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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 Commission file number 0-27890
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 58-2113290
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
1430 WEST PEACHTREE, SUITE 400 30309
ATLANTA, GEORGIA (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)
(404) 815-0770
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
(Title of Class) (Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
(Not applicable)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (the "Exchange Act") during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
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Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to
this Form 10-K. [ ]
Based upon the closing price of the registrant's Common Stock as of March 21,
1997 the aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of
the registrant is $44,884,946.*
The number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 21, 1996 was
7,480,434.
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* Solely for purposes of this calculation, all executive officers and
directors of the registrant and all shareholders reporting beneficial
ownership of more than 5% of the registrant's Common Stock are considered
to be affiliates.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. ("MindSpring" or the "Company") is a
national Internet access provider that focuses on serving individual
subscribers, including individuals with little or no prior on-line experience.
MindSpring provides easy-to-use Internet access by offering customized
software, reliable network facilities and responsive customer service.
MindSpring believes that there is a growing and unsatisfied demand for high
quality Internet access for individuals. Trends contributing to this growth in
demand include the heightened consumer awareness of the Internet, the
increasing number of individuals who have computers with modems and the
expanding diversity of information, entertainment and commercial offerings
available on the Internet. Management believes that few, if any, of the
Company's major competitors have developed a comparable level of service
quality and customer support for individual subscribers and that by targeting
individual subscribers, rather than attempting to serve all segments of the
Internet access market, MindSpring can continue to increase its subscriber base
rapidly while maintaining superior quality service.
BACKGROUND
MindSpring was incorporated in Georgia in February 1994, and began
marketing its services as an Internet access provider in June 1994. The
Company reincorporated in Delaware in December 1995. Prior to the PSINet
Transaction (as defined below) in June 1996, MindSpring was a regional Internet
access provider that offered its services through 40 points of presence
("POPs") in the southeastern United States and had grown to approximately
34,500 subscribers.
In June 1996, the Company announced its plans to become a nationwide
Internet access provider through agreements with PSINet Inc. ("PSINet") to
purchase certain of PSINet's consumer dial-up subscriber accounts, a customer
service facility and certain other related assets, and to obtain access to
PSINet's national network of over 200 POPs (the "PSINet Transaction").
PSINet has agreed, among other things, to provide to the Company: (i)
Internet connection services which meet reasonable commercial standards,
including with respect to access and reliability; and (ii) access to PSINet's
network monitoring systems and subscriber log-in and accounting information. As
of December 31, 1996, the Company had access to approximately 218 POPs
(excluding PSINet POPs located in areas served by MindSpring POPs) and served
approximately 118,100 subscribers and approximately 3,700 Web Hosting
customers.
MindSpring POPs are connected to the Internet primarily through
MindSpring's network hub in Atlanta, Georgia. Leased data communication lines
from three different suppliers connect the network hub to the Internet
backbone. The Company's network hub is connected to PSINet's nationwide
network of over 200 POPs at the PSINet POP located in Austel, Georgia. The
Company may also connect its network to PSINet's network at various other
PSINet POP sites. By using PSINet POPs, MindSpring has reduced the need for
significant up-front capital expenditures to establish MindSpring POPs to
support the Company's growth, although the Company intends to maintain the
flexibility to expand, open or close MindSpring POPs or make other capital
investments as and where subscriber demand or strategic considerations warrant.
Management believes that as a result of the Company's reputation for
reliability and high quality, MindSpring will become recognized as a leading
national provider of high quality Internet access services to individual
subscribers.
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CUSTOMER SUPPORT
MindSpring believes that excellent customer support is critical to its
success in retaining existing subscribers and in attracting new subscribers.
MindSpring currently provides customer support through a call center located at
its headquarters, which is open for service from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
eastern time seven days a week (excluding holidays). The Company also provides
customer support through a call center near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the
"Harrisburg Facility"), which is generally open for service 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. Subscribers can call these centers through a local Atlanta
telephone number or a toll-free "800" number. Subscribers can also e-mail
their questions directly to a customer support address at the Company. In
addition, the Company maintains MindSpring specific newsgroups on the Internet,
where subscribers can post requests for help, and other subscribers, as well as
MindSpring support personnel, can respond. As of December 31, 1996, the
Company had a staff of over 190 technical support employees.
SALES AND MARKETING
MindSpring believes that the market for individual Internet access is
heavily influenced by person-to-person referrals. Accordingly, the Company's
marketing efforts have been geared, among other things, toward generating
positive referrals and stimulating subscriber growth and retention by providing
an exceptionally high quality service to its existing subscribers. MindSpring
also offers a $10 credit to existing subscribers each time a new subscriber
names the existing subscriber as the referral source. During 1995 and 1996, a
significant number of the Company's new subscribers (not including the
subscriber accounts obtained through purchases) indicated that they were
referred by an existing subscriber.
In addition to encouraging referrals from existing subscribers, the
Company intends to establish a nationwide presence and nationwide name
recognition through moderate amounts of print publication, radio and direct
mail advertising and by pursuing the nationwide strategic alliances and retail
opportunities available to the Company as a result of MindSpring's nationwide
access and reputation for reliability and high quality. Such nationwide
marketing opportunities may include, among others: entering into large-scale
bundling arrangements with complementary products such as computers, software
products, multimedia books, and CD-ROM merchandise; entering into retail
distribution agreements for its software package with national distributors;
and seeking strategic alliances with complementary businesses operating in its
service areas, such as Internet-oriented training organizations and consulting
firms, World Wide Web content developers, computer networking firms, media
companies, telecommunications companies, local area network and World Wide Web
consulting companies, and other Internet access companies that specialize in
providing dedicated connections. The Company expects that any such alliances
would be of varying natures and terms. The Company seeks to forge these
alliances through:
Trade arrangements with media companies. The Company
establishes trade arrangements with a variety of media
companies, including newspapers, radio and television
stations, cable television stations, and telecommunications
companies in the areas in which the Company provides service.
These arrangements may involve, among other things, commission
arrangements, "wholesale" purchases of Company services for
resale, private branding of Company services, or an exchange
of MindSpring Internet services for advertising or other
promotional services.
Sales agent programs. MindSpring has relationships
with a number of sales agents who typically are involved in
offering products or services that are related to the
Internet. The basic sales agent agreement offers a finder's
fee for each new subscriber who names the sales agent as the
referral source. MindSpring sales agents include
Internet-oriented training organizations and consulting firms,
World Wide Web content developers, computer networking firms,
local area network and World Wide Web consulting companies and
computer stores.
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Speaking appearances and presentations. MindSpring
marketing personnel spend considerable time meeting with and
making presentations to groups representing potential
subscribers, such as computer user associations, high
technology business associations and educational institutions.
The Company also intends to continue to expand its marketing and
distribution efforts by exploiting newly available marketing opportunities
as well as traditional advertising media. The Company anticipates that the
expansion of its geographic coverage and subscriber base will require it to
continue to expand and adapt its marketing and distribution efforts.
MindSpring will continue to closely monitor the results of its marketing
techniques as part of an ongoing effort to increase the cost-effectiveness of
its marketing efforts.
MindSpring has attempted to maintain a high degree of personal contact
with the communities that it serves, and the Company has a staff of regional
managers who are responsible for generating interest in MindSpring in these
communities. The Company plans to continue these efforts in the southeastern
United States and selectively expand them to include key metropolitan areas in
other regions of the country.
Sales are consummated by the Company's telephone sales force, which
responds to incoming subscription inquiries, as well as through an on-line
sign-up procedure. The on-line registration module, which is available in the
Company's retail software package and through various OEM arrangements,
enables a user to become a MindSpring subscriber by selecting service plans and
billing methods on-line, without the need to speak to a MindSpring employee.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company's retail software package was available in
126 computer stores and other outlets located in the southeastern United
States. The Company intends to expand the availability of the retail software
package in connection with the Company's evolving nationwide service area.
MINDSPRING SERVICE PLANS
MindSpring's primary subscribers are individuals within local dialing
range of one of the MindSpring or PSINet POPs and Web-hosting service
subscribers. The Company's objective is to offer its service in a way that
enables subscribers to have a positive experience with MindSpring and the
Internet, even if they are not expert computer users or have no on-line
experience. Accordingly,
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the Company provides extensive customer support services, helpful and easily
understood documentation, and a software starter kit that is designed to be
easy to install, easy to use and that supports both Windows and Macintosh
users. In addition, MindSpring provides service to dedicated access
subscribers.
Dial-up Internet Access. MindSpring's primary service offering is
dial-up Internet access. The basic equipment requirements for an individual
dial-up subscriber are a Windows 3.x or later or Macintosh computer with at
least 8MB of RAM and a working modem of 14.4 Kbps speed or faster. The
subscriber's MindSpring connection is a direct PPP connection, enabling the
subscriber to use any standard Internet capable software that will run on the
subscriber's computer.
The Company currently offers the following four price plans for
dial-up subscribers in order to accommodate both heavy and light Internet
users. Each plan requires a start-up fee of up to $25, depending upon the
promotional method by which the subscriber is acquired.
The Works. For $26.95 per month, individual
subscribers receive unlimited use (not intended to be a
full-time connection) as well as 10MB of Web space, access to
the Clarinet premium news service and two extra mailboxes.
Unlimited Access. Individual subscribers pay $19.95
per month for unlimited use, with the restriction that the
subscriber must disconnect when not actively accessing the
Internet. The subscriber is not permitted, for example, to
maintain a full-time computer connection as a World Wide Web
server.
Standard. Subscribers pay $14.95 per month for 20
hours of use and $1 per hour for each additional hour.
Subscribers also receive 5MB of Web space and access to the
Clarinet premium news service.
Light. Subscribers pay $6.95 per month for five
hours of use and $2 per hour for each additional hour.
Subscribers also receive 5MB of Web space.
The Company has also established a discount program for organizations
that open a group of at least ten individual accounts. The Company expects
that the typical user of this program will be a corporation or other
organization that wishes to purchase Internet access for its employees.
Substantially all of the Company's subscribers are on month-to-month
subscriptions. The Company offers a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
for new subscribers. Billing is made to the majority of subscribers by
automatic charges to subscribers' credit cards each month in advance, though
some subscribers are invoiced (for an extra charge). Subscribers, as well as
the Company, may cancel an account at any time, with the cancellation taking
effect as of the first day of the following month. The Company's liability in
connection with a subscriber's use of the Company's services may be limited by
certain provisions in the Company's standard form of service agreement.
A user who is within local dialing range of one of the MindSpring POPs
or PSINet POPs can access the Internet with a local telephone call. The
Company also offers access to its services through an "800" number for an
additional charge. All dial-up subscribers can connect to the MindSpring
network (including the PSINet POPs) via modem at speeds up to 28.8 Kbps.
Subscribers who access the Company's network through a MindSpring POP and who
use the latest generation U.S. Robotics modem can connect at speeds up to 56
Kbps. In some cities that the Company serves, individual subscribers, except
subscribers to the Unlimited Access plan, can also choose to connect via ISDN
at 64 Kbps or 128 Kbps. There is a one-time extra startup fee of $25 for ISDN
users who subscribe to the Standard and Light plans; otherwise, ISDN pricing is
the same as for modem subscribers. All dial-up subscribers, except subscribers
to the Unlimited Access plan, also have the option of using MindSpring servers
to publish information on the Internet through the World Wide Web or FTP.
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MindSpring subscribers may use the space made available on MindSpring's servers
to make World Wide Web pages or computer files available to the Internet.
Web Hosting. MindSpring also offers Web-hosting accounts for
companies and other organizations that wish to create their own World Wide Web
sites without maintaining their own Web server and high speed Internet
connection. Web-hosting subscribers can use their own domain name in their
World Wide Web address. This type of Web hosting is sometimes called "virtual
hosting." Web-hosting subscribers are responsible for building their Web sites
themselves, and then uploading the pages to a MindSpring Web server. The
Company's Web-hosting service features state-of-the-art Web servers for high
speed and reliability, a high quality connection to the Internet, specialized
customer support, advanced services features such as secure transactions and
VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language, a feature which allows Web site visitors
to navigate through a three dimensional "virtual" world) and detailed
statistical reporting on hits to the site. Average monthly fees for
Web-hosting accounts are approximately $55. MindSpring had approximately 3,700
Web-hosting subscribers as of December 31, 1996.
"Dedicated" Connections. MindSpring offers "dedicated" (i.e.,
full-time) connections at the following current prices:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Dedicated 28.8 Kbps modem connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . $500 start-up fee, $120 per month
Dedicated 64 Kbps ISDN connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 start-up fee, $250 per month
Dedicated 128 Kbps ISDN connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $250 start-up fee, $400 per month
</TABLE>
In providing dedicated connections, MindSpring does not provide network
consulting services. Subscribers intending to use a dedicated MindSpring
connection to their own networks need to be technically self-sufficient.
NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE
Geographic Coverage. As of December 31, 1996, MindSpring offered
Internet access service through 40 MindSpring POPs in nine states and the
District of Columbia. In addition, as a result of the PSINet Transaction, the
Company has access to PSINet's network of over 200 POPs located in 46 states
and the District of Columbia.
The MindSpring Network. Users located within local dialing range of a
MindSpring POP connect to the POP through telephone lines provided by the local
telephone company. Each MindSpring POP generally connects to the Company's
Atlanta hub via a leased line T-l connection. The equipment located in the
remote POPs consists primarily of a router, rackmounted terminal servers and
modems.
In order to continue to build its base of individual dial-up
subscribers, the Company intends to continue to evaluate the need to expand
existing MindSpring POPs, to open new MindSpring POPs and to locate servers in
remote locations to optimize network traffic. The number and location of
additional POPs that the Company may actually open depends on such factors as
subscriber demand, relative costs of telecommunications facilities, competitive
considerations, and other factors, including the ability to provide service
through access to PSINet POPs and possibly through POPs of other companies.
The Company has no current plans and is not involved in any negotiations with
respect to providing service through POPs of other companies.
MindSpring's network hub is currently connected to the Internet
through three separate leased data communications lines, one connecting to the
Sprint Communications Company, L.P. ("Sprint Communications") network, one to
the Apex Global Information Services, Inc. ("AGIS") network and one to the BBN
Planet Corporation ("BBN") network. Sprint Communications, AGIS and BBN are
Internet backbone providers that carry data traffic for MindSpring and other
subscribers and deliver it either to its end destination (if that destination
is connected directly to their network) or to the Internet gateway points where
the traffic is routed onward to its ultimate
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destination. As MindSpring grows, it will need to increase the bandwidth over
its connection to the rest of the Internet. This may be done through
increasing the bandwidth of the Company's connections through these current
providers, by adding new connections through these or other providers, or by
establishing leased line connections directly to the Internet gateway points.
The Company maintains a Network Management Center at its Atlanta
headquarters through which the Company's technical staff monitors network
traffic, service quality and security, as well as equipment at individual POPs,
to ensure reliable Internet access. The Network Management Center is staffed
24 hours a day seven days a week. In addition, the Company is continuing to
invest in improved network monitoring software and hardware systems.
MindSpring Connection to PSINet POPs. In addition to its MindSpring
POPs, the Company provides Internet access to its subscribers through a
nationwide network of over 200 PSINet POPs pursuant to a Network Services
Agreement with PSINet (as amended, the "Services Agreement"). The Company
believes that this arrangement will enable it to provide Internet access
services on a nationwide basis while reducing capital expenditures.
However, the Company intends to maintain the flexibility to expand or open
MindSpring POPs or make other capital investments as and where subscriber
demand or strategic considerations warrant.
MINDSPRING SOFTWARE
An important component of the Company's offering for dial-up
subscribers is the MindSpring starter kit. The starter kit includes: the
MindSpring installation program, front-end software and documentation, an
on-line registration module (retail version only), network software that
enables a subscriber to connect to the Internet, and application programs. See
"Subscriber Applications."
The Company's objectives in developing and providing this starter kit
are to:
Simplify installation. The MindSpring Windows software package
automatically configures all the individual Internet access programs after
one-time entry by the user of a few required fields of information (name,
username, password, etc.). The Macintosh installation program is similar but
requires subscribers to enter some additional information.
Provide a convenient and intuitive starting place for subscribers.
The MindSpring front-end software allows subscribers to connect and disconnect,
see any current messages from MindSpring, check their monthly usage, see if
they have any e-mail, and launch any of their Internet application programs,
all from one screen. "Help" files and the accompanying documentation contain
information on trouble-shooting and things to do on the Internet.
Enhance efficiency of the Company's support services. High-quality
software with which the Company's customer service representatives are familiar
makes it easier for the Company to provide fast and efficient customer support.
Software that is reliable and easy to install and use also tends to reduce
subscriber need for extensive support services.
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Provide state-of-the-art applications. The Company uses
already-existing applications in its software package. MindSpring believes
that this approach will enable it to include state-of-the-art software in its
package and keep pace with technology developments by replacing applications
with newer or better programs as they become available without diverting
resources by attempting to develop new applications programs.
Provide open standards and flexibility. MindSpring software is based
on open standards, and the Windows package is fully Winsock compatible.
Winsock is an industry standard programming interface definition for Windows
which specifies how TCP/IP-based network applications should communicate with
TCP/IP protocol software. Winsock has been adopted by most vendors of network
protocol software and network applications software for Windows. Subscribers
can run any standard Windows or Macintosh Internet programs and are not limited
to those programs that are included in the starter kit but can experiment with
new Internet applications as they become available.
SUBSCRIBER APPLICATIONS
MindSpring subscribers use their accounts for communicating,
retrieving information and publishing information on the Internet. In Company
surveys of its subscribers, a substantial number of the Company's individual
subscribers report that they use their MindSpring accounts for business as well
as for personal purposes. The subscribers' MindSpring connection is a direct
PPP connection, enabling subscribers to use any standard Internet-capable
software that will run on their computers. A complete set of the most popular
Internet applications are included in the MindSpring starter kit software
package, including:
Electronic Mail. E-mail allows subscribers to exchange
electronic messages with anyone else who has an Internet e-mail
address. These messages are usually text only, but can also include
other kinds of computer files (such as images, computer programs, or
word processing documents), which are sent as attachments. The
Company's software package includes the Eudora e-mail application.
The World Wide Web. The World Wide Web allows a multimedia
presentation of material (text, graphic, sound and video). Users can
move from one World Wide Web site to another by clicking on hypertext
links and can interact with the World Wide Web information providers
through typed input. The software programs that allow users to
explore the World Wide Web are known as "browsers." The browser
application currently included in the Company's software package is
Microsoft's Internet Explorer.
Network News. Network News provides Internet-wide,
subject-specific forums on thousands of different subjects, where
users can post information and review posted information from other
users.
FTP. File transfer protocol, or FTP, is a standard Internet
tool that allows users to send and retrieve computer files. FTP is
often used for retrieving software from various archive sites on the
Internet.
Internet Relay Chat. Internet Relay Chat allows users to
participate in chat sessions, in which typed comments from all
participants appear on the screen, allowing simultaneous multi-person
real-time conversations.
The Company has obtained permission and, in certain cases, licenses
from each manufacturer of the software that the Company bundles in its
front-end software product for Windows and Macintosh subscribers. See
"Proprietary Rights."
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BILLING AND MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Most of the Company's individual subscribers pay their MindSpring fees
automatically by credit card each month. The Company generally sends monthly
invoices to commercial accounts with multiple users. Billing calculations and
payment transactions are managed on the Company's automated billing system,
which was implemented in May 1995. The Company expects to continue to modify
and upgrade its billing system in order to maintain its ability to bill and
collect amounts due and to be responsive to changes in the market.
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS
General. Although the Company believes that its success is more
dependent upon its technical expertise than its proprietary rights, the
Company's success and ability to compete is dependent in part upon its
technology. The Company relies on a combination of copyright, trademark and
trade secret laws and contractual restrictions to establish and protect its
technology. It is the Company's policy to require employees and consultants
and, when possible, suppliers to execute confidentiality agreements upon the
commencement of their relationships with the Company. These agreements provide
that confidential information developed or made known during the course of a
relationship with the Company must be kept confidential and not disclosed to
third parties except in specific circumstances. There can be no assurance that
the steps taken by the Company will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of
its technology or that the Company's competitors will not independently develop
technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's
technology.
Licenses. The Company has obtained authorization to use the product
of each manufacturer of software that the Company bundles in its front-end
software product for Windows and Macintosh subscribers. The particular
applications included in the MindSpring starter kit have in some cases been
licensed. These licensed applications currently include: the Netscape
Navigator (a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation ("Netscape
Communications")) from Netscape Communications (which license expires on
December 31, 1997); TCP/IP software from Network TeleSystems, Inc. (which
license has been renewed through November 11, 1997 and is renewable for
one-year terms thereafter); the Eudora(R) e-mail program from Qualcomm, Inc.
(which license expires on September 28, 1997); Lview Pro graphics viewer
software from MMedia Research (which license has an indefinite term); Internet
Explorer from Microsoft (which license expires on September 5, 1998); Anarchie
from Peter N. Lewis (which license expires on January 19, 1998); FreePPP from
Steve Dagley (which license has an indefinite term); and Fetch from Dartmouth
University (which license expires on June 3, 1997). In addition, the Company
is in the process of renewing or deciding whether to renew licenses for
Newswatcher from Northeastern University, Mac TCP from Apple Computer, Inc. and
MacPPP from Merit Network, Inc. The Company currently intends to maintain or
negotiate renewals of, as the case may be, all other existing software licenses
and authorizations as necessary. The Company may also want or need to license
other applications in the future. License fees charged to the Company upon
enrollment of additional subscribers are included in the cost of subscriber
start-up fees. Other applications included in the MindSpring starter kit are
shareware that the Company has obtained permission to distribute, or are from
the public domain and are freely distributable. The front-end software
programs in MindSpring's starter kit for Windows, Win95 and Macintosh were
developed by MindSpring.
Trademarks. In April 1996, the Company adopted a new MindSpring logo.
The Company currently has applications pending with respect to the registration
in the United States of the trademark "MindSpring" (and design) for each of the
old and new MindSpring logos. As part of the PSINet Transaction, the Company
has acquired trademark applications for the trademarks "Pipeline" and "Pipeline
USA." The Company is evaluating whether to prosecute these applications.
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COMPETITION
The market for the provision of Internet access to individuals is
extremely competitive and highly fragmented. There are no substantial barriers
to entry, and the Company expects that competition will continue to intensify.
The Company believes that the primary competitive factors determining success
in this market are a reputation for reliability and service, effective customer
support, pricing, easy-to-use software and geographic coverage. Other
important factors include the timing of introductions of new products and
services and industry and general economic trends. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be able to compete successfully against current or future
competitors or that competitive pressures faced by the Company will not
materially adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of
operations.
As a result of increased competition in the industry, the Company has
encountered and expects to continue to encounter significant pricing pressure.
In May 1996, in response to a changing competitive environment, the Company
introduced five different pricing plans for dial-up access (one of which was
discontinued in September 1996 due to low subscriber interest), compared to the
two prior plan offerings. These plan changes generally represent a reduction
from the previous rates. Further reductions in rates charged by the Company's
competitors could require the Company to further reduce prices charged to its
subscribers, which could cause a decrease in total revenue and revenue per
subscriber and reduce the likelihood of the Company achieving positive cash
flow or profitability in the future. Any such reductions in prices could
materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, telecommunications companies may be able
to offer customers reduced communications costs in connection with their
Internet access services, reducing the overall cost of their Internet access
solution and significantly increasing price pressures on the Company.
Competition could also result in increased selling and marketing expenses,
related subscriber acquisition costs, and increased subscriber attrition, all
of which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to offset the effects of any such increased costs or reductions in the
Company's prices through an increase in the number of its subscribers, higher
revenue from enhanced services, cost reductions or otherwise, or that the
Company will have the resources to continue to compete successfully.
