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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997
or
[_] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from to
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-20913
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC.
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
DELAWARE 13-3173139
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NO.)
437 RIDGE ROAD, EXECUTIVE BUILDING 3, 08810
DAYTON, NJ (ZIP CODE)
(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE
OFFICES)
732-392-2000
(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT:
NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE
TITLE OF EACH CLASS ON WHICH REGISTERED
------------------- ---------------------
None None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT:
CLASS A COMMON STOCK
(TITLE OF CLASS)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [_]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [_]
Based on the closing sales price on March 5, 1998 the aggregate market value
of the voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant
was approximately $2,638,426,380.
At March 5, 1998, 61,502,790 shares of the Registrant's Class A Common Stock
and 113,489,040 shares of Registrant's Class B Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its 1998 Annual Meeting
are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report on Form 10-K.
Certain portions of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3
(File No. 333-37597) are incorporated by reference in this Report on Form 10-
K.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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ITEM PAGE
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PART I
1. Business............................................................. 3
2. Properties........................................................... 20
3. Legal Proceedings.................................................... 21
4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................. 22
PART II
5. Market for Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Mat-
ters................................................................. 22
6. Selected Financial Data.............................................. 23
7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Re-
sults of Operations.................................................. 24
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk........... 36
8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.......................... 36
9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Fi-
nancial Disclosure................................................... 36
PART III
10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant................... 36
11. Executive Compensation............................................... 36
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management....... 36
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions....................... 36
PART IV
14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K..... 37
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
INTRODUCTION
Teleport Communications Group Inc. (the "Company" or "TCG" or the
"Registrant") is the first and largest competitive local exchange carrier
("CLEC") in the United States and offers comprehensive telecommunications
services in major metropolitan markets nationwide. TCG competes with incumbent
local exchange carriers ("ILECs") by providing high quality, integrated
telecommunications services, primarily over fiber optic digital networks, to
meet the voice, data and video transmission needs of its customers. TCG's
customers are principally telecommunications-intensive businesses, healthcare
and educational institutions, governmental agencies, long distance carriers
and resellers, Internet service providers, disaster recovery service
providers, wireless communications companies and financial services companies.
TCG offers these customers technologically advanced telecommunications
services, as well as superior customer service, flexible pricing and vendor
and route diversity. TCG was incorporated in 1983 under the laws of the State
of Delaware.
For over 13 years, TCG has developed, operated and expanded its local
telecommunications networks. During the fourth quarter, TCG added eight new
markets, which brings total Metropolitan Statistical Areas ("MSAs") served by
TCG to 65. These 65 MSAs were located in metropolitan New York/New Jersey, Los
Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Baltimore,
Washington, D.C., Dallas, Houston, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Seattle, San Diego,
St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Denver, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Hartford,
Omaha, Providence, Cleveland, Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City, Nashville,
Chattanooga, Knoxville, Birmingham, Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Charlotte,
Tampa Bay, Sacramento, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Atlanta and Orlando, including 19
of the 20 largest metropolitan areas. As of December 31, 1997, TCG's fiber
optic networks spanned over 9,470 route miles, contained over 491,090 fiber
miles and served approximately 13,510 buildings.
TCG has grown rapidly over the last several years, expanding its existing
networks, developing new networks and increasing its service offerings. For
1997, the Company's revenues were $494.3 million, an increase of $210.9
million or 74% over its revenues on a pro forma basis for 1996. Substantially
all of this growth was derived from the provision of local telecommunications
services.
Total revenues from the local telecommunications market in the United States
were estimated to have been approximately $104 billion in 1997. In the past,
competitive access providers, including TCG, were limited to serving only the
dedicated services portion of this market, which was estimated to have been
approximately $6 billion in 1997, whereas the local switched services portion
of this market for business customers was estimated to have been approximately
$62 billion. TCG has been expanding into the switched services market over the
last nine years by constructing switched networks and obtaining the necessary
regulatory authorizations and interconnection arrangements to become a CLEC.
TCG believes that it is well positioned with the passage and initial
implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") to
address a significantly larger portion of the telecommunications market and to
improve its operating margins in the switched and dedicated services markets
by expanding its networks, installing additional high capacity digital
switches (as well as increasing the switching capacity of existing switches)
and offering new products and services. Also, in 1996, TCG introduced a new
service offering consisting of basic Internet access for business customers,
and in February 1997, TCG acquired CERFnet Services, Inc. ("CERFnet"), a
leading regional Internet service provider ("ISP") for business customers. See
"Business--Other Recent Developments." As of December 31, 1997, TCG offered a
variety of Internet services in 22 metropolitan areas.
In September 1997, TCG introduced a general long distance service offering
packaged with its existing local services in 22 metropolitan areas. The
service is being provided primarily through the resale of other carriers'
services, although TCG provides long distance services over its own facilities
wherever possible.
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TCG has historically benefited from its relationships with the parents of
its Class B stockholders, TCI Communications, Inc. (together with its
consolidated subsidiaries, "TCI"), Cox Communications, Inc. (together with its
consolidated subsidiaries, "Cox"), Comcast Corporation (together with its
consolidated subsidiaries, "Comcast") and, for periods prior to November 13,
1997, MediaOne of Delaware, Inc., formerly Continental Cablevision, Inc.
(together with its consolidated subsidiaries, "Continental") (collectively,
the "Cable Stockholders"), which are among the largest cable television
companies in the United States. Through such relationships, the Company has
been able to utilize rights-of-way, obtain fiber optic facilities and share
the cost of building new fiber optic networks, thereby allowing TCG to achieve
significant economies of scale and scope through capital efficiencies in
extending its networks in a rapid, efficient and cost-effective manner.
The Company believes that it has several advantages that enable it to
compete successfully in the new competitive telecommunications marketplace,
including (i) extensive, technologically advanced networks located or under
development in major metropolitan markets nationwide, (ii) state-of-the-art
information systems, (iii) an experienced management team with significant
operational, technical, financial and regulatory expertise in the
telecommunications industry, (iv) positive relationships with its broad array
of commercial customers, (v) TCG's reputation for high quality service, and
(vi) established relationships with cable television operators.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
As a premier competitive local telecommunications carrier, the key elements
of the Company's business strategy are to:
. Provide a wide range of local telecommunications services. The Company
provides a broad array of telecommunications services to meet the voice,
data and video transmission needs of its customers, including basic local
exchange telephone services, enhanced switched services, dedicated
services, high speed switched data services, Internet services, disaster
avoidance services and video channel transmission services. Switched
services revenue increased 90% for the year ended December 31, 1997 from
the switched services revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 on a
pro forma basis. In 1997, approximately 44% of TCG's revenues were
generated from switched services. TCG expects a growing portion of its
revenue to be derived from basic local exchange telephone services,
enhanced switched services, Internet services and high speed switched
data services as it continues to deploy digital switches in its markets.
. Focus on business customers and telecommunications carriers. The
Company's networks serve large metropolitan markets, which have
significant concentrations of telecommunications-intensive businesses.
The Company's customers in these markets include financial services
companies, media and insurance companies, long distance carriers and
resellers, healthcare and educational institutions, governmental
agencies, Internet service providers, disaster recovery service
providers, wireless communications companies, residential multiple
dwelling units and an increasing number of small and medium-sized
business customers. The national scope of TCG's local networks allows it
to offer high volume business customers and long distance carriers
uniformity of services, pricing, quality standards and customer service.
In addition, TCG has arrangements with other telecommunications
providers, including shared tenant services providers, cable television
companies and long distance carriers, to resell TCG's services. In 1997,
approximately 66% of TCG's revenues were generated from business
customers (including resellers) and approximately 34% were generated from
long distance carrier customers.
. Offer local and long distance services. TCG believes there is a growing
demand, especially from small to medium-sized businesses, for
telecommunications carriers to offer comprehensive packages of services
so that a customer may obtain most or all of its telecommunications needs
from a single provider. In September 1997 TCG broadened its existing long
distance products into a general offering of long distance services in 22
metropolitan areas. These services have enhanced features and are
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available packaged with TCG's already comprehensive offerings of local
services. TCG leverages its existing network investment by routing and
switching as great a portion of long distance services as possible over
its existing local and regional facilities, with the balance of such
services being provided by the resale of the services of other carriers.
For example, TCG has substantially completed a reconfiguration of the
many adjacent local networks it operates between Boston and Washington,
D.C. into a regional network covering a geographic area extending from
southern New Hampshire to northern Virginia.
. Expand geographic reach and density of existing networks and enter new
markets. In response to customer demand, the Company continues to
increase the geographic reach and density of its existing networks by
deploying additional fiber optic rings and connecting additional
customers to its networks. The Company anticipates that making
significant capital expenditures over the next several years to expand
its existing networks and to develop new networks will lead to
significant increases in revenue opportunities. The Company may also make
selected acquisitions. As a facilities-based carrier, the Company
utilizes a variety of means to expand geographically, including rights-
of-way, easements, poles, ducts and conduits that are available from
cable television operators, ILECs, railways, subways, electric, gas and
water utilities and municipal, state and federal street and highway
authorities. In the course of expanding its networks, TCG also has the
ability to reach TCG customers by reselling all or a portion of the
telecommunications services offered by ILECs. However, TCG believes that
the extensive geographic reach and density of its networks make it less
reliant than other CLECs on the networks of the ILECs. In addition, where
appropriate, the Company has the ability to link its customers to its
networks through a variety of technologies including the use of microwave
services, including 38 gigahertz ("GHz") milliwave services. TCG plans to
expand into additional metropolitan markets, which TCG believes will
further broaden its customer base and enhance its ability to attract
national business accounts for its services.
. Offer high quality networks and superior customer service. TCG believes
that it offers cost and service quality advantages over ILECs as a result
of its integrated operations, customer support, network monitoring and
management systems and state-of-the-art technology deployed in TCG's
digital networks. TCG consults closely with its customers to develop
competitively priced telecommunications services that are tailored to
their particular needs. TCG's centrally managed customer care and support
operations are also designed to facilitate the processing of orders for
changes and upgrades in services. TCG believes that it provides greater
attention and responsiveness to its customers than do the ILECs.
. Benefit from working relationships with cable television operators. As of
December 31, 1997, the cable television facilities of TCI, Cox and
Comcast collectively passed approximately 38% of the country's 94.5
million homes passed by cable television facilities. Through its
relationships with cable television operators, including the Cable
Stockholders, TCG has historically been able to utilize existing rights-
of-way, obtain fiber optic facilities and share the cost of building new
fiber optic networks, thereby allowing TCG to achieve significant
economies of scale and scope through capital efficiencies in extending
its existing networks in a rapid, efficient and cost-effective manner.
TCG is currently working with certain Cable Stockholders for the
provisioning of residential or multiple dwelling unit telephony services
with TCG providing switching, call processing, calling features and
ancillary services. Beginning as technical trials, these efforts have
expanded into limited commercial offerings in certain locations in
Connecticut, Michigan, California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas and Florida.
. Spearhead regulatory reform. As the first and largest CLEC, TCG has been
at the forefront of industry efforts for over a decade to introduce
competition to the local telecommunications market. TCG has aggressively
pursued the goal of making competitive local exchange services
economically, technically and operationally feasible by working for
legislative and regulatory reform and through negotiations with ILECs.
TCG has continued its regulatory reform activities in an effort to ensure
that the 1996 Act is implemented and interpreted in a manner that
promotes fair competition for telecommunications services.
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. Capitalize on management team experience. TCG's management team is
comprised of executives who are recognized as leaders in the development
of the competitive local telecommunications industry. This management
team has extensive operational, technical, financial and regulatory
expertise as well as a proven track record in a rapidly changing
marketplace.
The AT&T Agreement (as defined below) contains certain restrictions on the
conduct of TCG's business prior to the consummation of the AT&T Merger which
are likely to affect TCG's pursuit of its strategies.
THE TCG REORGANIZATION
In June 1996, TCG and the Cable Stockholders completed the consolidation of
the ownership of TCG Partners (a New York general partnership which was
initially owned by the Cable Stockholders in the same percentages as TCG) and
of 14 local market partnerships (the "Local Market Partnerships") as wholly-
owned subsidiaries of TCG (the "TCG Reorganization").
THE AT&T MERGER
On January 8, 1998, TCG entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"AT&T Agreement") with AT&T Corp., a New York corporation ("AT&T"), and TA
Merger Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T
("AT&T Merger Sub"), pursuant to which, subject to satisfaction of the closing
conditions specified therein, AT&T Merger Sub would merge with and into TCG,
with TCG surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T (the "AT&T Merger").
TCG and AT&T expect that the AT&T Merger will be consummated subsequent to the
consummation of the ACC Merger (as defined below). Statements made herein
regarding the AT&T Agreement are not complete, and reference is made to the
copy of the AT&T Agreement filed with the Commission as an exhibit to TCG's
Report on Form 8-K, on January 26, 1998. The following disclosure is qualified
in its entirety by such reference.
In the AT&T Merger, each share of TCG Class A Common Stock (including shares
issued to former ACC stockholders in the ACC Merger, assuming that the ACC
Merger occurs prior to the AT&T Merger) and each share of the Class B Common
Stock of TCG, par value $0.01 per share (the "TCG Class B Common Stock," and,
together with the TCG Class A Common Stock, the "TCG Common Stock") will be
converted into 0.943 of a share of AT&T common stock. TCG and AT&T expect that
the exchange will be tax-free to TCG stockholders, except to the extent cash
is received in lieu of fractional shares. The AT&T Agreement contains
customary representations and warranties of the parties, which will not
survive effectiveness of the AT&T Merger. In addition, the AT&T Agreement
contains certain restrictions on the conduct of TCG's business prior to the
consummation of the AT&T Merger. Pursuant to the AT&T Agreement, TCG has
agreed, for the period prior to the AT&T Merger, to operate its business in
the ordinary course, to refrain from taking various corporate actions without
the consent of AT&T, and not to solicit or enter into negotiations or
agreements relating to a competing business combination.
Pursuant to a Voting Agreement among the Cable Stockholders and AT&T, each
Cable Stockholder executed and delivered to TCG a written consent in favor of
and approving the AT&T Agreement and the AT&T Merger. As a result, so long as
the AT&T Agreement is not amended and no provision of it is waived, no further
vote or meeting of TCG stockholders is necessary to approve or consummate the
AT&T Merger. AT&T will register the shares of AT&T common stock to be issued
in the AT&T Merger in exchange for shares of TCG Common Stock. AT&T will file
a Registration Statement on Form S-4 to register such shares of AT&T Common
Stock, and such registration statement will contain an information statement
that TCG will distribute to its stockholders.
Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, each of the Cable Stockholders, on behalf
of itself and certain of its affiliates, also agreed that (i) certain right-
of-way, colocation and similar agreements with TCG and its affiliates would be
amended as of January 8, 1998 to provide that each such agreement would remain
in effect for the
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longer of five years from such date and the current term of such agreement;
and (ii) certain existing facilities agreements, facilities lease agreements
or other arrangements (including arrangements relating to future agreements)
relating to the lease or other grant of right to use fiber optic facilities
between such Cable Stockholder or any of its affiliates and TCG or any of its
subsidiaries would be automatically amended as of January 8, 1998 to conform
with a form of Master Facilities Agreement agreed to by AT&T, the Cable
Stockholders and TCG at the time of the execution of the AT&T Agreement.
Consummation of the AT&T Merger is subject to certain closing conditions,
including TCG and AT&T obtaining certain required regulatory approvals and
other related consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the AT&T
Merger will be successfully consummated or, if successfully completed, when it
might be completed.
THE ACC MERGER
On November 26, 1997, TCG entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"ACC Agreement") by and among TCG, TCG Merger Co., Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCG ("MergerCo"), and ACC Corp.,
a Delaware corporation ("ACC"), providing for the merger of MergerCo with and
into ACC (the "ACC Merger"), with ACC becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of
TCG. ACC is a switch-based provider of telecommunications services to
businesses, residential customers, and educational institutions in the United
States, United Kingdom and Canada. ACC has recently commenced operations in
Germany. The ACC Agreement provides that ACC's stockholders will receive
approximately that number of shares of TCG Class A Common Stock for each ACC
share, equal to $50 divided by the average per share closing price of TCG
Class A Common Stock for a ten-day trading period prior to closing of the
transaction. In the event, however, that the average per share closing price
of TCG Class A Common Stock during such ten-day trading period prior to
closing is below $45, the exchange ratio is fixed at 1.11111 shares of TCG
Class A Common Stock for each ACC share, and, if the average per share closing
price of TCG Class A Common Stock during such ten-day trading period prior to
closing is above $55, the exchange ratio is fixed at 0.90909 of a share of TCG
Class A Common Stock for each ACC share. The total aggregate amount of
consideration to be received by the ACC stockholders is expected to be
approximately $1 billion. Statements made herein regarding the ACC Agreement
are not complete, and reference is made to the copy of the ACC Agreement filed
with the Commission as an exhibit to TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-4
(File No. 333-45833) (the "ACC S-4").
TCG and ACC expect the transaction to be completed by the end of the second
quarter of 1998, subject to, among other things, approval by a majority of the
holders of ACC's outstanding shares. Under the ACC Agreement, ACC has agreed
not to solicit or take other actions with respect to any competing proposal,
subject to compliance with fiduciary duties. ACC agreed to pay TCG $32.5
million, plus up to $7.5 million for expenses, if the ACC Agreement is
terminated under certain circumstances.
Upon execution of the ACC Agreement, ACC amended its shareholder rights plan
to exempt TCG from the 7.5% threshold by which the rights become exercisable.
This amendment will remain in effect until December 31, 1998. In the event
that the ACC Merger is completed, the underlying rights granted under the ACC
shareholder rights plan will be redeemed by ACC.
Consummation of the ACC Merger is subject to certain closing conditions,
including TCG and ACC obtaining required regulatory approvals and other
related consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the ACC Merger
will be successfully consummated or, if successfully completed, when it might
be completed.
OTHER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P. In December 1997, TCG agreed to purchase
substantially all of the assets used in connection with a fiber optic
communications system of Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P., a CLEC, a majority
of the equity of which is owned by TCI. Pending the closing of such
transaction, TCG is providing certain services in connection with the
operations of such communications system, which is located in the Kansas
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City, Missouri/Overland Park, Kansas metropolitan area. The purchase price is
approximately $55 million in cash and TCG will be required to assume certain
obligations of the seller. Consummation of the purchase of the assets of
Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P. is subject to the receipt of required
regulatory approvals and other related consents. Accordingly, there can be no
assurance that the purchase of the assets of Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P.
will be successfully consummated or, if successfully completed, when it might
be completed.
TCI Subordinated Note. In December 1997, TCG repaid at a discounted value of
approximately $25.1 million the TCI subordinated note (the "TCI Subordinated
Note"), in the original principal amount of $26 million, that it had issued to
TCI in the TCG Reorganization.
1997 Equity Offering. On November 13, 1997, TCG consummated a public
offering of 17,250,000 shares of TCG Class A Common Stock (the "1997 Equity
Offering"). Of the 17,250,000 shares, 7,304,408 shares were offered by TCG
(realizing net proceeds of approximately $317.4 million to the Company) and
9,945,592 shares were offered by Continental Holding Company, a Massachusetts
business trust, the shares of which are owned by Continental, which is wholly
owned by U S WEST, Inc. Continental acquired its interest in TCG in May 1993.
As a result of the consummation of the 1997 Equity Offering, Continental does
not hold any shares of TCG Common Stock.
BizTel Communications, Inc. On October 29, 1997, TCG acquired the remaining
50.1% equity interest in BizTel Communications, Inc. ("BizTel") not owned by
TCG in exchange for the issuance of 1,667,631 shares of TCG Class A Common
Stock (with cash paid in lieu of any fractional shares). TCG had previously
acquired a 49.9% interest in BizTel in February 1996. BizTel holds FCC
licenses to provide telecommunications services utilizing 38 GHz digital
milliwave transmission in over 200 geographic areas, which include more than
95 of the 100 largest metropolitan markets and all markets where TCG operates.
BizTel's 38 GHz milliwave services can be used by TCG to economically connect
customers to TCG's fiber optic networks, to provide network redundancy,
diverse routing or quick temporary installations and to provide stand-alone
facilities where TCG does not have fiber optic networks.
Eastern TeleLogic Corporation. Effective as of March 1, 1997, TCG completed
its acquisition of Eastern TeleLogic Corporation ("ETC") for 2,757,083 shares
of TCG Class A Common Stock. TCG also assumed $52.6 million in ETC debt and
loaned $115 million to ETC, the proceeds of which were used by ETC to redeem
the stock held by certain minority shareholders. The acquisition of ETC
provides TCG with access to the Philadelphia market, the nation's fifth
largest market, and allows TCG to establish a contiguous network between
Boston and Washington, D.C. ETC operates a Class 5 digital telephone switch on
its 525-mile fiber optic network which connects to more than 360 buildings.
After the acquisition, the name of ETC was changed to TCG Delaware Valley,
Inc.
CERFnet Services, Inc. On February 4, 1997, TCG acquired from General Atomic
Technologies Corporation and General Atomics all the outstanding capital stock
of CERFnet Services, Inc. ("CERFnet"), a leading regional provider of
Internet-related services to businesses, including dial-up and dedicated
Internet access, World Wide Web hosting, and colocation services and Internet
training. TCG issued to General Atomics, CERFnet's former controlling
stockholder, 2,100,000 shares of TCG Class A Common Stock and granted to
General Atomics and certain of its stockholders certain registration rights
with respect to such shares. After the acquisition, the name of CERFnet was
changed to TCG CERFnet, Inc.
REGULATORY AND GOVERNMENTAL MATTERS
Introduction. TCG is subject to federal and state regulation. In most
states, TCG is subject to certification and tariff filing requirements with
respect to intrastate services. TCG is permitted to file tariffs for
interstate access services with the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC"),
although such tariff requirements are generally less onerous than those
imposed on ILECs which offer similar services. On June 19, 1997, the FCC
adopted an Order that permits CLECs like TCG to voluntarily withdraw their FCC
tariffs for most interstate
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services. TCG has not decided whether to withdraw its FCC tariffs. On the same
day, the FCC initiated a further inquiry to determine whether to require that
competitive local exchange carriers like TCG withdraw their tariffs. While TCG
cannot predict what decision the FCC will reach in this further inquiry, were
the FCC to require the withdrawal of TCG's tariffs and replacement of those
tariffs with contractual arrangements, TCG could incur substantial legal and
administrative expense.
Under the 1996 Act, all local exchange carriers, including TCG, must
interconnect with other carriers, make their services available for resale by
other carriers, provide non-discriminatory access to rights of way, offer
reciprocal compensation for termination of traffic and provide dialing parity
and telephone number portability. TCG, ILECs, other CLECs and long distance
carriers, will also be required to contribute some portion of their gross
revenues (subject to adjustments) to the support of universal service programs
under the FCC's rules implementing the universal service provisions of the
1996 Act, which were adopted on May 7, 1997. This order is the subject of
appeals pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. For
the first quarter of 1998, the federal universal service surcharge will be
0.72 percent of all revenues and 3.19 percent of interstate and international
revenues for all carriers with interstate revenues. State universal service
proceedings are at various stages of implementation, but it is likely that
both federal and state contribution requirements will increase substantially
in 1999. TCG may also be eligible to receive funds from universal service
programs if TCG provides services to schools and libraries. Several parties
have sought judicial review of the FCC's universal service rules. In addition,
the 1996 Act allows states to adopt universal service rules, so long as they
are not inconsistent with the federal program.
Interconnection/Access Arrangements. Under the 1996 Act, ILECs are required
to negotiate with TCG to provide for interconnection to the ILEC network. In
the event that an interconnection agreement cannot be negotiated the 1996 Act
provides for mandatory arbitration before state public utility commissions
("State PUCs"). TCG was able to reach negotiated agreements with NYNEX (now
owned by Bell Atlantic) for New York, with Pacific Telesis (now owned by SBC
Communications) for California and with BellSouth for its entire region. TCG
was required to seek arbitration with ILECs to obtain interconnection
agreements in other states where TCG operates. TCG has concluded its initial
set of arbitrations and its interconnection agreements are either final or
nearing final regulatory approval. However, some ILECs are seeking judicial
review of the arbitrated decisions and certain of TCG's final interconnection
agreements are subject to appeal to federal and state courts as permitted by
the 1996 Act. In particular, TCG's state-arbitrated agreements with U S WEST
in Arizona, Colorado, Oregon and Washington State have been appealed by U S
WEST. On January 7, 1998, the U.S. District Court in Washington granted TCG's
motion and dismissed the U S WEST appeal. The appeals in Arizona, Oregon and
Colorado are continuing. TCG's appeal of its Wisconsin arbitration decision
was dismissed on October 15, 1997. An additional arbitration appeal brought by
SBC Communications is continuing in Texas. In none of these appeals have any
preliminary injunctions been sought or granted, and accordingly the
interconnection agreements remain valid and in effect in each jurisdiction.
