in Illinois on December 31, 2002, with
its acquisition of Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company and
the related businesses (collectively, ICTC) and in
Texas on April 14, 2004 with its acquisition of TXU
Communications Ventures Company (TXUCV). Homebase is
a holding company with no income from operations or assets
except for the capital stock of Consolidated Communications
Illinois Holdings, Inc. (Illinois Holdings) and
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc. (Texas
Holdings or CCI Texas or the
Company). Homebase and its wholly owned subsidiaries
operate under the name Consolidated Communications.
Texas Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications Texas, Inc. (Texas
Acquisition). Texas Holdings and Texas Acquisition were
formed for the sole purpose of acquiring TXUCV, which was
subsequently renamed Consolidated Communications Ventures
Company (CCV). Texas Holdings operates its business
through, and receives all of its income from, CCV and its
subsidiaries.
The Company provides local telephone, long-distance and network
access services, and data and Internet products to both
residential and business customers.
|
|
2. |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
|
|
|
Principles of Consolidation |
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Texas Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiaries and
subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest.
All material intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could
differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
Two wholly owned subsidiaries, Consolidated Communications of
Texas Company and Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend
Company, are independent local exchange carriers
(ILECs) which follow the accounting for regulated
enterprises prescribed by Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of
Certain Types of Regulation (SFAS No
71). SFAS No. 71 permits rates (tariffs) to
be set at levels intended to recover estimated costs of
providing regulated services or products, including capital
costs. SFAS No. 71 requires the ILECs to depreciate
wireline plant over the useful lives approved by the regulators,
which could be different than the useful lives that would
otherwise be determined by management. SFAS No. 71
also requires deferral of certain costs and obligations based
upon approvals received from regulators to permit recovery of
such amounts in future years. Criteria that would give rise to
the discontinuance of SFAS No. 71 include
(1) increasing competition restricting the wireline
business ability to establish prices to recover specific
costs and (2) significant changes in the manner by which
rates are set by regulators from cost-base regulation to another
form of regulation.
F-83
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Cash equivalents consist of short-term, highly liquid
investments with a remaining maturity of three months or less
when purchased.
Investments in equity securities that have readily determinable
fair values are categorized as available for sale securities and
are carried at fair value. The unrealized gains or losses on
securities classified as available for sale are included as a
separate component of common members equity. Investments
in equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair
values are carried at cost.
Investments in affiliated companies that the Company does not
control but does have the ability to exercise significant
influence over operations and financial policies, are accounted
for using the equity method. Investments in affiliated companies
that the Company does not control and does not have the ability
to exercise significant influence over such affiliated
companies operations and financial policies are accounted
for using the cost method.
To determine whether an impairment of an investment exists, the
Company monitors and evaluates the financial performance of the
business in which it invests and compares the carrying value of
the investee to quoted market prices if available or the fair
value of similar investments, which in certain circumstance, is
based on traditional valuation models utilizing multiple of cash
flows. When circumstances indicate that a decline in the fair
value of the investment has occurred and the decline is other
than temporary, the Company records the decline in value as
realized impairment loss and a reduction in the cost of the
investment.
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful
Accounts |
Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to the
Company from normal activities. Accounts receivable are
determined to be past due when the amount is overdue based on
the payment terms with the customer. In certain circumstances,
the Company requires deposits from customers to mitigate
potential risk associated with receivables. The Company
maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect
managements best estimate of probable losses inherent in
the accounts receivable balance. Management determines the
allowance balance based on known troubled accounts, historical
experience and other currently available evidence. Accounts
receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts
when management of the Company determines that the receivable
will not be collected.
Inventory consists mainly of copper and fiber cable that will be
used for network expansion and upgrades and materials and
equipment used in the maintenance and installation of telephone
systems. Inventory is stated at the lower of average cost or
market.
|
|
|
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets (SFAS 142), goodwill and
intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives are not
amortized but rather are tested annually for impairment. The
Company evaluates the carrying value of goodwill in the fourth
quarter of each year. As part of the evaluation, the Company
compares the carrying value of the goodwill for each reporting
unit with their fair value to determine whether impairment
exists. If impairment is determined to exist, any related
impairment loss is calculated based upon fair value.
F-84
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
SFAS 142 also provides that assets which have finite lives
be amortized over their useful lives. Customer lists are being
amortized over their estimated useful lives based upon the
Companys historical experience with customer attrition and
the recommendation of an independent appraiser. The estimated
lives average thirteen years.
|
|
|
Property, Plant, and Equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of
additions, replacements, and major improvements is capitalized,
while repairs and maintenance are charged to expense.
Depreciation is determined based upon the assets estimated
useful lives using either the group or unit method.
The group method is used for depreciable assets dedicated to
providing regulated telecommunication services, including the
majority of the network and outside plant facilities. Under the
group method, a specific asset group has an average life. A
depreciation rate is developed based on the average useful life
for the specific asset group as approved by regulatory agencies.
This method requires periodic revision of depreciation rates.
When an individual asset is sold or retired under the group
method, the difference between the proceeds, if any, and the
cost of the asset is charged or credited to accumulated
depreciation, without recognition of a gain or loss.
The unit method is primarily used for buildings, furniture,
fixtures and other support assets. Under the unit method, assets
are depreciated on the straight-line basis over the estimated
useful life of the individual asset. When an individual asset is
sold or retired under the unit method, the cost basis of the
asset and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the
accounts and any associated gain or loss is recognized.
Estimated useful lives are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years | |
|
|
| |
Buildings
|
|
|
15-35 |
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
5-30 |
|
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment
|
|
|
3-17 |
|
Wireline local access revenues are recognized over the period
that the service is provided. Nonrecurring installation revenues
are deferred upon service activation and are recognized over the
shorter of three to five years or the determined useful life.
The associated costs are recorded in the period in which they
are incurred. Revenues from other telecommunications services,
including network access charges, custom calling feature
revenues, billing and collection services, long distance and
private line services, Internet service provider charges,
operator services, and paging services are recognized monthly as
services are provided.
Print advertising and publishing revenues are recognized ratably
over the life of the related directory, generally twelve months.
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, requires that public
business enterprises report certain information about operating
segments in complete sets of financial statements of the
enterprise. SFAS No. 131 defines an operating segment
as a component of the organization (1) that engages in
business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur
expenses (2) whose operating results are regularly reviewed
by the enterprises chief operating decision maker to
F-85
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
make decisions about performance and resource allocation; and
(3) for which discrete financial information is available.
Notwithstanding this definition, SFAS No. 131 provides
the criteria for aggregating segments with similar economic
characteristics such as the nature of product and services, the
nature of production processes, the type or class of customers,
the distribution method for products or services, and the nature
of regulatory environment. The Company identified two operating
segments ILEC and Transport Operations; however,
Transport does not meet the quantitative threshold for
separately reportable business segments.
The costs of advertising are charged to expense as incurred.
Advertising expenses totaled $985 for the period from
April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
Texas Holdings and its subsidiaries file separate consolidated
federal income tax returns and East Texas Fiber Line
Incorporated files a separate federal income tax return. State
income tax returns are filed on a separate legal entity basis.
Federal and state income tax expense or benefit is allocated to
each subsidiary based on separately determined taxable income or
loss.
Amounts in the financial statements related to income taxes are
calculated in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes
(SFAS No. 109). Deferred income taxes are
provided for the temporary differences between assets and
liabilities recognized for financial reporting purposes and such
amounts recognized for tax purposes as well as loss
carryforwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The Company records a
valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets when, in the
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that deferred
tax assets will not be realized.
Provisions for federal and state income taxes are calculated on
reported pre-tax earnings based on current tax law and also may
include, in the current period, the cumulative effect of any
changes in tax rates from those used previously in determining
deferred tax assets and liabilities. Such provisions may differ
from the amounts currently receivable or payable because certain
items of income and expense are recognized in different time
periods form financial reporting purposes than for income tax
purposes. Significant judgment is required in determining income
tax provisions and evaluating tax positions. The Company
establishes reserves for income tax when, despite the belief
that its tax positions are fully supportable, there remain
certain positions that are probable to be challenged and
possibly disallowed by various authorities. The consolidated tax
provision and related accruals include the impact of such
reasonably estimated losses. To the extent that the probable tax
outcomes of these matters changes, such changes in estimate will
impact the income tax provision in the period in which such
determination is made.
|
|
|
Financial Instruments and Derivatives |
As of December 31, 2004, the Companys financial
instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt obligations. At
December 31, 2004, the carrying value of these financial
instruments approximated fair value.
Derivative instruments are accounted for in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activity (SFAS No. 133).
SFAS No. 133 provides comprehensive and consistent
standards for the recognition and measurement of
F-86
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
derivative and hedging activities. It requires that derivatives
be recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value and
establishes criteria for hedges of changes in fair values of
assets, liabilities or firm commitments, hedges of variable cash
flows of forecasted transactions and hedges of foreign currency
exposures of net investments in foreign operations. To the
extent that the derivatives qualify as a cash flow hedge, the
gain or loss associated with the effective portion is recorded
as a component of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss). Changes in
the fair value of derivatives that do not meet the criteria for
hedges are recognized in the consolidated statement of income.
Upon termination of interest rate swap agreements, any resulting
gain or loss is recognized over the shorter of the remaining
original term of the hedging instrument or the remaining life of
the underlying debt obligation. Since the Companys
interest swap agreements are with major financial institutions,
the Company does not anticipate any nonperformance by any
counterparty.
|
|
|
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning in 2006 to companies that sponsor
post-retirement health care plans that provide drug benefits.
Additional legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether
a company is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy
available and the procedures to be following in obtaining the
subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides
guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the
Medicare Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription
drug plans are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the
Company began reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on
July 1, 2004, without a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first annual period after June 15, 2005, with
early adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. The Company is required to
adopt SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate fair
market value model to be used for valuing share-based payments,
the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is currently
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123R will
have on the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company but does not expect it to have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets-An Amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21 (b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
F-87
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
On April 14, 2004, Homebase, through its wholly owned
subsidiary Texas Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock
of TXUCV from Pinnacle One Partners L.P. (Pinnacle
One). By acquiring all of the capital stock of TXUCV,
Homebase acquired substantially all of the telecommunications
assets of TXU Corp., including two rural local exchange carriers
(RLECs), that together serve markets in Conroe, Katy
and Lufkin, Texas, a directory publishing business, a transport
services business that provides connectivity within Texas and
minority interests in cellular partnerships.
In connection with the closing of the TXUCV acquisition, the
Company, through its wholly owned and related subsidiaries,
issued $200,000 in the aggregate principal amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, entered into a new $437,000 bank credit
facility, repaid its existing credit facility and entered into
certain related transactions. The indenture governing the notes
and the new credit facility contain covenants, events of default
and other provisions (see Note 14).
The Company accounted for the TXUCV acquisition using the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the financial
statements reflect the allocation of the total purchase price to
the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their
respective fair values. The purchase price, including
acquisition costs and net of $9,897 of cash acquired, was
allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
27,478 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
268,706 |
|
Customer list
|
|
|
108,200 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
43,291 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(152,377 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net purchase price
|
|
$ |
524,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate purchase price was derived from a competitive
bidding process and negotiations and was influenced by the
Companys assessment of the value of the overall TXUCV
business. The significant goodwill value reflects the
Companys view that the TXUCV business can generate strong
cash flow and sales and earnings following the acquisition. In
accordance with SFAS 142, the $228,792 in goodwill recorded
as part of the TXUCV acquisition will not be amortized and will
be tested for impairment at least annually. The customer list
will be amortized over its estimated useful life of thirteen
years. The goodwill and other intangibles associated with this
acquisition did not qualify under the Internal Revenue Code as
deductible for tax purposes.
The Companys consolidated financial statements include the
results of operations for the TXUCV acquisition since the
April 14, 2004, acquisition date. Unaudited pro forma
results of operations data for the years ended December 31,
2004 and 2003 as if the acquisition had occurred at the
beginning of each period presented are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Total revenues
|
|
$ |
186,930 |
|
|
$ |
194,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
$ |
26,680 |
|
|
$ |
8,453 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
(82 |
) |
|
$ |
(20,338 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-88
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
4. |
Prepaids and Other Current Assets |
Prepaids and other current assets consists of the following as
of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
$ |
2,121 |
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,202 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following as
of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Land and buildings
|
|
$ |
37,869 |
|
|
Network and outside plant facilities
|
|
|
415,166 |
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
41,429 |
|
|
Work in process
|
|
|
4,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
499,434 |
|
|
Less: accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(240,251 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net property, plant and equipment
|
|
$ |
259,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense totaled $26,239 for the period from
April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
Investments consist of the following as of December 31,
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash surrender value of life insurance policies
|
|
$ |
1,708 |
|
Cost method investments:
|
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership (2.34% owned)
|
|
|
21,450 |
|
|
CoBank, ACB stock
|
|
|
1,568 |
|
|
Rural Telephone Bank stock
|
|
|
5,921 |
|
Equity method investments
|
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership (17.02%
owned)
|
|
|
11,759 |
|
|
Fort Bend Fibernet Limited Partnership (39.06% owned)
|
|
|
148 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
42,554 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company obtained 2.34% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of South
Texas Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet South
Partnership) in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV
on April 14, 2004. The principal activity of the Mobilnet
South Partnership is providing cellular service in the Houston,
Galveston and Beaumont, Texas metropolitan areas. The Company
has very limited influence on the operating and financial
policies of this partnership and accounts for this investment on
the cost basis. The cost basis of $22,850 as of April 14,
2004 was determined with the help of an independent appraiser.
During the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004 the Company received $3,206 of cash
distributions from the Mobilnet South Partnership. These
distributions exceeded the Companys share of earnings in
the Mobilnet South Partnership by $1,400. Accordingly, $1,400
was applied as a reduction in the carrying amount of the
investment and $1,806 was recognized as dividend income in 2004.
F-89
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The CoBank investment represents purchases of CoBank stock as
required by the CoBank loan agreement and patronage
distributions from CoBank in the form of stock. CoBank operates
on a cooperative basis with a portion of the bank earnings
returned to the owners in the form of patronage refunds. For the
period from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004,
the Companys allocation of patronage capital from CoBank
was $380, of which $152 was in cash and $228 in patronage
capital certificates. The Company will be receiving annual
refunds of a portion of the stock only when their stock balances
reaches 10% of the five-year moving average of CoBank loan
balance. Cash dividends are recorded as reduction of interest
expense and the patronage distribution in form of stock are
recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of
operations.
The Rural Telephone Bank stock consists of 5,921 shares of
$1,000 par value Class C stock which is stated at original
cost plus a gain recognized at conversion of Class B to
Class C.
The Company received partnership distributions totaling $340 and
$78 from GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA # 17 Limited
Partnership and Fort Bend Fibernet Limited Partnership,
respectively, for the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004.
Summarized Financial Information for Significant
Investments
The Company obtained 17.02% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of Texas
RSA #17 Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet RSA
Partnership) in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV
on April 14, 2004. The principal activity of the Mobilnet
RSA Partnership is providing cellular service to a limited rural
area in Texas. The Company has some influence on the operating
and financial policies of this partnership and accounts for this
investment on the equity basis. Summarized 100 percent
financial information for the Mobilnet RSA Partnership was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
35,203 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
9,636 |
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
10,116 |
|
Net income or loss
|
|
|
10,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2004: |
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
6,443 |
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
22,494 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership equity
|
|
|
27,204 |
|
The Company has recorded its pro rata share of the equity
earnings from this investment since the date of the TXUCV
acquisition on April 14, 2004, through December 31,
2004.
East Texas Fiber Line, Inc. (ETFL) is a joint
venture owned 63% by the Company and 37% by Eastex Celco. ETFL
provides connectivity to certain customers within Texas over a
fiber optic transport network.
F-90
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
8. |
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets |
In accordance with SFAS 142, goodwill and tradenames are
not amortized but are subject to an annual impairment test, or
to more frequent testing if circumstances indicate that they may
be impaired. In 2004, the Company completed its annual
impairment test and determined there was no impairment.
The Companys customer lists consist of an established core
base of customers that subscribe to its services. The carrying
amount of customer lists as December 31, 2004 is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Gross carrying amount
|
|
$ |
108,200 |
|
Less: accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(5,936 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net carrying amount
|
|
$ |
102,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate amortization expense associated with customer
lists for the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004 was $5,936. Customer lists are being
amortized using a weighted average life of thirteen years. The
estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years
ended December 31 is $8,323 per year.
|
|
9. |
Affiliated Transactions |
The Company and certain of its subsidiaries have entered into a
professional services fee agreement, effective April 14,
2004, with its existing equity investors. The agreement requires
Texas Holdings to pay to Richard A. Lumpkin, Providence Equity
and Spectrum Equity an annual professional services fee in the
aggregate of $3,000, to be divided equally among them, for
consulting, advisory and other professional services provided to
Texas Holdings and its subsidiaries relating to the Texas
operations. The professional services fees are generally payable
in cash. The Company recognized fees of $2,135 for the period
from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004 in
connection with this agreement. These fees are included in
selling, general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
The components of the income tax provision charged to expense
for the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$ |
138 |
|
|
State
|
|
|
654 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
792 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
2,461 |
|
|
State
|
|
|
(134 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,327 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
$ |
3,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-91
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Following is a reconciliation between the statutory federal
income tax rate and the Companys overall effective tax
rate:
|
|
|
|
|
Statutory federal income tax rate
|
|
|
35.0% |
|
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
|
|
|
7.3% |
|
Other
|
|
|
1.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred taxes consist of the following components as of
December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reserve for uncollectible accounts
|
|
$ |
359 |
|
|
Accrued vacation pay deducted when paid
|
|
|
913 |
|
|
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue
|
|
|
408 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
15,851 |
|
|
Pension and postretirement obligations
|
|
|
18,704 |
|
|
Minimum tax credit carryforward
|
|
|
806 |
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
|
(17,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership investment
|
|
|
(6,898 |
) |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
(78,587 |
) |
|
Basis in investment
|
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(87,117 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net non-current deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(68,892 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net deferred income tax liabilities
|
|
$ |
(67,212 |
) |
|
|
|
|
In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets,
management considers whether it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be
realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during
the periods in which those temporary differences become
deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and
tax planning strategies in making this assessment. In order to
fully realize the gross deferred tax assets, the Company will
need, to generate future taxable income in increments sufficient
to recognize net operating loss carryforwards prior to
expiration as described below. Based upon the level of
historical taxable income and projections for future taxable
income over the periods that the deferred tax assets are
deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that
the Company will realize the benefits of these deductible
differences, net of the existing valuation allowance at
December 31, 2004. The amount of the deferred tax assets
considered realizable, however, could be reduced in the near
term if estimates of future taxable income during the
carryforward period are reduced. There is an annual limitation
on the use of the NOL carryforwards, however the
F-92
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
amount of projected future taxable income is expected to be
lower than the amount of the limitation calculated. Amounts and
expiration dates of carryforwards are as follows:
Texas Holdings and its subsidiaries, which file a consolidated
federal income tax return, estimates it has available NOL
carryforwards of approximately $26,400 for federal income tax
purposes and $108,200 for state income tax purposes to offset
against future taxable income. The federal NOL carryforwards
expire from 2020 to 2022 and state NOL carryforwards expire from
2005 to 2009.
East Texas Fiber line Incorporated, a nonconsolidated subsidiary
for federal income tax return purposes, estimates it bas
available NOL carryforwards of approximately $9,000 for federal
income tax purposes and $6,500 for state income tax purposes to
offset against future taxable income. The federal NOL
carryforwards expire from 2007 to 2024 and state NOL
carryforwards expire from 2005 to 2009.
The valuation allowance is primarily attributed to certain state
tax loss carryforwards for which no tax benefit is expected to
be utilized. If it becomes evident that sufficient taxable
income will be available in the jurisdictions where these
deferred tax assets exist, the Company would release the
valuation allowance accordingly. During 2004, the valuation
allowance decreased by $1,314 from the April 14, 2004 Texas
Acquisition opening balance sheet amount of $18,450 to $17,136
at December 31, 2004.