The Company's current and prospective competitors include many large
companies that have substantially greater market presence and financial,
technical, marketing and other resources than the Company. In addition, every
local market the Company has entered or intends to enter is served by multiple
local Internet access providers. The Company currently competes or expects to
compete with the following types of Internet access providers: (i) national
commercial Internet access providers, such as NETCOM On-Line Communications,
Inc. ("NETCOM"); (ii) numerous regional and local commercial Internet access
providers which vary widely in quality, service offerings and pricing; (iii)
established on-line commercial information service providers, such as America
Online, Inc. ("America Online") and CompuServe Incorporated ("CompuServe");
(iv) computer hardware and software and other technology companies, such as
International Business Machines Corporation ("IBM") and Microsoft Corp.
("Microsoft"); (v) national long distance carriers, such as AT&T Corp.
("AT&T"), MCI Communications Corporation ("MCI"), MFS Communications Company,
Inc. ("MFS"), Sprint Corporation ("Sprint") and WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom");
(vi) regional telephone companies; (vii) cable operators; and (viii) nonprofit
or educational Internet access providers.
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The Company believes that new competitors, including large computer
hardware and software, media and telecommunications companies, will continue to
enter the Internet access market, resulting in even greater competition for the
Company. For example, Microsoft has introduced an Internet access solution,
including front-end software and an on-line service called "Microsoft Network."
The application software for this on-line service is bundled with Microsoft's
Windows '95 operating system, which may give the service a significant
advantage over on-line and other Internet access providers, including the
Company. In connection with its plans to enter the Internet access market,
Microsoft has entered into a strategic alliance with UUNet Technologies Inc.
("UUNet") (which was recently acquired by MFS) (including the purchase of a
minority investment in UUNet by Microsoft) that will give Microsoft customers
access to the Internet through UUNet's POPs. MFS was acquired by WorldCom in
December 1996. Microsoft also recently announced strategic marketing alliances
for Internet access with MCI, AT&T and NETCOM. GTE Corp. ("GTE") also recently
entered into a strategic alliance with UUNet whereby GTE's customers will
obtain access to the Internet through UUNet's communications network. AT&T
began offering Internet access to its customers in April 1996 and MCI and
Sprint have also recently entered the Internet access market. In addition,
IBM's most recent version of its 0S/2 operating system software includes
Internet utilities, and IBM offers Internet access through its own private
communications network. IBM also recently announced an agreement with
BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. ("BellSouth") whereby BellSouth customers
will be able to access the Internet through IBM'S network. The ability of these
competitors or others to enter into strategic alliances or joint ventures or to
bundle services and products with Internet access could put the Company at a
significant competitive disadvantage.
Moreover, the Company expects to face competition in the future from
companies that provide connections to consumers' homes, including local and
long distance telephone companies, cable television companies, electric utility
companies and wireless communications companies. For example, technologies
have been developed to enable cable television operators to offer high-speed
Internet access through their cable facilities. These broadband technologies
promise significantly higher access rates than existing modem speeds. Such
companies could include Internet access in their basic bundle of services or
offer such access for a nominal additional charge and could prevent the Company
from delivering Internet access through the wire and cable connections that
such companies own. Any such developments could materially adversely affect
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company does not currently compete internationally. To the extent
that the ability to provide Internet access internationally becomes a
competitive advantage in the Internet access industry, the Company may be at a
competitive disadvantage relative to other competitors.
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
The Company provides Internet access, in part, through transmissions
over public telephone lines. These transmissions are governed by regulatory
policies establishing charges and terms for communications. The Company is at
present considered an enhanced services provider and, therefore, is not
currently subject to direct regulation by the Federal Communications Commission
(the "FCC") or any other agency, other than regulations applicable to
businesses generally. However, the Company could become subject in the future
to regulations by the FCC and/or other regulatory commissions as a provider of
basic telecommunications services. The FCC recently issued a Notice of Inquiry
in which it seeks comment on whether it should distinguish between different
categories of enhanced services, and announced that it will address issues
about the continued viability of its current regulatory division between basic
and enhanced services in a future proceeding.
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The law relating to the liability of Internet access providers and
on-line services companies for information carried on or disseminated through
their networks is unsettled. Several private lawsuits seeking to impose such
liability upon Internet access providers and on-line services companies are
currently pending. Although no such claims have been asserted against the
Company to date, there can be no assurance that such claims will not be
asserted in the future, or if asserted, will not be successful. Furthermore,
although the Company has attempted to limit its liability by the terms of its
standard service agreement, there can be no assurance that the Company's
liability would be so limited in the event of any litigation or other claim
against the Company. In addition, the Communications Decency Act of 1996 (the
"CDA"), which is Title V of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, P.L. 104-104
(the "1996 Telecommunications Act"), imposes fines on any entity that: (i) by
means of a telecommunications device, knowingly sends indecent or obscene
material to a minor; (ii) by means of an interactive computer service, sends or
displays indecent material to a minor; or (iii) permits any telecommunications
facility under such entity's control to be used for the purposes detailed
above. The standard for determining whether an entity acted knowingly has not
yet been established. The following defenses to liability under the statute
exist: (i) any entity that solely provides access or connection to or from a
facility, system, or network not under that entity's control; and (ii) the use
of reasonable, effective and appropriate screening efforts to restrict or
prevent access by minors. These defenses are unavailable to an entity that (i)
is found to have conspired with another entity involved in the creation or
knowing distribution of obscene or indecent material through an interactive
computer service or telecommunications device or that knowingly advertises the
availability of such material or (ii) that solely provides access or
connection, but also owns or controls, a facility, system, or network engaged
in the prohibited activities. The 1996 Telecommunications Act creates the
right to challenge the law before a three-judge district court and a right of
direct appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Litigation was filed in federal
court challenging the constitutionality of the on-line provisions of the 1996
Telecommunications Act. On June 12, 1996, a three-judge panel of the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania unanimously enjoined
enforcement of these provisions. The court has since clarified that its
injunction applies only to indecency issues and not to the display or
transmission of obscene material or child pornography. The Justice Department
has appealed the lower court's decision to the Supreme Court, and included in
its jurisdictional statement an argument that the Supreme Court should uphold
as much of the CDA as possible and sever only those portions determined to be
unconstitutional. In a similar suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York, another three-judge panel has granted a stay
against enforcement of the CDA. The Justice Department has filed a
jurisdictional statement with the Supreme Court to challenge that case,
although the Supreme Court will likely hold it in abeyance pending a decision
in the other action.
Due to the increasing popularity and use of the Internet, it is
possible that additional laws and regulations may be adopted with respect to
the Internet, covering issues such as content, user privacy, pricing and
copyright infringement. Shortly after AT&T announced its plans to offer
Internet access, several Bell Operating Companies reportedly complained that
AT&T should no longer receive the benefit of a data transmission exemption to a
1983 FCC "access charge" plan, which exemption applies to all Internet service
providers. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC tentatively concluded
that information service providers should be exempted from paying access
charges. However, the FCC has yet to render a final decision on this issue,
and has initiated proceedings to examine broader issues regarding access
charges and regulatory treatment of interstate information services and the
Internet. The Company cannot predict the impact, if any, that the elimination
of this exemption or any other future regulatory changes or developments may
have on its business, financial condition and results of operations. In
addition, Tacoma, Washington has imposed a tax on companies that connect people
to the Internet, and other localities may impose similar taxes. Changes in the
regulatory environment relating to the Internet access industry, including
regulatory changes that directly or indirectly affect telecommunication costs
or increase the likelihood or scope of competition from regional telephone
companies or others, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
As the law in this area develops, the potential imposition of
liability upon the Company for information carried on and disseminated through
its network could require the Company to
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<PAGE> 13
implement measures to reduce its exposure to such liability, which may require
the expenditure of substantial resources or the discontinuation of certain
products or service offerings. Any costs that are incurred as a result of
contesting any such asserted claims or the consequent imposition of liability
could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
RISK FACTORS
Limited Operating History; Operating Losses. The Company was
incorporated on February 24, 1994 and commenced offering Internet access in
June 1994. The Company has had net losses in each quarter since it commenced
operations and had net losses of approximately $75,000, $1,959,000 and
$7,612,000 for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had an accumulated deficit of
approximately $9,646,000. The Company expects that it will continue to incur
net losses at least through the third quarter of 1997. Amortization charges in
connection with the Company's acquisition of assets related to PSINet's
consumer dial-up Internet access services were first incurred in the third
quarter of 1996 and are expected to adversely affect the Company's results of
operations through the second quarter of 1999. The Company's ability to achieve
and maintain profitability and positive cash flow is dependent upon a number of
factors, including the Company's ability to increase revenue while reducing per
subscriber costs by achieving economies of scale. There can be no assurance
that the Company will be successful in increasing or maintaining revenue or
achieving or sustaining economies of scale or positive cash flow in the future,
and any such failure could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "-- Factors
Affecting Operating Results; Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results," and
"Business -- Competition."
Dependence on PSINet. The Services Agreement with PSINet expires on
June 28, 2001, and automatically renews for additional one-year terms, but may
be terminated earlier by PSINet upon 365 days prior written notice, provided
that no such termination may become effective prior to October 31, 1998. The
Services Agreement does not require PSINet to continue to operate any POP that
is not serving as a primary dial-in POP for any MindSpring subscriber. PSINet's
inability or unwillingness to provide POP access to MindSpring's subscribers,
or the Company's inability to secure alternative POP arrangements upon partial
or complete termination of the Services Agreement or other loss of access to
PSINet POPs, could significantly limit the Company's ability to provide
Internet access to its subscribers and limit the Company's ability to expand
nationally, which could, in turn, have a material adverse effect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Other than
its intention to retain the flexibility to open new MindSpring POPs on an
as-needed basis, the Company does not currently have any plans or commitments
with respect to such alternative POP arrangements. There can be no assurance
that any such alternative arrangements will be available if and when the
Company requires them or, if available, that such arrangements will be on terms
acceptable to the Company.
Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company expects to rely
increasingly on PSINet to provide connectivity to MindSpring subscribers
through PSINet's nationwide network of over 200 POPs. The future success of the
Company's business will depend, in part, on the capacity, reliability and
security of PSINet's network infrastructure, over which the Company has no
control. In the event of disruptions in PSINet's network, the Company may have
no means of replacing these services on a timely basis or at all in the event
of such disruption. Any accident, incident, system failure or discontinuance of
operations involving PSINet's network that causes interruptions in the
Company's operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
ability to provide Internet services to its subscribers, and, in turn, on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. See "--
Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System Failure," "--
Dependence on Telecommunications Carriers and Other Suppliers" and "-- Security
Risks."
Factors Affecting Operating Results; Potential Fluctuations in
Quarterly Results. The Company's future success depends on a number of
factors, many of which are beyond the Company's
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<PAGE> 14
control. These factors include, among others: the rates of and costs associated
with new subscriber acquisition, subscriber retention, capital expenditures and
other costs relating to the expansion of operations; the timing of new product
and service announcements; changes in the Company's pricing policies
and those of its competitors; market acceptance of new and enhanced versions of
the Company's products and services; changes in operating expenses; changes in
the Company's strategy; personnel changes; the introduction of alternative
technologies; the viability of the Company's arrangement with PSINet under the
Services Agreement; and the effect of potential acquisitions, increased
competition in the Company's markets and other general economic factors.
The Company's operating results, cash flows and liquidity may
fluctuate significantly in the future. The Company's revenue depends on its
ability to attract and retain subscribers who purchase access on a
month-to-month basis. MindSpring generally offers its new subscribers a 30-day
money-back satisfaction guarantee, and MindSpring subscribers have the option of
discontinuing their service at the end of any given month for any reason. The
Company's expense levels are based, in part, on its expectations as to future
revenue. To the extent that revenue is below expectations, the Company may be
unable or unwilling to reduce expenses proportionately, and operating results,
cash flows and liquidity are likely to be adversely affected. Due to all of the
foregoing factors, it is likely that in some future quarter the Company's
operating results and/or growth rate will be below the expectations of public
market analysts and investors. In such event, the price of the Common Stock
will likely be materially adversely affected.
Risks Associated with Additional Acquisitions and Purchases of
Subscriber Accounts. As part of its business strategy, the Company has
undertaken the PSINet Transaction and will continue to evaluate additional
strategic acquisitions of businesses and subscriber accounts principally
relating to its current operations. Such transactions commonly involve certain
risks including, among others: the difficulty of assimilating the acquired
operations and personnel; the potential disruption of the Company's ongoing
business; the possible inability of management to maximize the financial and
strategic position of the Company by the successful incorporation of acquired
technology and rights into the Company's service offerings and the maintenance
of uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies; the risks of entering
markets in which the Company has little or no direct prior experience; and the
potential impairment of relationships with employees and subscribers as a
result of changes in management. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered
in connection with the PSINet Transaction or other future transactions. In
addition, any such transactions could materially adversely affect the Company's
operating results due to dilutive issuances of equity securities, the
incurrence of additional debt, and the amortization of expenses related to
goodwill and other intangible assets, if any. The Company is not currently
engaged in any negotiations with respect to specific additional significant
acquisitions, although from time to time it has had discussions with several
companies and is continuing to assess these and other acquisition
opportunities.
Management and Risks of Growth. The rapid execution necessary for the
Company to fully exploit the market for its products and services requires an
effective planning and management process. MindSpring's rapid growth is
placing, and is expected to continue to place, a significant strain on the
Company's managerial, operational and financial resources. In order to
effectively manage its operations, the Company will be required to continue to
implement and improve its operational, financial and management information
systems and to attract, identify, train, integrate and retain qualified
personnel. These demands will require the addition of new management personnel
and the development of additional expertise by existing management. Eight of
the Company's twelve officers have joined the Company since January 1995,
including President and Chief Operating Officer Michael S. McQuary and Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer Michael G. Misikoff. The Company's
success depends to a significant extent on the ability of its officers to
operate effectively, both independently and as a group.
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<PAGE> 15
In particular, the successful integration of newly acquired assets and
the implementation of a nationwide strategy and network will require close
monitoring of service quality (particularly through PSINet POPs) and, to the
extent management deems necessary, identification and acquisition of physical
sites, acquisition and installation of necessary equipment and
telecommunication facilities, implementation of marketing efforts in new as
well as existing locations, employment of qualified personnel to provide
technical and marketing support for such sites, and continued expansion of the
Company's managerial, operational and financial resources to support such
development. The demands on the Company's customer support resources have grown
rapidly due to the Company's rapidly expanding subscriber base. There can be
no assurance that the Company's customer support or other resources will be
sufficient to manage any future growth in the Company's business or that the
Company will be able to implement in whole or in part its expansion program.
Dependence on Network Infrastructure; Capacity; Risk of System
Failure. The future success of the Company's business will depend on the
capacity, reliability and security of its network infrastructure, including the
PSINet POPs to which the Company is granted access pursuant to the Services
Agreement. The Company will have to expand and adapt its network infrastructure
as the number of subscribers and the amount and type of information they wish
to transfer increases. Such expansion and adaptation of the Company's network
infrastructure will require substantial financial, operational and management
resources. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to expand or
adapt its network infrastructure to meet additional demand or changing
subscriber requirements on a timely basis and at a commercially reasonable
cost, or at all.
Capacity constraints have occurred, and may occur in the future, both
at the level of particular POPs (affecting only subscribers attempting to use
the particular POP) and in connection with system-wide services (such as e-mail
and news group services). From time to time the Company has experienced delayed
delivery from suppliers of new telephone lines, modems, terminal servers and
other equipment. If delays of this nature are severe, all incoming modem lines
may become full during peak times, resulting in busy signals for subscribers
who are trying to connect to MindSpring. Similar problems can occur if the
Company is unable to expand the capacity of its information servers (for
e-mail, news and the World Wide Web) fast enough to keep up with demand from
the Company's rapidly expanding subscriber base. If the capacity of such
servers is exceeded, subscribers will experience delays when trying to use a
particular service. Further, if the Company does not maintain sufficient
bandwidth capacity in its network connections, subscribers will perceive a
general slow-down of all services on the Internet. While the Company's
objective is to maintain substantial excess capacity, any failure of the
Company to expand or enhance its network infrastructure on a timely basis or to
adapt it to an expanding subscriber base, changing subscriber requirements or
evolving industry standards could materially adversely affect the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, while the
Services Agreement requires PSINet to provide commercially reliable service to
MindSpring's subscribers with a significant assurance of accessibility to the
Internet, there can be no assurance that such services or Internet access will
meet the Company's requirements, which could materially adversely affect the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's operations and services provided through PSINet POPs are
dependent on the extent to which the Company's and PSINet's computer equipment
is protected against damage from fire, earthquakes, power loss,
telecommunications failures and similar events. A significant portion of the
Company's computer equipment, including critical equipment dedicated to its
Internet access services, is located at a single facility in Atlanta, Georgia.
A significant amount of critical equipment is also located at the Harrisburg
Facility. Despite precautions taken by the Company and by PSINet (over which
the Company has no control), the occurrence of a natural disaster or other
unanticipated problems at the Company's headquarters, network hub, the
Harrisburg Facility or at MindSpring or PSINet POPs could cause interruptions
in the services provided by the Company. In addition, failure of the Company's
telecommunications providers to provide the data communications capacity
required by the Company as a result of a natural disaster, operational
disruption or for any other
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<PAGE> 16
reason could cause interruptions in the services provided by the Company. See
"Business -- Network Infrastructure." The Company does not currently maintain
fully redundant or backup Internet services or backbone facilities or other
fully redundant computing and telecommunication facilities. Any accident,
incident or system failure that causes interruptions in the Company's
operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's ability to
provide Internet services to its subscribers, and, in turn, on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Dependence on Telecommunications Carriers and Other Suppliers. The
Company relies on local telephone companies and other companies to provide data
communications capacity via local telecommunications lines and leased
long-distance lines. The Company will also rely on PSINet to provide
connectivity to MindSpring subscribers through PSINet's nationwide network of
POPs. The Company is subject to potential disruptions in these
telecommunications services and may have no means of replacing these services,
on a timely basis or at all, in the event of such disruption. In addition,
local phone service is currently available only from the local monopoly
telephone company in each of the markets served by the Company. Management
believes that the 1996 Telecommunications Act generally will lead to increased
competition in the provision of local telephone service, but the Company cannot
predict the timing or extent of any such developments or the effect thereof on
pricing or supply.
The Company is dependent on certain third-party suppliers of hardware
components. Certain components used by the Company in providing its networking
services are currently acquired from only one source, including modems
manufactured by U.S. Robotics, Inc., terminal servers manufactured by
Livingston Enterprises, Inc., and high-performance routers manufactured by
Cisco Systems, Inc. Expansion of network infrastructure by the Company and
others is placing, and will continue to place, a significant demand on the
Company's suppliers, some of which have limited resources and production
capacity. Failure of the Company's suppliers to adjust to meet such increasing
demand may prevent them from continuing to supply components and products in
the quantities, at the quality levels and at the times required by the Company,
or at all. The Company's inability to develop alternative sources of supply if
required could result in delays and increased costs in expanding the Company's
network infrastructure.
The Company's suppliers and telecommunications carriers also sell or
lease products and services to the Company's competitors and may be, or in the
future may become, competitors of the Company themselves. There can be no
assurance that the Company's suppliers and telecommunications carriers will not
enter into exclusive arrangements with the Company's competitors or stop
selling or leasing their products or services to the Company at commercially
reasonable prices or at all.
Security Risks. Despite the implementation of security measures, both
MindSpring's and PSINet's network infrastructures are vulnerable to computer
viruses or similar disruptive problems caused by their subscribers or other
Internet users. Computer viruses or problems caused by third parties could lead
to interruptions, delays or cessation in service to MindSpring's subscribers.
Inappropriate use of the Internet by third parties could also potentially
jeopardize the security of confidential information stored in the computer
systems of the Company or its subscribers, which could cause losses to the
Company or its subscribers or deter certain persons from subscribing to the
Company's services. Such inappropriate use of the Internet would include
attempting to gain unauthorized access to information or systems -- commonly
known as "cracking" or "hacking." Although the Company intends to continue to
implement security measures, and PSINet has publicly stated that it intends to
do the same, such measures have been circumvented in the past, and there can be
no assurance that measures implemented by the Company or PSINet will not be
circumvented in the future. Alleviating problems caused by computer viruses or
other inappropriate uses or security breaches may require interruptions, delays
or cessation in service to the Company's subscribers, which could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations. In addition, the Company expects that its subscribers
will increasingly use the Internet for commercial transactions in the future.
Any network malfunction or security breach could cause these transactions to be
delayed, not completed at all, or completed with
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<PAGE> 17
compromised security. There can be no assurance that subscribers or others will
not assert claims of liability against the Company as a result of any such
failure. Further, until more comprehensive security technologies are developed,
the security and privacy concerns of existing and potential subscribers may
inhibit the growth of the Internet service industry in general and MindSpring's
subscriber base and revenue in particular.
New and Uncertain Market; Uncertain Acceptance of the Internet as a
Medium of Commerce and Communication. The market for Internet access and
related products is in an early stage of growth. The Company's success will
depend upon the continuing development and expansion of the Internet and the
market for Internet access. Critical issues concerning commercial and personal
use of the Internet (including security, reliability, cost, ease of use, access
and quality of service) remain unresolved and may affect the growth of Internet
use. The acceptance of the Internet for commerce and communications,
particularly by those individuals and enterprises that have historically relied
upon alternative means of commerce and communication, generally requires that
such subscribers accept a new way of conducting business and exchanging
information, that industry participants continue to provide new and compelling
content and applications, and that the Internet provide a reliable and secure
computer platform. It is difficult to predict with any assurance the rate at
which the market will grow or at which new or increased competition will result
in market saturation. The novelty of the market for Internet access may also
adversely affect the Company's ability to retain new subscribers, as
subscribers unfamiliar with the Internet may be more likely to discontinue the
Company's services after an initial trial period than other subscribers. If
demand for Internet services fails to continue to grow, grows more slowly than
anticipated, or becomes saturated with competitors, the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations will be materially adversely
affected.
Risks of Technology Trends and Evolving Industry Standards. The
market for Internet access is characterized by rapidly changing technology,
evolving industry standards, changes in subscriber needs, and frequent new
service and product introductions. The Company's future success will depend,
in part, on its ability to use leading technologies effectively, to continue to
develop its technical expertise, and to enhance its existing services and
develop new services to meet changing subscriber needs on a timely and
cost-effective basis. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
successful in using new technologies effectively, developing new services or
enhancing existing services on a timely basis or that such new technologies or
enhancements will achieve market acceptance.
The Company believes that its ability to compete successfully is also
dependent upon the continued compatibility and interoperability of its services
with products and architectures offered by various vendors. Although the
Company intends to support emerging standards in the market for Internet
access, there can be no assurance that industry standards will be established
or, if they become established, that the Company will be able to conform to
these new standards in a timely fashion and maintain a competitive position in
the market. In addition, there can be no assurance that services or
technologies developed by others will not render the Company's services or
technology uncompetitive or obsolete.
The Company is also at risk to fundamental changes in the way Internet
access is delivered. Currently, Internet services are accessed primarily by
computers connected by telephone lines. Recently, several companies have
developed cable television modems. These cable television modems have the
ability to transmit data at substantially faster speeds than the modems
the Company and its subscribers currently use. As the Internet becomes
accessible through these cable television modems and by screen-based
telephones, wireless products, televisions and other consumer electronic
devices, or as subscriber requirements change the way Internet access is
provided, the Company will have to develop new technology or modify its
existing technology to accommodate these developments. The Company's pursuit of
these technological advances may require substantial time and expense, and
there can be no assurance that the Company will succeed in adapting its
Internet access business to alternate access devices and conduits.
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<PAGE> 18
Proprietary Rights; Infringement Claims. The Company's success
depends in part upon its software and related documentation. The Company
principally relies upon copyright, trade secret and contract law to protect its
proprietary technology. There can be no assurance that the steps taken by the
Company will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of its technology or that
the Company's competitors will not independently develop technologies that are
substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's technology. See "Business
- -- Proprietary Rights."