On August 8, 1996, the FCC released both a First Report and Order and a
Second Report and Order and a Memorandum Opinion and Order (collectively, the
"Interconnection Orders"). The Interconnection Orders established a framework
of minimum national standards and procedures to enable State PUCs and the FCC
to begin implementing many of the local competition provisions of the 1996
Act. On September 27, 1996, the FCC issued an Order on Reconsideration of the
First Report and Order, in which it added a non-usage-sensitive charge to the
rate for unbundled switching and clarified that, as a practical matter, an
interexchange carrier ("IXC") could not lease unbundled switching for the
provision of exchange access service only until July 1, 1997. The new rules
were scheduled to become effective on September 30, 1996. On October 15, 1996,
however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit issued a stay of
certain provisions of the rules pending its resolution of numerous petitions
for review filed by ILECs and others. Specifically, the Court stayed the FCC's
pricing rules and its "pick and choose" rule, which would have allowed CLECs
to receive the benefit of the most favorable provisions contained in an ILEC's
agreements with other carriers. On July 18, 1997, the Court of Appeals held
that the pricing rules and the "pick and choose" rule exceeded the FCC's
authority and were inconsistent with the terms of the 1996 Act. The Court of
Appeals also invalidated the FCC's rule requiring that interconnection
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agreements negotiated prior to enactment of the 1996 Act be submitted to state
commissions for approval, and it held that the FCC had no authority to review
or enforce agreements approved by state regulators. On rehearing, the Court of
Appeals further held that the FCC has no authority to prohibit ILECs from
disconnecting unbundled network elements from each other when competitors ask
ILECs to refrain from doing so. The Supreme Court has rejected applications to
vacate a stay of the FCC's rules pending appeal, but it has agreed to hear
arguments on the merits of the case in the fall of 1998.
As indicated above, an FCC rule temporarily precluded IXCs from leasing
unbundled switching (and other unbundled network elements) from ILECs for the
provision of exchange access only. The effect of this rule lapsed on June 30,
1997. Since that date, IXCs have been free in principle to lease switching and
other network elements from ILECs (through IXC-affiliated CLECs) and to use
those facilities for exchange access, with or without any local facilities
being provided by the IXCs themselves. On August 18, 1997, the FCC issued an
order clarifying that CLECs would be permitted to lease access to ILEC
switches and interoffice circuits on a per-minute basis. Subsequent court
decisions, however, have made it difficult for IXCs to avoid payment of access
charges merely by combining unbundled network elements through affiliated
CLECs. The July 18, 1997, Court of Appeals Order vacated an FCC rule directing
ILECs to recombine unbundled network elements when asked to do so by
requesting CLECs. On October 14, 1997, the Eighth Circuit further ruled that
CLECs may not direct ILECs to refrain from disconnecting unbundled network
elements from each other. As a consequence, CLECs must either combine the
elements themselves or purchase entire retail services at the applicable
wholesale discounts if they wish to offer local services to their customers.
These decisions make it more difficult for IXCs to use affiliated, non-
facilities-based CLECs as vehicles for obtaining discounted network elements,
and improve the competitive position of facilities-based CLECs like TCG.
ILEC Provision of InterLATA Services. The 1996 Act requires the Bell
Operating Companies (Ameritech, Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, SBC Communications
and U S WEST) to satisfy certain conditions and obtain FCC approval before
they are permitted to provide long distance services in their local telephone
service areas. On June 27, 1997, in its first decision on an application by an
ILEC for permission to provide long distance services, the FCC found that the
ILEC (SBC Communications) had not satisfied the statutory requirements, and it
denied SBC's application to offer long distance in Oklahoma. SBC has appealed
the denial of its application. The FCC rejected a similar petition by
Ameritech for Michigan on August 19, 1997, on the grounds that the technical
quality of services that it provides to competitors is inadequate and its
systems for receiving and responding to requests for service from competitors
requires substantial improvement. Ameritech has appealed the rejection of its
petition. On September 30, 1997, BellSouth filed an application with the FCC
for permission to provide long distance service in South Carolina. The FCC on
December 24, 1997, denied the application, and BellSouth has appealed the
FCC's ruling. On November 6, 1997, BellSouth filed an application with the FCC
for authority to offer long distance services in Louisiana. On February 4,
1998, the FCC denied BellSouth's application.
On December 31, 1997, a federal judge in Texas held that statutory
restrictions on the Bell Operating Companies' ("BOCs") provision of long
distance and manufacturing services are an unconstitutional bill of attainder
because the restrictions target the BOCs without imposing similar restrictions
on other similarly situated companies. The decision has been appealed to a
federal court of appeals. If upheld, this ruling could provide BOCs with a
basis for arguing that they should immediately be allowed to provide interLATA
communications services and engage in manufacturing. However, any provision of
long distance service by BOCs would remain subject to review and authorization
by state commissions and the FCC, which might impose conditions or
requirements that could require or encourage BOCs to open their networks to
local competition. Additionally, if the District Court decision is upheld, it
is possible that the United States Department of Justice or the U.S. District
Court formerly charged with the administration of the Modified Final Judgment
might take actions in response thereto.
Access Charge Reform. On December 24, 1996, the FCC adopted certain changes
and proposed other changes in the interstate access charge system. The FCC
relaxed certain restrictions on ILECs' ability to lower access prices and
relaxed the regulation of new switched access services in those markets where
there are other providers of access services. The FCC also proposed rules to
reform the interstate access charge rate structure,
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including proposals that would either grant ILECs increased pricing
flexibility based on increased levels of competition, or mandate lower rates
regardless of the level of competition. On May 7, 1997, the FCC issued an
Order relating to access charge reform and other matters. The FCC enacted a
number of reforms of its switched access rates and adopted rules that will
provide discounts to users of certain CLEC switched access transport services,
such as those provided by TCG. The first stage of the FCC's reform went into
effect on January 1, 1998. Reform of the FCC's access charge rules will result
in a significant restructuring of the rates for ILEC interstate switched
access services, and a significant increase in pricing flexibility for ILECs.
The FCC's access reform decisions have been appealed to the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
Certain of the FCC's access charge reforms are intended to produce a phased
transition leading to rates for ILEC tandem switched access services that are
closer to the ILECs' costs. Prior FCC policies had required ILECs to price
tandem access services below cost, making up the difference by pricing other
access services above cost. TCG believes that the new policies will improve
TCG's position in competing for the provision of tandem-switched services.
Other elements of the FCC's access reforms will lead to lower ILEC rates for
certain switched access services, or a restructuring of ILEC switched access
rates. These restructured rates could make ILEC exchange access services more
attractive to certain high-volume IXCs while reducing the attractiveness of
ILEC exchange access services for lower-volume IXCs.
Treatment of Internet Calls. Various ILECs have urged the FCC to require
ISPs to pay the same rates that IXCs pay for access to public switched
telephone exchanges. Although this position was rejected by the FCC in its May
7, 1997, access charge Order, certain ILECs have also taken the position that
they will not pay the reciprocal compensation normally associated with a local
call to CLECs with respect to telephone services from the ILEC's customer to
an ISP served by a CLEC on the grounds that such calls are exchange access
calls rather than local calls. TCG believes these positions are contrary to
the 1996 Act and every state commission which has so far considered the issue
has declared that ILECs should pay CLECs reciprocal compensation for the
Internet traffic. However, no prediction can be made whether the ILECs
ultimately will be successful in asserting their positions. If state
commissions, the FCC or courts were to reach final decisions which found in
favor of the ILECs, such decisions could result in a material adverse effect
on TCG, both as an ISP itself and as a provider of TCG local exchange services
to other ISPs.
Pay Telephone Compensation. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia decided on July 1, 1997 to reject the system adopted by the FCC for
the compensation of providers of pay telephone services by long distance
companies. The Court remanded the matter to the FCC for further proceedings.
TCG, as a provider of pay telephone services in a number of cities, is a
recipient of such pay telephone compensation payments. On October 9, 1997, the
FCC adopted new rules which reduce the compensation to providers of pay
telephone services.
Universal Service. In its implementation of the 1996 Act, the FCC
established new federal universal service mechanisms. Under the new rules,
CLECs gain access to universal service subsidies but are required to
contribute to both federal and state universal service funds. On December 16,
1997, the FCC approved specific percentage levies for the federal universal
service fund ("USF") for the first quarter of 1998. The FCC will initially
apply a 0.7 percent levy to gross retail receipts for international,
interstate, and intrastate telecommunications to support a new subsidy for
schools, libraries, and rural health services; this percentage would gradually
rise to about 1.5 percent if subsidy requests rise to maximum funding levels
previously approved by the FCC. However, the Congressional Budget Office
("CBO") has estimated that subsidy requests will not approach the funding
ceiling until 2008. The CBO predicts that grant applicants will exercise
restraint because, in many instances, the federal subsidy will reduce the cost
of an advanced telecommunications system by only a small fraction.
Also beginning in 1998, the FCC will apply a 3.2 percent levy to
international and interstate telecommunications only to support existing
subsidies for rural telephone carriers and low income individuals. The levy
rate on interstate and international revenues could rise significantly in 1999
when the USF is expanded to provide support for telephone service to rural
areas situated within the territories of larger ILECs. State
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universal service levies are at various stages of enactment, and are likely to
take effect no later than the first quarter of 1999. Those rates will vary
from state to state and TCG cannot predict what the levy rates will be at this
time.
A number of parties have challenged the FCC's universal service order and
the cases have been consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth
Circuit. Either the FCC's reconsideration of its rules or a judicial
determination could result in a change in CLEC support payments required for
federal universal service programs. Parties sought stays of the rules from
both the FCC and the Fifth Circuit. On October 21, 1997, the Fifth Circuit
denied those requests.
Other 1996 Act Provisions. The 1996 Act contains other provisions that
potentially could affect TCG's business, which may be subject to FCC
rulemaking and judicial interpretation, including a provision that limits the
ability of a cable television operator and its affiliates to acquire more than
a 10% financial interest or any management interest in an ILEC or CLEC that
provides local exchange service in such cable operator's franchise area.
Telephone Number Portability Issues. On July 2, 1996, the FCC released its
First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking promulgating
rules and regulations to implement Congress' statutory directive concerning
number portability (the "Number Portability Order"). The Number Portability
Order was modified on March 6, 1997. As modified, the Number Portability Order
requires all ILECs and CLECs to begin phased deployment of a long-term service
provider portability method in the 100 largest MSAs no later than October 1,
1997, and to complete deployment in those MSAs by December 31, 1998 for all
MSAs in which another carrier has made a specific request for the provision of
portability. After December 31, 1998, each ILEC and CLEC must make number
portability available within specific time frames after receiving a specific
request by another telecommunications carrier. Until long-term service
portability is available, ILECs and CLECs must provide interim versions of
number portability as soon as reasonably possible after a specific request
from another carrier.
On August 18, 1997, the FCC released its Second Report and Order on number
portability, implementing various specific aspects of the number portability
program. As new carriers are at a competitive disadvantage without telephone
number portability, the Number Portability Orders should enhance the ability
of TCG to offer service in competition with the ILECs, but it is uncertain how
effective these regulations will be in promoting number portability. The
Number Portability Order does not address how the costs of implementing long-
term service portability, which could be substantial, will be recovered.
State Regulation. Most State PUCs require carriers that wish to provide
local and other jurisdictionally intrastate common carrier services to be
authorized to provide such services. TCG's operating subsidiaries are
authorized to provide local exchange services in Alabama, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North
Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah,
Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. TCG expects to file for CLEC authority in
a number of additional states, and to seek geographically broadened authority
in states in which it already holds CLEC authority for portions of the state.
TCG typically is not subject to price regulation or to rate of return
regulation for its intrastate services. In most states, TCG is required to
file tariffs setting forth the terms, conditions and prices for its intrastate
services. In some jurisdictions, the tariff can list a rate range for
intrastate services. TCG may be subject to additional regulatory requirements
in some states, such as quality of service requirements, the requirement to
offer residential service and make universal service contributions. In New
York and New Jersey, TCG has authority to borrow up to $4 billion in long term
debt, which is sufficient to amortize all current long term indebtedness of
TCG.
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Local Government Authorizations. TCG may be required to obtain from
municipal authorities in certain cities street opening and construction
permits and other rights-of-way to install and expand its digital networks. In
some cities, TCG's affiliates or subcontractors may already possess the
requisite authorizations to construct or expand TCG networks.
In some of the metropolitan areas where TCG provides network services, TCG
may pay license or franchise fees. There can be no assurance that
municipalities that do not currently impose fees will not seek to impose fees
in the future, nor is there any assurance that following the expiration of
existing authorizations, fees will remain at their current levels. Under the
1996 Act, such fees must be fair and reasonable, applied on a competitively
neutral and non-discriminatory basis and be publicly disclosed by the relevant
governmental entity. There can be no assurance, however, that municipalities
that currently favor the ILECs will conform their practices in a timely manner
or without legal challenges by TCG or another CLEC. In September 1996, TCG
filed suit in federal district court alleging that the City of Dearborn,
Michigan acted in an unlawful and discriminatory manner in imposing a fee
equal to a percentage of gross revenues for its use of public rights-of-way,
which fee is not imposed on the local ILEC (Ameritech Michigan) in violation
of applicable state law and Section 253(c) of the 1996 Act. TCG's suit is
currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of
Michigan (Southern Division). The City of Dearborn has asserted counterclaims
against TCG and motions for summary judgment by both parties are pending. In
addition, in July 1996, a subsidiary of TCG, Teleport Communications (New
York) ("TCNY") filed suit in U.S. District Court in Newark, New Jersey
alleging that an ordinance adopted by the Township of Bloomfield, New Jersey
imposing a fee per linear foot per year for the right to use a public right-
of-way is unlawfully discriminatory, in violation of the United States
Constitution and Section 253(c) of the 1996 Act. The lawsuit has been settled
and the Township of Bloomfield has enacted a new ordinance. In addition, in
February 1997 the City of Chattanooga joined TCG in a pending action in the
U.S. District Court for Eastern Tennessee seeking to interpret the
nondiscriminatory and competitively neutral requirements of Section 253(c) of
the 1996 Act. On October 24, 1997, the District Court granted the defendants'
motion for summary judgment, ruling that the City's franchise requirements
violated state law.
TCNY and the City of New York entered into a Franchise Agreement, dated as
of May 2, 1994 (the "New York Franchise") pursuant to which the City of New
York granted TCNY the non-exclusive right for a term of fifteen years to
provide Telecommunications Services (as defined in the New York Franchise) in
the City of New York. In addition to other payments specifically required by
the New York Franchise, the New York Franchise requires that TCNY pay to the
City of New York as an annual franchise fee an amount based on a percentage of
TCNY's gross revenues. TCG is restricted under the terms of the New York
Franchise from providing cable service or mobile telecommunications services
in the City of New York.
Regulation of International Services. TCG is authorized to provide resale
and facilities-based international telecommunications services to its
customers in the United States. If its acquisition of ACC is completed, TCG
will provide international telecommunications services to customers in Canada,
the United Kingdom, and Germany, and it will become a reseller of local
telephone service in Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Thus, the regulatory
situations in Canada, the United Kingdom, and to a lesser extent in Germany
will have an immediate impact on business operations that TCG is proposing to
acquire in those countries. TCG will also be affected by the regulatory
situation in additional countries, both because its customers communicate with
other places around the world and because other urban centers can provide TCG
with expansion opportunities applying its expertise in the provision of
competitive local exchange services.
On February 15, 1997, delegations from 69 countries concluded an historic
series of negotiations by indicating their conditional acceptance of the World
Trade Organization ("WTO") Agreement on Basic Telecommunications Services
("the Basic Telecom Agreement"). Countries representing approximately 82
percent of world telecommunications revenues and approximately 79 percent of
the world economy committed themselves to open their telecommunications
markets, including local telephone exchanges, to competition by 1998,
conditional upon ratification and implementing acts by all of the signatory
countries. On January 26, 1998, a meeting of WTO members agreed that the pact
would enter into force on February 5, 1998, despite the fact that a handful of
signatory countries representing less than 5 percent of world
telecommunications traffic had not completed the ratification process.
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Much of the language used in the Basic Telecom Agreement resembles language
in the 1996 Act. The most far-reaching paragraph in the primary reference
document provides that interconnection with a major supplier will be ensured
"at any technically feasible point in the network," under non-discriminatory
terms and conditions, in a timely fashion under terms, conditions (including
technical standards) and cost-oriented rates that are transparent, reasonable,
and sufficiently unbundled that the competitive entrant will not need to pay
for network components or facilities that it does not require. In the United
States, similar language is interpreted as requiring incumbent local exchange
telephone companies to provide unbundled local loops at cost-based rates and
to allow interconnection with the competitive supplier's network at the
telephone company's switching office. It remains to be seen how other
countries will interpret that language, and to what extent they will adopt and
enforce regulations encouraging competitive entry.
In the United States, there has been extensive litigation and disputes over
the terms, conditions and implementation of interconnection. It is reasonable
to assume that the process of implementing other countries' commitments under
the Basic Telecom Agreement will be at least as difficult. The United States
had a quarter century of experience with various forms of telecommunications
competition before the 1996 Act was adopted, but most other countries have had
far less experience with competition. As far-reaching as the WTO Basic Telecom
Agreement may appear on its face, it will be meaningful only to the extent
that it is effectively enforced. The WTO dispute resolution process will not
be freely accessible to any company that considers itself an injured party.
Under United States law, no person other than the United States government
itself will have any cause of action or defense before the WTO. This is
consistent with the WTO's Dispute Annex, which itself provides an opportunity
for action or defense only by WTO members, that is, governments. The
implication is that national governments both in the United States and in
other countries will serve as gatekeepers and will exercise their sovereign
authority to choose which cases to litigate. Thus, TCG's ability to invoke any
rights provided by the Basic Telecom Agreement will be dependent upon the
willingness of a host government to pursue issues of concern to TCG. TCG can
provide no assurance that the United States or any other host government will
be willing to pursue TCG's concerns through the WTO dispute resolution process
or that, if such a government were willing to do so, that it would obtain a
favorable ruling from the WTO.
THE COMPANY'S SERVICES
The Company provides its customers with a comprehensive array of local and
long distance telecommunications services, including basic local exchange
telephone services, enhanced switched services, Internet services, national
and international toll services, 800 services, dedicated services, high-speed
switched data services, disaster avoidance services and video channel
transmission services. Switched voice services offered by the Company
primarily use high-capacity digital switches to route voice transmission
anywhere on the public switched telephone network. TCG's dedicated services,
which include private line and special access services, use high-capacity
digital circuits to carry voice, data and video transmission from point-to-
point in multiple configurations. The Company provides its media industry
customers with point-to-point, broadcast-quality video channels for video
transmission between two or more locations, including video link services to
major television networks as well as to other programmers. The Company also
provides private network management and systems integration services for
businesses that require combinations of various dedicated and switched
telecommunications services.
SWITCHED SERVICES
TCG's switched services provide customers with local dial tone and local and
regional calling capabilities and connection to their IXCs. TCG's switched
services are mainly branded under the "Prime" name and include the following:
PRIMEDISTANCE SM. This service is a long distance service which is
offered as a package to TCG's customers for local services. It is a broad
service including national and international toll services, 800 services,
directory assistance, operator services and fraud detection features.
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PRIMENBX SM. This service gives voice and data customers a choice for
analog, digital voice-only and ISDN Centrex telephone lines to customers'
desktops. With PrimeNBX, TCG owns, houses, manages and maintains the
switch. PrimeNBX allows customers to retain control over network
configurations. Lines can be added, deleted and moved as needed. Business
customers can utilize TCG as their primary Centrex provider, as a
supplement to the ILEC's Centrex service, or as an addition to a fully-
utilized customer owned private branch exchange ("PBX").
PRIMEXPRESS SM. This service is utilized by PBX users to provide access
to the local, regional and long distance telephone networks. PBX customers
may use either TCG's telephone numbers or their ILEC-assigned telephone
numbers. Customer access to TCG's network is accomplished by a DS-1 digital
connection or analog trunks between the customer's PBX port and TCG's
switching centers.
PRIMEPATH SM. This service enables customers to connect to the TCG
network using Prime Business Lines or Prime Business PBX Trunks. PrimePath
is available in a variety of feature packages which have been developed to
serve TCG customers, with features such as Call-Waiting, Call-Forwarding,
Conference Calling and PrimeMail voice mail.
PRIMEPLUS SM. This service provides customers with a competitive
alternative to ILEC service for intraLATA toll calls. It is a customized,
high quality calling plan available to PrimeNBX, PrimePath and PrimeXpress
customers. TCG works with customers to devise cost-saving intraLATA calling
programs based on actual usage and calling patterns.
PRIMEONE SM. This service is basic local exchange service which can be
tailored to a customer's particular calling requirements. Local telephone
service includes operator and directory assistance services, as well as an
intraLATA toll plan.
TCG PAY PHONE SERVICES provide full public pay telephone service to
public customers and dial tone services and access lines to other public
pay telephone providers, including pay telephone services at several major
airports. TCG is the primary provider of public pay phone service for all
properties of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, including
Kennedy, La Guardia and Newark airports.
SWITCHED ACCESS SERVICES provide IXCs with switched connections to their
customers for the origination and termination of long distance telephone
calls.
INTEGRATED SERVICES DIGITAL NETWORK ("ISDN") PRIMEPLEX SM SERVICES
provide TCG's customers with multiple voice and data communications
services over a single telecommunications line. The Company's ISDN services
allow customers to perform multiple functions such as simultaneous voice
and computer links, and enable the Company to offer customers value-added
features. High speed ISDN applications include desk top video conferencing,
interconnection of local area networks ("LANs") and Internet access.
ADVANCED INTELLIGENT NETWORK ("AIN") SERVICES, utilizing the Bellcore
ISCP(TM) format, offer customers advanced, customized switching features
which may include local number portability.
DEDICATED SERVICES
TCG's dedicated services, which include special access and digital private
line services, use high-capacity digital circuits to carry voice, data and
video transmission from point-to-point in flexible configurations involving
different standardized transmission speeds and circuit capacities, including:
DS-0. A dedicated service that accommodates business communications with
digital data transmission through a voice grade equivalent circuit with a
capacity of up to 64 kilobits per second ("kbps"). This service offers a
private line digital channel for connecting telephones, fax machines,
personal computers and other telecommunications equipment. Multiple DS-0
services are offered in a variety of combinations, depending on the
particular application and can also provide voice grade analog connections.
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DS-1. A high speed digital channel that typically links customer
locations to long distance carriers or other customer locations. Used for
multiple voice or data transmission, access to the Internet and
interconnection of LANs, DS-1 services accommodate digital data
transmission capacity of up to 1.544 megabits per second ("mbps"), the
equivalent of 24 voice grade circuits.
EUROPEAN-STANDARD DS-1(E-1). The Company was the first U.S.-based local
carrier to offer this dedicated high capacity service, which allows
customers to accommodate their international traffic with a digital data
transmission capacity of up to 2.048 mpbs, which is equivalent to 30 voice
grade equivalent circuits. This dedicated service offers international
business customers the flexibility to connect their United States locations
to international circuits that operate at the high capacity European
standard transmission speed.
DS-3. With digital data transmission capacity of up to 44.736 mbps, this
dedicated service provides a very high capacity digital channel, which is
equivalent to 28 DS-1 circuits or 672 voice grade equivalent circuits. This
digital service is used by long distance carriers for central office
connection and by some large corporate users to link multiple sites. It is
also used for data services applications.
TCG OMNIRING SM. This service provides a standard Optical Carrier ("OC")
service for those customers requiring enhanced network survivability,
advanced network architectures and centralized network monitoring and
management capabilities. With TCG OmniRing customers enjoy the benefits of
dedicated private local OC3 or OC12 synchronous optical network ("SONET")
rings between various customer-designated sites and the Company's nodes.
DATA SERVICES
The Company offers its customers a broad array of data services that enable
customers to create their own internal computer networks and access external
computer networks and the Internet. In 1992, TCG introduced its native speed
LAN inter-networking data service which is used to connect workstations and
personal computer users on one or more LANs. Called OmniLAN SM, this service
provides users with transmission capacity for 10 mbps Ethernet, 4 and 16 mbps
Token Ring and 100 mpbs FDDI LAN interconnections. Native speed services avoid
the bottleneck problems that are frequently encountered with customary DS-1
connections by providing the customer with a circuit that matches the
transmission speeds of its LAN. OmniLAN provides dedicated circuits,
guaranteed transmission capacity and guaranteed bandwidth for virtually all
LAN applications. Users can share files and databases as if they were all
working on the same computer, or within the same LAN. In 1996, TCG introduced
Fast Ethernet LAN Interconnect Service for business customers which have or
plan to build Fast Ethernet networks and require native speed connections
between geographically disparate LANs.
As companies and communications become more sophisticated, there is an
increased need for customer access to superior traffic management of sensitive
data, video and voice transmission within a single metropolitan area or
between various company operations. TCG's switched data services, called
OmniStream SM, offer sophisticated switched data services over TCG's SONET/ATM
backbone and provide high standards in reliability and flexibility while
enabling users to reduce the costs associated with interconnecting various
geographically dispersed and architecturally diverse information systems.
TCG's asynchronous transfer mode ("ATM") platform supports evolving high-speed
applications, such as multimedia, desktop video conferencing and medical
imaging. Additionally, TCG's services allow users to interconnect both high
speed and low speed LAN environments. Customers also benefit from flexible
billing, as well as detailed usage reports.