Accrued expenses consist of the following as of
December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Salaries and employee benefits
|
|
$ |
6,106 |
|
Taxes payable
|
|
|
6,356 |
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
4,546 |
|
Other accrued expenses
|
|
|
4,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its hourly employees and certain salaried
employees. The plans provide retirement benefits based on years
of service and earnings. The pension plans are generally
noncontributory. The Companys funding policy is to
contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding
requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
The Company used a December 31 measurement date for its
plans.
F-93
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables present the benefit obligation, plan assets
and funded status of the plans as of December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
TXUCV acquisition
|
|
|
60,984 |
|
|
|
26,629 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
1,987 |
|
|
|
803 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
2,668 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
Plan amendments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,652 |
) |
Plan curtailment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(772 |
) |
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(4,038 |
) |
|
|
(856 |
) |
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Actuarial (gain)/ loss
|
|
|
(479 |
) |
|
|
1,760 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation, end of period
|
|
$ |
60,712 |
|
|
$ |
26,039 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
$ |
53,062 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
TXUCV acquisition
|
|
|
40,633 |
|
|
|
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
2,002 |
|
|
|
|
|
Employer contributions
|
|
|
2,971 |
|
|
|
795 |
|
Plan participant contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61 |
|
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(410 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(4,038 |
) |
|
|
(856 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets, end of period
|
|
$ |
41,158 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
$ |
(19,554 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,039 |
) |
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss
|
|
|
25 |
|
|
|
(883 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit cost
|
|
$ |
(19,529 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,922 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts are presented the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Accrued benefit liability
|
|
$ |
(19,986 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,922 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
$ |
(19,529 |
) |
|
$ |
(26,922 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-94
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The Companys pension plan weighted average asset
allocations by investment category are as follows as of
December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
|
57.1% |
|
Debt securities
|
|
|
39.0% |
|
Other
|
|
|
3.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100.0% |
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys investment strategy is to maximize long-term
return on invested plan assets while minimizing risk of market
volatility. Accordingly, the Company targets it allocation
percentage at 50% to 60% in equity funds with the remainder in
fixed income funds and cash equivalents.
The Company expects to contribute $2,215 to its pension plans
and $983 to its other postretirement plans in 2005. The
Companys expected future benefit payments to be paid
during the years ended December 31 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
2005
|
|
$ |
2,215 |
|
|
$ |
983 |
|
2006
|
|
|
2,383 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
2007
|
|
|
2,619 |
|
|
|
1,111 |
|
2008
|
|
|
2,810 |
|
|
|
1,165 |
|
2009
|
|
|
3,009 |
|
|
|
1,276 |
|
2010 through 2014
|
|
|
20,067 |
|
|
|
7,640 |
|
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
1,987 |
|
|
$ |
803 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
2,668 |
|
|
|
1,066 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(2,507 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
(2 |
) |
|
|
(10 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
2,146 |
|
|
$ |
1,859 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The weighted average assumptions used in measuring the
Companys benefit obligations as of December 31, 2004
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Discount rate
|
|
|
6.0% |
|
|
|
6.0% |
|
Compensation rate increase
|
|
|
3.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
Initial healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.0% |
|
Ultimate healthcare cost trend rate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.0% |
|
Year ultimate trend rate is reached
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
F-95
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Weighted average actuarial assumptions used to determine the net
periodic benefit cost for the period from April 14, 2004
through December 31, 2004 are as follows: discount
rate 6.0%, expected long-term rate of return on plan
assets 8.5%, and rate of compensation
increases 3.5%.
In determining the discount rate, the Company considers the
current yields on high quality corporate fixed income
investments with maturities corresponding to the expected
duration of the benefit obligations. The expected return on plan
assets assumption was based upon the categories of the assets
and the past history of the return on the assets. The
Compensation rate increase is based upon past history and
long-term inflationary trends. A one percentage point change in
the assumed health care cost trend rate would have the following
effects on the Companys other postretirement benefits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1% Decrease | |
|
1% Increase | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Effect on 2004 service and interest costs
|
|
$ |
(408 |
) |
|
$ |
531 |
|
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligations as of
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
(3,113 |
) |
|
|
3,926 |
|
|
|
13. |
Employee 401k Benefit Plans and Deferred Compensation
Agreements |
401k Benefit Plans
The Company sponsors two 401(k) defined contribution retirement
savings plans. Virtually all employees are eligible to
participant in one of these plans. Each employee may elect to
defer a portion of his or her compensation, subject to certain
limitations. During the period from April 14, 2004 through
December 31, 2004, the Company matched 50% or 100% of
employee contributions up to a maximum of 3% depending upon the
particular plan. During the period from April 14, 2004
through December 31, 2004 total Company contributions to
the plans were $462.
Deferred Compensation Agreements
The Company has deferred compensation agreements with the former
board of directors of TXUCVs predecessor company,
Lufkin-Conroe Communications, and certain former employees. The
benefits are payable for up to 15 years and may begin as
early as age 65 or upon the death of the participant.
Deferred compensation expense was $208 for the period from
April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004. Payments
related to deferred compensation agreements were $336 for the
period from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
The remaining obligation totaled $2,710 as of December 31,
2004 and is included in pension and postretirement benefit
obligations in the accompanying balance sheet.
The Company maintains life insurance policies on certain of the
participating former directors and employees. The excess of the
cash surrender value of life insurance policies over the notes
payable balances related to these policies totaled $1,708 as of
December 31, 2004 and is included in other assets in the
accompanying balance sheet. These plans do not qualify under the
Internal Revenue Code and therefore, federal income tax
deductions are allowed only when benefits are paid.
F-96
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Long-term debt consists of the following as of December 31,
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
68,065 |
|
|
Term loan B
|
|
|
|
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
193,700 |
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
1,188 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
387,953 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(25,034 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
362,919 |
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility
The Company, through its wholly-owned and related subsidiaries,
maintains credit agreement with various financial institutions,
which provides for aggregate borrowings of up to $466,000
consisting of a $122,000 term loan A facility, a $314,000
term loan C facility and a $30,000 revolving credit
facility which is available in whole or in part to both
CCI Illinois and CCI Texas. Borrowings under the
credit facility are secured by substantially all of the assets
of CCI and Texas Acquisition, other than ICTC. ICTCs
guarantee (and the corresponding security interest in
ICTCs assets) of up to $195,000 of total borrowing under
the credit facility is contingent upon obtaining the consent of
the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
The term loans are due in quarterly installments, which increase
annually, with all borrowings under term loan A and term
loan C due April 14, 2010 and October 14, 2011,
respectively. The revolving credit facility matures on
April 14, 2010. Within 90 days after the end of the
Companys fiscal year, commencing on December 31,
2004, the Company shall be obligated to repay the loans in an
amount equal to 50% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal
year, provided that certain leverage ratios are maintained at
the end of the fiscal year. As of December 31, 2004, the
Company estimated that the excess cash flow repayment would be
approximately $13,788. In addition, subject to certain
exceptions, the Company is required to prepay the outstanding
term loans with 100% of the net proceeds of all non-ordinary
course of business asset sales and any insurance or condemnation
proceeds not reinvested within a required time period, 100% of
the net proceeds of certain occurrences of indebtedness and 50%
of the net proceeds from certain issuances of equity.
At the Companys election, borrowings bear interest at
fluctuating interest rates based on: (a) a base rate (the
highest of the administrative agents base rate in effect
on such day, 0.5% per annum above the latest three week
moving average of secondary market morning offering rates in the
United States for three month certificates of deposit or 0.5%
above the Federal Funds rate); or (b) the London Interbank
Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus, in either case, an applicable
margin within the relevant range of margins (0.75% to 2.50%)
provided for in the credit agreement. The applicable margin is
based upon the Companys total leverage ratio. As of
December 31, 2004, the margins for interest rates on LIBOR
based loans was 2.25% on the term loan A facility and 2.50%
under the term loan C facility. At December 31, 2004,
the weighted average rate, including swaps, of interest on the
Companys term debt facilities was 5.17% per annum.
Interest is payable at least quarterly.
F-97
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants,
which include, among other items, restrictions on the ability to
pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital
stock, as well as, limitations on future capital expenditures.
The Company has also agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage, fixed charge coverage and
leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement.
Senior Notes
On April 14, 2004, the Company, through its wholly owned
and related subsidiaries, issued $200,000 of
93/4% Senior
Notes due on April 1, 2012. The senior notes pay interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The senior notes
may be redeemed on or prior to October 6, 2005 using all or
a portion of the proceeds of a qualified income depository
security offering. The redemption price plus accrued interest
will be, as a percentage of the principal amount, 107.313%
through April 10, 2004, and 109.75% between April 1,
2005 and October 6, 2005.
Up to 35% of the senior notes may be redeemed using the proceeds
of certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
April 1, 2007. Some or all of the senior notes may be
redeemed on or after April 1, 2008. The redemption price
plus accrued interest will be, as a percentage of the principal
amount, 104.875% in 2008, 102.438% in 2009 and 100% in 2010 and
thereafter. In addition, holders may require the repurchase of
the notes upon a change in control, as such term is defined in
the indenture governing the senior notes. The indenture contains
certain provisions and covenants, which include, among other
items, restrictions on the ability to issue certain types of
stock, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments,
pay dividends and enter other lines of business.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of December 31, 2004
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Calendar year 2005
|
|
$ |
25,034 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
13,579 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
13,851 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
15,966 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
19,802 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
299,721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
387,953 |
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative Instruments
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At December 31, 2004,
the Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $133,692
in aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of $499 at December 31, 2004. The $499 is
included in other current assets at December 31, 2004. The
Company recognized a net loss of $144 in interest expense during
the period from April 14, 2004 through December 31,
2004 related to its derivative instruments. The after tax change
in the market value of derivative instruments is recorded in
other comprehensive income. The Company recognized comprehensive
income of $299 during the period from April 14, 2004
through December 31, 2004.
F-98
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
15. |
Commitments and Contingencies |
Legal proceedings
From time to time the Company is involved in litigation and
regulatory proceedings arising out of its operations. The
Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings, the
adverse outcome of which, individually or in aggregate,
management believes would have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial position or results of operations.
Operating leases
The Company has entered into several operating lease agreements
covering buildings and office space and office equipment. The
terms of these agreements generally range from three to five
years. Rent expense totaled $1,912 during the period from
April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
Future minimum lease payments under existing agreements for each
of the next five years ending December 31 and thereafter
are as follows: 2005 $2,269, 2006
$1,584, 2007 $1,255, 2008 $1,090,
2009 $1,057, thereafter $1,729.
F-99
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
Dallas, Texas
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-100
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholder of
TXU Communications Ventures Company
Irving, TX
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
TXU Communications Ventures Company and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of April 13, 2004,
December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated
statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss),
shareholders equity, and cash flows for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated 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, such consolidated financial statements present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company at April 13, 2004, December 31, 2003 and 2002,
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America.
As discussed in Note N to the consolidated financial
statements, effective January 1, 2002, the Company changed
its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible
assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
Dallas, Texas
October 15, 2004
F-101
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
ASSETS |
CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
$ |
9,897 |
|
|
$ |
11,464 |
|
|
$ |
12,427 |
|
|
Accounts Receivable net of allowance of $1,316 in
2004, $1,501 in 2003 and $5,021 in 2002
|
|
|
17,555 |
|
|
|
15,778 |
|
|
|
18,825 |
|
|
Short-Term Investments
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
Prepaid Federal Income Taxes
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,615 |
|
|
Materials and Supplies
|
|
|
1,003 |
|
|
|
1,102 |
|
|
|
2,379 |
|
|
Deferred Income Taxes
|
|
|
3,974 |
|
|
|
2,527 |
|
|
|
34,145 |
|
|
Assets Held for Sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,030 |
|
|
Other Current Assets
|
|
|
4,467 |
|
|
|
3,519 |
|
|
|
3,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
37,058 |
|
|
|
34,515 |
|
|
|
86,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NONCURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
36,862 |
|
|
|
36,118 |
|
|
|
35,260 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
304,336 |
|
|
|
304,336 |
|
|
|
317,536 |
|
|
Prepaid Pension Cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
997 |
|
|
|
3,669 |
|
|
Deferred Income Taxes
|
|
|
16,033 |
|
|
|
39,525 |
|
|
|
15,709 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
831 |
|
|
|
961 |
|
|
|
771 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL NONCURRENT ASSETS
|
|
|
358,062 |
|
|
|
381,937 |
|
|
|
372,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plant in Service
|
|
|
341,238 |
|
|
|
333,607 |
|
|
|
326,243 |
|
|
Plant Under Construction
|
|
|
7,147 |
|
|
|
8,595 |
|
|
|
5,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
|
|
|
348,385 |
|
|
|
342,202 |
|
|
|
331,492 |
|
|
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
|
118,343 |
|
|
|
110,795 |
|
|
|
90,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT-NET
|
|
|
230,042 |
|
|
|
231,407 |
|
|
|
240,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$ |
625,162 |
|
|
$ |
647,859 |
|
|
$ |
700,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Payable
|
|
$ |
7,712 |
|
|
$ |
9,223 |
|
|
$ |
14,043 |
|
|
Accounts Payable-Affiliates
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
2,314 |
|
|
|
352 |
|
|
Advance Billing and Payments
|
|
|
4,163 |
|
|
|
2,954 |
|
|
|
3,438 |
|
|
Customer Deposits
|
|
|
752 |
|
|
|
739 |
|
|
|
788 |
|
|
Current Maturities of Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
2,847 |
|
|
|
98,247 |
|
|
|
2,999 |
|
|
Accrued Expenses
|
|
|
12,105 |
|
|
|
18,518 |
|
|
|
18,234 |
|
|
Liabilities Related to Assets Held for Sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,661 |
|
|
Other Current Liabilities
|
|
|
3,485 |
|
|
|
4,594 |
|
|
|
4,078 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
|
|
|
31,099 |
|
|
|
136,589 |
|
|
|
46,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LONG-TERM DEBT, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,136 |
|
|
|
163,203 |
|
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued Postretirement and Pension Benefits
|
|
|
31,173 |
|
|
|
27,669 |
|
|
|
28,072 |
|
|
Deferred Income Taxes
|
|
|
33,513 |
|
|
|
54,486 |
|
|
|
39,458 |
|
|
Other Deferred Credits and Liabilities
|
|
|
5,868 |
|
|
|
5,856 |
|
|
|
5,145 |
|
|
Regulatory Liabilities
|
|
|
8,283 |
|
|
|
8,405 |
|
|
|
8,807 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS
|
|
|
78,837 |
|
|
|
96,416 |
|
|
|
81,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES
|
|
|
109,936 |
|
|
|
235,141 |
|
|
|
291,278 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MINORITY INTEREST
|
|
|
1,964 |
|
|
|
1,858 |
|
|
|
1,224 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock-No par value, 1,000 shares authorized,
1,000 shares issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid-In Capital
|
|
|
636,868 |
|
|
|
534,749 |
|
|
|
530,459 |
|
|
Accumulated Deficit
|
|
|
(117,463 |
) |
|
|
(119,246 |
) |
|
|
(116,905 |
) |
|
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
|
|
|
(6,143 |
) |
|
|
(4,643 |
) |
|
|
(5,959 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
513,262 |
|
|
|
410,860 |
|
|
|
407,595 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
$ |
625,162 |
|
|
$ |
647,859 |
|
|
$ |
700,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-102
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE
INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
January 1, 2004 | |
|
| |
|
|
to April 13, 2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
OPERATING REVENUES
|
|
$ |
53,855 |
|
|
$ |
194,818 |
|
|
$ |
214,709 |
|
|
$ |
207,451 |
|
OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Network Operating Costs (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
15,296 |
|
|
|
58,415 |
|
|
|
76,891 |
|
|
|
95,663 |
|
|
Selling, General and Administrative
|
|
|
24,138 |
|
|
|
75,365 |
|
|
|
109,401 |
|
|
|
88,671 |
|
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
8,124 |
|
|
|
32,875 |
|
|
|
40,990 |
|
|
|
50,177 |
|
|
Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other Charges
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
101,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill Impairment Charges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,200 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
|
|
|
47,546 |
|
|
|
180,103 |
|
|
|
346,672 |
|
|
|
234,511 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
6,309 |
|
|
|
14,715 |
|
|
|
(131,963 |
) |
|
|
(27,060 |
) |
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-payment Penalty on Extinguishment of Debt
|
|
|
(1,914 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
(1,275 |
) |
|
|
(5,422 |
) |
|
|
(7,669 |
) |
|
|
(11,625 |
) |
|
(Loss)/ Gain on Sale of Property and Investments
|
|
|
(19 |
) |
|
|
(101 |
) |
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
6,158 |
|
|
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
179 |
|
|
|
572 |
|
|
Partnership Income
|
|
|
1,174 |
|
|
|
2,693 |
|
|
|
2,332 |
|
|
|
3,151 |
|
|
Minority Interest
|
|
|
(106 |
) |
|
|
(872 |
) |
|
|
8,048 |
|
|
|
507 |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
(980 |
) |
|
|
489 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL (EXPENSE) OTHER INCOME
|
|
|
(2,053 |
) |
|
|
(4,601 |
) |
|
|
3,937 |
|
|
|
(1,136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
|
|
|
4,256 |
|
|
|
10,114 |
|
|
|
(128,026 |
) |
|
|
(28,196 |
) |
|
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
|
|
|
2,473 |
|
|
|
12,455 |
|
|
|
(38,261 |
) |
|
|
(6,304 |
) |
NET INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
1,783 |
|
|
|
(2,341 |
) |
|
|
(89,765 |
) |
|
|
(21,892 |
) |
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, Net of Tax
|
|
|
(1,494 |
) |
|
|
1,316 |
|
|
|
(6,028 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Unrealized (Loss) Gain on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
|
$ |
283 |
|
|
$ |
(1,025 |
) |
|
$ |
(95,929 |
) |
|
$ |
(21,723 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-103
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
Common Stock | |
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
| |
|
Paid In | |
|
Accumulated | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Capital | |
|
Deficit | |
|
Loss | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Balance, January 1, 2001
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
495,701 |
|
|
$ |
(5,248 |
) |
|
$ |
36 |
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,892 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,784 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized Gain on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2001
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
523,485 |
|
|
|
(27,140 |
) |
|
|
205 |
|
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(89,765 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,974 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,028 |
) |
|
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(136 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2002
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
530,459 |
|
|
|
(116,905 |
) |
|
|
(5,959 |
) |
|
Net Loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,341 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,290 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,316 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2003
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
534,749 |
|
|
|
(119,246 |
) |
|
|
(4,643 |
) |
|
Net Income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,783 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
102,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minimum Pension Liability Adjustment, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,494 |
) |
|
Unrealized Loss on Marketable Securities, Net of Tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, April 13, 2004
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
636,868 |
|
|
$ |
(117,463 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,143 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-104
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
January 1, 2004 | |
|
| |
|
|
to April 13, 2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$ |
1,783 |
|
|
$ |
(2,341 |
) |
|
$ |
(89,765 |
) |
|
$ |
(21,892 |
) |
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provided by Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-payment Penalty on Extinguishment of Debt
|
|
|
1,914 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Income Tax
|
|
|
950 |
|
|
|
22,428 |
|
|
|
(38,908 |
) |
|
|
(9,368 |
) |
|
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
8,124 |
|
|
|
32,875 |
|
|
|
40,990 |
|
|
|
50,177 |
|
|
Provision for Postretirement Benefits
|
|
|
3,007 |
|
|
|
3,583 |
|
|
|
9,160 |
|
|
|
838 |
|
|
Loss/(Gain) on Disposition of Property and Investments
|
|
|
19 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
(558 |
) |
|
|
(6,158 |
) |
|
Restructuring, Asset Impairment and Other Charges
|
|
|
(12 |
) |
|
|
248 |
|
|
|
101,390 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill Impairment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,200 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership Income
|
|
|
(1,174 |
) |
|
|
(2,693 |
) |
|
|
(2,332 |
) |
|
|
(3,151 |
) |
|
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
|
|
|
(31 |
) |
|
|
(81 |
) |
|
|
(179 |
) |
|
|
(572 |
) |
|
Minority Interest
|
|
|
106 |
|
|
|
872 |
|
|
|
(8,048 |
) |
|
|
(507 |
) |
|
Provision for Bad Debt Losses
|
|
|
542 |
|
|
|
(804 |
) |
|
|
10,200 |
|
|
|
3,981 |
|
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Receivable
|
|
|
(2,319 |
) |
|
|
3,851 |
|
|
|
1,349 |
|
|
|
(7,287 |
) |
|
Materials and Supplies
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
2,520 |
|
|
|
3,048 |
|
|
Prepaid Federal Income Tax
|
|
|
(45 |
) |
|
|
6,615 |
|
|
|
(4,664 |
) |
|
|
12,299 |
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
(1,164 |
) |
|
|
105 |
|
|
|
(2,075 |
) |
|
|
2,688 |
|
|
Accounts Payable
|
|
|
(1,051 |
) |
|
|
(2,858 |
) |
|
|
(15,003 |
) |
|
|
(14,520 |
) |
|
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
|
|
|
(5,429 |
) |
|
|
(1,323 |
) |
|
|
12,637 |
|
|
|
(2,772 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities
|
|
|
5,319 |
|
|
|
75,055 |
|
|
|
34,714 |
|
|
|
6,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Expenditures
|
|
|
(6,735 |
) |
|
|
(18,189 |
) |
|
|
(27,374 |
) |
|
|
(66,976 |
) |
|
Business Assets Purchased
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,467 |
) |
|
Proceeds From Sale-Leaseback Transactions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds From Investments
|
|
|
432 |
|
|
|
1,837 |
|
|
|
998 |
|
|
|
188 |
|
|
Proceeds From Sale of Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,101 |
|
|
|
290 |
|
|
|
9,309 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
|
|
|
(6,303 |
) |
|
|
(14,251 |
) |
|
|
(21,272 |
) |
|
|
(59,946 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Paid-In Capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,479 |
|
|
Proceeds From TXU Investment Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,290 |
|
|
|
6,974 |
|
|
|
27,784 |
|
|
Proceeds From Long-Term Obligations
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
5,895 |
|
|
|
23,319 |
|
|
|
40,620 |
|
|
Minority Interest Equity Distribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(238 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-payment Penalty on Extinguishment of Debt
|
|
|
(1,914 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Made on Long-Term Obligations
|
|
|
(16,669 |
) |
|
|
(71,714 |
) |
|
|
(34,724 |
) |
|
|
(24,619 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities
|
|
|
(583 |
) |
|
|
(61,767 |
) |
|
|
(4,431 |
) |
|
|
46,264 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
|
|
|
(1,567 |
) |
|
|
(963 |
) |
|
|
9,011 |
|
|
|
(6,878 |
) |
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING
|
|
|
11,464 |
|
|
|
12,427 |
|
|
|
3,416 |
|
|
|
10,294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ENDING
|
|
$ |
9,897 |
|
|
$ |
11,464 |
|
|
$ |
12,427 |
|
|
$ |
3,416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt for Equity Swap with TXU Investment Co.
