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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
----------------
[X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2000
or
[_]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
From the transition period from to
Commission file number 333-41723
BTI Telecom Corp.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
North Carolina 56-2047220
<S> <C>
(State or other jurisdiction
of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or
organization) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
4300 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
(Address of principal executive offices)
27609
(Zip Code)
(800) 849-9100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
----------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
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 the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the last practicable date.
No Par Value Common Stock 92,542,036 shares as of November 5,
2000
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
Number
------
<S> <C>
Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1999 and September 30,
2000................................................................ 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three-and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 1999 and 2000........................... 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1999 and 2000................................... 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................... 6
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations........................................ 8
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk..... 16
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................. 18
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds..................... 18
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.............................. 18
Signatures............................................................ 19
Index to Exhibits..................................................... 20
</TABLE>
2
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, September 30,
1999 2000
------------ -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 86,149 $ 5,633
Restricted cash.................................... 28,997 --
Accounts receivable, net........................... 34,157 43,704
Accounts and notes receivable from related
parties........................................... 617 800
Other current assets............................... 1,456 2,342
--------- ---------
Total current assets.............................. 151,376 52,479
Property, plant and equipment:
Property, plant and equipment...................... 200,059 285,213
Construction in progress........................... 10,925 40,087
Less: accumulated depreciation..................... (44,410) (64,821)
--------- ---------
Total property, plant and equipment............... 166,574 260,479
Other assets, net.................................. 16,884 22,725
--------- ---------
Total assets........................................ $ 334,834 $ 335,683
========= =========
Liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and
shareholders' deficit
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable................................... $ 59,546 $ 77,286
Accrued expenses................................... 3,931 5,911
Accrued interest................................... 8,203 1,753
Advance billings and other liabilities............. 5,993 11,621
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities......................... 77,673 96,571
Long-term debt..................................... 279,000 315,799
Other long-term liabilities........................ 1,747 1,528
--------- ---------
Total liabilities................................. 358,420 413,898
Redeemable preferred stock, $.01 par value,
authorized 10,000,000 shares: Series A redeemable
convertible preferred stock, 200,000 shares issued
and outstanding (aggregate liquidation preference
of $209,000)....................................... 195,756 205,134
Shareholders' deficit:
Common stock, no par value, authorized 500,000,000
shares, 92,397,661 and 92,542,036 shares issued
and outstanding in 1999 and 2000, respectively.... 1,864 2,932
Common stock warrants.............................. 27,000 27,000
Accumulated deficit................................ (248,206) (313,281)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' deficit....................... (219,342) (283,349)
--------- ---------
Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and
shareholders' deficit.............................. $ 334,834 $ 335,683
========= =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
3
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Ended September Nine Months Ended
30, September 30,
------------------ ------------------
1999 2000 1999 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue............................... $ 72,055 $ 69,700 $189,817 $201,008
Cost of services...................... 49,639 42,288 126,952 123,684
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit......................... 22,416 27,412 62,865 77,324
Selling, general and administrative
expenses............................. 22,235 31,013 62,240 84,715
Depreciation and amortization......... 5,177 9,393 14,015 24,688
-------- -------- -------- --------
Loss from operations.................. (4,996) (12,994) (13,390) (32,079)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense..................... (6,954) (8,168) (20,429) (23,230)
Other income (expense), net.......... 593 292 2,015 (443)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Loss before income taxes.............. (11,357) (20,870) (31,804) (55,752)
Income taxes.......................... -- -- -- --
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss.............................. $(11,357) $(20,870) $(31,804) $(55,752)
Dividend on preferred stock........... -- (3,000) -- (9,000)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss available for common
shareholders......................... $(11,357) $(23,870) $(31,804) $(64,752)
======== ======== ======== ========
Basic and diluted loss per share...... $ (0.11) $ (0.26) $ (0.32) $ (0.70)
======== ======== ======== ========
Basic and diluted weighted average
shares outstanding................... 100,000 92,478 100,000 92,478
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
4
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
-------------------
1999 2000
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Operating Activities:
Net loss.................................................. $(31,804) $ (55,752)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities:
Depreciation............................................. 11,634 20,524
Amortization............................................. 2,381 4,165
Non-cash compensation related to stock options........... 332 140
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable..................................... (9,118) (8,631)
Accounts and notes receivable from related parties...... (125) (183)
Other assets............................................ (185) (976)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses................... 11,010 18,815
Accrued interest expense................................ (6,422) (6,450)
Advance billings and other liabilities.................. 3,497 3,512
-------- ---------
Net cash used in operating activities..................... (18,800) (24,836)
Investing Activities:
Change in restricted cash................................ 24,175 28,997
Purchases of property, plant and equipment, net.......... (60,903) (114,338)
Purchase of other assets................................. (3,188) (4,511)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired....................... -- (4,290)
-------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities..................... (39,916) (94,142)
Financing Activities:
Net proceeds from long-term borrowings................... 49,965 38,240
Decrease in other long-term liabilities.................. (763) (5)
(Increase) decrease in deferred financing costs and other
assets.................................................. (1,461) 309
Additional issuance costs of redeemable preferred stock.. -- (82)
Distributions paid....................................... (82) --
-------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities................. 47,659 38,462
-------- ---------
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents..................... (11,057) (80,516)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.......... 12,767 86,149
-------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period................ $ 1,710 $ 5,633
======== =========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest.................................... $ 28,306 $ 30,069
======== =========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
5
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2000 (Unaudited)
Note 1: The Company and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial information includes the accounts of BTI Telecom
Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Company" or "BTITC") after
elimination of intercompany transactions. The consolidated interim financial
statements of BTITC included herein are unaudited and have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim
financial reporting and in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and regulations. Some information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been
condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In the opinion of
management, the financial statements reflect all adjustments (all of which are
of a normal and recurring nature) that are necessary to present fairly the
financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim
periods. The results for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of
the results for any other period. These financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1999.
Preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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.
Some amounts in the September 30, 1999 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the September 30, 2000 presentation.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). In June 1999, the
FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of FASB Statement
No. 133" ("SFAS 137"). In June 2000, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments
and Certain Hedging Activities--an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133"
("SFAS 138"). SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 137 and 138, will require the
recognition of all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value
and is effective for all quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2000. We do not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS 133 will have a
significant effect on our results of operations or financial position.
Property, Plant and Equipment
We capitalize interest costs associated with construction of capital
assets, primarily fiber optic network and switching facilities. The total
amount capitalized for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and
1999 was $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
We classify costs associated with the construction of the fiber optic
network as "Construction in Progress" in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets. As segments of the network are completed, we will transfer these
amounts into property, plant and equipment and depreciate them over the useful
lives of the equipment.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of the acquisition over the sum
of the amounts assigned to identifiable assets acquired less liabilities
assumed using the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill is
6
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BTI TELECOM CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
periodically reviewed for impairment based upon an assessment of future
operations to ensure that it is appropriately valued. Amortization is provided
using the straight-line method over 25 years.
Note 2: Long-Term Debt And Credit Facilities
Senior Notes--On September 22, 1997, the Company issued $250.0 million of
10 1/2% Initial Notes which were exchanged for Senior Notes in January 1998.
The entire original principal balance is due September 2007, with interest
payable on March 15th and September 15th of each year. The Senior Notes
contain financial and administrative covenants with which the Company must
comply, including restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness
and payment of dividends under circumstances specified in the indenture
governing the Senior Notes.
Credit Facilities--In 1998, the Company amended and restated its existing
$60.0 million revolving credit facility to provide a $30.0 million revolving
credit facility and a $30.0 million capital expenditure facility (the
"Facilities"). Borrowings under the Facilities can be used for working capital
and other purposes. Availability under the Facilities, which is based upon a
percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible capital expenditures,
respectively, totaled $57.4 million at September 30, 2000. As of September 30,
2000, there was a total of $39.5 million outstanding under the Facilities, in
addition to $0.2 million in letters of credit. The Facilities agreement
expires and amounts outstanding are due in September 2002. Borrowings under
the Facilities are secured by substantially all of the Company's assets and
bear interest, at the Company's option, at either the 30-, 60- or 90-day LIBOR
rate plus 4% or the prime rate plus 3%. The Company is also required to pay a
fee of 0.375% per year on the unused commitment. The Facilities contain
financial and administrative covenants with which the Company must comply on a
monthly and quarterly basis, including restrictions on the payment of
dividends. The Company is currently in compliance with these covenants, as
amended or waived, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to
continue meeting these covenants. The Facilities, as amended, also requires
that the Company obtain commitment letters for additional financing on or
before January 15, 2001.
In September 1999, the Company obtained an additional $60.0 million credit
facility (the "Facility"). Borrowings under the Facility are to be used to
finance segments of the Company's fiber optic network and associated
infrastructure. The Facility agreement expires and amounts outstanding are due
in September 2002. Borrowings under the Facility are secured by a first
security interest in the Company's fiber optic network and associated
infrastructure and a secondary interest in substantially all of the Company's
assets. Outstanding amounts bear interest, at the Company's option, at either
the 30-, 60- or 90-day LIBOR rate or the prime rate, plus an applicable
margin. This margin varies based on the Company's financial position from
2.0%-3.25% for borrowings under the LIBOR option and from 1.0%-2.25% for
borrowings under the prime rate option. As of September 30, 2000, there was a
total of $29.0 million available under the Facility, all of which was
outstanding. The Facility contains financial and administrative covenants with
which the Company must comply on a monthly and quarterly basis, including
restrictions on the payment of dividends. The Company is currently in
compliance with these covenants, as amended or waived. There can be no
assurance that we will be able to continue meeting these covenants. The
Facility, as amended, also requires that the Company obtain commitment letters
for additional financing on or before January 15, 2001.
Note 3: Income Taxes
For the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and
1999, the Company generated net losses. The Company has established a
valuation allowance for the net deferred tax assets associated with these net
operating losses. As such, there was no impact on the results from operations
for net operating losses generated during the three-month and nine-month
periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. The Company will reduce the
valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is
more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will
be realized.