INTERNET SERVICES
The Company accommodates its customers' demand for Internet services
directly through CERFnet, an ISP, and indirectly by providing the connection
between a customer and an ISP. CERFnet's services include a full range of
Internet-related services for businesses and professionals. These services
include basic Internet dial up access for professionals and small businesses,
marketed as DIALn'CERF SM services, and dedicated Internet access for larger
customers at speeds ranging from 56 kbps to DS-3, as well as LAN connections.
CERFnet also provides World Wide Web hosting services; the customer may choose
to locate its Internet server on its own
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premises with CERFn'WEB SM services or may colocate its server at a CERFnet
facility connected directly to CERFnet's Internet backbone with WEB
SuperSite SM services. CERFnet also offers Internet training and consulting
including the design of World Wide Web sites.
VIDEO SERVICES
TCG provides analog video link services to its media industry customers,
including all of the major television networks as well as to many cable
services and independent programmers. TCG's video services include offering a
broadcast quality, analog channel which can be provided on a point-to-point or
point-to-multipoint basis.
WIRELESS SERVICES
OmniWave SM services, TCG's 38 GHz digital milliwave private line service,
supports capacities of 4 DS-1s, 8 DS-1s and 1 DS-3. These services can be
multiplexed at either end of the circuit to provide lower levels of bandwidth.
OmniWave services utilize a broadband milliwave transmission spectrum for
quality and reliability that is comparable to that achieved by conventional
fiber optic networks. BizTel is TCG's primary and preferred provider of these
services.
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
TCG currently offers residential telephony services on a retail basis in
several multiple dwelling units and in a number of single family residences
and continues to develop services for this market. TCG provides wholesale
local exchange services that are suitable for reselling to residential
consumers, including local and long distance toll usage, features and
auxiliary functions such as network provisioning, installation, customer
service, billing, operator services, and directory assistance. TCG's wholesale
customers, which resell these services to individual users, include landlords,
real estate development and management companies and the Cable Stockholders.
CALLING CARD SERVICES
In August 1997, TCG commenced offering a full service long distance calling
card with specialized features designed for business travelers, called
PrimeCard SM service.
CUSTOMERS AND MARKETING
The Company's customers are principally telecommunications-intensive
businesses, healthcare, and educational institutions, governmental agencies,
long distance carriers and resellers, ISPs, disaster recovery service
providers and wireless communications and financial services companies. In
1985, TCG's customers were primarily long distance carriers. While the
Company's carrier business has continued to grow, in 1997 all other customers
(including resellers) accounted for approximately 66% of the Company's total
revenues. During 1997, the Company's 10 largest customers accounted for
approximately 40% of TCG's total revenues. During that period, no customer
accounted for more than 10% of such revenues.
The Company has sought to establish "TCG"(R) "Prime-" and "Omni-" as
recognized brand names for its services and products. TCG has partially
rebranded the Internet services of its CERFnet subsidiary as "TCG CERFnet"
services. The Company's marketing emphasizes its state-of-the art digital
networks, flexibly priced products and services, responsive customer service
orientation and integrated operations, customer support and network monitoring
and management systems. For large telecommunications-intensive businesses that
depend on accurate and reliable telecommunications, the Company promotes the
operational and strategic security achieved through vendor and facility
diversity. The Company's centrally managed customer care and support
operations are designed to facilitate the installation of new services and the
processing of orders for changes and upgrades in TCG customer services. The
Company seeks to be among the first to introduce new telecommunications
products and service, thereby increasing usage among existing TCG customers
and attracting new customers to the Company's networks.
17
<PAGE>
The Company generally offers its services in accordance with applicable
tariffs filed with the FCC (for interstate services) and State PUCs (for
intrastate services). As a non-dominant carrier, TCG does not have to cost-
justify its rates and frequently enters into customer and service specific
arrangements. The services offered by TCG are typically priced at a modest
discount to the prices of the ILECs.
With a direct sales force in each of its markets, TCG initially targets the
large telecommunications-intensive businesses concentrated in the major
metropolitan markets served by its networks. The Company's customers in these
markets include financial services firms, media and health care companies and
educational and governmental institutions. In addition, TCG markets its
services through sales agents, landlords, advertisements, trade journals,
media relations, direct mail and participation in trade conferences.
The Company is increasing its marketing to small and medium-sized business
customers. The Company's strategies for addressing this market include (i)
hiring and training specialized account executives dedicated to developing
this market; (ii) increased marketing to this class of customers in office
buildings or multiple dwelling units already served by TCG's network; (iii)
developing special services and packages of services attractive to this market
segment; and (iv) employing 38 GHz wireless technology to reach these
customers cost-effectively.
TCG also targets long distance carriers and resellers, ISPs, disaster
recovery service providers and wireless telephone companies through its
national sales organization. The Company has master services agreements (which
generally set forth technical standards, ordering processes, pricing
methodologies and service grade requirements, but do not guarantee any
specified level of business for TCG) with a significant number of long
distance carriers. For example, AT&T considers TCG a preferred national
supplier of dedicated and switched access services. By providing long distance
companies a local connection to their customers, the Company enables these
carriers to avoid complete dependence on the ILECs for access and to obtain a
high quality, reliable local connection at savings over the ILECs' charges.
The national scope of the Company's local networks allows it to offer high
volume business customers and long distance carriers uniformity of services,
pricing, quality standards and customer service. In addition, the Company has
arrangements with other telecommunications providers, including shared tenant
service providers, cable television companies and long distance carriers, to
resell TCG's services. TCG has engaged in technical trials pursuant to which
certain long distance carriers have resold TCG local exchange service and
intraLATA toll service bundled with their long distance service. These trials
began in the second half of 1995, but as of March 1998 all had been
terminated. TCG and AT&T are currently in the process of developing a combined
local and long distance business line product which would be sold under the
AT&T brand name, initially as a trial.
The AT&T Merger could make some competitors of AT&T less likely to continue
or to expand their relationship with TCG. TCG believes that most or all of the
major long distance carriers are pursuing alternatives to their current
practices with regard to obtaining local telecommunications services.
COMPETITION
The Company faces substantial and increasing competition in each of the
metropolitan areas it serves or plans to serve from entities that offer
services similar to those offered by TCG, including ILECs such as Ameritech,
Bell Atlantic, BellSouth, SBC Communications, U S WEST and GTE. The Company
believes that ILECs generally benefit from their long-standing relations with
customers, substantial technical and financial resources, established
ubiquitous networks and federal and state regulations that could provide them
with increased pricing flexibility as competition increases. In addition, in
most of the metropolitan areas in which the Company currently operates, at
least one, and sometimes several, other CLECs offer substantially similar
services at substantially similar prices to those of the Company. Other CLECs,
ILECs entering new geographic markets, cable television companies, electric
utilities, long distance carriers, microwave carriers, wireless telephone
system operators and private networks built by large end users may offer
services similar to those offered by the Company. In addition, the current
trend of actual and proposed business combinations and alliances in the
telecommunications industry, which include mergers between ILECs, between IXCs
and international carriers and between IXCs and CLECs, may create significant
new competitors for the Company.
18
<PAGE>
The 1996 Act is intended to increase competition in the local
telecommunications business. The 1996 Act requires all local exchange
providers, including the Company and new entrants, to interconnect with other
carriers, and to offer their services for resale and requires ILECs to offer
their substantial network facilities on a discounted wholesale basis and on an
unbundled basis. These requirements may facilitate entry by new competitors
without substantial capital risk or investment. However, there can be no
assurance that any rates or facilities offered by ILECs to TCG or other CLECs
will be economically attractive or technically viable.
The Company believes that the 1996 Act will provide it with increased
business opportunities and potentially better margins by opening all local
markets in urban areas to competition and by requiring ILECs to provide
improved direct interconnection at lower cost. However, under the 1996 Act,
the FCC and some state regulatory authorities may provide ILECs with increased
flexibility to reprice their service as competition develops and as ILECs
allow competitors to interconnect to their networks. In addition, some new
entrants in the local market may price certain services to a particular
customer or for a particular route below the prices charged by the Company for
services to that customer or for that route, just as the Company may itself
underprice those new entrants. If ILECs and other competitors lower their
rates and can sustain significantly lower prices over time, this may adversely
affect revenues and margins of TCG. If regulatory decisions permit the ILECs
to charge CLECs substantial fees for interconnection to the ILECs' networks or
afford ILECs other regulatory relief, such decisions could also have a
material adverse effect on TCG. However, TCG believes that the negative
effects of the 1996 Act may be more than offset by (i) increased revenues
available as a result of being able to address the entire urban local exchange
market, (ii) mutual reciprocal compensation with the ILEC that could
eventually result in TCG terminating its local exchange traffic on the ILEC's
network at little or no net cost to TCG, (iii) obtaining access to off-network
customers through more reasonably priced expanded interconnection with ILEC
networks and (iv) a shift by IXCs to purchase access services from CLECs
instead of ILECs. There can be no assurance, however, that these anticipated
results will offset completely the effects of increased competition as a
result of the 1996 Act.
Currently, TCG's services are predominantly local and regional, although TCG
has begun to offer long distance services in order to provide a full range of
telecommunications services to those customers who prefer to obtain most or
all of their telecommunications services from one provider. However, TCG has
examined from time to time, and will continue to examine, opportunities to
expand its provisioning of other related telecommunications services. The
merger with ACC represents an expansion of TCG's long distance services,
including international long distance, and provision of local services in
foreign countries. To the extent that the Company expands its provisioning of
telecommunications or Internet services, it could incur certain additional
risks in connection with such expansion, including technological compatibility
risks, legal and regulatory risks and possible adverse reaction by some of its
current customers.
All of the Cable Stockholders are in the telecommunications business and
may, now or in the future, provide services which are the same or similar to
those provided by TCG. In addition, affiliates of TCI, Cox and Comcast, which
collectively have designated a majority of the directors of the Company,
together with an affiliate of Sprint, have formed Sprint PCS, a partnership
created to provide certain wireless telecommunications services. Also,
affiliates of TCI, Cox and Comcast are principal owners of At Home, a provider
of Internet related services over the @Home(TM) Network. No assurance can be
given that the Cable Stockholders will not compete with TCG in certain markets
or in the provision of certain telecommunications services. Although directors
of TCG who are also directors, officers or employees of the Cable Stockholders
or any of their respective affiliates have certain fiduciary obligations to
TCG under Delaware law, such directors and the Cable Stockholders, as the
controlling stockholders of TCG, are in positions that may create conflicts of
interest with respect to certain business opportunities available to and
certain transactions involving the Company. The Cable Stockholders have not
adopted any special voting procedures to deal with such conflicts of interest,
and there can be no assurance that any such conflict will be resolved in favor
of TCG. In this regard, TCG's Amended and Restated Certificate of
Incorporation provides that TCG may not provide certain (i) wireless
communications services (other than products and services delivered via point-
to-point microwave and milliwave transmissions) or (ii) telecommunications
services to residences until, in each case, the earlier of June 26, 2001, or
the date on which
19
<PAGE>
the holders of TCG Class B Common Stock no longer represent at least 50% of
the voting power of the outstanding TCG Common Stock, without the affirmative
vote of the holders of a majority of the TCG Class B Common Stock, subject to
certain exceptions.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company uses the latest technologies and network architectures to
develop a highly reliable infrastructure for delivering high speed, quality
digital transmission of voice, data and video telecommunications. The basic
transmission platform consists primarily of optical fiber equipped with high
capacity SONET equipment deployed in self-healing rings. These SONET rings
give TCG the capability of routing customer traffic simultaneously in both
directions around the ring thereby eliminating loss of service in the event of
a cable cut. The Company extends SONET rings or point-to-point links from
rings to each customer's premises over its own fiber optic cable, unbundled
facilities obtained from ILECs, microwave (including 38 GHz milliwave)
transmission facilities (primarily provided by BizTel) and other technologies.
TCG also installs diverse building entry points where a customer's security
needs require such redundancy. TCG then places necessary customer-dedicated or
shared electronic equipment at a location near or in the customer's premises
to terminate the link.
TCG serves its customers from one or more nodes or hubs strategically
positioned throughout its networks. The node houses the transmission and
switching equipment needed to interconnect customers with each other, the IXCs
and other local exchange networks. Redundant electronics, with automatic
switching to the backup equipment in the event of failure, protect against
signal deterioration or outages. Continuous monitoring of system components
focuses on proactively avoiding problems rather than just reacting upon
failure.
TCG adds switched, dedicated, Internet and data services to its basic fiber
optic transmission platform by installing sophisticated digital electronics at
its network nodes and at customer locations. TCG's advanced ISDN-capable
digital telephone switches are connected to multiple ILEC and long distance
carrier switches to provide TCG's customers access to every telephone in the
local market as well as across the country and around the world. Similarly,
TCG provides ATM switched and LAN multiplexers at the customer's premises and
in its nodes to provide high speed LAN interconnection and native ATM
services.
The Company's strategy for adding customers is designed to maximize the
speed and impact of its marketing efforts while maintaining attractive rates
of return on capital invested to connect customers directly to its networks.
To initially serve a new customer, for example, TCG may use various
transitional links, such as reselling a portion of the ILEC's network and,
where appropriate, using alternative transmission technologies such as
microwave transmission, including 38 GHz milliwave. Once the new customer's
communications volume and product needs are identified, the Company may build
its own fiber optic connection between the customer's premises and its
networks to accommodate (i) the customer's current and future
telecommunications needs and (ii) TCG's efforts to maximize return on network
investment.
In determining which new markets to enter, the Company carefully analyzes
the potential customer base and competitive condition within the market. The
Company is planning on building new facilities, entering into fiber leases,
and other arrangements with cable television companies and other carriers,
acquiring existing telecommunications providers and exploring new technologies
that have potential to enhance network expansion (such as the use of microwave
radio facilities). The Company also seeks to utilize relationships with the
Cable Stockholders or other cable television operators which have an existing
presence in the market and with which TCG may be able to develop a fiber optic
network rapidly and efficiently. As a facilities-based carrier, the Company
utilizes a variety of means to expand geographically, including rights-of-way,
easements, poles, ducts and conduits that are available from cable television
operators, incumbent local exchange carriers, railways, subways, electric, gas
and water utilities and municipal, state and federal street and highway
authorities. TCG plans to continue making selected acquisitions of existing
local telecommunications networks in markets in which it has existing local
telecommunications operations or which are geographically proximate to such
markets, as well as in markets that are otherwise attractive to TCG. The
Company's use of BizTel as its primary and preferred provider of 38 GHz
services offers the Company the opportunity to market telecommunications
facilities to customers in geographical areas where the Company has not yet
constructed, and may not find it economical to construct, fiber optic
facilities.
20
<PAGE>
The Company leases network hub sites and other facility locations and sales
and administrative offices in each of the cities in which it operates
networks. During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, rental expense
for operating leases totaled $18.0 million and $31.4 million, respectively. On
a pro forma basis, rental expense for operating leases totaled $20.4 million
for the year ended December 31, 1996. The Company has no significant real
estate holdings. Management believes that its properties, taken as a whole,
are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for the
Company's business operations. The Company currently leases approximately
200,000 square feet of space at The Teleport complex in Staten Island, New
York, where it maintains its headquarters, approximately 190,000 square feet
in Dayton, New Jersey, where its principal executive offices are located, and
approximately 70,000 square feet in Englewood, Colorado where its National
Customer Care Center is located.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In April 1997, a complaint was filed seeking damages in an unspecified
amount against the Company in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois by
two former customers of the Company and an alleged class purporting to consist
of investors in one of the customers, alleging fraud and breach of contract.
The initial complaint was dismissed in September 1997 and an amended complaint
was refiled by the plaintiffs in October 1997. The Company believes that the
allegations are without merit and that it possesses meritorious counterclaims
for damages arising from breach of contract. The Company additionally believes
that any costs arising from this lawsuit will not have a material adverse
effect on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
On December 16, 1997, prior to public announcement of the AT&T Merger, an
action was filed by one TCG public stockholder in the Delaware Court of
Chancery against TCG, TCG's directors and the Cable Stockholders. The
plaintiff's complaint alleges that, based on public reports, TCG's directors,
management and controlling stockholders were negotiating the sale of TCG to
AT&T on a preferential basis. This sale on a preferential basis, the complaint
alleges, would offer little or no premium over the current market price of TCG
Class A Common Stock and is therefore unfair and inadequate to TCG's public
stockholders. The plaintiff seeks to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or,
alternatively, to rescind the transaction and/or recover damages in the event
that the transaction is consummated. The complaint seeks to have the action
certified for class action status and to appoint the plaintiff as the class
representative.
On January 12, 1998, an action was filed by two TCG public stockholders in
the Delaware Court of Chancery against TCG, certain TCG directors and
officers, the Cable Stockholders and AT&T. The complaint alleges that the
exchange ratio in the AT&T Merger represents an inadequate premium for
stockholders of TCG Class A Common Stock. The complaint further alleges that
the actions of the TCG directors, officers and Cable Stockholders in
connection with the AT&T Merger constitute a breach of various fiduciary
duties owed to the stockholders TCG Class A Common Stock. The plaintiffs seek
to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or, alternatively, to rescind the
transaction and/or recover damages in the event that the transaction is
consummated. The complaint seeks to have the action certified for class action
status and to appoint the plaintiffs as the class representatives.
On January 28, 1998, an action was filed by a TCG public stockholder in the
Delaware Court of Chancery against TCG, certain TCG directors and officers,
and the Cable Stockholders. The complaint alleges that the exchange ratio in
the AT&T Merger represents an inadequate premium for stockholders of TCG Class
A Common Stock. The complaint further alleges that the actions of the TCG
directors, officers and Cable Stockholders in connection with the AT&T Merger
constitute a breach of various duties owed to the stockholders of TCG Class A
Common Stock. The plaintiffs seek to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or,
alternatively, to rescind the transaction and/or recover damages and fees in
the event that the transaction is consummated. The complaint seeks to have the
action certified for class action status and to appoint the plaintiff as the
class representative.
Plaintiffs' counsel in the above three putative stockholder class action
proceedings have agreed (i) to defer the obligation of the defendants to
answer the actions and (ii) to consolidate the actions by filing an amended
consolidated complaint. As of the end of February 1998, the amended
consolidated complaint had not been filed.
21
<PAGE>
The Company believes that these proceedings, individually and in the
aggregate, are without merit and that any associated costs will not have a
material adverse effect on TCG's financial condition, results of operations or
cash flows.
The Company is a party to various claims and legal proceedings arising in
the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that such claims
or proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Amended and Restated Stockholders'
Agreement, dated as of June 26, 1996, among the Company and the Cable
Stockholders, by unanimous vote of each of the holders of the Company's Class
B Common Stock on November 19, 1997, John R. Alchin, having been designated a
nominee by Comcast, was elected as a Director of the Company to fill the
vacancy created by the resignation of Brian L. Roberts.
Pursuant to a Voting Agreement among the Cable Stockholders and AT&T, each
Cable Stockholder executed and delivered to TCG a written consent, dated
January 8, 1998, in favor of and approving the AT&T Agreement and the AT&T
Merger. As a result, so long as the AT&T Agreement is not amended and no
provision of it is waived, no further vote or meeting of TCG stockholders is
necessary to approve or consummate the AT&T Merger. See "Business--The AT&T
Merger."
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET PRICE FOR REGISTRANT'S CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Price Range of Class A Common Stock
The Registrant's Class A Common Stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq
National Market on June 27, 1996 under the symbol "TCGI". As of March 5, 1998,
the last reported sale price of the Class A Common Stock was $54 3/8. As of
March 4, 1998, there were approximately 12,410 holders of record of the Class
A Common Stock. The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices of
the Class A Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market for each of
the quarters in the period commencing June 27, 1996 through the quarter ended
December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 HIGH LOW
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Second Quarter............................................ $19 1/8 $16
Third Quarter............................................. 27 3/8 14 1/8
Fourth Quarter............................................ 35 3/8 22
<CAPTION>
1997
----
<S> <C> <C>
First Quarter............................................. 35 1/4 22 5/8
Second Quarter............................................ 34 1/8 21
Third Quarter............................................. 46 1/8 33 1/2
Fourth Quarter............................................ 60 7/32 44 1/4
</TABLE>
Dividend Policy
The Registrant has never paid or declared dividends on its capital stock and
intends to retain future earnings to finance the development and expansion of
its networks and operations. The Registrant does not anticipate paying any
cash dividends in the foreseeable future on its capital stock. Any decision
whether to pay cash dividends will be made by the Company's Board of Directors
in light of the conditions then existing, including the Company's results of
operations, financial condition and requirements, business conditions and
other factors. In addition, the Indentures governing the Registrant's 9 7/8%
Senior Notes due 2006 and 11 1/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2007 contain
covenants which may limit the ability of the Registrant to pay dividends on
the Class A Common Stock.
22
<PAGE>
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During 1997, the Registrant issued (i) an aggregate of 2,100,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock in connection with the acquisition of CERFnet, (ii)
2,757,083 shares of Class A Common Stock in connection with the acquisition of
ETC, and (iii) 1,667,624 whole shares of Class A Common Stock in connection
with the acquisition of BizTel. See "Business--Other Recent Developments." The
issuance of Class A Common Stock in each acquisition was deemed exempt from
the registration requirements of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(2)
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The recipients of Class A Common
Stock in each transaction represented their intentions to acquire the Class A
Common Stock for investment purposes only and not with a view to or for sale
in connection with any distribution of Class A Common Stock.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following tables present historical summary combined financial data for
the years 1993, 1994 and 1995, derived from the combined audited historical
financial statements of TCG and TCG Partners. The selected financial data set
forth below for the years 1996 and 1997 have been derived from the
consolidated financial statements of TCG. The financial statements for the
years 1995 through 1997 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP,
independent auditors, whose report thereon appears elsewhere in this Form
10-K.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenues:
Telecommunications
service............... $ 494,304 $ 244,864 $ 134,652 $ 99,983 $ 82,374
Management and royalty
fees(1)............... -- 22,805 31,517 20,691 1,555
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Total Revenues.......... 494,304 267,669 166,169 120,674 83,929
Operating expenses...... 283,440 157,591 93,118 76,572 54,218
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses(2)............ 165,977 85,025 50,475 39,989 34,281
In-process research and
development costs(3)... 22,000 -- -- -- --
Depreciation and
amortization........... 155,402 78,416 37,837 19,933 16,197
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating loss.......... (132,515) (53,363) (15,261) (15,820) (20,767)
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Interest:
Interest income........ 31,111 30,219 4,067 1,711 1,072
Interest expense....... (116,172) (73,633) (23,331) (5,079) (1,407)
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net Interest expense.... (85,061) (43,414) (19,264) (3,368) (335)
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Minority interest(4).... -- 3,520 663 1,395 796
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated
affiliates............. (3,427) (19,400) (19,541) (11,763) (2,114)
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before income
taxes.................. (221,003) (112,657) (53,403) (29,556) (22,420)
Income tax (provision)
benefit................ (1,664) (2,193) (401) (433) 4,149
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss................ $ (222,667) $ (114,850) $ (53,804) $ (29,989) $ (18,271)
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
Net loss per share...... $ (1.34) $ (1.00) $ (0.77) $ (0.43) $ (0.26)
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
Weighted average number
of shares.............. 165,728,059 114,443,695 70,000,140 70,000,140 70,000,140
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
OTHER DATA:
EBITDA(5)............... $ 44,887 $ 25,053 $ 22,576 $ 4,113 $ (4,570)
Cash flows from
operating activities... (21,211) 93,618 36,141 87,753 47,438
Cash flows from
investing activities... (341,624) (913,513) (207,967) (265,026) (149,107)
Cash flows from
financing activities... 258,626 1,085,573 157,688 171,557 129,822
Capital
expenditures(6)........ 501,035 308,112 154,807 143,276 155,184
Ratio of earnings to
fixed charges(7)....... -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AS OF DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
---------- ---------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents
and marketable
securities............... $ 480,159 $ 718,346 $ 11,862 $ 26,000 $ 31,716
Working capital........... 224,889 545,325 (47,083) (32,719) (15,278)
Fixed assets--at cost..... 1,873,083 1,304,229 545,653 422,964 329,686
Total assets.............. 2,456,301 2,050,097 614,793 486,983 365,202
Long-term debt (including
capital lease
obligations)............. 1,054,079 1,021,063 368,464 200,462 29,689
Minority interest......... -- -- 4,409 2,903 12,661
Stockholder's equity and
partners' capital
(deficit)................ 1,031,616 796,870 125,348 179,152 209,141
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Under the terms of various management services arrangements among TCG and
its unconsolidated Local Market Partnerships and certain other affiliates,
TCG provided operating and administrative support services to such
entities, for which it earned management fees. Upon consummation of the
TCG Reorganization, these fees were no longer reflected as revenues.
(2) Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses are expenses
incurred for services provided to the Local Market Partnerships, in the
amounts of $21.4 million, $29.6 million, $19.4 million and $1.4 million
for the years 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.
(3) In December 1997, TCG evaluated the acquired assets and liabilities of
CERFnet, and as a result of the evaluation, TCG expensed acquired in-
process research and development costs.
