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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
Commission file number 0-24061
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US LEC CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
56-2065535
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
TRANSAMERICA SQUARE,
401 NORTH TRYON STREET,
SUITE 1000
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28202
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(704) 319-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
212 SOUTH TRYON STREET,
SUITE 1540
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA 28281
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last
report)
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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 [ ]
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As of August 6, 1998, there were 10,345,000 shares of Class A Common Stock
and 17,075,270 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.
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<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED):
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations -- Three and six month
periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -- June 30, 1998 and December 31,
1997
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Six month periods ended
June 30, 1998 and 1997
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity -- Six months
ended June 30, 1998
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
2
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30,
---------------------- ----------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---------- ----------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue ............................................. $18,348 $ 229 $31,978 $ 230
Cost of Services .................................... 7,537 315 14,010 738
------- -------- ------- --------
Gross Margin ........................................ 10,811 (86) 17,968 (508)
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ........ 5,747 1,048 10,173 2,097
Depreciation and Amortization ....................... 925 88 1,367 102
------- -------- ------- --------
Operating Income (Loss) ............................. 4,139 (1,222) 6,428 (2,707)
Interest Income ..................................... (679) (12) (729) (12)
Interest Expense .................................... 83 120 223 187
------- -------- ------- --------
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes ................... 4,735 (1,330) 6,934 (2,882)
Provision for Income Taxes .......................... 1,905 -- 2,785 --
------- -------- ------- --------
Net Income (Loss) ................................... $ 2,830 $ (1,330) $ 4,149 $ (2,882)
======= ======== ======= ========
Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:
Basic and diluted .................................. $ 0.11 $ (0.07) $ 0.18 $ (0.16)
======= ======== ======= ========
Weighted number of shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic .............................................. 25,548 17,833 23,135 17,609
Diluted ............................................ 26,082 17,833 23,573 17,609
EBITDA * ............................................ $ 5,064 $ (1,134) $ 7,795 $ (2,605)
======= ======== ======= ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
- ---------
* EBITDA consists of earnings (loss) before interest income and expense,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization. See related discussion in
Results of Operations appearing elsewhere in this report.
3
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE INFORMATION)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
1998 1997
------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents ...................................................... $ 59,013 $ 3,189
Certificates of deposit ........................................................ 349 349
Accounts receivable ............................................................ 28,833 6,006
Prepaid expenses and other assets .............................................. 651 111
-------- --------
Total current assets .......................................................... 88,846 9,655
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET ....................................................... 38,562 12,890
OTHER ASSETS ...................................................................... 436 136
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS ...................................................................... $127,844 $ 22,681
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable ............................................................... $ 9,487 $ 8,201
Deferred revenue ............................................................... 272 1,142
Accrued expenses ............................................................... 13,972 2,299
Accrued interest payable -- related party ...................................... -- 282
-------- --------
Total current liabilities ..................................................... 23,731 11,924
NOTES PAYABLE -- STOCKHOLDERS ..................................................... -- 5,000
-------- --------
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock -- Class A, $.01 par value (72,924,728 authorized shares, 10,345,000
outstanding at June 30, 1998) .................................................. 103 38
Common stock -- Class B, $.01 par value (17,075,272 authorized shares, 17,075,270
outstanding at June 30, 1998) .................................................. 171 166
Additional paid-in capital ...................................................... 106,561 11,174
Accumulated deficit ............................................................. (2,722) (5,621)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity .................................................... 104,113 5,757
-------- --------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY ........................................ $127,844 $ 22,681
======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
4
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
-------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) ................................................................... $ 4,149 $ (2,882)
--------- --------
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization ...................................................... 1,367 102
Stock compensation ................................................................. 75 --
Deferred compensation expense ...................................................... 57 --
Changes in assets and liabilities which provided (used) cash:
Accounts receivable ............................................................... (22,827) (244)
Prepaid expenses and other assets ................................................. (359) 127
Other assets ...................................................................... 54 (91)
Accounts payable .................................................................. 729 140
Deferred revenue .................................................................. (869) --
Accrued expenses .................................................................. 11,489 364
Accrued interest payable -- related party ......................................... (282) 186
--------- --------
Total adjustments ............................................................... (10,566) 584
--------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities ........................................... (6,417) (2,298)
--------- --------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment .................................................. (25,373) (2,432)