The Company has obtained permission and, in certain cases, licenses
from each manufacturer of the software that the Company bundles in its
front-end software product for subscribers. Although the Company does not
believe that the software or the trademarks it uses infringe the proprietary
rights of any third parties, there can be no assurance that third parties will
not assert such claims against the Company in the future or that such claims
will not be successful. The Company could incur substantial costs and diversion
of management resources with respect to the defense of any claims relating to
proprietary rights, which could materially adversely affect the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. Parties making such
claims could secure a judgment awarding substantial damages, as well as
injunctive or other equitable relief that could effectively block the Company's
ability to license its products in the United States or abroad. Such a judgment
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations. In the event a claim relating to
proprietary technology or information is asserted against the Company, the
Company may seek licenses to such intellectual property. There can be no
assurance, however, that licenses could be extended or obtained on commercially
reasonable terms, if at all, or that the terms of any offered licenses will be
acceptable to the Company. The failure to obtain the necessary licenses or
other rights could materially adversely affect the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Business -- Proprietary
Rights -- Licenses."
Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company's success depends upon the
continued efforts of its senior management team and its technical, marketing
and sales personnel. Such employees may voluntarily terminate their employment
with the Company at any time. The Company's success also depends on its ability
to attract and retain additional highly qualified management, technical,
marketing and sales personnel. The process of hiring employees with the
combination of skills and attributes required to carry out the Company's
strategy can be extremely competitive and time-consuming. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be able to retain or integrate existing
personnel or identify and hire additional personnel. The loss of the services
of key personnel, or the inability to attract additional qualified personnel,
could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Control of Company. As of February 28, 1997, ITC Holding Company,
Inc. ("ITC Holding") owned approximately 25.8% and the Company's officers and
directors owned approximately 17.2% of the outstanding voting stock of the
Company. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, are able to
exercise significant control over most matters requiring approval by the
stockholders of the Company, including the election of a majority of the
directors and the approval of significant corporate matters such as certain
change-of-control transactions. ITC Holding has pledged all of its stock in the
Company to certain lenders in connection with a credit facility. In the event
of a default by ITC Holding under such credit facility, the lenders or another
third party may obtain ownership of all of ITC Holding's stock in the Company.
In addition, the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(the "Restated Certificate") authorizes the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Board of Directors") to provide for the issuance of shares of preferred
stock of the Company, in one or more series, which the Board of Directors could
issue without further stockholder approval and upon such terms and conditions,
and having such rights, privileges and preferences, as the Board of Directors
may determine. The Company has no current plans to issue any such preferred
stock. These factors could have the effect of delaying, deferring, dissuading
or preventing a change of control of the Company.
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<PAGE> 19
Potential Conflicts of Interest. ITC Holding, as a significant
stockholder of the Company, and Campbell B. Lanier, III, William H. Scott, III
and O. Gene Gabbard, who are directors, stockholders, and officers of ITC
Holding and directors of the Company, are in positions involving the
possibility of conflicts of interest with respect to certain transactions
concerning the Company. Certain decisions concerning the operations or
financial structure of the Company may present conflicts of interest between
the Company and ITC Holding and/or its affiliates. For example, if the Company
is required to raise additional capital from public or private sources in order
to finance its anticipated growth and contemplated capital expenditures, the
interests of the Company might conflict with those of ITC Holding and/or its
affiliates with respect to the particular type of financing sought. In
addition, the Company may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions,
divestitures, financings or other transactions that, in the Company's judgment,
could be beneficial to the Company, even though such transactions might
conflict with the interests of ITC Holding and/or its affiliates. For example,
DeltaCom, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding, provides (through its
ViperNet division) Web-hosting and Internet access services primarily to
companies and other organizations. If such conflicts do occur, ITC Holding and
its affiliates may exercise their influence in their own best interests.
The Company currently engages and expects in the future to engage in
transactions with ITC Holding and/or its affiliates. The Company has purchased
leased line connections, local telephone service, and on-site technical
assistance for some of its POPs in western Georgia and Alabama from companies
controlled by ITC Holding. Any significant interruption in these services would
materially adversely affect the operation of the Company's network (as would
the interruption of service from any of the Company's telecommunications
vendors). The Company provides Internet access to various companies controlled
by ITC Holding, but the revenue the Company derives from these sources is not
substantial. The Company has adopted a policy requiring that any material
transaction between the Company and persons or entities affiliated with
officers, directors or principal stockholders of the Company be on terms no
less favorable to the Company than reasonably could have been obtained in arms'
length transactions with independent third parties. The Company believes that
each current transaction in which it is engaged with an affiliate complies with
this policy. See "Executive Compensation -- Compensation Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation" and "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions."
Anti-takeover Provisions. Certain provisions of the Restated
Certificate and the Company's Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") and
the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Corporation Law") could
delay or impede the removal of incumbent directors and could make more
difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving the Company, or
could discourage a third party from attempting to acquire control of the
Company, even if such events would be beneficial to the interests of the
stockholders. In particular, the classification of the Board of Directors could
have the effect of delaying a change in control of the Company. In addition,
the Restated Certificate authorizes the Board of Directors to provide for the
issuance of shares of preferred stock of the Company, in one or more series,
which the Board of Directors could issue without further stockholder approval
and upon such terms and conditions, and having such rights, privileges and
preferences, as the Board of Directors may determine. The Company has no
current plans to issue any such preferred stock. The Company is also subject to
the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware Corporation Law. In general,
Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a
"business combination" with an "interested stockholder" for a period of three
years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an
interested stockholder, unless certain conditions are met.
Volatility of Stock Price. Since the Common Stock has been publicly
traded, the market price of the Common Stock has fluctuated over a wide range
and may continue to do so in the future. See "Market for Registrant's Common
Stock and Related Stockholder Matters." The market price of the Common Stock
could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to various factors and
events, including, among other things, the depth and liquidity of the trading
market of the Common Stock, quarterly variations in actual or anticipated
operating results, growth rates, changes in estimates by analysts, market
conditions in the industry (including demand for Internet access),
announcements by competitors, regulatory actions and general economic
conditions. In addition, the stock market
-18-
<PAGE> 20
has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations,
which have particularly affected the market prices of the stocks of high
technology companies, and which may be unrelated to the operating performance
of particular companies. As a result of the foregoing, the Company's operating
results and prospects from time to time may be below the expectations of public
market analysts and investors. Any such event would likely result in a material
adverse effect on the price of the Common Stock.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had 321 employees,
including approximately 13 part-time employees. The Company anticipates that
the development of its business will require the hiring of a substantial number
of new employees. None of the Company's current employees are represented by a
labor organization, and the Company's management considers its employee
relations to be good.
-19-
<PAGE> 21
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company maintains its corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
The lease for this space expires March 31, 1999. The Company has the option to
extend this lease for an additional two years. The Company has arranged for
expansion space within the building that houses its current headquarters and
has recently entered into a lease for additional office space in the vicinity
of its Atlanta headquarters in order to meet the Company's anticipated
additional space requirements. The lease for this additional office space
expires on March 31, 2002. The Company believes that these facilities will
provide sufficient capacity for the Company's operations for the foreseeable
future. The Company has also arranged for expansion space for its POP site in
Atlanta, which it believes will provide sufficient room for growth over the
expected term of its lease for such site, which has been renewed through June
30, 1997, and which renews automatically for successive six-month terms
thereafter, subject to termination by either party upon 180 days written
notice. Equipment for POPs other than the Atlanta POP site is generally
co-located with, and in space leased from, other companies operating in the
area of the particular POP. MindSpring employees in remote offices are
expected to continue to work from their homes until the scope of the Company's
operations in the related market warrants multiple employees there.
The Company also maintains the Harrisburg Facility, which it
primarily uses to augment its current sales and customer support operations.
The lease for the Harrisburg Facility expires on April 14, 1997. The Company
intends to negotiate a renewal of the lease for the Harrisburg Facility prior
to the expiration of the current lease term.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not currently involved in any pending legal
proceedings likely to have a material adverse impact on the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
-20-
<PAGE> 22
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
The Company completed its initial public offering on March 14,
1996, at a price per share of Common Stock of $8.00. Since that date, the
Common Stock has traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "MSPG."
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the high and low sales
prices per share of the Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 High Low
---- ---- ---
<S> <C> <C>
First Quarter (from March 14, 1996) $8.88 $7.88
Second Quarter 13.00 7.88
Third Quarter 12.75 8.38
Fourth Quarter 11.75 5.25
</TABLE>
On March 21, 1997, the last reported sale price of the Common
Stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $7.25 per share. At March 21, 1997,
there were 125 holders of record of the Common Stock.
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on
its capital stock and does not anticipate paying cash dividends on its Common
Stock in the foreseeable future. It is the current policy of the Board of
Directors to retain earnings to finance the expansion of the Company's
operations. Future declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be
determined in light of the then-current conditions, including the Company's
earnings, operations, capital requirements, financial condition, restrictions
in financing agreements, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of
Directors.
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities. Each share of Class
C convertible preferred stock was automatically converted into one share of
Common Stock on the 190th day following the Initial Offering (September 18,
1996) pursuant to its terms.
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<PAGE> 23
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial and
operating data for the Company. The selected historical statements of
operations data for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the
period from February 24, 1994 (inception) to December 31, 1994 (the "Inception
Period"), and the selected historical balance sheet data as of December 31,
1996 and 1995 have been derived from financial statements of the Company, which
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, whose
report with respect thereto is included elsewhere in this filing. The selected
historical financial and operating data set forth below should be read in
conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations," the Company's financial statements and notes
thereto and other financial and operating data included elsewhere in this
filing. Dollar amounts (except per share data) are shown in thousands.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, INCEPTION
1996 1995 PERIOD
------------ ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue $ 18,132 $ 2,227 $ 103
---------- ---------- ------
Cost and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative 14,161 2,230 121
Cost of revenue 8,208 966 52
Depreciation and amortization 3,285 265 5
---------- ---------- ------
Total costs and expenses 25,654 3,461 178
---------- ---------- ------
Operating loss (7,522) (1,234) (75)
Interest expense, net (90) (725) 0
---------- ---------- ------
Net Loss $ (7,612) $ (1,959) $ (75)
========== ========== ======
PER SHARE DATA:
Net loss per share $ (1.45) $ (0.62)
Weighted average common shares outstanding 5,252,611 3,175,376
OPERATING DATA:
Approximate number of subscribers at end of period 121,794 12,410 1,000
Number of Company employees at end of period 321 95 8
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working Capital 5,520 (3,099)
Property and equipment, net 11,583 3,539
Total assets 35,232 4,845
Total liabilities 9,825 4,363
Accumulated deficit (9,646) (2,034)
Total stockholder's equity 25,407 482
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 24
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
MindSpring is a national provider of Internet access. The Company was
incorporated in Georgia on February 24, 1994, and began marketing its services
in June 1994. The Company reincorporated in Delaware in December 1995. Prior
to the PSINet Transaction in June 1996, MindSpring was a regional Internet
access provider that offered its services through 40 POPs in the southeastern
United States and had grown to approximately 34,500 subscribers.
On June 28, 1996, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement (as
amended, the "Purchase Agreement") with PSINet, pursuant to which the Company
agreed to acquire certain of the tangible and intangible assets and rights
related to the consumer dial-up Internet access services provided by PSINet in
the United States, including (i) certain of PSINet's individual subscriber
accounts, and (ii) the lease for the Harrisburg Facility and all related
telephone switches and other equipment (the "Assets").
On June 28, 1996, the Company acquired 15,000 subscriber accounts from
PSINet for $1,000,000 in cash and a $2,000,000 one-year promissory note (the
"First PSINet Note"). The Company acquired an additional approximately 27,000
subscriber accounts and approximately $1,129,000 in related assets, including
the Harrisburg Facility, as of September 1, 1996, at which time the Company
issued an additional one-year promissory note to PSINet in the amount of
$9,929,000 (the "Second PSINet Note"). The Purchase Agreement required the
Company to apply 50% of the net proceeds from a public offering of the
Company's Common Stock in October 1996 (the "October Offering") to repay
amounts outstanding under the First and Second PSINet Notes. Accordingly, on
October 21, 1996, the Company paid PSINet approximately $9,175,000, which
consisted of (i) payment in full of the First PSINet Note, including the
original principal balance of $2,000,000 plus a $100,000 (5%) principal
increase pursuant to the terms of the First PSINet Note, and approximately
$70,000 of accrued interest and (ii) partial payment of the Second PSINet Note
in the amount of approximately $6,851,000 of principal (of the $9,929,000
total) and approximately $154,000 of accrued interest.
Effective as of January 24, 1997, the Company and PSINet further
amended the Purchase Agreement to, among other things, fix an aggregate
purchase price for the Assets in an amount equal to $12,929,000 (excluding
accrued interest and increases in principal amount under the First and Second
PSINet Notes previously paid by the Company)(the "Purchase Price"). In
connection with fixing the aggregate amount of the Purchase Price, the Company
and PSINet amended the Second PSINet Note to, among other things, reduce the
principal amount owed thereunder to $3,078,324, an amount equal to the
remaining balance of the Purchase Price as of January 24, 1997. As amended,
the Second PSINet Note no longer accrues interest and is payable over a two
year period.
In connection with the PSINet Transaction, the parties also entered
into the Services Agreement, which enables MindSpring to offer nationwide
Internet access through PSINet's network of over 200 POPs. Pursuant to
the Services Agreement, PSINet has agreed, among other things, to provide to
the Company: (i) Internet connection services which meet reasonable commercial
standards, including with respect to access and reliability; and (ii) access to
PSINet's network monitoring systems and subscriber log-in and accounting
information. The term of the Services Agreement is five years, commencing on
June 28, 1996, and is automatically renewable annually thereafter unless either
party notifies the other in writing not less than 12 months prior to the end of
such five-year period or any 12-month extension thereof. Subject to certain
exceptions, PSINet may not terminate the Services Agreement prior to October
31, 1998 and the Company may terminate the Services Agreement at any time upon
60 days' written notice to PSINet without penalty.
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<PAGE> 25
The Company and PSINet amended the Services Agreement effective
January 1, 1997 to provide for certain discounts to the monthly service fees
which otherwise would have been payable by the Company to PSINet. Such
discounts could equal in the aggregate up to $4,150,000 through October 1998.
The following table outlines the maximum discounts per month in network
services fees that are available under the Services Agreement. The discounts
will be reflected as reductions of cost of revenue in 1997 and 1998 to the
extent earned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD DISCOUNT PER MONTH
<S> <C>
January 1997-July 1997 $ 150,000
August 1997-September 1998 200,000
October 1998 300,000
</TABLE>
On August 6, 1996, the Company and The News and Observer Publishing
Company ("N&O") entered into a definitive agreement, which was amended and
restated on September 11, 1996, pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire
certain individual dial-up subscriber accounts in North Carolina in connection
with N&O's Nando.net Internet access business (the "Nando.net Transaction").
The Nando.net Transaction was consummated on December 31, 1996. The number of
subscribers acquired through the Nando.net Transaction was approximately 4,500
for approximately $519,000.
The Company derives revenue primarily from monthly subscriptions and
start-up fees from individuals for dial-up access to the Internet. Monthly
subscription fees vary by billing plan. In May 1996, in response to a changing
competitive environment, the Company introduced five different pricing plans
for dial-up access (one of which was discontinued in September 1996 due to low
subscriber interest), compared to the two prior plan offerings. With the new
pricing plans, new and existing customers have a choice of two "flat rate"
plans (The Works and Unlimited Access) and two "usage-sensitive" plans
(Standard and Light). These plan changes generally represent a reduction from
the previous rates. The Company anticipates that additional price changes may
be necessary in the future due to the dynamic nature of the Internet access
industry. Management believes that the reduction in revenue per subscriber due
to the effected price changes will be offset in the near term by continuing
increases in subscriber growth. However, there can be no assurance that growth
in the Company's revenue or subscriber base will be able to achieve or sustain
profitability or positive cash flow.
For the year ended December 31, 1996, the average monthly recurring
revenue per dial-up subscriber was approximately $21 (monthly recurring revenue
plus usage charges for non-"Flat Rate" subscribers, divided by total
subscribers), compared to $23 per dial-up subscriber for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The decrease in revenue per subscriber is primarily the
result of the aforementioned price changes implemented in May 1996. Start-up
fees for new subscribers vary depending upon the promotional method by which
the subscriber is acquired, ranging from $0 to $25. Aggregate subscriber fees
are sufficient to cover the aggregate costs of direct materials, mailing
expenses, and licensing fees associated with new subscribers. Most of the
Company's individual subscribers pay their MindSpring fees automatically by
preauthorized monthly charges to the subscriber's credit card.
In addition, the Company earns revenue by providing Web-hosting
services, full-time dedicated access connections to the Internet and domain
registration primarily to businesses and some individual subscribers. The
Company's Web-hosting services allow a business or individual to post
information on the World Wide Web, so that the information is available to
anyone who has access to the Internet. Through its domain registration
services, the Company provides subscribers
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<PAGE> 26
the ability to personalize electronic mail addresses. These services have been
classified as business services in the condensed statements of income and the
table below.
The Company's costs include (1) cost of revenue that are primarily
related to the number of subscribers, (2) selling, general and administrative
expenses that are associated more generally with operations, and (3)
depreciation and amortization, which are related to the size of the Company's
network and the deferred costs associated with acquired customer bases. Cost
of revenue consists primarily of the start-up expenses for each subscriber,
certain monthly licensing fees, and the costs of telecommunications facilities
necessary to provide service to subscribers. Start-up expenses for each
subscriber include one-time license fees paid to third parties for the right to
bundle other capabilities into the Company's software, cost of diskettes and
other product media, manuals, and packaging and delivery costs associated with
the materials provided to new subscribers. The Company does not defer any such
subscriber start-up expenses. Cost of revenue also includes monthly license
fees per subscriber for the right to receive and make available certain news
services. Telecommunications costs include the costs of providing local
telephone lines into each POP, costs relating to the Services Agreement with
PSINet for use of its network, and costs associated with leased lines
connecting each MindSpring-owned POP to the Company's hub and connecting the
hub to the Internet backbone. The Internet backbone consists of high-speed
networks that link the smaller, independent networks of the Internet.
Selling, general and administrative costs are incurred in the areas of
sales and marketing, customer support, network operations and maintenance,
engineering, accounting and administration. Selling, general and administrative
costs will increase over time as the Company's scope of operations increases.
However, the Company expects that such costs will be more than offset by
anticipated increases in revenue attributable to overall subscriber growth. In
addition, significant levels of marketing activity may be necessary in order
for the Company to build or increase its subscriber base in a given market to a
size large enough to generate sufficient revenue to offset such marketing
expenses. The Company does not defer any start-up expenses related to entering
new markets. The costs associated with the development and registration of the
Company's trademarks have been expensed as incurred. Such costs have not been
material.
Prior to the PSINet Transaction, as the demand for the Company's
services in a particular POP had grown, the Company had been required to invest
in additional telecommunications equipment and provide additional local
telephone lines for that POP. The Services Agreement provides the Company the
option to evaluate on a POP-by-POP basis whether to continue to develop
MindSpring POPs using the Company's capital resources or to conserve capital
through utilization of PSINet POPs for a specified fee. As the Company expands
into new markets, both cost of revenue and selling, general and administrative
expenses will increase. To the extent the Company opens MindSpring POPs in new
markets, such expenses may also increase as a percentage of revenue in the
short term after a new MindSpring POP is opened because many of the fixed costs
of providing service in a new market are incurred before significant revenue
can be expected from that market. However, to the extent that the Company
expands into new markets by using PSINet POPs instead of opening its own POPs,
the Company's incremental monthly recurring costs will consist primarily of the
fees to be paid to PSINet based on revenue per subscriber served, as provided
in the Services Agreement. The margins on such subscribers will initially be
higher than if the Company had developed its own POP in new markets.
The Company had 40 Company-owned POPs as of December 31, 1996, which
were serving approximately 68,000 subscribers as of such date. In addition,
the Company had access to PSINet's nationwide network of over 200 POPs. As of
December 31, 1996, the Company and PSINet maintained approximately 18 POPs in
the same service areas. Pursuant to the Services Agreement, the Company has
the flexibility to offer Internet access in such overlapping POP locations
through a MindSpring POP, through a PSINet POP or a combination of both. The
Company does not currently plan to open a significant number of new MindSpring
POPs during 1997. Management will,
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<PAGE> 27
however, evaluate on a POP-by-POP basis the closing or expansion of existing
MindSpring POPs or the opening of new MindSpring POPs based on subscriber
demand and strategic considerations.
The Company has experienced operating losses since its inception as a
result of efforts to build its network infrastructure and internal staffing,
develop its systems, and expand into new markets. The Company expects to
continue to focus on increasing its subscriber base which will result in higher
expenses, but believes that the development of its operations will provide
certain economies of scale which will decrease its cost of start-up fees,
selling expenses, and general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
revenue in the future.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth certain financial data for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the period from February 24, 1994
(inception) to December 31, 1994 (the "Inception Period"). Operating results
for any period are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period.
Dollar amounts (except per share data) are shown in thousands.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995 1994
----------------- ----------------- -----------------
(000's) % of (000's) % of (000's) % of
Revenue Revenue Revenue
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenue
Dial-up access to Internet . . . . . . . . $ 13,420 74 $ 1,455 65 $ 70 68
Start-up fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,426 13 512 23 33 32
Business services . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,286 13 260 12 0 0
-------- ---- --------- ---- -------- -----
Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,132 100 2,227 100 103 100
-------- ---- --------- ---- -------- -----
Cost and expenses:
Selling, general and administrative . . . 14,161 78 2,230 100 121 117
Cost of revenue-recurring . . . . . . . . 6,332 35 627 28 37 36
Cost of revenue-start-up fees . . . . . . 1,876 10 339 15 15 15
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . 3,285 18 265 12 5 5
-------- ---- --------- ---- -------- -----
Total costs and expenses . . . . . . . 25,654 141 3,461 155 178 173
-------- ---- --------- ---- -------- -----
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,522) (41) (1,234) (55) (75) (73)
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . (90) (1) (725) (33) 0 0
-------- --- -------- --- ------- -----
Net Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,612) (42) (1,959) (88) (75) (73)
======== ==== ========= ==== ======== =====
PER SHARE DATA:
Net loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (1.45) $ (0.62)
Weighted average common shares outstanding . 5,252,611 3,175,376
OPERATING DATA:
Approximate number of subscribers at
end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121,794 12,410 1,000
Number of Company employees at
end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321 95 8
</TABLE>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Revenue: Revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 totaled
approximately $18,132,000, as compared to approximately $2,227,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996. The 714% increase in period revenue resulted
primarily from an 881% increase in subscribers offset by a
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<PAGE> 28
decrease in revenue per subscriber resulting from the price changes implemented
in May 1996. Access revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 represented
74% of revenue, as compared to 65% of revenue for the prior year. Subscriber
start-up fees accounted for 13% of revenue for the year ended December 31,
1996, as compared to 23% for the year ended December 31, 1995. The Company
anticipates that as its customer base continues to expand, subscriber start-up
fees will progressively represent a smaller percentage of revenue. Business
services revenue remained relatively constant as a percentage of total revenue.
Cost of revenue: For the year ended December 31, 1996, cost of
revenue increased to approximately 45% of revenue as compared to approximately
43% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995. This increase is
attributable to additional expenditures such as license fees and starter kits
related to the PSINet Transaction and expenses associated with expanding the
Company's network into 40 markets at the end of 1996 compared to seven markets
at the end of 1995.
Selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling, general and
administrative expenses were approximately 78% of revenue for the year ended
December 31, 1996, compared to approximately 100% of revenue for the year ended
December 31, 1995. The decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses as a percentage of revenue resulted from the Company benefiting from
economies of scale with respect to such costs as salaries and wages that do not
increase in direction proportion to increases in revenue and to cost control
efforts implemented by management.
Depreciation and amortization: Depreciation and amortization expenses
increased to approximately 18% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996,
compared to approximately 12% of revenue for the same period in the prior year.