(4) Minority interest reflects Fidelity Communications Inc.'s equity interest
in Teleport Communications Boston for 1993 and 1994; a Cox affiliate's
interest in TCG San Diego for 1993 and 1994; and TCI and Continental
affiliates' interests in TCG St. Louis for 1994 and 1995 and 1996. In
1996, after giving effect to the TCG Reorganization and the debt and
equity offerings consummated in July 1996, the minority interest reflects
Viacom Telecom, Inc.'s equity interests of 22.2% and 22.9% in TCG Seattle
and TCG San Francisco, respectively, and InterMedia Partners' equity
interest of 4.2% in TCG San Francisco. In 1997 TCG no longer recorded
minority interest for the Local Market Partnerships due to the completion
of the TCG Reorganization.
(5) EBITDA consists of earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes,
depreciation, amortization, minority interest and equity in losses of
unconsolidated affiliates. It is a measure commonly used in the
telecommunications industry and is presented to assist in understanding
TCG's operating results. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flows or
results of operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods
indicated. TCG's use of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures due to the use by other companies of different financial
statement components in calculating EBITDA. In 1997, this amount
represents Recurring EBITDA which is defined as EBITDA excluding a one-
time non-recurring charge for acquired in-process research and development
costs.
(6) Capital expenditures for 1996 are net of the effect of the inclusion of
the Local Market Partnerships as of June 30, 1996.
(7) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing pre-tax
income from operations before fixed charges (other than capitalized
interest) by fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest charges and
the amortization of debt expense and discount or premium related to
indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized, and that portion of rental
expense the Company believes to be representative of interest. For the
years 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, earnings were insufficient to cover
fixed charges by $221.0 million, $116.2 million, $54.1 million, $31.0
million and $23.2 million, respectively.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
TCG, the first and largest CLEC in the United States, offers comprehensive
telecommunications services in major metropolitan markets nationwide. The
Company competes with ILECs by providing high quality, integrated
telecommunications services, primarily over fiber optic digital networks, to
meet the voice, data and video transmission needs of its customers. TCG's
customers are principally telecommunications intensive-businesses, healthcare
and educational institutions, governmental agencies, long distance carriers
and resellers,
24
<PAGE>
Internet service providers, disaster recovery service providers, wireless
communications companies and financial services companies. TCG offers these
customers technologically advanced telecommunications services, as well as
superior customer service, flexible pricing and vendor and route diversity.
During 1997 TCG completed the acquisitions of ETC, now known as TCG Delaware
Valley, Inc., CERFnet, now known as TCG CERFnet, Inc. and BizTel. TCG expects
to complete the acquisitions of ACC Corp. and of Kansas City Fiber Network,
L.P. by the end of the second quarter of 1998.
On January 8, 1998, TCG entered into the AT&T Agreement. In the AT&T Merger,
each share of TCG Common Stock will be converted into 0.943 of a share of AT&T
common stock. The AT&T Agreement contains customary representations and
warranties of the parties, which will not survive effectiveness of the AT&T
Merger. In addition, the AT&T Agreement contains certain restrictions on the
conduct of TCG's business prior to the consummation of the AT&T Merger.
Pursuant to the AT&T Agreement, TCG has agreed, for the period prior to the
AT&T Merger, to operate its business in the ordinary course, refrain from
taking various corporate actions without the consent of AT&T, and not solicit
or enter into negotiations or agreements relating to a competing business
combination. See "Business--The AT&T Merger".
For over 13 years, TCG has developed, operated and expanded its local
telecommunications networks. During the fourth quarter, TCG added eight new
markets, which brings total MSAs served by TCG to 65. These 65 MSAs are in
metropolitan New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco,
Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Dallas, Houston,
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Seattle, San Diego, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Phoenix,
Denver, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Hartford, Omaha, Providence, Cleveland,
Portland (Oregon), Salt Lake City, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville,
Birmingham, Cincinnati, Columbus (Ohio), Charlotte, Tampa Bay, Sacramento,
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Atlanta and Orlando, including 19 of the 20 largest
metropolitan areas. As of December 31, 1997, the fiber optic networks of the
Company's wholly-owned subsidiaries spanned over 9,470 route miles, contained
over 491,090 fiber miles and served approximately 13,510 buildings.
On July 2, 1996, TCG issued 27,025,000 shares of TCG Class A Common Stock
(the "Stock Offering") which resulted in gross proceeds of approximately
$432.4 million as part of an initial public offering, $300 million of 9 7/8%
Senior Notes due 2006 (the "1996 Senior Notes") and $1,073 million aggregate
principal amount at maturity of 11 1/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2007 (the
"1996 Senior Discount Notes" and, together with the 1996 Senior Notes, the
"1996 Notes"). Prior to the 1996 Notes offering and the Stock Offering
(collectively, the "1996 Offerings"). TCG was owned by subsidiaries of the
Cable Stockholders. The business was operated through TCG and, beginning in
1992, TCG Partners, which is a New York general partnership owned prior to the
TCG Reorganization by the Cable Stockholders in the same percentages as TCG.
TCG Partners was formed to invest, with TCG, the Cable Stockholders and other
cable operators, in 14 Local Market Partnerships to develop and operate local
telecommunications networks. The Local Market Partnerships were owned by TCG,
and/or TCG Partners, certain of the Cable Stockholders which had cable
operations in the particular markets addressed by the Local Market
Partnerships and, in some cases, other cable operators in such markets. To
simplify this complex ownership structure, the Company and the Cable
Stockholders completed the TCG Reorganization whereby, TCG agreed to
consolidate the ownership of TCG Partners and of the Local Market Partnerships
as wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCG. As part of this process, certain of the
other cable operators agreed to sell their interests in the Local Market
Partnerships to TCG directly or through a Cable Stockholder. See "Business--
The TCG Reorganization". The financial statements for one of the Local Market
Partnerships were previously consolidated with those of TCG. Therefore, as a
result of the TCG Reorganization, TCG consolidated the financial statements of
the remaining 13 of the 14 Local Market Partnerships.
In response to customer demand, the Company plans to increase the geographic
reach and density of its existing networks by deploying additional fiber optic
rings and connecting additional customers to its networks. The costs
associated with the initial installation and expansion of each network,
including development, installation, certain organizational costs and early
operating expenses, are significant and result in negative cash flow for that
market until an adequate customer base and revenue stream have been
established. In addition to
25
<PAGE>
capital expenditures, TCG begins to incur direct operating costs upon
commencement of the installation phase of a network for such items as salaries
and office rent. The exact amounts and timing of these expenditures and costs
are subject to a variety of factors which may vary greatly by geographic
market. As network installation progresses, TCG incurs rights-of-way costs,
increased sales and marketing expenses (including sales commissions) and, in
certain markets, franchise fees and taxes paid to local governments based on
revenue. Although TCG's revenues have increased substantially, TCG's expenses
associated with the expansion and development of its local telecommunications
networks have exceeded such revenues. TCG expects its net losses to grow as it
continues to expand its networks. However, generally, after the network
infrastructure is established, TCG can add customers and increase revenues
with less additional expense. After a customer is added and the volume of such
customer's communications traffic handled by TCG grows, incremental revenues
can be added with minimal additional expense, providing significant
contributions to EBITDA (earnings (loss) before interest, income taxes,
depreciation, amortization, minority interest and equity in losses of
unconsolidated affiliates). For 1997, "Recurring EBITDA" is defined as EBITDA
excluding a one-time non-recurring charge for acquired in-process research and
development costs. See "Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 1996--EBITDA."
As of December 31, 1997, TCG's consolidated financial statements reflect the
results of TCG's wholly-owned subsidiaries. The consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows include equity in the losses of BizTel for ten
months and of ETC for two months. See "Business--Other Recent Developments".
On June 1, 1997, TCG entered into a Technical Services Agreement with KCFN
whereby TCG assumed managerial oversight of the day-to-day operations of KCFN.
TCG has recorded the results of operations from that date.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, TCG's capital expenditures, its
acquisitions and working capital were funded by the 1997 Equity Offering,
which raised approximately $328.7 million of aggregate gross proceeds and the
1996 Offerings, which raised approximately $1.3 billion of aggregate gross
proceeds.
The development of TCG's business, the construction and expansion of its
telecommunications networks and its operating expenses require significant
expenditures, often resulting in negative cash flow. Although TCG generated
positive Recurring EBITDA for 1997, several of its subsidiaries did not and
will not generate positive EBITDA until such time as adequate customer bases
are established.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following tables present historical financial information for 1997 and
1996 and unaudited pro forma financial data for 1996, as if the TCG
Reorganization had occurred at the beginning of the year. Pro forma
adjustments include the reversal of TCG's equity in losses of 13 Local Market
Partnerships for 1996, as well as amortization of the goodwill which was
recorded upon closing of the transactions and the reduction of interest
expense from the conversion to equity of subordinated debt owed by TCG to the
Cable Stockholders. Such information is presented for a more meaningful
comparison between 1997 and 1996. The unaudited pro forma financial data does
not purport to represent what TCG's results of operations or financial
condition would actually have been if the transactions that give the rise to
the pro forma adjustments had occurred on the date assumed.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRO FORMA FOR THE
TCG REORGANIZATION (5)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, YEAR ENDED
-------------------------- DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996 1996
------------ ------------ ----------------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
DATA:
Revenues:
Telecommunications
service.................. $ 494,304 $ 244,864 $ 283,383
Management and royalty
fees from Local Market
Partnerships(1).......... -- 22,805 --
------------ ------------ ------------
Total Revenues.............. 494,304 267,669 283,383
Operating expenses.......... 283,440 157,591 172,374
Selling, general and
administrative
expenses(2)................ 165,977 85,025 98,436
In-process research and
development costs(3)....... 22,000 -- --
Depreciation and
amortization............... 155,402 78,416 96,260
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating loss.............. (132,515) (53,363) (83,687)
------------ ------------ ------------
Interest:
Interest income........... 31,111 30,219 29,163
Interest expense.......... (116,172) (73,633) (66,946)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net Interest expense........ (85,061) (43,414) (37,783)
------------ ------------ ------------
Minority interest(4)........ -- 3,520 4,713
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated affiliates.. (3,427) (19,400) (7,650)
------------ ------------ ------------
Loss before income taxes.... (221,003) (112,657) (124,407)
Income tax provision........ (1,664) (2,193) (2,193)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net loss.................... $ (222,667) $ (114,850) $ (126,600)
============ ============ ============
Net loss per share.......... $ (1.34) $ (1.00) $ (0.86)
============ ============ ============
Weighted average number of
shares..................... 165,728,059 114,443,695 146,423,705
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Under the terms of various management services arrangements among TCG and
its unconsolidated Local Market Partnerships and certain other affiliates,
TCG provided operating and administrative support services to such
entities, for which it earned management fees. Upon consummation of the
TCG Reorganization, these fees were no longer reflected as revenues.
(2) Included in selling, general, and administrative expenses are expenses
incurred for services provided to the Local Market Partnerships, in the
amount of $21.4 million, for the year 1996.
(3) In December 1997, TCG evaluated the acquired assets and liabilities of
CERFnet, and as a result of the evaluation, TCG expensed acquired in-
process research and development costs.
(4) Minority interest reflects TCI and Continental affiliates' interests in
TCG St. Louis for 1996. In 1996, after giving effect to the TCG
Reorganization and the debt and equity offerings consummated in 1996, the
minority interest reflects Viacom Telecom, Inc.'s equity interests of
22.2% and 22.9% in TCG Seattle
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<PAGE>
and TCG San Francisco, respectively, and InterMedia Partners' equity
interest of 4.2% in TCG San Francisco. In 1997 TCG no longer recorded
minority interest for the Local Market Partnerships due to the completion
of the TCG Reorganization.
(5) Pro forma financial information for the year ended December 31, 1996 is as
if the TCG Reorganization had occurred at the beginning of the year. Pro
forma adjustments include the reversal of TCG's equity in the losses of 13
Local Market Partnerships, as well as amortization of the goodwill which
was recorded upon closing of the transactions and the reduction of
interest expense from the conversion to equity of subordinated debt owned
by TCG to the Cable Stockholders. Such information is presented for a more
meaningful comparison between 1997 and 1996.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
Revenues
Total revenues increased to $494.3 million for 1997 from $267.7 million for
1996, representing an increase of $226.6 million, or 85%. Pursuant to the TCG
Reorganization, TCG consolidated the financial statements of the Local Market
Partnerships, which accounted for 17% of total revenue for the year ended
December 31, 1997. Telecommunications services revenue increased to $494.3
million for 1997 from $244.9 million for 1996, an increase of $249.4 million,
or 102%. Revenues increased in every category, most significantly in switched
services. These increases reflect increased sales of services in existing and
new markets and the growth of TCG's customer base. Had telecommunications
services revenue generated by unconsolidated Local Market Partnerships been
included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company for all of
1996, total revenues would have increased to $494.3 million for 1997 from
$283.4 million for 1996, on a pro forma basis, an increase of $210.9 million,
or 74%. This growth in revenues is a direct result of increased market
penetration of all telecommunications services offered in existing markets and
the addition of new markets. Total revenues for the year ended December 31,
1997, include $48.1 million attributable to (i) ETC and CERFnet, which were
acquired by TCG during the first quarter of 1997, and (ii) BizTel, which was
acquired by TCG in the last quarter of 1997. TCG consolidated the financial
statements of ETC, CERFnet and BizTel from the dates of acquisition.
Annualized monthly recurring revenue increased to approximately $619.9
million for December 1997 from $329.0 million on a pro forma basis for
December 1996, an increase of $290.9 million, or 88%. Monthly recurring
revenue represents monthly service charges billable to telecommunications
services customers for the month indicated, excluding non-recurring revenues
for certain one-time services, such as installation fees or equipment charges.
Switched services revenue increased to $215.2 million for 1997 from $113.0
million on a pro forma basis for 1996, an increase of $102.2 million, or 90%.
The increase is due primarily to: increases in switched, local and toll
services revenue; long distance carrier access usage volumes; and sales of
additional enhanced switched services products to customers in existing and
new markets. Dedicated services revenue increased to $252.4 million for 1997
from $161.7 million for 1996, on a pro forma basis, an increase of $90.7
million, or 56%. TCG's data and Internet revenues increased to $22.1 million
for 1997 from $1.5 million on a pro forma basis for 1996, an increase of $20.6
million.
Management fees were directly related to operating and administrative
support services provided by TCG to the Local Market Partnerships. Royalty
fees were charged to the Local Market Partnerships based on revenue. As a
result of the TCG Reorganization, management and royalty fees from the Local
Market Partnerships were no longer reflected as revenue beginning July 1,
1996, due to the consolidation of the Local Market Partnerships.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased to $283.4 million for 1997 from $157.6 million
for 1996, an increase of $125.8 million, or 80%. Pursuant to the TCG
Reorganization, TCG consolidated the financial statements of the Local Market
Partnerships, the operating expenses of which accounted for 17% of the total
operating expenses
28
<PAGE>
for the year ended December 31, 1997. The remaining increases are primarily
attributable to costs associated with the expansion of networks throughout the
country, including compensation costs for technical personnel, access, bad
debt, rent and maintenance expenses. The increase in operating expenses is
also attributable to the access and maintenance expenses associated with the
growth of switched services in existing markets and the expansion into new
markets. Offsetting these expense increases are reductions in expenses due to
renegotiation of interconnection agreements with ILECs. Operating expenses
increased to $283.4 million for 1997 from $172.4 million on a pro forma basis
for 1996, an increase of $111.0 million, or 64%. Operating expenses were
approximately 57% and 59% of revenue for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, and 61% of revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 on
a pro forma basis.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $166.0 million for
1997 from $85.0 million for 1996, an increase of $81.0 million, or 95%.
Pursuant to the TCG Reorganization, TCG has consolidated the financial
statements of the Local Market Partnerships, the selling, general and
administrative expenses of which accounted for 23% of the total selling,
general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997. The
remaining increase is a result of the continued expansion of network
infrastructure to support continued expansion of the Company's networks,
including costs associated with servicing the increased number of dedicated,
switched, data and Internet services customers. These costs include expenses
related to compensation, including commissions, occupancy, professional fees
and various marketing and promotional expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses increased to $166.0 million for 1997 from $98.4
million, on a pro forma basis, for 1996, an increase of $67.6 million, or 69%.
Selling, general and administrative expenses were approximately 34% and 32% of
revenue for the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, and 35%
of revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 on a pro forma basis.
EBITDA
TCG recorded a one-time, non-recurring charge of $22 million for certain
acquired in-process research and development costs related to the acquisition
of CERFnet. For comparison purposes, Recurring EBITDA for 1997 is defined as
EBITDA excluding the one-time charge for acquired in-process research and
development costs. Recurring EBITDA increased to $44.9 million for 1997 from
EBITDA of $25.1 million for 1996, an increase of $19.8 million. The increase
in Recurring EBITDA is primarily attributable to increases in dedicated and
switched revenues. Recurring EBITDA increased to $44.9 million for 1997 from
EBITDA of $12.6 million on a pro forma basis for 1996, an increase of $32.3
million. Comparing 1997 to 1996 on a pro forma basis, TCG has reduced its
operating and administrative expenses, as a percentage of revenues, primarily
by obtaining lower unit access costs through negotiation of, and participation
in, regulatory proceedings relating to various interconnection and reciprocal
agreements with ILECs across the country, and by obtaining greater
efficiencies through automation.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $155.4 million for 1997
from $78.4 million for 1996, an increase of $77.0 million, or 98%. This
increase is primarily attributable to increased depreciation associated with
the expansion of the local telecommunications networks throughout the country
and increased amortization of goodwill, FCC licenses and other intangibles
related to various 1997 and 1996 acquisitions. Depreciation and amortization
expense increased to $155.4 million for 1997 from $96.3 million on a pro forma
basis for 1996, an increase of $59.1 million, or 61%.
Interest Income
Interest income increased to $31.1 million for 1997 from $30.2 million for
1996, an increase of $0.9 million. This increase is attributable to an
increase in the average outstanding balance of cash and cash equivalents and
marketable securities that resulted from the proceeds of the 1996 Offerings
and the 1997 Equity Offering.
29
<PAGE>
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased to $116.2 million for 1997 from $73.6 million for
1996, an increase of $42.6 million. This increase resulted from interest on
the Company's Senior Notes, Senior Discount Notes and the TCI Subordinated
Note. The TCI Subordinated Note was repaid on December 31, 1997, at a
discounted value of $25.1 million. In 1996, TCG recorded interest on the
Revolving Credit Agreement and borrowings under the loan facility with the
Cable Stockholders. Pursuant to the TCG Reorganization, TCG no longer had
these debts, and therefore, no interest expense was recorded in 1997.
Offsetting this decrease is the interest expense recorded on the bank debt
which TCG assumed in the acquisition of ETC.
Equity in Losses of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates decreased to $3.4 million for
1997 from $19.4 million for 1996, or a decrease of $16.0 million. This
decrease resulted primarily from the consolidation of the Local Market
Partnerships and ETC.
Income Taxes
In 1997 and 1996, TCG generated net operating losses and, accordingly,
incurred a net tax benefit. In accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," such tax
benefit was fully offset, each year, by a valuation allowance. Both the 1997
and 1996 provisions for income taxes resulted from state income taxes where
TCG is required to file separate state income tax returns.
At December 31, 1997, TCG had operating loss carry-forwards for tax purposes
of approximately $523.0 million, expiring principally in 2003 through 2013.
Approximately $49.0 million of the net operating loss carryforward relates to
the acquisitions of BizTel and ETC.
Net Loss
The Company's results for 1997 reflected a net loss of $222.7 million,
compared to a net loss of $114.9 million for 1996, or an increase of $107.8
million. This increase in net loss is attributable to the factors discussed
above. Net loss increased to $222.7 million for 1997 from $126.6 million on a
pro forma basis for 1996, or an increase of $96.1 million.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
Revenues
Total revenues increased to $267.7 million for 1996 from $166.2 million for
1995, representing an increase of $101.5 million, or 61%. Telecommunications
services revenue increased to $244.9 million for 1996 from $134.7 million for
1995, an increase of $110.2 million, or 82%. Revenue increased in every
category, most significantly in switched services. These increases reflect
increased sales of services in existing and new markets and the growth of
TCG's customer base.
During 1996, TCG expanded its dedicated services markets to Salt Lake City,
Portland (Oregon), Cleveland and Washington D.C. It also expanded its switched
services markets to Indianapolis, Denver, and New Jersey and installed a
second switch in its Boston metropolitan serving area. TCG significantly
increased revenue from the Company's data services line of business in 1996 by
$3.0 million, an increase of 290% from 1995.
On a pro forma basis, had telecommunications services revenue generated by
unconsolidated Local Market Partnerships been included in the consolidated
financial statements of the Company in 1996 and the combined financial
statements of TCG and TCG Partners in 1995, total revenues would have
increased to $283.4 million
30
<PAGE>
for 1996 from $184.9 million for 1995, an increase of $98.5 million, or 53%.
This growth in revenues is a direct result of increased market penetration of
all telecommunications services offered in existing markets and the addition
of new markets. On a pro forma basis, annualized monthly recurring revenue
increased to approximately $329.0 million for December 1996 from $211.1
million for December 1995, an increase of $117.9 million, or 56%. Monthly
recurring revenue represents monthly service charges billable to
telecommunications services customers for the month indicated, but excludes
non-recurring revenues for certain one-time services, such as installation
fees or equipment charges.
On a pro forma basis, switched services revenue increased to $113.0 million
for 1996 from $63.9 million for 1995, an increase of $49.1 million, or 77%.
The increase is due primarily to: increases in switched, local and toll
services revenue; long distance carrier access usage volumes; and sales of
additional enhanced switched services products to customers in existing and
new markets. On a pro forma basis, dedicated services revenue increased to
$161.7 million for 1996 from $116.5 million, which included $1.7 million in
data services products for 1995, an increase of $45.2 million, or 39%.
Management and royalty fees from Local Market Partnerships decreased to
$22.8 million for 1996, a decrease of $8.7 million, or 28%, from $31.5 million
for 1995. Management fees are directly related to operating and administrative
support services provided by TCG to the former Local Market Partnerships. The
royalty fees were charged to the Local Market Partnerships based on revenue.
As a result of the TCG Reorganization, management and royalty fees from the
Local Market Partnerships are no longer reflected as revenue beginning July 1,
1996, due to the consolidation of the Local Market Partnerships.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased to $157.6 million for 1996 from $93.1 million
for 1995, an increase of $64.5 million, or 69%. This increase is primarily
attributable to costs associated with the expansion of networks throughout the
country, including technical personnel costs and access, rights-of-way, node,
rent and maintenance expenses. The increase in operating expenses is also
attributable to the access and maintenance expenses associated with the growth
of switched services in existing markets and the expansion into new markets.
On a pro forma basis, operating expenses, which included expenses generated by
the Local Market Partnerships, increased to $172.4 million for 1996 from
$112.6 million for 1995, an increase of $59.8 million, or 53%.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $85.0 million for
1996 from $50.5 million for 1995, an increase of $34.5 million, or 68%. This
increase is a result of the continued expansion of network infrastructure to
support continued expansion of the Company's networks, including costs
associated with servicing the increased number of both dedicated and switched
services customers. These costs include expenses related to compensation,
occupancy, insurance and professional fees. On a pro forma basis, selling,
general and administrative expenses which included expenses generated by the
Local Market Partnerships, increased to $98.4 million for 1996 from $71.7
million for 1995, an increase of $26.7 million, or 37%.
EBITDA
EBITDA increased to $25.1 million for 1996 from $22.6 million for 1995, an
increase of $2.5 million. This increase is primarily attributable to increases
in dedicated and switched revenues. Additionally, on a pro forma basis, TCG
has reduced its operating and administrative expenses, as a percentage of
revenues, primarily by obtaining lower unit access costs through negotiation
of, and participation in, regulatory proceedings relating to various
interconnection and reciprocal agreements with ILECs across the country, and
by obtaining greater efficiencies through automation. On a pro forma basis,
EBITDA increased to $12.6 million for 1996 from $0.6 million for 1995, an
increase of $12.0 million. The Local Market Partnerships are included in the
pro forma financial data as a result of the TCG Reorganization.
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Depreciation and Amortization Expense
Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $78.4 million for 1996
from $37.8 million for 1995, an increase of $40.6 million, or 107%. This
increase is primarily attributable to increased depreciation associated with
the expansion of the local telecommunications networks throughout the country
and increased amortization of goodwill related to various 1996 acquisitions.
On a pro forma basis, depreciation and amortization expense, which included
depreciation and amortization of the Local Market Partnerships, increased to
$96.3 million for 1996 from $62.8 million for 1995, an increase of $33.5
million, or 53%.
Interest Income
Interest income increased to $30.2 million for 1996 from $4.1 million for
1995, an increase of $26.1 million. This increase is attributable to interest
earned on the cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities that
resulted from the proceeds of the 1996 Offerings.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased to $73.6 million for 1996 from $23.3 million for
1995, an increase of $50.3 million. This increase resulted from interest on
the Company's Senior Notes, Senior Discount Notes, and the TCI Subordinated
Note, offset by the absence of approximately six months of interest associated
with the Revolving Credit Agreement and borrowings under a loan agreement from
the Cable Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 1996.
