Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)
File #333-53441
[logo]
$180,000,000
NorthEast Optic Network, Inc.
12-3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008
Interest payable February 15 and August 15 Due August 15, 2008
------------
NorthEast Optic Network, Inc. ("NorthEast Optic Network" or the "Company") is
offering (the "Debt Offering") $180.0 million aggregate principal amount of
its 12-3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008 (the "Notes"). Upon the closing of the Debt
Offering, the Company will purchase U.S. government obligations in such amount
as will be sufficient, upon receipt of scheduled interest and principal
payments on such securities, to provide for payment in full of the first seven
scheduled interest payments on the Notes. Such securities will be pledged as
security for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.
The Notes will not be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to August
15, 2003. On or after August 15, 2003, the Notes may be redeemed at the option
of the Company, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth herein.
Upon a Change of Control (as defined), each holder of Notes may require the
Company to purchase all or a portion of such holder's Notes at a purchase price
equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase. There can be no assurance that
sufficient funds would be available at the time of any Change of Control to
make any required purchases of Notes tendered.
The Notes will be senior obligations of the Company. The Notes will rank senior
in right of payment to all subordinated indebtedness of the Company and will
rank pari passu in right of payment with all existing and future indebtedness
of the Company that is not by its terms subordinated in right and priority to
the Notes. In addition, claims of holders of the Notes will be structurally
subordinated to claims of holders of existing and future indebtedness of the
Company's subsidiaries. As of March 31, 1998, after giving effect to the
Offerings (as defined) and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the
Company would have had outstanding approximately $180.4 million of senior
indebtedness (consisting of the Notes and indebtedness ranking pari passu with
the Notes) and no subordinated indebtedness, and the Company's subsidiaries
would have had outstanding approximately $289,000 of indebtedness. Except for
the restrictions on the ability of the Company to incur additional indebtedness
contained in the covenants described under "Description of the Notes--Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness", "--Limitation on Liens" and
"--Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions", the Indenture will not contain
any covenants or provisions that may afford holders of the Notes protection in
the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
Concurrently with the Debt Offering, the Company and certain shareholders of
the Company are offering (the "Equity Offering" and, together with the Debt
Offering, the "Offerings") 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock (5,175,000 shares
if the over-allotment option granted to the underwriters is exercised in
full). The closing of each Offering is conditioned upon the closing of the
other Offering. A portion of the proceeds of the Offerings will be used to
repay indebtedness owed to one of the principal stockholders of the Company.
For a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection
with an investment in the Notes, see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 11.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Underwriting
Price to Discounts and Proceeds to
Public(1) Commissions Company(2)
--------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Note ........ 100% 3% 97%
Total ........... $180,000,000 $5,400,000 $174,600,000
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from August 5, 1998.
(2) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $600,000.
The Notes are offered by the several Underwriters (as defined) when, as
and if issued by the Company, delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and
subject to their right to reject orders, in whole or in part. It is expected
that delivery of the Notes will be made on or about August 5, 1998, against
payment in immediately available funds.
Credit Suisse First Boston Warburg Dillon Read LLC
Prospectus dated July 31, 1998.
<PAGE>
EDGAR DESCRIPTION FOR INSIDE FRONT COVER:
[The inside front cover contains a picture of the fiber filaments that are
contained in fiber optic cables, and the following words: "NEON(R), Northeast
Optic Network. A facilities-based "carriers' carrier" providing technologically
advanced, high-bandwidth, fiber optic transmission capacity on local loop,
inter-city and interstate facilities.
The gatefold foldout following the inside front cover contains a map showing the
routes of the NorthEast Optic Network. The map shows routes which are (i)
currently operational; (ii) planned for 1998; and (iii) planned for 1999. In
addition, the map shows the location of existing NEON POPs, and planned NEON
POPs, existing carrier rings and local distribution and planned carrier rings
and local distribution, and shows the respective NU and CMP service territories.
The foldout also contains a copy of the Company's logo and the words: NorthEast
Optic Network. "NEON(R) and the NEON logo are service marks of the Company."
The back cover contains a picture of the Company's logo.
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN, OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE
SHORT COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING."
-----------
NEON(R) and the NEON logo are service marks of the Company.
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by and should be read
in conjunction with the more detailed information, consolidated financial
statements and other financial data appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Unless otherwise indicated, all information in this Prospectus gives effect to
(i) the completion of the Reorganization (as such term is defined below under
"Business--Reorganization"), (ii) a 2.5-for-1 stock split of the Company's
Common Stock (the "Stock Split"), and (iii) the conversion of all outstanding
shares of Series A and Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company (the
"Preferred Stock") into an aggregate of 11,777,910 (post-split) shares of
Common Stock at the closing of the Offerings (the "Preferred Stock
Conversion"). As used herein "NorthEast Optic Network" or the "Company" refers
to NorthEast Optic Network, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including predecessor
companies, except where the context otherwise requires. Certain terms used
herein are defined in the Glossary beginning on page G-1.
The Company
The Company is a facilities-based provider of technologically advanced,
high-bandwidth, fiber optic transmission capacity for communications carriers
on local loop, inter-city and interstate facilities. The Company is currently
expanding its fiber optic network, the NEON system, to encompass over 900 route
miles, or more than 60,000 fiber miles, in New York and New England (the
"Northeast"). The Company believes that the Northeast, which in 1996
represented a $28.7 billion telephony services market and which the Company
believes has one of the highest population densities and concentrations of
businesses, universities, phone lines, personal computers and television sets
in the country, is a region characterized by significant and growing demand for
broadband communications infrastructure. The Company is constructing the NEON
system utilizing primarily electric utility rights-of-way ("ROWs"), which allow
the Company to provide secure fiber optic capacity at competitive prices with
potential access to virtually any urban location where the local utility
provides electrical service. The Company is using advanced fiber optic
technology in the NEON system, including non-zero dispersion shifted fiber,
dense wave division multiplexing optronics and SONET ring self-healing
technology, to allow the Company's carrier customers to meet the demand for
reliable, high-bandwidth voice, data and video transmission capacity in the
Northeast. For example, a pair of fiber optic strands on the NEON system can
transmit up to approximately 10 gigabits of data per second, or the equivalent
of approximately 129,000 simultaneous voice conversations.
The Company has already completed construction of approximately 295 route
miles, or approximately 19,500 fiber miles, of the NEON system as of June 30,
1998, and currently operates fiber optic routes from Hartford, Connecticut to
Springfield, Massachusetts and from Nashua, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine.
The Company is currently engineering, constructing or acquiring additional
routes in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
to create a continuous fiber optic link between New York City and Portland,
Maine with access into and around Boston, Massachusetts and numerous other
major service areas in the Northeast. These additional routes are expected to
be substantially completed in 1998 and will add approximately 500 route miles,
or approximately 23,300 fiber miles, to the NEON system. The Company is also
planning to complete further expansion routes in 1999 into and around New York
City and other metropolitan areas along the NEON system. The completion of
routes currently planned will enable the NEON system to connect more than 540
cities and towns in six states and pass more than 200 points-of-presence
("POPs"), tandem switches and central offices, which the Company believes serve
over 18 million people and over 470,000 businesses.
Commencing in September 1994, the Company entered into a series of ROW
agreements (the "NU Agreements") with the three principal operating
subsidiaries of Northeast Utilities ("NU"), the largest electric utility
service provider in New England, serving over 1.7 million customers in
Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, to build fiber optic facilities
utilizing NU's transmission and distribution infrastructure, including utility
towers, poles, underground ducts and urban conduit systems. In January 1997,
the Company entered into a similar ROW agreement (the "CMP Agreement") with
Central Maine Power Company ("CMP"), the largest electric utility service
provider in Maine, serving over 500,000 customers, to build fiber optic
facilities utilizing CMP's transmission and distribution infrastructure. NU and
CMP have also financed substantially all of the construction and operations of
the NEON system to date and currently beneficially own (prior to the sale of
shares in the Equity Offering) 41.4% and 53.5%, respectively, of the Company's
capital stock. In July 1998, the Company entered into
3
<PAGE>
agreements with NEES Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of New England Electric
System, and BecoCom, Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Edison Company, to extend the
NEON system from Hudson, New Hampshire to Boston, Massachusetts terminating at
the Company's POP and Company-targeted carrier centers.
The Company has pursued a strategy of establishing relationships with
electric utilities and building the NEON system utilizing primarily electric
utility ROWs. The Company believes that the use of such ROWs provides
significant advantages, including: (i) inter-city routes and potentially
ubiquitous intra-city coverage in the local electric utility's urban service
territory, including throughout downtown areas and directly to buildings, (ii)
use of existing electric transmission infrastructures, including towers, poles,
ducts and conduits, to achieve faster, less costly installation, (iii)
generally more secure and reliable routes than other traditional ROWs, (iv)
desirable geographically diverse fiber optic routes for communications carriers
and (v) establishment of an extensive ROW network through negotiation with
relatively few parties, rather than with numerous parties such as
municipalities, transit authorities and governmental agencies.
The Company intends to target communications carriers as customers, rather
than end-users of telecommunications services. The Company believes that this
strategy allows it to: (i) maximize the Company's opportunities to sell its
capacity regardless of the end-user's selection of a retail provider, (ii)
avoid the significant initial and ongoing investment required in selling,
marketing and providing services to end-users, (iii) attract carrier customers
that may be reluctant to contract with a direct competitor, (iv) generate
revenues quickly from carriers that are easily identifiable and require large
amounts of fiber optic capacity, and (v) lock in relatively secure long-term
revenue streams from customers that are generally more creditworthy than
end-users and are likely to make long-term capital commitments prior to
completion of construction. Carrier customers typically lease fiber optic
capacity under multi-year contracts with which they enhance or constitute their
own communications networks as a cost-effective alternative to constructing
their own infrastructure or purchasing measured services from other carriers
with whom they may compete. Carriers targeted by the Company include a broad
range of communications companies such as incumbent local exchange carriers
("ILECs"), competitive local exchange carriers ("CLECs"), long distance
companies/interexchange carriers ("IXCs"), paging, cellular and PCS companies,
cable television companies and Internet service providers ("ISPs"). Currently,
the Company has contracts with Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc. ("Brooks Fiber")
(now owned by WorldCom, Inc. ("WorldCom")), Teleport Communications Group Inc.
("Teleport") (expected to be acquired by AT&T Corp. ("AT&T")), MCI
Communications Corporation ("MCI") (expected to be acquired by WorldCom),
Sprint Corporation ("Sprint") and Global NAPs, Inc., a regional ISP.
The Company intends to offer its carrier customers leases of both dark
fiber (fiber optic transmission lines leased without optronics equipment
installed by the Company) and lit fiber (fixed amounts of capacity, such as
DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and higher, on fiber optic transmission lines that use
the Company's optronics equipment) at fixed-cost pricing and over multi-year
lease terms. The Company intends to lease approximately one-third of the
available fibers in the NEON system as dark fiber and one-third as lit fiber.
In addition, the Company plans to reserve approximately one-third of its
available fibers for future services that the Company may provide to capitalize
on future technological advances or changes that the Company expects to occur
in the communications industry.
History of the Company
The Company was incorporated in 1989 in Massachusetts under the name
"FiveCom, Inc." to develop fiber-optic networks in secondary and tertiary
markets in the Northeast. Prior to 1994, the Company was the managing general
partner of a venture which built a competitive access provider ("CAP") network
in Springfield, Massachusetts and also built several small private networks in
eastern Massachusetts. In February 1994, the Company sold its interest in the
Springfield network to Brooks Fiber. Following this sale, the Company expanded
its business strategy to include intra-LATA and long distance facilities using
electric utility ROWs and changed its focus to target carrier customers rather
than end-users. Commencing in September 1994, the Company entered into the NU
Agreements, pursuant to which the Company obtained ROWs in the service
territories of NU and its subsidiaries. In 1996, the Company raised
approximately $16.7 million from private placements of equity securities to
MaineCom Services ("MaineCom"), an affiliate of CMP, and Mode 1 Communications,
Inc. ("Mode 1"), an affiliate of NU. In January 1997, the Company entered into
the CMP Agreement, under which the Company obtained ROWs in CMP's service
territory, and raised an additional
4
<PAGE>
$2.6 million from CMP and other investors in a private equity financing. In
1998, the Company was reincorporated in Delaware under the name "NorthEast
Optic Network, Inc." See "Business--Reorganization."
Market Opportunity
The Company believes that there is a significant demand for high-bandwidth
communications services and a limited supply of technologically advanced dark
and lit fiber optic facilities in the Northeast. The Company believes the needs
of communications carriers for advanced, high-bandwidth voice, data and video
transmission capacity will increase over the next several years due to various
factors, including: (i) rapid growth of communications traffic; (ii) capacity
required by new entrants to the telecommunications market; (iii) the need for
redundant routing and geographic diversity of ROWs to provide reliability in
the event of equipment failure, fiber line break or other outage; (iv) the need
to upgrade older communications networks; (v) accommodation of multimedia
(voice, data and video) and other potential high-bandwidth applications; and
(vi) communications carriers' desire for low-cost local and regional transport.
Business Strategy
The Company's objective is to become the preferred facilities-based
provider of fiber optic network capacity in the Northeast. The following are
the key elements of the Company's strategy to achieve this objective:
[bullet] Leverage Electric Utility ROWs. The Company is pursuing a strategy
of building the NEON system utilizing primarily electric utility
ROWs, which the Company believes provide significant competitive
advantages, including potential connectivity to virtually any
building in the utilities' urban service areas covered by the NEON
system, faster and less costly installation on existing
infrastructure and geographic diversity from traditional ROWs.
[bullet] Target Carrier Customers. The Company intends to target
communications carriers as customers, rather than end-users of
telecommunications services, which the Company believes will allow
it to maximize its opportunities to sell its capacity regardless
of the end-user's selection of a retail provider, avoid the
significant initial and ongoing investment required to attract and
retain numerous retail customers and generate revenues quickly
from carrier customers, which require large amounts of fiber optic
capacity and are more likely to make long-term capital commitments
prior to completion of construction.
[bullet] Reduce Construction and Operating Costs. The Company is reducing
its construction and operating costs by using primarily
pre-existing electric utility transmission and distribution
infrastructure, including towers, poles, ducts and conduits, in
the construction of the NEON system, installing high fiber count
cable and utilizing high quality, advanced fiber optic technology
in the NEON system.
[bullet] Establish a Reliable, Technologically Advanced Network. The
Company is constructing the NEON system utilizing bi-directional,
self-healing SONET ring architecture on primarily electric utility
ROWs, which allow for enhanced physical security and geographic
diversity. The Company plans to use what the Company believes to
be the highest quality fiber optic cable and optronics available
which enable the highest commercially available transmission
capacity (OC-192) and data integrity level (10-15 Bit Error Rate).
[bullet] Focus on High Demand Northeast Market. The Company believes that
the Northeast market has one of the highest population densities
and concentrations of businesses, universities, phone lines,
personal computers and television sets in the country and is a
region characterized by significant and growing demand for
reliable broadband communications infrastructure.
[bullet] Capitalize on Management Experience. The Company's management team
includes individuals with significant experience in the
telecommunications and utility industries which will be important
in the build-out and management of the NEON system. Victor
Colantonio, the Chairman of the Company and its founder and
President, has 25 years of experience in the telecommunications
industry. Richard Crabtree, the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, has 27 years of public utility
company experience, including serving as Chief Financial Officer
to CMP. Other senior executives of the Company also have extensive
experience in the telecommunications industry.
5
<PAGE>
[bullet] Leverage Utility Relationships. The Company believes that its
electric utility relationships enhance the Company's credibility
with large carrier customers and create opportunities to establish
relationships with other electric utility companies. In addition,
through its utility relationships, the Company has outsourced
substantially all of its engineering, design, routine maintenance
and construction supervision requirements, thereby building on the
utilities' significant resources and experience in the engineering
and construction of large transmission and distribution networks.
----------------
The Company's principal executive offices are located at 391 Totten Pond
Road, Suite 401, Waltham, Massachusetts, and its telephone number is (781)
890-6868.
6
<PAGE>
The Debt Offering
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Issuer ......................... NorthEast Optic Network, Inc.
Securities Offered ............. $180,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 12-3/4% Senior
Notes Due 2008.
Maturity Date .................. August 15, 2008.
Interest Payment Dates ......... February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing February
15, 1999.
Pledge Account ................. Upon the closing of the Debt Offering, the Company will apply
a portion of the net proceeds of the Debt Offering to purchase
U.S. government obligations (the "Pledged Securities") to be
deposited in the Pledge Account (as defined) in such amount as
will be sufficient, upon receipt of scheduled interest and
principal payments on such securities, to provide for payment
in full of the first seven scheduled interest payments on the
Notes. The Pledged Securities will be pledged by the Company
to the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes. The
Notes will be secured by a first priority security interest in the
Pledged Securities and in the Pledge Account and, accordingly,
the Pledged Securities and the Pledge Account will also secure
repayment of the principal amount of the Notes to the extent of
such security. See "Description of the Notes--Security."
Optional Redemption ............ The Notes will not be redeemable at the option of the Company
prior to August 15, 2003. On or after August 15, 2003, the Notes
may be redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at the redemption prices set forth herein, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of redemption. See
"Description of the Notes--Optional Redemption."
Change of Control .............. Upon a Change of Control, each holder of Notes will be entitled
to require the Company to purchase all or a portion of such
holder's Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal
amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the
date of purchase. There can be no assurance that the Company
would have sufficient funds at the time of any Change of Control
to purchase any of the Notes tendered. See "Risk
Factors--Purchase of Notes Upon Change of Control" and
"Description of the Notes--Change of Control."
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Ranking ............................ The Notes will be senior unsecured (except to the extent of the
Pledge Account and the Pledged Securities) obligations of the
Company. The Notes will rank pari passu in right of payment
with all existing and future indebtedness of the Company that
is not by its terms subordinated in right and priority to the Notes
and will be senior in right of payment to all future subordinated
indebtedness of the Company. In addition, claims of holders of
the Notes will be structurally subordinated to claims of holders
of existing and future indebtedness of the Company's
subsidiaries. As of March 31, 1998, after giving effect to the
Offerings and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the
Company would have had outstanding approximately $180.4
million of senior indebtedness (consisting of the Notes and
$437,042 of other indebtedness) and no subordinated
indebtedness, and the Company's subsidiaries would have had
outstanding approximately $289,000 of indebtedness.
Restrictive Covenants .............. The indenture under which the Notes will be issued (the
"Indenture") will contain certain covenants that, among other
things, will limit (i) the incurrence of additional Indebtedness
(as defined) by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as
defined), (ii) the payment of dividends and other Restricted
Payments (as defined) by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries, (iii) the creation of restrictions on distributions
from Restricted Subsidiaries, (iv) asset sales, (v) transactions
with affiliates, (vi) sales or issuances of Restricted Subsidiary
capital stock, (vii) the incurrence of liens and the entering into
of sale/leaseback transactions and (viii) mergers, consolidations
and transfers of assets. All these limitations and prohibitions,
however, are subject to a number of important qualifications and
exceptions. See "Description of the Notes--Change of
Control--Certain Covenants."
Concurrent Equity Offering ......... Concurrently with the Debt Offering, the Company and certain
shareholders of the Company are offering 4,500,000 shares
(5,175,000 shares if the over-allotment option granted to the
underwriters thereof is exercised in full) of its Common Stock
(the "Common Stock") by a separate prospectus. The closing of
each Offering is conditioned upon the closing of the other
Offering, which conditions may not be waived.
Use of Proceeds .................... The net proceeds to the Company from the Offerings will be
used to purchase the Pledged Securities, for capital expenditures
associated with the continued construction and expansion of the
NEON system to repay outstanding debt and for working
capital, including payment of certain bonuses, and other general
corporate purposes. See "Use of Proceeds."
</TABLE>
Risk Factors
An investment in the Notes offered hereby involves a high degree of risk.
Prospective investors should consider carefully the risk factors and other
information set forth in this Prospectus before making an investment in the
Notes offered hereby. See "Risk Factors."
8
<PAGE>
Summary Consolidated Financial Data
The summary consolidated financial data presented below for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 and as of December 31,
1997 have been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public
accountants. The summary consolidated financial data for each of the
three-month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 and as of March 31, 1998 have
been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the
Company, which have been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and, in the opinion of management, reflect
all normal recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
financial position and results of operations for such periods and as of such
dates. The results for the three months ended March 31, 1998 are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the entire
year. The operations data provided below for the year ended December 31, 1997
and the three-months ended March 31, 1998 are also presented on a pro forma
basis to give effect to the Reorganization as if it had occurred on January 1,
1997. The balance sheet data presented below as of March 31, 1998 are also
presented on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Reorganization and on a
pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the Offerings and the application
of the estimated net proceeds therefrom and to the Reorganization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
1995 1996 1997(1) 1997(3)
------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues $ 42,598 $ 13,773 $ 394,704 $ 394,704
Operating expenses 487,159 1,185,595 2,693,03 4,219,316
-------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from operations (444,561) (1,171,822) (2,298,333) (3,824,612)
Interest income (expense),
net (42,401) 125,838 (2,893) (2,893)
Minority interest(2) -- 353,222 1,080,200 --
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes -- 16,000 (261,000) (261,000)
-------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss (486,962) (708,762) (960,026) (3,566,505)
Basic and diluted loss per
share (1.71) (2.49) (3.37) (12.52)
Basic and diluted weighted
average shares outstanding 284,578 284,735 284,828 284,828
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended March 31,
-------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
1997 1998(1) 1998(3)
------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues $ -- $151,363 $ 151,363
Operating expenses 345,620 774,521 1,156,091
-------- -------- ----------
Loss from operations (345,620) (623,158) (1,004,728)
Interest income (expense),
net 56,638 (61,494) (61,494)
Minority interest(2) 137,620 314,498 --
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes (33,000) (77,000) (77,000)
-------- -------- ----------
Net loss (118,362) (293,154) (989,222)
Basic and diluted loss per
share (0.42) (1.03) (3.47)
Basic and diluted weighted
average shares outstanding 284,828 284,828 284,828
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1998
-----------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Actual Pro Forma(3) As Adjusted(4)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital $ (5,500,383) $ (5,500,383) $137,404,279
Total assets 26,183,672 71,972,038 289,032,328
Note payable to related party 3,975,000 3,975,000 --
Long-term debt, including current maturities 1,987,577 1,987,577 180,437,042
Total liabilities 11,605,478 11,605,478 186,079,943
Minority interest(2) 5,024,288 -- --
CMP Warrant 532,836 -- --
Stockholders' equity 9,021,070 60,366,560 102,952,385
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
Year Ended December 31, March 31,
------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------
1995 1996 1997(1) 1997 1998(1)
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Other Financial Data:
Cash provided by (used in)
operating activities ................ $ (413,196) $ 37,460 $ (553,427) $(1,027,065) $ 657,881
Cash used in investing activities ..... (4,619,702) (6,738,898) (8,798,251) (4,037,187) (3,540,475)
Cash provided by financing
activities .......................... 4,943,300 11,565,481 5,585,205 3,657,456 3,016,396
Net increase (decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents .................... (89,598) 4,864,043 (3,766,473) (1,406,796) 133,802
EBITDA(5) ............................. (420,386) (794,432) (665,271) (178,121) (6,647)
Capital expenditures .................. 4,596,901 6,711,082 5,609,459 3,978,512 3,297,062
Ratio of deficiency to fixed
charges(6) .......................... (2.54)x (4.50)x (10.11)x (9.46)x (7.53)x
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(See footnotes on the following page)
9
<PAGE>
(1) If the Reorganization had occurred as of January 1, 1997, the pro forma
impact on the Company's Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1997 would reflect depreciation and amortization of
$2,079,141, a net loss of $3,566,505 and a loss per share of $12.52, after
giving effect to the Stock Split. The pro forma impact on the Company's
Statement of Operations for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 would reflect
depreciation and amortization of $683,583, a net loss of $989,222 and a
loss per share of $3.47, after giving effect to the Stock Split.
(2) Minority interest consists of the interests of members other than CMP in
FiveCom LLC, NECOM LLC and FiveCom of Maine LLC. See
"Business--Reorganization." Changes in minority interest reflect such
other members' capital adjusted by their portion of the net loss.
(3) Pro forma to give effect to the Reorganization. In connection with the
Reorganization, the Company recorded an intangible asset to reflect the
Company's acquisition of NU's minority interest in a subsidiary (NECOM
LLC), in accordance with AICPA Accounting Interpretation 39 to APB Opinion
No. 16, Business Combinations (AIN-39). If the intangible asset were
recorded at January 1, 1997, the amount recorded would be $45,788,366.
(4) Pro forma as adjusted to give effect to (i) the Offerings and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom, after deducting the
underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the
Company, and the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with
debt extinguished and (ii) the Reorganization. See Notes 1 and 3 above.
(5) EBITDA is defined herein as net loss before interest income (expense), net,
loan commitment fees, provision for (benefit from) income taxes,
depreciation and amortization and is presented because it is commonly used
by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare a company's
operating performance and to determine a company's ability to incur and
service debt. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a
substitute for, net income, cash flow from operating activities or other
consolidated income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of
profitability or liquidity.
(6) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings (deficiency) to fixed
charges: (i) earnings consist of loss before income tax benefit, plus
fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest, and (ii) fixed charges
consist of interest expense and capitalized interest, plus amortization of
deferred financing costs. For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and
1997 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company's
earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately
$601,400, $1,474,524, $3,432,869, $416,419 and $995,487, respectively. For
the year ended December 31, 1997 and for the three months ended March 31,
1998, on a pro forma as adjusted basis the Company's earnings would have
been insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $23,689,337 and
$6,757,318, respectively.
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RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Prospectus, the
following factors should be carefully considered by prospective investors when
evaluating an investment in the securities offered hereby. This Prospectus
contains certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The cautionary statements contained in this Prospectus should be
read as being applicable to all related forward-looking statements wherever
they appear in this Prospectus. The Company's actual results could differ
materially from those discussed here. Important factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include those discussed below, as well as those
discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Limited History of Operations; Negative Cash Flow
Although the Company has conducted business since 1989, the Company's
current business has only a very limited history. As a facilities-based
provider of fiber optic transmission capacity, the Company is a development
stage company in the process of constructing the NEON system throughout the
Northeast. Although limited portions of the NEON system are currently
operational, those portions represent less than 23% of the route miles and 21%
of the fiber miles of the NEON system as currently planned, and until the NEON
system is substantially completed, the Company does not expect to begin to
realize any substantial revenues. See "--Risks Associated with Completing the
NEON System." Prospective investors, therefore, have no meaningful historical
operating or financial information about the Company's current business upon
which to base an evaluation of the Company's performance or their investment in
the securities offered hereby. The Company does not expect to achieve
substantial completion of the NEON system as currently planned until the end of
1999. The Company has incurred net losses from inception. Such losses were
approximately $487,000, $709,000, $960,000 and $293,000 for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and the three months ended March 31, 1998,
respectively. The Company's future operating results will fluctuate annually
and quarterly due to several factors, some of which are outside the control of
the Company. These factors include the cost of construction of the NEON system
(including any unanticipated costs associated therewith), the availability of
ROWs, the cost and timely availability of equipment and construction
contractors, pricing strategies for its services, changes in the regulatory
environment, changes in telecommunications technology and changes in general
and local economic conditions. In addition, the extent of the demand for the
Company's services cannot be estimated with any degree of certainty. See
"--Risks Associated with Implementing the Company's Strategy."
In addition, the development of the Company's business, the completion of
the NEON system and the development of the Company's services and customer base
will require significant expenditures, most of which will need to be made
before the Company is able to offer services over substantially all of the NEON
system. These expenditures, together with associated operating expenses, will
adversely impact cash flow and profitability until an adequate customer base is
established. To date, the Company has expended substantial amounts on
construction of the NEON system. Such cash expenditures have been funded by
proceeds from the Company's financing activities. Accordingly, the Company has
generated negative cash flow. Moreover, the Company expects to continue
generating negative cash flow from operations through at least 2000. There can
be no assurance that the Company will not need to obtain additional capital to
complete the NEON system.
As a result of the foregoing factors, there can be no assurance that the
Company will generate significant revenues, achieve or sustain profitability or
generate positive cash flow from operating activities in the future. If the
Company cannot generate significant revenues, achieve and sustain profitability
or generate positive cash flow from operating activities in the future, it will
not be able to make principal and interest payments with respect to its
indebtedness (including the Notes) or meet its other debt service or working
capital requirements, and the securities offered hereby would have little or no
value.
Risks Associated with Completing the NEON System
The Company's ability to achieve its strategic objectives will depend in
large part upon the successful, timely and cost-effective completion of the
NEON system. Factors that could affect such completion include, among other
things, (i) obtaining adequate ROWs on acceptable terms in and between major
cities in the Northeast not covered by utility ROWs currently available to the
Company, (ii) obtaining required governmental permits and certifications where
necessary and (iii) delays or disruptions resulting from physical damage, power
loss, defective equipment
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or the failure of third-party suppliers or contractors to meet their
obligations in a timely and cost-effective manner. No assurance can be given
that the Company will be able to complete the NEON system or achieve completion
on time or within the anticipated budget.