|
|
$ |
102,119 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Interest Paid
|
|
$ |
1,045 |
|
|
$ |
6,045 |
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
|
|
$ |
11,820 |
|
|
Taxes Paid (Refunds) Received
|
|
$ |
73 |
|
|
$ |
(16,329 |
) |
|
$ |
(153 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,333 |
) |
|
Capital Leases
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,761 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-105
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE A SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
TXU Communications Ventures Company (TXUCV) is a
direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Pinnacle One Partners, L.P.
(Pinnacle One). TXU Corp. owns a 100% voting
interest in Pinnacle One. In May 2003, TXU Corp. acquired, for
$150 million in cash, its joint venture partners
interest in Pinnacle One under a put/call agreement that was
executed in February, 2003. Also in May 2003, TXU Corp.
finalized a formal plan to dispose of TXUCV by sale. On
January 15, 2004, Consolidated Communications Acquisition
Texas Corp. (Texas Acquisition), a subsidiary of
Homebase Acquisition, LLC, and Pinnacle One, an indirect, wholly
owned subsidiary of TXU Corp., entered into a stock purchase
agreement providing for the purchase by Texas Acquisition of all
of the capital stock of TXUCV. Texas Acquisition is a Delaware
corporation formed solely for the purpose of entering into the
stock purchase agreement and closing the transactions
contemplated in the agreement. The purchase transaction closed
on April 14, 2004. By acquiring all the capital stock of
TXUCV, Texas Acquisition acquired substantially all of TXU
Corps telecommunications business, for a cash price of
$527 million, subject to certain upward or downward
adjustments (see Note O Sale of TXUCV).
Principles of Consolidation The
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of TXUCV
and its wholly owned subsidiaries, TXU Communications Services
Company (TXU Services), TXU Communications Telephone
Company (TXUCV Telephone), TXU Communications
Telecom Services Company (TXUCV Telecom), TXU
Communications Transport Company (Transport
Services), Fort Bend Telephone Company
(Fort Bend Telephone), Fort Bend Long
Distance Company (Fort Bend LD), Fort Bend
Wireless Company (Fort Bend Wireless), Telcon,
Inc. (Telcon) and FBCIP, Inc. (FBCIP).
Transport Services include East Texas Fiber Line, Inc.
(ETFL), a 63%-owned affiliate. Fort Bend
Telephone includes Fort Bend Cellular, Inc.
(Fort Bend Cellular), a wholly owned
subsidiary. All material intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
Description of Business TXUCV is the
parent company to TXU Services, TXUCV Telephone (now known as
Consolidated Communications of Texas Company), TXUCV Telecom,
Transport Services, Fort Bend Telephone (now known as
Consolidated Communications of Fort Bend Company),
Fort Bend LD, Fort Bend Wireless, Telcon and FBCIP.
TXUCV is a rural local exchange company that provides
communications services to residential and business customers in
east Texas and rural and suburban areas surrounding Houston. As
of April 13, 2004, TXUCV was the 18th largest local
telephone company in the United States, based on industry
sources, with approximately 171,000 local access lines and
11,000 digital subscriber lines, or DSL lines, in service.
TXUCVs main sources of revenue are its local telephone
businesses in Texas, which offer an array of services, including
local dial tone, custom calling features, private line services,
long distance, dial-up and high-speed Internet access and
carrier access services, including access charges for the use of
its network and its billing and collection system.
Each of the subsidiaries through which TXUCV operates its local
telephone businesses is classified as a Rural Local Exchange
Carrier, commonly referred to as an RLEC, under the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. These subsidiaries are
Fort Bend Telephone and TXUCV Telephone. For ease of
reference, we refer to these subsidiaries as the Texas RLECs.
TXUCV also sells directory advertising and publishes yellow and
white pages directories in and around our Texas RLECs
service areas and provides connectivity to customers within
Texas over a fiber optic transport network consisting of
approximately 2,500 route-miles of fiber. This transport network
supports TXUCVs long distance, Internet access and data
services and provides bandwidth on a wholesale basis to third
party customers, including national long distance and wireless
carriers. The transport network includes fiber owned by
Transport Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of TXUCV, ETFL, a
corporation in
F-106
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
which TXUCV owns a 63% equity interest, and Fort Bend
Fibernet, a partnership in which Transport Services is the
managing partner and owns a 39% equity interest.
In addition, TXUCV holds equity interests in the following two
cellular partnerships:
|
|
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas, which serves the greater Houston
metropolitan area. TXUCV owns 2% of the equity of this
partnership. |
|
|
|
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17, which serves rural areas in
and around Conroe, Texas. TXUCV owns 17% of the equity of this
partnership. |
San Antonio MTA, L.P., a wholly owned partnership of Cellco
Partnership (doing business as Verizon Wireless), is the general
partner for both partnerships.
Telcon and TXU Services provide information management, human
resources, accounting, executive and other administrative
services to TXUCV affiliate companies.
Fort Bend Cellular, Fort Bend Wireless, and FBCIP had
no significant activity during the period from January 1,
2004 to April 13, 2004 and the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.
Use of Estimates The preparation of
the TXUCV consolidated financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP) requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts disclosed in
the consolidated financial statements. Due to the prospective
nature of estimates, actual results could differ.
Accounting and Regulatory Guidelines
TXUCV Telephone and Fort Bend Telephone follow the
accounting for regulated enterprises prescribed by
SFAS No. 71, Accounting for the Effects of Certain
Types of Regulation, which permits rates (or tariffs) to be set
to levels intended to recover estimated costs of providing
regulated services or products, including capital costs.
SFAS 71 requires our Texas RLECs to depreciate wireline
plant over the useful lives approved by the regulators, which
could be different than the useful lives that would otherwise be
determined by management. SFAS 71 also requires deferral of
certain costs and obligations based upon approvals received from
regulators to permit recovery of such amounts in future years.
Criteria that would give rise to the discontinuance of
SFAS 71 include (1) increasing competition restricting
the wireline business ability to establish prices to
recover specific costs and (2) significant changes in the
manner in which rates are set by regulators from cost-based
regulation to another form of regulation. Management believes
the company is consistent in the application of these provisions
and does not foresee regulatory, economic, or competitive
changes in the near future that would necessitate a change in
its method of accounting. In analyzing the effects of
discontinuing the application of SFAS 71, management has
determined that the useful lives of plant assets used for
regulatory and financial reporting purposes are consistent with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
and, therefore, any adjustments to telecommunications plant
would be immaterial, as would be the write-off of regulatory
assets and liabilities.
There are two different forms of incentive regulation designated
by the Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act: Chapter 58 and
Chapter 59. Generally under either election, the access
rates an ILEC may charge for basic local services cannot be
increased from the amounts on the date of election without PUCT
approval. Even with PUCT approval, increases can only occur in
very specific situations. Pricing flexibility under
Chapter 59 is extremely limited. In contrast,
Chapter 58 allows greater pricing flexibility on non-basic
network services, customer specific contracts and new services.
Initially, both Texas RLECs elected incentive regulation under
Chapter 59 and fulfilled the applicable infrastructure
requirements to maintain their election status. TXUCV Telephone
made its election on August 17, 1997. Fort Bend
Telephone made its election on May 12, 2000. On
March 25, 2003, both
F-107
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Texas RLECs changed their election status from Chapter 59
to Chapter 58. The rate freezes for basic services with
respect to the current Chapter 58 elections are due to
expire on March 24, 2007.
In connection with the 2003 election by each of our Texas RLECs
to be governed under an incentive network access rate regime,
our Texas RLECs were obligated to fulfill certain infrastructure
requirements. While our Texas RLECs have met the current
infrastructure requirements, the PUCT could impose additional or
other restrictions of this type in the future.
The FCC regulates levels of interstate network access charges by
imposing price caps on Regional Bell Operating Companies and
large Incumbent Local Exchange Companies (ILECs).
These price caps can be adjusted based on various formulae, such
as inflation and productivity, and otherwise through regulatory
proceedings. Small ILECs may elect to base network access
charges on price caps, but are not required to do so. Our Texas
RLECs elected not to apply federal price caps. Instead, our
RLECs employ rate-of-return regulation for their network
interstate access charges, whereby they earn a fixed return on
their investment over and above operating costs. The FCC
determines the profits our RLECs can earn by setting the
rate-of-return on their allowable investment base, which is
currently 11.25%.
Our Texas RLECs also receive federal and state subsidy payments
designed to preserve and advance widely available, quality
telephone service at affordable prices in rural areas
Property, Plant, Equipment and
Depreciation Property, plant and equipment
are stated at historical cost. Allowance for funds used during
construction (AFUDC) is a cost accounting concept
whereby amounts based upon interest charges on borrowed funds
and a return on equity capital used to finance construction are
added to telecommunications plant cost. Depreciation is
generally computed on the straight-line method.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash
equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and which are so near
maturity, generally 30 days, that there is no significant
risk of changes in value resulting from changes in market
interest rates.
Investments Investments in equity
securities that have readily determinable fair values are
categorized as available-for-sale securities and are carried at
fair value. The unrealized gains or losses on securities
classified as available-for-sale are included as a separate
component of shareholders equity. TXUCV uses the equity
method of accounting for investments where the ability to
exercise significant influence over such entities exists.
Goodwill Amounts paid for assets of
other companies in excess of fair value are charged to goodwill.
Prior to January 1, 2002, goodwill was amortized over its
useful life, normally 15 to 40 years. In June 2001, the
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142
(SFAS No. 142), Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, which is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 2001. SFAS No. 142
addresses how intangible assets that are acquired individually
or with a group of other assets should be accounted for in the
financial statements upon their acquisition and after they have
been initially recognized in the financial statements.
SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and intangible
assets that have indefinite useful lives not be amortized but
rather be tested at least annually for impairment, and
intangible assets that have finite useful lives be amortized
over their useful lives. SFAS No. 142 provides
specific guidance for testing goodwill and intangible assets
that will not be amortized for impairment. In addition,
SFAS No. 142 expands the disclosure requirements about
goodwill and other intangible assets in the years subsequent to
their acquisition. TXUCV adopted this standard as of
January 1, 2002 and recognized no impairment as of the
adoption date. TXUCV conducted impairment tests on
October 1, 2003 and October 1, 2002 and, as a result
of TXU Corp.s decision in 2003 to sell TXUCV for a known
price and TXUCVs decision to exit the CLEC and Transport
businesses, recognized on its consolidated financial statements,
impairment losses of $13.2 million and $18 million,
respectively for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002
(see
F-108
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Note N Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets).
No impairment tests were required for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004, and consequently no
impairment charges were recorded.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived
Assets In August 2001, the FASB issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144
(SFAS No. 144), Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
SFAS No. 144 addresses financial accounting and
reporting for the impairment of long-lived assets and for
long-lived assets to be disposed of. The provisions of
SFAS No. 144 are generally effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2001. TXUCV adopted this standard as of
January 1, 2002 and recognized no impairment as of the
adoption date. TXUCV conducted an impairment test on
October 1, 2002, as a result of TXUCVs decision to
exit certain businesses, and recognized on its consolidated
financial statements, an impairment loss of $99.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2002 (see
Note M Restructuring and Impairment Charges).
Impairment tests are conducted whenever events or changes in
circumstances pertaining to TXUCV or its assets indicate that
the carrying amount of TXUCVs long-lived assets is not
recoverable. No test was required during 2003 and for the period
ended April 13, 2004.
Materials and Supplies Inventories of
materials and supplies are valued at the lower of cost or
market. Cost is determined by a moving weighted average method.
Indefeasible Rights of Use
(IRU) TXUCV entered into several
agreements that entitle it to a long-term lease, or an IRU, of
local and long-haul dark fiber of another company. Generally,
each agreement required TXUCV to pay an aggregate price
consisting of an initial payment, followed by installments
during the construction period based upon achieving certain
milestones (e.g., commencement of construction, conduit
installation and fiber installation). The final payment for each
segment was made at the time of acceptance of the fiber for use
by TXUCV.
Additionally, TXUCV entered into several agreements that entitle
another party to a long-term lease, or an IRU, of certain local
and long-haul dark fiber of TXUCV. In some cases, the agreement
was classified as a service agreement, in which case revenue is
recognized ratably over the life of the lease. In other cases an
exchange of similar fiber was deemed to have occurred with
another transport provider with similar fiber. In this case, no
gain or loss was recognized on the exchange.
Pension and Postretirement Benefits
Pension benefits are provided for substantially all employees of
TXUCV. TXUCV generally funds the pension plan to the extent that
contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes.
TXUCV also has deferred compensation agreements with the former
board of directors and certain key employees. Postretirement
benefits expense is accrued on a current basis using actuarially
determined cost estimates. In addition, employees may become
eligible for certain health care and life insurance benefits
after retirement.
Federal Income Taxes and Deferred
Credits TXUCV and its subsidiaries file a
consolidated federal income tax return. ETFL files a separate
federal income tax return. Federal income tax expense or benefit
is allocated to each subsidiary based on separately determined
taxable income or loss.
Income taxes are provided based on taxable income or loss as
reported for financial statement purposes. The provision for
income taxes differs from the amounts currently payable because
of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income
and expense items for financial reporting and tax reporting
purposes. Investment tax credits (ITC) used to
offset income tax for tax reporting purposes are deferred and
amortized over the lives of the related assets for financial
reporting.
Deferred federal income taxes are provided for the temporary
differences between assets and liabilities recognized for
financial reporting purposes and such amounts recognized for tax
purposes. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. TXUCV records a
F-109
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
valuation allowance related to its deferred income tax assets
when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not
that deferred tax assets would not be realized.
TXUCV has recorded a regulatory liability to recognize the
cumulative effects of anticipated ratemaking activities. For
financial statement purposes, deferred ITC and excess deferred
federal income taxes related to depreciation of regulated assets
are being amortized as a reduction of the provision for income
taxes over the estimated useful or remaining lives of the
related property, plant and equipment.
ETFL had no current or deferred federal income taxes at
April 13, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and 2002.
Revenue Recognition Revenues are
generally recognized and earned when evidence of an arrangement
exists, service has been rendered and collectibility is
reasonably assured. Local telephone service revenue is recorded
based on tariffed rates. Telephone network access and long
distance service revenues are derived from access and toll
charges and settlement arrangements. Revenues on billings to
customers for services in advance of providing such services are
deferred and recognized when earned. Print advertising and
publishing revenues are recognized ratably over the life of the
related directory, which is generally 12 months.
Operating Segments
SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information, requires that public
business enterprises report certain information about operating
segments in complete sets of financial statements of the
enterprise. SFAS No. 131 defines an operating segment
as a component of the organization (1) that engages in
business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur
expenses (2) whose operating results are regularly reviewed
by the enterprises chief operating decision maker to make
decisions about performance and resource allocation; and
(3) for which discrete financial information is available.
Notwithstanding this definition, SFAS No. 131 provides
the criteria for aggregating segments with similar economic
characteristics such as the nature of product and services, the
nature of production processes, the type or class of customers,
the distribution method for products or services, and the nature
of regulatory environment. TXUCV identified two operating
segments ILEC and Transport Operations; however,
Transport does not meet the quantitative threshold for
separately reportable business segments.
Guarantees In November 2002, the FASB
issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors
Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.
Interpretation No. 45 requires that at the time a company
issues a guarantee, the company must recognize an initial
liability for the fair value, or market value, of the
obligations it assumes under that guarantee. This interpretation
is applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or
modified after December 31, 2002. While TXUCV has various
guarantees included in contracts in the normal course of
business, primarily in the form of indemnities, these guarantees
do not represent significant commitments or contingent
liabilities related to the indebtedness of others.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements In
January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46
(FIN No. 46) Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. Until this interpretation, a
company generally included another entity in its consolidated
financial statements only if it controlled the entity through
voting interests. FIN No. 46 requires a variable
interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company
is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable
interest entitys activities or entitled to receive a
majority of the entitys residual returns. In December
2003, the FASB revised and re-released FIN No. 46 as
FIN No. 46®. The provisions of
FIN No. 46® were effective for TXUCV beginning in
the first quarter of 2004 and the related disclosure
requirements were previously effective immediately. The impact
of this interpretation did not have a material effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of TXUCV.
F-110
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(Act) that will provide a prescription drug subsidy,
beginning in 2006, to companies that sponsor postretirement
health care plans that provide drug benefits. Additional
legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether a company
is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy available
and the procedures to be followed in obtaining the subsidy. In
May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2 Accounting
and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription
Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 that
provides guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the
effects of the Act. The Company has determined that its
postretirement prescription drug plan is actuarially equivalent
and will begin reflecting the impact on July 1, 2004.
NOTE B PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are summarized as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
Estimated | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
Useful Life | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Land
|
|
$ |
4,228 |
|
|
$ |
4,280 |
|
|
$ |
4,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
|
25,209 |
|
|
|
24,922 |
|
|
|
24,938 |
|
|
|
15-35 years |
|
Telephone Plant
|
|
|
264,352 |
|
|
|
258,000 |
|
|
|
242,934 |
|
|
|
5-30 years |
|
Furniture and Office Equipment
|
|
|
41,455 |
|
|
|
40,327 |
|
|
|
45,420 |
|
|
|
5-17 years |
|
Automotive and Other Equipment
|
|
|
5,994 |
|
|
|
6,078 |
|
|
|
8,518 |
|
|
|
3-7 years |
|
Construction in Progress
|
|
|
7,147 |
|
|
|
8,595 |
|
|
|
5,249 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
348,385 |
|
|
|
342,202 |
|
|
|
331,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
|
118,343 |
|
|
|
110,795 |
|
|
|
90,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
230,042 |
|
|
$ |
231,407 |
|
|
$ |
240,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was $8.1 million, $32.8 million,
$40.8 million and $36.5 million for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and for the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.