Equity in Losses of Unconsolidated Affiliates
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates decreased to $19.4 million for
1996 from $19.5 million for 1995, a decrease of $0.1 million. This decrease
resulted from the consolidation of the Local Market Partnerships in June 1996,
offset by greater losses in 1996 versus 1995.
Income Taxes
In 1996 and 1995, TCG generated net operating losses and, accordingly,
incurred a net tax benefit. In accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," such tax
benefit was fully offset, each year, by a valuation allowance. Both the 1996
and 1995 provisions for income taxes resulted from state income taxes where
TCG is required to file separate state income tax returns.
At December 31, 1996, TCG had operating loss carry-forwards for tax purposes
of approximately $170.5 million, expiring principally in 2009 through 2012.
Net Loss
The Company's results for 1996 reflected a net loss of $114.9 million,
compared to a net loss of $53.8 million for 1995, an increase of $61.1
million. This increase in net loss is attributable to the factors discussed
above. On a pro forma basis, net loss increased to $126.6 million for 1996
from $67.6 million for 1995, an increase of $59.0 million.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 1997, TCG had total assets of approximately $2.5 billion,
an increase of approximately $400.0 million from $2.1 billion as of December
31, 1996. The Company's current assets of $600.2 million as of December 31,
1997, exceeded current liabilities of $375.3 million, providing working
capital of $224.9 million. Network and equipment, net of depreciation as of
December 31, 1997, aggregated approximately $1.5 billion.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 was $258.6 million and $1.1 billion, respectively. Cash flows
from financing activities for 1997 consisted primarily of
32
<PAGE>
proceeds from the 1997 Equity Offering and to a lesser extent from the
exercise of employee stock options, and such cash flows were partially offset
by the repayment of the TCI Subordinated Note and principal payments on
capital leases. Cash flows from financing activities for 1996 consisted
primarily of proceeds from the 1996 Offerings and the issuance of long-term
debt, partially offset by the repayment of outstanding bank indebtedness and
the purchase of treasury stock. Net cash (used in) provided by operating
activities was $(21.2) million and $93.6 million for the years ended December
31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Net cash used for investing activities was
$341.6 million and $913.5 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively, comprised primarily of capital expenditures and purchases
of marketable securities in both years offset by the sale of certain
marketable securities and investment in and advances to unconsolidated
affiliates in 1996. As of December 31, 1997, cash and cash equivalents were
$173.3 million and marketable securities were $306.8 million.
TCG made capital expenditures of $501.0 million and $358.2 million on a pro
forma basis for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The
Company anticipates that capital expenditures (excluding acquisitions) will be
in excess of $1.1 billion in the aggregate in 1998, and will primarily be used
for the expansion, development and construction of its networks, the
acquisition and deployment of switches and the expansion of operating support
systems.
Earnings before fixed charges were insufficient to cover fixed charges for
the year ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 by $221.0 million and $116.2
million, respectively. On a pro forma basis for the TCG Reorganization, the
Company's earnings would have been insufficient to cover fixed charges for the
year ended December 31, 1996 by $129.1 million.
TCG has incurred significant net operating losses resulting from the
development and operation of new networks which TCG expects will continue as
it expands its networks. Persistent demands from TCG's customers for capital
intensive local services drives the development, construction and expansion of
its networks. While cash provided by operations may be sufficient to fund
modest incremental growth it may not be sufficient to fund the extensive
expansion and development of networks as currently planned.
Offerings
On July 2, 1996, TCG issued 27,025,000 shares of TCG Class A Common Stock
which resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $432.4 million as part of an
initial public offering, $300 million of 1996 Senior Notes and $1,073 million
aggregate principal amount at maturity of 1996 Senior Discount Notes. Prior to
the 1996 Offerings, TCG was owned by subsidiaries of the Cable Stockholders.
The business was operated through TCG and, beginning in 1992, TCG Partners,
which is a New York general partnership owned prior to the TCG Reorganization
by the Cable Stockholders in the same percentages as TCG. TCG Partners was
formed to invest, with TCG, the Cable Stockholders and other cable operators,
in 14 Local Market Partnerships to develop and operate local
telecommunications networks. The Local Market Partnerships were owned by TCG,
and/or TCG Partners, certain of the Cable Stockholders which had cable
operations in the particular markets addressed by the Local Market
Partnerships and, in some cases, other cable operators in such markets. To
simplify this complex ownership structure, the Company and the Cable
Stockholders completed the TCG Reorganization whereby, TCG agreed to
consolidate the ownership of TCG Partners and of the Local Market Partnerships
as wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCG. As part of this process, certain of the
other cable operators agreed to sell their interests in the Local Market
Partnerships to TCG directly or through a Cable Stockholder. See "Business--
The TCG Reorganization". The financial statements for one of the Local Market
Partnerships were previously consolidated with those of TCG. Therefore, as a
result of the TCG Reorganization TCG consolidated the financial statements of
only 13 of the 14 Local Market Partnerships.
On November 13, 1997, TCG consummated a public offering of 17,250,000 shares
of TCG Class A Common Stock (the "1997 Equity Offering"). Of the 17,250,000
shares, 7,304,408 shares were offered by TCG
33
<PAGE>
(realizing net proceeds of approximately $317.4 million after deducting the
underwriting discount and expenses of approximately $11.3 million to the
Company) and 9,945,592 shares were offered by Continental Holding Company, a
Massachusetts business trust, the shares of which are owned by Continental,
which is wholly owned by U S WEST, Inc. Continental acquired its interest in
TCG in May 1993. As a result of the consummation of the 1997 Equity Offering,
Continental does not hold any shares of TCG Common Stock.
TCG has invested the proceeds from the 1996 Offerings and the 1997 Equity
Offering in marketable securities such as Treasury bills, floating rate notes
and commercial paper. TCG will utilize the remaining proceeds to expand its
networks, for acquisitions and to provide funds for working capital.
Available Credit
Effective as of March 1, 1997, TCG completed its acquisition of ETC. As part
of the acquisition, TCG assumed ETC's credit facility with an outstanding
amount of $52.6 million. This facility, which ETC entered into in October
1995, is a $60.0 million credit facility (the "ETC Facility") with certain
banks. The ETC Facility provides for interest based upon either the base rate,
or London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), adjusted as defined in the ETC
Facility (7.4375% at December 31, 1997), which is payable quarterly. The
balance outstanding is due on September 30, 1998. Borrowings under the ETC
Facility are collateralized by substantially all of the assets and outstanding
common stock of TCG Delaware Valley, Inc. In addition, the ETC Facility
contains certain restrictive covenants which, among other things, requires TCG
Delaware Valley to maintain certain debt service coverage ratios and limit the
payment of dividends and capital expenditures. TCG is currently in compliance
with the terms of the covenants. In addition, TCG Delaware Valley is required
to pay .375% per year on the available portion of the ETC Facility. The total
outstanding balance at December 31, 1997, was $52.6 million.
To finance TCG's capital expenditures, acquisitions, investments, working
capital and for other general corporate purposes, TCG's wholly-owned
subsidiary, TCG New York, Inc. ("TCGNY"), amended its $250 million Revolving
Credit Agreement to a $400 million Revolving Credit Agreement on July 28,
1997. The Revolving Credit Agreement is secured by (i) the stock of the
following TCGNY wholly-owned subsidiaries: TC New York Holdings I, Inc., TC
New York Holdings II, Inc., TC Systems, Inc., TCG Payphones, Inc. and the
partnership interests in Teleport Communications, (ii) a negative pledge on
the assets and a pledge of the stock of each existing and future subsidiary of
TCGNY, (iii) a negative pledge on the contracts that relate to TCGNY
operations, (iv) upstream guarantees from any existing and future subsidiaries
of TCGNY and (v) a lien on all present and future intercompany indebtedness
owned to TCGNY from TCG and all of its subsidiaries. There is no outstanding
balance as of December 31, 1997. As of December 31, 1997, $344.4 million was
available to TCG under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various covenants and conditions,
including restrictions on additional indebtedness, maintenance of certain
financial ratios and limitations on capital expenditures TCG is currently in
compliance with the terms of these covenants. None of these covenants
negatively impact TCG's liquidity or capital resources at this time. In
addition, TCG is required to pay .375% per year on the available portion of
the Revolving Credit Agreement.
Future Commitments
TCG has agreed to purchase substantially all of the assets used in
connection with the fiber optic communications system of Kansas City Fiber
Network, L.P., a CLEC, a majority of the equity of which is owned by TCI and
Time Warner Communications. Pending the closing of such transaction, TCG is
providing certain services in connection with the operations of such
communications system, which is located in the Kansas City, Missouri/Overland
Park, Kansas metropolitan area. The purchase price is approximately $55
million in cash and TCG will be required to assume certain obligations of the
seller.
TCG intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of its shares pursuant to
the 1997 Equity Offering and the remaining proceeds from the 1996 Offerings to
expand and develop existing and new networks and for
34
<PAGE>
general corporate and working capital purposes, which may include
acquisitions. A significant portion of such proceeds will be contributed or
advanced to the Company's subsidiaries which own and operate the networks in
the local markets. Expected capital expenditures for the expansion,
development and acquisition of networks and other telecommunications assets
include (i) the purchase and installation of switches, electronics, fiber and
other additional technologies in existing networks and in networks to be
constructed in new markets and (ii) the acquisition and expansion of networks
and other telecommunications assets currently owned and operated by other
companies. Expected expenditures for general corporate and working capital
purposes include (i) expenditures with respect to the Company's management
information systems and corporate service support infrastructure and (ii)
operating and administrative expenses with respect to new networks and debt
service.
The Company, to meet its capital requirements in 1998, intends to raise
additional capital. TCG will continue to take advantage of favorable financing
arrangements, including the sale of debt or equity securities in the public
markets, private placements, increasing the amount available under the
existing credit facilities or adding additional lines of credits. The AT&T
Agreement provides that the Company must offer AT&T the right to provide
financing which the Company proposes to engage in with third party lenders or
other financing sources on the same terms and conditions as the Company could
have obtained from such lenders or other sources.
The Company from time to time evaluates acquisitions and investments in
light of TCG's long range plans. Such acquisitions and investments, if
realized, could use a material portion of TCG's financial resources and may
accelerate the need for raising additional capital in the future.
Certain of the matters discussed in this report may be forward-looking
within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. For
example, the acquisition and integration of ACC and the proposed AT&T Merger
are subject to inherent uncertainties outside of TCG's control, and there can
be no assurance that ACC will perform in accordance with past results or
expectations or that either the ACC Merger or the AT&T Merger will be
consummated. Factors that could adversely effect TCG's integration and
operation of ACC include certain considerations discussed under the caption
"Risk Factors" in the ACC S-4, and factors that could adversely effect TCG's
operations generally include certain considerations discussed under the
caption "Risk Factors" in TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No.
333-37597). Such factors could cause future results to vary materially from
TCG's historical results of operations filed in the ACC S-4.
EFFECTS OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Comprehensive Income--In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130
"Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement is effective for financial
statements issued for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. Management
has evaluated the effect on its financial reporting from the adoption of this
statement and has found the majority of the disclosures to be not applicable
and the remainder to be not significant.
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information--In June 1997, the FASB
also issued SFAS No. 131 "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and
Related Information." This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 requires the reporting of profit and
loss, specific revenue and expense items, and assets for reportable segments.
It also requires the reconciliation of total segment revenues, total segment
profit or loss, total segment assets, and other amounts disclosed for segments
to the corresponding amounts in the general purpose financial statements. The
Company has not yet determined what additional disclosures may be required in
connection with adopting SFAS 131.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company's operations.
However, there can be no assurance that inflation will not have a material
effect on the Company's operations in the future.
35
<PAGE>
THE YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 problem arises from the fact that due to early limitations on
memory and disk storage many computer programs indicate the year by only two
digits, rather than four. This limitation can cause programs (both system and
application) that perform arithmetic operations, comparisons, or sorting of
data fields to yield incorrect results when working outside the year range of
1900-1999. TCG began its investigation into Year 2000 compliance in the fourth
quarter of 1996 and expects to complete its analysis during 1998. The analysis
covers all network equipment used to provide services to TCG customers,
network operations support systems used to support the operations of its
networks, and all administrative support systems. TCG is working closely with
its vendors to effectuate their Year 2000 correction plans on a timely basis.
There can be no assurance that such procedures will be successfully
implemented within the required time frames or that additional procedures will
not be necessary. A failure of TCG's or of its significant vendors' computer
systems could have a material adverse effect on TCG's business and financial
position and results of operations. The cost to TCG of the procedures to
correct the Year 2000 problem is currently estimated at $5.0 million.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not Applicable
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The Registrant's financial statements are included in this report beginning
on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
DIRECTORS
The information concerning directors of the Company required under this item
is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement to be filed in connection
with the Registrant's Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Proxy Statement").
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The information concerning executive officers of the Company required under
this item is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required under this item is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement.
36
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A)(1) INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following Audited Financial Statements of the Company are filed as part
of this Report:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report............................................. F-1
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996............................. F-2
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995.................................................................... F-4
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Partners' Capital
(Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.......... F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995.................................................................... F-7
Notes to Financial Statements............................................ F-8
</TABLE>
(A)(3) INDEX TO EXHIBITS
See attached Index to Exhibits on pages X-1 through X-2 of this Form 10-K.
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the Company's quarter
ended December 31, 1997:
A report on Form 8-K, dated October 10, 1997, was filed reporting
Registrant's filing of a registration statement for the 1997 Equity
Offering.
A report on Form 8-K, dated October 29, 1997, was filed reporting
Registrant's financial results for the fiscal quarter ended September 30,
1997.
A report on Form 8-K, dated October 30, 1997, was filed reporting
Registrant's completion of the acquisition of BizTel Communications, Inc.
A report on Form 8-K, dated November 26, 1997, was filed reporting
Registrant's agreement to acquire ACC Corp. in a stock-for-stock merger.
A report on Form 8-K, dated December 2, 1997, was filed reporting
Registrant's agreement to acquire the assets and customer base of Kansas
City Fiber Network, L.P.
37
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report............................................. F-1
Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996............................. F-2
Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995.................................................................... F-4
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity and Partners' Capital
(Deficit) for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.......... F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995.................................................................... F-7
Notes to Financial Statements............................................ F-8
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Teleport Communications Group Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Teleport
Communications Group Inc. and its subsidiaries ("TCG") as of December 31, 1997
and 1996 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and partners' capital (deficit), and cash flows for the
two years then ended and the related combined statements of operations,
changes in stockholders' equity and partners' capital (deficit), and cash
flows of Teleport Communications Group Inc. and its subsidiaries and TCG
Partners ("TCGP"), which were under common ownership and management, for the
year ended December 31, 1995. These financial statements are the
responsibility of 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, such financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the consolidated financial position of TCG and subsidiaries at
December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the results of their operations and their cash
flows for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the results of the
combined operations and cash flows of TCG and TCGP for the year ended December
31, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 3, 1998
F-1
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 173,331 $ 277,540
---------- ----------
Marketable securities................................ 306,828 440,806
---------- ----------
Accounts receivable:
Trade--net of allowance for doubtful accounts
($11,684 in 1997 and $5,989 in 1996).............. 85,081 46,325
Related parties.................................... 6,351 4,191
Miscellaneous--net of allowance for doubtful
accounts ($297 in 1997 and $1,406 in 1996)........ 6,639 6,795
---------- ----------
Accounts receivable--net......................... 98,071 57,311
---------- ----------
Prepaid expenses................................... 13,988 9,531
---------- ----------
Other current assets............................... 7,943 2,373
---------- ----------
Total current assets............................. 600,161 787,561
---------- ----------
Fixed assets--at cost:
Communications network............................... 1,722,093 1,211,922
Other................................................ 150,990 92,307
---------- ----------
1,873,083 1,304,229
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization....... (379,987) (236,967)
---------- ----------
Fixed assets--net.................................... 1,493,096 1,067,262
---------- ----------
Investments in and advances to unconsolidated
affiliates............................................ 8,822 126,561
---------- ----------
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of
accumulated amortization ($13,836 in 1997 and $3,789
in 1996).............................................. 237,806 57,764
---------- ----------
Licenses--net of accumulated amortization ($183 in
1997)................................................. 39,503 --
---------- ----------
Other assets........................................... 76,913 10,949
---------- ----------
Total assets..................................... $2,456,301 $2,050,097
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS--(CONTINUED)
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ($4,019 in
1997 and $1,079 in 1996 with related parties)....... $ 282,231 $ 215,808
Current portion of capital lease obligations ($28,172
in 1997 and $21,139 in 1996 with related parties)... 33,724 24,063
Short-term bank debt................................. 52,575 --
Other current liabilities............................ 6,742 2,365
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities.......................... 375,272 242,236
Capital lease obligations ($13,388 in 1997 and $28,716
in 1996 with related parties)......................... 19,095 34,489
Senior Notes........................................... 300,000 300,000
Senior Discount Notes.................................. 734,984 659,567
Unamortized notes costs................................ (23,059) (25,761)
TCI Subordinated Note (including accrued interest of $0
in 1997 and $1,007 in 1996)........................... -- 27,007
Other liabilities...................................... 18,393 15,689
---------- ----------
Total liabilities.................................. 1,424,685 1,253,227
---------- ----------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, Class A $.01 par value: 450,000,000
shares authorized, 61,273,746 and 28,668,400 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 and
1996................................................ 613 287
Common Stock, Class B $.01 par value: 300,000,000
shares authorized, 121,464,778 and 139,250,370
shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997
and 1996............................................ 1,215 1,393
Additional paid-in capital........................... 1,654,328 1,197,252
Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities...... 164 (25)
Accumulated deficit.................................. (503,679) (281,012)
---------- ----------
1,152,641 917,895
Less cost of Class B Common Stock held in treasury,
7,975,738 shares at December 31, 1997 and 1996...... (121,025) (121,025)
---------- ----------
Total stockholders' equity......................... 1,031,616 796,870
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity............. $2,456,301 $2,050,097
========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Telecommunications services ($9,968,
$2,330 and $154 with related
parties in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively)...................... $ 494,304 $ 244,864 $ 134,652
Management and royalty fees from
affiliates......................... -- 22,805 31,517
------------ ------------ -----------
Total revenues.................... 494,304 267,669 166,169
------------ ------------ -----------
Expenses:
Operating........................... 283,440 157,591 93,118
Selling, general and
administrative..................... 165,977 85,025 50,475
In-process research and development
costs.............................. 22,000 -- --
Depreciation and amortization....... 155,402 78,416 37,837
------------ ------------ -----------
Total expenses.................... 626,819 321,032 181,430
------------ ------------ -----------
Operating loss........................ (132,515) (53,363) (15,261)
------------ ------------ -----------
Interest:
Interest income..................... 31,111 30,219 4,067
Interest expense ($2,022, $14,997
and $18,763 with related parties)
in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively....................... (116,172) (73,633) (23,331)
------------ ------------ -----------
Total interest.................... (85,061) (43,414) (19,264)
------------ ------------ -----------
Loss before minority interest, equity
in losses of unconsolidated
affiliates and income tax provision.. (217,576) (96,777) (34,525)
Minority interest..................... -- 3,520 663
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
affiliates........................... (3,427) (19,400) (19,541)
------------ ------------ -----------
Loss before income tax provision...... (221,003) (112,657) (53,403)
Income tax provision.................. (1,664) (2,193) (401)
------------ ------------ -----------
Net loss.............................. $ (222,667) $ (114,850) $ (53,804)
============ ============ ===========
Loss per share........................ $ (1.34) $ (1.00) $ (0.77)
============ ============ ===========
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding.......................... 165,728,059 114,443,695 70,000,140
============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND
PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
UNREALIZED STOCKHOLDERS'
GAIN (LOSS) EQUITY AND
CLASS B ADDITIONAL ON PARTNERS' PARTNERS'
COMMON COMMON PAID-IN MARKETABLE ACCUMULATED CAPITAL TREASURY CAPITAL
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL SECURITIES DEFICIT (DEFICIT) STOCK (DEFICIT)
------ ------- ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Combined balance at
January 1, 1995........ $ 2 $ -- $ 195,388 $-- $ (33,261) $17,023 $ -- $179,152
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- (32,387) (21,417) -- (53,804)
---- ------ ---------- ---- --------- ------- --------- --------
Combined balance at
December 31, 1995...... 2 -- 195,388 -- (65,648) (4,394) -- 125,348
Issuance of 27,025,000
shares of Class A
Common Stock, net of
issuance costs of
$24.8 million.......... 270 -- 407,374 -- -- -- -- 407,644
Conversion of and 42,000
to 1 stock split of
$1.00 par value Common
Stock to 139,250,370
shares of Class B
Common Stock as part of
the TCG
Reorganization......... (2) 1,393 307,828 -- (100,514) 4,394 -- 213,099
Purchase of 7,975,738
shares of Class B
Common Stock from
Continental
Cablevision, Inc....... -- -- -- -- -- -- (121,025) (121,025)
Conversion of
subordinated debt to
parents plus accrued
interest of $20.6
million to equity...... -- -- 263,602 -- -- -- -- 263,602
Issuance of 1,587,791
shares of Class A
Common Stock to
purchase the minority
interests in two Local
Market Partnerships.... 16 -- 22,673 -- -- -- -- 22,689
Issuance of 55,609
shares of Class A
Common Stock upon
exercise of options.... 1 -- 387 -- -- -- -- 388
Unrealized loss on
marketable securities.. -- -- -- (25) -- -- -- (25)
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- (114,850) -- -- (114,850)
---- ------ ---------- ---- --------- ------- --------- --------
Consolidated balance at
December 31, 1996...... $287 $1,393 $1,197,252 $(25) $(281,012) $ -- $(121,025) $796,870
---- ------ ---------- ---- --------- ------- --------- --------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND
PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
UNREALIZED STOCKHOLDERS'
GAIN (LOSS) EQUITY AND
CLASS B ADDITIONAL ON PARTNERS' PARTNERS'
COMMON COMMON PAID-IN MARKETABLE ACCUMULATED CAPITAL TREASURY CAPITAL
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL SECURITIES DEFICIT (DEFICIT) STOCK (DEFICIT)
------ ------- ---------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Issuance of 7,304,408
shares of Class A
Common Stock, net of
issuance costs of $11.3
million................ 73 -- 317,324 -- -- -- -- 317,397
Issuance of 990,639
shares of Class A
Common Stock upon
exercise of options and
employee stock grants.. 9 -- 16,484 -- -- -- -- 16,493
Issuance of 2,100,000
shares of Class A
Common Stock to
purchase CERFnet
Services, Inc.......... 21 -- 47,386 -- -- -- -- 47,407
Issuance of 2,757,083
shares of Class A
Common Stock to
purchase remaining
interest in Eastern
TeleLogic Corporation.. 28 -- 46,050 -- -- -- -- 46,078
Issuance of 1,667,624
shares of Class A
Common Stock to
purchase the remaining
interest in BizTel
Communications, Inc. .. 17 -- 29,832 -- -- -- -- 29,849
Conversion of 17,785,592
shares of Class B
Common Stock to Class A
Common Stock........... 178 (178) -- -- -- -- -- --
Unrealized gain on
marketable securities.. -- -- -- 189 -- -- -- 189
Net loss................ -- -- -- -- (222,667) -- -- (222,667)
---- ------ ---------- ---- --------- ---- --------- ----------
Consolidated balance at
December 31, 1997...... $613 $1,215 $1,654,328 $164 $(503,679) $-- $(121,025) $1,031,616
==== ====== ========== ==== ========= ==== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED COMBINED
1997 1996 1995
------------ ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss................................ $(222,667) $ (114,850) $ (53,804)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net
cash (used in) provided by operating
activities, net of effects of the TCG
Reorganization and acquisitions:
Depreciation and amortization......... 155,402 78,416 37,837
Amortization of notes costs........... 2,702 1,350 --
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
affiliates........................... 3,427 19,400 19,541
In-process research and development
costs................................ 22,000 -- --
Amortization of deferred credits...... (18,178) (2,965) (2,228)
Provision for losses on accounts
receivable........................... 11,526 3,442 877
Accretion of discount on Senior
Discount Notes....................... 75,417 34,567 --
Minority interest..................... -- (3,520) (663)
Other................................. (1,914) -- --
(Increase) decrease in operating assets
and (decrease) increase in operating
liabilities:
Accounts receivable................... (48,608) (18,386) (12,771)
Other assets.......................... (21,786) (3,596) (3,108)
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities.......................... (3,709) 97,230 45,832
Deferred credits...................... 25,177 2,530 4,628
--------- ---------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities............... (21,211) 93,618 36,141
--------- ---------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures.................... (462,791) (294,078) (139,656)
Due from related parties................ -- (23,042) (6,707)
Purchases of marketable securities, net
of sales and maturities................ 134,166 (440,831) --
Purchase of a Local Market Partnership
interest............................... -- (11,618) --
Capital contributions to Local Market
Partnerships prior to TCG
Reorganization......................... -- (16,435) --
Investments in and advances to
unconsolidated affiliates.............. (6,290) (127,509) (65,004)
Repayment of advances to unconsolidated
affiliate.............................. -- -- 3,400
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash
acquired............................... (6,709) -- --
--------- ---------- ---------
Net cash used for investing
activities......................... (341,624) (913,513) (207,967)
--------- ---------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term
debt................................... -- 162,500 159,000
Payments on bank revolving credit
facility............................... -- (250,000) --
Proceeds from Senior Notes.............. -- 300,000 --
Proceeds from Senior Discount Notes..... -- 625,000 --
Costs associated with the Offerings..... (11,302) (51,867) --
Proceeds from the issuance of Class A
Common Stock........................... 328,699 432,400 --
Proceeds from the exercise of employee
stock options.......................... 11,721 388 --
Purchase of treasury stock.............. -- (121,025) --
Capital contributions from minority
partners............................... -- -- 2,168
Principal payments on capital leases.... (45,399) (11,823) (3,480)
Repayment of TCI Subordinated Note, net
of discount............................ (25,093) -- --
--------- ---------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing
activities......................... 258,626 1,085,573 157,688
--------- ---------- ---------
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS.............................. (104,209) 265,678 (14,138)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, JANUARY 1...... 277,540 11,862 26,000
--------- ---------- ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, DECEMBER 31.... $ 173,331 $ 277,540 $ 11,862
========= ========== =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
Teleport Communications Group Inc. ("TCG" or the "Company"), the first and
largest competitive local exchange carrier ("CLEC") in the United States,
offers comprehensive telecommunications services in major metropolitan markets
nationwide. TCG competes with incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILECs") by
providing high quality, integrated telecommunications services, primarily over
fiber optic digital networks, to meet the voice, data and video transmission
needs of its customers. TCG's customers are principally telecommunications
intensive-businesses, healthcare and educational institutions, governmental
agencies, long distance carriers and resellers, Internet service providers,
disaster recovery service providers, wireless communications companies and
financial services companies. TCG offers these customers technologically
advanced telecommunications services, as well as superior customer service,
flexible pricing and vendor and route diversity.