In order to complete the NEON system, the Company must obtain additional
rights-of-way and other permits to install fiber optic cables from third
parties, including electric utilities, transit authorities and others. The
Company has not yet obtained the necessary ROWs to expand the NEON system to
encompass the planned New York local loop. The Company may be required to pay
cash or provide in-kind facilities for these ROWs or other ROWs to accommodate
extensions to the NEON system. In negotiating the terms for its ROWs, the
Company has sought, and expects to continue to seek, waivers or deferrals of
right-of-way fees while the NEON system is being constructed. For instance,
under its agreements with NU, the Company has, among other terms, agreed to pay
to NU mileage-based annual fees beginning in 2004 and a percentage of the gross
revenues of the Company generated over the ROWs granted by NU upon achieving
certain revenue levels. In addition, the Company has agreed to set aside for
NU's use a portion of the fibers along the ROWs granted by NU. Under its
agreements with CMP, the Company has agreed to pay CMP an annual fee beginning,
with regard to any particular route segment, in the first calendar year
following the installation date for such route segment, and the Company has
agreed to set aside certain fibers along the CMP ROWs for CMP's use. Although
the Company believes that its strategy of utilizing such ROWs, primarily from
electric utilities, will help to minimize the costs of acquiring ROWs for
telecommunications purposes, the Company is unable to predict with certainty
the cost of obtaining necessary ROWs, and there can be no assurance that it
will be able to obtain such ROWs on acceptable terms, if at all. If the Company
is unable to reach agreement on terms acceptable to the Company for the planned
completion of the NEON system, then such failure may prevent the completion of
the NEON system as currently planned by the Company, and such a result would
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operation. In addition, if CMP or NU or any other entity with
whom the Company has an agreement seeks bankruptcy or other protection from its
creditors, the Company's ability to exercise rights to obtain route extensions
or other rights under its agreement with such entity may be adversely affected.
See "Business--Right-of-Way Agreements."
The Company expects that it will require a substantial amount of capital
to complete the build-out of the NEON system as currently planned. The Company
currently estimates that its capital expenditure requirements for 1998 and 1999
will be approximately $54.0 million in each year. Additional funds will be
required to fund operating losses during these periods. The Company believes
that it will have sufficient capital to fund the build-out of the NEON system
as currently planned and its other working capital needs, contingent upon
completion of the Offerings. In the event that the proceeds of the Offerings
are less than anticipated or are otherwise insufficient to meet its capital
expenditure and other capital requirements, the Company would be required to
obtain funding from other sources to complete the construction of the NEON
system and to fund operating losses. Sources of funding may include vendor
financing, public offerings or private placements of equity and/or debt
securities, strategic customer alliances, and bank loans. However, there can be
no assurance that additional financing will be available to the Company or, if
available, that it can be obtained on a timely basis and on acceptable terms.
Failure to obtain such financing could result in the delay or curtailment of
the Company's development and expansion plans and expenditures or revisions to
the Company's business strategy. Any of these events would impair the Company's
ability to meet its debt service requirements and would have a material adverse
effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
Risks Associated with Implementing the Company's Strategy
The Company's ability to implement its business strategy is dependent upon
the Company's ability to secure a market for its leased dark and lit fiber
optic capacity and obtain service contracts with communications carriers.
The Company's ability to attract and retain customers is crucial to the
Company's success. Many of the Company's targeted customers are companies that
may also be the Company's potential competitors. If the Company's services are
not satisfactory or cost competitive, the Company's potential customers may
elect to develop other alternatives in the Company's markets. The Company has
incurred and will continue to incur significant operating expenses and has made
and will continue to make significant capital investments, in each case based
upon certain expectations as to the anticipated customer demand for the
Company's services in its markets.
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Accordingly, the failure of the Company to attract and retain sufficient
communications carriers for its services would materially and adversely affect
the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Company's business strategy assumes that its current and future
service revenues will come from a limited number of communications carriers.
Therefore, dissatisfaction with the Company's services by a relatively few
number of customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. Revenues through the
second quarter of 1997 consisted primarily of service fees from MCI. For the
year ended December 31, 1997, the Company's two largest customers, MCI and
Cellular One Group, accounted for 69% and 10% of total revenues, respectively,
and for the three months ended March 31, 1998, the Company's two largest
customers, MCI and Teleport, accounted for 76% and 10% of total revenues,
respectively. The Company is aware that certain IXCs are constructing or
considering constructing new networks, or buying companies with local networks,
which could reduce their need for the Company's services. See "--Competition."
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that any of the Company's customers or
potential customers will use or increase their use of the Company's services,
which would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
Implementation of the Company's business strategy also will require
substantial growth in the Company's management staff, support systems and other
operations and may be affected by factors such as: (i) the availability of
financing and regulatory approvals; (ii) the existence of strategic alliances
or relationships; (iii) technological, regulatory or other developments in the
Company's business; (iv) changes in the competitive climate in which the
Company operates; and (v) the emergence of future opportunities.
Risks Associated with Contractual Rights-of-Way
The construction and operation of the NEON system by the Company is
dependent upon indefeasible rights of use ("IRUs") granted to the Company in
ROWs and in fiber optic filaments. IRUs, which are created by contract, have
been used extensively in the telecommunications industry. Although IRUs confer
upon the holder certain indicia of ownership, legal title and the right to
control the ROW or the fiber optic filaments, as the case may be, remain in the
hands of the grantor. Therefore, while IRUs might be construed as conferring a
significant equitable right in the ROW or the fiber optic filaments, as the
case may be, the legal status of IRUs remains uncertain, and there can be no
assurance that a trustee in bankruptcy would not void an IRU in the event of
the bankruptcy of the grantor of such IRU. In addition, the IRUs granted by CMP
and the NU companies are subject to pre-existing, system-wide mortgages used to
secure utility bonds issued by those companies. The Company has sought
acknowledgments from the NU companies' indenture trustees that the Company's
rights under the NU Agreements would be recognized in the event of the
foreclosure of the related mortgage. Such agreements have been obtained from
the indenture trustees for The Connecticut Light and Power Company and Western
Massachusetts Electric Company, and negotiations are ongoing with the indenture
trustee of Public Service Company of New Hampshire ("PSNH"). If such an
agreement is not obtained from PSNH's indenture trustee, a default by PSNH
under its mortgage that resulted in the foreclosure of the mortgage could
result in the Company losing its rights under the NU Agreements in the State of
New Hampshire. The Company has not sought such acknowledgments from CMP's
indenture trustees because, unlike in the NU Agreements, in the CMP Agreement
the Company is not entitled to such acknowledgments. A default by CMP under its
mortgage that resulted in the foreclosure of the mortgage could result in the
Company losing its rights under the CMP Agreement.
The Company's IRUs are derivative of the grantor's interest in the real
property on which the NEON system is located. To the extent that the grantor
has a limited easement in such property, the IRUs granted to the Company may be
alleged to be insufficient for the Company's uses. Certain landowners have
asserted claims against the Company on this basis, and, to date, in one such
case, rather than electing to contest the landowner's interpretation of the
scope of the easement, the Company has made a payment to such landowner to
acquire a ROW meeting the Company's requirements. The Company believes that the
easements granted by a substantial number of landowners to grantors of the
Company's IRUs are similar in scope to those with respect to which claims have
been asserted, and there can be no assurance that additional claims will not be
made in the future. Although litigation has not commenced in connection with
any of these claims, there can be no assurance that litigation will not
commence in the future. In the event that a substantial number of landowners
makes similar claims in the future and the Company is required to compensate
such landowners for the use of their property for the NEON system or seek
alternative routes for portions of the NEON system so affected, the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations would be materially
adversely affected.
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The NU Agreements and the CMP Agreement contain provisions which
acknowledge the right of NU and CMP, respectively, to make the provision of
electrical services to their own customers their top priority; NU and CMP are
required only to exercise "reasonable care" with respect to the Company's
facilities and are otherwise free to take whatever actions they deem
appropriate with respect to ensuring or restoring service to their electricity
customers, any of which actions could impair the operation of the NEON system.
In addition, certain of the Company's construction efforts are constrained by
the ability of NU and CMP to de-energize segments of their transmission and
distribution facilities in order to permit construction crews to work safely.
The Company has experienced construction delays in the past as a result of the
inability to timely de-energize certain segments and may experience such delays
in the future.
The NU Agreements may be terminated under certain circumstances, including
the Company's failure to complete NUNet (as defined below under "Business--NU
Agreements") by September 1999, to maintain all necessary government permits,
licenses, franchises and approvals or its failure to pay amounts when due. In
addition, the CMP Agreement may be terminated by CMP under certain
circumstances, including the Company's failure to pay fees provided therein.
The termination of either the NU Agreements or the CMP Agreement would result
in the Company's loss of its ROWs under such agreements and would have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and
results of operations.
Some of the agreements that the Company enters into to construct, operate
and install the NEON system may be nonexclusive, short-term or revocable at
will, and there can be no assurance that the Company will have continued access
to existing rights-of-way after their expiration or termination. If any of
these agreements were terminated as a result of among other things a default by
the Company of its obligations thereunder including failure to maintain any
necessary governmental approvals or could not be renewed on commercially
reasonable terms and the Company lost its rights in the fiber optic cable or
abandoned portions of its NEON system, such actions would impair the operation
of the NEON system. See "Business--Right-of-Way Agreements."
Competition
The telecommunications industry is highly competitive. The Company faces
substantial competition from ILECs, which currently dominate their local
telecommunications markets, and CLECs, most of which have greater financial and
other resources than the Company. In addition to ILECs and CLECs, potential
competitors capable of offering services similar to those offered by the
Company include IXCs, other facilities-based communications service providers,
cable television companies, electric utilities, microwave carriers, satellite
carriers, wireless telephone system operators and end-users with private
communications networks. There can be no assurance that such entities will not
compete with the Company or that such competition would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations. See "Business--Competition."
The Company is currently aware of communications carriers that own or
lease fiber optic networks in New England (such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, Bell
Atlantic, SNET, WorldCom and Teleport) and of other carriers (such as IXC
Communications, Qwest Communications International, Metromedia Fiber Network,
Level 3 Communications and RCN) who are planning to own or lease additional
networks which, if constructed, may employ advanced technology comparable to
that of the NEON system.
NU and CMP each own or have an IRU in certain fibers in the cable that
includes the NEON system, which permit NU and CMP to compete directly with the
Company in the future if they are not using these fibers for their own
corporate requirements. See "Business--Right-of-Way Agreements." In addition
the Company's ROWs are nonexclusive in that other service providers (including
the utilities themselves) could install competing networks using the same ROWs.
In the future, the Company may be subject to more intense competition due
to the development of new technologies, an increased supply of domestic and
international transmission capacity, the consolidation in the industry among
local and long distance service providers and the effects of deregulation
resulting from the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The introduction of new
products or emergence of new technologies may reduce the cost or increase the
supply of certain services similar to those provided by the Company. The
Company cannot predict which of many possible future product and service
offerings will be crucial to maintain its competitive position or what
expenditures will be required to develop profitably and provide such products
and services.
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Regulatory Risks
Regulation of the telecommunications industry is changing rapidly.
Existing and future federal, state and local governmental regulations will
greatly influence the viability of the Company. Consequently, undesirable
regulatory changes could adversely affect the Company's business, financial
conditions and results of operations. For instance, while the Company does not
believe that its fiber offerings, as proposed, are subject to common carrier
regulation by the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") or under the common
carrier provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Communications Act"), except with respect to its provision of
telecommunications services on a common carrier basis offered through its
subsidiaries in New York and Connecticut, the Company cannot predict the future
regulatory status of its business. The FCC has recognized a class of private,
non-common carriers whose practice it is to make individualized decisions on
what terms and with whom to deal. These carriers may be subject to FCC
jurisdiction but are not currently extensively regulated. Such private carriers
include entities providing "telecommunications" for a fee as defined in the
1996 Act, which may include certain of the Company's offerings. In the event
that the Company becomes subject to the FCC's jurisdiction, it will be required
to comply with a number of regulatory requirements, including, but not limited
to rate regulation, reporting requirements, special payments, including
universal service assessments and access charges, and required service
offerings. Compliance with these regulatory requirements may impose substantial
administrative burdens on the Company. In addition, ILECs, CLECs and IXCs are
subject to various federal telecommunications laws. Accordingly, changes in
federal telecommunications law may affect the Company's business by virtue of
the inter-relationships that exist among the Company and many of these
regulated telecommunications entities. It is difficult for the Company to
forecast at this time how these changes will affect the Company in light of the
complex interrelationships that exist in the industry and the different levels
of regulation.
The Company is subject to state regulation, which can vary substantially
from state to state. The Company's subsidiaries in New York and Connecticut
have petitioned to provide telecommunications services on a certificated common
carrier basis. Therefore, such subsidiaries may be subject to the obligations
that applicable law places on all similarly certificated common carriers as
described above and elsewhere in this Prospectus, including: the filing of
tariffs, state regulation of certain service offerings and pricing,
requirements for interconnection with and resale to other carriers, payment of
regulatory fees and assessments, and reporting requirements. See
"Business--Regulation." At present, the Company does not anticipate that the
costs of compliance with these regulatory requirements, or any of the
regulatory requirements of other states to which it might become subject, will
have a material adverse effect on its operations, and expects its direct
competitors to be subject to similar regulatory requirements to the extent they
operate within these states. In some jurisdictions, the Company's pricing
flexibility for intrastate services may be limited because of regulation,
although the Company's direct competitors are expected to be subject to similar
restrictions.
For a more detailed discussion of the regulatory environment in which the
Company conducts its business, see "Business--Regulation."
Dependence on Third-Party Contractors
The Company has contracted to NU and CMP substantially all of the
engineering, routine maintenance and construction supervision activities
associated with the construction of that portion of the NEON system located on
NU and CMP properties and the Company has contracted to various third party
contractors, as well as CMP, the construction of the NEON system. As a result,
the Company may have less control over the timeliness and quality of the work
performed by such parties than if such work were to be performed by the
Company's own employees. The failure of NU, CMP or such contractors to complete
these activities in a timely manner, within anticipated budgets and in
accordance with the Company's quality standards and performance criteria, could
have a material adverse effect upon the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, as a result of their activities on
behalf of the Company, NU, CMP and such contractors may from time to time have
access to certain proprietary information about the Company. The Company's
agreements with NU, CMP and such contractors include provisions protecting the
confidentiality of such proprietary information.
Rapid Technological Changes
The telecommunications industry is subject to rapid and significant
changes in technology. For instance, recent technological advances permit
substantial increases in transmission capacity of both new and existing fiber,
and the introduction of new products or emergence of new technologies may
reduce the cost or increase the supply
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of certain services similar to those provided by the Company. While the Company
believes that, for the foreseeable future, technological changes will neither
materially affect the continued use of fiber optic cable nor materially hinder
the Company's ability to acquire necessary technologies, the effect of
technological changes on the Company's operations cannot be predicted and could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Dependence on Suppliers
The Company is dependent upon third-party suppliers for a number of
components and parts used in the NEON system. In particular, the Company
purchases cable that includes fiber optic glass manufactured by Lucent
Technologies, Inc. ("Lucent"). The Company believes that there are alternative
suppliers or alternative components for all of the components contained in the
NEON system. However, any delay or extended interruption in the supply of any
of the key components, changes in the pricing arrangements with its suppliers
and manufacturers or delay in transitioning a replacement supplier's product
into the NEON system could disrupt the Company's operations and, if such
disruption continued for an extended period of time, have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Risk of Continued Decline in Prices
Although the Company believes that, in the last several years, increasing
demand for fiber optic transmission capacity has resulted in a shortage of
capacity and slowed a decline in prices, the Company anticipates that prices
for its services to carriers specifically, and interstate services in general,
will continue to decline over the next several years due primarily to (i) price
competition as various network providers continue to install networks that
compete with the NEON system, (ii) technological advances that permit
substantial increases in the transmission capacity of both new and existing
fiber and (iii) strategic alliances or similar transactions, such as long
distance capacity purchasing alliances among certain ILECs, that increase
customer purchasing power. Such price decreases, without offsetting decreases
in the Company's cost of services or increases in demand for the Company's
services, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Limited Nature of Company's Services
The Company is a facilities-based provider of technologically advanced,
high-bandwidth, fiber optic communications infrastructure, and does not control
whether a customer uses such bandwidth for voice, data or video signals. The
Company is not currently engaged in the transmission of voice, data or video
services and does not provide switched voice and data services. Accordingly, at
the present time, the Company, unlike some telecommunications companies,
receives no revenues from providing such services, and instead derives and
expects to continue to derive substantially all of its revenues from the
leasing of fiber optic capacity to its customers, many of whom transmit voice,
data or video information or provide switched voice and data services. The
limited nature of the Company's current services could limit potential revenues
and result in the Company having lower revenues than competitors which provide
a wider array of services. See "Business--Customers" and "--Competition."
Dependence Upon Network Infrastructure; Risk of System Failure
The Company's success in marketing its services to its customers requires
that the Company provide competitive reliability, capacity and security via its
network. The Company's network and the infrastructures upon which it depends
are subject to physical damage, power loss, capacity limitations, software
defects, breaches of security and other disruptions beyond the control of the
Company that may cause interruptions in service or reduced capacity for
customers, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company's
agreements with its customers typically provide for the payment of outage
related credits (a predetermined reduction or offset against the Company's
lease rate when a customer's leased facility is non-operational or otherwise
does not meet certain operating parameters) or damages in the event of a
disruption in service, which credits or damages could be substantial and could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition
and results of operations.
Dependence on Key Personnel
The Company's future performance will depend to a significant extent upon
the efforts and abilities of its senior executives. The loss of service of one
or more of these persons could have an adverse effect on the Company's
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business. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attract
and retain qualified executives to achieve its business objectives. See
"Management."
High Leverage; Ability to Service Indebtedness
Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company will be highly leveraged. As
of March 31, 1998, after giving effect to the Offerings and the application of
the estimated net proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had outstanding
approximately $180.4 million of indebtedness (consisting of the Notes and
$437,042 of other indebtedness) and the Company's ratio of total debt to total
capitalization would have been 63.67%. Although the Indenture will contain
certain limitations on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur
additional Indebtedness, under certain circumstances such additional
Indebtedness could be substantial and such limitations generally do not
restrict the Company and its subsidiaries from incurring liabilities that do
not constitute Indebtedness.
The Company's high degree of leverage could have adverse consequences to
the holders of the Company's securities. Such consequences may include, among
other things: (i) commencing on August 15, 2002, a substantial portion of the
Company's cash flow will be dedicated to the payment of the Company's interest
expense with respect to the Notes and such cash flow may be insufficient to
meet its payment obligations on the Notes in addition to paying other
obligations of the Company as they become due; (ii) the Company's ability to
obtain any necessary financing in the future for completion of the NEON system
or other purposes may be impaired; (iii) certain of the future borrowings by
the Company may be at variable rates of interest that could cause the Company
to be vulnerable to increases in interest rates; (iv) the Company may be more
leveraged than its competitors, which may place the Company at a competitive
disadvantage; and (v) the Company may be vulnerable to a downturn in its
business or the economy generally or to delays in or increases in the cost of
constructing the NEON system.
For the year ended December 31, 1997 and the three months ended March 31,
1998, after giving effect to the Debt Offering (as if it had occurred at the
beginning of the periods) and the application of the net proceeds therefrom,
the Company's earnings would have been insufficient to cover fixed charges by
approximately $23,689,337 and $6,757,318 respectively. Although the first seven
interest payments on the Notes will be paid from the Pledge Account thereafter,
the Notes will require annual cash interest payments of $23.0 million, and the
Notes will mature on August 15, 2008. The Company's ability to pay principal
and interest on the Notes and any additional indebtedness it may incur after
the Offerings will depend upon its ability to complete and operate the NEON
system and its future operating performance, which will be affected by
prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many
of which are beyond its control. There can be no assurance that the NEON system
will be completed on time or on budget or that the Company will be able to
generate sufficient cash flow to pay its indebtedness and its other obligations
as they become due. If the Company is unable to service its indebtedness, the
Company will be forced to take actions such as reducing or delaying
acquisitions or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or
refinancing its indebtedness or seeking additional equity capital. There is no
assurance that any of these remedies could be effected on satisfactory terms,
if at all, including, whether, and on what terms, the Company could refinance
its indebtedness or raise equity capital.
The Indenture imposes and will impose significant operating and financial
restrictions on the Company and its present and future subsidiaries. These
restrictions affect, and in certain cases significantly limit or prohibit,
among other things, the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur
certain indebtedness, pay dividends and make certain other restricted payments,
create liens, issue and sell capital stock of subsidiaries, guarantee certain
indebtedness, sell assets, or consolidate, merge or transfer all or
substantially all of their assets. There can be no assurance that such
covenants will not adversely affect the Company's ability to finance its future
operations or capital needs or to engage in attractive business opportunities.
Ranking of the Notes
The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes will be senior unsecured (except
to the extent of the Pledge Account and the Pledged Securities) obligations of
the Company. The Notes will rank senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness of the Company and will rank pari passu in right of payment with
all existing and future indebtedness of the Company that is not by its terms
subordinated in right and priority to the Notes. As of March 31, 1998, after
giving effect to the Offerings and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom, the Company would have had outstanding approximately $180.4 million
of senior indebtedness (consisting of the Notes and $437,042 of other
indebtedness). The Notes will be effectively subordinated to any future secured
indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the value of the assets securing
such indebtedness. The Indenture will permit the Company or its
17
<PAGE>
subsidiaries to incur additional secured indebtedness, including purchase money
indebtedness. See "Description of the Notes." In the event of a bankruptcy,
liquidation, dissolution, restructuring or similar proceeding with respect to
the Company, such assets will be available to satisfy obligations of any such
secured debt before any payment can be made on the Notes. In addition, to the
extent such assets would not satisfy in full any such secured indebtedness, the
holders of such indebtedness will have a claim for any shortfall that is pari
passu (or effectively senior if the indebtedness were issued by the
subsidiaries) with the Notes. Accordingly, other than the Pledge Account and
the Pledged Securities (if such are still in existence), there may only be a
limited amount of assets available to satisfy any claims of the holders of the
Notes upon an acceleration of the Notes.
The Notes will also be structurally subordinated to all existing and
future indebtedness of any subsidiary of the Company. Claims of creditors of
such subsidiaries, including trade creditors, secured creditors and creditors
holding indebtedness and guarantees issued by such subsidiaries, and claims of
preferred stockholders (if any) of such subsidiaries, generally will have
priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such subsidiaries over the
claims of creditors of the Company, including holders of the Notes. As of March
31, 1998, on a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the Offerings
and the application of the net proceeds therefrom and to the Reorganization,
the total liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries were approximately
$289,000, including trade payables.
Concentration of Stock Ownership; Potential Conflicts of Interest
After consummation of the Offerings, CMP and NU will beneficially own or
control, in the aggregate, approximately 68.2% of the outstanding Common Stock.
As a result of their stock ownership, these stockholders acting together will
be able to continue to elect the members of the Board of Directors and decide
all matters requiring stockholder approval. See "Principal Stockholders."
The Company has entered into various agreements with CMP and NU, including
certain existing ROW agreements for the engineering, design and construction
supervision of the NEON system. Certain conflicts may arise between the
interests of CMP and NU and other securityholders of the Company. Pursuant to
such agreements, CMP and NU may have monetary claims from time to time against
the Company. See "Business--Right-of-Way Agreements" and "Certain
Transactions."
CMP and NU have entered into a Principal Stockholders Agreement dated May
28, 1998, whereby each such party agrees that, following the completion of the
Offerings, it will not permit or cause the Company to (i) merge or consolidate,
liquidate or dissolve, change its form of organization or sell, lease, exchange
or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; or (ii) seek bankruptcy
protection or certain other protection from creditors, unless both parties
agree. After the closing of the Offerings, this agreement will remain in effect
for so long as (a) NU owns at least 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
Company, fully diluted and (b) the aggregate Common Stock of the Company owned
by NU and CMP is at least 331/3% of the outstanding Common Stock of the
Company, fully diluted. The Company expects that each of CMP and NU will be
major creditors of the Company under their existing ROW agreements. See
"Business--Right-of-Way Agreements" and "Description of Capital
Stock--Shareholders Agreement."
The Company has agreed with Mode 1, an affiliate of NU, that for so long
as NU owns at least 10% of the Company's equity securities, the Company will
not take any action that would cause Mode 1 to fail to qualify as an "exempt
telecommunications carrier" under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of
1935, as amended, and as further amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Purchase of Notes Upon Change of Control
Upon a Change of Control, the Company must offer to purchase all
outstanding Notes at 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and
unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase. The source of funds for any
such purchase would be the Company's available cash or cash generated from
other sources. However, there can be no assurance that sufficient funds would
be available at the time of any Change of Control to make any required
purchases of Notes tendered. See "Description of the Notes--Change of Control."
Absence of Trading Market for the Notes
The Notes constitute a new issue of securities, have no established
trading market and may not be widely held. Although the Underwriters have
informed the Company that they currently intend to make a market in the Notes
as permitted by applicable laws and regulations, they are not obligated to do
so and may discontinue market making
18
<PAGE>
at any time without notice. The Company does not intend to list the Notes on
any national securities exchange, and there can be no assurance as to the
development of any market or the liquidity of any market that may develop for
the Notes. If such a market does develop, the price of the Notes may fluctuate
and liquidity may be limited. If such a market does not develop, purchasers may
be unable to resell the Notes for an extended period of time, if at all.
Risks of Investing in Non-Investment Grade Debt
The Notes have not been rated as investment-grade by any rating
institution and although the Company has agreed to use its best efforts to
cause the Notes to be rated on or before the second anniversary of the Issue
Date (as defined in the Indenture), there can be no assurance that the Notes
will be so rated. As a result, holders of the Notes will have the risks
associated with an investment in non-investment grade debt. Historically, the
market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have
caused substantial volatility in the prices of such securities and greatly
reduced liquidity for the holders of such securities. If the Notes are traded,
they may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon
prevailing interest rates, the market for similar securities, the performance
of the Company and certain other factors. The liquidity of, and trading markets
for, the Notes may also be adversely affected by general declines in the market
for non-investment grade debt. Such declines may adversely affect the liquidity
of, and trading markets for, the Notes, independent of the financial
performance of or prospects for the Company. In addition, certain regulatory
restrictions prohibit certain types of financial institutions from investing in
non-investment grade debt, which may further suppress demand for such
securities. There can be no assurance that the market for the Notes will not be
subject to similar disruptions. Any such disruptions may have an adverse effect
on holders of the Notes.
19
<PAGE>
EQUITY OFFERING
Concurrently with the Debt Offering, the Company and certain selling
stockholders of the Company (the "Selling Stockholders") are offering 4,500,000
shares of Common Stock to the public in the Equity Offering. In addition, as
part of the Equity Offering the Company has granted the underwriters thereof an
option to purchase up to 675,000 additional shares of Common Stock to cover
over-allotments, if any. The closing of the Debt Offering is conditioned upon
the closing of the Equity Offering, and the closing of the Equity Offering is
conditioned upon the closing of the Debt Offering. Such conditions may not be
waived.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to the Company from the Debt Offering will be
approximately $174.0 million after deducting the underwriting discount and
estimated offering expenses, and the net proceeds to the Company from the
Equity Offering will be approximately $44.04 million (approximately $51.57
million if the underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full), after
deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses.
Of the approximately $218.04 million net proceeds of the Offerings the
Company intends to use approximately $72.0 million to purchase U.S. government
obligations in such amount as will be sufficient, upon receipt of scheduled
interest and principal payments on such securities, to provide for payment in
full of the first seven scheduled interest payments due on the Notes,
approximately $90.0 million for capital expenditures in 1998 and 1999
associated with the continued construction and expansion of the NEON system,
approximately $19.4 million (as of June 30, 1998) to repay certain indebtedness
and the balance for working capital and general corporate purposes. Such
indebtedness to be repaid includes approximately $17.9 million (as of June 30,
1998) of principal plus accrued interest under the Company's Construction Loan
Agreement with CMP (the "CMP Loan Agreement") and approximately $1.5 million
(as of June 30, 1998) of principal and prepayment premium plus accrued interest
under the Company's Construction Loan Agreement with Peoples Heritage Savings
Bank (the "Peoples Loan Agreement"). Indebtedness under the CMP Loan Agreement
and the Peoples Loan Agreement bears interest at an annual rate of LIBOR plus
3% and an annual rate of 9.25%, respectively, and matures in 2002 and 2007,
respectively. Among the general corporate purposes for which the Company
intends to use the proceeds of the Offerings are the payment of a bonus of
$500,000 to Mr. Colantonio in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the
Company and payment of a bonus of $500,000 to MaineCom in recognition of the
services provided by Mr. Crabtree, as an employee of MaineCom, to the Company.
See "Management--Executive Compensation." The payment of these amounts is
contingent upon the closing of the Offerings. Pending the foregoing uses, the
net proceeds of the Offerings will be invested in short-term, investment-grade
securities.