7
<PAGE>
BTI TELECOM CORP.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
Note 4: Contingencies
In April 2000, the Company was served with a lawsuit filed by Wachovia
Bank, N.A. and Wachovia Securities, Inc. (collectively, "Wachovia"). Wachovia
alleges that the Company breached a letter agreement between Wachovia and the
Company which provided that Wachovia would receive a placement fee of $10.0
million in exchange for Wachovia's services as financial advisor for the
Company's private equity transactions. The Company disputes Wachovia's claim
and intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation. Because discovery
is ongoing, and due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process,
the Company is unable to predict the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If
Wachovia were successful in its claim, any additional fees (paid above the
amount the Company has accrued based on its estimate of the fair market value
of the services provided) would be treated as equity transaction costs and
therefore not be charged against the Company's earnings.
Note 5: Other income (expense), net
For the first nine months of 2000, other income (expense) consisted
principally of interest income, offset by an accrual for the full amount of
the agreement to settle the lawsuit with Gulf Communications, LLC, including
the legal costs to complete this transaction.
ITEM 2 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
The matters discussed throughout this Form 10-Q, except for historical
facts contained herein, may be forward-looking in nature, or "forward-looking
statements." Actual results may differ materially from the forecasts or
projections presented. Forward-looking statements are identified by such words
as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans" and variations of
such words and similar expressions. BTI Telecom Corp. and its wholly owned
subsidiaries (the "Company") believes that its primary risk factors include,
but are not limited to: significant near-term capital requirements; high
leverage; the ability to service debt; ability to manage growth; business
development and expansion risks; competition; and changes in laws and
regulatory policies. Any forward-looking statements in the September 30, 2000
Form 10-Q should be evaluated in light of these important risk factors. For
additional disclosure regarding risk factors refer to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999.
Business of the Company
Overview
BTI Telecom Corp., which began operations in 1983 as Business Telecom, Inc.
("BTI"), is a provider of telecommunications services in the southeastern
United States. We currently offer (1) integrated retail voice services,
including local, long distance, paging, AIN applications, operator and other
enhanced services; (2) data services, including dial-up and dedicated Internet
service, digital subscriber line ("DSL") high-speed Internet access, private
line, wholesale fiber capacity, frame relay, ATM, network integration
solutions and Website design and development services; and (3) wholesale voice
services including switched/dedicated access and prepaid calling card
services. As of September 30, 2000, we had 28 sales offices in the
southeastern United States.
We operate long distance switching centers in Atlanta, Dallas, New York,
Orlando and Raleigh, and began offering local exchange services in November
1997 primarily on a resale basis. However, we are transitioning customers onto
our own facilities and have installed Lucent 5E2000 local switches in Raleigh,
Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville and Wilmington, North Carolina; Charleston,
Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina; Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville,
Florida; Atlanta, Georgia and Knoxville, Tennessee. In addition to these local
8
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switches, we have co-located digital loop carriers in 52 incumbent local
exchange carrier central offices and we have two digital loop carriers in
stand-alone locations to provide more cost-effective local services to our
business customers. These co-locations also facilitate our data service
product offerings, as they allow for more rapid deployment of DSL services. As
of September 30, 2000 we had sold approximately 125,500 access lines, of which
115,300 were in service. Approximately 41% of these lines in service were
facilities-based. As of September 30, 2000 we had also sold 1,014 DSL lines,
731 of which were in service.
We operate a fiber optic network, consisting of owned and leased
transmission capacity, concentrated in the southeastern United States. In
October 1997, we entered into an agreement with Qwest Communications to
acquire an indefeasible right to use approximately 3,400 route miles of fiber
optic network from New York to Miami and Atlanta to Nashville. As of September
30, 2000, all of the route miles of this network were operational. In addition
to carrying our own traffic, this network allows us to market excess fiber
capacity to other telecommunication companies. We also have approximately 400
miles of additional fiber optic network in North Carolina, resulting in
approximately 3,800 total miles of network in service. During the second
quarter of 2000, we commenced the construction of a 500-mile Coastal Carolina
fiber optic network extending from Raleigh to Wilmington, North Carolina and
ultimately to Savannah, Georgia. We expect the construction to be completed in
January 2001, bringing our total fiber network to approximately 4,300 miles.
We have also installed 23 frame relay switches and 3 ATM switches within our
network to enhance our current and future data service offerings. Over the
past few years, we have engaged in an accelerated roll-out of our network and
switches. Under our current business plan, this roll-out is substantially
complete.
Results of Operations
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999
Revenue
Revenue for the third quarter ended September 30, 2000, was $69.7 million,
representing a decrease of 3.3% as compared to the same period in 1999, when
revenue was $72.1 million. However, this change is comprised of a $9.6 million
increase in integrated voice and data services, which was offset by a decrease
of $12.0 million in wholesale voice services revenue created by the planned
reduction of our prepaid calling card revenue. During this same period, we
continued to execute our strategy to diversify our revenue mix, primarily
through significant growth in our local and data services, as well as the
addition of new product offerings.