TCG, incorporated in March 1983, and TCG Partners, formed in December 1992,
were each owned by Cox Communications, Inc. ("Cox"), Tele-Communications, Inc.
("TCI"), Comcast Corporation ("Comcast"), and Continental Cablevision, Inc.
("Continental") (collectively the "Cable Stockholders") until June 26, 1996.
In connection with the public offerings of Class A Common Stock, Senior
Notes and Senior Discount Notes on July 2, 1996, TCG and its owners entered
into a reorganization agreement dated as of April 18, 1996 (the "TCG
Reorganization Agreement"), pursuant to which TCG Partners and certain of the
Company's unconsolidated affiliates became wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCG
and TCG acquired the minority interests of the owners of the remaining
unconsolidated affiliates.
TCG REORGANIZATION AND THE 1997 AND 1996 OFFERINGS
1997 Equity Offering
TCG filed a registration statement for a public offering (the "1997
Offering") of 17,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on October 10, 1997,
and the 1997 Equity Offering was consummated on November 13, 1997. Of the
17,250,000 shares, 7,304,408 were offered by the Company and 9,945,592 shares
were offered by Continental. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the
sale of shares by Continental. The net proceeds to the Company from its sale
of shares pursuant to the 1997 Equity Offering were approximately $317.4
million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated expenses of
approximately $11.3 million.
1996 Offerings
On July 2, 1996, the Company issued 27,025,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock which resulted in gross proceeds of approximately $432.4 million (the
"Stock Offering"), and $300 million of 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006 and $1,073
million of aggregated principal amount of maturity of 11 1/8% Senior Discount
Notes due 2007 ("the Notes Offerings" and, collectively, with the Stock
Offering, the "1996 Offerings") as part of an initial public offering. The
Offerings of the Senior Notes and the Senior Discount Notes resulted in
aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $925 million. In July 1996, the
Company utilized a portion of the net proceeds of the 1996 Offerings to (i)
repay $250 million of bank indebtedness plus accrued interest and (ii)
purchase 7,975,738 shares of Class B Common Stock owned by Continental for
$16.00 per share, less related expenses, for a net cost of $121 million. In
addition, a portion of the proceeds was used to loan approximately $115
million to its affiliate Comcast CAP of Philadelphia, Inc. ("Comcast CAP"), as
part of the first step in TCG's acquisition of Eastern TeleLogic Corporation.
The remaining funds were and will be used to expand and develop existing and
new networks, to repay the TCI Subordinated Note, to make acquisitions and for
general corporate and working capital purposes.
F-8
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
TCG Reorganization
Prior to the 1996 Offerings, the Company was owned by the Cable
Stockholders. The business was operated through TCG, and beginning in 1992,
TCG Partners, which is a New York general partnership owned prior to the TCG
Reorganization by the Cable Stockholders in the same percentages as TCG. TCG
Partners was formed to invest, with TCG, the Cable Stockholders and other
cable operators, in 14 partnerships (the "Local Market Partnerships") to
develop and operate local telecommunications networks. The Local Market
Partnerships were owned by TCG, and/or TCG Partners, certain of the Cable
Stockholders which had cable operations in the particular markets addressed by
the Local Market Partnerships, and, in some cases, other cable operators in
such markets. To simplify this complex ownership structure, the Company and
the Cable Stockholders agreed to consolidate the ownership of TCG Partners and
of the Local Market Partnerships as wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCG. As part
of this process, certain of the other cable operators agreed to sell their
interests in the Local Market Partnerships to TCG directly or through a Cable
Stockholder. The financial statements for one of the Local Market Partnerships
were previously consolidated with those of TCG. Therefore, TCG consolidated
the financial statements of the remaining 13 of the 14 Local Market
Partnerships.
Unaudited pro forma financial information for the year ended December 31,
1996, as if the TCG Reorganization had occurred at the beginning of 1996 is as
follows (in thousands, except share amounts):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Revenues...................................................... $ 283,383
-----------
Expenses:
Operating................................................... 172,374
Selling, general and administrative......................... 98,436
Depreciation and amortization............................... 96,260
-----------
Total expenses............................................ 367,070
-----------
Operating loss................................................ (83,687)
Interest:
Interest income............................................. 29,163
Interest expense............................................ (66,946)
-----------
Total interest............................................ (37,783)
-----------
Loss before minority interest, equity in losses of
unconsolidated affiliates and income tax provision........... (121,470)
Minority interest............................................. 4,713
Equity in losses of unconsolidated affiliates................. (7,650)
-----------
Loss before provision for income taxes........................ (124,407)
Income tax provision.......................................... (2,193)
-----------
Net loss...................................................... $ (126,600)
===========
Loss per share................................................ $ (0.86)
===========
Weighted average number of shares outstanding................. 146,423,705
===========
</TABLE>
Pro forma adjustments include the reversal of TCG's equity in the losses of
13 Local Market Partnerships, as well as amortization of the goodwill which
was recorded upon closing of the transactions and the reduction of interest
expense from the conversion to equity of subordinated debt owed by TCG to the
Cable Stockholders. The pro forma financial information presented above is not
necessarily indicative of the operating results which
F-9
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
would have been achieved had the transactions occurred at the beginning of the
periods presented or of the results to be achieved in the future.
As of December 31, 1997, TCI, Cox and Comcast owned 42.98%, 34.44% and
22.58%, respectively, of the Company's Class B Common Stock, representing
40.86%, 32.68% and 21.42%, respectively, of the combined voting power of the
Company's Common Stock. As of December 31, 1997, TCG was owned 28.49%, 22.37%,
14.66% and 34.48% by TCI, Cox, Comcast and public shareholders, respectively.
THE AT&T MERGER
On January 8, 1998, TCG entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"AT&T Agreement") with AT&T Corp., a New York Corporation ("AT&T"), and TA
Merger Corp., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T
("AT&T Merger Sub"), pursuant to which, subject to satisfaction of the closing
conditions specified therein, AT&T Merger Sub would merge with and into TCG,
with TCG surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AT&T (the "AT&T Merger").
In the AT&T Merger, each share of TCG Class A Common Stock (including shares
issued to former ACC stockholders in the ACC Merger, assuming that the ACC
Merger occurs prior to the AT&T Merger) and each share of the Class B Common
Stock of TCG, par value $0.01 per share (the "TCG Class B Common Stock," and,
together with the TCG Class A Common Stock, the "TCG Common Stock") will be
converted into 0.943 of a share of AT&T common stock. TCG and AT&T expect that
the exchange will be tax-free to TCG stockholders, except to the extent cash
is received in lieu of fractional shares. The AT&T Agreement contains
customary representations and warranties of the parties, which will not
survive effectiveness of the AT&T Merger. In addition, the AT&T Agreement
contains certain restrictions on the conduct of TCG's business prior to the
consummation of the AT&T Merger. Pursuant to the AT&T Agreement, TCG has
agreed, for the period prior to the AT&T Merger, to operate its business in
the ordinary course, refrain from taking various corporate actions without the
consent of AT&T, and not solicit or enter into negotiations or agreements
relating to a competing business combination.
Pursuant to a Voting Agreement among the Cable Stockholders and AT&T, each
Cable Stockholder executed and delivered to TCG a written consent in favor of
and approving the AT&T Agreement and the AT&T Merger. As a result, so long as
the AT&T Agreement is not amended and no provision of it is waived, no further
vote or meeting of TCG Stockholders is necessary to approve or consummate the
AT&T Merger.
Pursuant to the Voting Agreement, each of the Cable Stockholders, on behalf
of itself and certain of its affiliates, also agreed that (i) certain right-
of-way, colocation and similar agreements with TCG and its affiliates would be
amended as of January 8, 1998 to provide that each such agreement would remain
in effect for the longer of five years from such date and the current term of
such agreement; and (ii) certain existing facilities agreements, facilities
lease agreements or other arrangements (including arrangements relating to
future agreements) relating to the lease or other grant of right to use fiber
optic facilities between such Cable Stockholder or any of its affiliates and
TCG or any of its subsidiaries would be automatically amended as of January 8,
1998 to conform with a form of Master Facilities Agreement agreed to by AT&T,
the Cable Stockholders and TCG at the time of the execution of the AT&T
Agreement.
Consummation of the AT&T Merger is subject to certain closing conditions,
including TCG and AT&T obtaining certain required regulatory approvals and
other related consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the AT&T
Merger will be successfully consummated or, if successfully completed, when it
might be completed.
F-10
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation--The 1997 consolidated balance sheet and statements of
operations and of cash flows include the accounts of TCG and all wholly-owned
subsidiaries. The 1996 consolidated balance sheet includes the accounts of TCG
and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. The 1996 consolidated statements of
operations and of cash flows include equity in losses of unconsolidated
affiliates for all the Local Market Partnerships through June 30, 1996 except
for TCG St. Louis which was consolidated for the year. As of July 1, 1996, the
statements of operations and of cash flows consolidate the operations of the
former Local Market Partnerships. For the year ended December 31, 1995, the
statements of operations and of cash flows include the combined accounts of
TCG and TCG Partners. Investments in which TCG holds less than a 50% interest
are accounted for under the equity method. All material intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in the financial statements
presented.
Basis of Accounting--The accompanying financial statements have been
prepared on the accrual basis of accounting.
Use of Estimates--The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents--Cash equivalents consist principally of fixed income
securities, U.S. Treasury bills, commercial paper, floating rate notes and
certificates of deposit with a maturity date of three months or less when
purchased.
Marketable Securities--Marketable securities consist principally of fixed
income securities, U.S. Treasury bills, commercial paper, floating rate notes,
federal agency notes, federal agency discount notes, corporate medium-term
notes, corporate notes, bank notes and certificates of deposit with a maturity
date greater than three months when purchased and are stated at market value.
Market value is determined by the most recently traded price of the security
at the balance sheet date. TCG invests primarily in high-grade marketable
securities. All marketable securities are classified as available for sale
securities under the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" and unrealized holding gains and
losses are reflected as part of stockholders' equity. Net realized gains and
losses are determined on the specific identification cost method.
Depreciation and Amortization--Depreciation and amortization are computed on
the straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the
length of the lease, whichever is shorter. Estimated useful lives are five to
25 years for the communications network and three to five years for other
fixed assets, except for buildings which are 40 years.
When depreciable assets are replaced or retired, the amounts at which such
assets were carried are removed from the respective accounts and charged to
accumulated depreciation and any gains or losses on disposition are amortized
over the remaining original asset lives in accordance with industry practice.
During 1995, TCG completed a review of the useful lives of its fixed assets.
TCG determined that the lives of certain electronics equipment were longer
than industry standard, while the lives of other electronics equipment were
shorter than industry standard. Therefore, TCG adjusted the estimated useful
lives of certain
F-11
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
electronics equipment to conform with industry standard, effective December 1,
1995. The effect of these changes increased depreciation expense for the year
ended December 31, 1995 by approximately $0.7 million.
Financial Instruments--Financial instruments which potentially subject the
Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash
equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company places
its temporary cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities with high-
quality institutions and, by policy, limits the amount of credit exposure to
any one institution. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts
receivable are limited due to the dispersion of TCG's customer base among
different industries and geographic areas in the United States, by credit
granting policies adopted by TCG and by remedies provided by terms of
contracts, tariffs and statutes.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments--The estimated fair value amounts have
been determined by the Company, using available market information and
appropriate valuation methodologies. However, considerable judgment is
required in interpreting market data to develop the estimates of fair value.
Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of
the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange. The
use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a
material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Investments In and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates--Investments in and
advances to unconsolidated affiliates at December 31, 1997 represents TCG's
interest in three companies which TCG accounts for under the cost method of
accounting. At December 31, 1996 it is comprised of TCG's advance to ETC and
its 49.9% interest in BizTel.
Goodwill and Other Intangibles--Goodwill represents the excess purchase
price paid over the net assets received in the acquisitions of ETC, CERFnet,
and the excess purchase price paid over the net assets associated with the
purchase of the remaining partnership interests in Teleport Communications,
Teleport Communications Boston ("TCB"), TCG Florida, TCG Detroit and TCG San
Francisco, as well as goodwill recorded in the financial statements of TCG
Pittsburgh, which is included in the consolidated financial statements of TCG
after the TCG Reorganization. Goodwill is amortized on a straight-line basis
not to exceed 40 years for all entities. The goodwill amortization recorded in
1997, 1996 and 1995 was $7.9 million, $2.2 million and $1.4 million,
respectively.
The carrying value of intangible assets is periodically reviewed and
impairments are recognized when the undiscounted expected future cash flows,
computed after interest expense derived from the related operations, is less
than their carrying value.
Licenses--FCC Licenses, acquired in the BizTel acquisition, are amortized
over a 40 year period in accordance with industry practice. The amortization
recorded in 1997 was $0.2 million.
Deferred Charges--Deferred charges primarily represent advanced payments
made by TCG for rights-of-way and node rents, and are expensed over a maximum
period of five years. The current portions of $4.6 million and $1.6 million at
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are included in other current assets
and the non-current portions, $8.9 million and $8.9 million at December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively, are included in other assets.
Deferred Credits--Deferred credits principally represent advance payments
received from customers for long-term fiber optic service, and are amortized
into income over the life of the related contracts. The current portions, $6.7
million and $2.4 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are
included in other current liabilities and the non-current portions, $15.0
million and $9.9 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, are
included in other liabilities.
F-12
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Revenue Recognition--Revenue on dedicated line, switch, data, and Internet
services is recognized in accordance with the terms of the underlying customer
contracts or tariffs and over the period in which the services are provided.
Income Taxes--TCG accounts for income taxes in accordance with the Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income
Taxes," pursuant to which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax
bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates currently in effect.
State and local taxes are based on factors other than income.
Net Loss Per Share--In 1997, TCG has adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per
Share", which had no effect on its computation of loss per share. Net loss per
share is determined by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. The computation of fully diluted net
loss per share was antidilutive in each of the periods presented; therefore,
the amounts reported as primary and fully diluted are the same. As part of the
TCG Reorganization, TCG declared a 42,000 to one stock split. All per share
amounts and numbers of shares have been restated to reflect the stock split
retroactive for the periods presented.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Comprehensive Income--In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB") issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." This statement
is effective for financial statements issued for periods beginning after
December 15, 1997. Management has evaluated the effect on its financial
reporting of the adoption of this statement and has found the majority of
required disclosures not to be applicable and the remainder not to be
significant.
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information--In June 1997, the FASB
issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments of an Enterprise and Related
Information." This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 131 requires the reporting of profit and loss,
specific revenue and expense items, and assets for reportable segments. It
also requires the reconciliation of total segment revenues, total segment
profit or loss, total segment assets, and other amounts disclosed for
segments, in each case to the corresponding amounts in the general purpose
financial statements. The Company has not yet determined what additional
disclosures may be required in connection with adopting SFAS No. 131.
3. ACQUISITIONS
BizTel Communications, Inc.
On October 29, 1997, the Company acquired the remaining 50.1% equity
interest in BizTel Communications, Inc. ("BizTel") not owned by the Company in
exchange for the issuance of 1,667,624 shares of the Company's Class A Common
Stock. The Company had previously acquired a 49.9% interest in BizTel, in
February 1996. The total acquisition cost was $40.0 million. BizTel is a
holder of Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") licenses to provide
telecommunications services utilizing 38 GHz digital milliwave transmission in
over 200 geographic areas, which include more than 95 of the 100 largest
metropolitan markets and all markets where TCG operates. BizTel's 38 GHz
milliwave services can be used to economically connect customers to the
Company's fiber optic networks, to provide network redundancy, diverse routing
or quick temporary installations and to provide stand-alone facilities where
the Company does not have fiber optic networks. As of November 1, 1997, TCG
consolidates BizTel's results with its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
TCG evaluated the acquired assets and liabilities of BizTel, and as a result
of the evaluation, TCG ascribed a value to the FCC Licenses of $39.7 million.
Such amount is being amortized over 40 years and is reported in the statement
of operations in depreciation and amortization expense. Amortization expense
related to such FCC Licenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $0.2
million.
F-13
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Eastern TeleLogic Corporation
Effective as of March 1, 1997, TCG completed its acquisition of Eastern
TeleLogic Corporation ("ETC"). In the first of two steps, on October 25, 1996,
employees of ETC exercised their stock options and then ETC redeemed the
shares of its stock (approximately 47%) not held by Comcast CAP, a corporation
owned 51% by Comcast and 49% by TCG. Comcast CAP borrowed at a market interest
rate approximately $115 million from TCG as a short-term loan and, in turn,
loaned this amount to ETC to effect the redemption. In the second step, TCG
acquired Comcast's 51% stock interest in Comcast CAP in exchange for 2,757,083
shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock, resulting in ETC becoming a
wholly-owned subsidiary of TCG. After the acquisition, the name of ETC was
changed to TCG Delaware Valley, Inc. TCG assumed $52.6 million of debt in this
acquisition. TCG retained an independent third party to fully evaluate certain
acquired assets of ETC.
The total acquisition cost for ETC was $178.7 million. The goodwill recorded
with this investment, which represented the excess of the Company's investment
over the underlying net assets of ETC, was approximately $167.8 million. Such
amount is being amortized over 40 years and is reported in the statement of
operations in depreciation and amortization expense. Amortization expense
related to such goodwill for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $4.2
million.
CERFnet Services, Inc.
On February 4, 1997, the Company acquired from General Atomics and General
Atomic Technologies Corporation all of the outstanding capital stock of
CERFnet Services, Inc. ("CERFnet"), a leading regional provider of Internet-
related services to businesses, including dial-up and dedicated Internet
access, World Wide Web hosting, and colocation services and Internet training.
TCG issued 2,100,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock to CERFnet's former
controlling stockholder and granted to it certain registration rights with
respect to such shares of Class A Common Stock. After the acquisition, the
name of CERFnet was changed to TCG CERFnet, Inc.
TCG retained an independent third party to evaluate certain of the acquired
assets of CERFnet, and as a result of the evaluation, TCG expensed acquired
in-process research and development costs of $22.0 million.
The goodwill recorded with this investment, which represented the excess of
the Company's investment over the underlying net assets of CERFnet was
approximately $19.9 million. Such amount is being amortized over 10 years and
is reported in the statement of operations in depreciation and amortization
expense. Amortization expense related to such goodwill for the year ended
December 31, 1997 was approximately $1.8 million.
Summarized Financial Information
Summarized financial information for the Company's investments, which
include BizTel and ETC and six months of the revenues and net losses of the
Local Market Partnerships except for TCG St. Louis as of and for the year
ended December 31, 1996, is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Total assets..................................................... $ 68,053
Total liabilities................................................ 185,820
Total revenues................................................... 63,940
Net loss......................................................... (52,311)
</TABLE>
ACC Merger
On November 26, 1997, TCG entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"ACC Agreement") by and among TCG, TCG Merger Co., Inc., a Delaware
corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCG
F-14
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
("MergerCo"), and ACC Corp., a Delaware corporation ("ACC"), providing for the
merger of MergerCo with and into ACC (the "ACC Merger"), with ACC becoming a
wholly-owned subsidiary of TCG. ACC is a switch-based provider of
telecommunications services to businesses, residential customers, and
educational institutions in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. ACC
has recently commenced operations in Germany. The ACC Agreement provides that
ACC's stockholders will receive approximately that number of shares of TCG
Class A Common Stock for each ACC share, equal to $50 divided by the average
per share closing price of TCG Class A Common Stock for a ten-day trading
period prior to closing of the transaction. In the event, however, that the
average per share closing price of TCG Class A Common Stock during the ten-day
trading period prior to closing is below $45, the exchange ratio is fixed at
1.11111 shares of TCG Class A Common Stock for each ACC share, and, if the
average per share closing price of TCG Class A Common Stock during the ten-day
trading period prior to closing is above $55, the exchange ratio is fixed at
0.90909 of a share of TCG Class A Common Stock for each ACC share. The total
aggregate amount of consideration to be received by the ACC stockholders is
expected to be approximately $1.0 billion.
ACC is presently in the process of acquiring US WATS, Inc., ("US WATS") a
domestic U.S. long distance reseller. The US WATS acquisition is expected to
be complete in early 1998. ACC has agreed that it will not change the
agreement governing the acquisition of US WATS without TCG's consent.
TCG and ACC expect the transaction to be completed by mid-1998, subject to,
among other things, approval by a majority of the holders of ACC's outstanding
shares. Under the ACC Agreement, ACC has agreed not to solicit or take other
actions with respect to any competing proposal, subject to compliance with
fiduciary duties. ACC agreed to pay TCG $32.5 million, plus up to $7.5 million
for expenses, if the ACC Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.
Upon execution of the ACC Agreement, ACC amended its shareholder rights plan
to exempt TCG from the 7.5% threshold by which the rights become exercisable.
This amendment will remain in effect until December 31, 1998. In the event
that the ACC Merger is completed, the underlying rights granted under the ACC
shareholder rights plan will be redeemed by ACC.
Consummation of the ACC Merger is subject to certain closing conditions,
including TCG and ACC obtaining required regulatory approvals and other
related consents. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the ACC Merger
will be successfully consummated or, if successfully completed, when it might
be completed.
Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P.
On December 1, 1997, TCG agreed to acquire the assets and customer base of
Kansas City Fiber Network, L.P. ("KCFN"), a leading competitive local exchange
carrier in the Kansas City metropolitan area owned by TCI and Time Warner
Communications for approximately $55 million in cash and the assumption of
certain liabilities. KCFN currently operates a fiber optic network over 580
route miles which connects to more than 200 on-net buildings. This acquisition
is subject to approval from regulatory authorities which is expected in the
second quarter of 1998. On June 1, 1997, TCG entered into a Technical Services
Agreement with KCFN whereby TCG assumed managerial oversight of the day-to-day
operations of KCFN. TCG has recorded the results of operations of KCFN
subsequent to that date.
F-15
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Pro Forma Financial Information
Unaudited pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 as if the TCG Reorganization and the acquisitions of ETC,
CERFnet, BizTel, ACC (including US WATS), and KCFN had occurred at January 1,
1996, is as follows (in thousands, except share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenue......................................... $ 931,500 $ 670,312
Net loss........................................ $ (238,279) $ (167,652)
Loss per share.................................. $ (1.26) $ (0.96)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding... 188,747,431 173,811,002
</TABLE>
Pro forma adjustments for the year ended December 31, 1997 include the
reversal of TCG's equity in the losses of ETC and BizTel as well as
amortization of the intangible assets relating to the aforementioned
acquisition. Pro forma adjustments for the year ended December 31, 1996
include (i) the reversal of TCG's equity in the losses of the 13 Local Market
Partnerships and ETC, (ii) amortization of the intangible assets relating to
the aforementioned acquisitions and (iii) the reduction of interest expense
from the conversion of subordinated debt to parents to equity. The pro forma
net loss for the year ended December 31, 1996 excludes the effect of the one-
time nonrecurring charge for acquired in-process research and development. The
pro forma financial information presented above is not necessarily indicative
of the operating results which would have been achieved had the transactions
occurred at the beginning of the periods presented or of the results to be
achieved in the future.