20
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth the cash and cash equivalents and
capitalization of the Company as of March 31, 1998 (i) on an actual basis, (ii)
on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Reorganization and (iii) on a
pro forma as adjusted basis reflecting in addition to the Reorganization, (A)
the conversion of the Company's Preferred Stock into an aggregate of 11,777,910
(post-split) shares of Common Stock upon the closing of the Offerings and (B)
the Offerings and the application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom
(giving effect to, in the case of the Equity Offering, the initial public
offering price of $12.00 per share).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1998
---------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
Actual Pro Forma As Adjusted
--------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents .................................... $ 1,232,254 $ 1,232,254 $142,586,381
Restricted cash .............................................. 839,662 839,662 72,000,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash ......... $ 2,071,916 $ 2,071,916 $214,586,381
============ ============ ============
Short-term borrowings ........................................ $ 1,949,936 $ 1,949,936 $ 399,401
Note payable to related party ................................ 3,975,000 3,975,000 --
Long-term debt (less current portion) ........................ 37,641 37,641 37,641
12-3/4% Senior Notes Due 2008 ................................ -- -- 180,000,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Total debt ............................................... 5,962,577 5,962,577 180,437,042
------------ ------------ ------------
Minority interest (1) ........................................ 5,024,288 -- --
------------ ------------ ------------
CMP Warrant (1)(4) ........................................... 532,836 -- --
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock (no shares authorized, issued or
outstanding, actual; 2,000,000 shares authorized
and no shares issued or outstanding, pro forma
and pro forma as adjusted) ................................ -- -- --
Series A convertible preferred stock (200,000 and
277,960 shares authorized and 78,324 and
277,960 shares issued and outstanding, actual and
pro forma, respectively) (2) .............................. 783 2,779 --
Series B convertible preferred stock (4,500,000 and
4,498,371 shares authorized and 962,734 and
4,433,204 issued and outstanding, actual and pro
forma, respectively) (1) .................................. 9,627 44,332 --
Common stock (4,000,000, 30,000,000 and
30,000,000 shares authorized and 284,828,
284,828 and 16,062,735 shares issued and
outstanding, actual, pro forma and pro forma
as adjusted, respectively) (3) ............................ 2,848 2,848 160,627
Warrants .................................................... 8,595 8,595 8,595
Additional paid-in capital (4)(5) ........................... 11,817,216 63,126,005 107,055,337
Accumulated deficit (6) ..................................... (2,817,999) (2,817,999) (4,272,174)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity ............................... 9,021,070 60,366,560 102,952,385
------------ ------------ ------------
Total capitalization ................................... $ 20,540,771 $ 66,329,137 $283,389,427
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(See footnotes on the following page)
21
<PAGE>
(1) In connection with the Reorganization, the minority interests in the
Company's subsidiaries were exchanged for Series B convertible preferred
stock, resulting in the elimination of any minority interest and an
increase of 3,470,470 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock, of
which 144,172 shares arose from CMP's exercise of a warrant.
(2) In connection with the Reorganization, the conversion rate on the Series A
convertible preferred stock was reduced to a 1 : 1 ratio and 199,636
additional shares of Series A convertible preferred stock were issued to
adjust for such reduction.
(3) Excludes (i) 3,600 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of
stock options outstanding as of March 31, 1998 with an exercise price of
$0.10 per share, (ii) an additional 2,436,105 shares of Common Stock
reserved for future issuance under the Company's 1998 Stock Incentive
Plan, and (iii) 174,367 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise
of warrants outstanding as of March 31, 1998 with a weighted average
exercise price of $1.92 per share.
(4) The exercise of the CMP warrant resulted in an increase in additional
paid-in capital of $531,394, which represents the difference between the
actual book value of the warrant and the new par value of Series B
convertible preferred stock arising upon exercise of the warrant.
(5) In connection with the Reorganization, the Company recorded an intangible
asset of $45,788,366 to reflect the Company's acquisition of NU's minority
interest in a subsidiary (NECOM LLC), in accordance with AICPA Accounting
Interpretation 39 to APB Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations (AIN-39).
(6) Pro forma as adjusted reflects the write-off of deferred financing costs of
$1,454,175 related to the extinguishment of debt with a portion of the
proceeds of the Offerings.
22
<PAGE>
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The selected consolidated financial and operating data presented below for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997 and as of
December 31, 1996 and 1997 have been derived from the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company, which have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accountants. The selected consolidated financial data for
each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 1994 and for each
of the three-month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 and as of December 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995, and March 31, 1998 have been derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of the Company, which have been prepared on
the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and, in
the opinion of management, reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary
for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for
such periods and as of such dates. The results for the three-months ended March
31, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected
for the entire year. The information set forth below should be read in
conjunction with the discussion under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial
Statements of the Company included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The operations
data provided below for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the three-months
ended March 31, 1998 are also presented on a pro forma basis to give effect to
the Reorganization as if it had occurred on January 1, 1997. The balance sheet
data presented below as of March 31, 1998 are also presented on a pro forma
basis to give effect to the Reorganization and on a pro forma as adjusted basis
to give effect to the Offerings and the application of the estimated net
proceeds therefrom and the Reorganization.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997(1) 1997(3)
----------- ------------- ------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues ........................... $287,894 $326,581 $ 42,598 $ 13,773 $ 394,704 $ 394,704
Operating expenses ................. 291,551 589,250 487,159 1,185,595 2,693,037 4,219,316
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from operations ............... (3,657) (262,669) (444,561) (1,171,822) (2,298,333) (3,824,612)
Interest income (expense), net ..... -- 59,959 (42,401) 125,838 (2,893) (2,893)
Minority interest(2) ............... -- -- -- 353,222 1,080,200 --
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes ...................... -- -- -- 16,000 (261,000) (261,000)
-------- -------- -------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss ........................... (3,657) (202,710) (486,962) (708,762) (960,026) (3,566,505)
Basic and diluted loss per share (6.90) (2.48) (1.71) (2.49) (3.37) (12.52)
Basic and diluted weighted
average shares outstanding ........ 530 81,745 284,578 284,735 284,828 284,828
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
March 31,
-------------------------------------------
Pro Forma
1997 1998(1) 1998(3)
------------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues ........................... $ -- $151,363 $ 151,363
Operating expenses ................. 345,620 774,521 1,156,091
-------- -------- ----------
Loss from operations ............... (345,620) (623,158) (1,004,728)
Interest income (expense), net ..... 56,638 (61,494) (61,494)
Minority interest(2) ............... 137,620 314,498 --
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes ...................... (33,000) (77,000) (77,000)
-------- -------- ----------
Net loss ........................... (118,362) (293,154) (989,222)
Basic and diluted loss per share (0.42) (1.03) (3.47)
Basic and diluted weighted
average shares outstanding ........ 284,828 284,828 284,828
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of December 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
------------ ------------- ---------------- ------------- ----------------
Balance Sheet Data:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital .................... $ (9,165) $ (29,141) $ (4,526,664) $3,209,234 $ (3,463,011)
Total assets ....................... 63,612 165,081 4,774,827 16,369,663 23,461,000
Note payable to related party ...... 5,000 -- -- -- 2,100,000
Long-term debt, including
current maturities ................. -- 348,198 932,713 927,021 2,118,905
Total liabilities .................. 23,213 478,332 5,574,589 2,332,963 8,275,154
Minority interest(2) ............... -- -- -- 6,312,554 5,338,786
CMP Warrant ........................ -- -- -- -- 532,836
Stockholders' equity (deficit) ..... 40,399 (313,251) (799,762) 7,724,146 9,314,224
<CAPTION>
As of March 31, 1998
-------------------------------------------------
Pro Forma Pro Forma As
Actual (3) Adjusted(4)
---------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance Sheet Data:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Working capital .................... $ (5,500,383) $ (5,500,383) $137,404,279
Total assets ....................... 26,183,672 71,972,038 289,032,328
Note payable to related party ...... 3,975,000 3,975,000 --
Long-term debt, including
current maturities ................. 1,987,577 1,987,577 180,437,042
Total liabilities .................. 11,605,478 11,605,478 186,079,943
Minority interest(2) ............... 5,024,288 -- --
CMP Warrant ........................ 532,836 -- --
Stockholders' equity (deficit) ..... 9,021,070 60,366,560 102,952,385
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997(1)
------- -------------- ---------------- --------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Other Financial Data:
Cash provided by (used in) operating
activities ............................... N/A $(194,091) $ (413,196) $ 37,460 $ (553,427)
Cash provided by (used in) investing
activities ............................... N/A 19,591 (4,619,702) (6,738,898) (8,798,251)
Cash provided by financing activities ..... N/A 258,374 4,943,300 11,565,481 5,585,205
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents .............................. N/A 83,874 (89,598) 4,864,043 (3,766,473)
EBITDA(5) ................................. N/A (250,032) (420,386) (794,432) (665,271)
Capital expenditures ...................... 1,579 26,179 4,596,901 6,711,082 5,609,459
Ratio of deficiency to fixed charges(6) ... -- (6.43)x (2.54)x (4.50)x (10.11)x
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
March 31,
--------------------------------
1997 1998(1)
---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
Other Financial Data:
Cash provided by (used in) operating
activities ............................... $(1,027,065) $ 657,881
Cash provided by (used in) investing
activities ............................... (4,037,187) (3,540,475)
Cash provided by financing activities ..... 3,657,456 3,016,396
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents .............................. (1,406,796) 133,802
EBITDA(5) ................................. (178,121) (6,647)
Capital expenditures ...................... 3,978,512 3,297,062
Ratio of deficiency to fixed charges(6) ... (9.46)x (7.53)x
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
(See footnotes on following page)
23
<PAGE>
(1) If the Reorganization had occurred as of January 1, 1997, the pro forma
impact on the Company's Statement of Operations for the year ended
December 31, 1997 would reflect depreciation and amortization of
$2,079,141, a net loss of $3,566,505 and a loss per share of $12.52, after
giving effect to the Stock Split. The pro forma impact on the Company's
Statement of Operations for the quarter ended March 31, 1998 would reflect
depreciation and amortization of $683,583, a net loss of $989,222 and a
loss per share of $3.47, after giving effect to the Stock Split.
(2) Minority interest consists of the interests of members other than CMP in
FiveCom LLC, NECOM LLC and FiveCom of Maine LLC. See
"Business--Reorganization." Changes in minority interest reflect such
other members' capital adjusted by their portion of the net loss.
(3) Pro forma to give effect to the Reorganization. In connection with the
Reorganization, the Company recorded an intangible asset to reflect the
Company's acquisition of NU's minority interest in a subsidiary (NECOM
LLC, in accordance with AICPA Accounting Interpretation 39 to APB Opinion
No. 16, Business Combinations (AIN-39). If the intangible asset were
recorded at January 1, 1997, the amount recorded would be $45,788,366.
(4) Pro forma as adjusted to give effect to (i) the Offerings and the
application of the estimated net proceeds therefrom, after deducting the
underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by the
Company and the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with
debt extinguished and (ii) the Reorganization. See Notes 1 and 3 above.
(5) EBITDA is defined herein as net loss before interest income (expense), net,
loan commitment fees, provision for (benefit from) income taxes,
depreciation and amortization and is presented because it is commonly used
by certain investors and analysts to analyze and compare a company's
operating performance and to determine a company's ability to incur and
service debt. EBITDA should not be considered in isolation from, or as a
substitute for, net income, cash flow from operating activities or other
consolidated income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles or as a measure of
profitability or liquidity.
(6) For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings (deficiency) to fixed
charges: (i) earnings consist of loss before income tax benefit, plus
fixed charges, excluding capitalized interest, and (ii) fixed charges
consist of interest expenses and capitalized interest, plus amortization
of deferred financing costs. For the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994,
1995, 1996 and 1997 and for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and
1998, the Company's earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by
approximately $3,657, $202,710, $601,400, $1,474,524, $3,432,869, $416,419
and $995,487, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 1997 and for
the three months ended March 31, 1998, on a pro forma as adjusted basis,
the Company's earnings would have been insufficient to cover fixed charges
by approximately $23,689,337 and $6,757,318, respectively.
24
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included
elsewhere in this Prospectus. The discussion contains certain trend analysis
and other statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events or
the future financial performance of the Company. Prospective investors are
cautioned that such statements are only projections and that actual results or
events may differ materially. In evaluating such statements, prospective
investors should consider the risk factors identified in this Prospectus,
particularly the matters set forth under the caption "Risk Factors," which
could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements.
Overview
The Company is a facilities-based provider of technologically advanced,
high bandwidth, fiber optic transmission capacity for communications carriers
on local loop, inter-city and interstate facilities. The Company is currently
expanding its fiber optic network, the NEON system, to encompass over 900 route
miles, or more than 60,000 fiber miles, in New York and New England (the
"Northeast").
The Company has already completed construction of approximately 295 route
miles, or approximately 19,500 fiber miles, of the NEON system as of June 30,
1998, and currently operates fiber optic routes from Hartford, Connecticut to
Springfield, Massachusetts and from Nashua, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine.
The Company is currently engineering, constructing or acquiring additional
routes in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
to create a continuous fiber optic link between New York City and Portland,
Maine with access into and around Boston, Massachusetts and numerous other
major service areas in the Northeast. These additional routes are expected to
be substantially completed in 1998 and will add approximately 500 route miles,
or approximately 23,300 fiber miles, to the NEON system. The Company is also
planning to complete further expansion routes in 1999 into and around New York
City and other metropolitan areas along the NEON system. The completion of
routes currently planned will enable the NEON system to connect more than 540
cities and towns in six states and pass more than 200 points-of-presence
("POPs"), tandem switches and central offices, which the Company believes serve
over 18 million people and over 470,000 businesses.
The Company generates revenue primarily through the leasing of capacity on
its network and also through the provision of services consisting principally
of design and installation work. The Company generally receives fixed monthly
payments from its customers for the leasing of capacity on its network and
recognizes revenues ratably over the term of the applicable customer agreement.
Other service revenues are recognized as services are performed.
Prior to the Reorganization, the Company held interests in its
majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries, FiveCom LLC, FiveCom of Maine LLC
and NECOM LLC. See "Business--Reorganization." The interests of the minority
owners of these subsidiaries are reflected on the Company's balance sheet as
minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries. As a result of the
Reorganization, such minority owners became stockholders of the Company, and
the value of the stock of the Company received by them over the tangible book
value of their minority interests was reflected as goodwill.
Prior to the Offerings, the Company was included in CMP's consolidated
federal income tax return pursuant to the terms of a tax-sharing arrangement
entered into in 1996. The benefit from income taxes represents refundable
income taxes from CMP as a result of this tax sharing arrangement. The Company
has no net operating loss carryforwards as a result of this tax sharing
arrangement.
Results Of Operations
The Company did not generate significant revenues until the last half of
1997. Revenues through the second quarter of 1997 consisted primarily of
service fees from MCI. The Company began recognizing revenues under recurring
lease arrangements in the third quarter of 1997.
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Three Months Ended March 31, 1998 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31,
1997
Revenues for the first quarter of 1998 were $151,363, compared to no
revenue in the first quarter of 1997. Revenues in 1998 were generated by
recurring lease services to customers, which commenced during the second half
of 1997.
Total cost of sales for the first quarter of 1998 were $247,386, an
increase of 128% over the $108,358 recorded in the first quarter of 1997. The
increase was associated with right-of-way fees and property taxes incurred in
connection with the expansion of the NEON system.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $225,122 in the
first quarter of 1998 from $204,275 in the first quarter of 1997, a 10%
increase. This increase resulted primarily from higher legal fees.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $302,013 in the first quarter of
1998 as compared to $32,987 in the first quarter of 1997. The increase resulted
from higher depreciation expense, resulting from portions of the NEON system
being placed into service at the end of the second quarter of 1997.
Interest income decreased in the first quarter of 1998 to $30,322 compared
to $56,638 in the first quarter of 1997. The decline was due primarily to a
decrease in cash balances as cash was used to fund construction of the NEON
system.
Interest expense (including the amortization of financing costs) increased
in the first quarter of 1998 to $91,816 from no interest expense in the first
quarter of 1997. The increase resulted from a reduction in the amount of
interest capitalized as the NEON system was placed into service.
Minority interest increased in the first quarter of 1998 to $314,498 from
$137,620 in the first quarter of 1997. The increase resulted in a rise in the
proportionate share of the net losses of subsidiaries.
Benefit from income taxes increased in the first quarter of 1998 to
$77,000 from $33,000 in the first quarter of 1997. The benefit related to
refundable income taxes in 1997 resulting from the Company's tax sharing
arrangement with CMP.
A net loss of $293,154 was recorded in the first quarter of 1998 versus a
net loss of $118,362 in the first quarter of 1997. The increase in net loss is
primarily attributable to the factors discussed above.
Year Ended December 31, 1997 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1996
During the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company was
continuing in its development stage and did not generate significant revenues
until the last half of 1997, when customers began using the NEON system.
Revenues for 1997 were $394,704 as compared to 1996 revenues of $13,773.
The revenue increase was generated primarily from services to customers during
the last half of 1997 as the NEON system was placed in service and contracts
with carriers commenced.
Cost of sales for 1997 were $1,137,943 as compared to $260,619 in 1996.
The increase resulted primarily from accrued right-of-way fees due to NU under
arrangements for right-of-way extensions and property taxes incurred in
connection with the expansion of the NEON system.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $1,002,232 in
1997 from $900,808 in 1996, an 11% increase. This increase resulted primarily
from increased professional fees and salaries and benefits caused by increased
business activities and growth within the Company.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $552,862 in 1997 as compared to
$24,168 in 1996. The increase resulted from the recognition of depreciation
expense resulting from portions of the NEON system being placed into service at
the end of the second quarter of 1997.
Interest income of $138,918 was recorded in 1997 as compared to $201,473
in 1996. The decline was due primarily to a decrease in cash balances as cash
was used to fund construction of the NEON system.
Interest expense (including the amortization of financing costs) increased
in 1997 to $141,811 from $75,635 in 1996. The increase reflects additional debt
incurred in 1997 to finance construction of the NEON system and to fund
operations of the Company.
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Minority interest increased in 1997 to $1,080,200 from $353,222 in 1996.
The increase resulted from an increase in the proportionate share of net losses
of subsidiaries.
Provision (benefit) for income taxes decreased in 1997 to $(261,000) from
$16,000 in 1996. The decrease relates to the fact that the Company had
refundable income taxes in 1997 as a result of its tax sharing arrangement with
CMP.
A net loss of $960,026 was recorded in 1997 compared to a net loss of
$708,762 in 1996. The increase in net loss is primarily attributable to the
factors discussed above.
Year Ended December 31, 1996 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 1995
Revenues decreased to $13,773 for the year ended December 31, 1996 from
$42,598 for the year ended December 31, 1995. The decrease resulted from a
reduction in services provided to the Company's sole customer.
Cost of sales for 1996 were $260,619, an increase of 150% versus $104,223
in 1995. The increase was associated with an increase in right-of-way fees.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $900,808 in 1996
from $358,761 in 1995, a 151% increase. The increase resulted primarily from
higher professional fees, increased start-up activities within the Company and
increased staffing to accommodate the Company's anticipated growth.
Depreciation and amortization amounted to $24,168 for the year ended
December 31, 1996 compared to $24,175 for the year ended December 31, 1995.
Interest income of $201,473 was recorded in 1996 as compared to no
interest income in 1995. The interest income increased in 1996 due primarily to
an increase in cash balances as a result of the timing of cash requirements to
fund construction of the NEON system compared to borrowings.
Interest expense (including the amortization of financing costs) increased
to $75,635 during 1996 from $42,401 during 1995. This increase was a result of
additional debt incurred in 1996 to finance construction of the NEON system and
to fund the operations of the Company.
Minority interest increased in 1996 to $353,222 from no minority interest
in 1995. Minority interest reflects the portion of the net loss related to the
minority interest investment in the Company's subsidiaries in 1996.
A net loss of $708,762 was recorded in 1996 compared to a net loss of
$486,962 in 1995, representing an increase of $221,800. The increase in net
loss is attributable to the factors discussed above.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company has funded the construction of the NEON system and operations
primarily from equity investments from CMP and NU, and borrowings under a $30
million construction loan agreement with CMP, a $1.6 million construction loan
from Peoples Heritage Savings Bank and $1.5 million of lease financing from
Applied Telecommunications Technologies, Inc.
Net cash generated from (used in) operating activities was $657,881 for
the three months ended March 31, 1998, $(553,427) for the year ended December
31, 1997, $37,460 for the year ended December 31, 1996 and $(413,196) for the
year ended December 31, 1995. Net cash generated for the three months ended
March 31, 1998 was due primarily to the prepayment in full by New England Fiber
Communications Company for telecommunications network services and increased
vendor payables. Net cash used in operating activities during 1997 resulted
primarily from an increase in restricted cash. Net cash generated by operating
activities during 1996 was primarily from an increase in vendor payables offset
by net operating losses. Net cash used in operating activities in 1995 resulted
primarily from increases in prepayments and net operating losses.
Cash flow from financing activities was $3,016,396 in the three months
ended March 31, 1998, $5,585,205 in the year ended December 31, 1997,
$11,565,481 in the year ended December 31, 1996 and $4,943,300 in the year
ended December 31, 1995. In the three months ended March 31, 1998, cash flow
from financing activities was generated by borrowings of $1,875,000 under
long-term construction loan agreements. In 1997, cash flow from financing
activities was generated by proceeds from long term construction loan
agreements and proceeds from equity investments, of $3,700,000 and $2,550,104,
respectively. In 1996, cash flow from financing activities was generated by the
sale of convertible preferred stock to CMP amounting to $10.0 million and the
purchase of
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membership interests by Northeast Utilities amounting to $6,665,776. Cash flow
from financing activities during 1995 was generated from lease financing of
$1,147,766 from Applied Telecommunications Technologies, Inc.
Upon completion of the Offerings, the Company expects to repay all
remaining outstanding principal and interest under the $30 million construction
loan agreement with CMP and the $1.6 million construction loan from Peoples
Heritage Savings Bank. Upon the repayment of the loan from Peoples Heritage
Savings Bank, the Company will also be required to pay approximately $120,000
to CMP, representing accrued right-of-way fees that were deferred while such
loan was outstanding.
Cash flow used in investing activities totaled $3,540,475, $8,798,251,
$6,738,898 and $4,619,702 in the three month period ended March 31, 1998, and
the one year periods ended December 31, 1997, December 31, 1996 and December
31, 1995, respectively. Cash requirements in all the periods consisted
primarily of the cost of construction to build the NEON system.
The Company anticipates that it will continue to experience negative cash
flow as it expands the NEON system, constructs additional networks and markets
its services to an expanding customer base. The Company anticipates that its
total capital expenditures to build out the NEON system as currently planned
will be approximately $128.0 million. Of this amount, the Company had already
expended approximately $23.0 million as of March 31, 1998. The Company
anticipates remaining total capital expenditures of approximately $51.0 million
in the remainder of 1998 and approximately $54.0 million in 1999 relating to
the build-out of the NEON system. The Company expects to incur additional
capital expenditures to enhance the capacity and penetration of the NEON system
after 1999. Cash provided by operations will not be sufficient to fund the
expansion and development of the NEON system as currently planned and as a
result the Company intends to use cash on hand and the net proceeds of the
Offerings to fund this expansion and development. Management believes that the
net proceeds of the Offerings will be sufficient to fund the substantial
completion of the NEON system as currently planned and its other working
capital needs. The expectations of required future capital expenditures are
based on the Company's current estimates. There can be no assurance that actual
expenditures will not significantly exceed current estimates or that the
Company will not accelerate its capital expenditures program.
The Indenture for the Notes contains certain covenants that, among other
things, limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur
indebtedness, pay dividends, prepay subordinated indebtedness, repurchase
capital stock, engage in transactions with stockholders and affiliates, create
liens, sell assets and engage in mergers and consolidations.
Year 2000
The Company has completed an assessment of its exposure to the "Year 2000"
computer problem. Based on this assessment, the Company believes that no
critical software systems of the Company will be impacted by this situation.
Systems currently used by the Company are already "Year 2000" compliant.
Although the Company believes that it is taking appropriate precautions against
disruption of its systems due to the "Year 2000" problem, there can be no
assurance that the Company's suppliers and customers will not be adversely
affected by the "Year 2000" problem. Nonetheless, the Company believes that the
"Year 2000" issue will not have a material impact on the Company's business
operations or financial condition.
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BUSINESS
General
The Company is a facilities-based provider of technologically advanced,
high-bandwidth, fiber optic transmission capacity for communications carriers
on local loop, inter-city and interstate facilities. The Company is currently
expanding its fiber optic network, the NEON system, to encompass over 900 route
miles, or more than 60,000 fiber miles, in the Northeast. The Company believes
that the Northeast, which in 1996 represented a $28.7 billion telephony
services market and which the Company believes has one of the highest
population densities and concentrations of businesses, universities, phone
lines, personal computers and television sets in the country, is a region
characterized by significant and growing demand for broadband communications
infrastructure. The Company is constructing the NEON system utilizing primarily
electric utility ROWs, which allow the Company to provide secure fiber optic
capacity at competitive prices with potential access to virtually any urban
location where the local utility provides electrical service. The Company is
using advanced fiber optic technology in the NEON system, including non-zero
dispersion shifted fiber, dense wave division multiplexing optronics and SONET
ring self-healing technology, to allow the Company's carrier customers to meet
the demand for reliable, high-bandwidth voice, data and video transmission
capacity in the Northeast. For example, a pair of fiber optic strands on the
NEON system can transmit up to approximately 10 gigabits of data per second, or
the equivalent of approximately 129,000 simultaneous voice conversations.
The Company has already completed construction of approximately 295 route
miles, or approximately 19,500 fiber miles, of the NEON system as of June 30,
1998, and currently operates fiber optic routes from Hartford, Connecticut to
Springfield, Massachusetts and from Nashua, New Hampshire to Portland, Maine.
The Company is currently engineering, constructing or acquiring additional
routes in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
to create a continuous fiber optic link between New York City and Portland,
Maine with access into and around Boston, Massachusetts and numerous other
major service areas in the Northeast. These additional routes are expected to
be substantially completed in 1998 and will add approximately 500 route miles,
or approximately 23,300 fiber miles, to the NEON system. The Company is also
planning to complete further expansion routes in 1999 into and around New York
City and other metropolitan areas along the NEON system. The completion of
routes currently planned will enable the NEON system to connect more than 540
cities and towns in six states and pass more than 200 POPs, tandem switches and
central offices, which the Company believes serve over 18 million people and
over 470,000 businesses.
Commencing in September 1994, the Company entered into a series of ROW
agreements with the three principal operating subsidiaries of NU, the largest
electric utility service provider in New England, serving over 1.7 million
customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, to build fiber optic
facilities utilizing NU's transmission and distribution infrastructure,
including utility towers, poles, underground ducts and urban conduit systems.
In January 1997, the Company entered into a similar ROW agreement with CMP, the
largest electric utility service provider in Maine, serving over 500,000
customers, to build fiber optic facilities utilizing CMP's transmission and
distribution infrastructure. NU and CMP have also financed substantially all of
the construction and operations of the NEON system to date and currently
beneficially own (prior to the sale of shares in the Equity Offering) 41.4% and
53.5%, respectively, of the Company's capital stock. In July 1998, the Company
entered into agreements with NEES Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of New
England Electric System, and BecoCom, Inc., a subsidiary of Boston Edison, to
extend the NEON system from Hudson, New Hampshire to Boston, Massachusetts
terminating at the Company's POP and Company-targeted carrier centers.
The Company has pursued a strategy of establishing relationships with
electric utilities and building the NEON system utilizing primarily electric
utility ROWs. The Company believes that the use of such ROWs provides
significant advantages, including: (i) inter-city routes and, where permitted
by applicable rights, potentially ubiquitous intra-city coverage in the local
electric utility's urban service territory, including throughout downtown areas
and directly to buildings, (ii) use of existing electric transmission
infrastructures, including towers, poles, ducts and conduits, to achieve
faster, less costly installation, (iii) generally more secure and reliable
routes than other ROWs, (iv) desirable geographically diverse fiber optic
routes for communications carriers and (v) establishment of an extensive ROW
network through negotiation with relatively few parties, rather than with
numerous parties such as municipalities, transit authorities and governmental
agencies.
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The Company intends to target communications carriers as customers, rather
than end-users of telecommunications services. The Company believes that this
strategy allows it to: (i) maximize the Company's opportunities to sell its
capacity regardless of the end-user's selection of a retail provider, (ii)
avoid the significant initial and ongoing investment required in selling,
marketing and providing services to end-users, (iii) attract carrier customers
that may be reluctant to contract with a direct competitor, (iv) generate
revenues quickly from carriers that are easily identifiable and require large
amounts of fiber optic capacity, and (v) lock in relatively secure long-term
revenue streams from customers that are generally more creditworthy than
end-users and are likely to make long-term capital commitments prior to
completion of construction. Carrier customers typically lease fiber optic
capacity under multi-year contracts with which they enhance or constitute their
own communications networks as a cost-effective alternative to constructing
their own infrastructure or purchasing measured services from other carriers
with whom they may compete. Carriers targeted by the Company include a broad
range of communications companies such as ILECs, CLECs, IXCs, paging, cellular
and PCS companies, cable television companies and ISPs. Currently, the Company
has contracts with Brooks Fiber (now owned by WorldCom), Teleport (expected to
be acquired by AT&T), MCI (expected to be acquired by WorldCom), Sprint and
Global NAPs, Inc., a regional ISP.