The increase is attributable to the 227% increase in property, plant and
equipment and the amortization of the acquired customer bases from the PSINet
Transaction and the Nando.net Transaction. The Company is amortizing the costs
of acquired customer bases over a three-year period. Amortization expense
related to the acquired customer bases for the year ended December 31, 1996 was
approximately $1,521,000.
Interest expense: The following table details the decrease in
interest expense in 1996 versus 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EVENT 1996 1995
----- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Charge for Class C Convertible
Preferred Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 (637,000)
ITC Holding processing fee . . . . . . . . 0 (50,000)
Interest on PSINet notes . . . . . . . . . (324,000) 0
Net income (expense) - other . . . . . . . 234,000 (38,000)
------------ -----------
Interest (expense) income, net . . . . . . $ (90,000) $ (725,000)
============ ===========
</TABLE>
Interest income increased in 1996 due to the increase in outstanding cash
balances available for investment as a result of the proceeds from two public
offerings. See "Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared to Inception Period --
Interest Expense."
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO INCEPTION PERIOD
Revenue: Revenue for the year ended December 31, 1995 were
approximately $2,227,000, as compared to approximately $103,000 for the
Inception Period. The Inception Period reflects sales activity from June
through December 31, 1994. During the months of April and May 1994, the
Company offered services to a limited number of subscribers on a "test" basis.
The quarter ended September 30, 1994 was the first full quarter in which the
Company made its services available to the general public. The increase in
revenue in 1995 as compared to the Inception Period
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<PAGE> 29
was primarily attributable to the Company being operational for the full 1995
period and the substantial increase in the number of subscribers in 1995.
Revenue for both periods was comprised of start-up fees and monthly
service fees from subscribers. Access revenue accounted for 65% of total
revenue in 1995, as compared to 68% in 1994. Subscriber start-up fees
accounted for 23% of the total revenue in 1995, as compared to 32% in 1994. At
December 31, 1994, the Company had approximately 990 dial-up subscribers, fewer
than ten dedicated access subscribers and fewer than ten web-hosting service
subscribers. At December 31, 1995, the Company had approximately 11,830
dial-up subscribers, approximately 80 dedicated access subscribers and
approximately 490 Web-hosting service subscribers.
Cost of revenue: For the year ended December 31, 1995, cost of
revenue represented approximately 43% of revenue, compared to approximately 51%
of revenue for the Inception Period. Cost of Revenue decreased as a percentage
of revenue primarily as a result of economies of scale from higher utilization
of telecommunications facilities.
Selling, general and administrative expenses: Selling, general and
administrative expenses represented approximately 100% of revenue for the year
ended December 31, 1995, compared to approximately 117% of revenue for the
Inception Period. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses
as a percentage of revenue resulted from the Company benefiting from economies
of scale with respect to such costs as salaries and wages that do not increase
in direct proportion to increases in revenue and cost control efforts
implemented by management.
Depreciation and amortization: During the Inception Period, the
Company had a very small asset base, which expanded dramatically during 1995.
Consequently, depreciation and amortization expenses increased as a percentage
of revenue to approximately 12% of revenue for the year ended December 31,
1995, compared to approximately 5% of revenue for the Inception Period.
Interest expense: In August 1995, ITC Holding Company, Inc. ("ITC
Holding"), agreed to lend to the Company up to $2,000,000 in aggregate
principal amount for working capital, general corporate purposes, and to fund
capital expenditures (the "First ITC Loan"). All amounts outstanding under the
First ITC Loan were due and payable in full on or before December 15, 1995. At
December 15, 1995, the Company had not repaid any amounts outstanding under the
First ITC Loan. In consideration of ITC Holding's agreement not to exercise
its rights and remedies upon such default under the First ITC Loan, the Company
agreed to pay ITC Holding a $50,000 processing fee, which the Company recorded
as a charge to interest expense in the fourth quarter of 1995. In addition,
the Company issued to ITC Holding an immediately exercisable warrant to
purchase 100,000 shares of Class C Preferred Stock at an exercise price of
$0.01 per share. The Company recorded the $637,000 difference between the fair
market value of the warrants, at $6.38 per share, and the exercise price, at
$0.01 per share, as interest expense in the fourth quarter of 1995. In
December 1995, ITC Holding agreed to lend to the Company up to $4,000,000 for
working capital and to fund capital expenditures (the "Second ITC Loan"). The
remaining $44,000 of interest expense recorded during the fourth quarter of
1995 represents interest on the two loans. No such credit facilities existed
during the Inception Period. The First ITC Loan accrued interest at 11% per
annum and the Second ITC Loan accrued interest at 14% per annum.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company has not generated net cash from operations for any period
presented. The Company has primarily financed its operations to date through
public and private sales of equity securities and loans from its principal
stockholders and PSINet. During 1996, the Company completed an initial public
offering of its Common Stock (the "Initial Offering") and the October Offering,
issuing 2,025,000 shares at a price of $8.00 per share and 2,250,000 shares at
a price of $9.125 per share, respectively. The proceeds from the public
offerings were approximately $32,500,000, net of underwriting discounts and
expenses. Upon completion of the Initial Offering,
-28-
<PAGE> 30
the Company repaid all outstanding principal amounts loaned to the Company by
ITC Holding, totaling $3,500,000 of principal balance and approximately $97,000
in interest. The Company used approximately $9,175,000 or 50% of the net
proceeds from the October Offering to pay PSINet in conjunction with the PSINet
Transaction. Total cash from financing activities for the year ended December
31, 1996 was approximately $32,570,000, a $28,936,000 increase over the same
period in 1995.
The Company used approximately $20,844,000 in cash for investing
activities during the year ended December 31, 1996 and approximately $3,724,000
during the year ended December 31, 1995. This investing activity primarily
relates to the purchases of telecommunications equipment necessary for the
provision of service to subscribers, the Harrisburg Facility and customer
acquisition costs related to the PSINet Transaction and the Nando.net
Transaction.
On October 14, 1996, the Company and Monorail Inc. ("Monorail"), an
Internet-ready computer manufacturer, entered into an agreement (the "Monorail
Agreement") pursuant to which the Company's software is to be included on the
personal computers manufactured by Monorail. On November 5, 1996, pursuant to
the Monorail Agreement, the Company paid $560,000 in cash to Monorail, which
included a prepayment of $500,000 for the first 12,500 subscribers acquired by
the Company pursuant to this agreement ($40 per subscriber) and $60,000 for
estimated expenses incurred by Monorail to include the Company's software on
its PCs. The software preparation cost was expensed in 1996. To the extent
that more than 12,500 subscribers are acquired by the Company pursuant to the
Monorail Agreement, the Company will be required to pay Monorail $40 per
additional subscriber. To the extent that fewer than 12,500 subscribers are
acquired by the Company as of May 31, 1997, Monorail will be required to
reimburse the Company at the rate of $40 per subscriber by July 30, 1997 for
the difference between 12,500 and the actual number of subscribers acquired.
If Monorail adds additional Internet access providers to its personal
computers, the Company, at its option, may require Monorail to reimburse the
Company upon seven days notice for the difference between 12,500 and the number
of subscribers acquired by the Company. As of December 31, 1996, less than
approximately 200 subscribers had signed up for the service under the Monorail
Agreement.
On July 15, 1996, the Company and BellSouth entered into a two-year
agreement (the "BellSouth Agreement"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to
purchase telecommunications services from BellSouth for a minimum of $2,000,000
in the first year, and, in the second year, a minimum of 90% of the amount
billed to the Company during the first year. The Company may renew the
BellSouth Agreement pursuant to two one-year renewal options. In the event the
Company terminates the BellSouth Agreement prior to its expiration, the Company
is required to pay BellSouth a termination fee, subject to certain exceptions,
equal to 50% of the amounts billed to the Company during the 12 months
preceding such termination.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company had cash on hand of approximately
$9,653,000. The Company's significant capital commitments through 1997 include
approximately $624,000 in principal related to the Second PSINet Note and
capital expenditures estimated to be approximately $9,000,000. The Company
anticipates that it will generate cash flows from operations in 1997. The
impact of the BellSouth Agreement and the Service Agreement discounts discussed
above are reflected in the expected operating cash flows. Any refund from the
Monorail agreement is not reflected in these numbers.
The Company estimates that its cash and financing needs through 1997
will be met by cash on hand and cash flow from operations. However, any
increases in the Company's growth rate, shortfalls in anticipated revenue,
increases in anticipated expenses, or significant acquisition opportunities
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity and capital
resources and would require the company to raise additional capital from public
or private equity or debt sources in order to finance operating losses,
anticipated growth and contemplated capital expenditures. If such sources of
financing are insufficient or unavailable, the Company will be
-29-
<PAGE> 31
required to modify its growth and operating plans in accordance with the extent
of available funding and attempt to attain profitability in its existing
markets (including those accessible pursuant to the Services Agreement). The
Company may need to raise additional funds in order to take advantage of
unanticipated opportunities, such as acquisitions of complementary businesses
or the development of new products, or otherwise respond to unanticipated
competitive pressures. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to raise any such capital on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.
-30-
<PAGE> 32
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of MINDSPRING
ENTERPRISES, INC. (a Delaware corporation) as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and
the related statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for
the years then ended and for the period from inception (February 24, 1994) to
December 31, 1994. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit
to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years then ended and for the period from
its inception (February 24, 1994) to December 31, 1994 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997
<PAGE> 33
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,653,234 $ 424,834
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$385,945 and $45,563 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively . . . 1,996,613 519,280
Prepaids and other current assets (Note 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 853,122 273,658
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116,545 45,415
-------------- ------------
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,619,514 1,263,187
-------------- ------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT;
Computer and telecommunications equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,509,165 3,594,528
Assets under capital lease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,472,885 0
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565,503 199,968
-------------- ------------
12,547,553 3,794,496
Less: accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,964,231) (255,560)
-------------- -------------
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,583,322 3,538,936
-------------- -------------
OTHER ASSETS:
Acquired customer base, net (Notes 2 and 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,727,268 0
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302,273 42,677
-------------- ------------
Total other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,029,541 42,677
-------------- ------------
35,232,377 4,844,800
============== ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,954,276 $ 847,965
Network services payable-PSINet (Note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,305,152 0
Other accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,243,826 478,256
Telecommunications costs payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 900,674 200,349
Current portion of capital lease liability (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . 656,252 0
Current portion of notes payable (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 623,922 0
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415,881 336,027
Loan from preferred stockholder (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 2,500,000
--------------- ------------
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,099,983 4,362,597
--------------- ------------
LONG TERM LIABILITIES:
Notes payable (Note 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,042,742 0
Capital lease liability (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 682,571 0
--------------- ------------
Total long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,725,313 0
--------------- ------------
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,825,296 4,362,597
--------------- ------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Note 4):
Preferred stock; $.01 par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized
and 0 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1996
and December 31, 1995, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0
Class A convertible preferred stock, $.64 par value; 1,187,895
shares authorized, and 0 and 1,187,895 issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 744,575
Class B convertible preferred stock, $1.55 par value; 645,596
shares authorized and 0 and 645,594 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 100,000
Class C Convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000
shares authorized and 0 and 100,000 shares issued and
outstanding at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995,
respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 638,000
Common stock, $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized
and 7,477,084 and 1,267,304 issued and outstanding at
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively . . . . . . . . 74,771 12,673
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34,978,225 120,547
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,645,915) (2,033,592)
--------------- ------------
Total stockholders' equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,407,081 482,203
--------------- ------------
$ 35,232,377 $ 4,844,800
=============== ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements are an
integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 34
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND
1995 AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION
(FEBRUARY 24, 1994) TO DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
------------ --------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
REVENUES
Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 13,419,521 $ 1,454,497 $ 69,744
Subscriber start-up fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,426,070 512,257 33,662
Business services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,286,484 260,090 0
--------------- --------------- -----------
Total revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,132,075 2,226,844 103,406
--------------- --------------- -----------
COST AND EXPENSES
Cost of revenues -- recurring . . . . . . . . . . 6,332,152 626,404 37,329
Cost of subscriber start-up fees. . . . . . . . . 1,875,470 339,369 14,517
General and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,072,347 1,650,979 115,035
Selling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,088,727 579,123 6,341
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . 3,285,436 264,683 5,245
--------------- --------------- -----------
Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,654,132 3,460,558 178,467
--------------- --------------- -----------
OPERATING LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7,522,057) (1,233,714) (75,061)
INTEREST (EXPENSE) INCOME, NET . . . . . . . . . . . . (90,266) (724,817) 0
--------------- --------------- -----------
NET LOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ($7,612,323) ($1,958,531) ($75,061)
--------------- --------------- ------------
NET LOSS PER SHARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ($1.45) ($0.62)
--------------- ---------------
WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,252,611 3,175,376
--------------- ---------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 35
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 AND FOR THE
PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (FEBRUARY 24, 1994) TO DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Common Stock Preferred Stock
--------------------------- -------------------------------
Shares Amount APIC Shares Amount
------------ ------------ --------- -------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, February 24, 1994
(inception) . . . . . . . - $ - $ - - $ -
Initial issuance of common
stock . . . . . . . . . 1,032,951 10,330 (10,130) - -
Issuance of additional
common stock . . . . . . 103,296 1,032 (1,012) - -
Issuance of Class A
convertible preferred stock,
net of related offering
expenses . . . . . . . . - - - 1,187,895 744,575
Net Loss . . . . . . . . - -
------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1994 . 1,136,247 $ 11,362 $ (11,142) 1,187,895 $744,575
Issuance of additional
common stock . . . . . . 131,057 1,311 131,689 - -
Issuance of Class B
convertible preferred stock - - - 645,594 1,000,000
Issuance of Class C
convertible preferred stock,
warrant . . . . . . . . - - - 100,000 638,000
Net Loss . . . . . . . .
------------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1995 . 1,267,304 $ 12,673 $ 120,547 1,933,489 $2,382,575
Conversion of Class A
preferred stock to common 1,187,895 11,879 732,696 (1,187,895) (744,575)
Conversion of Class B
preferred stock to common 645,594 6,456 993,544 (645,594) (1,000,000)
Issuance of additional
common stock, net of
related offering expenses 2,025,000 20,250 14,129,439 - -
Conversion of Class C
preferred stock to common 100,000 1,000 637,000 (100,000) (638,000)
Issuance of additional
common stock, net of
related offering expenses 2,250,000 22,500 18,364,186 - -
Issuance of common stock
pursuant to exercise of
options . . . . . . . . 1,291 13 813 - -
Net Loss . . . . . . . . - - - - -
------------- ---------- ----------- --------- -------
Balance, December 31, 1996 . 7,477,084 $ 74,771 $34,978,225 0 $ 0
============= ========== =========== ========== ========
<CAPTION>
Total
Accumulated Stockholders'
Deficit Equity
-------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
Balance, February 24, 1994
(inception) . . . . . . . $ - $ -
Initial issuance of common
stock . . . . . . . . . - 200
Issuance of additional
common stock . . . . . . - 20
Issuance of Class A
convertible preferred stock,
net of related offering
expenses . . . . . . . . - 744,575
Net Loss . . . . . . . . (75,061) (75,061)
------------ -------------
Balance, December 31, 1994 . $ (75,061) $ 669,734
Issuance of additional
common stock . . . . . . - 133,000
Issuance of Class B
convertible preferred stock - 1,000,000
Issuance of Class C
convertible preferred stock,
warrant . . . . . . . . - 638,000
Net Loss . . . . . . . . (1,958,531) (1,958,531)
------------ -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995 . $(2,033,592) $ 482,203
Conversion of Class A
preferred stock to common - 0
Conversion of Class B
preferred stock to common - 0
Issuance of additional
common stock, net of
related offering expenses - 14,149,689
Conversion of Class C
preferred stock to common - 0
Issuance of additional
common stock, net of
related offering expenses - 18,386,686
Issuance of common stock
pursuant to exercise of
options . . . . . . . . - 826
Net Loss . . . . . . . . (7,612,323) (7,612,323)
------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 . $(9,645,915) $25,407,081
============ ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 36
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995 AND FOR THE
PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (FEBRUARY 24, 1994) TO DECEMBER 31, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
----------------- ----------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (7,612,323) $ (1,958,531) $ (75,061)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used
in operating activities:
Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,285,436 264,683 5,245
Noncash charge for warrant issuance . . . . . . . . . . . - 637,000 -
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,477,333) (504,670) (14,610)
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (650,594) (319,073) -
Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,106,311 816,845 31,120
Network services payable - PSINet . . . . . . . . . . 1,305,152 - -
Other accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 765,570 460,525 17,731
Telecommunications cost payable . . . . . . . . . . . 700,325 200,349 -
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79,854 333,046 2,981
------------- --------------- -------------
Total adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,114,721 1,888,705 42,467
------------- --------------- -------------
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities . . . . . . . (2,497,602) (69,826) (32,594)
------------- --------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . (8,298,013) (3,692,004) (102,492)
Purchase of customer base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (12,248,667) - -
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (297,121) (32,134) (29,911)
------------- ---------------- -------------
Net Cash Used For Investing Activities . . . . . . . . (20,843,801) (3,724,138) (127,403)
----------- --------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds of loan from preferred stockholder . . . . . . . (1,000,000) 2,500,000 -
Payments of loan from preferred stockholder . . . . . . . (3,500,000) - -
Proceeds from notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,488,340 - -
Payments of notes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (8,821,676) - -
Payments of capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . (134,062) - -
Issuance of common stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32,537,201 133,000 220
Issuance of preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - 1,001,000 744,575
------------- --------------- ------------
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities . . . . . . 32,569,803 3,634,000 744,795
------------- --------------- ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,228,400 (159,964) 584,798
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period . . . . . . . . 424,834 584,798 -
------------- --------------- -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,653,234 $ 424,834 $ 584,798
============= =============== =============
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE FOR CASH FLOW
INFORMATION
Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 402,259 $ - $ -
============= =============== =============
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ - $ - $ -
============= =============== =============
SUPPLEMENTAL NON-CASH DISCLOSURES
Assets acquired under capital lease . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,472,885 $ - $ -
============= =============== =============
Noncash charge for warrant issuance . . . . . . . . . . . $ - $ 637,000 $ -
============= =============== =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying Notes to Financial Statements
are an integral part of these statements.
<PAGE> 37
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
1. ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. ("MindSpring" or the "Company") is a
national provider of Internet access. The Company was incorporated in
Georgia on February 24, 1994 and began marketing its services in June
1994. The Company reincorporated in Delaware and effected a
recapitalization in December 1995, in which shares of capital stock of the
Company's predecessor Georgia corporation were converted into shares of
the Company's capital stock on the basis of 1.936199 for one. All share
information has been restated to reflect the effect of the
recapitalization.
The Company has experienced operating losses since its inception as a
result of efforts to build its network infrastructure and internal
staffing, develop its systems, and expand into new markets. The Company
expects to continue to focus on increasing its subscriber base.
Accordingly, the Company expects its cost of revenue, selling, general,
and administrative expenses and capital expenditures will continue to
increase significantly, all of which could have a negative impact on
short-term operating results. In addition, the Company may change its
pricing policies to respond to a changing competitive environment. There
can be no assurance that growth in the Company's revenue or subscriber
base will continue or that the Company will be able to achieve or sustain
profitability or positive cash flow.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses
during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
PRESENTATION
Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
SOURCES OF SUPPLIES
The Company relies on a third-party network, local telephone
companies and other companies to provide data communications capacity.
Although management feels alternative telecommunications facilities could
be found in a timely manner, any disruption of these services could have
an adverse effect on operating results.
-31-
<PAGE> 38
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The Company considers all short-term, highly liquid investments with
an original maturity date of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair
value.
CREDIT RISK
The Company's accounts receivable potentially subject the Company to
credit risk, as collateral is generally not required. The Company's risk
of loss is limited due to advance billings to customers for services, the
use of preapproved charges to customer credit cards, and the ability to
terminate access on delinquent accounts. In addition, the concentration
of credit risk is mitigated by the large number of customers comprising
the customer base. The carrying amount of the Company's receivables
approximates their fair value.
INVENTORY
Inventory consists of starter kits and purchased equipment for resale
and is stated at the lower of cost or market using a specific
identification method. Starter kits consist of diskettes, manuals, and
other printed material.
PREPAID AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
This account consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
-------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Prepaid Monorail costs (See Note 8) $492,360 $ 0
Prepaid maintenance contracts 119,527 58,045
Deferred initial public offering fees 0 199,830
Prepaid expense 181,010 11,268
Other current assets 60,225 4,515
-------- --------
$853,122 $273,658
======== ========
</TABLE>
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and
amortization are provided for using the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the assets, commencing when assets are
installed or placed in service. The estimated useful life for all
assets is five years or, for leasehold improvements, the life of the
lease, if shorter.
EQUIPMENT UNDER CAPITAL LEASE
The Company leases certain of its data communication and other
equipment under lease agreements accounted for as capital. The assets
and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lesser of the
present value of aggregate future minimum lease payments, including
estimated bargain purchase options, or the fair value of the assets
under lease. Assets under capital lease are depreciated over their
estimated useful lives of five years, which are longer than the terms
of the leases.
ACQUIRED CUSTOMER BASE
The Company capitalizes specific costs incurred for the
purchase of customer bases from other Internet Service Providers
("ISP"s). The customer acquisition costs include the actual fee paid
to the selling ISP as well as legal expenses specifically related to
the transactions. The Company had no customer acquisition costs
capitalized as of December 31, 1995. The account balance at December
31, 1996 consists of the following:
-32-
<PAGE> 39
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PSINet (Note 3) $11,613,376
Nando.Net (Note 3) 519,213
Other 116,078
------------
12,248,667
Less: Accumulated amortization (1,521,399)
------------
$10,727,268
============
</TABLE>
Amortization is provided using the straight-line method over three
years.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
The Company periodically reviews the values assigned to
long-lived assets, such as property and equipment and customer
acquisition costs, to determine if any impairments are other than
temporary. Management believes that the long-lived assets in the
accompanying balance sheets are appropriately valued.
INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes are recorded using enacted tax laws and
rates for the years in which the taxes are expected to be paid.
Deferred income taxes are provided for items when there is a temporary
difference in recording such items for financial reporting and income
tax reporting.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans
under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25"). Effective in 1995, the Company
adopted the disclosure option of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS
123"). SFAS 123 requires that companies which do not choose to
account for stock-based compensation as prescribed by this statement,
shall disclose the pro forma effects on earnings and earnings per
share as if SFAS 123 had been adopted. Additionally, certain other
disclosures are required with respect to stock compensation and the
assumptions used to determine the pro forma effects of SFAS 123.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
The Company recognizes revenue when services are provided.
Services are generally billed one month in advance. Advance billings
and collections relating to future access services are recorded as
deferred revenue and recognized as revenue when earned.
BARTER TRANSACTIONS
The Company engages in certain exchanges of services for
advertising and promotional services. The Company records these
transactions at the market value of the services provided. Such
transactions are not material for the periods presented.
ADVERTISING COSTS
The Company expenses all advertising costs as incurred.
NET LOSS PER SHARE
Net loss per share is computed using the weighted average
number of shares of common stock and dilutive common stock equivalent
shares ("CSEs") from convertible
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<PAGE> 40
preferred stock (using the if-converted method) and from stock options
(using the treasury stock method). Pursuant to the Securities and
Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletins, common stock and CSEs
issued by the Company at prices below the expected public offering
price during the 12-month period prior to the Company's initial public
offering have been included in the calculation as if they were
outstanding for all periods prior to the offering, regardless of
whether they are dilutive.
3. CUSTOMER BASE ACQUISITIONS
PSINET, INC.
On June 28, 1996, the Company entered into a Purchase
Agreement (as amended, the "Purchase Agreement") with PSINet Inc.