Advance to stockholder .............................................................. -- (2,417)
--------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities ........................................... (25,373) (4,849)
--------- --------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Issuance of common shares and limited liability company units ....................... 87,614 4,348
Proceeds of notes payable -- stockholders ........................................... 3,289 3,500
Repayment of notes payable -- stockholders .......................................... (3,289) (600)
--------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities ....................................... 87,614 7,248
--------- --------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................................. 55,824 101
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD ........................................ 3,189 726
--------- --------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD .............................................. $ 59,013 $ 827
========= ========
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES:
Cash Paid for Interest .............................................................. $ 505 $ 1
========= ========
Cash Paid for Taxes ................................................................. $ 1,860 $ --
========= ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
5
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B ADDITIONAL
COMMON COMMON PAID-IN ACCUMULATED
STOCK STOCK CAPITAL DEFICIT TOTAL
--------- --------- ----------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1998 ................. $ 38 $166 $ 11,174 $ (5,621) $ 5,757
Public stock offering ...................... 63 -- 87,079 -- 87,142
Conversion of $5,000 stockholder loans for
480,770 shares of Class B Common Stock .... -- 5 4,995 -- 5,000
Dividend ................................... -- -- 1,250 (1,250) --
Issuance of stock warrants ................. -- -- 75 -- 75
Issuance of employee stock options ......... -- -- 548 -- 548
Exercise of warrants (net of tax) .......... 2 -- 1,440 -- 1,442
Net income ................................. -- -- -- 4,149 4,149
---- ---- -------- -------- --------
Balance at June 30, 1998 ................... $103 $171 $106,561 $ (2,722) $104,113
==== ==== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
6
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of
US LEC Corp. and its subsidiaries ("US LEC" or the "Company") have been
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for
interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10
of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and
notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete
financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting
of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation
for the periods indicated have been included. Operating results for the three
month and six month periods ended June 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative
of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 1998. The
balance sheet at December 31, 1997 has been derived from the audited balance
sheet at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes
required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial
statements. The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the audited financial statements (including the notes thereto) for the
year ended December 31, 1997 included in the Company's prospectus dated April
23, 1998, which is on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission"). Certain amounts in the 1997 financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1998 presentation.
2. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON AND COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE
Earnings (loss) per common and common equivalent share has been calculated
in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
128, Earnings Per Share, and is based on net income (loss) divided by the
weighted average common shares outstanding during the period. The weighted
average shares outstanding used in the calculation for 1997 has been determined
by giving retroactive effect to the merger of the predecessor limited liability
company into the Company, which occurred on December 31, 1997 (based on the
share conversion ratios utilized in the merger). Outstanding options and
warrants are included in the calculation to the extent they are dilutive. The
Company's basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding for
the three and six month periods ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------- ------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding .. 25,547,853 17,832,750 23,134,945 17,608,714
Dilutive Stock Options .............................. 187,877 84,072
Dilutive Stock Warrants ............................. 346,141 354,087
---------- ----------
Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding 26,081,871 17,832,750 23,573,104 17,608,714
========== ========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
3. NOTES PAYABLE
During the first quarter of 1998, Tansukh V. Ganatra, US LEC's President
and Chief Operating Officer, and Melrich Associates, L.P. (an entity of which
Richard T. Aab, US LEC's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, is a general
partner) loaned the Company a total of $3,289. The Company repaid all the
outstanding amounts due under the loans in June of 1998. Interest expense
related to these loans was $223 for the six months ended June 30, 1998.
4. INCOME TAXES
US LEC was organized as an S Corporation for the period from inception to
December 31, 1996, and as a limited liability company for the period from
January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1997, on which date it was effectively
converted to C Corporation status. Effective January 1, 1998, US LEC began
recognizing income tax expense associated with its taxable income. Accordingly,
US LEC recognized income tax expense in the amount of $2,785 applicable to
taxable income for the six months ended June 30, 1998. If the Company had
operated as a C Corporation during 1997 there would have been no material
change in reported net loss or loss per share.
7
<PAGE>
US LEC CORP.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
A majority of the Company's revenue is derived from reciprocal
compensation amounts due from incumbent local exchange carriers ("ILECs"),
principally BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. ("BellSouth"). Management
believes that such amounts are due pursuant to its interconnection agreements
with ILECs. However, in August 1997, BellSouth notified US LEC and other CLECs
that it would not pay or collect reciprocal compensation under interconnection
agreements for traffic terminated to enhanced service providers ("ESPs"),
including information service providers such as internet service providers
("ISPs"). On February 26, 1998, following a petition by US LEC, the North
Carolina Utilities Commission ("NCUC") ordered BellSouth to bill and pay for
all such traffic. Following motions filed by BellSouth, the NCUC stayed
enforcement of its order until June 1, 1998. On April 27, 1998, BellSouth filed
a petition for judicial review of the NCUC's order and an action for
declaratory judgement and other relief (including a request for an additional
stay) with the United States District Court for the Western District of North
Carolina. This action was filed against US LEC and the NCUC. The parties are
currently awaiting the decision of the U.S. District Court. However, on August
5, 1998, BellSouth filed a motion with the U.S. District Court asking that the
court refer the matter to the Federal Communications Commission for review.