The Company intends to offer its carrier customers leases of both dark
fiber (fiber optic transmission lines leased without optronics equipment
installed by the Company) and lit fiber (fixed amounts of capacity, such as
DS-3, OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and higher, on fiber optic transmission lines that use
the Company's optronics equipment) at fixed-cost pricing and over multi-year
lease terms. The Company intends to lease approximately one-third of the
available fibers in the NEON system as dark fiber and one-third as lit fiber.
In addition, the Company plans to reserve approximately one-third of its
available fibers for future services that the Company may provide to capitalize
on future technological advances or changes that the Company expects to occur
in the communications industry.
History of the Company
The Company was incorporated in 1989 in Massachusetts under the name
"FiveCom, Inc." to develop fiber-optic networks in secondary and tertiary
markets in the Northeast. Prior to 1994, the Company was the managing general
partner of a venture which built a CAP network in Springfield, Massachusetts
and also built several small private networks in eastern Massachusetts. In
February 1994, the Company sold its interest in the Springfield network to
Brooks Fiber. Following this sale, the Company expanded its business strategy
to include intra-LATA and long distance facilities using electric utility ROWs
and changed its focus to target carrier customers rather than end users.
Commencing in September 1994, the Company entered into the NU Agreements,
pursuant to which the Company obtained ROWs in the service territories of NU
and its subsidiaries. In 1996, the Company raised approximately $16.7 million
from private placements of equity securities to MaineCom and Mode 1. In January
1997, the Company entered into the CMP Agreement, under which the Company
obtained ROWs in CMP's service territory, and raised an additional $2.6 million
from CMP and other investors in a private equity financing. In 1998 the Company
was reincorporated in Delaware under the name "NorthEast Optic Network, Inc."
See "--Reorganization."
Market Opportunity
The Company believes that there is a significant demand for high-bandwidth
communications services and a limited supply of technologically advanced dark
and lit fiber optic facilities in the Northeast to meet such demand. The
Company believes the needs of communications carriers for advanced,
high-bandwidth voice, data and video transmission capacity will increase over
the next several years due to various factors, including:
Rapid Growth of Communications Traffic. The Company believes that total
telephony service revenue in the United States grew by approximately 9%
annually from 1992 to 1996, to $222.3 billion. Data traffic service grew by 28%
from 1996 to 1997 to $16 billion and is projected to grow by 38% to $22.1
billion in 1998. Much of this growth in data traffic is attributable to
increased Internet traffic and its corresponding demands for increased data
communications bandwidth. For example, the number of Americans using the
Internet is estimated to have grown from fewer than 5 million in 1993 to as
many as 62 million by the end of 1997. The Company believes that the
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growth of communications traffic in the Northeast will be enhanced by the
favorable demographic characteristics of the region, including the high
population density, income and education levels and number of phone lines per
household. With its advanced fiber optic transmission capacity, the Company
believes that it will be well-positioned to capitalize on this growth.
Capacity Required by New Entrants. Competition and deregulation are
attracting new entrants to the telecommunications market. The
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") allows the Regional Bell
Operating Companies ("RBOCs") to enter the long distance business upon meeting
certain competitive conditions and also eliminates certain barriers to entry in
the local exchange market. The 1996 Act also enables other entities, including
entities affiliated with power utilities and ventures between ILECs and cable
television companies, to provide a wider range of telecommunications products
and services. The Company believes that the deregulation of various
telecommunications markets will lead to an increase in the number of
telecommunications providers needing fiber optic transmission capacity as more
parties choose to compete. The Company believes that many carrier customers
will choose to lease fiber optic capacity from facilities providers such as the
Company to enhance or constitute their own communications networks as a
lower-cost alternative to constructing their own infrastructure or purchasing
measured services from other carriers. The Company believes that the NEON
system will provide a cost-effective alternative in a number of communications
industry segments for new market entrants, including ILECs, CLECs, IXCs,
wireless companies, cable companies and ISPs.
Need for Redundant Routing and Geographic Diversity of ROWs. Carriers
require redundant paths throughout their networks to provide reliability in the
event of an equipment failure, break in one of their fiber lines or other
outage. In order to ensure the required redundancy, carriers typically build,
swap or lease capacity along fiber routes that do not share a common point of
potential failure. In the Northeast, however, there are relatively few pre-
assembled ROWs available to support new telecommunications infrastructure and
many of the carriers' routes currently run within the same ROWs. As a result,
many carriers are unable to establish secure redundant routing. In the event
such a common ROW were to be damaged or cut, the consequences would be severe
for the carriers and their customers. This lack of geographic diversity of
fiber optic routes in the Northeast has created a substantial need for network
capacity on new and alternative ROWs, such as those offered by the Company.
Need for Upgrades to Older Communications Networks. Many of the fiber
optic networks currently operated by existing carriers in the Northeast were
constructed prior to 1990, using asynchronous, non-SONET ring architecture and
using earlier generation fiber that cannot optimally deploy dense wave division
multiplexing ("DWDM") optronics for high capacity transmission. The Company
believes that these carriers will need to improve or replace parts of their
networks to complete the SONET ring architecture and also add more high
capacity fiber optic transmission lines to remain competitive in the future. In
addition, the Company believes that, in 1996, approximately 88% of the ILECs
networks were comprised of copper cable. The ILECs will likely need to replace
or upgrade their networks to remain competitive and satisfy their customers'
increasing demand for reliable, high-bandwidth capacity in the coming years.
The Company believes that carriers with older, more limited networks will seek
cost-effective and expedient solutions when faced with the decision to lease,
buy or build fiber optic capacity which could result in increased demand for
the Company's fiber optic capacity.
Accommodation of Multimedia and Other New Applications. The Company
believes that additional transmission capacity and faster response times will
be required to accommodate the needs of multimedia (voice, data and video) and
other potential high-bandwidth applications, including the deployment of
corporate intranets and wide area networks, and the use of the
telecommunications infrastructure for providing cable television and other
entertainment services. In addition, the Company's SONET technology and
high-bandwidth fiber optic capacity support advanced communications
applications, such as Frame Relay, ATM and IP platforms. The Company believes
that these capacity-intensive requirements will create significant demand for
its high quality, high-bandwidth fiber optic capacity.
Carriers' Desire for Low-Cost Local and Regional Transport. The Company
believes that it has an opportunity to fill the needs of the predominant
interstate carriers that are building or have completed their backbone networks
to key LATAs in the Northeast. Generally, an IXC constructs a network with
trunk lines terminating into tandem switches in LATAs. To get from the tandem
switch to the end-user, or vice versa, IXCs typically pay to a LEC access and
egress charges, which often comprise a significant component of the IXCs'
transmission costs. For this reason, IXCs are seeking less costly, alternative
local access within LATAs. One alternative for the IXCs is to carry their
traffic deeper into the region's telecommunications base and to hand off their
traffic at a LEC host switch, which is located much closer to the end-user than
the tandem switch, or to terminate their traffic directly at the
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customer's premises. Similarly, the Company believes that LECs with inter-LATA
traffic, including the RBOCs when they are permitted to provide long-distance
traffic, desire to minimize the transportation costs imposed by the IXCs and
are seeking lower cost, alternative regional transport. The NEON system, which
will connect into and around numerous cities and towns in the Northeast, will
be able to provide such local and regional transport.
Business Strategy
The Company's objective is to become the preferred facilities-based
provider of fiber optic network capacity in the Northeast. The following are
the key elements of the Company's strategy to achieve this objective:
Leverage Electric Utility ROWs. The Company is pursuing a strategy of
building the NEON system utilizing primarily electric utility ROWs, which the
Company believes provide significant competitive advantages compared to
alternative ROWs in the Northeast such as railbeds and highways. Using electric
utility ROWs, the Company can provide fiber optic connectivity for its carrier
customers to and from virtually any location in the utilities' urban service
territory covered by the NEON system, including throughout downtown areas and
directly to buildings. The Company also intends to utilize existing,
pre-assembled electric utility transmission infrastructure, including towers,
poles, ducts and conduits for faster, less costly installation. In addition,
since electric utility ROWs are generally more secure than other ROWs and
provide valuable geographic route diversity for carriers, the Company can offer
its customers highly reliable primary and redundant network capacity. In
addition to the Company's existing ROW agreements with electric utilities, the
Company is currently pursuing additional agreements with other utilities in
adjoining territories to expand the Company's network footprint and gain access
to further ROWs through negotiation with relatively few parties.
Target Carrier Customers. The Company intends to target communications
carriers as customers, rather than end-users of telecommunications services.
This enables the Company to maximize its opportunities to sell its capacity
regardless of the end-user's selection of a retail provider and to attract
carrier customers that may be reluctant to purchase services from a direct
competitor that serves the same retail market. Carrier customers are also
easily identifiable, which allows the Company to focus its sales and marketing
and customer services efforts and avoid the significant initial and ongoing
investment required to attract and retain numerous retail customers. In
addition, the Company believes that it can generate revenues more quickly from
carrier customers, which are generally more creditworthy than end-users,
require large amounts of fiber optic capacity and are more likely to make
long-term capital commitments prior to completion of construction. To date, the
Company has entered into contracts with five carriers, including Brooks Fiber
(now owned by WorldCom), Teleport (expected to be acquired by AT&T), MCI
(expected to be acquired by WorldCom), Sprint and Global NAPs, Inc., a regional
ISP.
Reduce Construction and Operating Costs. The Company is reducing the
construction and operating costs of the NEON system in order to offer its
customers competitive prices while maximizing its operating margins and return
on investment. The Company is using primarily pre-existing electric utility
transmission and distribution infrastructure, including towers, poles, ducts
and conduits, in the construction of the NEON system, which reduces the need to
obtain local permits, conduct surveys, install conduits and ducts and erect
towers and poles prior to installation. In addition, the Company's electric
utility ROWs typically provide easy and safe access to the fiber cable for low
cost maintenance and repair. The Company is also installing high fiber count
cable in the NEON system--64 to 96 fiber optic strands per cable in the routes
currently under construction and is planning to install cable with up to 144 to
432 fiber optic strands on future installations, depending on the anticipated
demand for a particular route and the Company's ROW agreements. This high fiber
count reduces the Company's fiber cost per mile and provides reserve capacity,
which will reduce the cost of providing additional services in the future. The
Company's newly-constructed network also provides significant operating and
maintenance cost advantages because of the high quality, advanced fiber optic
technology utilized by the NEON system.
Establish a Reliable, Technologically Advanced Network. The Company
believes that the characteristics of its network will allow it to meet its
customers' demands for reliability and high capacity. The Company is
constructing the NEON system utilizing bi-directional, self-healing SONET ring
architecture primarily on electric utility ROWs, which allow for enhanced
physical security and more geographic flexibility than other ROWs. The Company
uses both non-zero dispersion shifted Truewave(R) fiber and conventional
single-mode fiber manufactured by Lucent Technologies Inc., which the Company
believes to be the highest quality fiber optic cable available. The Company is
also planning to use Nortel's DWDM optronics and forward error correction
technology at high optical carrier ("OC") levels that enable the highest
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commercially available transmission capacity (OC-192) and data integrity level
(10-15 Bit Error Rate). The NEON system can also accommodate advanced
communications applications such as Frame Relay, ATM and Internet Protocol.
Focus on High Demand Northeast Market. The Northeast is one of the most
densely-populated regions of the United States. The Company believes that the
Northeast market, which in 1996 represented a $28.7 billion telephony services
market and which the Company believes has one of the highest population
densities and concentrations of businesses, universities, phone lines, personal
computers and television sets in the country, is a region characterized by
significant and growing demand for broadband communications infrastructure. The
Company believes that the Northeast market is dependent in part upon antiquated
telecommunications infrastructure currently lacking sufficient fiber optic
capacity, route diversity and redundancy. The Company's strategy is to focus on
serving the present and future needs of this market by constructing and
operating a technologically advanced network offering (i) more capacity, (ii)
enhanced capabilities, such as SONET ring architecture and route diversity, and
(iii) near-ubiquitous urban coverage.
Capitalize on Management Experience. The Company's management team
includes individuals with significant experience in the telecommunications and
utility industries which will be important in the build-out and management of
the NEON System. Victor Colantonio, the Company's founder and President, has 25
years of experience in the telecommunications industry. The Company's Chairman
of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Richard Crabtree, has 27
years of public utility company experience, including serving as Chief
Financial Officer of CMP. William Fennell, the Company's Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer, held several positions at GTE Corporation over 16 years
before becoming Chief Financial Officer of Philips Electronics Group of North
America. James Mack, the Company's head of sales, has worked in the
telecommunications industry since 1966 having held various sales positions at
Bell Atlantic and NYNEX. The Company's head of operations, Michael Musen, has
spent 18 years in telecommunications having previously worked at International
Communications Services Corp., a provider of network services.
Leverage Utility Relationships. The Company intends to continue to
leverage its relationships with electric utilities, including NU and CMP, its
principal stockholders. The Company directly benefits from these relationships
for the following reasons: (i) the Company believes relationships with electric
utilities enhance the Company's credibility with large carrier customers and
facilitates new customer contracts with such carriers, (ii) the Company
outsources substantially all of its engineering and design, routine maintenance
and construction supervision requirements to these utilities, thereby
increasing the Company's mission critical preparedness and the reliability of
the Company's network and enhancing the Company's ability to respond to
emergency repair needs, (iii) these utilities have significant resources and
experience in the engineering and construction supervision of large
transmission and distribution networks, and (iv) the Company's experience with
these utilities creates opportunities to establish relationships with other
electric utility companies. The Company is currently in the process of pursuing
additional agreements with other electric utilities.
The NEON System
The NEON system is a technologically-advanced, high-bandwidth, fiber optic
network that the Company is constructing primarily using electric utility ROWs
in the Northeast and that the Company intends to expand into a communications
system serving numerous cities and towns in six states. The Company has
completed construction of approximately 295 route miles, or approximately
19,500 fiber miles, of the NEON system as of June 30, 1998, and currently
operates fiber optic routes from Portland, Maine to Nashua, New Hampshire and
Springfield, Massachusetts to Hartford, Connecticut. The Company is currently
engineering, constructing or acquiring additional routes in New York,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, to create a
continuous fiber optic link between New York City and Portland, Maine with
access into and around Boston, Massachusetts and numerous other major service
areas in the Northeast. These additional routes are expected to be completed in
1998 and will add approximately 500 route miles, or approximately 23,300 fiber
miles, to the NEON system. The Company is planning to complete further
expansion routes in 1999 into and around New York City and other metropolitan
areas along the NEON system. Upon completion of routes currently planned, the
NEON system will exceed 900 route miles or over 60,000 fiber miles, and will
enable the Company to connect more than 540 cities and towns in six states and
pass more than 200 POPs, tandem switches and central offices, which the Company
believes serve over 18 million people and over 470,000 businesses.
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The following table lists the states through which the NEON system is
expected to pass, the estimated route miles and fiber miles of the NEON system
in each state, the estimated number of POPs, tandem switches and central
offices passed by the NEON system, the estimated population of the service
areas expected to be passed by the NEON system, the major service areas the
Company expects to connect to the NEON system and the expected dates of
completion:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated
Number of
POPs, Tandem Estimated
Estimated Estimated Switches and Population of
Route Fiber Central Offices Service Areas Major Expected
State Miles Miles Passed Passed Service Areas Completion
- ----------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------------- --------------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Connecticut ........... 271 17,502 62 2,990,000 Hartford Completed
Stamford 1998
New London 1998
New Haven 1998
Bridgeport 1998
Maine ................. 55 3,630 15 425,000 Portland Completed
Massachusetts ......... 235 14,842 55 4,750,000 Springfield Completed
Boston 1998/1999
Amherst 1998
Framingham 1998
Lawrence 1999
New Hampshire ......... 205 12,100 34 920,000 Nashua Completed
Manchester Completed
Dover Completed
Portsmouth 1998
Keene 1998
New York .............. 94 15,000 25 8,190,000 Westchester 1998/1999
New York City 1998/1999
Rhode Island .......... 70 840 14 996,000 Providence 1998
--- ------ -- ---------
Total ................ 930 63,914 205 18,271,000
=== ====== === ==========
</TABLE>
The Company acquires its ROWs principally from electric utilities in the
territory covered by the NEON system. The Company believes that such ROWs are
superior to alternative ROWs available in the Northeast, because electric
utility ROWs may provide near-ubiquitous urban coverage at lower cost and
because deviations from other ROWs often entail significant expenditures and a
lengthy and expensive community-by-community approval process. Furthermore,
installing cable in electric utility ROWs is often safer, easier and faster,
because the cable is placed in existing underground conduits and ducts or
installed on existing towers and poles. With other ROWs cable must often be
buried in trenches, a process often hampered by accommodating commuter rush
hours, complying with stringent environmental laws, crossing water, trenching
and blasting bedrock. In addition, using primarily electric utility ROWs, the
NEON system has the potential to provide communications connections to nearly
every building, business park and industrial complex in its urban service
territory.
The Company uses three cost-effective methods for installing its fiber
optic cable and taking advantage of the pre-assembled and pre-existing electric
utility infrastructure in the Company's ROWs, including utility transmission
structures (towers) and distribution infrastructure (poles, civil works and
conduit). The first is to replace existing ordinary ground wire (which is used
to provide lightning protection atop utility structures) with optical phased
ground wire ("OPGW"), which is custom-made for the Company and contains up to
96 fiber strands currently and will contain up to 144 fiber strands in future
sheath designs. The second method is to install new all dielectric (non--
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conductive) self-support fiber optic cable ("ADSS") under the electrical
conductors on electric transmission structures. ADSS is capable of carrying up
to 288 fiber strands currently and is expected to carry up to 432 fiber strands
in future designs. Finally, in underground utility conduits, the Company uses
conventional optical cable made for underground conditions.
Advanced Technology
The Company uses state-of-the-art technology in the NEON system. The NEON
system consists of fiber optic communication paths, which allow for high speed,
high quality transmission of voice, data and video communications. Fiber optic
systems use laser-generated light waves to transmit voice, data and video in
digital formats through ultra-thin strands of glass. Fiber optic systems are
generally characterized by large circuit capacity, are resistant to external
signal interference and directly interface to digital switching equipment or
digital microwave systems. The Company is currently installing fiber optic
cable containing between 64 and 96 fiber optic strands and in the future may
install up to 144 or 216 fiber optic strands per cable depending on anticipated
demand for the particular route and the number of fiber optic strands allowed
by the Company's ROW agreements. Each of these fiber optic strands is capable
of transmitting significantly greater bandwidth than traditional analog copper
cables. Using current fiber optic transmission optronics, a single pair of
fiber optic strands used by the Company's network can transmit up to 10
gigabits of data per second or the equivalent of approximately 129,000
simultaneous voice conversations. The Company believes that continuing
developments in compression technology and multiplexing equipment will increase
the capacity of each fiber optic strand, thereby providing more bandwidth
carrying capacity at attractive incremental costs.
The technologies employed by the Company in the construction and operation
of the NEON system include Lucent's non-zero dispersion shifted fiber and
Nortel's DWDM optronics possessing forward error correction technology at high
OC levels that enable the highest commercially available capacity transmission
(OC-192) and data integrity level (10-15 Bit Error Rate). The Company believes
that the advanced technical operating characteristics of the NEON system will
enable it to provide highly reliable services to its customers at low costs by
permitting higher capacity transmission over longer distances between
regeneration and amplifier facilities than can be provided by less advanced
fiber systems.
The Company offers end-to-end fiber optic capacity utilizing
bi-directional SONET ring architecture, which has the ability to route customer
traffic in two directions around a ring design thereby minimizing service
interruptions due to fiber cuts. Currently, the NEON system is continuously
monitored to maintain quality control on a 24-hour basis and to alert the
Company of any degradation of signal or loss of fiber capacity, and to pinpoint
the location of such difficulty and enable the Company to repair or replace
impaired fiber quickly.
Right-of-Way Agreements
The following is a summary of the Company's agreements that provide for
most of the ROWs currently used in the NEON system.
NU Agreements
In 1994 and 1995, the Company entered into a series of agreements (as
subsequently amended and restated in February 1998, the "NU Agreements") with
the three principal operating subsidiaries of NU concerning the provision of
ROWs along electric utility towers and inside urban electric utility ducts.
Pursuant to the NU Agreements, the Company acquired indefeasible rights of use
("IRUs") in fiber optic filaments placed along NU's ROWs prior to February 1998
and acquired ownership of fiber optic filaments placed along NU's ROWs
subsequent to February 1998 (collectively, the "NU System"). NU and the Company
both agreed to use their best efforts to complete installation of the NU System
by September 1999. The Company agreed to pay the cost of installing the cable
and to utilize NU's engineering staff in carrying out the installation. Under
the NU Agreements, the Company agreed to pay to NU mileage-based annual fees
and a percentage of the gross revenues that the Company generates on the
portion of the NEON system located on NU ROWs.
A portion of the NU System, comprised of 12 fibers within the cable, has
been set aside for NU's use ("NUNet"). NU may lease these fibers to third
parties, provided that prior to September 2001, NU is not permitted to assign
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any fibers or resell capacity on NUNet to certain specified carriers except for
certain limited purposes. After September 2001, NU will be free to use NUNet to
compete with the Company.
Under the NU Agreements, if any proposed segment of the NEON system's
route requires material modifications or unusual expense to make it available
for the Company's fiber, or if NU withdraws any segment from the route in order
to give priority to electrical services, the Company has the right to designate
additional or alternative route segments, subject to NU's approval, which shall
not be withheld unless such additional or alternative segments would materially
adversely affect NU's ability to provide reliable electric service, cause or
create safety problems or would not be feasible for structural reasons. If NU
desires to create new route segments in order to extend the NU System, the
Company has a right of first refusal on the provision of any such segments. If
NU obtains such segments from third parties, NU has agreed to use its best
efforts to obtain for the Company the unimpeded use of not less than 12 usable
single mode fibers in such segment on terms no less favorable than those
provided to NU.
The NU Agreements have an initial term of 30 years and expire in September
2024. Thereafter they automatically renew for five-year terms, unless one of
the parties has given a one-year advance notice of termination. In the event
that NU gives such a notice and terminates the NU Agreements, it must either,
at its option, pay to the Company an amount equal to the fair market value of
the NU System less NUNet or allow the Company to retain its IRUs and receive
from the Company an annual payment equal to 10% of the Company's gross revenue
from the NU System, which payment would be in addition to the other annual
payments under the NU Agreements.
In addition to the foregoing, the NU Agreements may be terminated by NU if
the Company defaults in the performance of certain of its obligations under the
NU Agreements, including the failure to establish NUNet by September 1999, the
failure to obtain and maintain all necessary government permits, licenses,
franchises and approvals, and the failure to pay amounts due by it under the NU
Agreements, subject in most cases to cure periods of between 30 and 90 days.
CMP Agreement
In January 1997, the Company entered into an agreement with CMP (the "CMP
Agreement") in which CMP granted the Company a right of use in fiber optic
filaments within a cable along a certain route in CMP's service territory (the
"CMP System"). CMP and the Company both agreed to use their best efforts to
complete installation of the CMP System by January 1999. The Company has the
right to install additional cable in CMP's service territory, subject to the
approval of CMP, which must not be unreasonably withheld. The Company is
obligated to pay the cost of installing the cable.
In exchange for the rights of use, the Company agreed to pay to CMP an
annual fee beginning, with regard to any particular route segment, in the first
calendar year following the installation date for such route segment (the
"Installation Date").
The Company's rights of use do not apply to 6 fibers that have been set
aside for CMP's use ("CMPNet"). CMP may use these fibers for its own business
purposes, but may not lease them to third parties prior to the seventh
anniversary of any given Installation Date. After such seven-year period, to
the extent that CMP has excess capacity on CMPNet, CMP is required to negotiate
in good faith with the Company to provide such excess capacity to the Company
before making it available to third parties. If the Company does not enter into
an agreement with CMP with respect to such excess capacity, CMP will be able to
use such capacity to compete with the Company.
The CMP Agreement has an initial term of 30 years and expires in January
2027. Thereafter it is renewable at the option of the Company for an additional
ten-year term. In the event that the Company elects to renew the CMP Agreement,
it must pay to CMP an annual payment equal to 10% of the Company's gross annual
revenue from the CMP System, which payment would be in addition to the other
annual payments under the CMP Agreement.
In addition to the foregoing, the CMP Agreement may be terminated by CMP
if the Company defaults in certain of its obligations under the CMP Agreement
and such default is not cured within a designated cure period.
Boston Agreements
In July 1998, the Company entered into a Fiber Optic Lease Agreement with
NEES Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of New England Electric System (the
"NEES Com Agreement"), and a Fiber Optic Use Agreement with BecoCom, Inc., a
subsidiary of Boston Edison Company (the "BecoCom Agreement"). Pursuant to the
terms
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<PAGE>
of these agreements, the Company acquired the right to use certain fibers (the
"Company Fibers"), to be constructed and maintained by NEES Communications and
BecoCom, respectively, on a route running from Hudson, New Hampshire to Boston,
Massachusetts terminating at the Company's POP and Company-targeted carrier
centers. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company is required to pay a
monthly fee, and has agreed to share a portion of the revenue generated from
the use of the Company Fibers (in excess of a base revenue amount specified in
each agreement). The Company Fibers are expected to be available by December
31, 1998. Both the NEES Com Agreement and the BecoCom Agreement have an initial
term of 20 years, with the potential to negotiate for up to two additional,
consecutive five-year extensions. Although the BecoCom Agreement permits the
Company to grant capacity to third parties, the Company may not use the Company
Fibers under the BecoCom Agreement to handle local point to point services
within the service area generally prescribed as the Boston Edison service
territory. Nothing, however, precludes the Company from acquiring other sources
for local point to point services.
Other Agreements
In July 1998, the Company entered into an IRU agreement (the "Qwest
Agreement") with Qwest Communications Corporation ("Qwest") in which Qwest
agreed to grant the Company an IRU in certain fibers along a route to be
constructed between Boston and New York City (the "Boston-New York Segment").
In consideration of such grant, the Company agreed to pay to Qwest an IRU fee
in a series of installments. The Boston-New York Segment is expected to become
available to the Company by December 31, 1998. Although the Qwest Agreement
permits the Company to grant capacity in lit fiber to third parties, the
Company may not grant IRUs in dark fiber to third parties for five years
following the availability date of the Boston-New York Segment. The term of the
Qwest Agreement is for approximately 20 years; provided, however, that the
Qwest Agreement may be terminated at any time upon the occurrence of certain
uncured defaults by the Company or the loss of certain underlying rights held
by Qwest or other parties upon whom Qwest depends for its rights in the fiber.
The Company also has a number of agreements with Bell Atlantic to use
certain ROWs along pole lines and within ducts in various areas throughout the
Northeast to supplement its primary means of procuring ROWs.
Payments under Right-of-Way Agreements
The aggregate amount accrued by the Company under its agreements that
provide for its ROWs used in the NEON system was $350,400, $435,100 and
$158,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 and the three-month
period ended March 31, 1998, respectively.
Services
The Company generally leases high capacity transmission services for use
by various communications carriers. The Company's customers include
facilities-based carriers that require transmission capacity where they have
geographic gaps in their facilities, need additional capacity or require
alternative or redundant routing, and non-facilities-based carriers requiring
transmission capacity to carry their customers' telecommunications traffic.
The Company currently leases dark fiber and lit fiber, as described below,
and has also reserved fibers for future uses.
Dark Fiber
The leasing of dark fiber allows a carrier to interconnect any two or more
specific points on the NEON system. This product requires the Company to
install a fiber optic patch panel ("FOPP"), which is the minimal customer
premise equipment installed by the Company. Dark fiber leases allow a carrier
to install its own optronic equipment and to use as much or as little capacity
as it desires and to customize its capacity with feature rich technology and
its network protocols that differentiate that carrier's product offerings from
others. As a result, the carrier can deploy the dark fiber for whatever purpose
it chooses while the Company remains transparent to the carrier's end-user.
Whenever possible, the carrier customer is restricted from using the dark
fibers for purposes other than supporting its own customers. To date, the
Company has placed restrictions on the transfer or assignment of the leased
fiber from one carrier to another. In addition, the lease prohibits carriers
from accessing its leased fibers at any point other than those designated in
the lease; therefore carriers cannot add additional traffic or draw off traffic
along the path.
Lit Fiber
Pursuant to its leases with its customers, the Company provides a specific
amount of capacity between any two or more points on the NEON system as
specified by the carrier. Lit services involve the installation of optronic
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terminals by the Company, to the carrier's specifications, that "light" the
fiber and transmit/receive capacity on the network. The Company intends to
provide lit transport capacity initially at SONET OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and higher
rates. In the future the Company intends to provide carriers with services at
the lower DS-3 and, potentially, DS-1 levels.