("PSINet"), pursuant to which the Company agreed to acquire certain of
the tangible and intangible assets and rights related to the consumer
dial-up Internet access services provided by PSINet in the United
States, including (i) certain of PSINet's individual subscriber
accounts, and (ii) the lease for a customer support call center near
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (the "Harrisburg Facility") and all related
telephone switches and other equipment (the "Assets").
On June 28, 1996, the Company acquired 15,000 subscriber
accounts from PSINet for $1,000,000 in cash and a $2,000,000 one-year
promissory note (the "First PSINet Note"). The Company acquired an
additional approximately 27,000 subscriber accounts and approximately
$1,129,000 in related assets, including the Harrisburg Facility, as of
September 1, 1996, at which time the Company issued an additional
one-year promissory note to PSINet in the amount of $9,929,000 (the
"Second PSINet Note"). The Purchase Agreement required the Company to
apply 50% of the net proceeds from a public offering of the Company's
Common Stock in October 1996 (the "October Offering") to repay amounts
outstanding under the First and Second PSINet Notes. Accordingly, on
October 21, 1996, the Company paid PSINet approximately $9,175,000,
which consisted of (i) payment in full of the First PSINet Note,
including the original principal balance of $2,000,000 plus a $100,000
(5%) principal increase pursuant to the terms of the First PSINet
Note, and approximately $70,000 of accrued interest and (ii) partial
payment of the Second PSINet Note in the amount of approximately
$6,851,000 of principal (of the $9,929,000 total) and approximately
$154,000 of accrued interest.
Effective as of January 24, 1997, the Company and PSINet
further amended the Purchase Agreement to, among other things, fix an
aggregate purchase price for the Assets in an amount equal to
$12,929,000 (excluding accrued interest and increases in principal
amount under the First and Second PSINet Notes previously paid by the
Company)(the "Purchase Price"). In connection with fixing the
aggregate amount of the Purchase Price, the Company and PSINet amended
the Second PSINet Note to, among other things, reduce the principal
amount owed thereunder to $3,078,324, an amount equal to the remaining
balance of the Purchase Price as of January 24, 1997. As amended, the
Second PSINet Note no longer accrues interest, is payable over a two
year period and has been discounted for financial statement purposes
using the same rate of interest (Prime + 3%) as the prior PSINet
Notes. The Company will accrete the difference between the principal
and total payable amount of $3,078,000 over the two years of the note.
The Company has reflected approximately $57,000 as interest expense
related to this note in the Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1996. See Note 7.
In connection with the PSINet Transaction, the parties also
entered into a Network Services Agreement (as amended, the "Services
Agreement"), which enables MindSpring to offer nationwide Internet
access through PSINet's network of over 200 POPs. Pursuant to the
Services Agreement, PSINet has agreed, among other things, to provide
to the Company: (i) Internet connection services which meet
reasonable commercial standards, including with
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<PAGE> 41
respect to access and reliability; and (ii) access to PSINet's network
monitoring systems and subscriber log-in and accounting information.
The term of the Services Agreement is five years, commencing on June
28, 1996, and is automatically renewable annually thereafter unless
either party notifies the other in writing not less than 12 months
prior to the end of such five-year period or any 12-month extension
thereof. Subject to certain exceptions, PSINet may not terminate the
Services Agreement prior to October 31, 1998 and the Company may
terminate the Services Agreement at any time upon 60 days' written
notice to PSINet without penalty.
The Company and PSINet amended the Services Agreement
effective January 1, 1997 to provide for certain discounts to the
monthly service fees which otherwise would have been payable by
the Company to PSINet. Such discounts could equal in the aggregate up
to $4,150,000 through October 1998. The following table outlines the
maximum discounts per month in network services fees that are
available under the Services Agreement. The discounts will be
reflected as reductions of cost of revenue in 1997 and 1998 to the
extent earned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD DISCOUNT PER MONTH
-------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
January 1997- July 1997 $ 150,000
August 1997-September 1998 200,000
October 1998 300,000
</TABLE>
PRO FORMA
The following unaudited pro forma condensed statements of
operations assumes the PSINet Transaction occurred on January 1, 1996
and 1995, respectively. In the opinion of management, all adjustments
necessary to present fairly such unaudited pro forma condensed
statements of operations have been made.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue $26,088,000 $9,013,000
Net Loss 13,981,000 9,678,000
Net Loss per Share 1.98 1.78
</TABLE>
NANDO.NET
On August 6, 1996, the Company and The News and Observer
Publishing Company ("N&O") entered into a definitive agreement, which
was amended and restated on September 11, 1996, pursuant to which the
Company agreed to acquire certain individual dial-up subscriber
accounts in North Carolina in connection with N&O's Nando.net Internet
access business (the "Nando.net Transaction"). The Nando.net
Transaction was consummated on September 30, 1996. The number of
subscribers acquired through the Nando.net Transaction was
approximately 4,500 for approximately $519,000, including legal
expenses specifically related to the transaction.
-35-
<PAGE> 42
4. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
RECAPITALIZATION
Effective December 27, 1995, the Company recapitalized on the
basis of 1.936199 shares of the capital stock of the Georgia
corporation for one share of the Delaware corporation. All amounts in
the accompanying financial statements have been restated to reflect
the effect of this recapitalization. As a result of this
recapitalization, the issuances of common stock of the Georgia
corporation in 1994, which were issued at the then par value of
$0.0001 per share for total proceeds of $220, have been restated in
the accompanying financial statements as if issued below the $0.01 par
value of the Delaware corporation common stock.
COMMON STOCK
The Company has authorized 15,000,000 shares of $0.01 par
value Common Stock. On February 24, 1994, the Company issued 1,032,951
shares of Common Stock to the founder of the Company for total
proceeds of $200, which represented the estimated fair value of the
stock at the time of issuance. On March 3, 1994, the Company issued
103,296 shares of its Common Stock to a third party for total proceeds
of $20. In management's opinion, the estimated fair value of the stock
at the time of the March 1994 issuance was equal to the value per
share of the February 1994 stock issuance.
During 1995, the Company issued shares of $0.01 par value
Common Stock to three officers of the Company at amounts equal to the
estimated fair value of the Common Stock on the date of sale. The
following table summarizes these transactions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Price Total
of Per Consideration
Shares Share Paid
----------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
January 18 77,472 $ 0.64 $ 50,000
July 27 48,420 1.55 75,000
August 29 5,165 1.55 8,000
----------- -------------
Total 131,057 $133,000
=========== =============
</TABLE>
In March 1996, the Company completed an initial public
offering of its Common Stock (the "Initial Offering"). The Company
issued 1,950,000 shares at an initial public offering price of $8.00
per share. The total proceeds of the offering, net of underwriting
discounts and offering expenses, were approximately $13,672,000. In
April 1996, the Company's underwriters exercised a portion of the
over-allotment option granted in connection with the Company's Initial
Offering, electing to purchase 75,000 additional shares of Common
Stock. The net proceeds to the Company were approximately $478,000.
In October 1996, the Company completed the October Offering of
its Common Stock. The Company issued 2,250,000 shares at an public
offering price of $9.13 per share. The total proceeds of the
offering, net of underwriting discounts and offering expenses, were
approximately $18,387,000.
PREFERRED STOCK
On November 15, 1994, the Company issued 1,187,895 shares of
its $0.64 par value Class A convertible preferred stock to ITC Holding
Company, Inc. ("ITC Holding") in exchange for total consideration of
$745,000, net of offering expenses. Each share of Class A
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<PAGE> 43
convertible preferred stock was automatically converted into one share
of Common Stock at the Initial Offering by the Company.
In April 1995, the board of directors approved an agreement to
issue 645,594 shares of $1.55 par value Class B convertible preferred
stock to ITC Holding at $1.55 per share in exchange for total
consideration of $1,000,000, which represented the estimated fair
value of the Class B convertible preferred stock as of such date. In
June 1995, the Company issued the Class B convertible preferred stock.
Each share of Class B convertible preferred stock was automatically
converted into one share of Common Stock at the Initial Offering by
the Company.
On December 22, 1995, the board of directors authorized the
issuance of 5,000,000 shares of Class C convertible preferred stock.
On December 27, 1995, the Company issued 100,000 shares of Class C
convertible preferred stock to ITC Holding for total consideration of
$1,000. The Company recorded a charge to interest expense in 1995 for
the difference between the fair market value of the Class C
convertible preferred stock and the consideration paid of $637,000.
The Class C convertible preferred stock is reflected in the
accompanying balance sheet at its fair market value. Each share of
Class C convertible preferred stock was automatically converted into
one share of Common Stock at the 190th day after the Initial Offering
(September 18, 1996). See Note 7 for further discussion.
5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Under the Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option
Plan"), as adopted on February 21, 1995, amended by the board of
directors on April 5, 1995 and December 19, 1995, and approved by the
stockholders on December 27, 1995, 616,668 shares of Common Stock are
reserved and authorized for issuance upon the exercise of options. All
employees of the Company are eligible to receive options under the
Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Plan is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the board of directors. Options granted
under the Stock Option Plan are intended to qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended. Options generally become exercisable as follows: (i) 50% of
the options become exercisable two years after the date of grant, or
in certain cases, the commencement date of the holder's employment;
(ii) an additional 25% of the options become exercisable three years
after the date of grant, or in certain cases, the commencement date of
the holder's employment; and (iii) the remaining 25% of the options
become exercisable four years after the date of grant, or in certain
cases, the commencement date of the holder's employment. All options
were granted at an exercise price equal to the estimated fair value of
the Common Stock at the dates of grant as determined by the board of
directors based on equity transactions and other analyses. The options
expire ten years from the date of grant, or in certain circumstances,
the commencement date of the option holder's employment.
DIRECTORS' STOCK OPTION PLAN
Under the Company's Directors' Stock Option Plan (the
"Directors' Plan"), adopted in December 1995, 70,000 shares of Common
Stock are authorized for issuance to nonemployee directors (in the
form of 10,000 options per director) upon their initial election or
appointment to the board or, in the case of directors who joined the
board prior to the creation of the Directors' Plan, upon the adoption
of the Directors' Plan by the board of directors. The Directors' Plan
does not provide for discretionary option grants. Options become
exercisable as follows: (i) 50% of the options become exercisable two
years after the date of grant, (ii) an additional 25% of the options
become exercisable three years after the date of grant, and (iii) the
remaining 25% of the options become exercisable four years after the
date of grant. All options were granted at an exercise price equal to
the estimated fair value of the Common Stock at the dates of grant as
determined by the board of directors based upon equity transactions
and other analyses. The options expire ten years from the date of
grant.
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<PAGE> 44
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NO. 123
During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
SFAS 123 which defines a fair value based method of accounting for an
employee stock option or similar equity instrument and encourages all
entities to adopt that method of accounting for all of their employee
stock compensation plans. However, it also allows an entity to
continue to measure compensation cost for those plans using the method
of accounting prescribed by APB 25. Entities electing to remain with
the accounting in APB 25 must make pro forma disclosures of net income
and, if presented, earnings per share, as if the fair value based
method of accounting defined in this Statement had been applied.
The Company has elected to account for its stock-based
compensation plans under APB 25; however, the Company has computed for
pro forma disclosure purposes the value of all options granted during
1996 and 1995 using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as
prescribed by SFAS 123 using the following weighted average
assumptions used for grants in 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Risk-free interest rate 6.4% 7.0%
Expected dividend yield 0% 0%
Expected lives 3.5 years 3 years
Expected volatility 69.3% 84.5%
</TABLE>
The total value of options granted during 1996 and 1995 was
computed as approximately $601,000 and $409,000, respectively, which
would be amortized on a pro forma basis over the four-year vesting
period of the options. If the Company had accounted for these plans in
accordance with SFAS 123, the Company's net loss and pro forma net
loss per share for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995 would
have been as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As Reported Pro Forma
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
1995
Net Loss $(1,958,531) $(2,010,357)
Pro forma net loss per share $ (0.85) $ (0.90)
1996
Net Loss $(7,612,323) $(7,835,674)
Net loss per share $ (1.45) $ (1.49)
</TABLE>
A summary of the status of the Company's two stock options
plans at December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and changes during
the years then ended are presented in the following table:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Avg.
Shares Price Per
Share
------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
December 31, 1994 0 $0.00
Grants 375,237 1.82
Forfeitures (17,558) 1.00
-------
December 31, 1995 357,679 1.86
</TABLE>
-38-
<PAGE> 45
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Grants 252,084 8.60
Exercised (1,291) 0.64
Forfeitures (30,125) 6.04
--------
December 31, 1996 578,347 4.58
========
Weighted Average fair value of options
granted $ 2.57
========
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth the exercise price range,
number of shares, weighted average exercise price, and remaining
contractual lives by groups of similar price and grant date:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Exercise Number Weighted Remaining
Price of Average Contractual
Range Shares Price Life
- ------------ ------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ .64 178,437 $ 0.64 8.1 years
1.55 80,049 1.55 8.5
2.85-6.38 141,909 5.30 9.0
7.75-12.38 177,952 9.33 9.7
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes the options exercisable as of
December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Number Weighted Remaining
of Average Contractual
As of Shares Price Life
------------- ------ -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dec. 31, 1996 70,368 $0.64 8.1 years
Dec. 31, 1995 0 -- --
</TABLE>
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
The Company has a savings plan (the "Savings Plan") that
qualifies as a deferred salary arrangement under section 401(k) of the
Internal Revenue Code. Under the Savings Plan participating employees
may defer a portion of their pretax earnings, up to the Internal
Revenue Service annual contribution limit. Annually the Company
determines whether to make a discretionary matching contribution equal
to a percentage, determined by the Company, of the employee's deferred
compensation contribution. The Company has not made any matching
contributions to the Savings Plan.
6. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 1995, the Company loaned excess cash totaling
approximately $300,000 to ITC Holding. This transaction was approved
by the board of directors. The loan was repaid during 1995 at an
interest rate of 6.25%.
The Company has also entered into certain business
relationships with several subsidiaries of ITC Holding. The Company
currently leases telephone lines from, and has contracts for
maintenance and installations with, Interstate Telephone Company, Inc.
-39-
<PAGE> 46
("Interstate Telephone"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding.
Charges from Interstate Telephone for telephone lines and installation
charges totaled approximately $67,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996 and approximately $41,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
The Company also leases a T-1 line for data transport for some
of its POPs from Interstate FiberNet Company ("Interstate FiberNet"),
a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding. The Company had charges from
Interstate FiberNet of approximately $46,000 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and had no charges for the year ended December 31,
1995.
The Company also purchases long distance telephone services
and wide area network transport service from DeltaCom, Inc.
("DeltaCom"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding. Long distance
charges from DeltaCom totaled approximately $677,000 for the year
ended December 31, 1996. No long distance services were provided to
the Company by DeltaCom in 1995.
As of January 1, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement
with AvData Systems, Inc. ("AvData") providing for the rental by the
Company of floor space from AvData for the placement of the Company's
equipment for its network hub and for AvData personnel to service and
maintain such equipment for a payment by the Company of $3,000 per
month. AvData may increase this monthly payment if the amount of
technical support services required by the Company exceeds ten hours
per month. The lease has been renewed through June 30, 1997. Unless
either party gives 180 days prior written notice to terminate, this
lease will renew automatically for successive six-month terms. As of
December 31, 1995, ITC Holding owned approximately 25.5% of the
capital stock of AvData.
See Note 4 and Note 7 for a discussions of preferred stock
transactions and the loan facilities with ITC Holding.
7. DEBT
The following is a summary of the Company's debt obligations as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Second PSINet Note, due October, 1998 $2,666,664 $ 0
Loan from preferred shareholder 0 2,500,000
------------ --------------
2,666,664 2,500,000
Less: current maturities (623,922) (2,500,000)
------------ --------------
Long-term obligations $2,042,742 $ 0
============ ==============
</TABLE>
See Note 3 for a discussion of the Second PSINet Note.
In August 1995, ITC Holding agreed to lend to the Company up
to $2,000,000 in aggregate principal amount at an annual interest rate
of 11% to be used for capital expenditures and working capital
purposes (the "First Loan"). All amounts outstanding under the First
Loan were due and payable in full on or before December 15, 1995. At
December 15, 1995, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of all
advances under the First Loan was $2,000,000.
At December 15, 1995, the Company had not repaid any amounts
outstanding under the First Loan. In consideration of ITC Holding's
agreement not to exercise its rights and remedies upon such default
under the First Loan, on December 27, 1995, the Company agreed to pay
ITC Holding a processing fee of $50,000 and issued to ITC Holding an
immediately exercisable warrant to purchase 100,000 shares of Class C
convertible preferred stock at a price of $0.01 per share.
Accordingly, the Company recorded the $637,000 difference between the
fair market value of the warrants, at $6.38 per share, and the
exercise price, at $0.01 per share, as interest expense in the fourth
quarter of 1995. By December 31,
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<PAGE> 47
1995, ITC Holding had exercised such warrant in full. All principal
amounts due and owing under the First Loan were paid in full by
December 31, 1995 with proceeds from the Second Loan (as defined
below).
In December 1995, the Company executed a promissory note in
favor of and entered into an agreement with ITC Holding pursuant to
which ITC Holding agreed to lend the Company from time to time up to
$4,000,000 (in aggregate outstanding principal amount) (the "Second
Loan"). The principal amount of the Second Loan of $3,500,000 and
accrued interest of $97,000 were paid subsequent to the Initial
Offering in March 1996.
Maturities of debt obligations are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1997 $ 623,922
1998 2,042,742
--------------
Total maturities of long-term debt at
December 31, 1996 $ 2,666,664
==============
</TABLE>
The carrying value of the Second PSINet Note approximates market value
as of December 31, 1996.
8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
LEASES
The Company leases certain equipment under agreements which
are classified as capital leases. These leases have original terms of
three years or less and contain bargain purchase options at the end of
the original lease terms. The Company also has operating leases which
relate to the lease of office and equipment space. Rental expense was
approximately $519,000 and $65,000 for the year ended December 31,
1996 and December 31, 1995, respectively.
At December 31, 1996, the Company's capital lease obligations
and minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating leases
with initial or remaining terms of more than one year were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Capital Operating
Leases Leases
---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
1997 $ 786,252 $ 776,041
1998 468,834 811,142
1999 288,521 620,851
2000 0 575,050
2001 & thereafter 0 762,301
---------- -----------
Total minimum lease payments 1,543,607 $ 3,545,384
Amounts representing interest (204,784) ===========
----------
Present value of net minimum
payments 1,338,823
Current portion (656,252)
----------
Long-term capitalized lease
obligations $ 682,571
==========
</TABLE>
BELLSOUTH PURCHASE COMMITMENT
On July 15, 1996, the Company and BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. ("BellSouth") entered into a two-year
agreement (the "BellSouth Agreement"), pursuant to
-41-
<PAGE> 48
which the Company agreed to purchase telecommunications services from
BellSouth for a minimum of $2,000,000 in the first year, and, in the
second year, a minimum of 90% of the amount billed to the Company
during the first year. The Company may renew the BellSouth Agreement
pursuant to two one-year renewal options. In the event the Company
terminates the BellSouth Agreement prior to its expiration, the
Company is required to pay BellSouth a termination fee, subject to
certain exceptions, equal to 50% of the amounts billed to the Company
during the 12 months preceding such termination.
MONORAIL AGREEMENT
On October 14, 1996, the Company and Monorail Inc.
("Monorail), an Internet-ready computer manufacturer, entered into an
agreement (the "Monorail Agreement") in which the Company was selected
as the Internet Service Provider of choice for the new Monorail PC.
On November 5, 1996, pursuant to the Monorail Agreement, the Company
was required to pay a total of $560,000 to Monorail, which included a
prepayment of $500,000 for 12,500 subscribers ($40 per subscriber) and
$60,000 for estimated expenses incurred by Monorail to include the
Company's software on the PCs. The software preparation cost was
expensed in 1996. As of December 31, 1996 less than approximately 200
subscribers had signed up for the service under the Monorail
Agreement. In the event the Company does not receive 12,500 total
subscribers by May 31, 1997, the remaining portion of the prepayment
will be refunded to the Company by July 31, 1997.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which
arise in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31, 1996,
management is not aware of any asserted or pending litigation or
claims against the Company that would have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or
liquidity.
9. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary
differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for
financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. The significant components of the Company's deferred tax
assets and liabilities as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Net operating loss carryforwards $3,562,000 $ 485,000
Deferred debt costs 0 242,000
Acquired customer base 268,000 0
Deferred revenue 158,000 129,000
Allowance for doubtful accounts 147,000 17,000
Accrued vacation 57,000 5,000
---------- ----------
Total deferred tax assets 4,192,000 878,000
---------- ----------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation (566,000) (89,000)
Other (39,000) (16,000)
---------- ----------
Total deferred tax liabilities (605,000) (105,000)
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax asset 3,587,000 773,000
Valuation allowance for deferred
tax assets (3,587,000) (773,000)
---------- ----------
Net deferred taxes $ 0 $ 0
========== ==========
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 49
The Company's net operating loss carryforwards will expire
between 2009 and 2010, unless utilized. Due to the fact that the
Company has incurred losses since inception, the Company has not
recognized the income tax benefit of the net operating loss
carryforwards. Management has provided a 100% valuation reserve
against its net deferred tax asset, consisting primarily of net
operating loss carryforwards. In addition, the Company's ability to
recognize the benefit from the net operating loss carryforwards could
be limited under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code if ownership
of the Company changes by more than 50%, as defined.
A reconciliation of the income tax provision computed at
statutory tax rates to the income tax provision for the year ended
December 31, 1996 and for the year ended December 31, 1995, is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Income tax benefit at statutory rate 34% 34% 34%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit 4 4 4
Other 0 0 1
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (38) (38) (39)
---- ---- ----
Total deferred tax assets 0% 0% 0%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
10. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results
for 1996 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPERATING NET LOSS
QUARTER ENDED REVENUE LOSS NET LOSS PER SHARE
- -------------------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
December 31, 1996 $8,524,000 ($2,379,000) ($2,411,000) ($.33)
September 30, 1996 5,301,000 (2,600,000) (2,702,000) (.53)
June 30, 1996 2,495,000 (1,577,000) (1,460,000) (.29)
March 31, 1996 1,812,000 (966,000) (1,039,000) (.30)
December 31, 1995 $1,125,000 ($582,000) ($1,307,000) ($.37)
September 30, 1995 590,000 (388,000) (389,000) (.11)
June 30, 1995 340,000 (170,000) (169,000) (.06)
March 31, 1995 172,000 (94,000) (93,000) (.03)
</TABLE>
-43-
<PAGE> 50
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
-44-
<PAGE> 51
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Directors of the Company are elected at the annual meeting of
stockholders. Officers of the Company are appointed at the first meeting of the
Board of Directors after each annual meeting of stockholders. Directors and
executive officers of the Company are elected to serve until they resign or are
removed, or are otherwise disqualified to serve, or until their successors are
elected and qualified. The ages of the persons set forth below are as of
February 28, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TERM AS
DIRECTOR
NAME AGE POSITION(S) WITH COMPANY EXPIRES
---- --- ------------------------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charles M. Brewer . . . . . . . 38 Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director 1998
Michael S. McQuary . . . . . . 37 President, Chief Operating Officer and 1997
Director
Michael G. Misikoff . . . . . . 44 Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, 1996
Secretary, Treasurer and Director
Esa Ahola . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Vice President of Engineering Systems ---
James T. Markle . . . . . . . . 37 Vice President of Network Operations ---
Susan F. Nicholson . . . . . . 36 Vice President of Corporate Communications ---
J. Fredrick Nixon . . . . . . . 40 Vice President of Engineering ---
Robert D. Sanders . . . . . . . 23 Vice President and Chief Technical Officer ---
Thomas R. Strandberg . . . . . 52 Vice President of Business Services ---
Gregory J. Stromberg . . . . . 44 Vice President of Call Centers ---
Alan J. Taetle . . . . . . . . 33 Vice President of Marketing ---
Lance Weatherby . . . . . . . . 36 Vice President of Business Development ---
O. Gene Gabbard . . . . . . . . 56 Director 1996
Campbell B. Lanier, III . . . . 46 Director 1998
William H. Scott, III . . . . . 49 Director 1997
</TABLE>
CHARLES M. BREWER founded the Company and has served as Chief
Executive Officer and Director of the Company since its inception in February
1994 and as Chairman since March 1996. He also served as the President of the
Company from its inception until March 1996 and as the Secretary and Treasurer
of the Company from its inception until January 1995. From May 1993 to January
1994, Mr. Brewer developed the concept for the Company and evaluated its
prospects. Prior to starting the Company, he served as Chief Executive Officer
of AudioFax, Inc. ("AudioFax"), a software company providing fax server
software, from May 1992 to April 1993 and was the Chief Financial Officer of
AudioFax from May 1989 to April 1992. From March 1988 to April 1989, Mr. Brewer
explored potential business opportunities. Mr. Brewer was Vice President of
Sanders & Company, a venture capital firm, from September 1987 to February
1988. From November 1984 to August 1987, Mr. Brewer primarily worked toward his
MBA, managed a retail store and traveled. From November 1981 to October 1984,
he was employed by Wertheim & Company, an investment banking firm, and worked
in institutional sales. Mr. Brewer received a BA in Economics from, and was a
Phi Beta Kappa graduate of, Amherst College and received a Masters in Business
Administration from Stanford University.