Management believes that the Company will ultimately be successful in this
proceeding but expects that BellSouth may, nonetheless, elect to initiate
additional proceedings (by way of appeal or otherwise) challenging amounts owed
to US LEC. If a decision adverse to US LEC is issued by the U.S. District Court
or on any appeal or review of a favorable decision by the U.S. District Court,
or in an other proceeding related to this issue, or if the Federal
Communications Commission were to alter its view of reciprocal compensation,
such an event would have material adverse effect on US LEC's operating results,
financial condition and current business strategy
Based upon the favorable decision of the NCUC, US LEC recognized $1,141 of
previously deferred reciprocal compensation as revenue during the quarter ended
March 31, 1998.
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING -- On April 29, 1998, US LEC completed the sale of
5,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock through an initial public offering.
Additionally, on May 12, 1998, US LEC issued 825,000 shares of Class A Common
Stock in connection with the underwriters' exercise of their option to cover
over-allotments. The total offering resulted in net proceeds of approximately
$87,142. US LEC intends to use substantially all of the net proceeds to further
expand and develop its telecommunications network.
WARRANTS -- In June 1998, a former executive officer of the Company
exercised a warrant to purchase 165,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for
$2.86 per share.
STOCK OPTIONS -- US LEC adopted the US LEC Corp. Omnibus Stock Plan (the
"Plan") in January 1998. During the quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company
granted options to two employees to purchase a total of 560,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock. These options vest annually over four years. Also, during the
quarter ended June 30, 1998, the Company granted options to purchase 5,000
shares of Class A Common Stock to each of the Company's two outside directors.
These options vested immediately upon grant. In July 1998, the Company granted
stock options to purchase 36,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. As of July 31,
1998, the Company had granted stock options, net of forfeitures, to purchase an
aggregate of 788,900 shares of Class A Common Stock at a weighted average
exercise price of approximately $14.50 per share.
8
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Except for the historical information provided below, the matters
discussed in this item are forward-looking statements, subject to uncertainties
and risks, including the demand for US LEC's services, the ability of the
Company to successfully attract and retain personnel, competition,
uncertainties regarding its dealings with ILECs, other telecommunications
carriers and facility providers, regulatory uncertainties, and the possibility
of an adverse decision related to reciprocal compensation owing to the Company
by BellSouth, as well as the Company's ability to begin operations in
additional markets. These and other applicable risks are summarized in the
"Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the Company's prospectus dated April
23, 1998, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
OVERVIEW
US LEC is a rapidly growing competitive local exchange carrier ("CLEC")
that provides switched local, long distance and enhanced telecommunications
services primarily to medium and large-sized organizations located in selected
markets in the southeastern United States. US LEC was founded in June 1996
after passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which enhanced the
competitive environment for local exchange services. US LEC initiated service
in Charlotte, North Carolina in March 1997, becoming one of the first CLECs in
North Carolina to provide switched local exchange services, and subsequently
initiated service in Raleigh and Greensboro, North Carolina, Atlanta, Georgia
and Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, Tennessee and on August 3, 1998,
Orlando, Florida. US LEC currently plans to enter additional markets in the
southeastern United States during 1998 and 1999.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998 COMPARED WITH THE THREE AND SIX
MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 was $18.3 million and
$229,000, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1997,
revenue was $32.0 million and $230,000, respectively. The increase in revenue
was due to an increase in the total number of customers in addition to an
increase in usage by customers. As expected, a majority of this revenue was
comprised of reciprocal compensation derived from traffic terminated by US LEC
that was originated by customers of ILECs in the Company's North Carolina
markets. (See Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements
appearing elsewhere in this report for a discussion of certain contingencies
associated with this revenue). The balance of US LEC's revenue was comprised of
recurring and non-recurring charges paid by the Company's new and existing
customers. Billable minutes of use (MOUs) were approximately 8.6 million in the
second quarter of 1997 compared to approximately 1.96 billion in the second
quarter of 1998. Year-to-date MOUs were 8.7 million in the six month period
ended June 30, 1997 compared to 3.31 billion in the six month period ended June
30, 1998. Billable trunks at June 30, 1998 were 16,872 which represents an
increase of more than 16,000 over the number of trunks at June 30, 1997.