Total integrated voice services revenue increased $4.6 million, or 12.2%,
from $38.0 million in the third quarter of 1999 to $42.6 million in the third
quarter of 2000. Growth of 58.2% in local service revenue accounted for the
increase, combined with a decrease of 5.4% in retail long distance. Retail
long distance minutes of usage actually increased 5.5% over the third quarter
of 1999, even though retail long distance revenue decreased during the same
period, demonstrating the increased demand that continues to be offset by
price compression. A portion of this price compression is strategic in nature
as we have offered lower long distance rates to encourage use of our
facilities-based local service, producing higher overall margins. We continued
to experience success in bundling our retail products, as evidenced by the
fact that approximately 90% of our new local service customers also purchased
our long distance services. Local lines in service increased 53.1% from 75,300
at the end of third quarter of 1999 to approximately 115,300 at the end of the
third quarter of 2000. In addition, we continued to successfully leverage our
expanding local infrastructure, as demonstrated by the fact that facilities-
based local lines in service increased by 29,600, or 173.1%, from 17,100 at
the end of the third quarter of 1999 to approximately 46,700 at the end of the
third quarter of 2000. This represents approximately 40% of our total lines in
service, as compared to approximately 23% for the third quarter of 1999.
Our total data services revenue increased $5.0 million, or 70.4%, from $7.1
million in the third quarter of 1999 to $12.1 million in the third quarter of
2000. Retail data revenue increased 46.7%, primarily frame relay revenue,
while wholesale data/private line revenue increased 47.8% during the same
period. Also contributing to the increase in data services revenue were the
strategic acquisitions in the second quarter of 2000 of US Datacom and Max
Commerce, which provide network integration and management solutions, and Web
site design
9
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and development services, respectively. Strong demand from both retail and
wholesale customers for increasing amounts of data services is evident through
our revenue growth and our current pending order volume which represents
approximately $9.0 million in annual revenue. Additionally, the continued
expansion of our network infrastructure allows us to provide a greater
percentage of these data services on our network, resulting in improved
customer service and higher margins.
Wholesale voice services revenue decreased $12.0 million, or 44.5%, from
$27.0 million in the third quarter of 1999 to $15.0 million in the third
quarter of 2000. This decline was due largely to decreased revenue from our
prepaid calling card product, which was $17.0 million in the third quarter of
1999 as compared to $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2000. This represents
a 91.7% decrease in revenue, which was primarily the result of strategic
pricing changes we made to preserve certain minimum margins on this product.
Wholesale long distance increased by $3.6 million for the third quarter of
2000 as compared to the same period in 1999. Wholesale long distance minutes
increased 59.3% during the same period, demonstrating the continuing effects
of price compression driven primarily by access charge reform.
Cost of Services
Cost of services decreased from $49.6 million in the third quarter of 1999
to $42.3 million in the third quarter of 2000. Cost of services, as a
percentage of total revenue, improved from 68.9% for the three-month period
ended September 30, 1999, to 60.7% for the same period in 2000. Our lower cost
of services percentage during the third quarter of 2000 reflects the effects
of various improvements in our underlying cost components, including improved
margins on local service as we have focused on increasing the number and
percentage of customers using our own facilities. We have installed three
additional local switches allowing us to continue to migrate customers onto
our own facilities. As a result of our ongoing investment in local switching
infrastructure, we increased the on-net percentage of local lines from 26% in
the third quarter of 1999 to 42% in the third quarter of 2000.
Expansion of our fiber optic network, the continuing effect of access
charge reform and rate decreases from our underlying service providers also
have improved our margin percentages. In addition to increasing revenue from
capacity sales to other telecommunication providers, our fiber optic network
provides for cost savings throughout our network by reducing payments we make
to other carriers for the use of their transport facilities. At September 30,
2000, we had deployed approximately 3,800 miles of fiber optic network, an
increase of approximately 2,600 miles over the same period in 1999. In
addition, we had installed 23 frame relay switches within our fiber optic
network at September 30, 2000, as compared to nine at September 30, 1999,
allowing us to provide a greater percentage of data services on our own
network.
As a result of the growth of our fiber optic network and other
infrastructure, we are able to offer a bundled suite of products, which
combines lower long distance rates with facilities-based local service.
Overall gross margins on customers purchasing our bundled suite of products
are maintained or improved over customers purchasing individual or non-bundled
products despite a lower rate per minute for long distance. These improved
margins are achieved because we avoid access charges on long distance calls
placed by our customers and have the ability to bill other telecommunication
carriers access charges for the use of our local network.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2000
were $31.0 million, or 44.5% of revenue, as compared to $22.2 million, or
30.0% of revenue, for the same period in 1999. The increase in the amount of
our selling, general and administrative expenses was largely attributable to
the significant investment in human resources and increased marketing and
advertising efforts associated with the accelerated expansion of our sales
offices, local and data services and deployment of additional fiber optic
network. During the third quarter of 2000, we opened a new sales office and
operations center, which increased marketing costs, sales personnel and other
associated costs prior to the generation of significant revenue. In addition,
as we continue to introduce new data services, such as DSL and frame relay, we
incur significant advance marketing and sales costs to insure the successful
launch of these products. Our larger infrastructure and continued expansion
create
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more demand for personnel, and the need for more qualified, technically
advanced personnel is rising as we sell and service more technically advanced
products. These increases in selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of revenue are designed to provide us with the ability to expand
into new markets, maximize customer retention and provide for continuing
growth.