Reserved Fiber
Part of the Company's strategy is to reserve approximately one-third of
the fibers comprising the NEON system in order to have the capacity necessary
to take advantage of changes in telecommunications technology and services and
to meet future anticipated market demand. The Company believes that continuing
improvements in telecommunications technology will alter the way in which such
services are provided as well as the level of demand for such services. These
changes include developments in compression and multiplexing technology, as
well as changes in communications protocols. These changes will likely effect a
change in the nature of services provided by the Company's customers and,
thereby, a change in the nature of the services provided by the Company. In
addition, such changes may open new opportunities for the Company, including
opportunities to serve new classes of customers. Because the exact nature and
effect of such changes are, at present, difficult to measure, the Company
believes it prudent to retain capacity that is not committed to any particular
use or technology but can be brought out of reserve when the impact of such
technological changes becomes clear. In the meantime, the Company may enter
into short-term agreements with respect to such reserved capacity for the
provision of its current services if such opportunities arise.
Sales and Marketing
The Company's sales and marketing strategy includes positioning itself as
the carriers' carrier of choice, emphasizing its capacity, reliability, rapid
deployment, customer service, access in urban areas of its service territory
and the cost advantages that will allow the Company to lease its fiber optic
infrastructure at competitive prices. The Company intends to price its services
below what the Company believes it would cost carriers to construct their own
facilities or to obtain capacity from other sources.
The Company believes that communications carriers will be attracted to the
Company's dark fiber and lit fiber products. The contracts that the Company has
signed to date arose as a result of management's long standing relationships in
the telecommunications industry. The Company intends to leverage these
relationships and increase customer scope and penetration through a dedicated
sales force.
Customers
The Company is targeting other telecommunications carriers as customers
and does not intend to offer its services directly to end-users. The NEON
system enables carriers to link geographically separated central offices and
POPs with primary or redundant connections in their networks. The Company's
facilities also enable carriers to connect their networks directly into the
premises of the carriers' end-users.
The Company currently has contracts with Brooks Fiber (now owned by
WorldCom), Teleport (expected to be acquired by AT&T), MCI (expected to be
acquired by WorldCom), Sprint and Global NAPs, Inc., a regional ISP. The terms
of certain of these customer contracts are twenty years with varying lease
rates to be paid monthly. The monthly lease rates cover dark fiber and/or lit
fiber leased from the Company. In addition, the contracts typically provide for
"outage related credits," a predetermined reduction or offset against the
customer's lease rate when a customer's leased facility is non-operational or
does not meet the customer's operating parameters, and also typically require
the Company to maintain adequate insurance coverages, including product
liability coverage. In addition, the Company is currently in the process of
negotiating agreements with certain other major communications carriers. There
can be no assurance that such agreements will be consummated or will be on
terms as favorable to the Company as its existing agreements. The Company has
received a letter from Sprint alleging that it may have incurred unspecified
damages as a result of certain disclosures by the Company.
The Company's potential carrier customer base includes the following
classes of carriers:
[bullet] Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers & Independent Telcos, such as
Bell Atlantic, SNET, Standish Telephone Co. (ME), Wilton Telephone
Company, Inc. (NH) and Saco River Telephone Co. (ME). ILECs
typically require some interstate paths for internal
communications, signal control and operator services. ILECs also
require intrastate capacity to connect central offices to one
another and to connect central offices to POPs and customer
premises.
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[bullet] Facilities Based IXCs, such as AT&T, Sprint, MCI/WorldCom/LDDS,
WilTel, Frontier, Qwest, IXC Communications, Inc., Cable &
Wireless PLC, Level 3 Communications, Inc. and others. IXCs
typically require (i) regional short-haul connectivity from their
national backbone facilities to originate and terminate traffic
deeper into the customer base, (ii) redundant routing to ensure
reliability in their networks, and (iii) additional capacity for
their customers as minutes-of-use and IP bandwidth requirements
increase.
[bullet] Competitive Local Exchange Carriers, such as WorldCom/Brooks
Fiber, Teleport, WorldCom/MFS Communications Company, Inc., RCN
Corporation, MCImetro, Intermedia Communications Inc., NextLink
Communications, Inc., ICG Communications, Inc. and others. CLECs
typically require interconnection between their local networks and
extensions further into the community.
[bullet] Internet Service Providers, such as MCI, GTE Corporation/BBN, Bell
Atlantic, WorldCom/Gridnet, WorldCom/UUNet Technologies
Incorporated, Sprint, RCN Corporation, HarvardNet, MediaOne and
others. ISPs typically require distribution channels to IXC and
LEC switches and interconnection to ISP switches.
[bullet] Cable Television Companies and Video Carriers, such as MediaOne
Group, Inc. (U S West, Inc.), Time Warner Inc., Cablevision
Systems Corporation, Cox Communications, Inc., Vyvx, Public
Broadcasting Service affiliates, broadcasters and others. Cable
companies typically require fiber optic capacity to upgrade their
systems to higher speed bandwidths, which allow them to increase
the number of channels available, add interactive programming and
Internet and data transfer capabilities and to consolidate
head-end facilities. Broadcasters typically require inexpensive
video paths to extend their reach to distant locations.
[bullet] Wireless Communication Companies, such as SNET Links, Bell
Atlantic Mobile, CellularOne, Sprint PCS, OmniPoint, AT&T
Wireless, STV Group, Inc., WinStar Communications, Inc., NextWave
Telecom Inc., NorthCoast, Opcse-Galloway, Personal Communications,
ACC-PCS (TCG), Devon Mobile, Vtel Corporation and others. Wireless
companies typically require land-based back-hauling of traffic
from towers to their switches and also capacity between their
switches with IXCs, POPs, and ILECs central offices.
[bullet] Microwave Carriers, such as Eastern Microwave Inc./Intermedia
Communications Inc. Microwave carriers typically require fiber
optic capacity to replace microwave service as their primary
source of communications capacity.
Supply Relationships
The Company has entered into agreements and arrangements for the supply of
equipment and services relating to the construction of the NEON system. In
choosing its suppliers, the Company uses such criteria as the quality and
performance of the product for the intended purpose, pricing, and the ability
of the supplier to meet the Company's delivery schedule and technical support
requirements. The Company purchases optronic network multiplexers and network
services from Northern Telecom Ltd. ("Nortel"), and cable from Fitel/Lucent
Technologies, Inc. ("Fitel") and FOCAS, Inc. ("FOCAS"). The cable purchased
from Fitel and FOCAS includes Lucent's patented "TrueWave" fiber, which the
Company believes contains certain favorable performance characteristics that
reduce the Company's investment in signal enhancing network equipment. The
Company believes that there are alternative suppliers or alternative components
for all of the components contained in the NEON system. However, any delay or
extended interruption in the supply of any of the key components, changes in
the pricing arrangements with its suppliers and manufacturers or delay in
transitioning a replacement supplier's product into the NEON system could
disrupt the Company's operations and, if such disruption continued for an
extended period of time, have a material adverse effect on the Company's
business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Risk
Factors--Dependence on Suppliers."
Competition
The telecommunications industry is highly competitive, and the Company
faces substantial competition. Many of the Company's existing and potential
competitors have financial, management and other resources that are
substantially greater than those of the Company, as well as other competitive
advantages, including established reputations in the communications market. See
"Risk Factors--Competition."
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The Company is currently aware of communications carriers that own or
lease fiber optic networks in New England (such as AT&T, MCI, Sprint, Bell
Atlantic, SNET, WorldCom and Teleport) and of other carriers (such as IXC
Communications, Qwest Communications International, Metromedia Fiber Network,
Level 3 Communications and RCN) who are planning to own or lease additional
networks which, if constructed, could employ advanced technology comparable to
that of the NEON system.
Qwest Communications International recently announced that it had acquired
approximately 288 miles of fiber optic network between New York and Boston,
connecting such cities as Providence and Greenhill in Rhode Island and New
London, New Haven, Bridgeport and Stamford in Connecticut. Similarly, IXC
Communications recently announced that it had acquired approximately 280 miles
of fiber optic network between New York and Boston. Another company, RCN, is
engaged in the construction of fiber optic networks in Boston and several
surrounding communities and in New York City. The Company's customers and
potential customers, such as AT&T, MCI and Sprint, also have facilities
available to them in the region which could be used to compete with the
Company. Development of fiber optic networks is also continuing on a national
scale; for example, Frontier Corp. is currently in the midst of constructing a
cross-continental long distance fiber optic network from Los Angeles to New
York and Qwest Communications International is constructing a fiber-based
national backbone network which will connect 115 metropolitan areas and span
approximately 16,000 miles. In addition, other companies, including Level 3
Communications, are planning nationwide and regional networks of their own.
These networks enable their owners either to operate dedicated facilities for
themselves or to install excess fiber to lease to other communications carriers
and large corporate, government or other customers seeking high-bandwidth
capacity. Alternatively, some network owners, typically CLECs, may choose to
use their infrastructure to provide switched voice and data services, competing
directly with ILECs and IXCs. Currently, the Company does not provide such
services or plan to provide such services. See "Risk Factors--Limited Nature of
Company's Services."
In the cities connected by the NEON system, the Company also faces
significant competition from the ILECs, which currently dominate their
respective local markets. In addition, the Company faces competition from CLECs
and wireless competitors in the cities in which the Company plans to build its
networks.
Most communications carriers already own fiber optic cables as part of
their communications networks, and each of these carriers could, and some do,
compete directly with the Company in the market for leasing fiber capacity.
Some local cable television companies have extensive coaxial cable
networks in place that have been or could be further upgraded to fiber optic
cable. To the extent that local cable television companies decide to equip
their networks with fiber optic cable, they are potential direct competitors of
the Company.
The Company also faces potential competition from both NU and CMP, both of
which have rights to use fibers in certain portions of the NEON system, which
use may include competition with the Company. See "--Right-of-Way Agreements."
Properties
The NEON system and its component assets are the principal properties
currently owned by the Company or with respect to which the Company has an IRU.
The Company owns substantially all of the communications equipment currently
utilized in its business and holds certain ownership interests in the cable
comprising the NEON system. The Company's installed fiber optic cable is laid
along the various rights-of-way held by the Company. See "--Right-of-Way
Agreements." Other fixed assets are located at various leased locations in
geographic areas served by the Company.
The Company's executive, administrative and sales offices are located at
its principal office in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Company leases this space
(approximately 4,375 square feet) under an agreement that expires in June 2000.
Reorganization
The Company was incorporated in Massachusetts in July 1989 under the name
"FiveCom, Inc." In May 1996, FiveCom LLC, an operating subsidiary
majority-owned by the Company, was organized in Massachusetts. Also in May
1996, FiveCom LLC and Mode 1 Communications, Inc. ("Mode 1"), a subsidiary of
NU, organized NECOM LLC
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in Massachusetts, with FiveCom LLC owning approximately 60%, and Mode 1 owning
approximately 40% of the membership interests in NECOM LLC. In December 1996,
FiveCom LLC and MaineCom Services ("MaineCom"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
CMP, organized FiveCom of Maine LLC in Massachusetts, with MaineCom owning
66.67%, and FiveCom LLC owning 33.33%, of the membership interests in FiveCom
of Maine LLC.
In order to simplify the corporate structure and in contemplation of the
Offerings, the Company's major stockholders decided to reorganize the Company.
In April 1998, prior to the Reorganization, CMP exercised its warrants to
purchase 5,876 shares of membership interests in FiveCom LLC for an aggregate
exercise price of $58.76 and in July 1998, (i) each of the minority members in
FiveCom LLC (and each of Mode 1 and MaineCom) exchanged their membership
interests in FiveCom LLC, NECOM LLC and FiveCom of Maine LLC, respectively, for
shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company; (ii) FiveCom
LLC and NECOM LLC were each merged with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company; (iii) FiveCom of Maine LLC was merged into FiveCom of Maine, Inc.,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and (iv) the Company was
reincorporated in Delaware under the name "NorthEast Optic Network, Inc." and
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated. The
actions described in the preceding sentence are referred to in this Prospectus
as the "Reorganization." The shares of membership interest in FiveCom LLC
received by CMP upon exercise of its warrant were exchanged for 144,172 shares
of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company, which shares had an
estimated value at the time of the Reorganization of approximately $4.3
million. Mr. Colantonio, the Company's President, and Mr. Musen, a Vice
President of the Company, exchanged their membership interests in FiveCom LLC
for 17,788 shares and 14,549 shares, respectively, of the Company's Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock, which shares had an estimated aggregate value at
the time of the Reorganization of approximately $542,000 and $443,000,
respectively. The Company believes that the value of the membership interests
exchanged in the Reorganization was equivalent to the value of the shares
issued in respect of each such membership interest. See "Certain Transactions."
Regulation
While the Company believes it is not directly subject to common carrier
regulation (except to the extent is certified as a common carrier through its
subsidiaries in Connecticut and New York), it is part of an industry that is
highly regulated by federal, state and local governments whose regulatory
actions are often subject to judicial modification. The Company has not been
subject to such regulation because it has not offered its facilities to the
general public nor indifferently for a fee, which would subject an entity to
such regulation. In light of the changes that are occurring in the regulation
of telecommunications, the Company cannot forecast whether or not it will be
subject to additional regulation in the future. In Connecticut and New York the
Company has petitioned to be recognized as a regulated telecommunications
service provider because of the nature of its activities in, and the statutory
provisions of, those two states; these subsidiaries, as authorized
telecommunications service providers, would also be subject to certain federal
law and regulation.
Federal
Federal regulation has the greatest impact on the telecommunications
industry and has undergone major changes in the last two years as the result of
the adoption by Congress of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 ("the 1996 Act")
on February 8, 1996. The 1996 Act is the most comprehensive reform of the
nation's telecommunications laws since the Communications Act was enacted. The
1996 Act imposes a number of access and interconnection requirements on
telecommunications carriers and on all local exchange providers, including
CLECs, with additional requirements imposed on ILECs. The 1996 Act provides a
detailed list of items which are subject to these interconnection requirements,
as well as a detailed set of duties for all affected carriers. All
telecommunications carriers must interconnect with the facilities of other
carriers and not install features that will interfere with the interoperability
of networks. All LECs, including CLECs, have a duty to (i) not unreasonably
limit the resale of their services, (ii) provide number portability if
technically feasible, (iii) provide dialing parity to competing providers, and
nondiscriminatory access to telephone numbers, directory assistance, operator
services and directory listings, (iv) provide access to poles, ducts, conduits
and rights-of-way and (v) establish reciprocal compensation arrangements for
the transport and termination of telecommunications. In addition to those
general duties of all LECs, ILECs have additional duties to (i) interconnect at
any technically feasible point and provide service equal in quality to that
provided to their customers or the ILEC itself, (ii) provide unbundled access
to network elements at any technically feasible point at just, reasonable and
nondiscriminatory rates, terms and conditions, (iii) offer retail services at
wholesale prices for the use of telecommunication carriers, (iv) provide
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reasonable public notice of changes in the network or the information necessary
to use the network or which affect interoperability and (v) provide for
physical collocation. "Physical collocation" is an offering by an ILEC that
enables another telecommunications carrier to enter the ILEC's premises to
install, maintain and repair its own equipment that is necessary for
interconnection or access to the ILEC's network elements. An ILEC must allocate
reasonable amounts of space to telecommunications carriers on a first-come
first-served basis. If space limitations or practical or technical reasons
prohibit physical collocation, an ILEC must offer "virtual collocation," by
which the other telecommunications carrier may specify ILEC equipment to be
dedicated to its use and electronically monitor and control communications
terminating in such equipment.
The FCC adopted pricing and other guidelines to implement the
interconnection provisions of the 1996 Act, but the 8th Circuit Court of
Appeals vacated many of the FCC's guidelines. The Supreme Court has granted a
writ of certiorari to review the 8th Circuit's decision and is expected to
decide the case during its 1998-1999 term. The responsibility for setting
pricing and other guidelines with respect to interconnection has thus been left
up to the individual state public service commissions. It is expected that
varying pricing and guidelines will emerge from state to state and some of
these guidelines may eventually have an indirect adverse effect on the
Company's business.
Aside from the impact of the 1996 Act, the Company believes federal
regulation does not affect the Company directly because the Company is not
currently regulated as a common carrier under federal law. Federal
telecommunications law imposes special legal requirements on "common carriers"
who engage in "interstate or foreign communication by wire or radio for hire."
The Company believes that the leasing of fiber facilities does not constitute
engaging in the transmission of "communications by wire or radio" and therefore
is not subject to these legal requirements. However, this conclusion could be
affected by the FCC's review of its earlier decision, on remand from the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, that local exchange
carriers offered dark fiber on a common carrier basis. In any event, the
Company does not intend to offer its fiber facilities as a common carrier.
Common carriers are those who offer telecommunications services directly to the
public for a fee. The Company does not intend to offer its fiber capacity in
this manner, but instead intends to enter into individual agreements on a
selective basis with prospective lessees of its fiber facilities. The Company
therefore does not believe that its fiber offerings are subject to the common
carrier provisions of the Communications Act. These conclusions reflect the
Company's view that there is no material difference from a regulatory
perspective between the leasing of dark and lit fiber, both of which are
offered by the Company. There is no assurance that the FCC may not take the
position that in making fiber transmission capable, in the case of lit fiber,
the leasing of such fiber is subject to regulation under the Communication Act
or that even the offering of dark fiber itself is subject to regulation.
As indicated above, the two subsidiaries of the Company which have applied
for authority to provide telecommunications services on a common carrier basis
in New York and Connecticut will be subject to regulation under the
Communications Act.
In addition to regulation of common carriers, federal telecommunications
law also imposes special legal requirements on "telecommunications carriers."
The law essentially defines "telecommunications carriers" as those offering
certain telecommunication services "directly to the public" or such classes of
users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the
facilities used. The Company therefore believes that a company has to be a
common carrier in order to be considered a telecommunications carrier. For the
reasons stated above, the Company believes that it is not a common carrier and
therefore that it is also not a telecommunications carrier with respect to its
fiber capacity leases. Nevertheless, the law is not entirely clear as to, and
the FCC has not definitively addressed whether, the term "telecommunications
carriers" is meant to encompass only common carriers, and therefore whether a
provider of fiber facilities on an individualized basis, like the Company, is a
"common carrier" or "telecommunications carrier." The FCC has been petitioned
by certain railroad, power and telecommunications associations, none of which
are affiliated with the Company, to clarify the status of fiber providers in
this respect. The FCC's pending remand, described above, could also
definitively address the application of these requirements to the Company. If
the agency decides that such companies are telecommunications carriers or
common carriers, then the Company would be subject to certain regulatory
requirements, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
If the Company were deemed to be a common carrier it would be required,
with respect to its telecommunications services, to (1) provide such services
indiscriminately upon any reasonable request; (2) charge rates and adopt
practices, classifications and regulations that are just and reasonable; (3)
avoid unreasonable discrimination in charges, practices, regulations,
facilities and services; (4) ensure that its services are accessible
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to and usable by persons with disabilities; (5) pay into federal funds for
Telecommunications Relay Services and the North American Numbering
Administration; (6) assure that its networks comply with the requirements of
the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act; (7) be subject to
government oversight and limitations on its transactions with affiliates; (8)
limit its use of Customer Proprietory Network Information (CPNI) to
provisioning of the services in connection with which the CPNI was obtained;
(9) be subject to the complaint process at the FCC; and comply with various
reporting, regulatory fee payment and other requirements. The Company might
also be required to file tariffs setting forth the rates for its services.
These regulatory requirements could impose substantial burdens on the Company.
If the Company's offering of fiber facilities were deemed to constitute a
"telecommunications service," or the provision of "telecommunications" for a
fee (unless deemed de minimis) then its revenues from fiber leases to end users
(but not to most other telecommunication carriers) would become subject to
assessment for the FCC's Universal Service Fund, a fund that was established by
the FCC pursuant to the 1996 Act to assist in ensuring the universal
availability of basic telecommunications services at affordable prices. The
Company may be subject to this assessment even if it is found to not be a
common carrier and only provides service on a private contractual basis or
through the leasing of excess capacity to end-users. This assessment could
create a liability equal to a percentage of the gross revenues from these
leases although the FCC has not announced what the annual assessment will be
(the Company anticipates, based on quarterly contribution factors as of May
1998 that the annual rate of assessment will be approximately 4.5% of gross
interstate end-user revenues for the year 1998, and may be higher in subsequent
years). The Company also may be liable for assessments by state commissions for
state universal service programs. The Company does not anticipate that its
aggregate liability for these universal service programs would be material. In
addition, since the revenues of the Company's competitors will be subject to
comparable assessments; this should not reduce the Company's competitiveness.
Federal telecommunications law may also affect the Company's business by
virtue of the inter-relationships that exist among the Company and ILECs and
IXCs. For example, the FCC recently issued an order requiring, among other
things, that common line access fees charged to IXCs, which previously amounted
to more than what was necessary to recover the costs of providing access, shift
from being usage driven to a fixed flat cost-based structure. While it is not
possible to predict the precise effect the access charge changes will have on
the Company's business or financial condition, the reforms will reduce access
charges paid by IXCs, likely eliminating one of the principal disincentives for
use of ILEC facilities by IXCs, which could have a material adverse effect on
the use of the Company's fiber optic telecommunications networks by IXCs.
The FCC has responsibility under the 1996 Act's interconnection provisions
to determine what elements of an ILEC's network must be provided to competitors
on an unbundled basis. The FCC has decided not to declare fiber an unbundled
network element under these provisions. This decision is currently subject to
petitions for reconsideration before the FCC. An FCC decision to alter this
decision on reconsideration could decrease the demand for fiber provided by the
Company. In addition, the FCC has announced that state commissions may decide
to add network elements to the FCC's list of elements that are required to be
unbundled by all carriers throughout the country.
State
The 1996 Act prohibits state and local governments from enforcing any law,
rule or legal requirement that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting any
person from providing any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service.
In addition, under current FCC policies, any dedicated transmission service or
facility that is used more than 10% of the time for the purpose of interstate
or foreign communication is subject to FCC jurisdiction to the exclusion of any
state regulation. Notwithstanding these prohibitions and limitations, states
regulate telecommunications services, including through certification of
providers of intrastate services, regulation of intrastate rates and service
offerings, and other regulations and retain jurisdiction under the 1996 Act to
adopt regulations necessary to preserve universal service, protect public
safety and welfare, ensure the continued quality of communications services and
safeguard the rights of consumers. Accordingly, the degree of state involvement
in local telecommunications services may be substantial.
The state regulatory environment varies substantially from state to state.
At present, the Company does not anticipate that the regulatory requirements to
which it will be subject in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York and Rhode Island will have any material adverse effect on its
operations. In some jurisdictions, the Company's pricing flexibility for
intrastate services may be limited because of regulation, although
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the Company's direct competitors will be subject to similar restrictions.
However, there can be no assurance that future regulatory, judicial, or
legislative action will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In arbitrating interconnection agreements under the 1996 Act between ILECs
and their potential competitors, some state commissions have considered whether
fiber should be an unbundled network element. The New York Public Service
Commission determined that it would not require NYNEX Corporation to provide
fiber as an unbundled network element. State commissions in Florida, Maryland,
North Carolina, and Virginia have either refused to require the ILECs to offer
fiber to competitors, or have stated that the issue would be addressed at a
later time. On the other hand, state commissions in Illinois, Massachusetts,
Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon and Tennessee have found fiber to be
a network element and required the ILECs to offer it on an unbundled basis to
CLECs. There can be no assurance that these requirements, and the associated
pricing methodologies, where applicable will not reduce the demand for fiber
provided by the Company.
The Company has determined that there are advantages to having certain of
its subsidiaries subject to state regulation in Connecticut and New York. As a
regulated carrier in those two jurisdictions, these subsidiaries will have
access to poles and rights of way for its fiber lines that would not be
available to it as an unregulated lessor of fiber. Two subsidiaries of the
Company have, therefore, recently filed petitions in those two states
requesting authority to provide telecommunications services. The Company
anticipates that based on past practices these petitions will be granted within
the next three or four months. As a result, these subsidiaries will incur
certain costs to comply with regulatory requirements such as the filing of
tariffs, submission of periodic financial and operational reports to
regulators, and payment of regulatory fees and assessments in Connecticut and
New York.
Local
In addition to federal and state laws, local governments exercise legal
authority that may impact the Company's business. For example, local
governments, such as the City of Boston and the City of New York, typically
retain the ability to license public rights-of-way, subject to the limitation
that local governments may not prohibit persons from providing
telecommunications services. Local authorities affect the timing and costs
associated with the Company's use of public rights-of-way. These regulations
may have an adverse effect on the Company's business.
Employees
As of June 30, 1998, the Company employed 13 people. The Company's
employees are not represented by any labor union. The Company considers its
relationship with employees to be satisfactory.
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MANAGEMENT
Executive Officers and Directors
The executive officers and directors of the Company and their ages as of
May 20, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard A. Crabtree ........... 51 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer
Victor Colantonio ............. 50 Chairman of the Company, President and Director
William F. Fennell ............ 53 Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
James D. Mack, Jr. ............ 53 Vice President, Sales
Michael A. Musen .............. 49 Vice President, Operations and Secretary
John H. Forsgren .............. 51 Director (1)
David Marsh ................... 50 Director (2)
F. Michael McClain ............ 48 Director (1)
Gary D. Simon ................. 49 Director (2)
Katherine D. Courage .......... 40 Director-designee
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Member of Compensation Committee
(2) Member of Audit Committee
Richard A. Crabtree has been a member of the Board of Directors since 1996 and
was elected Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors in
May 1997. From 1971 to May 1997, Mr. Crabtree held various positions at Central
Maine Power Company, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, Senior Vice President, Customer Service and Vice President, Retail
Operations. Mr. Crabtree also serves as President of MaineCom, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Central Maine Power Company.
Victor Colantonio, the Company's founder and the Chairman and President of the
Company, has been a director of the Company since 1989. Prior to founding the
Company, from 1987 to 1991 Mr. Colantonio was president of International
Communications Services Corp., a provider of network services to New England
Telephone Company, AT&T and others. He served as President of Ireland-based
Murray International from 1986 to 1987, where he sold network services to SNET,
LiTel, MCI, Sprint and others. From 1983 to 1986, Mr. Colantonio served as
Director of Marketing for Tele-Engineering Corp., an advanced WAN/LAN developer
and video switch and ad-insertion manufacturer, and in such capacity he secured
contracts with, among others, USAF Logistic Command, U.S. Navy Underwater
Signal Command and NASA.
William F. Fennell joined the Company in August 1996 and became its Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer in May 1997. From October 1986 to January 1996,
Mr. Fennell was Chief Financial Officer of Philips Electronics Group of North
America, a manufacturer and distributor of electronic and electrical products.
From 1970 to 1986, Mr. Fennell served in various positions at GTE Corporation,
including Director of Operations for the Communications Products Group.
James D. Mack, Jr. joined the Company in March 1998 as its Vice President,
Sales. From March 1997 until joining the Company, Mr. Mack was General Manager
of US Telecenters, an independent telecommunications dealer, representing Bell
Atlantic, Nothern Telecom, GTE Corporation and Southwestern Bell. From 1966
until March 1997, Mr. Mack held various sales and marketing positions at Bell
Atlantic/NYNEX Corporation (formerly NYNEX), including Branch Manager for NYNEX
Systems Marketing.
Michael A. Musen has served as an officer of the Company since its inception,
and became Vice President, Operations in 1996. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Musen was Vice President of International Communications Services Corp.
John H. Forsgren has served as a Director of the Company since May 1998. Mr.
Forsgren has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Northeast Utilities and certain of its affiliates since February 1996.
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From September 1996 to the present, he has served as a director of Connecticut
Yankee Atomic Power Company. From January 1990 to July 1994, he served as
Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer of Euro Disney (a division of the
Walt Disney Company), and from December 1994 to January 1996, he was a Managing
Director of Chase Manhattan Bank.
David E. Marsh has served as Director of the Company since May 1998. Since
1973, he has held various positions at Central Maine Power Company, including
Treasurer, Senior Vice President of Finance, and his current position, Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Marsh also serves as director of Maine Yankee Atomic
Power Company and as Chairman of the Boards of CMPI, MaineCom Union Water Power
Company and Telesmart.
F. Michael McClain has served as a Director of the Company since May 1998. Mr.
McClain has served as Vice President, Corporate Development of Central Maine
Power Company since February 1998. From 1979 to December 1996 he was Group Vice
President-Petroleum for Dead River Company, a petroleum and real estate
company.
Gary D. Simon has served as a Director of the Company since May 1998. Mr. Simon
has served as Senior Vice President-Strategy and Development for the Northeast
Utilities System since April 1998. From 1989 to April 1998, he was Senior
Director, Electric Power of Cambridge Energy Research Associates. From 1984 to
1989, Mr. Simon was Director of California Affairs and then Vice President of
Marketing for El Paso Natural Gas Company. From 1981 to 1984, he served as
President of Sigma Group, an economics consulting and project development
company which he founded in 1981.
There are no family relationships among any of the directors and executive
officers of the Company.