NOTE C LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
TXU Corp. Revolving Credit Facility
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
80,867 |
|
|
$ |
144,066 |
|
CoBank Mortgage Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,429 |
|
|
|
18,071 |
|
Capital Leases
|
|
|
2,847 |
|
|
|
3,087 |
|
|
|
4,009 |
|
Debentures Payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,847 |
|
|
|
100,383 |
|
|
|
166,202 |
|
Less: Current Maturities
|
|
|
2,847 |
|
|
|
98,247 |
|
|
|
2,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,136 |
|
|
$ |
163,203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After the 2000 formation of Pinnacle One, TXU Corp. provided a
$200 million revolving credit facility (the
Revolver) to TXUCV with a term of four years.
Interest is payable by TXUCV at a rate equal to the London
Interbank Offering Rate (LIBOR) plus 1.5%, in effect
as of the beginning of each
F-111
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
credit facility advance. The interest rate of each advance is
calculated for one, two, three, or six-month periods, as elected
by TXUCV, at the end of which the interest rate is reset to the
current LIBOR rate plus 1.5%. The principal balance was
effectively paid off on April 13, 2004 through TXU
Corp.s conversion of amounts outstanding under this
arrangement into paid-in-capital and the credit facility was
terminated as called for in the stock purchase agreement
referenced in Note A above.
TXUCV was required to repay all of its outstanding indebtedness
at or prior to the closing of the transactions, other than
capital leases that are subject to purchase price adjustments
and inter-company indebtedness relating to contracts that will
continue following the closing of the transactions. As a
consequence, all of the remaining CoBank notes were retired in
April 2004 and a pre-payment penalty of $1.9 million was
incurred.
The Capital Lease amount results from the two Master Lease
Agreements with General Electric Capital Corporation
(GECC), which are described below (see
Note G Capital Leases).
Scheduled principal maturities on long-term debt for the five
years subsequent to April 13, 2004 are as follows (dollars
in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
$ |
711 |
|
2005
|
|
|
952 |
|
2006
|
|
|
1,010 |
|
2007
|
|
|
174 |
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
$ |
2,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE D INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
January 1, 2004 | |
|
| |
|
|
to April 13, 2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Federal
|
|
$ |
28 |
|
|
$ |
(9,704 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,018 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,951 |
) |
|
State
|
|
|
455 |
|
|
|
324 |
|
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
83 |
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
U.S. Federal
|
|
|
1,833 |
|
|
|
21,435 |
|
|
|
(31,819 |
) |
|
|
(3,610 |
) |
|
State
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
610 |
|
|
|
(2,766 |
) |
|
|
(311 |
) |
Amortization of Investment Tax Credit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(210 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
(301 |
) |
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(213 |
) |
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
|
|
$ |
2,473 |
|
|
$ |
12,455 |
|
|
$ |
(38,261 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,304 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-112
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The income tax expense (benefit) differs from amounts computed
at statutory rates primarily because of basis adjustments and
nondeductible change in the valuation reserve. The following is
a reconciliation of the income tax expense (benefit) reported on
the consolidated statements of operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
|
January 1, 2004 | |
|
| |
|
|
to April 13, 2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) at U.S. Federal Statutory Rate
|
|
$ |
1,488 |
|
|
$ |
3,540 |
|
|
$ |
(44,809 |
) |
|
$ |
(10,101 |
) |
State Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
|
|
|
239 |
|
|
|
934 |
|
|
|
(3,841 |
) |
|
|
(355 |
) |
State Income Tax Refunds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(866 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Goodwill Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,752 |
|
Goodwill Impairment
|
|
|
(1 |
) |
|
|
4,704 |
|
|
|
6,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority Interest
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
|
305 |
|
|
|
(2,817 |
) |
|
|
(177 |
) |
Amortization of Investment Tax Credit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(210 |
) |
|
|
(231 |
) |
|
|
(301 |
) |
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(214 |
) |
|
|
(214 |
) |
Increase in Valuation Reserve
|
|
|
157 |
|
|
|
3,084 |
|
|
|
9,080 |
|
|
|
(270 |
) |
Other
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
(929 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other Permanent Differences
|
|
|
73 |
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
|
|
362 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
|
|
$ |
2,473 |
|
|
$ |
12,455 |
|
|
$ |
(38,261 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,304 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of deductible
temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts
used for income tax purposes. The tax effects of significant
items comprising TXUCVs net deferred income taxes consist
of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Deferred Tax Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Operating Losses
|
|
$ |
8,649 |
|
|
$ |
9,625 |
|
|
$ |
19,437 |
|
|
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
570 |
|
|
|
1,831 |
|
|
Accrued Vacation
|
|
|
2,127 |
|
|
|
873 |
|
|
|
939 |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits
|
|
|
14,833 |
|
|
|
13,164 |
|
|
|
12,496 |
|
|
Deferred Franchise Tax
|
|
|
4,183 |
|
|
|
3,918 |
|
|
|
1,666 |
|
|
Prior Year Minimum Tax Credit
|
|
|
699 |
|
|
|
527 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
1,347 |
|
|
|
1,084 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL DEFERRED ASSETS
|
|
$ |
32,338 |
|
|
$ |
29,761 |
|
|
$ |
67,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Tax Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franchise Tax
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(3,600 |
) |
|
Partnership Investment
|
|
|
(2,212 |
) |
|
|
(1,698 |
) |
|
|
(1,151 |
) |
|
Basis in Investment
|
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
|
(1,632 |
) |
|
Depreciation
|
|
|
(29,669 |
) |
|
|
(26,691 |
) |
|
|
(42,004 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL DEFERRED LIABILITIES
|
|
|
(33,513 |
) |
|
|
(30,021 |
) |
|
|
(48,387 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
VALUATION ALLOWANCE
|
|
|
(12,331 |
) |
|
|
(12,174 |
) |
|
|
(9,090 |
) |
NET DEFERRED TAX (LIABILITY) ASSET
|
|
$ |
(13,506 |
) |
|
$ |
(12,434 |
) |
|
$ |
10,396 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-113
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
TXUCV has established a valuation allowance relating to ETFL,
Telcon, Fort Bend LD and TXUCV.
Telecom for net operating losses (NOL) and franchise
taxes not expected to be realized in the future. TXUCV has
determined that certain state net operating losses are not
likely to be realized; therefore, TXUCV has established a
valuation allowance against the expected future tax benefit of
these certain state net operating losses.
The net deferred tax liability is classified on the balance
sheet as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Current Deferred Income Tax Asset
|
|
$ |
3,974 |
|
|
$ |
2,527 |
|
|
$ |
34,145 |
|
Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Asset
|
|
|
16,033 |
|
|
|
39,525 |
|
|
|
15,709 |
|
Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Liability
|
|
|
(33,513 |
) |
|
|
(54,486 |
) |
|
|
(39,458 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY (ASSET)
|
|
$ |
(13,506 |
) |
|
$ |
(12,434 |
) |
|
$ |
10,396 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ETFL, a nonconsolidated subsidiary for federal income tax return
purposes, has NOL carryforwards of approximately
$8.7 million to offset against future taxable income. The
NOLs expire from 2007 to 2024.
TXUCV and its subsidiaries, which file a consolidated federal
income tax return, have NOL carryforwards of approximately
$16.0 million to offset against future taxable income. The
NOL may be carried forward for 20 years and will expire
from 2022 to 2024, if not utilized.
NOTE E POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Plan
TXUCV provides pension benefits through the TXU Communications
Retirement Plan (Retirement Plan), the TXU
Communications Supplemental Retirement Plan (Supplemental
Plan) and the TXU Deferred Compensation Plan for Emerging
Businesses (Deferred Compensation Plan).
The Retirement Plan is a noncontributory defined benefit plan
that provides benefits to substantially all employees. Benefit
provisions are subject to collective bargaining. TXUCVs
funding policy for this plan is to contribute amounts sufficient
to meet minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee
benefit and tax laws. Employees who became participants prior to
January 1, 2002 earn benefits based on their length of
service and final average pay. Employees who become participants
on or after January 1, 2002 earn cumulative benefits based
on their age and a percentage of their monthly pay.
Telcon, Fort Bend Telephone and Fort Bend LD elected
to participate in the Retirement Plan effective January 1,
2002. Employees who became participants on or after
January 1, 2002 earn cumulative benefits based on their age
and a percentage of their monthly pay.
The Supplemental Plan is a noncontributory pay-as-you-go plan
providing supplementary retirement benefits primarily to
higher-level employees.
The Deferred Compensation Plan is a contributory salary deferral
plan offered on a voluntary participation basis primarily to
higher-level employees.
Changes to the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of
assets and the underlying actuarial assumptions for the
Retirement Plan and Supplemental Plan are shown below.
F-114
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits: TXUCV Services,
TXUCV Telephone, TXUCV Telecom and Transport Services
TXUCV provides certain postretirement health care and life
insurance benefits for employees who retire from TXUCV after
reaching age 55 and accruing at least 15 years of
service. Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits.
Benefit provisions are subject to collective bargaining. Funding
policy for retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered
expenses as they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance
benefits are fully insured.
Historically, TXUCV used a December 31 measurement date for
its plans; however, due to the sale of TXUCV, the Company
additionally measured its plans at April 13, 2004.
Obligations and Funded Status are reflected as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Change in benefit obligation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at beginning of period
|
|
$ |
56,966 |
|
|
$ |
51,534 |
|
|
$ |
45,838 |
|
|
$ |
24,320 |
|
|
$ |
18,701 |
|
|
$ |
14,240 |
|
Service cost
|
|
|
928 |
|
|
|
2,973 |
|
|
|
3,321 |
|
|
|
400 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
1,129 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
1,125 |
|
|
|
3,480 |
|
|
|
3,232 |
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
1,486 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
Plan participants contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Amendments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit vesting due to partial plan terminination
|
|
|
2,105 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss
|
|
|
736 |
|
|
|
4,624 |
|
|
|
3,672 |
|
|
|
1,701 |
|
|
|
5,743 |
|
|
|
4,561 |
|
Curtailment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,250 |
) |
|
|
(2,388 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,933 |
) |
|
|
(1,606 |
) |
Assumption change
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
|
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(768 |
) |
|
|
(2,115 |
) |
|
|
(2,191 |
) |
|
|
(311 |
) |
|
|
(976 |
) |
|
|
(722 |
) |
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(108 |
) |
|
|
(342 |
) |
|
|
(363 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Benefit obligation at end of period
|
|
|
60,984 |
|
|
|
56,966 |
|
|
|
51,533 |
|
|
|
26,629 |
|
|
|
24,320 |
|
|
|
18,701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
|
|
|
40,399 |
|
|
|
35,468 |
|
|
|
41,397 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actual return on plan assets
|
|
|
1,105 |
|
|
|
5,667 |
|
|
|
(3,375 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employer contribution
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
264 |
|
|
|
882 |
|
|
|
626 |
|
Plan participants contributions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
97 |
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(763 |
) |
|
|
(2,099 |
) |
|
|
(2,191 |
) |
|
|
(311 |
) |
|
|
(976 |
) |
|
|
(723 |
) |
Administrative expenses paid
|
|
|
(108 |
) |
|
|
(342 |
) |
|
|
(363 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of plan assets at end of period
|
|
|
40,633 |
|
|
|
40,399 |
|
|
|
35,468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status
|
|
|
(20,351 |
) |
|
|
(16,567 |
) |
|
|
(16,065 |
) |
|
|
(26,629 |
) |
|
|
(24,320 |
) |
|
|
(18,701 |
) |
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
|
|
|
19,687 |
|
|
|
17,255 |
|
|
|
19,291 |
|
|
|
9,251 |
|
|
|
7,665 |
|
|
|
4,153 |
|
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
302 |
|
|
|
309 |
|
|
|
443 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
$ |
(362 |
) |
|
$ |
997 |
|
|
$ |
3,669 |
|
|
$ |
(17,378 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,655 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,548 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-115
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Amounts recognized in the statement of financial position
consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
|
|
|
|
(Accrued) Prepaid benefit cost
|
|
$ |
(362 |
) |
|
$ |
997 |
|
|
$ |
3,669 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
|
|
(10,324 |
) |
|
|
(7,921 |
) |
|
|
(10,176 |
) |
|
|
(17,378 |
) |
|
|
(16,655 |
) |
|
|
(14,548 |
) |
Intangible assets
|
|
|
311 |
|
|
|
318 |
|
|
|
453 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
10,013 |
|
|
|
7,603 |
|
|
|
9,723 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
$ |
(362 |
) |
|
$ |
997 |
|
|
$ |
3,669 |
|
|
$ |
(17,378 |
) |
|
$ |
(16,655 |
) |
|
$ |
(14,548 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit
obligation in excess of plan assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Projected benefit obligation
|
|
$ |
60,984 |
|
|
$ |
56,966 |
|
|
$ |
51,533 |
|
Accumulated benefit obligation
|
|
|
51,197 |
|
|
|
47,323 |
|
|
|
41,975 |
|
Fair value of plan assets
|
|
|
40,633 |
|
|
|
40,399 |
|
|
|
35,468 |
|
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Period from | |
|
|
|
Period from | |
|
|
|
|
Jan. 1, 2004 | |
|
|
|
Jan. 1, 2004 | |
|
|
|
|
to April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
to April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
|
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$ |
928 |
|
|
$ |
2,973 |
|
|
$ |
3,321 |
|
|
$ |
400 |
|
|
$ |
1,205 |
|
|
$ |
1,129 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
1,125 |
|
|
|
3,480 |
|
|
|
3,232 |
|
|
|
472 |
|
|
|
1,486 |
|
|
|
1,002 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(994 |
) |
|
|
(3,066 |
) |
|
|
(3,478 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost
|
|
|
7 |
|
|
|
28 |
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net actuarial loss recognition
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
873 |
|
|
|
289 |
|
|
|
116 |
|
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
1,364 |
|
|
$ |
4,288 |
|
|
$ |
3,405 |
|
|
$ |
988 |
|
|
$ |
2,989 |
|
|
$ |
2,131 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SFAS No. 87, Employers Accounting for
Pensions, required TXUCV to record an additional minimum
pension liability of $10.3, $7.9 million and
$10.2 million at April 13, 2004 and December 31,
2003 and 2002, respectively. This liability represents the
amount by which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeded the
sum of the fair market value of plan assets and accrued amounts
previously recorded. The additional minimum pension liability
was offset by $0.3 million, $0.3 million and
$0.5 million of intangible assets at April 13, 2004
and December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and resulted
in a $1.5 million charge, a $1.3 million credit, and a
$6.0 million charge to comprehensive income, net of related
tax benefit of $0.9 million, tax expense of
$0.8 million and tax benefit of $3.7 million for the
period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The
intangible assets are included in other noncurrent assets in
TXUCVs consolidated balance sheet at April 13, 2004
and December 31, 2003 and 2002.
F-116
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
TXUCV recorded a reduction in earnings of $106,000 in 2003 and a
credit to earnings of $243,000 in 2002 for pension and
postretirement termination benefits due to a large reduction in
workforce. There was no similar event for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004. The 2003 reduction
to earnings was due to a curtailment loss resulting from
recognition of prior service costs for pension benefits. The
December 31, 2002 credit was the net of a $494,000
curtailment gain recognized for postretirement healthcare and
life insurance benefits offset by a $251,000 curtailment loss
due to the recognition of prior service costs related to pension
benefits.
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit
obligations at April 13, 2004 and December 31, 2003
and 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Discount rate
|
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.75 |
% |
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.75 |
% |
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
|
4.30 |
% |
|
|
4.30 |
% |
|
|
4.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic
benefit cost for the period ended April 13, 2004 and the
year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Discount rate
|
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.75%/6.50%* |
|
|
|
7.25 |
% |
|
|
6.25 |
% |
|
|
6.75 |
% |
|
|
7.25 |
% |
Expected long-term return on plan assets
|
|
|
8.50 |
% |
|
|
8.50% |
|
|
|
8.50 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
|
4.30 |
% |
|
|
4.30% |
|
|
|
4.30 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
6.75% from 1/1/2003 8/1/2003
6.5% from 8/1/2003 12/31/2004
for qualified plan only |
The expected return on plan assets assumption was based on the
categories of the assets and the past history of the return on
the assets.
Assumed health care cost trend rates at April 13, 2004 and
December 31, 2003 and 2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
|
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
10.00 |
% |
|
|
11.00 |
% |
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the
ultimate trend rate)
|
|
|
5.00 |
% |
|
|
5.00 |
% |
|
|
5.00 |
% |
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
2009 |
|
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect
on the amounts reported for the health care plan. A
one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend
rates would have the following effects:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-Percentage- | |
|
1-Percentage- | |
|
|
Point Increase | |
|
Point Decrease | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Effect on total of service and interest cost
|
|
$ |
176 |
|
|
$ |
(135 |
) |
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
|
|
$ |
4,061 |
|
|
$ |
(3,215 |
) |
F-117
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
Plan Assets
The Companys pension plan weighted-average asset
allocations by asset category are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Assets | |
|
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Asset Category
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity securities
|
|
|
55% |
|
|
|
55% |
|
|
|
49% |
|
Debt securities
|
|
|
40% |
|
|
|
40% |
|
|
|
47% |
|
Other
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
5% |
|
|
|
4% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
100% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys investment strategy at April 13, 2004
was to target its allocation percentage at 50% equity funds and
50% fixed income funds.
The Company expects to contribute $2.9 million to its
pension plan and $0.9 million to its other postretirement
plan from April 14, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future
service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
4/14 - 12/31/2004
|
|
$ |
1,452 |
|
|
$ |
647 |
|
2005
|
|
|
2,182 |
|
|
|
983 |
|
2006
|
|
|
2,353 |
|
|
|
1,095 |
|
2007
|
|
|
2,594 |
|
|
|
1,139 |
|
2008
|
|
|
2,790 |
|
|
|
1,239 |
|
Years 2009-2013
|
|
|
18,759 |
|
|
|
7,357 |
|
Deferred Compensation Agreements: TXUCV Services, TXUCV
Telephone, TXUCV Telecom and Transport Services
TXUCV has deferred compensation agreements with the former board
of directors of TXUCVs predecessor company, Lufkin-Conroe
Communications, and certain former employees. The benefits are
payable for up to 15 years and may begin as early as
age 65 or upon the death of the participant.
TXUCV has purchased life insurance policies on certain former
directors and key employees. The excess of the cash surrender
value of life insurance policies over the notes payable balances
related to these policies is reflected in TXUCVs financial
statements. These plans do not qualify under the Internal
Revenue Code (the Code) and therefore, federal
income tax deductions are allowed only when benefits are paid.
Payments relating to deferred compensation agreements were
$0.1 million for the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004 and $0.4 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Accrued costs were
$0.2 million for the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004 and $0.5 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 and $0.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2001. Accrued liability amounted to
$3.5 million at April 13, 2004, $3.4 million at
December 31, 2003 and $3.3 million at
December 31, 2002.
F-118
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
401(k) Plans
Nonbargaining: TXUCV Services, TXUCV Telephone, TXUCV
Telecom, Transport Services, Telcon, Fort Bend Telephone
and Fort Bend LD
TXUCV sponsors a 401(k) plan for all nonbargaining employees
(Nonbargaining TXUCV Plan) who have completed
90 days of full-time service (or at least 1,000 hours
of service in any year) and are age 21 or older. On
December 31, 2001, the nonbargaining 401(k) plan covering
Telcon, Fort Bend Telephone and Fort Bend LD was
merged into this plan. The plan allows participants to
contribute up to 15% of their eligible annual compensation to
the plan, up to the maximum permitted by the Code. TXUCV matches
100% of the first 3% of employee contributions. TXUCVs
matching contributions to the plan amounted to $0.3 million
for the period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004
and $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million
for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. TXUCV recognized a
$0.5 million loss in 2003 resulting from a partial plan
termination of the 401(k) plan in which affected participants
became fully vested in accrued benefits.
Bargaining: TXUCV Services, TXUCV Telephone, TXUCV Telecom
and Transport Services
TXUCV sponsors a 401(k) plan for all bargaining employees
(Bargaining TXUV Plan) who have completed one year
of full-time service (or at least 1,000 hours of service in
any year) and are age 21 or older. For the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and years 2003 and
2002, the plan allowed participants to contribute up to 15% of
their eligible annual compensation to the plan, up to the
maximum permitted by the Code. Beginning in 2002, TXUCV matched
50% of the first 3% of employee contributions, in accordance
with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. In 2001,
TXUCV matched 40% of the first 3% of employee contributions.