Depreciation and amortization was $9.4 million for the three months ended
September 30, 2000, representing an increase of 81.4% over the same period in
the previous year. The increase is primarily attributable to capital
expenditures related to the expansion of our network operations centers, fiber
optic network and support infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic
volume and expanded service offerings.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense was $8.2 million for the three-month period ended
September 30, 2000, compared to $7.0 million in the same period of the
previous year. The $1.2 million increase is due to increased borrowings
outstanding under our credit facilities during the third quarter of 2000 as
compared to the same period of 1999.
Interest income decreased for the three-month period ended September 30,
2000, compared to the same period of the previous year primarily as result of
decreases in our restricted cash balances during 2000.
EBITDA
EBITDA consists of income (loss) before interest, income taxes,
depreciation, amortization, other non-cash charges and certain non-recurring
items included in other income/expense. EBITDA is a common measurement of a
company's ability to generate cash flow from operations. EBITDA is not a
measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting
principles and should not be considered an alternative to net income as a
measure of performance or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity.
Our EBITDA loss for the three months ended September 30, 2000 was $3.5
million as compared to a $0.2 million EBITDA gain for the same period in 1999.
The decline in EBITDA was primarily attributable to a 39.5% increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended
September 30, 2000 over the same period in 1999. The increase in our selling,
general and administrative expenses is due to the acceleration of our growth
initiatives in 2000 and the expansion of new products and services.
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2000 and 1999
Revenue
Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 increased $11.2
million, or 5.9%, to $201.0 million from $189.8 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1999. Consistent with our strategy to diversify our revenue mix,
this growth was primarily driven by increases in local and data services, in
addition to expanded product offerings. However, this overall growth was
limited by planned decreases in our wholesale prepaid calling card services.
The increase in total integrated voice services revenue was $16.5 million,
or 15.4%, from $107.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1999 to
$124.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000. Local service
revenue growth of $18.3 million, or 68.2%, was driven by the continued success
of our bundled product offerings. Local lines in service increased by 40,000
lines, or 53.1%, from 75,300 at September 30, 1999 to 115,300 at September 30,
2000. The growth in local service revenue was offset by a decrease in retail
long distance revenue of $1.7 million, or 2.2%. This reduction is primarily a
result of the effect of price compression, as demonstrated by the fact that
retail long distance minutes actually increased by 7.3% from September 30,
1999 to September 30, 2000. A portion of this price compression is strategic
in nature as we have offered lower long distance rates to encourage use of our
facilities-based local service, producing higher overall margins.
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Total data services revenue increased from $19.6 million for the first nine
months of 1999 to $31.7 million during the first nine months of 2000. This
$12.1 million, or 61.8%, increase was due to a strong demand from both retail,
primarily frame relay revenue, and wholesale, primarily private line revenue,
customers for increased data services. In addition, our expanded network
infrastructure will enable us to provide a greater percentage of these data
services on our network, allowing for improved customer service and higher
margins.
Wholesale voice services decreased by $17.5 million, or 28.0%, from $62.5
million as of September 30, 1999 to $45.0 million as of September 30, 2000.
The primary reason for the decrease in wholesale voice services was the
decline in prepaid calling card revenue. This $24.0 million, or 76.8%,
decrease in prepaid card services revenue was primarily the result of
strategic pricing changes we made to preserve certain minimum margins on this
product. Within wholesale voice services, long distance revenue increased $6.5
million, or 20.7%, for the period ended September 30, 2000 as compared to the
same period in 1999. The effects of access charge reform on the pricing of
these services have prevented revenue from growing consistent with minute
volume, which increased 48.3% from September 30, 1999 to September 30, 2000.
Cost of Services
Cost of services decreased from $127.0 million during the first nine months
of 1999 to $123.7 million during the first nine months of 2000. Cost of
services represented 66.9% and 61.5% of revenue for the nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively. Our lower cost of services
percentage during the first nine months of 2000 reflects the effects of
various improvements in our underlying cost components, including improved
margins as we have installed more local switches and converted local resale
customers to our own facilities.
Expansion of our fiber optic network, the continuing effect of access
charge reform on our cost structure and rate decreases from our underlying
service providers have also improved our margin percentages. In addition to
generating revenue from capacity sales to other telecommunication providers,
our fiber optic network provides for cost savings throughout our network by
reducing payments we make to other carriers for the use of their transport
facilities. At September 30, 2000, we had deployed approximately 3,750 miles
of our fiber optic network.
As a result of the growth of our fiber optic network and other
infrastructure, we are able to offer a bundled suite of products, which
combines lower long distance rates with facilities-based local service.