Katherine D. Courage has consented to become a director of the Company upon the
closing of the Offerings. Ms. Courage is a managing director in the Global
Telecommunications and Media Group in the Investment Banking Department of
Credit Suisse First Boston ("CSFB"), one of the underwriters of the Equity
Offering and Debt Offering. Prior to joining CSFB in September 1996, Ms.
Courage worked at Salomon Brothers, Inc for ten years where she was a managing
director with responsibility for the Global Telecommunications Group. Ms.
Courage also worked at Merrill Lynch & Co. in the corporate finance department.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Compensation Committee makes recommendations concerning salaries and
incentive compensation for employees of and consultants to the Company and
administers certain aspects of the Company's incentive plans. See "--1998 Stock
Incentive Plan." The Audit Committee reviews the results and scope of the audit
and other services provided by the Company's independent public accountants.
Compensation of Directors
The Company has no present plans to pay cash compensation to directors.
The Company intends to reimburse directors for certain out-of-pocket expenses
incurred in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or
Committees thereof. In addition, the Company may issue options to the directors
under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan, which options would vest and become
exercisable over time.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth compensation paid to the Chief Executive
Officer and each of the two other most highly compensated individuals who
served as executive officers on December 31, 1997 and who received over
$100,000 in compensation for services rendered to the Company in all capacities
during the year ended December 31, 1997 (the "Named Executive Officers"):
46
<PAGE>
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Compensation
1997 Annual Compensation Awards
-------------------------------------------- -------------------------------
Securities
Other Annual Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position Salary($) Bonus($) Compensation($) Options(#) Compensation($)
- ----------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------------- ------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard A. Crabtree ......... -- -- -- -- --
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer(1)
Victor Colantonio ........... 150,000 2,885 -- -- --
Chairman of the Company,
President and Director(2)
Michael A. Musen ............ 112,000 2,154 -- -- --
Vice President, Operations
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) During 1997, while serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Crabtree was President of MaineCom,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMP, which paid his salary and benefits.
Therefore, the Company did not pay any compensation to Mr. Crabtree for
his services in 1997; however, the Company reimbursed MaineCom $67,808 for
Mr. Crabtree's services in 1997. Effective July 1, 1998, Mr. Crabtree
became a full-time employee of the Company with an annual base salary of
$200,000. In June 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company granted to
him an option to purchase up to 649,628 shares of the Company's Common
Stock, which becomes exercisable in three equal annual installments,
beginning one year after the closing of the Offerings. The exercise price
per share for such option is the price to the public of a share of Common
Stock in the Equity Offering. In addition, Mr. Crabtree has an opportunity
to earn an annual bonus, targeted at 35% of his salary. Upon the closing
of the Offerings, the Company will pay a cash bonus of $500,000 to
MaineCom in recognition of Mr. Crabtree's efforts on behalf of the Company
while he was employed by MaineCom.
(2) In May 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company increased Mr.
Colantonio's annual base salary to $200,000 effective upon the
consummation of the Offerings and granted to him an option to purchase up
to 649,628 shares of the Company's Common Stock, which becomes exercisable
in four equal annual installments, with the first such installment
becoming exercisable upon the closing of the Offerings. The exercise price
per share for such option is the price to the public of a share of Common
Stock in the Equity Offering. In addition, Mr. Colantonio has an
opportunity to earn an annual bonus, targeted at 35% of his salary. In
recognition of Mr. Colantonio's services to the Company in obtaining
financing and establishing and maintaining the Company's utility and
customer relationships, the Board of Directors determined that, upon the
closing of the Offerings, Mr. Colantonio will be entitled to a cash bonus
of $500,000. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Colantonio's employment
agreement with the Company, MaineCom transferred 42,310 shares of Series A
Preferred Stock of the Company to Mr. Colantonio as of April 17, 1998. Mr.
Colantonio may forfeit such shares if he voluntarily terminates employment
with the Company prior to October 14, 2000. See "--Employment Agreements."
Employment Agreements
The Company has entered into an Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998,
with Richard Crabtree. This agreement has an initial term expiring on December
31, 1998, and is extendable by mutual agreement of the parties for an
additional three years. The Agreement provides for an annual base salary of not
less than $200,000 per year, as well as an option to purchase 649,628 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the price to the public of a share
of Common Stock in the Equity Offering, vesting in three equal annual
installments beginning on the first anniversary of the closing of the
Offerings. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr. Crabtree is also entitled to
participate in the Company's executive incentive plan and has an opportunity to
earn an annual bonus, targeted at 35% of his base salary.
The Company has entered into an Employment Agreement with Victor
Colantonio, dated October 15, 1997, as amended. This Agreement has an initial
term of three years and automatically extends for one-year terms thereafter
unless either party gives written notice of its desire to terminate the
agreement no later than the immediately preceding April 1. The Agreement
provides for an annual base salary of not less than $150,000. If Mr.
Colantonio's employment is terminated without cause after the occurrence of a
"Change of Control" (as defined
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<PAGE>
in the Agreement) of the Company, Mr. Colantonio will be entitled to receive a
lump sum payment in an amount equal to 2.99 times his then-current base salary.
Upon consummation of the Offerings, Mr. Colantonio's annual base salary will be
increased to $200,000.
The Company has entered into an Employment Agreement, dated July 1, 1998,
with William Fennell. This Agreement has an initial term expiring on the later
of the third anniversary of the execution date or the third anniversary of the
closing of the Offerings. The Agreement provides for an annual base salary of
not less than $125,000 per year, as well as an option to purchase 162,407
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the price to the public of
a share of Common Stock in the Equity Offering, vesting in four equal
installments beginning on the date of the closing of the Offerings and on each
of the next three anniversaries of such date. Pursuant to the Agreement, Mr.
Fennell is also entitled to participate in the Company's executive incentive
plan and has an opportunity to earn an annual bonus, targeted at 25% of his
base salary.
The Company has also entered into employment agreements with James Mack,
the Company's Vice President, Sales, and Michael Musen, the Company's Vice
President, Operations, dated May 4, 1998 and September 29, 1994, respectively.
The Company's agreement with Mr. Mack has a term of three years and provides
that Mr. Mack will receive a base salary of at least $150,000 per year and
bonus, awards, cash incentives and stock option incentives having an aggregate
value of at least an additional $150,000 per year provided certain performance
targets are met. Pursuant to the terms of this agreement, Mr. Mack was granted
an option to purchase up to 162,407 shares of the Company's Common Stock, which
become exercisable as to 50% of such shares beginning on April 30, 1999 and as
to an additional 25% on each anniversary of such date. The exercise price per
share is the price to the public of a share of Common Stock in the Equity
Offering. The Company's agreement with Mr. Musen has a term of three years and
renews automatically on an annual basis unless terminated by either party on at
least 180 days' notice. The Agreement provides for an annual base salary of
$112,000. In addition, in June 1998 the Board of Directors granted to Mr. Musen
an option to purchase 40,601 shares of the Company's Common Stock, exercisable
in full upon the closing of the Offerings, with an exercise price per share
equal to the price to the public of a share of Common Stock in the Equity
Offering.
Option Grants
The Company did not grant any options to the Named Executive Officers in
1997.
Option Exercises and Options Outstanding
None of the Named Executive Officers held any options as of December 31,
1997.
1998 Stock Incentive Plan
The Company's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") was adopted by
the Board of Directors on May 18, 1998 and approved by the Company's
stockholders on May 26, 1998, and amended and restated by the Board of
Directors and the stockholders on July 28, 1998. The 1998 Plan provides for the
grant of incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), nonstatutory stock
options, restricted stock awards and other stock-based awards, including the
grant of shares based upon certain conditions, the grant of securities
convertible into Common Stock and the grant of stock appreciation rights
(collectively "Awards"). Options may be granted at an exercise price which may
be less than, equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant. Under present law, however, incentive stock options
and options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section
162(m) of the Code may not be granted at an exercise price less than the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant (or less than 110% of the
fair market value in the case of incentive stock options granted to optionees
holding more than 10% of the voting power of the Company). Options granted
under the 1998 Plan typically will vest over time, subject to acceleration upon
a Change in Control of the Company (as defined therein). Restricted stock
awards entitle recipients to acquire shares of Common Stock, subject to the
right of the Company to repurchase all or part of such shares from the
recipient in the event that the conditions specified in the applicable Award
are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period
established for such Award. Under the 1998 Plan, the Board has the right to
grant other Awards based upon the Common Stock having such terms and conditions
as the Board may determine, including the grant of shares based upon certain
conditions, the grant of securities convertible into Common Stock and the grant
of stock appreciation rights. Officers, employees, directors, consultants and
advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to be granted Awards
under the 1998 Plan.
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<PAGE>
The 1998 Plan is administered by the Board of Directors. The Board has the
authority to adopt, amend and repeal the administrative rules, guidelines and
practices relating to the 1998 Plan and to interpret the provisions of the 1998
Plan. The Board has authorized the Compensation Committee to administer the
granting of options to executive officers under the 1998 Plan.
Upon consummation of the Equity Offering, a total of 2,436,105 shares will
be reserved for issuance under the 1998 Plan, of which 1,705,272 shares will be
subject to options granted to employees of the Company with an exercise price
per share equal to the price to the public of a share of Common Stock in the
Equity Offering. See "--Executive Compensation--Employment Agreements."
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During 1997, the Company had no compensation committee, and no officers,
other than Messrs. Crabtree and Colantonio, who were also members of the Board
of Directors, participated in deliberations of the Board of Directors
concerning executive officer compensation. No interlocking relationship exists
between any member of the Company's anticipated Compensation Committee and any
member of any other company's board of directors or compensation committee.
49
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The Company has entered into certain agreements with NU and CMP,
affiliates of which are major stockholders of the Company, relating to fiber
optic facilities and services upon which the NEON system depends. See
"Business--Right-of-Way Agreements." The Company believes that these agreements
are on terms at least as favorable to the Company as could have been obtained
from unaffiliated third parties. NU has waived right-of-way fees otherwise
payable by the Company through 2004 in return for the Company's agreement to
build the NEON system to certain NU facilities and to allow NU to use 12 fibers
on designated route segments in the NU service territory.
In July 1998, the Company entered into a Restructuring and Contribution
Agreement with, inter alia, CMP, MaineCom (an affiliate of CMP) and Mode 1 (an
affiliate of NU) relating to the restructuring of the Company. Pursuant to this
Agreement, each of MaineCom and Mode 1 exchanged membership interests in
subsidiaries of the Company for shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred
Stock of the Company. In addition, pursuant to the Restructuring and
Contribution Agreement, Mr. Colantonio, the Company's President, and Mr. Musen,
the Company's Vice President, Operations, exchanged their membership interests
in FiveCom LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, for shares of the Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company. See "Business --Reorganization."
During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company reimbursed
CMP and/or MaineCom for personnel and construction costs related to activities
of the Company. The amount paid to CMP totaled $310,591 and $725,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. Approximately $0 and
$29,779 was included in accounts payable at December 31, 1996 and 1997,
respectively.
CMP and the Company are parties to a Tax Sharing Agreement pursuant to
which CMP has included the Company in its consolidated federal income tax
return since 1996. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the amounts due under the Tax
Sharing Agreement to the Company from CMP amounted to approximately $0 and
$368,734, respectively, for current and deferred income tax benefits related to
CMP's utilization of the Company's loss carryforwards. As a result of this
arrangement, the Company has no loss carryforwards.
The Company paid NU $3,719,404 in 1996 and $945,667 in 1997 for materials,
labor and other contractor charges related to the construction of the NEON
system. Approximately $357,100 and $494,500 was included in accounts payable at
December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
CMP agreed to allow right-of-way payments otherwise payable by the Company
to accrue so long as amounts borrowed by the Company from Peoples Heritage
Savings Bank under a $1.6 million construction loan agreement were outstanding.
The Company expects to repay the Peoples Heritage Savings Bank loan with the
proceeds of the Offerings. The amount of right-of-way payments accrued through
March 31, 1998 was approximately $120,000.
For a description of certain employment agreements and other arrangements
between the Company and its executive officers, see "Management--Executive
Compensation."
Upon the closing of the Offerings, the Company has agreed to pay a bonus
of $500,000 to each of Mr. Colantonio and MaineCom. The payment to MaineCom is
in recognition of the services provided by Mr. Crabtree, as an employee of
MaineCom, to the Company.
In October 1997, the Company entered into a Construction Loan Agreement
with CMP, as amended in February 1998 and June 1998 (as amended, the "CMP Loan
Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the CMP Loan Agreement, the Company may
borrow up to $30 million to pay approved expenses related to the construction
of the NEON system. Amounts borrowed by the Company bear interest at an annual
interest rate equal to LIBOR plus 3%, and are secured by a first priority
security interest in all of the Company's assets, including the Company's
rights in the NEON system, except that part of the NEON system which is located
in CMP's service territory, as to which CMP's security interest is subordinated
to that of another lender. As of June 30, 1998, the Company had outstanding
principal of approximately $17,875,000 under the CMP Loan Agreement. Amounts
due under the CMP Loan Agreement are being paid in full with the proceeds of
the Offerings. See "Use of Proceeds."
Concurrently with the CMP Loan Agreement, CMP was issued warrants to
purchase 5,876 shares of membership interest in FiveCom LLC with an exercise
price of $.01 per share.
MaineCom has certain rights with respect to the registration of its shares
of the capital stock of the Company. See "Description of Capital
Stock--Registration Rights."
50
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's voting securities as of June 30, 1998, assuming
exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of June 30, 1998, and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of shares of Common Stock offered in the Equity
Offering, by (i) each person who, to the knowledge of the Company, beneficially
owns more than 5% of any class of the Company's voting securities; (ii) each
director of the Company; (iii) each Named Executive Officer of the Company, and
(iv) all directors and officers of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of Shares
Number of of Common Stock
Shares of Beneficially Owned
Common Stock ------------------------------------
Beneficially Prior to the After the
Name(1) Owned(1) Offerings Offerings(2)(3)
- ----------------------------------------- ------------------ -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
5% Stockholders
Central Maine Power Company
83 Edison Drive
Augusta, ME 04336 ...................... 6,458,765(4) 53.5% 38.5%
Northeast Utilities
107 Selden Street
Berlin, CT 06037 ....................... 4,992,015(5) 41.4% 29.7%
Executive Officers and Directors
Richard A. Crabtree(6)(7) ............... -- -- --
Victor Colantonio(8) .................... 293,122 2.4% 1.8
William F. Fennell(9) ................... 40,601 * *
James D. Mack, Jr. ...................... -- -- --
Michael A. Musen(10) .................... 113,141 * *
John H. Forsgren(11) .................... -- -- --
David E. Marsh(7) ....................... -- -- --
F. Michael McClain(7) ................... -- -- --
Gary D. Simon(11) ....................... -- -- --
All executive officers and directors as a
group (9 persons)(12) .................. 446,864 3.6% 2.7%
</TABLE>
- ------------
* Represents less than one percent of the outstanding Common Stock
(1) The address of each person in the table other than Central Maine Power
Company and Northeast Utilities is 391 Totten Pond Road, Suite 401,
Waltham, Massachusetts 02154.
(2) The number of shares beneficially owned by each stockholder is determined
under rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any
other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares
as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment
power and also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire
within 60 days after June 30, 1998. The inclusion herein of such shares,
however, does not constitute an admission that the named stockholder is a
direct or indirect beneficial owner of such shares. Unless otherwise
indicated, each person or entity named in the table has sole voting power
and investment power (or shares such power with his or her spouse) with
respect to all shares of capital stock listed as owned by such person or
entity.
(3) Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option in the
Equity Offering. Reflects the sale by each of the Company, CMP and Mode 1
of 4,000,000, 282,023 and 217,977 shares of Common Stock, respectively, in
the Equity Offering.
(4) Consists of 360,430 shares held by CMP and 6,098,335 shares held by
MaineCom Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMP. Mr. Crabtree, the
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Company, is the President of MaineCom. Mr. Marsh, a director of the
Company, is the Chief Financial Officer of CMP. Mr. McClain, a director of
the Company, is the Vice President, Corporate Development of CMP.
51
<PAGE>
Each of Messrs. Crabtree, Marsh and McClain disclaims beneficial ownership
of the shares held by MaineCom and CMP except to the extent of his
pecuniary interest therein.
(5) All shares beneficially owned by NU are held by Mode 1, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of NU. Mr. Forsgren, a director of the Company, is an Executive
Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer of NU. Mr. Simon, a
director of the Company, is the Senior Vice President-Strategy and
Development for Northeast Utilities Service Company, a service company
affiliate of NU. Each of Messrs. Forsgren and Simon disclaims beneficial
ownership of the shares held by Mode 1 except to the extent of his
pecuniary interest therein.
(6) Does not include 649,628 shares subject to options granted to Mr. Crabtree
in May 1998. See "Management --Executive Compensation."
(7) Does not include shares held by CMP and MaineCom.
(8) Includes 162,407 shares subject to options granted to Mr. Colantonio in
May 1998 exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 1998. See
"Management--Executive Compensation."
(9) Includes 40,601 shares subject to options granted to Mr. Fennell in May
1998 exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 1998. See
"Management--Executive Compensation."
(10) Includes 40,601 shares subject to options granted to Mr. Musen in June
1998 exercisable within 60 days after June 30, 1998. See
"Management--Executive Compensation."
(11) Does not include shares held by Mode 1.
(12) Does not include Katherine D. Courage, who will become a director of the
Company following the completion of the Offerings. Ms. Courage is a
managing director of Credit Suisse First Boston, one of the underwriters
in this Offering. As of June 30, 1998, Ms. Courage did not beneficially
own any shares of Common Stock of the Company.
52
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
As of March 31, 1998 (after giving effect to the Reorganization and the
Preferred Stock Conversion), there were outstanding an aggregate of 12,062,735
shares of Common Stock held of record by 21 stockholders.
Common Stock
The Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the
issuance of up to 30,000,000 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value per share.
Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all
matters submitted to a vote of stockholders and do not have cumulative voting
rights. Accordingly, holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
entitled to vote in any election of directors may elect all of the directors
standing for election. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably
such dividends, if any, as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of
funds legally available therefor, subject to any preferential dividend rights
of outstanding Preferred Stock. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably the
net assets of the Company available after the payment of all debts and other
liabilities and subject to the prior rights of any outstanding Preferred Stock.
Holders of Common Stock have no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
conversion rights. The outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares
offered by the Company in the Equity Offering will be, when issued and paid
for, fully paid and nonassessable. The rights, preferences and privileges of
holders of Common Stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the
rights of the holders of shares of any series of Preferred Stock which the
Company may designate and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to
2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, $.01 par value per share. Under the terms
of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is
authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without stockholder
approval, to issue such shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series. Each
such series of Preferred Stock shall have such rights, preferences, privileges
and restrictions, including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights,
redemption privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be determined by
the Board of Directors.
The purpose of authorizing the Board of Directors to issue Preferred Stock
and determine its rights and preferences is to eliminate delays associated with
a stockholder vote on specific issuances. The issuance of Preferred Stock,
while providing desirable flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions
and other corporate purposes, could have the effect of making it more difficult
for a third party to acquire, or of discouraging a third party from acquiring,
a majority of the outstanding voting stock of the Company. The Company has no
present plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.
Delaware Law and Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions
The Company is subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the General
Corporation Law of Delaware. Section 203 prohibits a publicly-held Delaware
corporation from engaging in a "business combination" with an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in
which the person became an interested stockholder, unless the business
combination is approved in a prescribed manner. A "business combination"
includes mergers, asset sales and other transactions resulting in a financial
benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an
"interested stockholder" is a person who, together with affiliates and
associates, owns, or within three years did own, 15% or more of the
corporation's voting stock.
Under the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, any vacancy on the Board
of Directors, however occurring, including a vacancy resulting from an
enlargement of the Board, may only be filled by vote of a majority of the
directors then in office. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation also
provides that any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders
of the Company at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders may only
be taken if it is properly brought before such meeting and may not be taken by
written action in lieu of a meeting. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation
further provides that special meetings of the stockholders may only be called
by a Chairman of the Board of Directors or by the Board of Directors. Under the
Company's Bylaws, in order for any matter to be considered "properly brought"
before a meeting, a stockholder must comply with certain requirements regarding
advance notice to the Company. The foregoing provisions could have the effect
of delaying until the next stockholders' meeting stockholder actions which are
favored by the holders of a majority of the
53
<PAGE>
outstanding voting securities of the Company. These provisions may also
discourage another person or entity from making a tender offer for the
Company's Common Stock, because such person or entity, even if it acquired a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Company, would be able to
take action as a stockholder (such as electing new directors or approving a
merger) only at a duly called stockholders' meeting, and not by written
consent.
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation contains certain provisions
permitted under the General Corporation Law of Delaware relating to the
liability of directors. The provisions eliminate a director's liability for
monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty, except in certain
circumstances involving wrongful acts, such as the breach of a director's duty
of loyalty or acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or a
knowing violation of law. Further, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
contains provisions to indemnify the Company's directors and officers to the
fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware. The
Company believes that these provisions will assist the Company in attracting
and retaining qualified individuals to serve as directors.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
The transfer agent and registrar for the Company's Common Stock is
BankBoston, N.A.
Registration Rights
In November 1995, the Company and MaineCom entered into a Stock
Subscription Agreement, pursuant to which MaineCom purchased shares of the
Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock. Pursuant to the terms of the
Agreement, MaineCom has the right to have the shares of Common Stock issuable
upon conversion of its shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
("Registrable Securities") included in any registration statement filed by the
Company relating to any public offering of the Company's Common Stock, except
to the extent the number of such shares may be limited by the managing
underwriter of any such offering. In addition, MaineCom may request that the
Company register all or part of the Registrable Securities at any time at least
180 days after the effective date of a registered underwritten offering of the
Company's Common Stock, provided that the anticipated aggregate net offering
price for such securities is at least $10,000,000.
In May 1996, the Company issued a warrant to Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. (now
CIBC Oppenheimer Corp.) ("Oppenheimer"), relating to the right to purchase
65,167 shares of the Company's Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the
"Oppenheimer Warrant"). Pursuant to the terms of the Oppenheimer Warrant, upon
Oppenheimer's request, the Company is required to include any securities
issuable with respect to the Oppenheimer Warrant ("Oppenheimer Registrable
Securities") in any registration statement filed by the Company (other than a
Registration Statement on Form S-8) relating to any public offering of the
Company's Common Stock. In addition, if requested by the holders of 50% of the
Oppenheimer Registrable Securities, the Company is required to register such
securities on a Registration Statement on Form S-3 when the Company becomes
eligible to use such form. However, in lieu of either of the above-referenced
registrations, the Company may purchase the Oppenheimer Registrable Securities
for an amount in cash equal to 95% of the difference between (a) the last sale
price of such securities on the day the request for registration is made and
(b) the exercise price in effect for the Oppenheimer Warrant on such day.
Principal Stockholders Agreement
CMP and NU have entered into an agreement dated May 20, 1998, whereby each
such party agrees that, following the completion of the Offerings, it will not
permit or cause the Company to (i) merge or consolidate, liquidate or dissolve,
change its form of organization or sell, lease, exchange or transfer all or
substantially all of its assets or (ii) seek bankruptcy protection or certain
other protection from creditors, without the consent of both parties. In
addition, each of NU and CMP has rights of first offer in connection with the
proposed sale of Common Stock of the Company held by the other party and the
option to purchase the shares of Common Stock of the Company held by the other
party if such other party seeks bankruptcy protection or similar relief. After
the closing of the Offerings, this agreement will remain in effect for so long
as (a) NU owns at least 10% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company,
fully diluted and (b) the aggregate Common Stock of the Company owned by NU and
CMP is at least 331/3% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, fully
diluted.
54
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
General
The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture, to be dated as of August 5,
1998 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and U.S. Bank Trust National
Association, as Trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the form of the Indenture is
filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part. The Indenture will be subject to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as
amended (the "Trust Indenture Act"). The following summary of the material
provisions of the Indenture does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the
Indenture, including the definitions of certain terms therein and those terms
made a part thereof by the Trust Indenture Act. For purposes of this summary,
the term "Company" refers only to NorthEast Optic Network, Inc., and not to any
of its subsidiaries.
The Notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons,
in denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. No service
charge shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but
the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax
or other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
Terms of the Notes
The Notes will be senior unsecured (except to the extent of the Pledge
Account and the Pledged Securities) obligations of the Company, limited to
$180.0 million aggregate principal amount, and will mature on August 15, 2008.
The Notes will bear interest at the rate per annum shown on the cover page
hereof from August 5, 1998, or from the most recent date to which interest has
been paid or provided for, payable semiannually to Holders of record at the
close of business on the February 1 or August 1 immediately preceding the
interest payment date on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing
February 15, 1999. The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at 1% per
annum in excess of such rate, and it will pay interest on overdue installments
of interest at such higher rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Optional Redemption
The Notes will not be redeemable at the option of the Company prior to
August 15, 2003. Thereafter, the Notes will be redeemable, at the Company's
option, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time, upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days' prior notice mailed by first-class mail to each
Holder's registered address, at the following redemption prices (expressed in
percentages of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to
the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant
record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if
redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on August 15 of the years set
forth below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Redemption
Period Price
- ----------------------------- -------------
<S> <C>
2003 ........................ 106.375%
2004 ........................ 104.250
2005 ........................ 102.125
2006 and thereafter ......... 100.000
</TABLE>
In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the Notes for
redemption will be made by the Trustee on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such
other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion shall deem to be fair and
appropriate, although no Note of $1,000 in principal amount or less shall be
redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption relating to such Note shall state the portion of the principal
amount thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the
unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof
upon cancellation of the original Note.
Ranking
The indebtedness evidenced by the Notes will be senior unsecured (except
to the extent of the Pledge Account and the Pledged Securities) obligations of
the Company. The Notes will be senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness of the Company and will rank pari passu in right of payment with
all existing and future
55
<PAGE>
indebtedness of the Company that is not by its terms subordinated in right and
priority to the Notes. As of March 31, 1998, after giving effect to the
issuance of the Notes and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the
Company's senior indebtedness outstanding would have been approximately $180.4
million (consisting of the Notes and $437,042 of other indebtedness).
A portion of the operations of the Company are conducted through its
subsidiaries. Claims of creditors of such subsidiaries, including trade
creditors, secured creditors and creditors holding indebtedness and guarantees
issued by such subsidiaries, and claims of preferred stockholders (if any) of
such subsidiaries generally will have priority with respect to the assets and
earnings of such subsidiaries over the claims of creditors of the Company,
including holders of the Notes. The Notes, therefore, will be effectively
subordinated to creditors (including trade creditors) and preferred
stockholders (if any) of subsidiaries of the Company. As of March 31, 1998, on
a pro forma as adjusted basis after giving effect to the Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom and to the Reorganization, the total
liabilities of the Company's subsidiaries were approximately $289,000,
including trade payables. Although the Indenture limits the incurrence of
Indebtedness and preferred stock of certain of the Company's subsidiaries, such
limitation is subject to a number of significant qualifications. Moreover, the
Indenture does not impose any limitation on the incurrence by such subsidiaries
of liabilities that are not considered Indebtedness or Preferred Stock under
the Indenture. See "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness."
Security
The Indenture will provide that upon the closing of the Debt Offering, the
Company shall apply a portion of the net proceeds of the Debt Offering to
purchase, and pledge to the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the
Notes, the Pledged Securities in such amount as will be sufficient upon receipt
of scheduled interest and principal payments on such securities to provide for
payment in full of the first seven scheduled interest payments due on the
Notes. The Company expects to use approximately $72.0 million of the net
proceeds of the Debt Offering to acquire the Pledged Securities; however, the
precise amount of securities to be acquired will depend upon the interest rates
on U.S. government obligations prevailing at the time of the closing of the
Debt Offering and the interest rate on the Notes. The Pledged Securities will
be pledged by the Company to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the
Notes pursuant to a Pledge Agreement and will be held by the Trustee in the
Pledge Account. Pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, immediately prior to an
interest payment date on the Notes, the Company may either deposit with the
Trustee, from funds otherwise available to the Company, cash sufficient to pay
the interest scheduled to be paid on such date or the Company may direct the
Trustee to release from the Pledge Account proceeds sufficient to pay interest
then due. In the event that the Company exercises the former option, the
Company may thereafter direct the Trustee to release to the Company proceeds or
Pledged Securities from the Pledge Account in like amount. The failure by the
Company to pay interest on the Notes in a timely manner through February 15,
2002 will constitute an immediate Event of Default under the Indenture, with no
grace period or cure period.
Interest earned on the Pledged Securities will be added to the Pledge
Account. In the event that the funds or Pledged Securities held in the Pledge
Account exceed the amount sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized
firm of independent public accountants selected by the Company, to provide for
payment in full of the first seven scheduled interest payments due on the Notes
(or, in the event an interest payment or payments have been made, an amount
sufficient to provide for payment in full of any interest payments remaining,
up to and including the seventh scheduled interest payment) the Trustee will
release to the Company at the Company's request any such excess amount. The
Notes will be secured by a first priority security interest in the Pledged
Securities and in the Pledge Account and the Pledged Securities and the Pledge
Account will also secure repayment of the principal amount of the Notes to the
extent of such security.