MICHAEL S. MCQUARY has been the President of the Company since
March 1996, the Chief Operating Officer of the Company since September 1995,
and a Director of the Company since December 1995. He also served as the
Company's Executive Vice President from October 1995 to March 1996 and the
Company's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing from July 1995 to
September 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. McQuary served in a variety
of management positions with Mobil Chemical Co., a petrochemical company, from
August 1984 to June 1995, including Regional Sales Manager from April 1991 to
February 1994 and Manager of Operations (Reengineering) from February 1994 to
June 1995. From September 1981 to July 1984, Mr. McQuary served as a Sales
Representative, Territory Manager and then Product Sales Manager for Lily
Tulip, Inc., a food service packaging company. Mr. McQuary received a BA in
Psychology from the University of Virginia and a Masters in Business
Administration from Pepperdine University.
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<PAGE> 52
MICHAEL G. MISIKOFF has served as Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and a Director of the Company since
January 1995. From January 1992 to December 1994, Mr. Misikoff was the Acting
Chief Financial Officer and a Director of InterCall Corporation, a subsidiary
of ITC Holding that provides conference call services. From March 1991
to January 1992, Mr. Misikoff worked as an independent financial consultant.
Mr. Misikoff served as Chief Financial Officer of Async Corporation ("Async"),
a provider of voice messaging services, from its startup in February 1985 until
March 1991. From March 1979 to February 1985, Mr. Misikoff served as Vice
President of Finance for TransDesigns, Inc., a multi-level marketing company.
Mr. Misikoff was a Certified Public Accountant with the firm of Arthur Young &
Co. from July 1975 until March 1979. He received a BBA in Accounting from
Georgia State University.
ESA AHOLA has served as the Company's Vice President of
Engineering Systems since January 1997. Mr. Ahola served as a Senior Engineer
with the Company from February 1995 to December 1996. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Ahola was a Senior Software Engineer with AudioFax from January
1993 to January 1995. From March 1992 to December 1992, Mr. Ahola served as a
Senior Technical Advisor with Gerber Alley Healthcare, a medical software
company. He served as a Programmer/Analyst for Medical Systems Development
Corporation, a medical software company, from June 1986 to February 1992. Mr.
Ahola received a Bachelor of Science in Information and Computer Science from
Georgia Institute of Technology.
JAMES T. MARKLE joined the Company as Vice President of
Network Operations in April 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Markle
served as the Director of Technical Support for Concert Communications, Co., a
telecommunications company, from April 1994 until April 1995. From August 1990
to April 1994, Mr. Markle served as Senior Manager of Network Operations for
MCI Communications, a telecommunications company. Mr. Markle served in various
operation positions at SouthernNet/Telecom*USA, including Director of
Operations for a multi-state region, from July 1985 until July 1990. Mr. Markle
attended Maryville College.
SUSAN F. NICHOLSON has served as the Company's Vice President
of Corporate Communications since September 1996, prior to which she served as
Vice President of Marketing beginning in July 1995. Ms. Nicholson served as
Director of Marketing of the Company from September 1994 until July 1995. Prior
to joining the Company, Ms. Nicholson worked for AudioFax from March 1990 to
September 1994, first as a technical writer, then as Director of Marketing
Communications and then as Director of Product Management. In addition, Ms.
Nicholson worked as an independent technical writer from August 1987 to March
1990 and founded and sold Babes in Highland, a retail store in Atlanta, Georgia
between June 1986 and May 1987. She served as a Technical Sales representative
for Hewlett Packard, a computer manufacturing company, from December 1982 to
June 1986. Ms. Nicholson received a BS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia
Institute of Technology.
J. FREDRICK NIXON joined the Company as Vice President of
Engineering in August 1995. From August 1994 to July 1995, Mr. Nixon served as
a consultant for the Tennessee Valley Authority and Federal Express, Inc. He
served from September 1990 to August 1994 as an Assistant Professor of Computer
Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. From September 1989 to
September 1990, Mr. Nixon served as a senior member of the Technical Staff of
General Electric Advanced Technology Labs, an operating systems research
company. He was a Senior Scientist at General Electric Research Corporation, a
database systems development company, from March 1987 to September 1989. Mr.
Nixon also served as the Principal Engineer for Token Link Corporation, a
computer design and manufacturing company, from September 1986 to March 1987.
From December 1978 to September 1982, Mr. Nixon served as a Programmer/Analyst
for General Electric Information Services Company, a general research company.
Mr. Nixon received a BA in Physics and Math and a Ph.D. in Computer Science
from Vanderbilt University.
ROBERT D. SANDERS has been the Company's Vice President since
September 1996 and its Chief Technical Officer since January 1995. Mr. Sanders
served as the Company's Vice President of Network Engineering from December
1995 to September 1996 and the Company's Senior Engineer
-46-
<PAGE> 53
from June 1994 to January 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sanders
worked as the Software Engineer and System Administrator of Harry's Farmers
Market, Inc. from March 1994 to May 1994. He served as Co-op Engineer in the
Line Card Development Group of Bell Northern Research, Inc., a research
subsidiary of Northern Telecom, Inc., from March 1992 to December 1993. Mr.
Sanders attended the Georgia Institute of Technology.
THOMAS R. STRANDBERG joined the Company in May 1996, as acting
Vice President of Business Services, and was appointed Vice President of
Business Services in September 1996. From September 1985 to May 1996, Mr.
Strandberg served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for
Medical Systems Development Corporation, a software development company. Mr.
Strandberg worked for the city of Asheville, North Carolina as a Senior System
Analyst from July 1974 to December 1976 and as Data Processing Director from
December 1976 to September 1985. From October 1972 to July 1974 Mr. Strandberg
worked for American Enka Company, a textile manufacturer, as a Senior
Programmer and Acting Programming Manager. Mr. Strandberg received a BS in
Business Administration from Western Illinois University in 1966 and a MBA from
Western Carolina University in 1976.
GREGORY J. STROMBERG joined the Company as Vice President of
Customer Service in October 1995. From June 1993 to September 1994, he served
as a Regional Manager for Digital Financial Services, a computer leasing
company, after which he traveled. Mr. Stromberg worked for Digital Equipment
Corporation, a computer manufacturer, and served as a Senior Sales
representative from June 1983 to May 1987, Program Manager from May 1987 to May
1990, and District Operations Manager from May 1990 to June 1993. In addition,
Mr. Stromberg served as a Large Account Sales representative and Product
Manager for Burroughs Corp., a computer hardware company, from June 1978 to
June 1983. Mr. Stromberg received a BS in Business Management and a Masters in
Business Administration from the University of Utah.
ALAN J. TAETLE joined the Company as its Vice President of
Business Development in March 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Taetle
served as the Director of Operations and Product Management at CogniTech
Corporation, makers of a retail series of Contact Management software products,
from November 1992 to March 1995. Mr. Taetle was the Director of MIS of a
subsidiary of Itochu International ("Itochu"), a Japanese trading company, from
September 1989 until November 1991, and served as the Assistant to the
Executive Vice President of Itochu from November 1991 to November 1992. From
July 1985 to August 1987, Mr. Taetle served as Systems Engineer with Electronic
Data Systems, a systems integration consulting company. Mr. Taetle received a
BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Business
Administration from Harvard Business School.
LANCE WEATHERBY has been the Company's Vice President of
Business Development since September 1996 and was the Company's acting Vice
President of Business Development commencing in August 1996. Mr. Weatherby
joined the Company as Market Development Manager in September 1995. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Weatherby held a variety of sales, sales management
and marketing positions with Mobil Chemical Co., a petrochemical company, from
October 1990 to September 1995, including District Sales Manager from December
1992 to September 1995. From April 1990 to October 1990, Mr. Weatherby served
as an Account Executive with United Parcel Services, Inc., a shipping company.
From December 1983 to August 1987 Mr. Weatherby served as a Sales
Representative for Lantech, Inc., a packaging equipment manufacturer. Mr.
Weatherby received a BBA in Marketing from Eastern Kentucky University and a
MBA from Indiana University.
O. GENE GABBARD has been a Director of the Company since
December 1995. He has worked independently as an entrepreneur and consultant
since February 1993. Mr. Gabbard currently serves as a director of ITC Holding
and several of its subsidiaries, InterCel, Inc. ("InterCel") (a wireless
telecommunications company), CyberNet Holding, Inc. ("CyberNet") (a broadband
telecommunications services company), and three telecommunications technology
companies, Dynatech Corporation, Adtran, Inc. and Telogy Network, Inc. From
August 1990 through January 1993, he served as
-47-
<PAGE> 54
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MCI Communications
Corporation ("MCI"). He served in various senior executive capacities,
including Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of
Telecom*USA, Inc. ("Telecom") from December 1988 until Telcom's merger with MCI
in August 1990. From July 1984 to December 1988, he was Chairman and/or
President of SouthernNet, Inc. ("SouthernNet"), a long distance
telecommunications company which was the predecessor to Telecom.
CAMPBELL B. LANIER, III has served as a Director of the
Company since November 1994. Mr. Lanier serves as Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of ITC Holding and has served as a director of ITC
Holding since its inception in 1985 through a predecessor company. In addition,
Mr. Lanier is an officer and director of several ITC Holding subsidiaries. He
is a director of CyberNet, National Vision Associates, Ltd. (a full service
optical retailer), K&G Men's Centers (a discount retailer of men's clothing)
Vice Chairman of the Board of AvData Systems, Inc. ("AvData") (a company
providing data communications networks) and Chairman of the Board of InterCel.
He served as Chairman of the Board of AvData from 1988 to 1990. From 1984 to
1989, Mr. Lanier served as Chairman of the Board of Async. Mr. Lanier also
served as Vice President -- Industry Relations of Telecom from 1984 to 1988
and as Senior Vice President -- Industry Relations from January 1989 until
Telecom's merger with MCI in August 1990. From 1984 to 1985, he served as Chief
Executive Officer of SouthernNet, and from 1985 to 1986 he was Vice Chairman of
the Board of SouthernNet.
WILLIAM H. SCOTT, III has been a Director of the Company since
November 1994. Mr. Scott has served as President of ITC Holding since December
1991 and has been a director of ITC Holding since May 1989. In addition, Mr.
Scott is an officer and director of several ITC Holding subsidiaries. Mr.
Scott is a director of InterCel, AvData and CyberNet. From 1985 to 1989, Mr.
Scott was an officer and director of Async. Between 1984 and 1988, Mr. Scott
held several offices with SouthernNet, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, and Vice President -- Administration. He was a director of
that company from 1984 to 1987.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's directors, officers
and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of a registered class of
the Company's equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission").
Directors, officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners are required
by the Commission's regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of copies of such forms furnished to
the Company and certain of the Company's internal records, or upon written
representations that no Form 5s were required, the Company believes that during
the year ended December 31, 1996, except as described below, all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to its directors, officers and greater than ten
percent beneficial owners were complied with.
Each of Messrs. Gabbard, Lanier, McQuary, Nixon, Scott,
Stromberg and Taetle filed a Form 5 to report a grant of stock options made by
the Company to each of them in the six months prior to their becoming subject
to Section 16 and which was not previously reported on a Form 4. Mr. Scott
reported on the same Form 5 a purchase of Common Stock made by his wife in the
six months prior to his becoming subject to Section 16 and which was not
previously reported on a Form 4.
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<PAGE> 55
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
the cash and non-cash compensation during fiscal years 1995 and 1996 earned by
or awarded to Charles M. Brewer, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, and
Michael S. McQuary, the only other executive officer of the Company to receive
a combined salary and bonus in excess of $100,000 during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 (the "Named Executive Officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
COMPENSATION AWARDS
-------------------
ANNUAL SECURITIES UNDERLYING
COMPENSATION OPTIONS (1)
--------------------=====================
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS YEAR SALARY BONUS (1)
---------------------------- ---- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles M. Brewer 1996 $84,000 $20,000 --
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 1995 60,000 10,000 --
Michael S. McQuary 1996 $84,000 $36,035 38,746
President and Chief Operating Officer 1995 $47,750 $23,978 51,647
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) A portion of bonuses paid to Named Executive Officers of the Company are
paid or awarded in the first quarter of the fiscal year following the year
in which the bonus was earned.
STOCK OPTIONS
Option Grants. The following table sets forth information
with respect to grants of stock options to each of the Named Executive Officers
during the year ended December 31, 1996. All such grants were made under the
Company's 1995 Stock Option Plan.
OPTION GRANTS DURING 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZED VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
OF STOCK PRICE
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS APPRECIATION FOR OPTION TERM
---------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------
PERCENT OF
TOTAL
NUMBER OF OPTIONS
SECURITIES GRANTED TO
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES
OPTION IN FISCAL EXERCISE EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (1) YEAR PRICE GRANT DATE DATE 5% 10%
---- ----------- ---- ----- ---------- ---- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles M. Brewer -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Michael S. McQuary 15,482 6% $6.38 1/24/96 1/24/06 $62,119 $157,422
10,352 4% $9.75 8/20/96 8/20/06 63,476 160,860
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
(1) All options represent shares of Common Stock. These options become
exercisable as follows: (i) 50% of the options become exercisable two years
after the date of grant, (ii) an additional 25% of the options become
exercisable three years after the date of grant, and (iii) the remaining
25% of the options become exercisable four years after the date of grant.
-49-
<PAGE> 56
Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Values. The following
table sets forth information regarding the value of all unexercised options
held at December 31, 1996 by the Named Executive Officers. No Named Executive
Officer exercised any stock options during the fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS AT
DECEMBER 31, 1996 DECEMBER 31, 1996(1)
----------------- --------------------
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE
---------------------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles M. Brewer -- -- -- --
Michael S. McQuary 77,481 -- $236,285 --
</TABLE>
- -----------------
(1) Based on a per share price of $6.13 on December 31, 1996.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Since the Company's inception, members of the Board of
Directors have not received any compensation for their service on the Board of
Directors except as provided under the Company's Directors Stock Option Plan
(the "Directors Plan"). Under the Directors Plan, 70,000 shares of Common
Stock are authorized for issuance to nonemployee directors (in the form of
grants of 10,000 options per director) upon their initial election or
appointment to the Board, or, in the case of Messrs. Lanier and Scott, who
joined the Board prior to the creation of the Directors Plan, upon the adoption
of the Directors Plan by the Board. Options are exercisable at the fair market
value of the Common Stock (as determined by the Board) on the date of grant.
The Directors Plan does not provide for discretionary option grants.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION.
The members of the Compensation Committee for the year ended
December 31, 1996 were Messrs. Lanier, Scott and Gabbard.
As of February 28, 1997, ITC Holding owned approximately 25.8%
of the outstanding capital stock of the Company. Both Messrs. Lanier and Scott
serve as executive officers and directors of ITC Holding. Mr. Gabbard also is a
director of ITC Holding. As of February 28, 1997, Messrs. Lanier, Scott and
Gabbard beneficially owned approximately 28%, 4% and less than 1%,
respectively, of the common stock of ITC Holding. As of February 28, 1997,
Messrs. Brewer and Misikoff each owned less than 1% of the common stock of ITC
Holding.
In August 1995, ITC Holding agreed to lend to the Company an
aggregate principal amount of up to $2,000,000 at an annual interest rate of
11% (the "First Loan"). All amounts outstanding under the First Loan were due
and payable in full on or before December 15, 1995. At December 15, 1995, the
outstanding aggregate principal amount of all advances under the First Loan was
$2,000,000.
At December 15, 1995, the Company had not repaid any amounts
outstanding under the First Loan. In consideration of ITC Holding's agreement
not to exercise its rights and remedies upon such default under the First Loan,
on December 27, 1995 the Company agreed to pay ITC Holding a processing fee of
$50,000 and issued to ITC Holding a warrant to purchase shares of Class C
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share. In addition, ITC Holding agreed to
lend to the Company up to an additional $4,000,000 (the "Second Loan"). By
December 31, 1995, all principal amounts due and owing under the First Loan
were paid in full with proceeds from the Second Loan. Accrued interest on the
First Loan of approximately $39,100 and the $50,000 processing fee were paid in
full in January 1996.
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<PAGE> 57
The unpaid principal amount of the Second Loan was due and
payable in a single payment on July 15, 1996, together with interest on the
unpaid principal amount from the date of each advance, until paid in full, at
an annual rate of 14%. All of the unpaid principal amount of the Second Loan,
together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, in an amount equal to
approximately $3,597,000, was paid in full by the Company on March 18, 1996
with a portion of the proceeds from the Company's initial public offering.
The Company has also entered into certain business
relationships with several subsidiaries of ITC Holding. The Company currently
leases telephone lines from, and has contracts for maintenance and
installations with, Interstate Telephone Company, Inc. ("Interstate
Telephone"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding. The Company pays
Interstate Telephone approximately $5,000 per month for these leased telephone
lines. Charges from Interstate Telephone for telephone lines and installation
charges totaled approximately $67,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, of
which the Company had paid approximately $63,000 as of December 31, 1996.
The Company also leases a T-1 line for data transport for some
of its POPs from Interstate FiberNet Company ("Interstate FiberNet"), a wholly
owned subsidiary of ITC Holding. The Company pays Interstate FiberNet
approximately $4,000 per month for these services. Charges from Interstate
FiberNet totaled approximately $46,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 of
which the Company had paid approximately $41,000 as of December 31, 1996.
The Company also purchases long distance telephone services
and wide area network transport service from DeltaCom, Inc. ("DeltaCom"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Holding. Charges from Deltacom totaled
approximately $677,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996 of which the
Company had paid approximately $513,000 as of December 31, 1996.
As of January 1, 1995, the Company entered into an agreement
with AvData providing for the rental by the Company of floor space from AvData
for the placement of the Company's equipment for its network hub and for AvData
personnel to service and maintain such equipment for a payment by the Company
of $3,000 per month. AvData may increase this monthly payment if the amount of
technical support services required by the Company exceeds ten hours per month.
The lease has been renewed through June 30, 1997. Unless either party gives
180 days prior written notice to terminate, this lease will renew automatically
for successive six-month terms. As of December 31, 1995, ITC Holding owned
approximately 25.5% of the capital stock of AvData.
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<PAGE> 58
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table provides information, as of February 28,
1997, concerning beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (1) each person or
entity known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding
Common Stock, (2) each director of the Company, (3) the Chief Executive
Officer, and (4) all directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group. The information as to beneficial ownership has been furnished by the
respective stockholders, directors and executive officers of the Company, and,
unless otherwise indicated, each of the stockholders has sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE
OF
BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF COMMON
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP (1) STOCK OUTSTANDING
<S> <C> <C>
ITC Holding Company, Inc. (2)(3). . . 1,933,489 25.8%
Charles M. Brewer(4). . . . . . . . . 1,032,951 13.8
O. Gene Gabbard(5) . . . . . . . . . 5,000 *
Campbell B. Lanier, III(5). . . . . . 6,200 *
Michael S. McQuary . . . . . . . . . 63,920 *
Michael G. Misikoff . . . . . . . . . 103,796 1.4
William H. Scott, III(5) 6,500 *
All executive officers and 1,289,407 17.2%
directors as a group (15
persons)(6)
---------
</TABLE>
* Less than one percent.
(1) In accordance with Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), a person is deemed to be the
beneficial owner, for purposes of this table, of any shares of Common
Stock if such person has or shares voting power or investment power
with respect to such security, or has the right to acquire beneficial
ownership at any time within 60 days from February 28, 1997. As used
herein, "voting power" is the power to vote or direct the voting of
shares and "investment power" is the power to dispose or direct the
disposition of shares.
(2) The address of ITC Holding Company, Inc. is 1239 O.G. Skinner Drive,
West Point, Georgia 31833.
(3) On January 29, 1996, ITC Holding pledged all of its stock in the
Company to certain lenders in connection with a credit facility.
(4) The address for Charles M. Brewer is MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.,
1430 West Peachtree, Suite 400, Atlanta, Georgia 30309.
(5) Mr. Lanier is Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and a
beneficial owner of approximately 28% of the common stock of ITC
Holding. Mr. Lanier's beneficial ownership of MindSpring includes
1,200 shares of Common Stock held by his wife. Mr. Scott is the
President and a director of ITC Holding and is a beneficial
owner of approximately 4% of its common stock. Mr. Scott's beneficial
ownership of MindSpring includes 500 shares of Common Stock held by his
wife and 1,000 shares of Common Stock held in trust for Mr. Scott's
minor daughter, of which Mr. Scott's wife is trustee. Mr. Gabbard is a
director of ITC Holding and a beneficial owner of less than 1% of its
common stock. Each of Messrs. Lanier, Scott and Gabbard disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares of the Company's Common Stock held
by ITC Holding.
(6) Includes 81,869 shares of Common Stock that such persons have the
right to purchase within 60 days from February 28, 1997 pursuant to
options.
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<PAGE> 59
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company has adopted a policy requiring that any material
transactions between the Company and persons or entities affiliated with
officers, directors or principal stockholders of the Company be on terms no
less favorable to the Company than reasonably could have been obtained in arms'
length transactions with independent third parties.
For a summary of certain transactions and relationships among
the Company and its associated entities, and among the directors, executive
officers and stockholders of the Company and its associated entities, see
"Executive Compensation--Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation."
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<PAGE> 60
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM
8-K
(a)(1) The following consolidated financial statements of
registrant and its subsidiaries and report of independent
auditors are included in Item 8 hereof.
Report of Independent Public Accountants.
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1995.
Statements of Operations - Years Ended December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for the period from Inception
(February 25, 1994) to December 31, 1994.
Statements of Stockholders' Equity - Years Ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 and for the period from
Inception (February 24, 1994) to December 31, 1994.
Statements of Cash Flows - Years Ended December 31,
1996 and 1995 and for the period from Inception
(February 24, 1994) to December 31, 1994.
Notes to Financial Statements.
(a)(2) Except for the following, all schedules for which
provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of
the Securities and Exchange Commission either have been
included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or are not
required under the related instructions, or are inapplicable
and therefore have been omitted:
Schedule II - Valuation of Qualifying Accounts
(a)(3) The following exhibits are either provided with this
Report or are incorporated herein by reference:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
------ -----------
<S> <C>
2(a) -- Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 1996 by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and
PSINet, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 1996, File
No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
2(b) -- Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement and Network Services Agreement dated August 23,
1996 by and between PSINet Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., effective as of June 28,
1996. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated August 23, 1996, File No.
0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
2(c) -- Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 1, 1996 by and between
PSINet Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form
8-K dated October 8, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
2(d) -- Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 24, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit
10.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1997, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
2(e) -- Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and
The News and Observer Publishing Company dated as of September 11, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit
2(c) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-10779 (the "October
1996 S-1"), and incorporated herein by reference.)
3(a) -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as
Exhibit 3(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated May 3, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
3(b) -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3(b) to
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated August 30, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
4(a) -- Form of Common Stock Certificate of the Company. (Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-00108 ("Initial Form S-1"), and incorporated
herein by reference.)