Overall gross margins on customers purchasing our bundled suite of products
are maintained or improved over customers purchasing individual or non-bundled
products despite a lower rate per minute for long distance. These improved
margins are achieved because we avoid access charges on long distance calls
placed by our customers and have the ability to bill other telecommunication
carriers access charges for the use of our local network. The success of this
concept is demonstrated by the fact that we are providing long distance to
approximately 90% of our newly acquired local service customers.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of
2000 were $84.7 million, or 42.1% of revenue, as compared to $62.2 million, or
32.8% of revenue, for the same period in 1999. The increase in the amount of
our selling, general and administrative expenses is largely attributable to
the significant investment in human resources and increased marketing and
advertising efforts associated with the accelerated expansion of our local and
data services and deployment of additional fiber optic network. As we continue
to introduce new data services, such as DSL and frame relay, we incur
significant advance marketing and sales costs to insure the successful launch
of these products. During 2000, we increased the pace at which we were
deploying services and network infrastructure in new markets, in addition to
increasing the number of switches located throughout our existing markets. Our
larger infrastructure and quickened rate of expansion created more demand for
personnel, and the need for more qualified, technically advanced personnel is
rising as we sell and service more technically advanced products. These
increases in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
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of revenue are designed to provide us with the ability to expand our services,
maximize customer retention and provide for continuing growth.
Depreciation and amortization was $14.0 million and $24.7 million during the
nine months ended September 30, 1999 and 2000, respectively. This 76.2%
increase is primarily attributable to capital expenditures related to the
expansion of our network operations centers, fiber optic network and support
infrastructure to accommodate increased traffic volume and expanded service
offerings.
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense was $23.2 million for the nine months ended September 30,
2000, compared to $20.4 million in the same period of the previous year. The
$2.8 million increase is primarily attributable to increased borrowings
outstanding under our credit facilities during the first nine months of 2000
compared to the same period of 1999.
Other income (expense), net, for the nine months ended September 30, 2000
included higher interest income primarily as a result of increased cash
balances from the sale of $200 million in redeemable preferred stock in
December 1999. In addition, the nine months ended September 30, 2000 also
included an expense accrual of $2.7 million to settle a lawsuit, which included
anticipated legal costs.
EBITDA
Our EBITDA loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 was $7.4
million as compared to a $0.6 million EBITDA gain for the same period in 1999.
The decline in EBITDA was primarily attributable to a 36.1% increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of 2000
over the first nine months of 1999. Higher selling, general and administrative
expenses are largely attributable to the acceleration of our growth initiatives
and expansion of new products and services.
Income Taxes
We generated net losses for the three-and nine-month periods ended September
30, 2000 and 1999. Based upon management's plans to expand the business through
the construction and expansion of our networks, customer base and product
offerings, this trend is expected to continue. Given these circumstances, we
have established a valuation allowance for the net deferred tax assets
associated with these net operating losses. As such, there was no impact on the
results from operations for net operating losses generated during the three-and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 2000 and 1999. We will reduce the
valuation allowance when, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more
likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be
realized.
Throughout the period of time that BTI was an S corporation, income, losses
and credits were passed through directly to shareholders and the shareholders
were provided, in the form of dividends, the funds necessary to meet tax
obligations arising from income earned by BTI. We have indemnified those
shareholders for any additional tax obligations arising from the income earned
by BTI while it was an S corporation. We believe that any such reimbursements
will not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of
operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Review of Cash Flow Activity
We have funded our operations and growth primarily from operating cash
flows, borrowings and the proceeds from the sale of our redeemable preferred
stock. During the first nine months of 2000 we used $24.8 million for operating
activities as compared to use of cash flow of $18.8 million for operating
activities in
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the same period in 1999. The primary cause of this change was the net loss of
$55.8 million experienced during the first nine months of 2000 compared to the
net loss of $31.8 million in the same period of 1999.
Cash used for investing activities during the first nine months of 2000 was
$94.1 million compared to $39.9 million in the first nine months of 1999.
These investments were primarily related to the deployment of the fiber optic
network and purchases of equipment for the continuing development of our
facilities-based local exchange services and the deployment of additional data
service offerings. The net investment in capital expenditures was $114.3
million and $60.9 million during the nine-month periods ended September 30,
2000 and 1999, respectively. In addition, cash used for investing activities
included the acquisition of two companies in the second quarter of 2000 for a
total of $4.3 million. These acquisitions will help us meet a growing market
demand among our customers for advanced network-based and Web-based service
technologies. Cash used for investments was offset in part by the provision of
$29.0 million and $24.1 million of cash from the restricted cash accounts for
the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively, to fund the
interest payments on the Senior Notes discussed below.
Cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2000 was
$38.5 million compared to cash provided by financing activities of $47.7
million in the first nine months of 1999. During the nine-month periods ended
September 30, 2000 and 1999, we received net proceeds of $38.2 and $50.0
million, respectively, from borrowings under our credit facilities discussed
below.
Debt
10 1/2% Senior Notes. On September 22, 1997, we issued $250.0 million of 10
1/2% Initial Notes which were exchanged for Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes")
in January 1998. The entire original principal balance is due September 2007.
Interest on the Senior Notes is payable semiannually, on March 15 and
September 15.
The Senior Notes are unsubordinated indebtedness equal in right of payment
with all of our existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness. Approximately
$74.1 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Senior Notes was used
to purchase U.S. government securities to secure and fund the first six
interest payments on the Senior Notes, which were held as restricted cash. As
of September 30, 2000, our restricted cash balance was zero. The Senior Notes
will mature on September 15, 2007.