TXUCVs matching contributions to the plan amounted to
$30,000 for the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004 and $0.1 million for years 2003, 2002
and 2001.
Nonbargaining: Telcon, Fort Bend Telephone and
Fort Bend LD
TXUCV sponsored a 401(k) plan for all employees who had
completed at least one month of full-time service and who were
at least 21 years of age. Effective December 31, 2001,
the plan was merged into the 401(k) savings plan for
nonbargaining employees of TXUCV. Participants accounts
and participation eligibility were transferred to the TXUCV plan
effective January 1, 2002. Employees who became eligible on
or after January 1, 2002 participated in the Nonbargaining
TXUCV plan. The plan allowed participants to contribute up to 8%
of their eligible annual compensation to the plan, up to the
maximum permitted by the Code. TXUCV matched 50% of the first 8%
of eligible employee contributions. TXUCVs matching
contributions to the plan amounted to $0.7 million for 2001.
The plan provided for discretionary TXUCV-paid profit sharing
contributions of up to 15% of each eligible employees
total compensation. Discretionary profit sharing contributions
to the plan, which were accrued during the year and paid
following the close of the year, amounted to $0.2 million
for 2001.
On December 8, 2003, President Bush signed into law the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (The Act). The Act expanded Medicare to
include, for the first time, coverage for prescription drugs.
TXUCV sponsors retiree medical programs for certain of its
locations. In May 2004, the FASB issued guidance for the
accounting and disclosure effects of the Act. TXUCV has
determined that its postretirement prescription drug plan is
actuarially equivalent and will begin reflecting the impact on
July 1, 2004.
F-119
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE F OPERATING LEASES
TXUCV is the lessor of fiber optic systems, agreements to lease
capacity to customers over fiber optic lines. The leases,
accounted for as operating leases, provide for minimum future
rentals to be received for the remainder of the lease period and
in the aggregate as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiber Optic | |
As of April 13, 2004 |
|
Systems | |
|
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in | |
|
|
thousands) | |
4/14 - 12/31/2004
|
|
$ |
827 |
|
|
2005
|
|
|
1,131 |
|
|
2006
|
|
|
1,103 |
|
|
2007
|
|
|
1,103 |
|
|
2008
|
|
|
1,103 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,267 |
|
|
|
|
|
Following is a summary of property on lease:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Fiber Optic System
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
222 |
|
|
$ |
245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
212 |
|
|
$ |
216 |
|
|
$ |
245 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE G CAPITAL LEASES
TXUCV leases certain furniture, fixtures, equipment and
leasehold improvements at its current corporate headquarters in
Irving pursuant to two Master Lease Agreements with between
TXUCV and GECC.
The leasehold improvement lease had an initial term of
30 months that ended on October 1, 2004. At the
termination of the initial term of this lease, TXUCV elected to
purchase the scheduled leasehold improvement for
$1.1 million.
At the termination of the initial term of the second lease for
furniture, fixtures and equipment, TXUCV elected to extend the
term of the agreement until April 1, 2007, at which time
the company will have an option to purchase the equipment for
its then fair market value.
During the period from January 1, 2004 to April 13,
2004, TXUCV paid a total of $0.2 million to GECC pursuant
to these capital leases. As of April 13, 2004 the
outstanding principal amount of these capital leases was
$2.8 million. These leases require Texas Acquisition to
maintain a specified debt rating. Texas Acquisition is not in
compliance with this covenant, although we are not aware of the
delivery of any notice of default. Upon a default under these
leases, GECC may take possession of the scheduled equipment and
require TXUCV to pay certain stipulated loss amounts. These
capital lease obligations have been classified as current
liabilities on the balance sheet.
F-120
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE H INVESTMENTS IN NONAFFILIATED COMPANIES
Marketable equity securities have been categorized as available
for sale and, as a result, are stated at fair value. Unrealized
gains and losses are included as a component of accumulated
other comprehensive income until realized.
For the purpose of determining gross unrealized gains and
losses, marketable securities include the following at
April 13, 2004 and December 31, 2003 and 2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
Unrealized Gain | |
|
Realized Gain | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
4/13/04 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
4/13/04 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
4/13/04 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
4/13/04 |
|
2003 |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Other Marketable Equity Securities
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
11 |
|
|
$ |
117 |
|
|
$ |
125 |
|
|
$ |
125 |
|
|
$ |
106 |
|
|
$ |
114 |
|
|
$ |
114 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
230 |
|
The following investments are accounted for using the equity
method:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage Owned | |
|
Investment Amount | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
GTE Mobilnet of South Texas Limited Partnership
|
|
|
2.34 |
% |
|
|
2.34 |
% |
|
|
2.34 |
% |
|
$ |
24,045 |
|
|
$ |
23,384 |
|
|
$ |
22,332 |
|
GTE Mobilnet of Texas RSA #17 Limited Partnership
|
|
|
17.02 |
% |
|
|
17.02 |
% |
|
|
17.02 |
% |
|
$ |
3,731 |
|
|
$ |
3,794 |
|
|
$ |
3,629 |
|
Fort Bend Fibernet Limited Partnership
|
|
|
39.06 |
% |
|
|
39.06 |
% |
|
|
39.06 |
% |
|
$ |
187 |
|
|
$ |
139 |
|
|
$ |
731 |
|
The following investments are accounted for using the cost
method:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
CoBank, ACB Stock
|
|
$ |
1,452 |
|
|
$ |
1,347 |
|
|
$ |
1,230 |
|
Rural Telephone Bank Stock
|
|
$ |
5,921 |
|
|
$ |
5,921 |
|
|
$ |
5,921 |
|
The CoBank stock represents purchases of CoBank stock as
required by the CoBank loan agreement and patronage
distributions from CoBank in the form of stock. Although there
is no CoBank loan balance outstanding at April 13, 2004,
TXUCV will begin receiving annual refunds of a portion of this
stock only when its stock balance reaches 11.5% of the five-year
moving average of CoBank loan balance. The CoBank stock is owned
by TXUCV, now known as Consolidated Communications Ventures
Company.
Fort Bend Telephone owns 5,921 shares of
$1,000 par value Class C Rural Telephone Bank, which
is stated at original cost plus a gain recognized at conversion
of Class B to Class C stock.
NOTE I MINORITY INTEREST
During 1990, Transport Services, in a joint venture with Eastex
Celco (ETC), formed ETFL. Transport Services and ETC
own 63% and 37%, respectively, of the outstanding stock of ETFL.
F-121
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE J TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
Following is a summary of transactions with related parties:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Prepaid to Oncor for Transmission Fees
|
|
$ |
886 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Payable TXU
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
2,314 |
|
|
$ |
352 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts Payable Oncor
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
245 |
|
|
$ |
117 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Debt Payable TXU
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
80,867 |
|
|
$ |
144,066 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Contributions Pinnacle
|
|
$ |
102,119 |
|
|
$ |
4,290 |
|
|
$ |
6,974 |
|
|
$ |
27,784 |
|
Interest Expense Paid to TXU
|
|
$ |
636 |
|
|
$ |
3,597 |
|
|
$ |
5,059 |
|
|
$ |
8,501 |
|
Billings From Oncor for Transmission Line Fees
|
|
$ |
1,139 |
|
|
$ |
1,458 |
|
|
$ |
1,324 |
|
|
$ |
1,184 |
|
Billings From TXU for Management Fees
|
|
$ |
2,350 |
|
|
$ |
2,647 |
|
|
$ |
3,331 |
|
|
$ |
5,594 |
|
Billings From TXU for Services
|
|
$ |
660 |
|
|
$ |
1,487 |
|
|
$ |
2,427 |
|
|
$ |
1,885 |
|
NOTE K COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
TXUCV and its subsidiaries are subject to various claims and
lawsuits, including property damage claims, which arise from
time to time in the normal course of business. It is the opinion
of management and counsel that the disposition or ultimate
determination of such claims and lawsuits will not have a
material effect on the financial position, results of operations
or liquidity of TXUCV, since TXUCV has insurance to cover such
claims.
On November 25, 2002, TXUCV entered into a 60-month
High-Capacity Term Payment Plan agreement with Southwestern Bell
(SWB). The agreement requires TXUCV to make monthly
purchases of at least $33,000 from SWB on a take-or-pay basis.
The agreement also provides for an early termination charge of
45% of the monthly minimum commitment multiplied by the number
of months remaining through the expiration date of
November 25, 2007. As of April 13, 2004, the potential
early termination charge is approximately $0.6 million.
TXUCV is also a party to another take-or-pay agreement with
Grande Communications to provide certain directory
assistance-related services to the TXUCV. The agreement which
was entered into on August 28, 2001, for an initial
12-month term, has an automatic 12-month renewal provision with
a minimum monthly commitment of $8,950. This agreement is still
in effect at April 13, 2004.
TXUCV has executed various building space leases, with terms
ranging from 36 to 84 months and monthly payments ranging
from $0.1 million to $0.3 million. All but one of the
leases contains provisions for escalation of the monthly
payments. TXUCVs consolidated financial statements for the
period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004 and the
years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 include
$0 million, $0.6 million, and $0.3 million of
charges, respectively, representing obligations on leased
facilities that were sublet to unrelated parties for amounts
less than the related obligations. TXUCV also has executed
several equipment leases with varying terms up to 36 months
and monthly payments totaling approximately $0.1 million.
F-122
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
The future minimum payments required by capital and operating
leases for the next five years are as follows (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
4/14 - 12/31/2004
|
|
$ |
2,827 |
|
2005
|
|
$ |
3,451 |
|
2006
|
|
$ |
2,747 |
|
2007
|
|
$ |
1,546 |
|
2008
|
|
$ |
1,368 |
|
Thereafter
|
|
$ |
3,038 |
|
Rent expense on operating leases was $1.0 million for the
period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004,
$4.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003,
$3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 and
$2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002.
NOTE L FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the
fair value of each of the material financial instruments for
which it is practicable to estimate the value:
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term
Investments Cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments are valued at their carrying amounts,
which are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of
the short maturity of those instruments.
Long-Term Investments The fair value of
investments is estimated based on the quoted market price for
that investment. Other investments for which there are no quoted
market prices because the stocks are not publicly traded are
carried at cost since reasonable estimates of fair value could
not be made without incurring excessive costs. These investments
include $1.5 million of CoBank stock and $5.9 million
of Rural Telephone Bank stock.
Long-Term Debt The fair value of TXUCVs
long-term debt, including current maturities, is estimated based
on the current rates offered to TXUCV for debt of the same
remaining maturities.
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of TXUCVs
material financial instruments are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying Amount | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
April 13, | |
|
Dec. 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Long-Term Investments For Which It Is Not Practicable To
Estimate Fair Value
|
|
$ |
36,862 |
|
|
$ |
34,585 |
|
|
$ |
33,884 |
|
|
$ |
36,862 |
|
|
$ |
34,585 |
|
|
$ |
33,884 |
|
Debt
|
|
$ |
2,847 |
|
|
$ |
100,383 |
|
|
$ |
166,202 |
|
|
$ |
2,663 |
|
|
$ |
102,077 |
|
|
$ |
166,202 |
|
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Policies
|
|
$ |
1,526 |
|
|
$ |
1,533 |
|
|
$ |
1,376 |
|
|
$ |
1,526 |
|
|
$ |
1,533 |
|
|
$ |
1,376 |
|
NOTE M RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT CHARGES
Beginning in 1999, TXUCV began operating a CLEC in a number of
local markets within Texas. In late 2001, TXUCV decided to
refocus its business strategy on the Texas RLECs. In December
2002, TXUCV made a decision to hold its CLEC and Transport
assets for sale. TXUCV examined the value of the assets held for
sale based on third party sale negotiations and similar recent
sales transactions and recorded an impairment charge of
$90.9 million ($56.6 million after taxes and minority
interest). In
F-123
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
addition, TXUCV recorded restructuring charges of
$2.1 million under the provisions of Emerging Issues Task
Force Abstract 94-3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CLEC | |
|
Transport | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
PPE Net Book Value
|
|
$ |
27,512 |
|
|
$ |
70,831 |
|
|
$ |
98,343 |
|
Estimated Cost of Sale
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
360 |
|
|
|
592 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,744 |
|
|
|
71,191 |
|
|
|
98,935 |
|
Less: Estimated FMV
|
|
|
947 |
|
|
|
7,083 |
|
|
|
8,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets Held For Sale Impairment Charges
|
|
$ |
26,797 |
|
|
|
64,108 |
|
|
$ |
90,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Employee Separations
|
|
$ |
736 |
|
Facility Closure Costs
|
|
|
916 |
|
Other Contractual Commitments
|
|
|
417 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
2,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
Employee separation restructuring charges relate to 55 affected
employees. These restructuring costs were all paid in 2003.
Earlier in 2002, TXUCV recorded impairment charges of
$8.4 million related to certain CLEC information technology
and collocation assets. The evaluation occurred in conjunction
with exiting certain unprofitable activities and decommissioning
non-strategic collocation sites. The information technology
assets were fully written-off and taken out of service. The
collocation assets were valued at fair market value based on
third party pricing. This impairment occurred prior to the
decision to hold those assets for sale.
Assets Held for Sale
In late 2001, TXUCV decided to refocus its business strategy on
the Texas RLECs. During the subsequent 18 months, TXUCV
systematically exited certain less profitable CLEC markets,
ceased service to residential customers and focused solely on
business customers within limited geographic markets. In
December 2002, TXUCV decided to exit the CLEC business entirely
and placed its CLEC assets and customer base for sale. In March
2003, TXUCV sold the majority of its remaining CLEC assets and
customer base to Texas-based Grande Communications for
$1.2 million. TXUCV also anticipated selling its Transport
Services activities in the near term and as a result, the assets
and liabilities related to the CLEC and Transport assets held
for sale were presented separately in the assets and liabilities
sections of the consolidated balance sheets at December 31,
2002. The assets held for sale consisted of $8.0 million of
property, plant and equipment recorded at fair market value
based on the estimated sales price. The liabilities represented
estimated costs to sell of $0.6 million and restructuring
charges of $2.1 million.
In June 2003, in light of the decision to sell the entire
company, TXUCV decided that it would no longer attempt to sell
the transport network separately. Consequently, in accordance
with the provisions of SFAS No. 144, these assets were
reclassified from assets held for sale to assets held and used
and are reported on the consolidated balance sheet at the lower
of fair market value or adjusted carrying amount. The resulting
$0.3 million loss on long-lived assets converted to held
and used is reflected in TXUCVs results of operations for
the year ended December 31, 2003.
F-124
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE N GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Amounts paid for assets of other companies in excess of fair
value are recorded as goodwill. Goodwill was amortized over its
useful life, normally 15 to 40 years through
December 31, 2001.
SFAS No. 142 became effective for TXUCV on
January 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 requires, among
other things, the allocation of goodwill to reporting units
based upon the current fair value of the reporting units, and
the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. The amortization of
TXUCV goodwill ($13.6 million in 2001) ceased effective
January 1, 2002.
In addition, SFAS No. 142 required completion of a
transitional goodwill impairment test within six months from the
date of adoption. It established a new method of testing
goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or on an interim
basis if an event occurs or circumstances change that would
reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying
value. TXUCV completed the transitional impairment test in the
second quarter of 2002, the results of which indicated no
impairment of goodwill at that time. In conjunction with
TXUCVs decision to exit the CLEC and Transport businesses,
additional evaluations were performed as of October 1, 2003
and 2002, TXUCVs annual impairment test date. The testing,
utilizing the discounted cash flow methodology, resulted in an
impairment charge of $13.2 million and $18 million for
the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
There were no impairment charges for the period from
January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004.
There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the
period from January 1, 2004 to April 13, 2004. Changes
in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 is summarized as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1
|
|
$ |
317,536 |
|
|
$ |
335,536 |
|
Less impairment
|
|
|
13,200 |
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31
|
|
$ |
304,336 |
|
|
$ |
317,536 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The table below reflects what reported net income would have
been in the 2001 period, exclusive of goodwill amortization
expense recognized for consolidated entities in those periods
compared to the period from January 1, 2004 to
April 13, 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 13, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
(Dollars in thousands) | |
Reported Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$ |
1,783 |
|
|
$ |
(2,341 |
) |
|
$ |
(89,765 |
) |
|
$ |
(21,892 |
) |
Add: Goodwill Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,419 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proforma Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$ |
1,783 |
|
|
$ |
(2,341 |
) |
|
$ |
(89,765 |
) |
|
$ |
(13,473 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE O SALE OF TXUCV
On January 15, 2004, Consolidated Communications
Acquisition Texas Corp. (Texas Acquisition), a
subsidiary of Homebase Acquisition, LLC, and Pinnacle One, an
indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of TXU Corp., entered into a
stock purchase agreement providing for the purchase by Texas
Acquisition of all of the capital stock of TXUCV. Texas
Acquisition is a Delaware corporation formed solely for the
purpose of entering into the stock purchase agreement and
closing the transactions contemplated by that
F-125
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
agreement. By acquiring the capital stock of TXUCV, Texas
Acquisition acquired substantially all of TXU Corp.s
telecommunications business, which includes the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Fort Bend Telephone (now known as Consolidated
Communications of Fort Bend Company) and TXUCV Telephone
(now known as Consolidated Communications of Texas Company), two
RLECs, which together serve markets in Conroe, Katy and Lufkin,
Texas; |
|
|
|
TXUCVs investments in the cellular partnership (see
Note H Investments in Nonaffiliated Companies); |
|
|
|
a telephone directory publishing business; and |
|
|
|
a transport services business. |
The cash purchase price for the sale of TXUCVs capital
stock was $527.0 million, subject to the following
adjustments:
|
|
|
The purchase price was reduced by $2.8 million, the
outstanding principal amount of the capital lease obligations
between TXUCV and GECC. |
|
|
The purchase price assumed $4.6 million of cash on the
balance sheet of TXUCV at closing and was adjustable upward (or
downward) by the amount cash on the balance sheet at closing
greater than (or less than) $4.6 million. |
|
|
The purchase price was also adjustable upward (or downward) to
the extent that TXUCVs working capital was greater than
(or less than) negative $2.8 million. At April 13,
2004, TXUCVs adjusted working capital (as defined in the
stock purchase agreement) was negative $3.9 million. As a
result of differences in assumed working capital (including
cash) and other balances and related actual balances at
April 13, 2004, Homebase Acquisition, LLC made an
additional cash payment to TXU Corp. of $5.1 million. |
|
|
TXUCV was required to repay all of its outstanding indebtedness
at or prior to the closing of the transactions, other than
capital leases that were subject to the purchase price
adjustment described above and affiliate indebtedness relating
to contracts that continued following the closing of the
transaction. Accordingly, all indebtedness deemed to be affected
by the stock purchase agreement was reflected in the current
liabilities section of TXUCVs balance sheet as of
December 31, 2003 and subsequently extinguished prior to or
as of April 13. 2004. In addition, Pinnacle One was to bear
the first $5.1 million of any severance and similar
expenses associated with work force reductions occurring between
the date of the signing of the stock purchase agreement on
January 15, 2004 and the closing of the transactions. |
|
|
The stock purchase agreement contained customary representations
and warranties, covenants and indemnification provisions. Most
representations and warranties expire on the later of the first
anniversary of the closing of the transactions and
April 30, 2005. |
|
|
TXU Corp. agreed to guarantee the payment obligations of
Pinnacle One for up to the purchase price and further agreed to
guarantee certain tax indemnification obligations up to, and in
excess of, the purchase price. |
|
|
The stock purchase agreement further provided that certain
agreements and arrangements between TXU Corp. and TXUCV and its
subsidiaries, and all the related liabilities and obligations of
TXUCV and its subsidiaries automatically terminate in their
entirety effective as of the closing without any further actions
by the parties and thereby be deemed voided, cancelled and
discharged in their entirety. |
F-126
TXU COMMUNICATIONS VENTURES COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE P SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
The sale of TXUCV to Texas Acquisition closed on April 14,
2004. In association with the close of the sale, Texas
Acquisition and other subsidiaries of Homebase Acquisition, LLC
issued $200 million of Senior Notes and entered into a new
$437 million credit facility.