Cox Fibernet Affiliates
Pursuant to the terms of three Operator Managed Ventures Services Agreements
between TCG and certain affiliates of Cox, TCG has options to acquire up to a
35% interest in the competitive access business conducted by such affiliates
of Cox in New Orleans, Oklahoma City and the Hampton Roads, Virginia area. To
the extent the Cox competitive access provider has derived revenue from any
contract entered into by TCG as a result of sales efforts engaged in by TCG on
behalf of such Cox operations, the purchase price shall be the ratio of the
annual TCG generated revenue to total annual revenue of the Cox operation
multiplied by the book value of the assets of the Cox operation. If such ratio
is less than 35%, TCG may purchase the balance, up to 35%, of that Cox
operation for the fair market value (as determined in accordance with the
Operator Managed Ventures Services Agreements) of the operation. There is no
cap or maximum purchase price under the terms of the Operator Managed Ventures
Services Agreements. In November 1996, TCG notified Cox of its intention to
exercise its option to purchase a 35% interest in Cox's Hampton Roads,
Virginia operations. The Company's options to acquire 35% interests in Cox's
New Orleans and Oklahoma City operations do not mature until 1999. Cox and TCG
engaged in discussions concerning the calculation of the purchase price
formula for Hampton Roads, Virginia, and a possible renegotiation and
restructuring of their respective rights and obligations of the parties under
each of the Operator Managed Ventures Services Agreements. However, in
connection with the AT&T Merger, Cox and TCG agreed to suspend their
negotiations and to toll the option period until the later of six months after
the effective time of the AT&T Merger and the contractual trigger date.
F-16
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
4. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The following is a summary of TCG's marketable securities and cash
equivalents at December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997
----------------------------------------
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED MARKET
COST GAIN LOSS VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial paper................... $124,246 $ 4 $ (4) $124,246
Federal agency discount notes...... 33,750 -- (1) 33,749
Federal agency notes............... 54,524 9 (4) 54,529
Certificates of deposit............ 55,987 3 (6) 55,984
Corporate medium term notes........ 93,114 108 (2) 93,220
Corporate notes.................... 15,000 39 -- 15,039
Bank notes......................... 19,993 18 -- 20,011
-------- ---- ----- --------
396,614 181 (17) 396,778
Less: Cash equivalents............. 89,950 -- -- 89,950
-------- ---- ----- --------
Marketable securities.............. $306,664 $181 $ (17) $306,828
======== ==== ===== ========
<CAPTION>
1996
----------------------------------------
AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED MARKET
COST GAIN LOSS VALUE
--------- ---------- ---------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Commercial paper................... $338,390 $ -- $ (83) $338,307
U.S. Treasury bills................ 47,894 33 -- 47,927
Federal agency notes............... 139,481 11 (29) 139,463
Corporate medium term notes........ 118,825 60 (33) 118,852
Floating rate notes................ 19,984 16 -- 20,000
-------- ---- ----- --------
664,574 120 (145) 664,549
Less: Cash equivalents............. 223,743 -- -- 223,743
-------- ---- ----- --------
Marketable securities.............. $440,831 $120 $(145) $440,806
======== ==== ===== ========
</TABLE>
The amortized cost and estimated fair value by maturity date as of December
31, 1997 is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMORTIZED COST MARKET VALUE
-------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year................................ $313,490 $313,505
Due after one year through five years.......... 83,124 83,273
-------- --------
Total........................................ $396,614 $396,778
======== ========
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the sale of investments during 1997 and 1996 were $479.5
million and $664.8 million, respectively. Gross gains of $117 thousand and $57
thousand and gross losses of $13 thousand and $2 thousand were realized on
these sales in 1997 and 1996, respectively. The change in the net unrealized
holding gain from 1997 to 1996 on available-for-sale securities is $189
thousand.
F-17
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
5. FIXED ASSETS
The following is a summary of the Company's fixed assets as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Communications network.............................. $1,470,081 $ 875,152
Construction in progress............................ 252,012 336,770
Other............................................... 150,990 92,307
---------- ----------
1,873,083 1,304,229
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization... (379,987) (236,967)
---------- ----------
Fixed assets--net................................. $1,493,096 $1,067,262
========== ==========
</TABLE>
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Long-term debt outstanding as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 consisted of the
following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
---------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Senior Notes, 9.875%, due 2006.......................... $ 300,000 $300,000
Senior Discount Notes, net of discount of $338,622 and
$414,039 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, 11.125% due
2007................................................... 734,984 659,567
TCI Subordinated Note, 7.5% due 2001, repaid December
31, 1997............................................... -- 27,007
---------- --------
Total................................................. $1,034,984 $986,574
========== ========
</TABLE>
All long-term debt matures subsequent to 2002.
Senior Notes and Senior Discount Notes
On July 2, 1996, TCG issued $300 million principal amount of Senior Notes
due 2006 and $1,073 million aggregate principal amount at maturity of Senior
Discount Notes due 2007 (collectively the "Notes"). The Senior Notes were
issued pursuant to an indenture (the "Senior Notes Indenture") between TCG and
the United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, and the Senior
Discount Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture (the "Senior Discount
Notes Indenture") and, together with the Senior Notes Indenture (the
"Indentures") between the Company and the United States Trust Company of New
York, as trustee. The Indentures contain certain restrictive covenants which
impose limitations on TCG and certain of its subsidiaries' ability to, among
other things: (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii) pay dividends or make
certain other distributions and investments, (iii) create liens, (iv) create
dividend and other payment restrictions on subsidiaries, (v) incur certain
guarantees, (vi) enter into certain asset sale transactions, (vii) enter into
certain transactions with affiliates (including the Cable Stockholders) and
(viii) merge, consolidate or transfer substantially all of the Company's
assets. Under the terms of the Indentures, TCG currently is not able to pay
dividends. TCG is currently in compliance with the terms of these covenants.
The Senior Discount Notes were issued at a discount to their aggregate
principal amount to generate gross proceeds of approximately $625 million. The
Senior Discount Notes accrete at a rate of 11.125% compounded semi-annually,
to an aggregate principal amount of $1,073 million by July 1, 2001.
Thereafter, interest on the Senior Discount Notes will accrue at the rate of
11.125% per annum and will be payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1,
commencing on January 1, 2002; provided that at any time prior to July 1,
2001, TCG
F-18
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
may elect to commence the accrual of cash interest on the Senior Discount
Notes, in which case the outstanding principal amount on such Notes will be
reduced to their accreted value as of the date of such election and cash
interest shall become payable thereafter.
The Notes will be subject to redemption at the option of TCG, in whole or in
part, at any time on or after July 1, 2001, initially at 104.938% of their
principal amount in the case of the Senior Notes, and 105.563% in the case of
the Senior Discount Notes and declining to 100% of their principal amount on
or after July 1, 2004, in all cases plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon
to the applicable redemption date. The incurrence of long-term indebtedness by
TCG is subject to approval by the New York Public Service Commission (the
"NYPSC") and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (the "NJPBU"). Both the
NYPSC and NJBPU have authorized TCG to issue long-term debt in amounts not to
exceed $4 billion.
The fair value of TCG's long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted
market price for the same or similar issues or on borrowing rates currently
available to TCG for debt with similar terms and maturities. The fair value of
TCG's long-term debt was $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively. The total interest expense for the Notes was $105.0
million and $49.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
The Revolving Credit Agreement
On May 22, 1995, TCG entered into a Loan Agreement (the "Revolving Credit
Agreement") with Toronto Dominion (Texas), Inc., as administrative agent,
Chemical Bank, as documentation agent, and the Banks (as defined in the
Revolving Credit Agreement) to finance capital expenditures and working
capital needs of TCG's subsidiaries and of the Local Market Partnerships and
to repay debt of TCG and its subsidiaries to the Cable Stockholders.
Borrowings of $250 million were utilized for the growth of TCG. The $250
million of indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement was repaid in
July 1996 from the proceeds of the 1996 Offerings.
On July 28, 1997, TCG, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, TCG New York, Inc.
("TCGNY") amended its $250 million Revolving Credit Agreement to a $400
million Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). The
Revolving Credit Agreement is secured by (i) the stock of the following
wholly-owned subsidiaries of TCGNY: TC New York Holdings I, Inc., TC New York
Holdings II, Inc., TC Systems, Inc., TCG Payphones, Inc. and the partnership
interests in Teleport Communications, (ii) a negative pledge with respect to
the assets and a pledge of the stock of each existing and future subsidiary of
TCGNY, (iii) a negative pledge with respect to the contracts that relate to
TCGNY operations, (iv) upstream guarantees from any existing and future
subsidiaries of TCGNY, and (v) a lien on all present and future intercompany
indebtedness owed to TCGNY from TCG and all of its subsidiaries. The Revolving
Credit Agreement provides for interest based upon either the base rate or
London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), adjusted as defined in the Revolving
Credit Agreement. In addition, TCGNY must pay a commitment fee equal to 0.375%
per annum on the unused commitment amount. There was no outstanding balance as
of December 31, 1997 and 1996. The total interest expense for amounts borrowed
and commitment fees under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $1.2 million,
$6.3 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively. At December 31, 1997, the amount available under the
Revolving Credit Agreement was $344.4 million.
F-19
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
The commitment will be reduced in equal quarterly installments according to
the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR AMOUNT
---- -------------
(IN MILLIONS)
<S> <C>
2000................................ $ 12.5
2001................................ 35.0
2002................................ 55.0
2003................................ 70.0
2004................................ 90.0
2005................................ 100.0
2006................................ 37.5
------
$400.0
======
</TABLE>
The shares of capital stock owned by TCG in certain of the wholly-owned
subsidiaries of TCG (TC New York Holdings I, Inc., TC New York Holdings II,
Inc., TCG Payphones, Inc., and TC Systems, Inc., collectively the "Restricted
Subsidiaries") were and remain pledged as collateral to secure loans pursuant
to, and may not be pledged to any other party under the terms of, the
Revolving Credit Agreement.
In December 1995, the capital stock of the wholly-owned Restricted
Subsidiaries of TCG was transferred, subject to the pledge, to TCG New York,
Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCG. TCG New York, Inc. assumed all
obligations under the Revolving Credit Agreement as of the date of transfer.
TCG New York, Inc. is permitted under the terms of the Revolving Credit
Agreement to advance funds to TCG. When made, such advances are to be
evidenced by notes from TCG to TCG New York, Inc. which will be pledged as
collateral under the Revolving Credit Agreement.
The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various covenants and conditions,
including restrictions on additional indebtedness, maintenance of certain
financial ratios and limitations on capital expenditures. TCG is currently in
compliance with the terms of these covenants. None of these covenants
negatively impact TCG's liquidity or capital resources at this time.
In 1995, TCG entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the
impact of changes in interest rates on its long-term bank debt. TCG had no
interest rate swaps with commercial banks at December 31, 1997 and 1996. The
average fixed interest rate was 5.93% in 1995. These agreements effectively
fixed TCG's interest rate exposure on various LIBOR based floating rate notes
(which ranged from 5.87% to 5.94%). During July 1996, TCG repaid $250 million
of bank indebtedness with the proceeds of the 1996 Offerings. Due to this
repayment, TCG is not currently required under its Revolving Credit Agreement
to enter into interest rate swap arrangements. Accordingly, during 1996, TCG
terminated four interest rate swap arrangements which were due to mature in
1997, for a gain of approximately $1.5 million.
TCI Subordinated Note
In connection with the 1996 Offerings, the Cable Stockholders contributed to
TCG $269.0 million aggregate principal amount of indebtedness, plus accrued
interest from May 1995, except that TCI retained a $26 million subordinated
note of TCG, in exchange for Class B Common Stock issued to the Cable
Stockholders. The loan agreement was terminated in connection with the TCG
Reorganization. Interest and principal on the TCI Subordinated Note were
payable in 2001. The TCI Subordinated note was repaid on December 31, 1997 at
a discounted value of approximately $25.1 million.
F-20
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Cable Stockholders Loan Agreement
TCG had a loan agreement with the Cable Stockholders aggregating $349.6
million ($269.0 million outstanding at December 31, 1995). Borrowings bore
interest at 75 basis points above the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate
("LIBOR"). Total interest expense for this loan was $0, $8.4 million and $17.6
million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
ETC Facility
In the acquisition of ETC, TCG assumed ETC's credit facility which was
entered into in October 1995 with CoreStates Bank, N.A. and certain other
lenders (the "ETC Facility"). The ETC Facility is a $60.0 million credit
facility. The ETC Facility provides for interest based upon either the base
rate, or LIBOR, adjusted as defined in the ETC Facility (7.4375% at December
31, 1997), which is payable quarterly. The balance outstanding is due on
September 30, 1998. Borrowings under the ETC Facility are collateralized by
substantially all of the assets and outstanding common stock of TCG Delaware
Valley, Inc. In addition, the ETC Facility contains certain restrictive
covenants which, among other things, require TCG Delaware Valley to maintain
certain debt service coverage ratios and limit the payment of dividends and
capital expenditures. TCG is currently in compliance with terms of these
covenants. In addition, TCG Delaware Valley is required to pay .375% per year
on the available portion of the ETC Facility. The total outstanding balance at
December 31, 1997, was $52.6 million.
7. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
1997 Equity Offering
Continental acquired its interest in TCG in May 1993. On November 15, 1996,
Continental was acquired by U S WEST. In connection with such acquisition, on
November 5, 1996, the U.S. Department of Justice announced, and on February
28, 1997, a final judgment was entered (the "Final Judgment") with respect to
a settlement with U S WEST and Continental pursuant to which Continental was
required to reduce its ownership in TCG below 10% by June 30, 1997, and was
required to eliminate such ownership entirely by December 31, 1998. On
February 19, 1997, pursuant to the Amended and Restated Stockholders'
Agreement dated June 26, 1996, between TCG and the Cable Stockholders (the
"Amended Stockholders' Agreement"), Continental converted 4,000,000 shares of
Class B Common Stock into 4,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock and, in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission under
the Securities Act, transferred these shares to one or more third parties.
Thereafter, Continental converted an additional 4,500,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock, pursuant to the Amended Stockholders' Agreement, and in
accordance with the provisions of Rule 144 transferred 3,840,000 of such
shares to one or more third parties.
TCG filed a registration statement for a public offering (the "1997 Equity
Offering") of 17,250,000 shares of Class A Common Stock on October 10, 1997,
and the 1997 Offering was consummated on November 13, 1997. Of the 17,250,000
shares, 7,304,408 were offered by the Company and 9,945,592 shares were
offered by Continental. The Company did not receive any proceeds from the sale
of shares by Continental. The net proceeds
F-21
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
to the Company from its sale of shares pursuant to the 1997 Equity Offering
were approximately $317.4 million, after deducting the underwriting discount
and expenses of approximately $11.3 million.
8. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Teleport Communications Group Retirement Savings Plan--TCG has a Retirement
Savings Plan (the "Plan") with a retirement savings component covering
substantially all eligible employees of TCG with one or more years of service
and a 401(k) savings component covering substantially all eligible employees
of TCG. Under the retirement component of the Plan, TCG contributes an amount
based on years of service and annual eligible compensation. Under the 401(k)
component of the Plan, participants may make pre-tax contributions and TCG
matches 50% of the first 6% of annual eligible compensation to a maximum
company contribution of $1,500 per employee for employees with more than one
year of service. Participants with less than one year of service may make pre-
tax contributions without a company match.
Effective November 1, 1996, the Plan offers TCG's Class A Common Stock as an
investment option. The Plan purchases shares on the open market. As of
December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, 113,553 and 36,186 shares, with a
total market value of $6.2 million and $1.1 million, had been purchased under
the Plan.
In 1997, 1996 and 1995, TCG made matching contributions of $1.5 million,
$1.1 million, and $0.7 million, respectively, as required by the 401(k)
component and $2.2 million, $1.4 million, and $1.0 million, respectively,
under the retirement component of the plan.
TCG has established a non-qualified, funded, deferred compensation Make-Up
Plan of Teleport Communications Group Inc. (the "Make-Up Plan") for the
Teleport Communications Group Inc. Retirement Savings Plan. The purpose of the
Make-Up Plan is to provide certain eligible participants benefits which would
have been payable under the Retirement Savings Plan, but were limited by the
maximum company match of $1,500, as well as compensation limits set forth by
the IRS. Expenses incurred in connection with the Make-Up Plan were
approximately $0.9 million in 1997 and were insignificant in 1996 and 1995.
Teleport Communications Group Unit Appreciation Plan--TCG has established
the Teleport Communications Group Unit Appreciation Plan (the "UAP") for 1992
and 1993. During the years ended December 31, 1993 and 1992, TCG made awards
of deferred compensation in the form of units (the "Units"), pursuant to the
UAP, to certain eligible employees of TCG. Benefits under the UAP are equal to
the value of the Units on the date the employee terminates employment or is
fully vested in the Units, less the initial base price of the Units. The
initial base price of each Unit as of January 1, 1993 and 1992 was $34.85 and
$30.00, respectively. Each Unit is equal to 8.4 shares of Class A Common
Stock. Except for awards to a certain employee, the appreciation of any Unit
is limited to 200% of the initial base price. Pursuant to an employee's
employment agreement, there is no limit on the appreciation he may receive
under the 1992 UAPs. Awards under the UAP are subject to a five-year vesting
schedule, pursuant to which the Units granted were 60% vested as of December
31, 1995 and December 31, 1994, respectively, and fully vested no later than
December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively, subject to certain
exceptions provided therein. The 1992 UAPs were fully vested December 31, 1996
and were paid early in 1997. In connection with the UAP, TCG recognized
compensation expense of $15 thousand, $1.4 million and $2.5 million for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. In January 1996,
TCG adopted a plan which permits the awards under the UAP to be deferred in
whole or in part at the election of the participants for periods of up to five
years or, with the Administrative Committee's consent, until termination of
employment.
F-22
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
The following table provides additional information concerning the Unit
Appreciation Plan awards:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
NUMBER NUMBER UNITS NUMBER NUMBER
OF UNITS OF UNITS VALUE OF OUTSTANDING OF UNITS VALUE OF UNITS
OUTSTANDING VESTED UNITS AT VESTED OF UNITS OUTSTANDING
INITIAL AT AT VESTED AT DECEMBER AT VESTED AT AT
YEAR OF NUMBER DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
AWARD OF UNITS 1997 1997 1997 1996 1996 1996 1995
------- -------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------- ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1993.................. 36,000 5,300 5,300 $369,410 5,300 4,240 $ 295,528 23,700
1992.................. 170,850 -- -- -- 63,250 63,250 7,695,373 139,200
------- ----- ----- -------- ------ ------ ---------- -------
Total................ 206,850 5,300 5,300 $369,410 68,550 67,490 $7,990,901 162,900
======= ===== ===== ======== ====== ====== ========== =======
</TABLE>
Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan--TCG
established the Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan
(the "Equity Incentive Plan") effective June 27, 1996, to provide
opportunities for certain employees of TCG to participate in the appreciation
in the value of TCG after the initial public offering. The Board of Directors
authorized the issuance of up to 637,792 shares of Class A Common Stock under
the Equity Incentive Plan. The Equity Incentive Plan is administered by the
Compensation Committee which has full and discretionary power to award shares
under the Equity Incentive Plan.
Under the Equity Incentive Plan, each employee who had an award under the
1992 UAP or the 1993 UAP, whether or not the employee had elected to defer
receipt of the payment of benefits thereunder and who is employed by TCG as of
June 27, 1996, had the right to waive his/her interest in all or any portion
of the employee's benefit in the 1992 UAP or the 1993 UAP. In exchange
therefore, the employee was granted a number of shares under the Equity
Incentive Plan equal to the value of the portion of the employee's benefit
waived (determined as of June 27, 1996) multiplied by 120% and divided by the
initial public offering price per share of Class A Common Stock. No employee
could receive more than 54,000 shares under the Equity Incentive Plan, and a
certain employee was not eligible to participate. One share under the Equity
Incentive Plan is equivalent in value to one share of Class A Common Stock.
Thus, the value of the benefit payable under the Equity Incentive Plan will
fluctuate in accordance with the fair market value of the Class A Common
Stock.
Shares under the Equity Incentive Plan granted in exchange for 1992 UAP
benefits are subject to a two-year vesting schedule, with 70% of the shares
becoming vested as of June 27, 1997 and the remaining 30% becoming vested as
of the June 27, 1998. Shares granted in exchange for the 1993 UAP benefits are
subject to a three-year vesting schedule, with 70% of the shares becoming
vested as of June 27, 1998 and the remaining 30% becoming vested as of June
27, 1999. A participant shall become 100% vested in his/her shares in the
event of death, total disability or a change in control. In the event a
participant's employment is terminated for cause, his/her interest in each and
every share awarded under the Equity Incentive Plan shall be forfeited.
Shares under the Equity Incentive Plan will be paid to a participant either
in one lump sum cash payment or in shares of Class A Common Stock, as
determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, on the payment
date elected by the participant at the time he/she elects to participate in
the Equity Incentive Plan. In general, the payment date elected may be the
last business day of any calendar quarter during the period commencing June
30, 1998 and ending June 30, 2001.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, 409,983 and 421,233 shares were
outstanding under the Equity Incentive Plan.
Teleport Communications Group Inc. Stock Option Plan--TCG established the
Teleport Communications Group Stock Option Plan (the "SOP") effective
September 26, 1993. The SOP is administered at the discretion
F-23
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
of the Compensation Committee, which has made long-term incentive compensation
awards in the form of non-qualified and incentive stock options to eligible
employees. Stock options were granted with exercise prices at or above the
fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, and no compensation
expense has been recognized in connection with the options. The Compensation
Committee may permit the exercise price to be paid in cash, through delivery
of other shares of Class A Common Stock, by delivering irrevocable
instructions to a financial institution to deliver promptly to TCG the portion
of sale or loan proceeds sufficient to pay the exercise price, or through an
election to have shares withheld from the shares otherwise to be received by
the option holder.
The following table provides additional information concerning the SOP:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
-------------------------
AVAILABLE FOR
GRANT OUTSTANDING EXERCISE PRICE
------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1995............ 2,888,046 2,495,304 $ 6.90--10.39
Authorized........................ -- -- --
Granted........................... (285,096) 285,096 14.22
Exercised......................... -- (27,115) 6.90
Forfeited......................... 215,225 (215,225) 6.90--14.22
---------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995.......... 2,818,175 2,538,060 $ 6.90--14.22
Authorized........................ 5,547,683 -- --
Granted........................... (2,003,462) 2,003,462 17.46--21.60
Exercised......................... -- (55,355) 6.90
Forfeited......................... 173,443 (173,443) 6.90--21.60
---------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1996.......... 6,535,839 4,312,724 $ 6.90--21.60
Authorized........................ -- -- --
Granted........................... (1,935,068) 1,935,068 24.48--55.02
Exercised......................... -- (285,332) 6.90--10.39
Forfeited......................... 155,944 (155,944) 6.90--49.00
---------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1997.......... 4,756,715 5,806,516 $ 6.90--55.02
========== =========
</TABLE>
Teleport Communications Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1997)--TCG
adopted the Teleport Communications Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the "1997 Stock Purchase Plan"), effective July 1, 1997. The 1997 Stock
Purchase Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee"). As of the first day of each calendar quarter each
eligible employee will be granted the option to purchase as of the last day of
each calendar quarter, a number of shares determined under a uniform formula
specified by the Committee. Each eligible employee was given an option to
purchase the number of shares equal to 10% of such employee's compensation
plus bonus paid in that calendar quarter, divided by the purchase price per
share under the option. No employee can receive options for more than $25,000
worth of shares in any calendar year. The purchase price for one share of
Class A Common Stock is 15% below the average closing price of the last ten
trading days of the calendar quarter. The Committee authorized the issuance of
1,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock under the 1997 Stock Purchase Plan.
The expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 1997 related to options
issued was approximately $0.3 million.
Teleport Communications Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (1996)--TCG
adopted the Teleport Communications Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(the "1996 Stock Purchase Plan"), effective June 27, 1996. The 1996 Stock
Purchase Plan is administered by the Committee. Each eligible
F-24
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
employee was given an option to purchase a number of shares of Class A Common
Stock up to 10% of such employee's compensation plus bonus paid for the
calendar year preceding the year the option is awarded, divided by the
purchase price per share under the option. No employee can receive options for
more than $25,000 worth of shares in any calendar year. The purchase price for
one share of Class A Common Stock is 15% below the initial offering price of
$16, or $13.60. The Board of Directors has authorized the issuance of 745,000
shares under the 1996 Stock Purchase Plan. The options expired on June 27,
1997. Options related to 584,686 shares of Class A Common Stock were
exercised.
The expense recorded in each of the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996
related to the options issued was approximately $0.7 million.
The following table provides additional information concerning the 1996 and
1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plans:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
-------------------------
AVAILABLE FOR
GRANT OUTSTANDING EXERCISE PRICE
------------- ----------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1996............ -- -- $ --
Authorized........................ 745,000 -- 13.60
Granted........................... (623,894) 623,894 13.60
Exercised......................... -- -- --
Forfeited......................... 41,001 (41,001) 13.60
--------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1996.......... 162,107 582,893 $ 13.60
Authorized........................ 1,500,000 -- --
Granted........................... (109,975) 109,975 35.54
Exercised......................... -- (609,651) 13.60--35.54
Forfeited......................... 83,217 (83,217) 13.60
--------- --------
Balance, December 31, 1997.......... 1,635,349 -- $ --
========= ========
</TABLE>
Stock-Based Compensation--In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" which encourages but does not
require companies to record compensation cost for stock-based compensation
plans at fair value.