Equivalent access lines increased from 4,087 at June 30, 1997 to 102,762 at
June 30, 1998.
Cost of services is currently comprised primarily of leased transport,
facility installation and usage charges. Cost of services increased from
$315,000, or 138% of revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 1997, to $7.5
million, or 41% of revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, and from
$738,000, or 321% of revenue, to $14.0 million, or 44% of revenue, for the
comparable year-to-date periods. This increase was primarily a result of the
increase in the size of US LEC's network and increased usage by its customers.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter 1998
increased by $4.7 million to $5.7 million, or 31% of revenue, compared to $1.0
million, or 458% of revenue for the second quarter 1997. These expenses
increased by $8.1 million to $10.2 million for the first six months of 1998, or
32% of revenue, compared to $2.1 million, or 912% of revenue for the comparable
period in 1997. These increases were primarily a result of costs associated
with developing and expanding the infrastructure of the Company, such as
expenses associated with personnel, sales and marketing, occupancy,
administration and billing.
Depreciation and amortization for the quarter and year-to-date for 1998
increased to $925,000 from $88,000 and to $1.4 million from $102,000,
respectively, over the comparable 1997 periods due to the increase in
depreciable assets in service related to US LEC's network expansion.
Depreciation and amortization will continue to increase in conjunction with
spending on capital asset deployment related to US LEC's network expansion.
Interest income for the quarter and year-to-date for 1998 increased over
1997 by $667,000 and $717,000, respectively, as a result of investing the
proceeds from the Company's April 29, 1998 initial public offering.
9
<PAGE>
Interest expense for the quarter and year-to-date periods (decreased)
increased from comparable 1997 periods by ($37,000) and $36,000, respectively.
These changes were primarily due to changes in the average outstanding notes
payable balances during the compared periods.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")
for the quarter and year-to-date for 1998 increased to $5.1 million from ($1.1)
million and to $7.8 million from ($2.6) million, respectively, over the
comparable 1997 periods. While EBITDA does not represent cash flow or results
of operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, it
is a measure of financial performance commonly used in the telecommunications
industry. However, EBITDA is not necessarily comparable with similarly titled
measures for other companies. Management attributes the Company's ability to
generate positive EBITDA and net income after a relatively short period of
operations to its capital efficient network strategy, which does not require a
lengthy "build-out" period to construct a fiber optic transmission network, and
to efficient network utilization associated with the high traffic volume of its
customer base. As a result of these factors, management expects continued
improvement in the Company's EBITDA and net income during the execution of its
current expansion plan.
As a result of the increase in revenue, the Company's capital efficient
network strategy and efficient network utilization, net income for the three
months and six months ended June 30, 1998 amounted to $2.8 million ($.11 per
share) and $4.1 million ($.18 per share), respectively, compared to a net loss
of $1.3 million and $2.9 million for the comparable periods in 1997,
respectively.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
US LEC's business is capital intensive and its operations will require
substantial capital expenditures for the purchase and installation of network
switches and related electronic equipment. The Company's capital expenditures
were $27.0 million and $2.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and
1997, respectively. US LEC will have substantial capital requirements in
connection with its planned expansion into additional locations throughout the
southeastern United States by the end of 1999. US LEC anticipates additional
capital expenditures of approximately $16 million during the remainder of 1998
and $29 million in 1999. US LEC intends to fund these expenditures with the
balance of the net proceeds of its initial public offering.
At December 31, 1997, US LEC was indebted to Richard T. Aab, the Company's
principal stockholder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in the amount of
$5.0 million. On February 14, 1998, Mr. Aab exchanged this loan for 480,770
shares of Class B Common Stock. During the first quarter of 1998, Tansukh V.
Ganatra, US LEC's President and Chief Operating Officer, and Melrich
Associates, L.P. (an entity of which Mr. Aab is a general partner) loaned the
Company a total of $3.3 million. The Company repaid these loans in June 1998.
Cash used in operating activities was approximately $6.4 million for the
six months ended June 30, 1998 compared to $2.3 million during the comparable
1997 period. The increase in cash used in operating activities was primarily
due to a $22.6 million increase in accounts receivable, partially offset by an
increase in net income of $7.0 million and an $11.1 million increase in accrued
expenses. Substantially all of the Company's accounts receivable at June 30,
1998 represented amounts due from BellSouth for reciprocal compensation.