The initial terms of the two GECC leases expired on
October 1, 2004. As provided under the terms of the lease
agreements, TXUCV, now known as Consolidated Communications
Ventures Company, elected to purchase the leasehold improvements
under one lease for $1.1 million and extend the term of the
furniture, fixtures and equipment under the second lease through
April 1, 2007.
F-127
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS RSA #17, Limited Partnership
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED
December 31, 2004 and 2003
With Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
F-128
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Partners of GTE Mobilnet of
Texas #17 Limited Partnership:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of GTE Mobilnet
of Texas #17 Limited Partnership (the
Partnership) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003,
and the related statements of operations, changes in
partners capital, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the
Partnerships management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (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. The Partnership is not required
to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Partnerships internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such
opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, 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, such financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as
of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
April 29, 2005
F-129
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
ASSETS |
CURRENT ASSETS:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $268 and $244
|
|
$ |
2,061 |
|
|
$ |
1,920 |
|
|
Unbilled revenue
|
|
|
712 |
|
|
|
533 |
|
|
Due from General Partner
|
|
|
3,659 |
|
|
|
7,513 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
6,443 |
|
|
|
9,979 |
|
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Net
|
|
|
22,494 |
|
|
|
13,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL ASSETS
|
|
$ |
28,937 |
|
|
$ |
23,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL |
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
$ |
1,193 |
|
|
$ |
1,117 |
|
|
Advance billings
|
|
|
297 |
|
|
|
223 |
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
243 |
|
|
|
232 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
1,733 |
|
|
|
1,572 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (see Notes 6 and 8)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARTNERS CAPITAL
|
|
|
27,204 |
|
|
|
22,088 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL
|
|
$ |
28,937 |
|
|
$ |
23,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
F-130
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
OPERATING REVENUES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
$ |
32,687 |
|
|
$ |
28,324 |
|
|
$ |
24,525 |
|
|
Equipment and other
|
|
|
2,516 |
|
|
|
2,135 |
|
|
|
1,594 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
35,203 |
|
|
|
30,459 |
|
|
|
26,119 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of service (excluding depreciation and amortization related
to network assets included below)
|
|
|
9,899 |
|
|
|
8,316 |
|
|
|
8,724 |
|
Cost of equipment
|
|
|
2,490 |
|
|
|
2,284 |
|
|
|
1,172 |
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
10,144 |
|
|
|
9,344 |
|
|
|
8,389 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
3,034 |
|
|
|
2,886 |
|
|
|
2,688 |
|
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
25,567 |
|
|
|
22,830 |
|
|
|
20,976 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OPERATING INCOME
|
|
|
9,636 |
|
|
|
7,629 |
|
|
|
5,143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER INCOME:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income, net
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
250 |
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income
|
|
|
480 |
|
|
|
365 |
|
|
|
270 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME
|
|
$ |
10,116 |
|
|
$ |
7,994 |
|
|
$ |
5,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocation of Net Income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Limited partners
|
|
$ |
8,093 |
|
|
$ |
6,396 |
|
|
$ |
4,329 |
|
|
General partner
|
|
$ |
2,023 |
|
|
$ |
1,598 |
|
|
$ |
1,084 |
|
See notes to financial statements.
F-131
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS CAPITAL
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partner | |
|
Limited Partners | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
San | |
|
Eastex | |
|
|
|
Consolidated | |
|
|
|
San | |
|
|
|
|
Antonio | |
|
Telecom | |
|
Telecom | |
|
Communications | |
|
ALLTEL | |
|
Antonio | |
|
Total | |
|
|
MTA, | |
|
Investments, | |
|
Supply, | |
|
Transport | |
|
Communications | |
|
MTA, | |
|
Partners | |
|
|
L.P. | |
|
L.P. | |
|
Inc. | |
|
Company | |
|
Investments, Inc. | |
|
L.P. | |
|
Capital | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
BALANCE
January 1, 2002
|
|
$ |
3,536 |
|
|
$ |
3,009 |
|
|
$ |
3,009 |
|
|
$ |
3,009 |
|
|
$ |
3,009 |
|
|
$ |
2,109 |
|
|
$ |
17,681 |
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
(400 |
) |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(240 |
) |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,084 |
|
|
|
921 |
|
|
|
921 |
|
|
|
921 |
|
|
|
921 |
|
|
|
645 |
|
|
|
5,413 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE December 31, 2002
|
|
|
4,220 |
|
|
|
3,590 |
|
|
|
3,590 |
|
|
|
3,590 |
|
|
|
3,590 |
|
|
|
2,514 |
|
|
|
21,094 |
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
(1,402 |
) |
|
|
(1,191 |
) |
|
|
(1,191 |
) |
|
|
(1,191 |
) |
|
|
(1,191 |
) |
|
|
(834 |
) |
|
|
(7,000 |
) |
|
Net income
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
|
1,361 |
|
|
|
1,361 |
|
|
|
1,361 |
|
|
|
1,361 |
|
|
|
952 |
|
|
|
7,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE December 31, 2003
|
|
|
4,416 |
|
|
|
3,760 |
|
|
|
3,760 |
|
|
|
3,760 |
|
|
|
3,760 |
|
|
|
2,632 |
|
|
|
22,088 |
|
|
Distributions
|
|
|
(1,000 |
) |
|
|
(851 |
) |
|
|
(851 |
) |
|
|
(851 |
) |
|
|
(851 |
) |
|
|
(596 |
) |
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,023 |
|
|
|
1,722 |
|
|
|
1,722 |
|
|
|
1,722 |
|
|
|
1,722 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
10,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE December 31, 2004
|
|
$ |
5,439 |
|
|
$ |
4,631 |
|
|
$ |
4,631 |
|
|
$ |
4,631 |
|
|
$ |
4,631 |
|
|
$ |
3,241 |
|
|
$ |
27,204 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
F-132
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
10,116 |
|
|
$ |
7,994 |
|
|
$ |
5,413 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
3,034 |
|
|
|
2,886 |
|
|
|
2,688 |
|
|
|
Net loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
|
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
Changes in certain assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue
|
|
|
(1,113 |
) |
|
|
(125 |
) |
|
|
(671 |
) |
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
(18 |
) |
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
|
76 |
|
|
|
(294 |
) |
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
|
Advance billings and other current liabilities
|
|
|
85 |
|
|
|
178 |
|
|
|
133 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
12,993 |
|
|
|
11,141 |
|
|
|
8,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures, including purchases from affiliates, net
|
|
|
(11,847 |
) |
|
|
(2,654 |
) |
|
|
(3,225 |
) |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Decrease (Increase) in Due from General Partner
|
|
|
3,854 |
|
|
|
(1,487 |
) |
|
|
(3,317 |
) |
|
Distributions to partners
|
|
|
(5,000 |
) |
|
|
(7,000 |
) |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(1,146 |
) |
|
|
(8,487 |
) |
|
|
(5,317 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHANGE IN CASH
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH Beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CASH End of year
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
F-133
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
(Dollars in Thousands)
|
|
1. |
Organization and Management |
GTE Mobilnet of Texas #17 Limited
Partnership GTE Mobilnet of Texas #17
Limited Partnership (the Partnership) was formed on
June 13, 1989. The principal activity of the Partnership is
providing cellular service in the Texas #17 rural service
area.
The partners and their respective ownership percentages as of
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
General Partner:
|
|
|
|
|
|
San Antonio MTA, L.P.*
|
|
|
20.0000 |
% |
Limited Partners:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eastex Telecom Investments, L.P.
|
|
|
17.0213 |
% |
|
Telecom Supply, Inc.
|
|
|
17.0213 |
% |
|
Consolidated Communications Transport Company
|
|
|
17.0213 |
% |
|
ALLTEL Communications Investments, Inc.
|
|
|
17.0213 |
% |
|
San Antonio MTA, L.P.*
|
|
|
11.9148 |
% |
|
|
* |
San Antonio MTA, L.P. (General Partner) is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Cellco Partnership
(Cellco) doing business as Verizon Wireless. |
On behalf of the General Partner, Cellco provides accounting,
administrative, sales and marketing, engineering and other
general support services to the Partnership. In addition, Cellco
performs all of its cash, inventory, investing and financing
activities. Costs related to such services are either allocated
or directly charged to the Partnership.
All wireless licenses issued by the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) that authorize the Partnership to
provide cellular services are held by Cellco. On January 1,
2005, the Partnership entered into a Spectrum leasing agreement
with Cellco. If the fair value of the aggregated wireless
licenses is less than the aggregated carrying amount of the
licenses, an impairment loss will be recognized by Cellco. Any
impairment loss recognized by Cellco may be allocated to the
Partnership based upon a reasonable methodology.
|
|
2. |
Significant Accounting Policies |
Use of Estimates The 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 the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from
those estimates. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, the
accounting for: allocations, allowance for uncollectible
accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, fair value of financial
instruments, depreciation and amortization, useful lives and
impairment of assets, accrued expenses, and contingencies.
Estimates and assumptions are periodically reviewed and the
effects of any material revisions are reflected in the financial
statements in the period that they are determined to be
necessary.
Reclassifications Certain
reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial
statements to conform to the current year presentation.
F-134
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Revenue Recognition The Partnership
earns revenue by providing access to the network (access
revenue) and for usage of the network (airtime/usage revenue),
which includes roaming and long distance revenue. In general,
access revenue is billed one month in advance and is recognized
when earned; the unearned portion is classified in advance
billings. Airtime/usage revenue, roaming revenue and long
distance revenue are recognized when service is rendered and
included in unbilled revenue until billed. Equipment sales
revenue associated with the sale of wireless handsets and
accessories is recognized when the products are delivered to and
accepted by the customer, as this is considered to be a separate
earnings process from the sale of wireless services. The
Partnerships revenue recognition policies are in
accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commissions
(SEC) Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
No. 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial
Statements, and SAB No. 104, Revenue
Recognition. The roaming rates charged by the Partnership
to Cellco do not necessarily reflect current market rates. The
Partnership continues to re-evaluate the rates and expects these
rates to be reduced in the future consistent with market trends
and the terms of the limited partnership agreement (See
Note 5).
Operating Expenses Operating expenses
include expenses incurred directly by the Partnership, as well
as an allocation of certain administrative and operating costs
incurred by Cellco or its affiliates on behalf of the
Partnership (see note 5). Services performed on behalf of
the Partnership are provided by employees of Cellco. These
employees are not employees of the Partnership and therefore,
operating expenses include direct and allocated charges of
salary and employee benefit costs for the services provided to
the Partnership. The General Partner believes such allocations,
principally based on the Partnerships percentage of total
customers, customer gross additions or minutes-of-use, are
reasonable. The roaming rates charged to the Partnership by
Cellco do not necessarily reflect current market rates. The
Partnership continues to re-evaluate the rates and expects these
rates to be reduced in the future consistent with market trends
and the terms of the limited partnership agreement (See
Note 5).
Income Taxes The Partnership is not a
taxable entity for federal and state income tax purposes. Any
taxable income or loss is apportioned to the partners based on
their respective partnership interests and would be reported by
them individually.
Inventory Inventory is owned by Cellco
and held on consignment by the Partnership. Such consigned
inventory is not recorded on the Partnerships financial
statements. Upon sale, the related cost of the inventory is
transferred to the Partnership at Cellcos cost basis and
included in the accompanying Statements of Operations.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The
Partnership maintains allowances for uncollectible accounts
receivable for estimated losses resulting from the inability of
customers to make required payments. Estimates are based on the
aging of the accounts receivable balances and the historical
write-off experience, net of recoveries.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment primarily represents costs
incurred to construct and expand capacity and network coverage
on Mobile Telephone Switching Offices (MTSOs) and
cell sites. The cost of property, plant and equipment is
depreciated over its estimated useful life using the
straight-line method of accounting. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or
the term of the related lease. Major improvements to existing
plant and equipment are capitalized. Routine maintenance and
repairs that do not extend the life of the plant and equipment
are charged to expense as incurred.
Upon the sale or retirement of property, plant and equipment,
the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization is
eliminated from the accounts and any related gain or loss is
reflected in the Statements of Operations.
F-135
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Network engineering costs incurred during the construction phase
of the Partnerships network and real estate properties
under development are capitalized as part of property, plant and
equipment and recorded as construction-in-progress until the
projects are completed and placed into service.
FCC Licenses The Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) issues licenses that
authorize cellular carriers to provide service in specific
cellular geographic service areas. The FCC grants licenses for
terms of up to ten years. In 1993, the FCC adopted specific
standards to apply to cellular renewals, concluding it will
reward a license renewal to a cellular licensee that meets
certain standards of past performance. Historically, the FCC has
granted license renewals routinely.
Valuation of Assets Long-lived assets,
including property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
with finite lives, are reviewed for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
the asset may not be recoverable. The carrying amount of a
long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the
undiscounted cashflows expected to result from the use and
eventual disposition of the asset. The impairment loss, if
determined to be necessary, would be measured as the amount by
which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of
the asset. The FCC license, including the Partnership license,
recorded on the books of Cellco are evaluated for impairment, by
Cellco, under the guidance set forth in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
The FCC licenses are treated as an indefinite life intangible
asset under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 and are not
amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually or
between annual dates, if events or circumstances warrant. All of
the licenses in Cellcos nationwide footprint are tested in
the aggregate for impairment under SFAS No. 142. When
testing the carrying value of the wireless licenses for
impairment, Cellco determines the fair value of the aggregated
wireless licenses by subtracting from enterprise discounted cash
flows (net of debt) the fair value of all of the other net
tangible and intangible assets of Cellco, including previously
unrecognized intangible assets. This approach is generally
referred to as the residual method. In addition, the fair value
of the aggregated wireless licenses is then subjected to a
reasonableness analysis using public information of comparable
wireless carriers. If the fair value of the aggregated wireless
licenses as determined above is less than the aggregated
carrying amount of the licenses, an impairment will be
recognized by Cellco. Any impairment loss recognized by Cellco
may be allocated to its subsidiaries based upon a reasonable
methodology. No impairment was recognized in 2004, 2003 and 2002.
On September 29, 2004, the SEC issued a Staff Announcement
regarding the Use of the Residual Method to Value Acquired
Assets other than Goodwill. The Staff Announcement
requires SEC registrants to adopt a direct value method of
assigning value to intangible assets, including wireless
licenses, acquired in a business combination under
SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations,
effective for all business combinations completed after
September 29, 2004. Further, all intangible assets,
including wireless licenses, valued under the residual method
prior to this adoption are required to be tested for impairment
using a direct value method no later than the beginning of
fiscal year ended after January 1, 2005. Any impairment of
intangible assets recognized upon application of a direct value
method by entities previously applying the residual method
should be reported as a cumulative effect of a change in
accounting principle. Under this Staff Announcement, the
reclassification of recorded balances from wireless licenses to
goodwill prior to the adoption of this Staff Announcement is
prohibited. Cellco has evaluated its wireless licenses for
potential impairment using a direct value methodology effective
January 1, 2005. The valuation and analyses prepared in
connection with the adoption of a direct value method resulted
in no adjustment to the carrying value of its wireless licenses,
and accordingly, had no effect on its results of operations and
financial position. Future tests for impairment will be
performed by Cellco at least annually and more often if events
or circumstances warrant.
F-136
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Concentrations To the extent the
Partnerships customer receivables become delinquent,
collection activities commence. No single customer is large
enough to present a significant financial risk to the
Partnership. The Partnership maintains an allowance for losses
based on the expected collectibility of accounts receivable.
Cellco and the General Partner rely on local and long distance
telephone companies, some of whom are related parties, and other
companies to provide certain communication services. Although
management believes alternative telecommunications facilities
could be found in a timely manner, any disruption of these
services could potentially have an adverse impact on the
Partnerships operating results.
Although Cellco and the General Partner attempt to maintain
multiple vendors for, each required product, their network
assets and inventory, which are important components of their
operations, they are currently acquired from only a few sources.
Certain of these products are in turn utilized by the
Partnership and are important components of the
Partnerships operations. If the suppliers are unable to
meet Cellcos needs as it builds out its network
infrastructure and sells service and equipment, delays and
increased costs in the expansion of the Partnerships
network infrastructure or losses of potential customers could
result, which would adversely affect operating results.
Financial Instruments The
Partnerships trade receivables and payables are short-term
in nature, and accordingly, their carrying value approximates
fair value.
Segments The Partnership has one
reportable business segment and operates domestically only. The
Partnerships products and services are materially
comprised of wireless telecommunications services.
Due from General Partner Due from
General Partner principally represents the Partnerships
cash position. Cellco manages, on behalf of the General Partner,
all cash, inventory, investing and financing activities of the
Partnership. As such, the change in due from General Partner is
reflected as a financing activity in the Statements of Cash
Flows. Additionally, administrative and operating costs incurred
by Cellco on behalf of the General Partner, as well as the
transfer of property, plant, and equipment with affiliates, are
charged to the Partnership through this account. Interest income
is based on the average monthly outstanding balance in this
account and is calculated by applying the General Partners
average cost of borrowing from Verizon Global Funding, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Verizon Communications, Inc., which
was approximately 5.9%, 5.0% and 5.0% for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Included in
net interest income is $488, $365 and $252 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, related to
the due from General Partner.
Distributions The Partnership is
required to make distributions to its partners on a quarterly
basis based upon the Partnerships operating results, cash
availability and financing needs as determined by the General
Partner at the date of the distribution.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2004, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 153, Exchanges of Non monetary
Assets An Amendment of APB Opinion
No. 29. This standard eliminates the exception from
fair value measurement for non-monetary exchanges of similar
productive assets. A non monetary exchange shall be measured
based on the recorded amount of the non monetary asset(s)
relinquished, and not on the fair values of the exchanged
assets, if a) the fair value is not determinable,
b) the exchange transaction is to facilitate sales to
customers, or c) the exchange transaction lacks commercial
substance. This statement specifies that a non-monetary exchange
has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity
are expected to change significantly as a result of the
exchange. The Partnership will adopt the standard effective
January 1, 2006. The Partnership does not expect the impact
of the adoption of SFAS No. 153 to have a material
effect on the Partnerships financial statements.
F-137
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
3. |
Property, Plant and Equipment |
Property, plant and equipment consists of the following as of
December 31, 2004 and 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Buildings and improvements (10-40 years)
|
|
$ |
6,858 |
|
|
$ |
5,422 |
|
Cellular plant equipment (3-15 years)
|
|
|
34,259 |
|
|
|
24,134 |
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (2-5 years)
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Leasehold improvements (5-10 years)
|
|
|
226 |
|
|
|
213 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,692 |
|
|
|
29,824 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
19,198 |
|
|
|
16,143 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
$ |
22,494 |
|
|
$ |
13,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant, and equipment includes the following:
Capitalized network engineering costs of $257 and $62 were
recorded during the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively.
Construction-in-progress included in certain of the
classifications shown above, principally cellular plant
equipment, amounted to $408 and $350 at December 31, 2004
and 2003, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $3,034, $2,886 and
$2,688, respectively.
|
|
4. |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities consist of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Accounts payable
|
|
$ |
481 |
|
|
$ |
258 |
|
Non-income based taxes and regulatory fees
|
|
|
449 |
|
|
|
605 |
|
Accrued commissions
|
|
|
263 |
|
|
|
254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
|
|
$ |
1,193 |
|
|
$ |
1,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Transactions with Affiliates |
Significant transactions with affiliates and other related
parties, including allocations and direct charges, are
summarized as follows for the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Service revenues(a)
|
|
$ |
1 |
|
|
$ |
(76 |
) |
|
$ |
(1 |
) |
Equipment and other revenues(b)
|
|
|
(234 |
) |
|
|
(267 |
) |
|
|
197 |
|
Cost of service(c)
|
|
|
4,137 |
|
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
984 |
|
Equipment costs(d)
|
|
|
349 |
|
|
|
852 |
|
|
|
443 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses(e)
|
|
|
5,430 |
|
|
|
5,143 |
|
|
|
5,063 |
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Service revenues include long distance, paging, data and
allocated contra revenues including revenue concessions;
excluding roaming revenue, see below. |
|
(b) |
|
Equipment and other revenues include sales of handsets and
accessories and allocated contra revenues including equipment
concessions and coupon rebates. |
F-138
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Cost of service includes cost of telecom, long distance, paging,
and handset applications; excluding roaming costs, see below. |
|
(d) |
|
Equipment costs include warehousing, freight, handsets,
accessories, and upgrades. |
|
(e) |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses include office
telecom, customer care, billing, salaries, sales and marketing,
advertising, and commissions. |
Revenues and expenses were allocated based principally on the
Partnerships percentage of total customers, customer gross
additions or minutes of use where applicable. The Partnership
believes the allocations are reasonable.