Upon a change in control, as defined in the indenture governing the Senior
Notes, we will be required to make an offer to purchase the Senior Notes at a
purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest.
The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains covenants that affect,
and in certain cases significantly limit or prohibit, among other things, our
ability to incur indebtedness, pay dividends, prepay subordinated
indebtedness, repurchase capital stock, make investments, engage in
transactions with stockholders and affiliates, create liens, sell assets and
engage in mergers and consolidations. If we fail to comply with these
covenants, our obligation to repay the Senior Notes may be accelerated.
However, these limitations are subject to a number of important qualifications
and exceptions. In particular, while the indenture restricts our ability to
incur additional indebtedness by requiring compliance with specified leverage
ratios, it permits us to incur an unlimited amount of additional indebtedness
to finance the acquisition of equipment, inventory and network assets and up
to $100.0 million of other additional indebtedness.
GE Capital Credit Facilities. Our wholly owned subsidiary, BTI, has a
credit agreement with GE Capital providing for the following facilities:
. A $30.0 million revolving credit facility; and
. A $30.0 million note facility (collectively, the "GE Capital
Facilities").
Effective June 30, 1998, we amended and restated the GE Capital Facilities.
Availability under the GE Capital Facilities, which is based upon a percentage
of eligible accounts receivable and eligible capital expenditures,
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totaled $60.0 million at November 10, 2000. As of November 10, 2000, there was
a total of $52.2 million outstanding under the GE Capital Facilities, in
addition to $0.3 million in outstanding letters of credit. As a result of our
majority shareholder pledging a letter of credit to GE Capital, remaining
availability under the GE Capital Facilities as of November 10, 2000 was $7.5
million. These borrowings can be used for working capital and other purposes.
Borrowings under the GE Capital Facilities are secured by substantially all of
our assets and guaranteed by us. The borrowings bear interest at the 30-, 60-
or 90- day London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 4% or the prime rate
plus 3%. We are also required to pay a fee of 0.375% per year on the unused
portion of the GE Capital Facilities. The GE Capital Facilities require our
compliance with various financial and administrative covenants, including,
among others, covenants limiting our ability to incur debt, create liens, make
distributions or stock repurchases, make capital expenditures, engage in
transactions with affiliates, sell assets and engage in mergers and
acquisitions. In addition, the GE Capital Facilities contain affirmative
covenants, including, among others, covenants requiring maintenance of
corporate existence, licenses and insurance, payments of taxes and the
delivery of financial and other information. We are currently in compliance
with these covenants, as amended or waived, but there can be no assurance that
we will be able to continue meeting these covenants or, if required, obtain
additional financing on acceptable terms, and the failure to do so may have a
material adverse impact on our business and operations. The GE Capital
Facilities, as amended, also require that we obtain commitment letters for
additional financing on or before January 15, 2001.
Bank of America Credit Facility. On September 8, 1999, we obtained a $60.0
million credit facility from Bank of America (the "Bank of America Facility").
Availability under this facility is based on the amount of fiber optic network
purchased from Qwest Communications and purchases of related equipment from
Nortel Networks, Inc. As of September 30, 2000, there was a total of $29.0
million available under the Bank of America Facility, all of which was
outstanding. Borrowings are secured by a first security interest in the fiber
optic network and related equipment and a second security interest in
substantially all of our assets. These borrowings bear interest, at our
option, at either the 30-, 60- or 90-day LIBOR rate or the prime rate plus an
applicable margin. This margin varies, based on our financial position, from
1.00% to 2.25% for borrowings under the prime rate option and from 2.00% to
3.25% for borrowings under the LIBOR option. The Bank of America Facility
contains financial covenants with which we must comply on a monthly and
quarterly basis. We are currently in compliance with these covenants, as
amended or waived. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue
meeting these covenants or, if required, obtain additional financing on
acceptable terms, and the failure to do so may have a material adverse impact
on our business and operations. The Bank of America Facility, as amended, also
requires that we obtain commitment letters for additional financing on or
before January 15, 2001.
Preferred Equity Investment
WCAS Preferred Investment. In December 1999, Welsh, Carson, Anderson &
Stowe VIII, L.P. and two affiliated funds (together, "WCAS"), all of which are
accredited investors, purchased an aggregate of 200,000 shares of our Series A
preferred stock and warrants to purchase 4,500,000 shares of our common stock
for a purchase price of $200.0 million. Each share of Series A preferred stock
is initially convertible into 116.959 shares of common stock, subject to
adjustment for certain dilutive issuances of our common stock. If not
converted, the Series A preferred stock has a 6% accrued dividend payable upon
conversion in cash or in kind at our election. The purchasers of the Series A
preferred stock can redeem the stock at a price equal to the greater of
liquidation value or fair market value upon the later of December 28, 2006, or
six months after the date on which all amounts due on our Senior Notes are
paid in full. The warrants to purchase 4,500,000 shares of common stock,
subject to adjustment for certain dilutive issuances, have an exercise price
of $0.01 per share and are exercisable for a period of ten years beginning on
the earlier of a change in control of BTI Telecom, Inc. or December 28, 2002.
The warrants are cancelable in the event we undertake a public offering of our
common stock and our stock achieves certain price levels.