Management expects receivables due from BellSouth to continue to increase until
the pending issues with BellSouth are resolved. (See Note 5 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this report for a
discussion of certain contingencies associated with reciprocal compensation).
The increase in accrued expenses was primarily the result of an increase in
accrued network costs, accrued compensation and other accrued expenses related
to the Company's expansion.
YEAR 2000
Many computer systems will experience difficulty processing dates beyond
the year 1999 and will need to be modified prior to the year 2000. Failure to
make such modifications could result in system failures or miscalculations
causing a disruption of operations. Most of the Company's information
technology purchases were made after March of 1997 and, since the Company's
systems are relatively new and there were no legacy systems to integrate, the
Company believes its internal software and hardware systems will function
properly with respect to dates in the year 2000 and thereafter. The Company
therefore, does not expect it's year 2000 compliance cost to be significant.
While the Company believes that its hardware and software applications are
year 2000 compliant, there can be no assurance until the year 2000 occurs that
all systems will then function adequately. Further, while most of the Company's
significant suppliers and vendors have advised the Company that they are or
anticipate being year 2000 compliant, if the software applications of local
exchange carriers, long distance carriers, service providers or others on whose
services the
10
<PAGE>
Company depends on are not year 2000 compliant, a material adverse effect on
the Company's financial condition and results of operations could result.
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
US LEC is not currently a party to any legal proceedings, other than the
NCUC and U.S. District Court proceedings related to reciprocal compensation
from BellSouth for ISP and ESP traffic. Note 5 to the Company's condensed
consolidated statements included elsewhere in this report is incorporated by
reference into the Company's response to this item.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
In June 1998, the Company issued 165,000 shares of Class A Common Stock to
a former executive officer who exercised warrants at $2.86 per share for a
total consideration of $471,900. These warrants were issued in August 1997 in
connection with his employment with the Company. These securities were issued
in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933. The purchaser was a former executive officer of the
Company and the stock certificates bear restrictive legends.
USE OF PROCEEDS FROM REGISTERED SECURITIES
On February 13, 1998, US LEC filed a Registration Statement to register up
to 6,325,000 shares of its Class A Common Stock (the "Common Stock") for sale
by the Company. In April and May 1998, the Company completed an offering of
these 6,325,000 shares (the "Equity Offering"). The net proceeds to the Company
from the Equity Offering were approximately $88.2 million, after deducting
underwriting discounts and commissions of $6.6 million. As of June 30, 1998,
the Company had used approximately $29.0 million of such net proceeds together
with proceeds from prior capital contributions as follows: (i) $1.1 million for
offering expenses, (ii) $21.1 million for the purchase of property and
equipment, (iii) $3.8 million to repay indebtedness to two stockholders,
including accrued interest and (iv) the balance for general corporate purposes.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITIES HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
On June 30, 1998, RTA Associates L.L.C. ("RTA"), an affiliate of Richard
T. Aab, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and largest shareholder of US
LEC, acquired a 69% interest in Metacomm, LLC ("Metacomm"). Metacomm is engaged
in the business of developing and marketing a high-speed telecommunications
network in North Carolina and is a customer of US LEC. Traffic on Metacomm's
network also accounts for a majority of the reciprocal compensation owed to US
LEC by BellSouth. RTA's acquisition of an interest in Metacomm occurred after
US LEC considered and declined the opportunity to acquire an interest in
Metacomm, and after Mr. Aab consulted with the other directors of US LEC. US
LEC's business dealings with Metacomm are expected to continue on the same
basis as those dealings occurred prior to June 30.
11
<PAGE>
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ------------- --------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation*
3.2 By-laws*
3.3 Amendment No. 1 to By-laws*
11.1 Statement Regarding Computation of Earnings per Share**
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>
- ---------
* Incorporated by reference to the corresponding exhibit to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-46341).
** Incorporated by reference to the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements
of Operations appearing in Part I of this report.
(b) Form 8-K: None
12
<PAGE>
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.
US LEC CORP.
By: ----------------------------------
MICHAEL K. ROBINSON
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT -- FINANCE AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
13
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1998
<CASH> 59,362
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 28,836
<ALLOWANCES> 3
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 88,846
<PP&E> 40,374
<DEPRECIATION> 1,812
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 127,844
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 23,731
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 274
<OTHER-SE> 103,839
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 127,844
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 31,978
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 14,010
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 223
<INCOME-PRETAX> 6,934
<INCOME-TAX> 2,785
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 0
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 4,149
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0.18
<EPS-DILUTED> 0.18
</TABLE>