The Partnership also receives roaming revenue from affiliates
for use of the Partnerships network and incurs roaming
costs for use of affiliates networks. Roaming revenues
were $11,608, $9,592 and $8,001 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Roaming
costs were $4,761, $5,020 and $6,128 for the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Substantially all of these roaming revenue and cost transactions
were with affiliates. The roaming rates charged do not
necessarily reflect current market rates. The Partnership
continues to re-evaluate the rates and expects these rates to be
reduced in the future consistent with market trends and the
terms of the limited partnership agreement.
The Partnership had transfers and purchases involving plant,
property, and equipment with affiliates having a net cost of
$8,050, $1,116 and $1,333 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
During 2004, the methodology to charge shared switch costs to
the Partnership from an affiliate of the General Partner was
revised. The methodology change resulted in an increase in the
Partnerships switch costs in 2004. In 2004, 2003 and 2002,
the Partnership recorded switch sharing costs of $1,615, $336
and $336, respectively. These costs are included above in
Cost of service. The switch rates charged to the
Partnership do not necessarily reflect current market rates.
On January 1, 2005, the Partnership entered into a lease
agreement for the right to use additional Spectrum owned by
Cellco. The annual lease commitment of $76 represents the costs
of financing the Spectrum, and does not necessarily reflect the
economic value of the services received. No additional Spectrum
purchases or lease commitments, other than the $76, have been
entered into by the Partnership as of December 31, 2004.
The General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, and the
Partnership itself have entered into operating leases for
facilities and equipment used in its operations. Lease contracts
include renewal options that include rent expense adjustments
based on the Consumer Price Index as well as annual and
end-of-lease term adjustments. Rent expense is recorded on a
straight-line basis. The noncancellable lease term used to
calculate the amount of the straight-line rent expense is
generally determined to be the initial lease term, including any
optional renewal terms that are reasonably assured. Leasehold
improvements related to these operating leases are amortized
over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the
noncancellable lease term. For the years ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002, the Partnership recognized a total of $988,
$751 and $676, respectively, as rent expense related to payments
under these operating leases, which is included in cost of
service and selling, general and administrative expenses in the
accompanying Statements of Operations.
F-139
GTE MOBILNET OF TEXAS #17 LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating
leases, including maintenance fees and excluding renewal options
not reasonably assured for the years shown are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Year |
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
1,077 |
|
2006
|
|
|
985 |
|
2007
|
|
|
929 |
|
2008
|
|
|
891 |
|
2009
|
|
|
827 |
|
2010 and thereafter
|
|
|
235 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum payments
|
|
$ |
4,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7. |
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at | |
|
Additions | |
|
Write-offs | |
|
Balance at | |
|
|
Beginning | |
|
Charged to | |
|
Net of | |
|
End | |
|
|
of the Year | |
|
Operations | |
|
Recoveries | |
|
of the Year | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Accounts Receivable Allowances:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
$ |
244 |
|
|
$ |
793 |
|
|
$ |
(769 |
) |
|
$ |
268 |
|
|
2003
|
|
|
320 |
|
|
|
496 |
|
|
|
(572 |
) |
|
|
244 |
|
|
2002
|
|
|
451 |
|
|
|
719 |
|
|
|
(850 |
) |
|
|
320 |
|
Cellco is subject to various lawsuits and other claims including
class actions, product liability, patent infringement,
antitrust, partnership disputes, and claims involving relations
with resellers and agents. Cellco is also defending lawsuits
filed against itself and other participants in the wireless
industry alleging various adverse effects as a result of
wireless phone usage. Various consumer class action lawsuits
allege that Cellco breached contracts with consumers, violated
certain state consumer protection laws and other statutes and
defrauded customers through concealed or misleading billing
practices. Certain of these lawsuits and other claims may impact
the Partnership. These litigation matters may involve
indemnification obligations by third parties and/or affiliated
parties covering all or part of any potential damage awards
against Cellco and the Partnership and/or insurance coverage.
The Partnership may be allocated a portion of the damages that
may result upon adjudication of these matters if the claimants
prevail in their actions. Consequently, the ultimate liability
with respect to these matters at December 31, 2004 cannot
be ascertained. The potential effect, if any, on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Partnership, in the
period in which these matters are resolved, may be material.
In addition to the aforementioned matters, Cellco is subject to
various other legal actions and claims in the normal course of
business. While Cellcos legal counsel cannot give
assurance as to the outcome of each of these matters, in
managements opinion, based on the advice of such legal
counsel, the ultimate liability with respect to any of these
actions, or all of them combined, will not materially affect the
financial position or operating results of the Partnership.
F-140
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2005
F-141
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
56,538 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $2,795
|
|
|
32,148 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
3,278 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
8,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
103,916 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
353,060 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
43,261 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
318,481 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
146,236 |
|
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
14,546 |
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
22,743 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
1,002,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS DEFICIT |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
41,242 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
9,621 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
10,466 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
31,443 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
92,772 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
583,667 |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
68,192 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
62,924 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
3,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
810,725 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
2,457 |
|
|
|
|
|
Redeemable preferred shares:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Class A, redeemable preferred shares, $1 par value,
182,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding;
liquidation preference of $210,092
|
|
|
210,092 |
|
Common members deficit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, no par value, 10,000,000 shares, authorized,
issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(23,033 |
) |
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
1,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total common members deficit
|
|
|
(21,031 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and members deficit
|
|
$ |
1,002,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-142
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
79,772 |
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
24,417 |
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
26,196 |
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
16,818 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
12,341 |
|
|
|
5,738 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
253 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(11,694 |
) |
|
|
(2,829 |
) |
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(165 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
124 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
1,287 |
|
|
|
2,941 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
586 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
1,764 |
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
(4,623 |
) |
|
|
(2,274 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(3,922 |
) |
|
$ |
(510 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-143
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN COMMON
MEMBERS DEFICIT
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Paid in Capital | |
|
Deficit | |
|
Income | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1, 2005
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
$ |
(19,111 |
) |
|
$ |
258 |
|
|
$ |
(18,795 |
) |
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
701 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
701 |
|
Dividends on redeemable preferred shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,623 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,623 |
) |
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $1,090 of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, March 31, 2005
|
|
|
10,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
58 |
|
|
$ |
(23,033 |
) |
|
$ |
1,944 |
|
|
$ |
(21,031 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-144
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
16,818 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
1,579 |
|
|
|
1,067 |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
1,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
(330 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
|
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
732 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
90 |
|
|
|
(1,278 |
) |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
327 |
|
|
|
470 |
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
(3,574 |
) |
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(1,555 |
) |
|
|
802 |
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(1,893 |
) |
|
|
(2,681 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
14,612 |
|
|
|
5,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(5,533 |
) |
|
|
(2,737 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(5,533 |
) |
|
|
(2,737 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(4,512 |
) |
|
|
(2,575 |
) |
|
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(113 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(4,625 |
) |
|
|
(2,575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,454 |
|
|
|
558 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
52,084 |
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
56,538 |
|
|
$ |
10,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-145
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Homebase Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company
(Homebase or the Company), was formed on
June 26, 2002, and commenced operations in Illinois on
December 31, 2002, with its acquisition of Illinois
Consolidated Telephone Company and the related businesses
(collectively, ICTC) and in Texas on April 14,
2004 with its acquisition of TXU Communications Ventures Company
(TXUCV). Homebase is a holding company with no
income from operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
(Illinois Holdings) and Consolidated Communications
Texas Holdings, Inc. (Texas Holdings). Homebase and
its wholly owned subsidiaries operate under the name
Consolidated Communications.
Illinois Holdings is a holding company with no income from
operations or assets except for the capital stock of
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI). Illinois
Holdings operates its business through, and receives all of its
income from, CCI and its subsidiaries. CCI was formed for the
sole purpose of acquiring ICTC. Texas Holdings is a holding
company with no income from operations or assets except for the
capital stock of Consolidated Communications Acquisition Texas,
Inc. (Texas Acquisition). Texas Holdings and Texas
Acquisition were formed for the sole purpose of acquiring TXUCV,
which was subsequently renamed Consolidated Communications
Ventures Company (CCV). Texas Holdings operates its
business through, and receives all of its income from, CCV and
its subsidiaries.
The Company provides local telephone, long-distance and network
access services, and data and Internet products to both
residential and business customers. The Company also provides
operator services, telecommunications services to state prison
facilities, telecommunications equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services.
|
|
2. |
Presentation of Interim Financial Statements |
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Homebase and its wholly owned
subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling
financial interest. All material intercompany balances and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These
interim statements have been prepared in accordance with
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines
and do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
for complete financial statements. These interim financial
statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair presentation of its financial
position and results of operations for the interim periods. All
such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim
results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for the entire year. These interim financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes for the year ended
December 31, 2004, which are included as part of this
registration statement.
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform previously
reported data to the current presentation. Line costs totaling
$4,531 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were
reclassified from general and administrative expenses to cost of
services.
|
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning
F-146
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
in 2006 to companies that sponsor post-retirement health care
plans that provide drug benefits. Additional legislation is
anticipated that will clarify whether a company is eligible for
the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy available and the
procedures to be following in obtaining the subsidy. In May
2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides
guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the
Medicare Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription
drug plans are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the
Company began reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on
July 1, 2004, without a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first fiscal year after June 15, 2005, with early
adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. The Company is required to
adopt SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate fair
market value model to be used for valuing share-based payments,
the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is currently
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123R will
have on the financial condition or results of operations of the
Company but does not expect it to have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets-An Amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21 (b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
On April 14, 2004, Homebase, through its wholly owned
subsidiary Texas Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock
of TXUCV from Pinnacle One Partners L.P. (Pinnacle
One). By acquiring all of the capital stock of TXUCV,
Homebase acquired substantially all of the telecommunications
assets of TXU Corp., including two rural local exchange carriers
(RLECs), that together serve markets in Conroe, Katy
and Lufkin, Texas, a directory publishing business, a transport
services business that provides connectivity within Texas and
minority interests in cellular partnerships.
In connection with the closing of the TXUCV acquisition, the
Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, issued $200,000
in the aggregate principal amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, entered into a new $437,000 bank credit
facility, repaid its existing credit facility and entered into
certain related
F-147
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
transactions. The indenture governing the notes and the new
credit facility contain covenants, events of default and other
provisions (see Note 7).
The Company accounted for the TXUCV acquisition using the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the financial
statements reflect the allocation of the total purchase price to
the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their
respective fair values. The purchase price, including
acquisition costs and net of $9,897 of cash acquired, was
allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
27,478 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
268,706 |
|
Customer list
|
|
|
108,200 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
43,291 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(152,377 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net purchase price
|
|
$ |
524,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate purchase price was derived from a competitive
bidding process and negotiations and was influenced by the
Companys assessment of the value of the overall TXUCV
business. The significant goodwill value reflects the
Companys view that the TXUCV business can generate strong
cash flow and sales and earnings following the acquisition. In
accordance with SFAS 142, the $228,792 in goodwill recorded
as part of the TXUCV acquisition will not be amortized and will
be tested for impairment at least annually. The customer list
will be amortized over its estimated useful life of thirteen
years. The goodwill and other intangibles associated with this
acquisition did not qualify under the Internal Revenue Code as
deductible for tax purposes.
The Companys consolidated financial statements include the
results of operations for the TXUCV acquisition since the
April 14, 2004, acquisition date. Unaudited pro forma
results of operations data for the three months ended
March 31, 2004 as if the acquisition had occurred as of
January 1, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
$ |
79,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
$ |
11,451 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proforma net income
|
|
$ |
1,259 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Summarized financial information for significant
investments |
The Company obtained 17.02% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of Texas
RSA #17 Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet RSA
Partnership) in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV
on April 14, 2004. The principal activity of the Mobilnet
RSA Partnership is providing cellular service to a limited rural
area in Texas. The Company has some influence on the operating
and financial policies of this partnership and
F-148
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
accounts for this investment on the equity basis. Summarized
100 percent unaudited financial information for the
Mobilnet RSA Partnership was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months ended March 31, 2005: |
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
9,352 |
|
Operating income
|
|
|
2,173 |
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
Net income or loss
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
|
As of March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
8,037 |
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
23,078 |
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership equity
|
|
|
29,429 |
|
|
|
6. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has several defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its hourly employees and certain salaried
employees, primarily those located in Texas. The plans provide
retirement benefits based on years of service and earnings. The
pension plans are generally noncontributory. The Companys
funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the
minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit
and tax laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
1,233 |
|
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
343 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
2,615 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
508 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(2,888 |
) |
|
|
(495 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Other, net
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
1,038 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
$ |
874 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-149
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
Senior Secured Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
112,000 |
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
311,850 |
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
624,909 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(41,242 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
583,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility |
The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, maintains
credit agreement with various financial institutions, which
provides for aggregate borrowings up to $466,000 consisting of a
$122,000 term loan A facility, a $314,000 term loan C
facility and a $30,000 revolving credit facility. Borrowings
under the credit facility are secured by substantially all of
the assets of CCI and Texas Acquisition, other than ICTC.
ICTCs guarantee (and the corresponding security interest
in ICTCs assets) of $195,000 of total borrowing under the
credit facility is contingent upon obtaining the consent of the
Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
The term loans are due in quarterly installments, which increase
annually, with all borrowings under term loan A and term
loan C due April 14, 2010 and October 14, 2011,
respectively. The revolving credit facility matures on
April 14, 2010. Within 90 days after the end of the
Companys fiscal year, commencing on December 31,
2004, the Company shall be obligated to repay the loans in an
amount equal to 50% of the excess cash flow for such fiscal
year, provided that certain leverage ratios are maintained at
the end of the fiscal year. As of March 31, 2005, the
Company estimated that the excess cash flow repayment would be
approximately $22,556. In addition, subject to certain
exceptions, the Company is required to prepay the outstanding
term loans with 100% of the net proceeds of all non-ordinary
course of business asset sales and any insurance or condemnation
proceeds not reinvested within a required time period, 100% of
the net proceeds of certain occurrences of indebtedness and 50%
of the net proceeds from certain issuances of equity.
At the Companys election, borrowings bear interest at
fluctuating interest rates based on: (a) a base rate (the
highest of the administrative agents base rate in effect
on such day, 0.5% per annum above the latest three week
moving average of secondary market morning offering rates in the
United States for three month certificates of deposit or 0.5%
above the Federal Funds rate); or (b) the London Interbank
Offered Rate, or LIBOR plus, in either case, an applicable
margin within the relevant range of margins (0.75% to 2.50%)
provided for in the credit agreement. The applicable margin is
based upon the Companys total leverage ratio. As of
March 31, 2005, the margins for interest rates on LIBOR
based loans was 2.25%
F-150
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
on the term loan A facility and 2.50% under the term
loan C facility. At March 31, 2005 the weighted
average rate, including swaps, of interest on the Companys
term debt facilities was 5.42% per annum. Interest is payable at
least quarterly.
The credit agreement contains various provisions and covenants,
which include, among other items, restrictions on the ability to
pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, and issue capital
stock, as well as, limitations on future capital expenditures.
The Company has also agreed to maintain certain financial
ratios, including interest coverage, fixed charge coverage and
leverage ratios, all as defined in the credit agreement.
On April 14, 2004, the Company, through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, issued $200,000 of
93/4% Senior
Notes due on April 1, 2012. The senior notes pay interest
semi-annually on April 1 and October 1. The senior notes
may be redeemed on or prior to October 6, 2005 using all or
a portion of the proceeds of a qualified income depository
security offering. The redemption price plus accrued interest
will be, as a percentage of the principal amount, 107.313%
through April 10, 2004, and 109.75% between April 1,
2005 and October 6, 2005.
Up to 35% of the senior notes may be redeemed using the proceeds
of certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
April 1, 2007. Some or all of the senior notes may be
redeemed on or after April 1, 2008. The redemption price
plus accrued interest will be, as a percentage of the principal
amount, 104.875% in 2008, 102.438% in 2009 and 100% in 2010 and
thereafter. In addition, holders may require the repurchase of
the notes upon a change in control, as such term is defined in
the indenture governing the senior notes. The indenture contains
certain provisions and covenants, which include, among other
items, restrictions on the ability to issue certain types of
stock, incur additional indebtedness, make restricted payments,
pay dividends and enter other lines of business. Upon completion
of the proposed equity offering, the Company plans to redeem 35%
of the aggregate amount of our senior notes or $70,000. The cost
of the redemption, including the redemption premium, will be
$76,800.
Future maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2005
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1 - December 31, 2005
|
|
$ |
36,567 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
22,463 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
23,248 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
26,900 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
33,400 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
482,331 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
624,909 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At March 31, 2005, the
Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $215,617 in
aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of
F-151
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
$3,786 at March 31, 2005. The fair value is included in
other current assets. The Company recognized a net loss of $50
and zero in interest expense during the three months ended
March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, related to its
derivative instruments. The after tax change in the market value
of derivative instruments is recorded in other comprehensive
income. The Company recognized comprehensive income of $1,686
and zero during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and
2004, respectively, related to these derivative instruments.
In August 2003, the Company established the 2003 Restricted
Share Plan, which provides for the issuance of 1,000,000 common
shares to key employees as an incentive to enhance their
long-term performance as well as an incentive to join or remain
with the Company. In November 2003, the Company granted
975,000 shares of its common stock to certain Company
executives. In April 2004, the remaining 25,000 shares of
common stock were sold to certain Company executives at
$2.32 per share. These shares generally vest with the
individuals every December 31, beginning December 31
2004 through December 31, 2007. These consolidated
financial statements do not include any expense related to these
shares. As of March 31, 2005, 250,000 of these shares were
vested. No shares were vested at March 31, 2004.
The restricted share plan contains a call provision whereby upon
termination of employment, the Company may elect to repurchase
the shares held by the former employee. The purchase price is
based upon the lesser of fair value or a formula specified in
the plan. The existence of the employer call provision for a
purchase price that could be below fair value results in the
plan being accounted for as variable, with compensation expense,
if any, determined based upon the formula rather than fair
value. At March 31, 2005 and 2004, the formula computation
results in a negative value being ascribed to the common shares.
As a result, no stock compensation expense has been recognized
in these consolidated financial statements.
|
|
9. |
Net Loss per Common Share |
The following table sets forth the computation of net loss per
common share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net loss applicable to common shareholders
|
|
$ |
(3,922 |
) |
|
$ |
(510 |
) |
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
9,250,000 |
|
|
|
9,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss per common share
|
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-vested shares issued pursuant to the Restricted Share Plan
(Note 8) are not considered outstanding for the basic net
loss per share and are not included in the computation of
diluted net loss per share as their effect was anti-dilutive.
F-152
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The following table sets forth the components of comprehensive
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net income
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of tax
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
$ |
2,387 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company is viewed and managed as two separate, but highly
integrated, reportable business segments, Telephone
Operations and Other Operations. Telephone
Operations consists of local telephone, long-distance and
network access services, and data and Internet products provided
to both residential and business customers. All other business
activities comprise Other Operations including
operator services products, telecommunications services to state
prison facilities, equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services. Management evaluates the performance of these
business segments based upon revenue, gross margins, and net
operating income.