Under the Pledge Agreement, assuming that the Company makes the first
seven scheduled interest payments on the Notes in a timely manner, all of the
Pledged Securities will have been released from the Pledge Account and
thereafter the Notes will be unsecured.
56
<PAGE>
Book-Entry, Delivery and Form
The Notes sold will be issued in the form of a Global Note. The Global
Note will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the Depository and registered in
the name of the Depository or its nominee. Except as set forth below, the
Global Note may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to the
Depository or another nominee of the Depository. Investors may hold their
beneficial interests in the Global Note directly through the Depository if they
have an account with the Depository or indirectly through organizations which
have accounts with the Depository.
Upon the transfer of a Note in definitive form, such Note will, unless the
Global Note has previously been exchanged for Notes in definitive form, be
exchanged for an interest in the Global Note representing the principal amount
of Notes being transferred.
The Depository has advised the Company as follows: The Depository is a
limited-purpose trust company and organized under the laws of the State of New
York, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within
the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and "a clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. The
Depository was created to hold securities of institutions that have accounts
with the Depository ("participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such securities
through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. The
Depository's participants include securities brokers and dealers (which may
include the Initial Purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations. Access to the Depository's book-entry system
is also available to others such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant,
whether directly or indirectly.
Upon the issuance of the Global Note, the Depository will credit, on its
book-entry registration and transfer system, the principal amount of the Notes
represented by such Global Note to the accounts of participants. Ownership of
beneficial interests in the Global Note will be limited to participants or
persons that may hold interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial
interests in the Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of those
ownership interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depository (with respect to participants' interest) and such participants (with
respect to the owners of beneficial interests in the Global Note other than
participants). The laws of some jurisdictions may require that certain
purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
definitive form. Such limits and laws may impair the ability to transfer or
pledge beneficial interests in the Global Note.
So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is the registered holder and
owner of the Global Note, the Depository or such nominee, as the case may be,
will be considered the sole legal owner and holder of the related Notes for all
purposes of such Notes and the Indenture. Except as set forth below, owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Note will not be entitled to have the Notes
represented by the Global Note registered in their names, will not receive or
be entitled to receive physical delivery of certificated Notes in definitive
form and will not be considered to be the owners or holders of any Notes under
the Global Note. The Company understands that under existing industry practice,
in the event an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Note desires to
take any action that the Depository, as the holder of the Global Note, is
entitled to take, the Depository would authorize the participants to take such
action, and that the participants would authorize beneficial owners owning
through such participants to take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
Payment of principal of and interest on Notes represented by the Global
Note registered in the name of and held by the Depository or its nominee will
be made to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered
owner and holder of the Global Note.
The Company expects that the Depository or its nominee, upon receipt of
any payment of principal of or interest on the Global Note, will credit
participants' accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the Global Note as
shown on the records of the Depository or its nominee. The Company also expects
that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the Global
Note held through such participants will be governed by standing instructions
and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participants.
The Company will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to, or payments made on account of, beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Note for any Note or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests
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or for any other aspect of the relationship between the Depository and its
participants or the relationship between such participants and the owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Note owning through such participants.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for certificated
Notes in definitive form, the Global Note may not be transferred except as a
whole by the Depository to a nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such
Depository to such Depository or another nominee of such Depository.
Although the Depository has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Note among participants of the
Depository, it is under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such
procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither the
Trustee nor the Company will have any responsibility for the performance by the
Depository or its participants or indirect participants of their respective
obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
Certificated Notes
The Notes represented by the Global Note are exchangeable for certificated
Notes in definitive form of like tenor as such Notes in denominations of U.S.
$1,000 and integral multiples thereof if (i) the Depository notifies the
Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depository for the Global
Note or if at any time the Depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under the Exchange Act and a successor Depository is not appointed by the
Company within 90 days, (ii) the Company in its discretion at any time
determines not to have all of the Notes represented by the Global Note or (iii)
an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. Any Note that is
exchangeable pursuant to the preceding sentence is exchangeable for
certificated Notes issuable in authorized denominations and registered in such
names as the Depository shall direct. Subject to the foregoing, the Global Note
is not exchangeable, except for a Global Note of the same aggregate
denomination to be registered in the name of the Depository or its nominee.
Same-Day Payment
The Indenture will require that payments in respect of Notes (including
principal, premium and interest) be made by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the accounts specified by the holders thereof or, if no such
account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holder's registered
address.
Change of Control
Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a "Change of
Control"), each Holder shall have the right to require that the Company
repurchase such Holder's Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof on the date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of holders of
record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date):
(i) any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the
Exchange Act), other than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the
beneficial owner (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 3d-5 under the Exchange
Act, except that for purposes of this clause (i) such person shall be
deemed to have "beneficial ownership" of all shares that any such person
has the right to acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or
only after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more than 35%
of the total voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company; provided,
however, that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined in Rules
13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, in the
aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the Voting Stock
of the Company than such other person and do not have the right or ability
by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a
majority of the Board of Directors (for the purposes of this clause (i),
such other person shall be deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a
specified corporation held by another Person (a "parent corporation") if
such other person is the beneficial owner (as described in this clause
(i)), directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the
Voting Stock of such parent corporation and the Permitted Holders
beneficially own (as described in this clause (i)), directly or indirectly,
in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the voting power of the Voting
Stock of such parent corporation and do not have the right or ability by
voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate for election a
majority of the board of directors of such parent corporation);
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(ii) individuals who on the Issue Date constituted the Board of Directors
(together with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors
or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Company was
approved by a vote of 662/3% of the directors of the Company then still in
office who were either directors on the Issue Date or whose election or
nomination for election was previously so approved) cease for any reason to
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office;
(iii) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution
of the Company; or
(iv) the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into another
Person or the merger of another Person with or into the Company, or the
sale of all or substantially all the assets of the Company to another
Person (other than a Person that is controlled by the Permitted Holders),
and, in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the securities of the
Company that are outstanding immediately prior to such transaction and
which represent 100% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of
the Company are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or property,
unless pursuant to such transaction such securities are changed into or
exchanged for, in addition to any other consideration, securities of the
surviving corporation that represent immediately after such transaction, at
least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the
surviving corporation.
Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a
notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee (the "Change of Control
Offer") stating: (1) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such Holder
has the right to require the Company to purchase such Holder's Notes at a
purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof on the
date of purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
purchase (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date
to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date); (2) the
circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control (including
information with respect to pro forma historical income, cash flow and
capitalization after giving effect to such Change of Control); (3) the
repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days
from the date such notice is mailed); and (4) the instructions determined by
the Company, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder
must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.
If a Holder's Notes are redeemed by the Company pursuant to its option to
redeem Notes as described under "--Optional Redemption" prior to the date on
which the Company would be obligated to pay for such Notes tendered pursuant to
a Change of Control Offer, such Holder will be entitled to receive only the
redemption price. The Company will not be required to make a Change of Control
Offer following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of
Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the
requirements set forth in the Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer
made by the Company and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn
under such Change of Control Offer.
The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements
of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or
regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this
covenant described hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any
securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant
described hereunder, the Company shall comply with the applicable securities
laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations
under the covenant described hereunder by virtue thereof.
The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between
the Company and the Underwriters. Management has no present intention to engage
in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that
the Company would decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations
discussed below, the Company could, in the future, enter into certain
transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations,
that would not constitute a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that
could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise
affect the Company's capital structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on the
ability of the Company to incur additional Indebtedness are contained in the
covenants described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness",
"--Limitation on Liens" and "--Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions." Such
restrictions can only be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations
contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture will not contain any
covenants or provisions that may afford holders of the Notes protection in the
event of a highly leveraged transaction.
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Future indebtedness of the Company may contain prohibitions on the
occurrence of certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or
require such indebtedness to be repurchased upon a Change of Control. Moreover,
the exercise by the holders of their right to require the Company to repurchase
the Notes could cause a default under such indebtedness, even if the Change of
Control itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchase on the
Company. Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to the holders of Notes
following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by the Company's
then existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that sufficient
funds will be available when necessary to make any required repurchases. The
provisions under the Indenture relative to the Company's obligation to make an
offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control may be waived
or modified with the written consent of the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes.
Certain Covenants
The Indenture contains covenants including, among others, the following:
Limitation on Indebtedness. (a) The Company shall not, and shall not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur, directly or indirectly, any
Indebtedness; provided, however, that the Company may Incur Indebtedness if, on
the date of such Incurrence and after giving effect thereto, the Consolidated
Leverage Ratio would be a positive number that is less than 5.5 to 1.0 if such
Indebtedness is Incurred on or prior to December 31, 2000 or 5.0 to 1.0 if such
Indebtedness is Incurred thereafter.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur any or all of the following Indebtedness:
(1) Indebtedness consisting of Debt Securities that are Subordinated
Obligations with a Stated Maturity that is no earlier than the Stated
Maturity of the Notes and Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to Credit
Agreements or Vendor Credit Facilities; provided, however, that, after
giving effect to any such Incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of
such Indebtedness then outstanding does not exceed $150.0 million less
the sum of all principal payments with respect to such Indebtedness
pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)(A) of the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock"; provided
further, however, that the aggregate principal amount of such
Indebtedness consisting of Debt Securities that are Subordinated
Obligations does not exceed $100.0 million;
(2) Indebtedness owed to and held by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary; provided, however, that (i) any subsequent issuance or
transfer of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary which results
in any such Indebtedness being owned or held by a Person that is no
longer a Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of such
Indebtedness (other than to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary)
shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such
Indebtedness by the obligor thereon and (ii) if the Company is the
obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is expressly
subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations
with respect to the Notes;
(3) the Notes;
(4) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date (other than Indebtedness
described in clause (1), (2) or (3) of this covenant);
(5) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant
to paragraph (a) or pursuant to clause (3) or (4) above, this clause (5)
or clause (7) below;
(6) Hedging Obligations directly related to Indebtedness permitted to be
Incurred by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to
paragraphs (a) or (b) hereof;
(7) Indebtedness of the Company Incurred after the Issue Date in an amount
which, when taken together with the amount of any other Indebtedness
Incurred after the Issue Date pursuant to this clause (7) does not
exceed the sum of (A) two times the Net Cash Proceeds and (B) the Fair
Market Value of any property, plant and equipment, in each case received
by the Company after the Issue Date as a capital contribution from, or
from the issuance and sale of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified
Stock) to, a Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Company, and, in the
case of such Net Cash Proceeds, only to the extent such Net Cash
Proceeds have not been used pursuant to paragraph (a)(3)(B) or paragraph
(b)(i) of the covenant described under "--Limitation on Restricted
Payments" to make a Restricted Payment; provided,
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however, that any such Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this clause (7)
does not mature prior to the Stated Maturity of the Notes and has an
Average Life longer than the Average Life of the Notes;
(8) Guarantees by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Notes, Indebtedness
Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) above and any Indebtedness that
Refinances the Notes or any Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to paragraph
(a) above;
(9) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred and outstanding on or
prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by the Company
(other than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or to provide all
or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to consummate,
the transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which such
Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company) and any
Refinancing Indebtedness with respect to such Indebtedness; provided,
however, that the aggregate principal amount of all Indebtedness
Incurred pursuant to this clause (9) at any time outstanding shall not
exceed $40 million; and
(10) Indebtedness Incurred in an aggregate amount which, when taken
together with the aggregate amount of all other Indebtedness of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on the date of such
Incurrence (other than Indebtedness permitted by clause (1) through (9)
above or paragraph (a)) does not exceed $5 million.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not Incur any
Indebtedness pursuant to the foregoing paragraph (b) if the proceeds thereof
are used, directly or indirectly, to Refinance any Subordinated Obligations
unless such Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Notes to at least the
same extent as such Subordinated Obligations.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with the foregoing covenant,
(i) in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than
one of the types of Indebtedness described above, the Company, in its sole
discretion, will classify such item of Indebtedness and only be required to
include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one of the above clauses
and (ii) an item of Indebtedness may be divided and classified in more than one
of the types of Indebtedness described above. For the purposes of determining
the amount of Indebtedness outstanding at any time, Guarantees with respect to
Indebtedness otherwise included in the determination of such amount shall not
be included.
Limitation on Restricted Payments. (a) The Company shall not, and shall
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to make a
Restricted Payment if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
makes such Restricted Payment: (1) a Default shall have occurred and be
continuing (or would result therefrom); (2) the Company is not able to Incur an
additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of the covenant
described under "--Limitation on Indebtedness"; or (3) the aggregate amount of
such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments since the Issue Date
would exceed the sum of (without duplication):
(A) the remainder of (x) cumulative EBITDA during the period (taken as a
single accounting period) beginning on the first day of the fiscal
quarter of the Company beginning after the Issue Date and ending on the
last day of the most recent fiscal quarter for which financial
statements have been made publicly available but in no event ending more
than 135 days prior to the date of such determination minus (y) the
product of 1.5 times cumulative Consolidated Interest Expense during
such period;
(B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company from the
issuance or sale of its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock)
subsequent to the Issue Date (other than an (x) issuance or sale to a
Subsidiary of the Company, (y) an issuance or sale to an employee stock
ownership plan or to a trust established by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees and (z) an issuance or
sale that served as the basis for the Incurrance of Indebtedness
pursuant to paragraph (b)(7) of the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Indebtedness");
(C) the amount by which Indebtedness of the Company is reduced on the
Company's balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a
Subsidiary of the Company) subsequent to the Issue Date of any
Indebtedness of the Company convertible or exchangeable for Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company (less the amount of
any cash, or the fair value of any other property, distributed by the
Company upon such conversion or exchange); and
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(D) an amount equal to the sum of (i) the net reduction in Investments in
Unrestricted Subsidiaries resulting from dividends, repayments of loans
or advances or other transfers of assets, in each case to the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary from Unrestricted Subsidiaries, and (ii) the
portion (proportionate to the Company's equity interest in such
Subsidiary) of the fair market value of the net assets of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time such Unrestricted Subsidiary is
designated a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that the
foregoing sum shall not exceed, in the case of any Unrestricted
Subsidiary, the amount of Investments previously made (and treated as a
Restricted Payment) by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in such
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
(b) The provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit:
(i) any Restricted Payment (other than a Restricted Payment described in
clause (i) of the definition of "Restricted Payment") made out of the Net
Cash Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, or made by exchange
for, Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock, Capital
Stock issued or sold to a Subsidiary of the Company or an employee stock
ownership plan or to a trust established by the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees or Capital Stock, the
issuance or sale of which served as the basis for the Incurrence of
Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (b)(7) of the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Indebtedness"); provided, however, that (A) such
Restricted Payment shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments and (B) the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale used to
make such Restricted Payment shall be excluded from the calculation of
amounts under clause (3)(B) of paragraph (a) above;
(ii) any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other
acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Obligations made by
exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale
of, Indebtedness of the Company which is permitted to be Incurred pursuant
to the covenant described under "--Limitation on Indebtedness"; provided,
however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other
acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the calculation of
the amount of Restricted Payments;
(iii) dividends paid within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof
if at such date of declaration such dividend would have complied with this
covenant; provided, however, that at the time of payment of such dividend,
no other Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or result
therefrom); provided further, however, that such dividend shall be included
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; or
(iv) the repurchase or other acquisition of shares of, or options to
purchase shares of, common stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
from employees, former employees, directors or former directors of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or permitted transferees of such
employees, former employees, directors or former directors), pursuant to
the terms of the agreements (including employment agreements) or plans (or
amendments thereto) approved by the Board of Directors under which such
individuals purchase or sell or are granted the option to purchase or sell,
shares of such common stock; provided, however, that the aggregate amount
of such repurchases and other acquisitions shall not exceed $500,000 in any
calendar year; provided further, however, that such repurchases and other
acquisitions shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments.
Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective
any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted
Subsidiary to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital
Stock to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or pay any Indebtedness owed to
the Company, (b) make any loans or advances to the Company or (c) transfer any
of its property or assets to the Company (the payments, distributions, loans,
advances and transfers described in (a), (b) and (c) being called the
"Subsidiary Distributions"), except:
(i) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement in effect at
or entered into on the Issue Date;
(ii) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted
Subsidiary pursuant to an agreement relating to any Indebtedness Incurred
by such Restricted Subsidiary on or prior to the date on which such
Restricted Subsidiary was acquired by the Company (other than Indebtedness
Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or any portion of the funds
or credit support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series
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of related transactions pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary became
a Restricted Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company) and outstanding on
such date;
(iii) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement effecting a
Refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to
in clause (i) or (ii) of this covenant or this clause (iii) or contained in
any amendment to an agreement referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of this
covenant or this clause (iii); provided, however, that the encumbrances and
restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary contained in any
such refinancing agreement or amendment are no less favorable to the
Noteholders than encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such
Restricted Subsidiary contained in such predecessor agreements;
(iv) any customary encumbrance or restriction applicable to a Restricted
Subsidiary that is contained in an agreement or instrument governing or
relating to Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to clause (b)(1) of the covenant
described under "Limitation on Indebtedness"; provided, however, that such
encumbrances and restrictions permit the distribution of funds to the
Company in an amount sufficient for the Company to make the timely payment
of interest, premium (if any) and principal (whether at stated maturity, by
way of a sinking fund applicable thereto, by way of any mandatory
redemption, defeasance, retirement or repurchase thereof, including upon
the occurrence of designated events or circumstances or by virtue of
acceleration upon an event of default, or by way of redemption or
retirement at the option of the holder of the Indebtedness, including
pursuant to offers to purchase) according to the terms of the Indenture and
the Notes and other Indebtedness that is solely an obligation of the
Company; provided further, however, that such agreement or instrument may
nevertheless contain (A) customary net worth, leverage, invested capital
and other financial covenants, customary covenants regarding the merger of
or sale of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary, customary restrictions on transactions with
affiliates and customary subordination provisions governing Indebtedness
owed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and (B) a customary
provision prohibiting such Restricted Subsidiary from making any Subsidiary
Distributions upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any payment
default under any such agreement or instrument (for purposes of this clause
(iv), any determination as to what is customary shall be conclusively
determined in good faith by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company as
certified to the Trustee at the time such agreement or instrument is
entered into);
(v) any such encumbrance or restriction consisting of customary non
assignment provisions in leases governing leasehold interests to the extent
such provisions restrict the transfer of the lease or the property leased
thereunder;
(vi) in the case of clause (c) above, restrictions contained in security
agreements or mortgages securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary to
the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the property subject
to such security agreements or mortgages; and
(vii) any restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed
pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or
substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary
pending the closing of such sale or disposition.
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock. (a) The Company shall
not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly,
consummate any Asset Disposition unless (i) the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Disposition at
least equal to the fair market value (including as to the value of all non-cash
consideration), as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, of the
shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition and at least 75% of the
consideration thereof received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is
in the form of cash or cash equivalents and (ii) an amount equal to 100% of the
Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by the Company (or
such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be) (A) first, to the extent the
Company elects (or is required by the terms of any Indebtedness), to prepay,
repay, redeem or purchase Senior Indebtedness or Indebtedness (other than any
Disqualified Stock) of a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (in each case other than
Indebtedness owed to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company controlled
directly or indirectly by the Company) within one year from the later of the
date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash; (B)
second, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after
application in accordance with clause (A), to the extent the Company elects, to
acquire Additional Assets within one year from the later of the date of such
Asset Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash; and (C) third, to
the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash after application
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in accordance with clauses (A) and (B), to make an offer to the holders of the
Notes pursuant to and subject to the conditions contained in the Indenture;
provided, however, that in connection with any prepayment, repayment or
purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to clause (A) or (C) above, the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary shall permanently retire such Indebtedness and shall
cause the related loan commitment (if any) to be permanently reduced in an
amount equal to the principal amount so prepaid, repaid or purchased.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be required to apply any Net Available Cash
in accordance with this paragraph except to the extent that the aggregate Net
Available Cash from all Asset Dispositions which are not applied in accordance
with this paragraph exceeds $5.0 million. Pending application of Net Available
Cash pursuant to this covenant, such Net Available Cash shall be invested in
Permitted Investments or used to reduce outstanding borrowings under revolving
credit facilities.
For the purposes of clause (a)(i) above, the following are deemed to be
cash or cash equivalents: (x) the assumption of Indebtedness of the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary and the release of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness in connection with such
Asset Disposition and (y) securities received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by the Company or
such Restricted Subsidiary into cash.
(b) In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires the purchase of the
Notes pursuant to clause (a)(ii)(C) above, the Company will be required to
purchase Notes tendered pursuant to an offer by the Company for the Notes at a
purchase price of 100% of their principal amount (without premium) plus accrued
but unpaid interest in accordance with the procedures (including prorating in
the event of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture. The Company shall
not be required to make such an offer to purchase Notes pursuant to this
covenant if the Net Available Cash available therefor is less than $5 million
(which lesser amount shall be carried forward for purposes of determining
whether such an offer is required with respect to the Net Available Cash from
any subsequent Asset Disposition).
(c) The Company shall comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws
or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this
covenant. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with provisions of this covenant, the Company shall comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to
have breached its obligations under this clause by virtue thereof.
Limitation on Affiliate Transactions. (a) The Company shall not, and shall
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or permit to exist any
transaction (including the purchase, sale, lease or exchange of any property,
employee compensation arrangements or the rendering of any service) with any
Affiliate of the Company (an "Affiliate Transaction") unless the terms thereof
(1) are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than
those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in arm's-length
dealings with a Person who is not such an Affiliate, (2) if such Affiliate
Transaction involves an amount in excess of $1.0 million, (i) are set forth in
writing and (ii) have been approved by a majority of the members of the Board
of Directors having no personal stake in such Affiliate Transaction and (3) if
such Affiliate Transaction involves as amount in excess of $5.0 million, have
been determined by nationally recognized investment banking firm to be fair,
from a financial standpoint, to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
(b) The provisions of the foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit (i)
any Restricted Payment permitted to be paid pursuant to the covenant described
under "--Limitation on Restricted Payments", (ii) any issuance of securities,
or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant
to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock
ownership plans approved by the Board of Directors, (iii) the grant of stock
options or similar rights to employees and directors of the Company pursuant to
plans approved by the Board of Directors, (iv) loans or advances to employees
in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the past practices of the
Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, but in any event not to exceed $1.0
million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time, (v) the payment of
reasonable fees to directors of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries who
are not employees of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, (vi) any
Affiliate Transaction between the Company and a Wholly Owned Subsidiary or
between Wholly Owned Subsidiaries and (vii) the issuance or sale of any Capital
Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company.
Limitation on the Sale or Issuance of Capital Stock of Restricted
Subsidiaries. The Company shall not sell or otherwise dispose of any Capital
Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, and shall not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary,
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directly or indirectly, to issue or sell or otherwise dispose of any of its
Capital Stock except (i) to the Company or a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, (ii)
directors' qualifying shares, (iii) if, immediately after giving effect to such
issuance, sale or other disposition, neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries own any Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary or (iv) if,
immediately after giving effect to such issuance, sale or other disposition,
such Restricted Subsidiary would no longer constitute a Restricted Subsidiary
and any Investment in such Person remaining after giving effect thereto would
have been permitted to be made under the covenant described under "--Limitation
on Restricted Payments" if made on the date of such issuance, sale or other
disposition.
Limitation on Liens. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur or permit to exist any
Lien of any nature whatsoever on any of its properties (including Capital Stock
of a Restricted Subsidiary), whether owned at the Issue Date or thereafter
acquired, other than Permitted Liens, without effectively providing that the
Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) the obligations
so secured for so long as such obligations are so secured.
Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions. The Company shall not, and
shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Sale/Leaseback
Transaction with respect to any property unless (i) the Company or such
Subsidiary would be entitled to (A) Incur Indebtedness in an amount equal to
the Attributable Debt with respect to such Sale/Leaseback Transaction pursuant
to the covenant described under "--Limitation on Indebtedness" and (B) create a
Lien on such property securing such Attributable Debt without equally and
ratably securing the Notes pursuant to the covenant described under
"--Limitation on Liens", (ii) the net proceeds received by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary in connection with such Sale/Leaseback Transaction are at
least equal to the fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of such
property and (iii) the Company applies the proceeds of such transaction in
compliance with the covenant described under "--Limitation on Sale of Assets
and Subsidiary Stock."
Future Guarantors. The Company shall cause each Restricted Subsidiary that
Guarantees any Indebtedness of the Company (other than the Notes) pursuant to
clause (b)(8) of the covenant described under "--Limitation on Indebtedness" to
guarantee the Notes on substantially the same terms and conditions as such
Guarantee.
Merger and Consolidation. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge
with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of
transactions, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless: (i)
the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the "Successor Company") shall
be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor
Company (if not the Company) shall expressly assume, by an indenture
supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form
satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Company under the Notes
and the Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction
(and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an obligation of the Successor
Company or any Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been
Incurred by such Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such
transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing; (iii)
immediately after giving effect to such transaction, the Successor Company's
Consolidated Leverage Ratio is not greater than the Company's Consolidated
Leverage Ratio immediately prior to such transaction; and (iv) the Company
shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of
Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such
supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture.
The Successor Company shall be the successor to the Company and shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under the Indenture, but the predecessor Company in the case of a
conveyance, transfer or lease shall not be released from the obligation to pay
the principal of and interest on the Notes.
SEC Reports. Notwithstanding that the Company may not be subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company
shall file with the SEC and provide the Trustee and Noteholders with such
annual reports and such information, documents and other reports as are
specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable to a U.S.
corporation subject to such Sections, such information, documents and other
reports to be so filed and provided at the times specified for the filing of
such information, documents and reports under such Sections.
Ratings. The Company shall use its best efforts to receive a rating on the
Notes from each of Moody's Investor Service, Inc. and Standard and Poor's
Rating Services on or before the second anniversary of the Issue Date.
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Defaults
An Event of Default is defined in the Indenture as (i) a default in the
payment of interest on the Notes when due, as to any interest payment date
falling on or prior to February 15, 2002, and any such default in the payment
of interest on the Notes continued for 30 days as to any interest payment date
thereafter, (ii) a default in the payment of principal of any Note when due at
its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon
declaration or otherwise, (iii) the failure by the Company to comply with its
obligations under "--Certain Covenants--Merger and Consolidation" above, (iv)
the failure by the Company to comply for 30 days after notice with any of its
obligations in the covenants described above under "--Change of Control" (other
than a failure to purchase Notes) or under "--Certain Covenants" under
"--Limitation on Indebtedness", "--Limitation on Restricted Payments",
"--Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries",
"--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" (other than a failure to
purchase Notes), "--Limitation on Affiliate Transactions", "--Limitation on the
Sale or Issuance of Capital Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries", "--Limitation on
Liens", "--Limitation on Sale/Leaseback Transactions", "--Future Guarantors",
"--SEC Reports" or "--Ratings", (v) the failure by the Company to comply for 60
days after notice with its other agreements contained in the Indenture, (vi)
Indebtedness of the Company or any Significant Subsidiary not being paid within
any applicable grace period after final maturity or being accelerated by the
holders thereof because of a default and the total amount of such Indebtedness
unpaid or accelerated exceeds $5 million (the "cross acceleration provision"),
(vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company
or a Significant Subsidiary (the "bankruptcy provisions"), (viii) any judgment
or decree for the payment of money in excess of $5 million is entered against
the Company or a Significant Subsidiary, remains outstanding for a period of 60
days following such judgment and is not discharged, waived or stayed within 10
days after notice (the "judgment default provision") or (ix) the security
interest under the Pledge Agreement shall cease to be in full force and effect
for any reason other than in accordance with its terms or such security
interest shall be declared invalid or unenforceable or the Company shall
assert, in any pleading in any court of competent jurisdiction, that such
security interest is invalid or unenforceable (the "security default
provision"). However, a default under clauses (iv), (v) and (viii) will not
constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Company of the default and
the Company does not cure such default within the time specified after receipt
of such notice.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the
holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may
declare the principal of and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be
due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be
due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to certain events
of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company occurs and is
continuing, the principal of and interest on all the Notes will ipso facto
become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act
on the part of the Trustee or any holders of the Notes. Under certain
circumstances, the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding
Notes may rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its
consequences.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will
be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders of the Notes unless
such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security
against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive
payment of principal, premium (if any) or interest when due, no holder of a
Note may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless
(i) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of
Default is continuing, (ii) holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy, (iii) such
holders have offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any
loss, liability or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request
within 60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity
and (v) the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes
have not given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within
such 60-day period. Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the outstanding Notes are given the right to direct the
time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to
the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The
Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or
the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the
rights of any other holder of a Note or that would involve the Trustee in
personal liability.
The Indenture provides that if a Default occurs and is continuing and is
known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder of the Notes notice
of the Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default
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in the payment of principal of or interest on any Note, the Trustee may
withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers determines
that withholding notice is not opposed to the interest of the holders of the
Notes. In addition, the Company is required to deliver to the Trustee, within
120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether
the signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year.