4(b) -- Promissory Note dated October 22, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 4 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
dated March 3, 1997, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(a) -- Loan Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and ITC Holding Company, Inc. dated
as of December 21, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein
by reference.)
10(b) -- First Amendment to Loan Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and ITC Holding
Company, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(a)(1) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(c) -- Security Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and ITC Holding Company, Inc.
dated as of December 27, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(d) -- Promissory Note by MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. in favor of ITC Holding Company, Inc. dated
December 27, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(e) -- Internet Service Provider Navigator Distribution Agreement dated June 21, 1995 between
Netscape
</TABLE>
-54-
<PAGE> 61
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Communications Corporation and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., as amended by Amendment
No. 1 dated September 29, 1995 and by Amendment No. 2 dated March 28, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit
10 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated August 30, 1996, File No. 0-27890 and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(f) -- Eudora(R) Freeware Distribution Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995 between MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. and Qualcomm Incorporated. (Filed as Exhibit 10(e) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(g) -- Agreement dated as of October 1, 1995 between Netsurfer, Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.
(Filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(h) -- Lease and Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 1995 between AvData Systems, Inc. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(i) -- Lease Agreement commencing on November 1, 1995 between West Peachtree Point Partners, L.P. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(j) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(j) -- First Amendment dated February 6, 1996 to Lease Agreement dated November 1, 1995 between John
Marshall Law School, Inc. (assignee of West Peachtree Point Partners, L.P.) and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(k) -- Agreement dated January 31, 1995 between Agis Net99 and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as
Exhibit 10(k) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(l) -- Data Communications Service Agreement dated July 23, 1995 between Sprint Communications
Company L.P. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(l) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(m) -- LVIEW Pro Software Distribution License Agreement dated November 22, 1995 between MMedia
Research and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(m) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(n) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of April 27, 1995 between Michael G. Misikoff and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(p) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(o) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of August 28, 1995 between Michael S. McQuary and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(p) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of August 29, 1995 between J. Fredrick Nixon and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(r) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(q) -- Second Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of December 21, 1995 among
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and Certain Stockholders. (Filed as Exhibit 10(s) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(r) -- MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10(u) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(s) -- Form of Stock Option Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(v) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(t) -- MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 1995 Directors Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10(w) to
Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(u) -- Form of Director Stock Option Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(x) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(v) -- Form of MindSpring Service Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(y) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(w) -- Service Provider Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between BBN Planet Corporation and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(z) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(x) -- Software License Agreement dated September 1, 1995 between Ipswitch, Inc. and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(aa) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(y) -- Software License Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between Network TeleSystems, Inc. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(bb) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(z) -- Form of MindSpring Director or Officer Indemnity Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to
Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(aa) -- Network Services Agreement dated June 28, 1996 by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and
PSINet Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 28, 1996, File No.
0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(bb) -- Amendment No. 2 to Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997. (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 3, 1997, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein
by reference.)
10(cc) -- Master Services Agreement dated July 15, 1996 between BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to the October 1996 S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(dd) -- Software License Agreement dated as of March 29, 1996 between Clarify Inc. and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to the October 1996 S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(ee) -- Assignment and Assumption of Contracts and Leases by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.
and PSINet, Inc. dated as of September 1, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 10(ee) to the October
1996 S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(ff) -- Service Provider Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between BBN Planet Corporation and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(ff) to the October 1996 S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(gg) -- Reseller Agreement, dated as of October 14, 1996, by and between Monorail Inc. and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 14,
1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(hh) -- Lease Agreement effective as of January 1, 1997 by and between CMS Peachtree, L.P. and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc.
11 -- Statement regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings.
23 -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27 -- Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
-55-
<PAGE> 62
(b) On October 8, 1996, the Company filed a Current
Report on Form 8-K (the "Form 8-K"). The Form 8-K reported
that, on September 1, 1993, the second closing under the
Purchase Agreement occurred and the Company issued a
promissory note to PSINet in the amount of $9,929,000. A
copy of that note and Amendment No. 2 to the Purchase
Agreement were attached thereto as exhibits.
-56-
<PAGE> 63
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized as of the
26th day of March, 1997.
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
By /s/ Charles M. Brewer
--------------------------------
Charles M. Brewer
Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signatures Title Date
- ---------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Charles M. Brewer
- ----------------------------------
Charles M. Brewer Chairman, Chief Executive March 26, 1997
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Michael S. McQuary
- ----------------------------------
Michael S. McQuary President, Chief Operating March 26, 1997
Officer and Director
/s/ Michael G. Misikoff
- ----------------------------------
Michael G. Misikoff Vice President, Secretary, March 26, 1997
Treasurer, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ O. Gene Gabbard
- ----------------------------------
O. Gene Gabbard Director March 26, 1997
/s/ Campbell B. Lanier
- ----------------------------------
Campbell B. Lanier Director March 26, 1997
/s/ William H. Scott, III
- ----------------------------------
William H. Scott, III Director March 26, 1997
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 64
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AS TO SCHEDULES
We have audited, in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards, the financial statements of MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated February
21, 1997. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index
is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes
of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not
part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to
the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements
and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data
required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements
taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997
<PAGE> 65
SCHEDULE 2
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
----------------- ------------- ----------------------- ---------------- -----------
ADDITIONS
-----------------------
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS END
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DESCRIBE (A) OF PERIOD
----------- --------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEDUCTION IN THE BALANCE SHEET
FROM THE ASSET TO WHICH IT
APPLIES:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
receivable . . . . . . . . . . . $46 $380 $0 ($40) $386
</TABLE>
(a) Represents specific accounts written-off considered to be uncollectible.
MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
----------------- ------------- ----------------------- ---------------- -----------
ADDITIONS
-----------------------
BALANCE AT CHARGED TO CHARGED TO BALANCE AT
BEGINNING COSTS AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS END
DESCRIPTION OF PERIOD EXPENSES ACCOUNTS DESCRIBE (A) OF PERIOD
----------- --------- -------- -------- ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DEDUCTION IN THE BALANCE SHEET
FROM THE ASSET TO WHICH IT
APPLIES:
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
receivable . . . . . . . . . . . $15 $41 $0 ($10) $46
</TABLE>
(a) Represents specific accounts written-off considered to be uncollectible.
<PAGE> 66
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NUMBERED
NUMBER EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION PAGE
------ ------------------- ----
<S> <C>
2(a) -- Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 28, 1996 by and between MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. and PSINet, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 28, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
2(b) -- Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement and Network Services Agreement dated
August 23, 1996 by and between PSINet Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.,
effective as of June 28, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Current Report on Form
8-K/A dated August 23, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
2(c) -- Amendment No. 2 to Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of September 1, 1996 by and
between PSINet Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 8, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
2(d) -- Amendment No. 3 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 24, 1997.
(Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1997, File
No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
2(e) -- Amended and Restated Asset Purchase Agreement by and between MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. and The News and Observer Publishing Company dated as of
September 11, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 2(c) to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-10779 (the "October 1996 S-1"), and
incorporated herein by reference.)
3(a) -- Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of MindSpring Enterprises,
Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 3(a) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated May 3, 1996,
File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
3(b) -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit
3(b) to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated August 30, 1996, File No. 0-27890,
and incorporated herein by reference.)
4(a) -- Form of Common Stock Certificate of the Company. (Filed as Exhibit 4 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-00108 ("Initial Form
S-1"), and incorporated herein by reference.)
4(b) -- Promissory Note dated October 22, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 4 to Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q dated March 3, 1997, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(a) -- Loan Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and ITC Holding
Company, Inc. dated as of December 21, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(a) to Initial
Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(b) -- First Amendment to Loan Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.
and ITC Holding Company, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(a)(1) to Initial Form S-1,
and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(c) -- Security Agreement by and between MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and ITC Holding
Company, Inc. dated as of December 27, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Initial
Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(d) -- Promissory Note by MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. in favor of ITC Holding Company,
Inc. dated December 27, 1995. (Filed as Exhibit 10(c) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(e) -- Internet Service Provider Navigator Distribution Agreement dated June 21, 1995
between Netscape Communications Corporation and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc., as
amended by Amendment No. 1 dated September 29, 1995 and by Amendment No. 2 dated
March 28, 1996. (Filed as Exhibit 10 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A dated
August 30, 1996, File No. 0-27890 and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(f) -- Eudora(R) Freeware Distribution Agreement dated as of September 28, 1995 between
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and Qualcomm Incorporated. (Filed as Exhibit 10(e)
to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(g) -- Agreement dated as of October 1, 1995 between Netsurfer, Inc. and MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(f) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated
herein by reference.)
10(h) -- Lease and Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 1995 between AvData Systems,
Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(i) -- Lease Agreement commencing on November 1, 1995 between West Peachtree Point
Partners, L.P. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(j) to
Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(j) -- First Amendment dated February 6, 1996 to Lease Agreement dated November 1, 1995
between John Marshall Law School, Inc. (assignee of West Peachtree Point
Partners, L.P.) and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(cc) to
Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 67
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
10(k) -- Agreement dated January 31, 1995 between Agis Net99 and MindSpring Enterprises,
Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(k) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(l) -- Data Communications Service Agreement dated July 23, 1995 between Sprint
Communications Company L.P. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit
10(l) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(m) -- LVIEW Pro Software Distribution License Agreement dated November 22, 1995
between MMedia Research and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(m)
to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(n) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of April 27, 1995 between Michael G. Misikoff
and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(p) to Initial Form S-1,
and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(o) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of August 28, 1995 between Michael S. McQuary
and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(q) to Initial Form S-1,
and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(p) -- Subscription Agreement dated as of August 29, 1995 between J. Fredrick Nixon and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(r) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(q) -- Second Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement dated as of December 21,
1995 among MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. and Certain Stockholders. (Filed as
Exhibit 10(s) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(r) -- MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10(u) to
Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(s) -- Form of Stock Option Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(v) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(t) -- MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. 1995 Directors Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit
10(w) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(u) -- Form of Director Stock Option Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(x) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(v) -- Form of MindSpring Service Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit 10(y) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(w) -- Service Provider Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between BBN Planet
Corporation and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(z) to Initial
Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(x) -- Software License Agreement dated September 1, 1995 between Ipswitch, Inc. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(aa) to Initial Form S-1, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
10(y) -- Software License Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between Network TeleSystems,
Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(bb) to Initial Form
S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(z) -- Form of MindSpring Director or Officer Indemnity Agreement. (Filed as Exhibit
10(dd) to Initial Form S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(aa) -- Network Services Agreement dated June 28, 1996 by and between MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. and PSINet Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Current Report on
Form 8-K dated June 28, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(bb) -- Amendment No. 2 to Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1997. (Filed as
Exhibit 10.6 to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated March 3, 1997, File No.
0-27890, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(cc) -- Master Services Agreement dated July 15, 1996 between BellSouth
Telecommunications, Inc. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(cc)
to the October 1996 S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(dd) -- Software License Agreement dated as of March 29, 1996 between Clarify Inc. and
MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(dd) to the October 1996 S-1,
and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(ee) -- Assignment and Assumption of Contracts and Leases by and between MindSpring
Enterprises, Inc. and PSINet, Inc. dated as of September 1, 1996. (Filed as
Exhibit 10(ee) to the October 1996 S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(ff) -- Service Provider Agreement dated December 13, 1995 between BBN Planet
Corporation and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10(ff) to the
October 1996 S-1, and incorporated herein by reference.)
10(gg) -- Reseller Agreement, dated as of October 14, 1996, by and between Monorail Inc.
and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10 to Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q dated November 14, 1996, File No. 0-27890, and incorporated herein by
reference.)
10(hh) -- Lease Agreement effective as of January 1, 1997 by and between CMS Peachtree,
L.P. and MindSpring Enterprises, Inc.
11 -- Statement regarding Computation of Per Share Earnings.
23 -- Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
27 -- Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 10(hh)
FORMER REYNOLDS BUILDING
1439 Peachtree Street,
Atlanta, Georgia
THIS LEASE, made this ____ day of ____________, 1996, by and
between CMS PEACHTREE, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (hereinafter
referred to as "Lessor" or "Landlord"), and MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
(hereinafter referred to as "Lessee" or "Tenant").
WITNESSETH:
I. PREMISES
Lessor, for and in consideration of rents, covenants,
agreements, and stipulations hereinafter set forth, to be
paid, kept and performed by Lessee, has leased and rented, and
does hereby lease and rent, unto Lessee, and Lessee hereby
agrees to lease and take upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth, 39,740 square feet of OFFICE AREA space
(hereinafter referred to as the "Premises"), the location of
which is 1439 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309 known as the
Reynolds Building (hereinafter referred to as the "Building").
No easement for light or air is included in the Premises.
"Office Area" of the Premises means the total gross area of
the Building including common areas, elevators and storage
areas. The premises shall also include the entire deck parking
garage area located adjacent to the Building, and the parking
lot located at 1429 Peachtree Street subject to the Parking
Lot Option set forth in Paragraph XXXII of this Lease.
II. TERM
The term of this Lease shall begin on January 1st, 1997 and
shall end at midnight on March 31st, 2002, unless sooner
terminated as hereinafter provided.
III. RENTAL
Lessee shall pay to Lessor at 3475 Lenox Road, Suite 470,
Atlanta, GA 30326 or at such other place or to such other
person or persons as Lessor may from time to time designate in
writing, without demand, deduction or setoff, an initial base
monthly rental of $20.697.92 (such amount to be adjusted from
time to time as set out herein and in Paragraphs and IX and X)
payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month
during the term of this Lease; provided, however, that if the
term hereof begins or ends on other that the first day of a
calendar month, then the monthly rental for such month shall
be prorated on a daily basis. All installments
<PAGE> 2
of rent not paid within thirty (30) days of the due date shall
bear interest at the rate of one and one-half percent (1 1/2%)
per month from the original due date, or the maximum rate
permitted by law, whichever is lower. Additionally, all rent
paid after the fifth calendar day of the month shall be
subject to a late fee of 5% of the amount due, as additional
rent to compensate Landlord for the additional handling and
collection efforts and expenses. Checks are accepted subject
to collection.
IV. USE
The Premises shall be used for general office use and related
purposes only. The Premises shall not be used for any illegal
purpose, nor in violation of regulation of any governmental
body, nor in any manner to create any nuisance or trespass, to
vitiate the insurance or increase the rate of insurance on the
Premises or the Building, or which would overload the floor of
the Premises.
V. ABANDONMENT
Lessee shall not abandon or vacate the Premises during the
term of this Lease, and agrees to use the Premises for the
purposes herein leased until the expiration of the term
hereof.
VI. LESSEE'S ACCEPTANCE:
Subject to completion of the Landlord's Work in accordance to
Paragraph XXXII, on the Delivery Date, Lessee shall accept
Premises "as is" in their present condition and as suited for
the use intended by Lessee. Except for the Landlord's Work,
Lessor shall not be required to make any repairs or
improvements to Premises, except structural repairs necessary
for safety and tenability.
VII. REPAIRS
Lessor agrees to keep in good repair or to act promptly to
make repairs to the roof, foundations, and exterior walls of
the Premises and underground utility and sewer pipes outside
the exterior walls of the building, except repairs rendered
necessary by the negligence of Lessee, its agents, employees,
or invitees. Lessor firrther agrees to maintain the Building,
the grounds and the parking areas in a condition generally
comparable to other buildings in the area of similar quality
and rental rate.
Lessee shall commit no act of waste and shall take good care
of the Premises and the fixtures and appurtenances therein,
and shall, in the use and occupancy of the Premises, conform
to all lawftil orders, regulations, ordinances, and laws
issued by any duly constituted governmental body or agency.
Lessor shall make all necessary repairs to the Premises,
except fbr repairs rendered necessary by the
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negligence or action of Lessee, its agents, employees, or
invitees, or by failure of Lessee to perform its obligations
under this Lease. Lessor shall be under no obligation to
inspect the Premises. Lessee shall promptly report in writing
to Lessor any defective condition know to Lessee which Lessor
is required to repair hereunder, and failure to so report any
such defective condition shall make Lessee responsible to
Lessor for any liability incurred by Lessor by reason of any
such defect. Except for negligence or action of Lessor, all
personal property upon the Premises shall be at the risk of
Lessee only, and Lessor shall not be liable for any darnage to
the Premises, to Lessee or to the property of Lessee arising
from bursting or leaking of air, gas, water or steam pipes, or
from the negligence of cotenants, other occupants of the
Building or any other person; and Lessor shall in no way be
held responsible to Lessee for any loss, however occurring, or
for any damages therefor, except for damage resulting from
negligence of Lessor.
All systems and machinery throughout the property shall be in
good working order. One passenger elevator and one service
elevator shall be provided in service for the Tenant's use.
VIII. ENTRY
Lessor may enter the Premises at reasonable hours to exhibit
the same to prospective purchasers, lenders, insurers, their
agents, inspectors or representatives, or tenants, to inspect
and examine the same, to make such repairs, additions,
alterations and improvements as Lessor desires to make to the
Building or the Premises, and to remove anything from the
Premises which does not conform to this Lease or any rules and
regulations of the Building. Lessor shall also have the right
of entry into the Premises at reasonable hours to perform
other necessary work; provided, however, that Lessor will be
responsible for any damages to person or property caused by
such work, and provided ftirther that, except for emergencies,
such work shall not be performed during Lessee's normal office
hours.
IX. EXCESS OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES
Effective upon the Delivery Date of the Premises, Tenant shall
also pay an additional monthly rental, its proportionate part
of any annual increases in taxes and operating expenses of the
real estate and improvements (herein "Operating Expenses") as
hereinbelow defined over a $5.00 per square foot rentable
expense stop ("Excess Operating Expenses").
On or about January 1st of each calendar year or as soon
thereafter as practical, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a
schedule of projected operating expenses for such current
calendar year and Tenant shall thereafter pay as additional
rent, Tenant's share of projected Excess Operating Expenses,
if any. Tenant's share of
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projected Excess Operating Expenses, if any, shall be payable
in advance on a monthly basis by paying 1/12th of Tenant's
share of such projected Excess Operating Expenses, if any,
during each month of such calendar year. If Landlord has not
ftirnished Tenant estimate by January 1st , Tenant shall
continue to pay on the basis of the prior year's estimate
until the month after estimate is given.
Landlord shall within a period of 120 days (or as soon
thereafter as practical) after the date of each such calendar
year following the initial year, provide Tenant an unaudited
statement of such year's actual Excess Operating Expenses, if
any. If Tenant's share of the actual Excess Operating
Expenses, if any, is greater than the total projected Excess
Operating Expenses actually paid by Tenant, Tenant shall pay
Landlord within 30 days of such statement the difference
thereof. If Tenant's share of such actual Excess Operating
Expenses is less than the total projected Excess Operating
Expenses actually paid by Tenant, Landlord shall credit Tenant
within 30 days of such statement issuance the difference
thereof, such credit to be applied against the next payment
due of Tenant.
Notwithstanding, there shall be no credit to Lessee below the initial expense
stop of $5.00 per rentable square foot. The Excess Operating Expense shall be
adjusted accordingly for partial year's occupancy using standard accounting and
property management procedures.
Operating Expenses as used herein, shall be deemed to be the total cost to
Landlord to properly maintain and operate the Premises including parking,
storage and landscape areas on the Premises and in the and around the Building
and shall include the following:
a) (i) All taxes (ad valorem and otherwise),
assessments, and governmental charges whether
federal, state, county, or municipal, and whether
by taxing districts or authorities presently taxing
the Premises and Building or by others,
subsequently created or otherwise, and any other
taxes (other than federal and state income taxes)
and assessments attributable to this Premises and
Building or its operation and any reasonable
consultant's fees incurred with respect to issues
or concerns including the taxes on the Building,
the Premises, or both;
(ii) Janitorial labor and supplies, including
lavatory and washroom supplies;
(iii) Reasonable gross wages and salaries,
including Social Security, and insurance payable
by Landlord with respect to such wages and
salaries, of all persons directly employed by
Landlord for, and rendering services in, the
normal operation and maintenance and repair of the
Building and the sidewalks, and curbs adjoining
the same; management, bookkeeping and
administrative office expenses of the Landlord
directly related to the operation of Building
shall be properly allocated and considered a part
of the "Operating Expenses";
(iv) Management fees, if any; but not to exceed to
6% of the gross rental;
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(v) Utility expenses, including electricity,
power, gas, water sewage and garbage removal;
(vi) Routine servicing and maintenance of
equipment such as elevators, plumbing, heating,
ventilation and air conditioning, and electrical
systems; window cleaning and gardening services;
security services, rubbish removal; all as may be
performed by employees of Landlord or independent
contractors;
(vii) Fire, casualty, liability insurance carried
by Landlord with respect to the Building and
Premises;
(viii) The cost of contesting ad valorem taxes
assessed against the Premises but only to the
extent of any savings resulting from such
contesting.
b) Expenditures by Landlord for replacement of the
basic components of the Premises such as capital
improvements (as distinguished from repairs and
maintenance expenses) and tenant alterations,
marketing expenses, advertising and lease
commission shall not be included as Operating
Expenses.
X. ADJUSTMENT OF INITIAL BASE MONTHLY RENTAL
The monthly rental shall be increased beginning with the
January, 1998 payment of monthly rental and each January 1st
thereafter, during the term of this Lease (hereinafter called
"Adjustment Dates"), The adjusted monthly rental shall be
determined by multiplying the previous year's monthly rental
as shown in Paragraph III hereof, by 1.05 starting with the
original monthly rent shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Tenant's Monthly Rental Obligation
<S> <C>
6.24 1/1/97-6/30/97 -$20,697.92 per month (TENANT TO OCCUPY FLOORS 2&3)
12.50 1/1/97-12/31/97 -$41,395.83 per month (TENANT TO OCCUPY ENTIRE BLDG.)
13.13 1/1/98-12/31/98 -$43,465.63 per month
13.78 1/1/99-12/31/99 -$45,638.91 per month
14.47 1 1/1/2000-12/31/2000 -$47,920.85 per month
15.19 1/1/2001-12/31/2001 -$50,316.89 per month
15.95 1/1/2002-3/31/2002 -$52,832.74 per month
</TABLE>
XI. DEFAULT / REMEDIES
In the event: (A) the rental specified in Paragraph III,
above, other money charges or obligations to be paid by Lessee
hereunder are not paid at the time and place when and where
due; or (B) the Premises shall be deserted or vacated prior to
the expiration of the Term of this Lease; or (C) Lessee shall
fail to comply with any term, provision, condition or covenant
of this Lease, other than the payment or rent, or any of the
Rules and Regulations of the Building, or (D) Lessee is
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adjudicated a bankrupt or whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, Lessee shall take advantage of any debtor
relief proceedings under any present or future law, whereby
the rent or any part thereof is, or is proposed to be, reduced
or payment thereof deferred; or (E) Lessee shall become
insolvent or make a transfer in fraud or creditors; or (F)
Lessee shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors;
or (G) a receiver is appointed for a substantial part of the
assets of Lessee; or (H) the Premises or Lessee's effects
should be levied upon or attached under process against
Lessee; then, in any such events, Lessor shall have the option
to do any of the following in addition to and not in
limitation of any other remedy permitted by law or in equity
or under this Lease: (a) if the Event of Default involves
nonpayment of rental, and Lessee fails to cure such default
within ten (10) days after receipt of written notice thereof
from Lessor, or if the Event of Default involves a default
per~brming any of the terms or provisions of this Lease other
than the payment of rental and Lessee fails to cure such
default within thirty (30) days after the receipt of written
notice of default from Lessor, Lessor may terminate this Lease
by giving written notice to Lessee and, upon such termination,
shall be entitled to recover from the Lessee damages in an
amount equal to all rental which is then due and which would
otherwise have become due throughout the remaining term of
this Lease, or any renewal or extension thereof (as if this
Lease had not been terminated); or (b) if the Event of Default
involves any matter other than those set forth in item (a) of
this Paragraph, the Lessor may terminate this Lease by giving
a written notice to Lessee, and upon such termination, shall
be entitled to recover from the Lessee damages in an amount
equal to all rental which is then due and which would
otherwise have become due throughout the remaining term of
this Lease, or any renewal or extension thereof (as if this
Lease had not been terminated); or (c) upon any Event of
Default, Lessor, as Lessee's agent, without terminating this
Lease may enter upon and rent the Premises, in whole or in
part, at the best price obtainable by reasonable effort,
without advertisement and by private negotiations and for any
term Lessor deems proper, with Lessee being liable to Lessor
for any deficiency, if any, between Lessee's rent hereunder
and the price obtained by Lessor on reletting; provided,
however, that Lessor shall not be considered to be under any
dtity by reason of this provision to take any action to
mitigate damages by reason of Lessee's default.