F-153
HOMEBASE ACQUISITION, LLC
Doing Business as
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The business segment reporting information is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
71,019 |
|
|
$ |
8,753 |
|
|
$ |
79,772 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
18,809 |
|
|
|
5,608 |
|
|
|
24,417 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,210 |
|
|
|
3,145 |
|
|
|
55,355 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
23,625 |
|
|
|
2,571 |
|
|
|
26,196 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
15,547 |
|
|
|
1,271 |
|
|
|
16,818 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
13,038 |
|
|
$ |
(697 |
) |
|
$ |
12,341 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
5,145 |
|
|
$ |
388 |
|
|
$ |
5,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
22,883 |
|
|
$ |
11,184 |
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
5,640 |
|
|
|
6,734 |
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,243 |
|
|
|
4,450 |
|
|
|
21,693 |
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
7,829 |
|
|
|
2,760 |
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,930 |
|
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
6,484 |
|
|
$ |
(746 |
) |
|
$ |
5,738 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
2,190 |
|
|
$ |
547 |
|
|
$ |
2,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
309,527 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
318,481 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
956,991 |
|
|
$ |
45,252 |
|
|
$ |
1,002,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-154
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2005
F-155
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
23,818 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,619
|
|
|
17,775 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,598 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
3,303 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
46,494 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
98,690 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
348 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
89,689 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
46,051 |
|
|
Tradenames
|
|
|
14,546 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,693 |
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
8,661 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
306,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
16,116 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
3,279 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
12,270 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
37,915 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
223,586 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
12,045 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,265 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
274,811 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares,
authorized, issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
29,600 |
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
834 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
927 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
31,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$ |
306,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-156
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
33,631 |
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
10,952 |
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
11,970 |
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,800 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
4,909 |
|
|
|
5,738 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
115 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(4,363 |
) |
|
|
(2,829 |
) |
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
123 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
802 |
|
|
|
2,941 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
334 |
|
|
|
1,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
468 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-157
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained | |
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Paid in Capital | |
|
Earnings | |
|
Income | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1, 2005
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
29,600 |
|
|
$ |
366 |
|
|
$ |
291 |
|
|
$ |
30,257 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
468 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
468 |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $391 of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, March 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
29,600 |
|
|
$ |
834 |
|
|
$ |
927 |
|
|
$ |
31,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-158
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
468 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
5,800 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
1,054 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
275 |
|
|
|
163 |
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
1,645 |
|
|
|
(211 |
) |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
2,136 |
|
|
|
470 |
|
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
(589 |
) |
|
|
197 |
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
802 |
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(1,270 |
) |
|
|
(2,681 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
10,315 |
|
|
|
5,870 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
(2,737 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(1,421 |
) |
|
|
(2,737 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(1,766 |
) |
|
|
(2,575 |
) |
|
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(36 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(1,802 |
) |
|
|
(2,575 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
7,092 |
|
|
|
558 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
16,726 |
|
|
|
10,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
23,818 |
|
|
$ |
10,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-159
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Consolidated Communications, Inc. (CCI) is a direct,
wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Communications Holdings,
Inc. (Illinois Holdings or CCI Illinois
or the Company). Illinois Holdings is a holding
company with no income from operations or assets except for the
capital stock of CCI. Illinois Holdings operates its business
through, and receives all of its income from, CCI and its
subsidiaries.
The Company provides local telephone, long-distance and network
access services, and data and Internet products to both
residential and business customers. The Company also provides
operator services, telecommunications services to state prison
facilities, telecommunications equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services.
|
|
2. |
Presentation of Interim Financial Statements |
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Illinois Holdings and its
wholly owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which it has a
controlling financial interest. All material intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
These interim statements have been prepared in accordance with
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines
and do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
for complete financial statements. These interim financial
statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair presentation of its financial
position and results of operations for the interim periods. All
such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim
results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for the entire year. These interim financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes for the year ended
December 31, 2004, which are included as part of this
registration statement.
Certain reclassifications have been made to conform previously
reported data to the current presentation. Line costs totaling
$4,531 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 were
reclassified from general and administrative expenses to cost of
services.
|
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning in 2006 to companies that sponsor
post-retirement health care plans that provide drug benefits.
Additional legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether
a company is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy
available and the procedures to be following in obtaining the
subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides
guidance on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the
Medicare Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription
drug plans are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the
Company began reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on
July 1, 2004, without a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first fiscal year after June 15, 2005, with early
adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures
F-160
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
previously permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an
alternative to financial statement recognition. The Company is
required to adopt SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006.
Under SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate
fair market value model to be used for valuing share-based
payments, the amortization method for compensation cost and the
transition method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 123R will have on the financial condition or results
of operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets-An Amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21(b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
|
|
4. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering
substantially all of its hourly employees. The plan provides
retirement benefits based on years of service and earnings. The
pension plan is generally noncontributory. The Companys
funding policy is to contribute amounts sufficient to meet the
minimum funding requirements as set forth in employee benefit
and tax laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and
2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits | |
|
Other Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
475 |
|
|
$ |
119 |
|
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
12 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
1,630 |
|
|
|
407 |
|
|
|
129 |
|
|
|
32 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(1,979 |
) |
|
|
(495 |
) |
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
(1 |
) |
Other, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
126 |
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
174 |
|
|
$ |
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-161
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31,
2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
45,902 |
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
118,800 |
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
75,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
239,702 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(16,116 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
223,586 |
|
|
|
|
|
Future maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2005
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1 December 31, 2005
|
|
$ |
14,279 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
8,884 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
9,397 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
10,934 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
13,598 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
182,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
239,702 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At March 31, 2005, the
Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $83,234 in
aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 2.99% to 3.35%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of $1,538 at March 31, 2005. The fair value is
included in other current assets. The Company recognized a net
loss of $50 and zero in interest expense during the three months
ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, related to its
derivative instruments. The after tax change in the market value
of derivative instruments is recorded in other comprehensive
income. The Company recognized comprehensive income of $636 and
zero during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively related to these derivative instruments.
F-162
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The following table sets for the components of comprehensive
income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months | |
|
|
Ended March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Net income
|
|
$ |
468 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax
|
|
|
636 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
$ |
1,104 |
|
|
$ |
1,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company is viewed and managed as two separate, but highly
integrated, reportable business segments, Telephone
Operations and Other Operations. Telephone
Operations consists of local telephone, long-distance and
network access services, and data and Internet products provided
to both residential and business customers. All other business
activities comprise Other Operations including
operator services products, telecommunications services to state
prison facilities, equipment sales and maintenance,
inbound/outbound telemarketing and fulfillment services, and
paging services. Management evaluates the performance of these
business segments based upon revenue, gross margins, and net
operating income.
F-163
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS ILLINOIS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The business segment reporting information is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Telephone | |
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Operations | |
|
Operations | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Three months ended March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
24,764 |
|
|
$ |
8,867 |
|
|
$ |
33,631 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
5,230 |
|
|
|
5,722 |
|
|
|
10,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
19,534 |
|
|
|
3,145 |
|
|
|
22,679 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
9,399 |
|
|
|
2,571 |
|
|
|
11,970 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,529 |
|
|
|
1,271 |
|
|
|
5,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
5,606 |
|
|
$ |
(697 |
) |
|
$ |
4,909 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
1,033 |
|
|
$ |
388 |
|
|
$ |
1,421 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$ |
22,883 |
|
|
$ |
11,184 |
|
|
$ |
34,067 |
|
Cost of services and products
|
|
|
5,640 |
|
|
|
6,734 |
|
|
|
12,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross margin
|
|
|
17,243 |
|
|
|
4,450 |
|
|
|
21,693 |
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
7,829 |
|
|
|
2,760 |
|
|
|
10,589 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,930 |
|
|
|
2,436 |
|
|
|
5,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating income (loss)
|
|
$ |
6,484 |
|
|
$ |
(746 |
) |
|
$ |
5,738 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
2,190 |
|
|
$ |
547 |
|
|
$ |
2,737 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$ |
80,735 |
|
|
$ |
8,954 |
|
|
$ |
89,689 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
260,920 |
|
|
$ |
45,252 |
|
|
$ |
306,172 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-164
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS
TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2005
F-165
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
ASSETS |
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
32,720 |
|
|
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,176
|
|
|
14,373 |
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
3,202 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
1,680 |
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
5,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
57,422 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net
|
|
|
254,370 |
|
Intangibles and other assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
42,913 |
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
|
Customer lists, net
|
|
|
100,185 |
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred financing costs and other assets
|
|
|
14,082 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$ |
697,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY |
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$ |
25,126 |
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
6,342 |
|
|
Advance billings and customer deposits
|
|
|
4,216 |
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
19,343 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
55,027 |
|
Long-term debt less current maturities
|
|
|
360,081 |
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
69,715 |
|
Pension and postretirement benefit obligations
|
|
|
50,879 |
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
1,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
537,607 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interests
|
|
|
2,457 |
|
|
|
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common shares, $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares,
authorized, issued and outstanding
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
152,458 |
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
4,225 |
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
1,017 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
157,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and shareholders equity
|
|
$ |
697,764 |
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-166
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Revenues
|
|
$ |
46,255 |
|
|
$ |
45,366 |
|
Operating expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and
amortization shown separately below)
|
|
|
13,579 |
|
|
|
13,134 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
14,226 |
|
|
|
15,086 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
11,018 |
|
|
|
8,150 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
7,432 |
|
|
|
8,996 |
|
Other income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
138 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(7,331 |
) |
|
|
(1,112 |
) |
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
857 |
|
|
Dividend income
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
Minority interest
|
|
|
(165 |
) |
|
|
(126 |
) |
|
Other, net
|
|
|
1 |
|
|
|
(49 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
485 |
|
|
|
8,698 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
252 |
|
|
|
3,223 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
$ |
5,475 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-167
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other | |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained | |
|
Income | |
|
|
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount |
|
Paid in Capital | |
|
Earnings | |
|
(Loss) | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Balance, January 1, 2005
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
152,458 |
|
|
$ |
3,992 |
|
|
$ |
(33 |
) |
|
$ |
156,417 |
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
233 |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges, net of $699 of tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, March 31, 2005
|
|
|
1,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
152,458 |
|
|
$ |
4,225 |
|
|
$ |
1,017 |
|
|
$ |
157,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-168
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
CONDENSED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended | |
|
|
March 31, | |
|
|
| |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Predecessor | |
|
|
|
|
| |
Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
$ |
5,475 |
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
11,018 |
|
|
|
8,150 |
|
|
|
Provision for bad debt losses
|
|
|
525 |
|
|
|
442 |
|
|
|
Deferred income tax
|
|
|
823 |
|
|
|
2,777 |
|
|
|
Partnership income
|
|
|
(330 |
) |
|
|
(857 |
) |
|
|
Minority interest in net income of subsidiary
|
|
|
165 |
|
|
|
126 |
|
|
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
457 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
|
1,690 |
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(1,809 |
) |
|
|
98 |
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
(3,396 |
) |
|
|
(377 |
) |
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(558 |
) |
|
|
(8,460 |
) |
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
(2,879 |
) |
|
|
(2,926 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
4,297 |
|
|
|
6,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
(4,112 |
) |
|
|
(4,797 |
) |
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
266 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(4,112 |
) |
|
|
(4,531 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term obligations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
566 |
|
|
|
Payments made on long-term obligations
|
|
|
(2,746 |
) |
|
|
(673 |
) |
|
|
Payment of deferred financing costs
|
|
|
(77 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(2,823 |
) |
|
|
(107 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(2,638 |
) |
|
|
1,500 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
|
|
|
35,358 |
|
|
|
11,464 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
|
|
$ |
32,720 |
|
|
$ |
12,964 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes
F-169
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
March 31, 2005
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
|
|
1. |
Description of Business |
Consolidated Communications Ventures Company (CCV)
is a wholly owned subsidiary of Consolidated Communications
Texas Holdings, Inc. (Texas Holdings or CCI
Texas or the Company). Texas Holdings is a
holding company with no income from operations or assets except
for the capital stock of Consolidated Communications Acquisition
Texas, Inc. (Texas Acquisition). Texas Acquisition
is a holding company with no income from operations or assets
except for the Capital Stock of CCV. The Company provides local
telephone, long-distance and network access services, and data
and Internet products to both residential and business customers.
|
|
2. |
Presentation of Interim Financial Statements |
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of Texas Holdings and its wholly
owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which it has a
controlling financial interest. All material intercompany
balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
These interim statements have been prepared in accordance with
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) guidelines
and do not include all of the information and footnotes required
by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP)
for complete financial statements. These interim financial
statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for a fair presentation of its financial
position and results of operations for the interim periods. All
such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Interim
results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for the entire year. These interim financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements and related notes for the year ended
December 31, 2004, which are included as part of this
registration statement.
|
|
3. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2003, the U.S. Congress enacted the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
(the Medicare Act) that will provide a prescription
drug subsidy beginning in 2006 to companies that sponsor
post-retirement health care plans that provide drug benefits.
Additional legislation is anticipated that will clarify whether
a company is eligible for the subsidy, the amount of the subsidy
available and the procedures to be following in obtaining the
subsidy. In May 2004, the FASB issued Staff Position 106-2,
Accounting Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of
2003 (SAP 106-2), that provides guidance
on the accounting and disclosure for the effects of the Medicare
Act. The Companys post-retirement prescription drug plans
are actuarially equivalent and accordingly, the Company began
reflecting the Medicare Acts impact on July 1, 2004,
without a material adverse effect on the financial condition or
results of operations of the Company.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123R, which replaces
SFAS 123 and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25.
SFAS 123R requires all share-based payments to employees,
including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in
the financial statements based on their fair values beginning
with the first fiscal year after June 15, 2005, with early
adoption encouraged. The pro forma disclosures previously
permitted under SFAS 123 no longer will be an alternative
to financial statement recognition. The Company is required to
adopt SFAS 123R beginning January 1, 2006. Under
SFAS 123R, the Company must determine the appropriate fair
market value model to be used for valuing share-based payments,
the amortization method for compensation cost and the transition
method to be used at date of adoption. The Company is currently
evaluating the effect that the adoption of SFAS 123R will
have on
F-170
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
the financial condition or results of operations of the Company
but does not expect it to have a material impact.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 153,
Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets-An Amendment of APB
Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary
Transactions (SFAS 153).
SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value
measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive
assets in paragraph 21 (b) of APB Opinion No. 29,
Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions, and replaces it with an
exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance.
SFAS 153 specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has
commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are
expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange.
SFAS 153 is effective for the fiscal periods beginning
after June 15, 2005 and is required to be adopted by us in
the three months ended September 30, 2005. The Company is
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of
SFAS 153 will have on the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company but does not expect it to have a
material impact.
On April 14, 2004, Texas Holdings, through its wholly owned
subsidiary Texas Acquisition, acquired all of the capital stock
of TXUCV from Pinnacle One Partners L.P. (Pinnacle
One). By acquiring all of the capital stock of TXUCV,
Texas Holdings acquired substantially all of the
telecommunications assets of TXU Corp., including two rural
local exchange carriers (RLECs), that together serve
markets in Conroe, Katy and Lufkin, Texas, a directory
publishing business, a transport services business that provides
connectivity within Texas and minority interests in cellular
partnerships.
The Company accounted for the TXUCV acquisition using the
purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the financial
statements reflect the allocation of the total purchase price to
the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their
respective fair values. The purchase price, including
acquisition costs and net of $9,897 of cash acquired, was
allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$ |
27,478 |
|
Property, plant and equipment
|
|
|
268,706 |
|
Customer list
|
|
|
108,200 |
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
228,792 |
|
Other assets
|
|
|
43,291 |
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(152,377 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net purchase price
|
|
$ |
524,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate purchase price was derived from a competitive
bidding process and negotiations and was influenced by the
Companys assessment of the value of the overall TXUCV
business. The significant goodwill value reflects the
Companys view that the TXUCV business can generate strong
cash flow and sales and earnings following the acquisition. In
accordance with SFAS 142, the $228,792 in goodwill recorded
as part of the TXUCV acquisition will not be amortized and will
be tested for impairment at least annually. The customer list
will be amortized over its estimated useful life of thirteen
years. The goodwill and other intangibles associated with this
acquisition did not qualify under the Internal Revenue Code as
deductible for tax purposes.
F-171
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements
include the results of operations for the TXUCV acquisition
since the April 14, 2004, acquisition date. Unaudited
predecessor condensed consolidated results of operations and
cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2004 are
included for comparative purposes. In addition, unaudited pro
forma results of operations data for the three months ended
March 31, 2004 as if the acquisition had occurred as of
January 1, 2004 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
Total revenues
|
|
$ |
45,366 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
$ |
5,713 |
|
|
|
|
|
Proforma net loss
|
|
$ |
(253 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5. |
Summarized Financial Information for Significant
Investments |
The Company obtained 17.02% ownership of GTE Mobilnet of Texas
RSA #17 Limited Partnership (the Mobilnet RSA Partnership)
in connection with the acquisition of TXUCV on April 14,
2004. The principal activity of the Mobilnet RSA Partnership is
providing cellular service to a limited rural area in Texas. The
Company has some influence on the operating and financial
policies of this partnership and accounts for this investment on
the equity basis. Summarized 100 percent unaudited
financial information for the Mobilnet RSA Partnership was as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three months ended March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$ |
9,352 |
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
2,173 |
|
|
Income before income taxes
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
2,225 |
|
As of March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
8,037 |
|
|
Non-current assets
|
|
|
23,078 |
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
1,686 |
|
|
Non-current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership equity
|
|
|
29,429 |
|
|
|
6. |
Pension Costs and Other Postretirement Benefits |
The Company has a defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all of its hourly employees and certain salaried
employees. The plans provide retirement benefits based on years
of service and earnings. The pension plans are generally
noncontributory. The Companys funding policy is to
contribute amounts sufficient to meet the minimum funding
requirements as set forth in employee benefit and tax laws.
The Company currently provides other postretirement benefits
(Other Benefits) consisting of health care and life
insurance benefits for certain groups of retired employees.
Retirees share in the cost of health care benefits. Retiree
contributions for health care benefits are adjusted periodically
based upon either collective bargaining agreements for former
hourly employees and as total costs of the program change for
former salaried employees. The Companys funding policy for
retiree health benefits is generally to pay covered expenses as
they are incurred. Postretirement life insurance benefits are
fully insured.
F-172
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
The following table presents the components of net periodic
benefit cost for the three months ended March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension | |
|
Other | |
|
|
Benefits | |
|
Benefits | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Service cost
|
|
$ |
758 |
|
|
$ |
296 |
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
985 |
|
|
|
378 |
|
Expected return on plan assets
|
|
|
(909 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
79 |
|
|
|
26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost
|
|
$ |
913 |
|
|
$ |
700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt consists of the following as of March 31,
2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Secured Credit Facility
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving loan
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Term loan A
|
|
|
66,098 |
|
|
Term loan C
|
|
|
193,050 |
|
Senior notes
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
Capital leases
|
|
|
1,059 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
385,207 |
|
Less: current portion
|
|
|
(25,126 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
360,081 |
|
|
|
|
|
Future maturities of long-term debt as of March 31, 2005
are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 1 December 31, 2005
|
|
$ |
22,288 |
|
Calendar year 2006
|
|
|
13,579 |
|
Calendar year 2007
|
|
|
13,851 |
|
Calendar year 2008
|
|
|
15,966 |
|
Calendar year 2009
|
|
|
19,802 |
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
299,721 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
385,207 |
|
|
|
|
|
Derivative Instruments
The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements that
effectively convert a portion of the floating-rate debt to a
fixed-rate basis, thus reducing the impact of interest rate
changes on future interest expense. At March 31, 2005, the
Company has interest rate swap agreements covering $132,383 in
aggregate principal amount of its variable rate debt at fixed
LIBOR rates ranging from 3.26% to 3.31%. The swap agreements
expire on December 31, 2006, May 19, 2007, and
December 31, 2007. The fair value of the Companys
derivative instruments, comprising interest rate swaps, amounted
to an asset of $2,248 at March 31, 2005. The fair value is
included in other current assets. The Company recognized a zero
in interest expense during the three months ended March 31,
2005 related to its derivative
F-173
CONSOLIDATED COMMUNICATIONS TEXAS HOLDINGS, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Dollars in thousand, except share and per share amounts)
instruments. The after tax change in the market value of
derivative instruments is recorded in other comprehensive
income. The Company recognized comprehensive income of $1,050
during the three months ended March 31, 2005 related to
these derivative instruments.
The following table sets for the components of comprehensive
income for the three months ended March 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
Change in fair value of cash flow hedge, net of tax
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
$ |
1,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
F-174
$200,000,000
Consolidated Communications Illinois Holdings, Inc.
Consolidated Communications Texas Holdings, Inc.
Offer to exchange outstanding
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012 for an equal
amount of
93/4% Senior
Notes due 2012, which have been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
PROSPECTUS
Until October 24, 2005, all dealers that effect
transactions in these securities, whether or not participating
in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This
is in addition to the dealers obligation to deliver a
prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their
unsold allotments or subscriptions.
July 26, 2005