TCG has chosen to continue to account for stock-based compensation using the
intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion
("APB") No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and its related
interpretations. Accordingly, no compensation expense has been recorded for
its stock awards and employee stock purchase plans, but rather, the Company
has determined the pro forma net loss and net loss per share amounts for 1997,
1996 and 1995, as if compensation expense had been recorded for options
granted during those years under the fair value method described in SFAS No.
123. Compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of
the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of the grant over
the amount an employee must pay to acquire the stock. Compensation cost for
stock appreciation rights and performance equity units is recorded quarterly
based on the quoted market price of TCG's stock at the end of the period.
The Company utilized the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the
fair value at the date of grant of options granted during 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Under the Black-Scholes model, the volatility factor ranged from 25.0% to
26.4% was used for options granted on or after the date of the 1996 Offerings
and the minimum value method was used for options granted prior to the date of
the 1996 Offerings, as if there was no market for the
F-25
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Company's common stock in which to monitor stock price volatility. Had TCG
adopted SFAS No. 123, net loss and loss per share would have increased as
indicated below (in thousands, except share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net loss--as reported................ $ (222,667) $ (114,850) $ (53,804)
=========== =========== ==========
Net loss--pro forma.................. $ (225,625) $ (116,398) $ (53,929)
=========== =========== ==========
Loss per share--as reported.......... $ (1.34) $ (1.00) $ (0.77)
=========== =========== ==========
Loss per share--pro forma............ $ (1.36) $ (1.02) $ (0.77)
=========== =========== ==========
Weighted average number of shares
outstanding......................... 165,728,059 114,443,695 70,000,140
=========== =========== ==========
</TABLE>
Valuation Assumptions--The fair value of options at the date of grant was
established using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average
input assumptions:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL
EXPECTED EXERCISE STOCK PRICE RISK FREE DIV. FORFEITURE
LIFE PRICE AT GRANT VOLATILITY INT. RATE YIELD RATE
-------- --------- ----------- ---------- --------- ----- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1996 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan Grants... 1.00 $13.60 $16.00 25.0% 5.81% 0% 4.89%
1995, 1996 and 1997
Stock Option Grants.... 5.00 to $14.22 to $14.22 to 0.1% to 5.80% to 0% 0% to
7.00 $46.98 $46.98 26.4% 6.73% 5.00%
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes information concerning the remaining options
outstanding as of December 31, 1997 for the 1997, 1996 and 1995 option grants
and the 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
OPTIONS OUTSTANDING OPTIONS EXERCISABLE
--------------------------------------------- --------------------
WEIGHTED AVG. WEIGHTED WEIGHTED
RANGE OF NUMBER OF REMAINING AVERAGE NUMBER OF AVERAGE
EXERCISE SHARES CONTRACTUAL EXERCISE SHARES EXERCISE
PRICES OUTSTANDING LIFE PRICES EXERCISABLE PRICES
--------- ----------- ------------- --------- ----------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995, 1996 and 1997
Stock Option Grants and
1997 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan.......... $14.22 to 4,011,154 5.00 to $14.22 to 2,313 $14.22
$55.02 7.00 $46.98
</TABLE>
Employment Agreements--TCG has employment agreements with certain of its
executive officers and senior management personnel. These agreements are
effective through dates ending from June 30, 1998 to December 31, 2000, unless
terminated earlier by the executive or TCG, and provide for annual salaries,
cost-of-living adjustments, additional compensation in the form of bonuses
based on the performance of TCG and the executive, and participation in the
various benefit plans of TCG. The agreements contain certain benefits to the
executive if TCG terminates the executive's employment without cause or if the
executive terminates his employment as a result of change in ownership of TCG.
The salary and bonus expense related to these employment agreements for the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 approximated $3.6 million, $2.9
million and $2.1 million, respectively. TCG's remaining aggregate commitments
for salaries under such agreements is approximately $4.9 million. The
commitments for bonuses under these agreements is approximately $1.9 million.
In the event TCG terminates the executive without cause or the executive
terminates his/her employment as a result of a change in control, the
agreements provide for continued vesting in deferred compensation and long
term incentive awards as well as the payment of a base salary for each
executive plus an annual bonus for the duration of the agreement. The annual
bonus is an amount not less than 30% of such base salary, except for a
F-26
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
certain employee whose minimum annual bonus is 50% of base salary. Each
executive is entitled to these severance benefits for at least six months
following such termination, except for a certain employee whose minimum
entitlement period is 30 months.
9. INCOME TAXES
There are no current income taxes payable based on TCG's operating loss. The
current state and local tax expense are based on factors other than income.
The following temporary differences compose the net deferred income tax
payable (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Depreciation, amortization and excess credits......... $ 73,868 $ 43,072
Other................................................. 553 --
--------- --------
74,421 43,072
--------- --------
Deferred income tax assets:
Operating loss........................................ (192,433) (81,578)
Deferred revenue...................................... (2,403) (2,361)
Assets recorded for tax purposes...................... (3,575) (3,368)
Incentive compensation................................ (6,434) (4,579)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries....... (142) (138)
Other................................................. (248) --
--------- --------
(205,235) (92,024)
Less: valuation allowance 131,778 49,874
--------- --------
Total deferred tax assets............................... (73,457) (42,150)
--------- --------
Deferred income taxes payable--net...................... $ 964 $ 922
========= ========
</TABLE>
In 1997, 1996 and 1995, the net income tax benefits of approximately $81.9
million, $29.6 million and $10.9 million, respectively, have been offset by
increases in the valuation allowance of $81.9 million, $29.6 million and $10.9
million, respectively, due to the uncertainty of realizing the benefit of the
loss carry-forwards.
At December 31, 1997, TCG had operating loss carry-forwards for federal
income tax purposes of approximately $523.0 million, expiring principally in
2003 through 2013. Approximately $49.0 million of the net operating loss
carryforwards are carryovers related to the acquisitions of BizTel and ETC.
The net operating losses related to these acquisitions will be subject to
various limitations.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate and TCG's
effective income tax rate is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory federal income tax rate................... 35.00% 35.00% 35.00%
State and local taxes, less federal benefit......... 0.75 2.36 1.30
Unutilized tax benefit due to net operating loss.... (30.04) (31.80) (33.30)
Permanent differences and other..................... (4.96) (3.20) (1.70)
------ ------ ------
Effective rate...................................... 0.75% 2.36% 1.30%
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
F-27
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In 1996 TCG entered into a preliminary agreement with TCI which provide for
the provision of certain services by TCG to TCI in connection with the
development by TCI of residential telephony service offerings in Hartford,
Connecticut, San Francisco, California and Arlington Heights, Illinois and
possibly other locations. TCI has agreed to reimburse TCG for certain costs
and cost of capital in connection with these services. TCG is also in the
process of negotiating a market based agreement for the provision of telephony
services for TCI in multiple dwelling units at various locations. TCI and TCG
are continuing negotiations to reach a definitive agreement for both
offerings. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the amounts due to TCG for this
reimbursement were $1.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively, and are
included in accounts receivable--related parties. TCG has entered into an
agreement with Comcast to support a Comcast residential service offering to be
conducted in Maryland and Florida.
TCG also provides management services to certain affiliates of Cox under
three Operator Managed Ventures Services Agreements, including billing
services, network monitoring and accounts receivable functions. Under the
terms of the agreements, TCG retains 8% of the collected revenues from Cox
customers as a royalty fee. Royalty fees recorded from Cox were approximately
$0.6 million, $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Included in accounts receivable--trade are
approximately $1.0 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively, for amounts owed by Cox customers. At December 31, 1997 and
1996, the amounts due to Cox affiliates under the agreements were $1.7 million
and $1.1 million, respectively.
In 1997 and 1996, TCG purchased cable on behalf of certain of the Cable
Stockholders, which it then sold to them at cost. The amount receivable from
the owners was $1.1 million and $1.5 million as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.
Sprint Spectrum, a partnership owned 60% by TCI, Comcast and Cox, entered
into preliminary agreements or letters of intent with a number of wholly-owned
subsidiaries of TCG providing for the construction of special facilities and
the provision of services to Sprint Spectrum by TCG. TCG and Sprint Spectrum
have continued this service relationship throughout 1997. The amount
receivable from Sprint Spectrum at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively,
was $1.6 million and $0.3 million.
In connection with the management of the Local Market Partnerships, TCG
entered into management services agreements. Under the terms of such
agreements, TCG provided certain operating and administrative services to such
entities, for which it earned management fees. Management fees earned were
approximately $0, $21.8 million and $29.6 million in 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. After July 2, 1996, such management fee revenue is no longer
recorded because the previously unconsolidated partnerships are now
consolidated.
Related to the acquisition of KCFN, TCG is liable to fund the operations
until the closing. Such liability for KCFN as of December 31, 1997 is $2.3
million which is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The
liability associated with the acquisition of KCFN of approximately $55 million
is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
Under the terms of contracts with various parties, TCG is obligated to pay
franchise fees, office rents, node rents and rights-of-way fees in connection
with its fiber optic network through 2022. These contracts provide for
F-28
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
certain scheduled increases and for possible escalation of basic rentals based
on a change in the cost of living or on other factors. TCG expects to enter
into other contracts for additional franchise fees, office rents, node rents,
rights-of-way, facilities, equipment, and maintenance services in the future.
A summary of such fixed commitments at December 31, 1997 is as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AMOUNT
----- --------
<S> <C>
1998..................................... $ 34,079
1999..................................... 32,286
2000..................................... 29,986
2001..................................... 27,908
2002..................................... 25,723
Thereafter............................... 65,814
--------
Total.................................. $215,796
========
</TABLE>
Rent expense under operating leases was approximately $31.4 million, $18.0
million and $11.8 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and
1995, respectively.
Capital Leases
Communications network includes assets acquired under capital leases of
approximately $154.1 million and $114.1 million (including approximately
$111.6 million and $96.0 million with related parties) at December 31, 1997,
and 1996, respectively. The related accumulated depreciation and amortization
was approximately $18.9 million and $12.1 million, respectively.
The following is a schedule, by year, of future minimum payments under the
leases, together with the present value of the net minimum payments as of
December 31, 1997 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS AMOUNT
----- -------
<S> <C>
1998...................................... $38,218
1999...................................... 12,545
2000...................................... 4,860
2001...................................... 844
2002...................................... 534
Thereafter................................ 4,130
-------
Total minimum lease payments.............. 61,131
Less amount representing interest......... 8,312
-------
Total obligations under capital leases.... $52,819
=======
</TABLE>
Retention Incentive
As part of the AT&T Merger, TCG has offered a retention incentive
compensation package to all employees as of January 8, 1998. These amounts are
payable in four installments, the closing date of the proposed AT&T Merger,
the first anniversary of the closing date, the second anniversary of the
closing date and thereafter to all employees still employed at TCG. Such
amounts are currently estimated at $14.4 million, 14.4 million, $10.4 million
and $.8 million, respectively. There are no assurances that the AT&T Merger
will be consummated.
F-29
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Revenue Sharing Agreements
Teleport Communications is subject to a revenue sharing agreement with The
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (the "Port Authority"). Based on the
agreement, Teleport Communications is obligated to pay to the Port Authority
5% of its gross revenues, and may be required to pay a "net return rental
fee," as defined, to the extent its cumulative net return exceeds the
entitlement amount. For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 the
payments made were $300,000 in each year. Teleport Communications is required
to remit to the Port Authority a minimum payment currently equal to $300,000
annually.
Teleport Communications entered into a 15-year franchise agreement with the
City of New York during 1994, which among other things, requires a payment
based on certain gross revenues, as defined in the agreement. The franchise
provides for the payment of 10% of certain gross revenues in 1995 and 1996, 6%
in 1997 and 5% thereafter, all subject to certain setoffs, reductions and
adjustments. The franchise also provides that commencing with calendar year
1995, payment to the City will be no less than $200,000 per year. For the
years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 the payments made to the City
under the franchise were $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.3 million,
respectively.
Litigation
In April 1997, a complaint seeking damages in an unspecified amount was
filed against the Company in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois by two
former customers of the Company and an alleged class purporting to consist of
investors in one of the customers, alleging fraud and breach of contract. The
initial complaint was dismissed in September 1997 and an amended complaint was
refiled by the plaintiffs in October 1997. The Company, upon consultation with
counsel, believes that the allegations are without merit and that it possess
meritorious counterclaims for damages arising from breach of contract. The
Company additionally believes that any costs arising from this lawsuit will
not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of
operations or cash flows.
On December 16, 1997, prior to public announcement of the AT&T Merger, an
action was filed by one TCG public stockholder in the Delaware Court of
Chancery against TCG, TCG's directors and the Cable Stockholders. The
plaintiff's complaint alleges that, based on public reports, TCG's directors,
management and controlling stockholders were negotiating the sale of TCG to
AT&T on a preferential basis. This sale on a preferential basis, the complaint
alleges, would offer little or no premium over the current market price of TCG
Class A Common Stock and is therefore unfair and inadequate to TCG's public
stockholders. The plaintiff seeks to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or,
alternatively, to rescind the transaction and/or recover damages in the event
that the transaction is consummated. The complaint seeks to have the action
certified for class action status and to appoint the plaintiff as the class
representative.
On January 12, 1998, an action was filed by two TCG public stockholders in
the Delaware Court of Chancery against TCG, certain TCG directors and
officers, the Cable Stockholders and AT&T. The complaint alleges that the
exchange ratio in the AT&T Merger represents an inadequate premium for
stockholders of TCG Class A Common Stock. The complaint further alleges that
the actions of the TCG directors, officers and Cable Stockholders in
connection with the AT&T Merger constitute a breach of various fiduciary
duties owed to the stockholders of TCG Class A Common Stock. The plaintiffs
seek to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or, alternatively, to rescind the
transaction and/or recover damages in the event that the transaction is
consummated. The complaint seeks to have the action certified for class action
status and to appoint the plaintiffs as the class representatives.
On January 28, 1998, an action was filed by a TCG public stockholder in the
Delaware Court of Chancery against TCG, certain TCG directors and officers,
and the Cable Stockholders. The complaint alleges that the exchange ratio in
the AT&T Merger represents an inadequate premium for stockholders of TCG Class
A
F-30
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
Common Stock. The complaint further alleges that the actions of the TCG
directors, officers and Cable Stockholders in connection with the AT&T Merger
constitute a breach of various duties owed to the stockholders of TCG Class A
Common Stock. The plaintiffs seek to enjoin the merger of TCG and AT&T or,
alternatively, to rescind the transaction and/or recover damages and fees in
the event that the transaction is consummated. The complaint seeks to have the
action certified for class action status and to appoint the plaintiff as the
class representative.
Plaintiffs' counsel in the above three putative stockholder class action
proceedings have agreed (i) to defer the obligation of the defendants to
answer the actions and (ii) to consolidate the actions by filing an amended
consolidated complaint. As of the end of February 1998, the amended
consolidated complaint had not been filed. The Company believes that these
proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, are without merit and that any
associated costs will not have a material adverse effect on TCG's financial
condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In the ordinary course of business, TCG is involved in various litigation
and regulatory matters, proceedings and claims. In the opinion of TCG's
management, after consultation with counsel, the outcome of such proceedings
will not have a materially adverse effect on TCG's financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
12. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for interest and non-cash investing and financing activities for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997 1996 1995
-------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash paid during the year for interest............ $ 43,008 $ 7,818 $ 8,675
======== ======== =======
Fixed assets acquired under capital leases........ $ 38,244 $ 14,034 $15,151
======== ======== =======
Compensation paid in stock........................ $ 4,772 -- --
======== ======== =======
Rights-of-way obtained in exchange for cable
installation..................................... $ -- $ -- $ 1,330
======== ======== =======
Conversion of subordinated debt to parents plus
accrued interest................................. $ -- $263,602 $ --
======== ======== =======
Conversion and stock split of $1 par value common
stock to 139,250,370 shares of Class B Common
Stock as part of the TCG Reorganization.......... $ -- $213,099 $ --
======== ======== =======
Acquisition of subsidiaries....................... $131,246 $ -- $ --
-------- -------- -------
Cash acquired in acquisitions..................... 1,203 -- --
Common stock issued............................... 123,334 -- --
-------- -------- -------
124,537 -- --
-------- -------- -------
Cash paid to acquire subsidiaries................. $ 6,709 $ -- $ --
======== ======== =======
</TABLE>
F-31
<PAGE>
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1996 AND 1995
13. SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized below is quarterly financial information for the years ended
December 31, 1997 and 1996 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER
1997 CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
---- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues................ $ 96,844 $115,664 $131,406 $150,390 $ 494,304
Net loss................ (45,028) (51,332) (53,784) (72,523) (222,667)
Loss per common share... $ (0.28) $ (0.31) $ (0.33) $ (.42) $ (1.34)
<CAPTION>
1996 COMBINED COMBINED CONSOLIDATED CONSOLIDATED TOTAL
---- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues................ $ 50,435 $ 57,087 $ 72,749 $ 87,398 $ 267,669
Net loss................ (18,693) (19,743) (33,705) (42,709) (114,850)
Loss per common share... $ (0.25) $ (0.27) $ (0.21) $ (0.27) $ (1.00)
</TABLE>
F-32
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY
THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED.
Teleport Communications Group Inc.
(Registrant)
/s/ Robert Annunziata
By: _________________________________
Date March 9, 1998 Robert Annunziata,
President and Chief Executive
Officer
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ Robert Annunziata Chairman of the March 6, 1998
_____________________________________ Board of Directors,
ROBERT ANNUNZIATA President and Chief
Executive Officer
/s/ John A. Scarpati Senior Vice March 6, 1998
_____________________________________ President and Chief
JOHN A. SCARPATI Financial Officer
(Principal
Financial Officer)
/s/ Maria Terranova-Evans Vice President and March 6, 1998
_____________________________________ Controller
MARIA TERRANOVA-EVANS (Principal
Accounting Officer)
/s/ Brendan R. Clouston Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
BRENDAN R. CLOUSTON
/s/ John R. Dillon Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
JOHN R. DILLON
/s/ Gerald W. Gaines Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
GERALD W. GAINES
/s/ Jimmy W. Hayes Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
JIMMY W. HAYES
II-1
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
/s/ J. Bruce Llewellyn Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
J. BRUCE LLEWELLYN
/s/ James O. Robbins Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
JAMES O. ROBBINS
/s/ John R. Alchin Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
JOHN R. ALCHIN
/s/ C. B. Rogers, Jr. Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
C. B. ROGERS, JR.
/s/ Larry E. Romrell Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
LARRY E. ROMRELL
/s/ Bernard W. Schotters Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
BERNARD W. SCHOTTERS
/s/ Lawrence S. Smith Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
LAWRENCE S. SMITH
/s/ David M. Woodrow Director March 6, 1998
_____________________________________
DAVID M. WOODROW
II-2
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S>
2.1 Reorganization Agreement, dated as of April 18, 1996(1)
2.2 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 26, 1997, by and
among Teleport Communications Group Inc., TCG Merger Co., Inc. and ACC
Corp.(5)
2.3 Agreement and Plan of Merger Among AT&T Corp., TA Merger Corp. and
Teleport Communications Group Inc., dated as of January 8, 1998(6)
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of TCG(1)
3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of TCG(1)
4.1 Amended and Restated Stockholders' Agreement, dated June 26, 1996(1)
4.2 Indenture between TCG and United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee, relating to the 11 1/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2007 of
TCG(1)
4.3 Indenture between TCG and United States Trust Company of New York, as
Trustee, relating to 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006 of TCG(1)
4.4 Form of Stock Certificate for Teleport Communications Group Inc. Class
A Common Stock(1)
4.5 Form of Global Security for 11 1/8% Senior Discount Notes due 2007 of
TCG(1)
4.6 Form of Global Security for 9 7/8% Senior Notes due 2006 of TCG(1)
9 Voting Agreement(6)
10.1 New York Franchise Agreement, dated May 2, 1994, as amended(1)
10.2 Participation Agreement, dated May 15, 1984(1)
10.3 Agreement of Lease, dated May 15, 1984, as amended(1)
10.4 Keepwell Agreement, dated June 7, 1984, as amended(1)
10.5 Agreement of Lease with Teleport Associates, dated November 10, 1987(1)
10.6 Agreement of Sublease between Merrill Lynch/WFC/L, Inc. and TC
Systems, Inc. dated January 30, 1990(1)
10.7 Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated July 28, 1997(4)
10.8 Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1993 Unit Appreciation Plan(1)
10.9 Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1993 Stock Option Plan, as
amended(1)
10.10 Teleport Communications Group Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan(1)
10.11 Deferred Compensation Plan of Teleport Communications Group Inc.(1)
10.12 Make-up Plan of Teleport Communications Group Inc. for the Retirement
Savings Plan(1)
10.13 Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1996 Equity Incentive Plan(1)
10.14 Robert Annunziata Employment Agreement, dated December 18, 1992, as
amended(1)
10.15 John A. Scarpati Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 1994, as
amended(1)
10.16 Robert C. Atkinson Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 1994, as
amended(1)
10.17 Stuart A. Mencher Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 1994, as
amended(1)
10.18 Alf T. Hansen Employment Agreement, dated July 12, 1994, as amended(1)
10.19 Agreement among Teleport Communications Group Inc. and Comcast
Corporation, dated April 18, 1996(1)
10.20 First Amendment to the Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1993 Stock
Option Plan(1)
</TABLE>
X-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NO. DESCRIPTION
------- -----------
<C> <S>
10.21 Second Amendment to the Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1993 Stock
Option Plan(1)
10.22 First Amendment to the Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1996 Equity
Incentive Plan(1)
10.23 Teleport Communications Group Inc. 1997 Employee Stock Purchase Plan(2)
10.24 Teleport Communications Group Inc. Restricted Stock and Bonus Plan(3)
11 Computation of Loss Per Common Share
12 Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Changes
21 Subsidiaries of TCG(7)
23.1 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
Footnotes:
(1) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Registration Statements on Form S-1,
as amended (File Nos. 333-3850 and 333-3984).
(2) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-8
(File No. 333-30571).
(3) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-8
(File No. 333-30569).
(4) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-3,
as amended (File No. 333-37597).
(5) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Periodic Report on Form 8-K, dated
November 26, 1997.
(6) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Periodic Report on Form 8-K, dated
January 8, 1998.
(7) Incorporated by reference from TCG's Registration Statement on Form S-4,
as amended (File No. 333-45833).
X-2
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATIONS OF LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net loss................ $ (222,667) $ (114,850) $ (53,804) $ (29,989) $ (18,271)
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
Primary loss per common
share:
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding.. 165,728,059 114,443,695 70,000,140 70,000,140 70,000,140
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
Loss per Share.......... $ (1.34) $ (1.00) $ (0.77) $ (0.43) $ (0.26)
============ ============ =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 12
TELEPORT COMMUNICATIONS GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------
1997 1996 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net loss.................. $(222,667) $(114,850) $(53,804) $(29,989) $(18,271)
Add (Deduct): Income Tax
Provision (Benefit)...... 1,664 2,193 401 433 (4,149)
Less: Minority Interest... -- (3,520) (663) (1,395) (796)
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Pre Tax (Loss)............ (221,003) (116,177) (54,066) (30,951) (23,216)
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Add: Fixed Charges
Interest................. 116,172 74,319 27,206 8,867 2,548
Amortization of debt
expense.................. 203 168 116 -- --
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Total fixed charges....... 116,375 74,487 27,322 $ 8,867 $ 2,548
--------- --------- -------- -------- --------
$(104,628) $ (41,690) $(26,744) $(22,084) $(20,668)
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Fixed charges............. $ 116,375 $ 74,487 $ 27,322 $ 8,867 $ 2,548
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
Deficiency of Earnings to
Fixed Charges............ $ 221,003 $ 116,177 $ 54,066 $ 30,951 $ 23,216
========= ========= ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
Nos. 333-30569, 333-30571, 333-13987, 333-07007, 333-07009 and 333-07011 on
Form S-8 of our report dated March 3, 1998, appearing in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K of Teleport Communications Group Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
New York, New York
March 6, 1998
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 3-MOS 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1997 DEC-31-1997
<CASH> 173,331 173,331
<SECURITIES> 306,828 306,828
<RECEIVABLES> 85,081 85,081
<ALLOWANCES> 11,684 11,684
<INVENTORY> 0 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 600,161 600,161
<PP&E> 1,873,083 1,873,083
<DEPRECIATION> 379,987 379,987
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 2,456,301 2,456,301
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 375,272 375,272
<BONDS> 1,117,319 1,117,319
0 0
0 0
<COMMON> 1,828 1,828
<OTHER-SE> 1,150,649 1,150,649
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 2,456,301 2,456,301
<SALES> 0 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 150,390 494,304
<CGS> 0 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 83,410 283,440
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 47,965 155,402
<LOSS-PROVISION> 4,294 11,526
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 27,228 116,172
<INCOME-PRETAX> (72,363) (221,003)
<INCOME-TAX> 160 1,664
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (72,523) (222,667)
<DISCONTINUED> 0 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0 0
<CHANGES> 0 0
<NET-INCOME> (72,523) (222,667)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (0.42) (1.34)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.42) (1.34)
</TABLE>