XII. PERSONALITY OF LESSEE
If Lessee fails to remove all his or her effects from the
Premises upon any termination of this Lease, Lessor may, at
its option, remove all or part of said effects in any manner
that Lessor shall choose and store the same without liability
to Lessee for loss thereof, and Lessee shall be liable to
Lessor for all expenses incurred in such removal and storage
of said effects. Upon any termination of this Lease whereupon
Lessee shall be liable on any amount to Lessor, Lessor shall
have a lien upon the personal property and effects of Lessee
on the Premises, and Lessor may, at its option, without
notice, sell at private sale all or part of said
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property and effects for such price as Lessor may deem best
and apply the proceeds of such sale to any amounts due under
this Lease from Lessee to Lessor, including the expenses of
the removal and sale.
XIII. SERVICES
Except for weekends and Legal Holidays, Lessor shall cause the
Building to be cleaned and generally cared for by the janitors
of the Building in accordance with the standards applicable to
the Building from time to time, a copy of which shall be
furnished to Lessee upon request; will furnish elevator
service; and will furnish electricity for lighting, personal
size computers and other small office machines.
Lessor will provide trash removal service for all non-toxic,
non-infectious, and non-hazardous trash `or refuse which can
be placed in a plastic bag. A dumpster will be provided on the
premises by Landlord for larger items. Tenant will be
responsible for trash removal requiring a dumpster.
Lessor shall not be liable for any damages resulting from the
interruption in any service by any cause not within the
immediate control of Lessor. "Legal Holidays", as used in this
section shall mean any holidays for which the nearest
nationally chartered bank is closed.
XIV. SUBLETTING AND ASSIGNMENTS
Lessee shall not, without prior written consent of Lessor
assign this Lease, or any interest herein, or sublet the
Premises, or any interest herein, or any portion thereof, or
permit the use of the Premises by any party other than Lessee.
Consent to any assignment or sublease shall not destroy this
provision, and all later assignments or subleases shall be
made likewise only upon the prior written consent of Lessor.
Any assignee of sublessee of Lessee, at the option of Lessor,
shall become directly liable to Lessor for all obligations of
Lessee hereunder, but no sublease or assignment by Lessee
shall relieve Lessee of any liability hereunder. Lessor's
consent to any transfer shall not be unreasonably withheld.
XV. DESTRUCTION OR DAMAGE
If the Premises are totally destroyed by storm, fire,
lightning, earthquake or other casualty(ies), so as to be
untenantable, this Lease shall terminate as of the date of
such destruction and rental shall be accounted for as between
Lessor and Lessee as of that date. If the Premises are damaged
but not wholly destroyed by any such casualty(ies) such that
use of a portion of the Premises is interrupted, rental shall
abate in such proportion as use of the Premises has been
interrupted, and Landlord shall, to the extent casualty
insurance proceeds are actually made available to Landlord,
restore or cause to be restored the Premises to substantially
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the same condition as before damage as is practicable,
whereupon full rental shall commence.
XVI. CONDEMNATIONS, ETC.
In the event Lessor, during the term of this Lease, shall be
required by any governmental authority, or the order or decree
of any court, to repair, alter, remove, reconstruct, or
improve any part of the Premises, then such repairing,
alteration, removal, reconstruction or improvement may be made
by and at the expense of Lessor and shall not in any way
affect the obligations or covenants of Lessee herein
contained, and Lessee hereby waives all claims for damages or
abatement or rent because of such repairing, alteration,
removal, reconstruction or improvement required, ordered, or
decreed.
If the whole of the Premises, or such portion thereof as will
make the Premises unusable for the purposes herein leased, be
condemned by any legally constituted authority for any public
use or purpose, then at the option of either Lessor or Lessee
the term hereby granted shall cease from the date when
possession thereof is taken by public authorities, and rental
shall be accounted for as between Lessor and Lessee to recover
compensation and damage caused by condemnation from the
condemnor.
If this Lease is not so terminated, or upon a taking not
within the scope of the foregoing, total rent shall abate for
the period of such taking in proportion to the area of the
Premises taken.
XVII. ATTORNEY'S FEE
Lessee agrees to pay all reasonable attorney's fees and
expenses Lessor incurs in enforcing any of the obligations of
Lessee under this Lease, or in any litigation or negotiation
due to default by Lessee.
XVIII. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE
Lessee agrees to certify in writing the status of this Lease
and the rental hereunder, at any time, upon ten (10) days
written notice. Such certificate shall be in form reasonably
satisfactory to any governmental authority or public agency or
to a prospective purchaser from, or assignee of, or holder of
a security instrument executed by Lessor. In addition to any
other matters required, such certificate shall certify the
commencement date of the Lease term and the anticipated
termination date hereof; whether or not this Lease is in full
force and effect; whether or not this Lease has been amended
or modified, and if so, in what manner; the date through which
rental payments have been made; whether of not there are any
defaults under this Lease, and if so, specifying the
particulars of such defaults and the action required to remedy
them; and whether or not there are
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<PAGE> 9
any setoffs against or defenses to the enforcement of the
terms and conditions of this Lease, and if so, specifying the
particulars of such setoffs or defenses.
XIX. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Lease contains the entire agreement of the parties and no
representations or agreements, oral or otherwise, between the
parties not embodied herein shall be of any force or effect,
unless modified in writing and signed by both parties.
XX. TIME
Time is of the essence of this Lease.
XXI. RULES AND REGULATIONS
Lessee agrees, at its sole cost and expense, to comply with
all rules, regulations, ordinances, and requirements of
governmental authorities, including those relating to disposal
of hazardous or infectious waste material, and decrees of
courts requiring any action, where such rules, regulations,
ordinances, requirements, orders or decrees result from the
manner in which Lessee uses and occupies the Premises. Lessee
further agrees to abide by and observe the Rules and
Regulations attached to this Lease, if any, and such Rules and
Regulations or amendments thereto as may from time to time be
deemed reasonably necessary by Lessor for the proper
maintenance and operation of the Building and the Premises and
applicable to all Tenants.
XXII. LESSOR/LESSEE RELATIONSHIP
This Lease creates the relationship of Landlord and Tenant
between Lessor and Lessee; no estate shall pass out of Lessor;
Lessee has only a usufruct, not subject to levy and sale.
XXIII. SUBORDINATION
Lessee agrees that this Lease shall be subject and subordinate
to any mortgage or deed to secure debt now in the Premises and
to all advances already made, or which may hereafter be made,
on account of said mortgage or deed to secure debt to the full
extent of all debts and charges secured thereby and to any
renewals or extensions of all or any part thereof, and to any
mortgage or deed to secure debt which any owner of the
Premises or the Building may hereafter at any time elect to
place on the Premises or the Building, and Lessee agrees upon
request to execute hereafter any paper or papers which counsel
for Lessor may deem necessary to accomplish that end and, in
default of Lessee so doing, Lessor is hereby empowered to
execute such paper or papers in the name of Lessee, and as the
act and deed of Lessee, and this authority is hereby declared
to be coupled
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with an interest and not revocable. It is expressly understood
and agreed that Lessor shall not be liable to Lessee for
breach of covenant of quiet enjoyment by reason of the
foreclosure or sale of the Premises or the Building under any
mortgage or deed to secure debt now or hereafter affecting the
Premises or the Building. If any such mortgage or deed to
secure debt shall hereafter be foreclosed, or if the Building
shall be sold under power of sale contained in any such deed
to secure debt, upon the request of the mortgagee of the
purchaser at foreclosure or by deed in lieu thereof, Lessee
will attorn to such purchaser and will execute such
attornment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessee agrees that
such mortgage shall have the right to declare this Lease prior
and superior to any such mortgage or deed to secure debt and
Lessee agrees, upon request, to execute any instrument or
instruments requested by such mortgage to confirm the same.
XXIV. HOLDING OVER
If Lessee remains in possession after expiration of the term
hereof, without any distinct agreement between the parties,
Lessee shall be deemed to be a tenant at sufferance at one &
one-half times the rental rate in effect during the month
prior to the expiration date hereof. There shall be no renewal
of this Lease by operation of law. In addition, as additional
rent, Lessee shall reimburse Lessor for all costs and damages
due to Lessee's failure to vacate and/or to deliver the
Premises to Lessor at the expiration of the term of this Lease
in accordance with the various provisions (including those
related to the condition of the Premises) of this Lease.
XXV. SURRENDER OF PREMISES
Upon termination of this Lease, Lessee shall surrender the
Premises to Lessor in the same condition as at the
commencement of the term hereof, natural wear and tear and
modifications approved by Lessor accepted.
XXVI. NOTICES
Any notice, report, demand, service of process, request,
consent, approval or other communication under this Lease
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given or made: (A) when deposited, postage prepaid, in the
United States mail, certified or registered, with return
receipt requested, addressed to Lessor or Lessee (as the case
may be) at the addresses of each party shown below; or (B)
when delivered personally to Lessor or Lessee (as the case may
be), by a nationally recognized courier service or other means
of personal delivery at the addresses of each party shown
below:
If given to Lessor: Meadows & Ohly, Inc.
3475 Lenox Road, Suite 470
Atlanta, GA 30326
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With a copy to: Mr. Paul Silberberg
CMS Peachtree, L.P., a Delaware
limited partnership
1926 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
If given to Lessee: MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
Ms. Anne Peavlor
1430 W. Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Either party may, by written notice to the other, designate a
different address for receiving notices hereunder. Rejection
or other refusal to accept or inability to deliver because of
changed address of which no notice has been received shall
also constitute receipt.
XXVII. PARTIES AND BINDING EFFECT
"Lessor" and "Landlord", as used in this Lease, shall include
Lessor, and its representatives, successors,
successors-in-title and assigns. "Lessee" and Tenant", as used
in this Lease, shall include Lessee, and its representatives
and successors, and, if this Lease shall be validly assigned
or sublet, shall include also Lessee's assignees or sublessees
as to all or any portion of the Premises covered by any such
assignment or sublease. "Lessor", "Landlord", "Tenant" and
"Lessee" include male and female, singular and plural,
corporation, partnership or individual, as the case may be.
This Lease shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
Lessor and Lessee.
XXVIII. AGENCY DISCLOSURE
Landlord and Tenant hereby acknowledge that Richard Bowers &
Co. has acted as an agent for Landlord, CMS PEACHTREE, L.P., a
Delaware limited partnership, in this transaction and will be
paid a real estate commission by Landlord and that Bell
Jackson & Co. has acted as an agent for Tenant, Mindspring
Enterprises, Inc. in this transaction and will be paid a real
estate commission by the landlord per a separate commission
agreement.
XXIX. BROKER'S COMMISSION
Broker has rendered valuable service by assisting in the
creation of the landlord- tenant relationship hereunder. The
commission to be paid in conjunction with the creation of the
relationship by this Lease has been negotiated between
Landlord and Broker and Landlord hereby agrees to pay Broker
as compensation for Broker's services in procuring this Lease
and creating the aforesaid landlord- tenant relationship
(X)pursuant to a separate commission agreement.
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XXX. WAIVER OF RIGHTS
No failure of Lessor to exercise any power given Lessor
hereunder, or to insist upon strict compliance by Lessee of
his obligations hereunder, and no custom or practice of the
parties at variance with the terms hereof shall constitute a
waiver of Lessor's right to demand exact compliance with the
terms hereof.
XXXI. DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP
The Landlord is owner of the Premises and has an address at
c/o CMS Companies 1926 Arch Street, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Management is by Meadows & Ohly, Inc.
XXXII. LANDLORD IMPROVEMENTS
The following alterations or improvements ("Landlord's Work")
will be provided by Landlord at Landlord's expense:
1) Third Floor: Leave the private offices across the front of the
space as they are, install new ceiling and duct work, new
paint and carpet. Erect a wall as specified in the third
floor plan. (See Exhibit "A")
2) Second Floor: Space to be left as is with new paint, carpet,
and ceiling tiles throughout. (See Exhibit "A")
3) First Floor: Demo all walls as marked on first floor drawing.
Demo bathroom in front office and reception desk. Relocate
door and add separation to back room and elevator, otherwise
new paint, carpet, and ceiling tiles throughout. (See "Exhibit
"A")
4) Ground Floor: Demolish partitions as shown, install kitchens
and shower as shown, otherwise new ceiling tiles and fresh
paint and carpet throughout. (See Exhibit "A")
5) Lessor's improvements for the second and third floor as
specified in the contract and exhibits shall be substantially
completed on or before January 1st, 1997. Should Lessor's
improvements not be substantially completed, this lease shall
remain in full force and effect and the commencement date
shall be moved back until substantial completion is achieved.
Lessor's improvements for the lower level and first floors as
specified in the contract and exhibits shall be substantially
completed on or before July 1st, 1997.
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6) Lessee shall be responsible for all electrical improvements
and shall cooperate with general contractor to complete the
electrical portion on the improvements as scheduled.
Additionally Lessee agrees to reimburse Landlord for the
alternate bid outlined in Exhibit "A" marked "Alternate Bid".
Said work shall be conducted in accordance to the specifications attached
hereto as "Exhibit A and made a part hereof. Any additional items required by
inspection authorities shall be paid by Lessor. Other changes required by
Lessee, if any, shall be paid by Lessee at the time such change is ordered.
Capital Expenses/Retrofit: In the event tenant defaults in the payment of rent
(including addiftonal rent payable under Section IV hereof), within the first
year of occupancy of entire Building, Landlord shall be fully reimbursed for
the total capital expenses and commissions paid to broker and co-broker
estimated at $215,000 within 30 days of vacancy of premises or default of
lease.
SPECIAL STIPULATIONS Insofar as the following special stipulations conflict
with any of the foregoing provisions, the following shall control:
1) ADDITIONAL PARKING: Should the adjacent surface parking lot
located at 1429 Peachtree Street, owned by CMS not be
redeveloped within 18 months, Lessee shall have the right to
obtain additional parking at the prevailing monthly rate if
surface parking is available.
2) LANDLORD PARKING RIGHTS: Should the adjacent vacant parking
lot be developed as contemplated, the Landlord and/or hotel
operator shall have the right at no cost to the parking deck
at 1439 Peachtree Street after 6:00 p.m. and until 6:00 a.m.
each day as needed. The use of the deck parking lot by the
Lessor shall not unreasonably interfere with the need or use
of the parking deck by the Tenant and be limited to the lower
deck with access of the back alleyway.
3) SIGNAGE: Subject to Landlord's reasonable approval and
compliance with existing signage ordinances, Lessee shall have
signage rights to the property at Lessee's expense.
(4) For the first six months of the lease tenant is only entitled
to half the allocated parking deck for free. Additional
parking shall be leased at the market rate.
ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS:
Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the
Premises without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant shall promptly remove
any alterations, additions, or improvements constructed in violations of the
Special Stipulations Paragraphs upon Landlord's written request. All approved
alterations, additions, and improvements will be accomplished in
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good and workmanlike manner, in conformity with all applicable laws and
regulations, and by a contractor approved by Landlord, free of any liens or
encumbrances. Landlord may require Tenant to remove any alterations, additions
or improvements (whether or not made with Landlord's consent) at the
termination of this Lease and to restore the Premises to its prior condition,
all at Tenant's expense. All alterations, additions and improvements which
Landlord has not required Tenant to remove shall become Landlord's property and
shall be surrendered to Landlord upon the termination of this Lease, except
that Tenant may remove any of Tenant's machinery or equipment which can be
removed without material damage to the Premises. Tenant shall repair, at
Tenant's expense, any damage to the Premises caused by the removal of any such
machinery or equipment.
Lessee, subject to the prior approval by Lessor of plans and specifications
compliance with applicable zoning ordinances and building codes, and purchase
of liability insurance in amounts reasonably acceptable to Lessor, shall have
the ability to perform the additional work at Lessee's expense:
1) Construction of automobile access to the storage area under
the deck for additional parking, provided that such work will
not impair the structural strength or integrity of the
Building or the operation of its systems.
2) At the time Lessee requests approval of its plans, it shall
also furnish to Lessor a report of an engineer acceptable to
Lessor certifying the safety of the design of such structure,
the construction of such deck, if approved, shall be
undertaken by a building contractor acceptable to Lessor, in
its sole discretion and upon completion of such construction
the contractor will warrant to Lessor the fitness of the
structure by applying construction of a wooden observation
deck measuring 30 feet by 50 feet on the roof near the front
parapet wall of the building with the access to the rear
stairwell provided that no alteration shall be made unless
Lessor is fully satisfied that the improvements are safe and
that tenant has full responsibility for liabilities and damage
to the roof and persons entering the deck.
3) Lessee assumes full responsibility for the modifications to
roof deck and wooden observation deck and for maintenance
thereof during the term of this Lease.
(4) Tenant has the right to add necessary HVAC and generators to
upgrade the existing systems for added reliability. Such
improvements shall meet all State and Federal Building Codes &
Specifications. Tenant must obtain Lessor's written consent
before making necessary upgrades, such consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
XXXIII. MISCELLANEOUS
A. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia,
without reference to conflict of laws precipitates.
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<PAGE> 15
B. This Lease may not be executed in separate
counterparts.
C. The undersigned parties hereto, each represent and
warrant that it has the requisite power and authority
to enter into this Lease.
D. The invalidity or unforceability of any particular
provision of this Lease shall be construed in all
respects as if such invalid or unenforceable
provision were omitted.
LESSOR:CMS PEACHTREE, L.P., A
DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
By: CMS PEACHTREE ASSOCIATES,
L.P., its general partner
By: MSPS PEACHTREE, INC., its
general partner
By: /s/ Ingrid R. Welch(SEAL)
-------------------
V.P.
LESSEE: MINDSPRING ENTERPRISES, INC.
By: K. Anne Peavler (SEAL)
----------------------------
BROKER: Richard Bowers & Company
By: [sig]
-------------------------
CO BROKER:
15
<PAGE> 16
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE BUILDING
which are referred to in the Lease and made a part thereof.
1. The sidewalks, entry passages, corridors, halls, elevators and
stairways shall not be obstructed by Lessee or used for any purpose other than
those of ingress and egress. The water closets and other water apparatus shall
not be used for any other purpose than those for which they were constructed,
and no sweepings, rubbish, or other obstructing substances shall be thrown
therein. Any damage resulting to them, or any equipment or apparatus required
to serve the building from misuse, shall be borne by Lessee who, or whose
clerks, agents or servants, shall cause it.
2. No advertisement or other notice, shall be inscribed, painted or
affixed on any part of the outside or inside of said building without the
expressed written consent of the Landlord. Such consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Signs will be prepared for Lessee by Lessor, the cost of
such to be paid for by Lessee.
3. No Lessee shall do or permit to be done in said premises, or bring or
keep anything therein, which shall in any way increase the rate of fire
insurance on said building, or on property kept therein, or obstruct or
interfere with the rights of other Lessees or in any way inure or annoy them,
or conflict with the laws relating to fires, or with the regulations of the
Fire Department, or any part thereof, or conflict with any rules and ordinances
of the Board of Health. Lessee, his clerks and servants, shall maintain order
in the building, shall not make or permit any improper noise in the building or
interfere in any way with other Lessees or those having business with them.
Nothing shall be thrown by Lessee, his clerks or servants, out of the doors, or
down the passages of the building. No rooms shall be occupied or used as
sleeping or lodging apartments at any time and no cooking shall be allowed. No
part of the building shall be used or in any way appropriated for other
unlawful practices, and no intoxicating liquor shall be sold in said building.
4. Lessor shall not be responsible to any Lessee for any loss of property
from rented premises, however occurring, or for any damage done to the
furniture or other effects of any Lessee by the Janitor or any of its
employees.
5. No animals, or other vehicles shall be allowed in the offices, halls,
corridors, elevators or elsewhere in the building without the expressed written
consent of the Landlord. Such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
6. No painting shall be done, nor shall any alterations be made to any
part of the building by putting up or changing any partitions, doors or
windows, nor shall any connection be made to the electric wires, plumbing,
heating, cooling, or electric fixtures, without the consent in writing on each
occasion of Lessor or its agents. All glass, locks and trimmings in or upon the
doors and windows of the Building shall be kept whole and, when any part
thereof shall be broken, the
16
<PAGE> 17
same shall be immediately replaced or repaired and put in order under the
direction and to the satisfaction of Lessor, its agents, and shall be left
whole and in good repair. Lessee shall not injure, overload or deface the
building, the woodwork, or the walls of the premises, nor carry on upon the
Premises any noisome, noxious, or offensive business.
7. No additional locks or latches shall be put upon any door without the
expressed written consent of the Landlord. Such consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
8. Safes, furniture, boxes, or other bulky articles shall be carried up
into the Premises or removed from the Premises only by means of the elevators,
by the stairways, and at such times and in such manner and by such persons as
the Lessor may direct. Any damage done to the building or to Lessee, or to
other persons by taking a safe or other heavy article in or out of the demised
premises, from overloading a floor, or in any other manner shall be paid for by
the Lessee.
9. The Lessee shall not operate a stove upon the premises, or carry on
any mechanical business thereon, or do any cooking except with microwave or
coffee maker thereon, or use or allow to be used upon the demised premises oil,
burning fluids, camphene, gasoline or kerosene for heating, warrning or
lighting. No article deemed extra hazardous on account of fire and no
explosives shall be brought into said premises. No offensive gases or liquids
will be permitted.
10. No electrical work shall be allowed unless by the written permission
of Lessor. No boring or cutting for wiring shall be done unless approved by
Lessor. The electric current shall not be used for heating unless written
permission to do so shall first have been obtained from Lessor. Wherever
Lessor's approval is required, it will not be unreasonably withheld.
11. If any parking spaces around the building are designated for special
use, such as for service or delivery vehicles, Lessee and all employees of
Lessee agree to refrain from parking in those areas.
17
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 11
EARNINGS PER SHARE CALCULATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the Year
Ended
December 31, 1996 December 31, 1995
-------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding 5,252,611 1,267,304
Common Stock Equivalents:
Class A Convertible Preferred Stock (A) 1,187,895
Class B Convertible Preferred Stock (A) 332,525
Class C Convertible Preferred Stock (A) 100,000
Stock Portions: Employee and Director Plans (B) 295,559
-------------------------- -----------------------
Total Shares for Primary Loss Per Share 5,252,611 3,183,283
Net Loss $ (7,612,323) $ (1,958,531)
-------------------------- -----------------------
Primary Loss Per Share ($1.45) ($0.62)
========================== =======================
</TABLE>
(A) Converted and included in weighed average shares outstanding.
(B) Excluded from calculation as antidilutive.
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 23
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
use of our reports dated February 21, 1997 included in this Form 10-K, into the
Company's previously filed Registration Statement File No. 333-17807.
Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1996
<CASH> 9,653,234
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,382,588
<ALLOWANCES> 385,945
<INVENTORY> 116,545
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 12,619,514
<PP&E> 13,547,553
<DEPRECIATION> 1,964,231
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 35,232,377
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 7,099,983
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 74,771
<OTHER-SE> 25,332,310
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 35,232,377
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 18,132,075
<CGS> 8,207,622
<TOTAL-COSTS> 25,654,132
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 90,266
<INCOME-PRETAX> (7,612,323)
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (7,612,323)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (7,612,323)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (1.45)
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