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Capital Spending
We incurred total capital expenditures of $115.9 million during the nine
months ended September 30, 2000, including $51.6 million related to our fiber
optic network and $64.3 million in other telecommunications equipment and
corporate infrastructure, primarily for the continued expansion of our
competitive local exchange carrier ("CLEC") operations. We spent $60.9 million
on capital expenditures during the same period in 1999. Based on our current
business plan and the availability of future financings, we estimate capital
expenditures through the year 2001 to be approximately $80.0 million. These
capital expenditures primarily include the projected costs of:
. completing our fiber optic network;
. completing our local switch deployment; and
. otherwise expanding our network to satisfy customer demand.
We must raise additional financing in 2000 to help fund these capital
requirements and our operating expenses. Although there can be no assurance,
we believe that proceeds from future financing transactions that we are
currently negotiating, together with cash on hand, borrowings expected to be
available under our credit facilities, and cash flow from operations will be
sufficient to fund and expand our business as currently planned. Sources of
additional capital might include public or private debt and equity offerings,
subject to compliance with the provisions in the indenture governing the
Senior Notes, the GE Capital Facilities and the Bank of America Facility.
Additional financing might not be available to us, or might not be available
on terms acceptable to us and within the restrictions contained in our
financing arrangements. Inability to obtain sufficient financing this year
could adversely affect our operations and inhibit our ability to expand our
business as currently planned. In the event our plans change or our forecasts
prove to be inaccurate, the foregoing sources of funds might prove to be
insufficient to fund our planned growth and operations. We might also require
additional capital in the future (or sooner than currently anticipated) for
new business activities related to our current and planned businesses, or in
the event we decide to make additional acquisitions or enter into joint
ventures and strategic alliances. The actual amount and timing of our capital
requirements might differ materially from the foregoing estimate as a result
of regulatory, technological or competitive developments (including market
developments and new opportunities) in the telecommunications industry.
Effects of New Accounting Standards
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). In June 1999, the
FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 137, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities--Deferral of FASB Statement
No. 133" ("SFAS 137"). In June 2000, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments
and Certain Hedging Activities--an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133"
("SFAS 138"). SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS 138, will require the
recognition of all derivatives on our consolidated balance sheet at fair value
and is effective for all quarters of fiscal years beginning after June 15,
2000. We do not anticipate that the adoption of SFAS 133 will have significant
effect on our results of operations or financial position.
ITEM 3 -- Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Although we invest our short-term excess cash balances, the nature and
quality of these investments are restricted under the terms of the indenture
for the Senior Notes and our internal investment policies. These investments
are limited primarily to U.S. Treasury securities, certain time deposits, and
high-quality repurchase agreements and commercial paper (with restrictions on
the rating of the companies issuing these instruments). We do not invest in
any derivative or commodity type instruments. Accordingly, we are subject to
minimal market risk on any of our investments.
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The majority of our debt is represented by the $250.0 million Senior Notes,
which bear interest at a fixed rate. Although the actual service requirements
of this debt are fixed, changes in interest rates generally could put us in a
position of paying interest that differs from then existing market rates. The
remainder of our debt consists of the GE Capital Facilities and the Bank of
America Facility, which bear interest at variable rates based upon market
conditions and our financial position. As of September 30, 2000, borrowings
under these credit facilities were $68.5 million. If the weighted average
interest rate on this variable rate debt is 100 basis points higher or lower in
the next 12 months, our interest expense would increase or decrease
approximately $0.7 million for the next 12 months. Management believes that
this debt does not currently create a significant amount of interest rate risk
and, as such, has not engaged in any related hedging transactions. However, as
market conditions and outstanding borrowings under this debt change, management
intends to continue to evaluate our business risk, and we might enter into
hedging transactions if conditions warrant.
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PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 -- Legal Proceedings
In April 2000, we were served with a lawsuit filed by Wachovia Bank, N.A.
and Wachovia Securities, Inc. Wachovia alleges that we breached a letter
agreement between Wachovia and us which provided that Wachovia would receive a
placement fee of $10 million in exchange for Wachovia's services as financial
advisor for the Company's equity transaction. We dispute Wachovia's claim and
intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this litigation. Because discovery is
ongoing, and due to the uncertainties inherent in the litigation process, we
are unable to predict the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome. If Wachovia
were successful in its claim, any additional fees (above the amount we have
accrued based on our estimate of the fair market value the services provided),
would be treated as equity transaction costs and therefore would not be charged
against our earnings.
Except as described above, we are not a party to any pending legal
proceedings that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 2 -- Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
For the three months ended September 30, 2000, we granted options to
purchase an aggregate of 136,752 shares of our common stock to 32 employees.
The offering of these securities was deemed to be exempt from registration
under Section 4(2) of, or Rule 701 promulgated under, the Securities Act as
transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering.
ITEM 6 -- Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) See Exhibit Index
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter: None
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
BTI Telecom Corp.
_____________________________________
(Registrant)
Dated: November 14, 2000
/s/ Brian Branson
By___________________________________
Brian Branson
Chief Financial Officer
Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer)
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Exhibit
Number Description
------- -----------
<C> <S>
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
20