The Company also is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after
the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute
certain Defaults, their status and what action the Company is taking or
proposes to take in respect thereof.
Amendments and Waivers
Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with the
consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange for the Notes) and any past default or compliance with any provisions
may also be waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in principal
amount of the Notes then outstanding. However, without the consent of each
holder of an outstanding Note affected thereby, no amendment may, among other
things, (i) reduce the amount of Notes whose holders must consent to an
amendment, (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest
on any Note, (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any
Note, (iv) reduce the amount payable upon the redemption of any Note or change
the time at which any Note may be redeemed as described under "--Optional
Redemption", (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the
Note, (vi) impair the right of any holder of the Notes to receive payment of
principal of and interest on such holder's Notes on or after the due dates
therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with
respect to such holder's Notes, (vii) make any change in the amendment
provisions which require each holder's consent or in the waiver provisions or
(viii) make any change in the Pledge Agreement that would adversely affect the
rights of any Noteholder.
Without the consent of any holder of the Notes, the Company and Trustee
may amend the Indenture to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
inconsistency, to provide for the assumption by a successor corporation of the
obligations of the Company under the Indenture, to provide for uncertificated
Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes (provided that the
uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section
163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are
described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code), to add guarantees with respect
to the Notes, to secure the Notes, to add to the covenants of the Company for
the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power
conferred upon the Company, to make any change that does not adversely affect
the rights of any holder of the Notes or to comply with any requirement of the
SEC in connection with the qualification of the Indenture under the Trust
Indenture Act.
The consent of the holders of the Notes is not necessary under the
Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is
sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment.
After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, the Company is
required to mail to holders of the Notes a notice briefly describing such
amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all holders of the
Notes, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the
amendment.
Transfer
The Notes will be issued in registered form and will be transferable only
upon the surrender of the Notes being transferred for registration of transfer.
The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax,
assessment or other governmental charge payable in connection with certain
transfers and exchanges.
Defeasance
The Company at any time may terminate all its obligations under the Notes
and the Indenture ("legal defeasance"), except for certain obligations,
including those respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of the Notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Notes and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the
Notes. The Company at any time may terminate its obligations under "Change of
Control" and under the covenants described under "--Certain Covenants" (other
than the covenant described under "--Merger and Consolidation"), the operation
of the cross acceleration provision, the bankruptcy
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provisions with respect to Significant Subsidiaries, the judgment default
provision and the security default provision described under "--Defaults" above
and the limitations contained in clause (iii) and (iv) under "--Certain
Covenants--Merger and Consolidation" above ("covenant defeasance").
The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its
prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its
legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of
an Event of Default with respect thereto and the Trustee shall release the
Pledged Securities from the Pledge Account. If the Company exercises its
covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because
of an Event of Default specified in clause (iv), (vi), (vii) (with respect only
to Significant Subsidiaries), (viii) or (ix) under "--Defaults" above or
because of the failure of the Company to comply with clause (iii) or (iv) under
"--Certain Covenants--Merger and Consolidation" above.
In order to exercise either defeasance option, the Company must
irrevocably deposit in trust (the "defeasance trust") with the Trustee money or
U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the
Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and must comply with
certain other conditions, including delivery to the Trustee of an Opinion of
Counsel to the effect that holders of the Notes will not recognize income, gain
or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and
defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts and in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of legal defeasance
only, such Opinion of Counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service or other change in applicable Federal income tax law).
Concerning the Trustee
U.S. Bank Trust National Association is to be the Trustee under the
Indenture and has been appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent
with regard to the Notes.
The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the Trustee,
should it become a creditor of the Company, to obtain payment of claims in
certain cases, or to realize on certain property received in respect of any
such claim as security or otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in
other transactions; provided, however, if it acquires any conflicting interest
it must either eliminate such conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for
permission to continue or resign.
The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes
will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any
proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to
certain exceptions. The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default occurs
(and is not cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power,
to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs.
Subject to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder of
Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and
indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense and then
only to the extent required by the terms of the Indenture.
Governing Law
The Indenture provides that it and the Notes will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving
effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the
application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
Certain Definitions
"Additional Assets" means (i) any property or assets (other than
Indebtedness and Capital Stock) in a Related Business; (ii) the Capital Stock
of a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition
of such Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary or (iii)
Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time
is a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any such Restricted
Subsidiary described in clauses (ii) or (iii) above is primarily engaged in a
Related Business.
"Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or
indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such
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Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms "controlling" and
"controlled" have meanings correlative to the foregoing. For purposes of the
provisions described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments", "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Affiliate Transactions" and
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" only,
"Affiliate" shall also mean any beneficial owner of Capital Stock representing
5% or more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted
basis) of the Company or of rights or warrants to purchase such Capital Stock
(whether or not currently exercisable) and any Person who would be an Affiliate
of any such beneficial owner pursuant to the first sentence hereof.
"Asset Disposition" means any sale, lease, transfer or other disposition
(or series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by the Company
or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of a merger,
consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the purposes of this
definition as a "disposition"), of (i) any shares of Capital Stock of a
Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors' qualifying shares or shares
required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary), (ii) all or substantially all the assets of any
division or line of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or
(iii) any other assets of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary outside of
the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
(other than, in the case of (i), (ii) and (iii) above, (A) a disposition by a
Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary to a Wholly Owned Subsidiary, (B) for purposes of the covenant
described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of Assets and
Subsidiary Stock" only, a disposition that constitutes a Restricted Payment
permitted by the covenant described under
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments" or a Permitted
Investment, (C) for purposes of the covenant described under "Certain
Covenants--Limitation on Sale of Assets and Subsidiary Stock" only, exchanges
of Telecommunications Assets for other Telecommunications Assets where the Fair
Market Value of the Telecommunications Assets received is at least equal to the
Fair Market Value of the Telecommunications Assets disposed of or, if less, the
difference is received in cash and such cash shall be deemed to be Net
Available Cash from an Asset Disposition for purposes of the covenant described
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitations on Sale of Assets and Subsidiary
Stock", (D) Permitted Telecommunications Capital Asset Dispositions and (E)
disposition of assets with a fair market value of less than $250,000);
provided, however, that transfers of fiber capacity in exchange for
indefeasible rights of use and long-term leases of fiber capacity shall be
treated as made in the ordinary course of business.
"Attributable Debt" in respect of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as
at the time of determination, the present value (discounted at the interest
rate borne by the Notes, compounded annually) of the total obligations of the
lessee for rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in
such Sale/Leaseback Transaction (including any period for which such lease has
been extended).
"Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum
of the products of numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates
of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or
redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied
by the amount of such payment by (ii) the sum of all such payments.
"Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.
"Business Day" means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.
"Capital Lease Obligations" means an obligation that is required to be
classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting
purposes in accordance with GAAP, and the amount of Indebtedness represented by
such obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined
in accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of
the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the
first date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without
payment of a penalty.
"Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights
to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any
Preferred Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such
equity.
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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"Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, the total interest
expense of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, plus, to
the extent not included in such total interest expense, and to the extent
incurred by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries, without duplication,
(i) interest expense attributable to capital leases and the interest expense
attributable to leases constituting part of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction, (ii)
amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost, (iii) capitalized
interest, (iv) non-cash interest expenses, (v) commissions, discounts and other
fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance
financing, (vi) net costs associated with Hedging Obligations (including
amortization of fees), (vii) Preferred Stock dividends in respect of all
Preferred Stock held by Persons other than the Company or a Wholly Owned
Subsidiary, (viii) interest incurred in connection with Investments in
discontinued operations, (ix) interest accruing on any Indebtedness of any
other Person to the extent such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by (or secured by
the assets of) the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary and (x) the cash
contributions to any employee stock ownership plan or similar trust to the
extent such contributions are used by such plan or trust to pay interest or
fees to any Person (other than the Company) in connection with Indebtedness
Incurred by such plan or trust.
"Consolidated Leverage Ratio" as of any date of determination means the
ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date of determination to (ii) EBITDA for the
four most recent consecutive fiscal quarters ending at least 45 days prior to
such date of determination (such four fiscal quarters being herein called the
"Reference Period"); provided, however, that
(1) if the transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the
Consolidated Leverage Ratio is an Incurrence of Indebtedness, the amount
of such Indebtedness shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro
forma basis to such Indebtedness and to the discharge of any other
Indebtedness repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with
the proceeds of such new Indebtedness;
(2) if the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has repaid, repurchased,
defeased or otherwise discharged any Indebtedness that was outstanding
as of the end of such fiscal quarter or if any Indebtedness that was
outstanding as of the end of such fiscal quarter is to be repaid,
repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged on the date of the
transaction giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated
Leverage Ratio (other than, in each case, Indebtedness Incurred under
any revolving credit agreement), the aggregate amount of Indebtedness
shall be calculated on a pro forma basis and EBITDA shall be calculated
as if the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary had not earned the
interest income, if any, actually earned during the Reference Period in
respect of cash or Temporary Cash Investments used to repay, repurchase,
defease or otherwise discharge such Indebtedness;
(3) if since the beginning of the Reference Period the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary shall have made any Asset Disposition, the EBITDA
for the Reference Period shall be reduced by an amount equal to the
EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets which are the
subject of such Asset Disposition for the Reference Period or increased
by an amount equal to the EBITDA (if negative) directly attributable
thereto for the Reference Period;
(4) if since the beginning of the Reference Period the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (by merger or otherwise) shall have made an
Investment in any Restricted Subsidiary (or any Person which becomes a
Restricted Subsidiary) or an acquisition of assets which constitutes all
or substantially all of an operating unit of a business, EBITDA for the
Reference Period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect
thereto (including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness) as if such
Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day of the Reference
Period; and
(5) if since the beginning of the Reference Period any Person (that
subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary since the beginning of such
Reference Period) shall have made any Asset Disposition, any Investment
or acquisition of assets that would have required an adjustment pursuant
to clause (3) or (4) above if made by the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary during the Reference Period, EBITDA for the Reference Period
shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such
Asset Disposition, Investment or acquisition occurred on the first day
of the Reference Period.
"Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that there shall
not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
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(i) any net income of any Person (other than the Company) if such Person
is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that subject to the exclusion
contained in clause (iv) below, the Company's equity in the net income of
any such Person for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net
Income up to the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such
Person during such period to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a
dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other
distribution paid to a Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitations contained
in clause (iii) below);
(ii) any net income (or loss) of any Person acquired by the Company or a
Subsidiary in a pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to
the date of such acquisition;
(iii) any net income of any Restricted Subsidiary if such Restricted
Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the
payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted
Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Company, except that (A) subject
to the exclusion contained in clause (iv) below, the Company's equity in
the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be
included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash
actually distributed by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to
the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other
distribution (subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid
to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this
clause applicable to such other Restricted Subsidiary) and (B) the
Company's equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such
period shall be included in determining such Consolidated Net Income;
(iv) any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition
of any assets of the Company, its consolidated Subsidiaries or any other
Person (including pursuant to any sale-and-leaseback arrangement) which is
not sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business and
any gain (but not loss) realized upon the sale or other disposition of any
Capital Stock of any Person;
(v) extraordinary gains or losses; and
(vi) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purposes of the covenant described
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted Payments" only, there
shall be excluded from Consolidated Net Income any dividends, repayments of
loans or advances or other transfers of assets from Unrestricted Subsidiaries
to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary to the extent such dividends,
repayments or transfers increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted
under such covenant pursuant to clause (a)(3)(D) thereof.
"Credit Agreements" means each agreement entered into by the Company or
any of its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for loans to the Company or any
such Restricted Subsidiary, as amended, extended, renewed, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and without limitation
as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants and other provisions) from time to
time, and any agreement (and related document) governing Indebtedness incurred
to Refinance, in whole or in part, the borrowings and commitments then
outstanding or permitted to be outstanding under such agreement whether by the
same or any other lender or group of lenders.
"Currency Agreement"means in respect of a Person any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement designed to
protect such Person against fluctuations in currency values.
"Debt Securities" means any debt securities issued by the Company in a
public offering or a private placement.
"Default"means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
"Disqualified Stock"means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock
which by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is
convertible or for which it is exchangeable at the option of the holder) or
upon the happening of any event (i) matures or is mandatorily redeemable
pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is convertible or
exchangeable at the option of the holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock
or (iii) is redeemable or must be purchased, upon the occurrence of certain
events or otherwise, at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part,
in each case under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) on or prior to a date that is six
months following the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided, however, that any
Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but for provisions
thereof giving holders thereof the right to require such Person to purchase or
redeem such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of an "asset sale" or "change of
control" occurring prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the
Notes shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if (x) the "asset sale" or
"change of control"
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provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are not more favorable to the
holders of such Capital Stock than the terms applicable to the Notes and
described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of Assets and
Subsidiary Stock" and "--Certain Covenants--Change of Control" and (y) any such
requirement only becomes operative after compliance with such terms applicable
to the Notes, including the purchase of any Notes tendered pursuant thereto.
"EBITDA" for any period means the sum of Consolidated Net Income, plus
Consolidated Interest Expense plus the following to the extent deducted in
calculating such Consolidated Net Income: (a) all income tax expense of the
Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, (b) depreciation expense
of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, (c) amortization
expense of the Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding
amortization expense attributable to a prepaid cash item that was paid in a
prior period) and (d) all other non-cash charges of the Company and its
consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding any such non-cash charge to the
extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any
future period), in each case for such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the depreciation
and amortization and non-cash charges of, a Restricted Subsidiary shall be
added to Consolidated Net Income to compute EBITDA only to the extent (and in
the same proportion) that the net income of such Restricted Subsidiary was
included in calculating Consolidated Net Income and only if a corresponding
amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the
Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior approval (that has not been
obtained), pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements,
instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental
regulations applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
"Fair Market Value" means, with respect to any asset or property
(including Capital Stock), the price that could be negotiated in an
arm's-length free market transaction, for cash, between a willing seller and a
willing buyer, neither of whom is under pressure or compulsion to complete the
transaction. Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board of Directors
acting in good faith and shall be evidenced by a resolution of the Board of
Directors delivered to the Trustee; provided, however, that if the Fair Market
Value as determined by the Board of Directors for any transaction or series of
related transactions exceeds $5.0 million, such determination of Fair Market
Value shall be determined by a U.S. investment banking firm nationally
recognized in the United States or by a nationally recognized expert in the
U.S. telecommunications industry with experience in valuing such assets and
property.
"GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America as in effect as of the Issue Date, including those set forth in (i)
the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (ii) statements and
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (iii) such other
statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the
accounting profession and (iv) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing
the inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial
statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of
the Exchange Act, including opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting
bulletins and similar written statements from the accounting staff of the SEC.
"Guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person
directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any Person and any
obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person (i) to
purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of)
such Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person (whether arising by virtue
of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets,
goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial
statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for the purpose of
assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment
thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or
in part); provided, however, that the term "Guarantee" shall not include
endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business. The
term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a corresponding meaning. The term
"Guarantor" shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.
"Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person
pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.
"Holder" or "Noteholder" means the Person in whose name a Note is
registered on the Registrar's books.
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"Incur" means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable
for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person
existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger,
consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such
Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term "Incurrence" when used
as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a
non-interest bearing or other discount security shall not be deemed the
Incurrence of Indebtedness.
"Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of
determination (without duplication):
(i) the principal in respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for money
borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other
similar instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible or
liable, including, in each case, any premium on such indebtedness to the
extent such premium has become due and payable;
(ii) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all Attributable Debt
in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions entered into by such Person;
(iii) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred
purchase price of property, all conditional sale obligations of such Person
and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreement (but
excluding trade accounts payable arising in the ordinary course of business);
(iv) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on
any letter of credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction
(other than obligations with respect to letters of credit securing
obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (i) through (iii)
above) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the
extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent
drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day
following payment on the letter of credit);
(v) the amount of all mandatory payment obligations of such Person with
respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any Disqualified
Stock or, with respect to any Subsidiary of such Person, the liquidation
preference with respect to, any Preferred Stock of such Subsidiary (but
excluding, in each case, any accrued dividends);
(vi) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (v) of
other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in
either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as
obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee;
(vii) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vi)
of other Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person
(whether or not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of
such obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property
or assets or the amount of the obligation so secured; and
(viii) to the extent not otherwise included in this definition, Hedging
Obligations of such Person.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the
outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional obligations as described
above and the maximum liability, upon the occurrence of the contingency giving
rise to the obligation, of any contingent obligations at such date; provided,
however, that the amount outstanding at any time of any Indebtedness issued
with original issue discount is the amount of the liability in respect thereof
determined in accordance with GAAP.
"Interest Rate Agreement" means in respect of a Person any interest rate
swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other financial agreement or
arrangement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest
rates.
"Investment" in any Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan
(other than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business that are
recorded as accounts receivable on the balance sheet of the lender) or other
extensions of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar arrangement) or
capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or other property to
others or any payment for property or services for the account or use of
others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other
similar instruments issued by such Person. For purposes of the definition of
"Unrestricted Subsidiary", the definition of "Restricted Payment" and the
covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Restricted
Payments", (i) "Investment" shall include the portion (proportionate to the
Company's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the fair market value
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of the net assets of any Subsidiary of the Company at the time that such
Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that
upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company
shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent "Investment" in an Unrestricted
Subsidiary equal to an amount (if positive) equal to (x) the Company's
"Investment" in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the
portion (proportionate to the Company's equity interest in such Subsidiary) of
the fair market value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such
redesignation; and (ii) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted
Subsidiary shall be valued at its fair market value at the time of such
transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
"Issue Date" means the date on which the Notes are originally issued.
"Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien or
charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement or lease in the nature thereof).
"Net Available Cash" from an Asset Disposition means cash payments
received therefrom (including any cash payments received by way of deferred
payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise
and proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities received as
consideration, but only as and when received, but excluding any other
consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquiring Person of
Indebtedness or other obligations relating to such properties or assets or
received in any other noncash form), in each case net of (i) all legal, title
and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred,
and all Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be
accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such Asset Disposition,
(ii) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets
subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien
upon or other security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or
which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such
Asset Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from
such Asset Disposition, (iii) all distributions and other payments required to
be made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of
such Asset Disposition and (iv) the deduction of appropriate amounts provided
by the seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities
associated with the property or other assets disposed in such Asset Disposition
and retained by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset
Disposition.
"Net Cash Proceeds", with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital
Stock, means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees,
accountants' fees, underwriters' or placement agents' fees, discounts or
commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in
connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
"Permitted Holders" means (i) Central Maine Power Company, a Maine
corporation, and its Affiliates and (ii) Northeast Utilities, a Massachusetts
business trust and its Affiliates.
"Permitted Investment" means an Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary in (i) the Company, a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person
that will, upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that the primary business of such Restricted Subsidiary is a
Related Business; (ii) another Person if as a result of such Investment such
other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or conveys
all or substantially all its assets to, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that such Person's primary business is a Related Business;
(iii) Temporary Cash Investments; (iv) receivables owing to the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business
and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms;
provided, however, that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade
terms as the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under
the circumstances; (v) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters
that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as
expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of
business; (vi) loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices of the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary; (vii) stock, obligations or securities received in settlement of
debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or
any Restricted Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments; (viii) any Person to
the extent such Investment represents either the non-cash portion of the
consideration received for an Asset Disposition as permitted pursuant to the
covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sales of Assets
and Subsidiary Stock" and (ix) any Person principally engaged in a Related
Business if (a) the Company or Restricted Subsidiary, after giving effect to
such Investment, will own at least 20% of the Voting Stock
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of such Person and (b) the amount of such Investment, when taken together with
the aggregate amount of all Investments made pursuant to this clause (ix) and
then outstanding, does not exceed $10 million.
"Permitted Liens" means, with respect to any Person, (a) pledges or
deposits by such Person under worker's compensation laws, unemployment
insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection
with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or
leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or
statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States
government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a
party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the
payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business; (b)
Liens imposed by law, such as carriers', warehousemen's and mechanics' Liens,
in each case for sums not yet due or being contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards
against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding
with an appeal or other proceedings for review; (c) Liens for property taxes
not yet subject to penalties for non-payment or which are being contested in
good faith and by appropriate proceedings; (d) Liens in favor of issuers of
surety bonds or letters of credit issued pursuant to the request of and for the
account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business; provided,
however, that such letters of credit do not constitute Indebtedness; (e) minor
survey exceptions, minor encumbrances, easements or reservations of, or rights
of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and
telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as
to the use of real property or Liens incidental to the conduct of the business
of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in
connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially
adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in
the operation of the business of such Person; (f) Liens securing Indebtedness
(including Indebtedness Incurred under any Vendor Credit Facility) Incurred to
finance the cost (including the cost of design, development, acquisition,
construction, installation, improvement, transportation and integration) of any
property, plant and equipment, inventory or other property acquired by such
Person (including acquisitions by way of capital lease); provided, however,
that the Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any
of its Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is Incurred, and the Indebtedness
(other than any interest thereon) secured by the Lien may not be Incurred more
than 180 days after the later of the acquisition, completion of construction,
repair, improvement, addition or commencement of full operation of the property
subject to the Lien; (g) Liens to secure Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to
Credit Agreements and permitted under the provisions described in clause (b)(1)
under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness"; (h) Liens existing on
the Issue Date; (i) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of another
Person at the time such other Person becomes a Subsidiary of such Person;
provided, however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in
connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a
Subsidiary; provided further, however, that such Lien may not extend to any
other property owned by such Person or any of its Subsidiaries; (j) Liens on
property at the time such Person or any of its Subsidiaries acquires the
property, including any acquisition by means of a merger or consolidation with
or into such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person and including Liens created
by other Persons affecting any easement, indefeasible right to use or other
property right granted to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that such Liens are not created, incurred or assumed in connection
with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided further, however, that
the Liens may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of
its Subsidiaries; (k) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a
Subsidiary of such Person owing to such Person or a wholly owned Subsidiary of
such Person; (l) Liens securing Hedging Obligations so long as such Hedging
Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is, and is permitted to be under the
Indenture, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging
Obligations; (m) Liens for taxes, assessments, government charges or claims
that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly
instituted and diligently conducted, if a reserve or other appropriate
provision, if any, as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made
therefor; and (n) Liens arising by reason of any judgment, decree or order of
any court so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal
proceeding that may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment,
decree or order shall not have been finally terminated or the period within
which such proceedings may be initiated shall not have expired; and (o) Liens
to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a whole, or in part,
of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses
(f), (h), (i) and (j); provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be
limited to all or part of the same property that secured the original Lien
(plus improvements to or on such property) and (y) the Indebtedness secured by
such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of
(A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the
Indebtedness described under clauses (f), (h), (i) or (j) at the time the
original Lien became a Permitted Lien and (B) an amount necessary to pay any
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fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding,
extension, renewal or replacement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Permitted
Liens" will not include any Lien described in clauses (f), (i) or (j) above to
the extent such Lien applies to any Additional Assets acquired directly or
indirectly from Net Available Cash pursuant to the covenant described under
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Sale of Assets and Subsidiary Stock." For
purposes of this definition, the term "Indebtedness" shall be deemed to include
interest on such Indebtedness.
"Permitted Telecommunications Capital Asset Disposition" means the
transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition of dark fiber, conduit
or components of the conduit system, (i) the proceeds of which are treated as
revenues by the Company in accordance with GAAP and (ii) that, in the case of
the sale of dark fiber, would not result in the Company retaining less than 24
fibers per route mile on any segment of the Company's network.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability
company, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any
other entity.
"Pledge Account" means an account established with the Trustee pursuant to
the terms of the Pledge Agreement for the deposit of the Pledged Securities
purchased by the Company with a portion of the net proceeds of the Debt
Offering.
"Pledge Agreement" means the Collateral Pledge and Security Agreement
dated the Issue Date, between the Company and the Trustee, governing the
disbursement of funds from the Pledge Account.
"Pledged Securities" means the securities purchased by the Company with a
portion of the net proceeds from the Debt Offering, which shall consist of U.S.
Government Obligations, to be deposited in the Pledge Account.
"Preferred Stock", as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred
as to the payment of dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of
assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such
Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.
"Principal" of a Note means the principal of the Note plus the premium, if
any, payable on the Note which is due or overdue or is to become due at the
relevant time.
"Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten primary public offering of
common stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act.
"Refinance" means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend,
renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other
Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness. "Refinanced"
and "Refinancing" shall have correlative meanings.
"Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that Refinances any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Issue
Date or Incurred in compliance with the Indenture, including Indebtedness that
Refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (i) such
Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated
Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (ii) such Refinancing
Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is
Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness
being Refinanced and (iii) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an aggregate
principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate
issue price) that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount (or
if Incurred with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then
outstanding or committed (plus fees and expenses, including any premium and
defeasance costs) under the Indebtedness being Refinanced; provided further,
however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (x) Indebtedness of a
Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of the Company (except to the extent
such Refinanced Indebtedness was guaranteed by such Subsidiary) or (y)
Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary that Refinances
Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Related Business" means any business related, ancillary or complementary
to the businesses of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue
Date.
"Restricted Payment" with respect to any Person means (i) the declaration
or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect
of its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any
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merger or consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the direct
or indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than dividends or distributions
payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) and
dividends or distributions payable solely to the Company or a Restricted
Subsidiary, and other than pro rata dividends or other distributions made by a
Subsidiary that is not a Wholly Owned Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or
owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary that is an entity
other than a corporation)), (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition
or retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company held by any Person
or of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the
Company (other than a Restricted Subsidiary), including the exercise of any
option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital Stock of the
Company that is not Disqualified Stock), (iii) the purchase, repurchase,
redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to
scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment of
any Subordinated Obligations (other than the purchase, repurchase or other
acquisition of Subordinated Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying
a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each
case due within one year of the date of acquisition) or (iv) the making of any
Investment in any Person (other than a Permitted Investment).
"Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
"Sale/Leaseback Transaction" means an arrangement relating to property now
owned or hereafter acquired whereby the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
transfers such property to a Person and the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
leases it from such Person.
"SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Senior Indebtedness" means (i) Indebtedness of the Company, whether
outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred, and (ii) accrued and
unpaid interest (including interest accruing on or after the filing of any
petition in bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to the Company to the
extent post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding) in respect of (A)
indebtedness of the Company for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness evidenced
by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments for the payment of
which the Company is responsible or liable unless, in the case of (i) and (ii),
in the instrument creating or evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same
is outstanding, it is provided that such obligations are subordinate in right
of payment to the Notes; provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not
include (1) any obligation of the Company to any Subsidiary, (2) any liability
for Federal, state, local or other taxes owed or owing by the Company, (3) any
accounts payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the ordinary
course of business (including guarantees thereof or instruments evidencing such
liabilities), (4) any Indebtedness of the Company (and any accrued and unpaid
interest in respect thereof) which is subordinate or junior in any respect to
any other Indebtedness or other obligation of the Company or (5) that portion
of any Indebtedness which at the time of Incurrence is Incurred in violation of
the Indenture.
"Significant Subsidiary" means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a
"Significant Subsidiary" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under
Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.
"Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any security, the date specified
in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of
such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory
redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase
of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any
contingency unless such contingency has occurred).
"Subordinated Obligation" means any Indebtedness of the Company (whether
outstanding on the Issue Date or thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or
junior in right of payment to the Notes pursuant to a written agreement to that
effect.
"Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
association, partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the
total voting power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including
partnership interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any
contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof
is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person,
(ii) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or (iii) one or
more Subsidiaries of such Person.
"Telecommunications Assets" means all assets, rights (contractual or
otherwise) and properties, whether tangible or intangible, used or intended for
use in connection with a Telecommunications Business.
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<PAGE>
"Telecommunications Business" means the business of (i) transmitting or
providing services relating to the transmission of, voice, video or data
through owned or leased transmission facilities, (ii) constructing, creating,
developing or marketing communications related network equipment, software and
other devices for use in a telecommunications business or (iii) evaluating,
participating or pursuing any other activity or opportunity that is primarily
related to those identified in clause (i) or (ii) above.
"Temporary Cash Investments" means any of the following:
(i) any investment in direct obligations of the United States of America
or any agency thereof or obligations guaranteed by the United States of
America or any agency thereof,
(ii) investments in time deposit accounts, certificates of deposit and
money market deposits maturing within 180 days of the date of acquisition
thereof issued by a bank or trust company which is organized under the laws
of the United States of America, any state thereof or any foreign country
recognized by the United States, and which bank or trust company has
capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $50,000,000
(or the foreign currency equivalent thereof) and has outstanding debt which
is rated "A" (or such similar equivalent rating) or higher by at least one
nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined in Rule
436 under the Securities Act) or any money-market fund sponsored by a
registered broker dealer or mutual fund distributor,
(iii) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for
underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered
into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (ii) above,
(iv) investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 90 days
after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an
Affiliate of the Company) organized and in existence under the laws of the
United States of America or any foreign country recognized by the United
States of America with a rating at the time as of which any investment
therein is made of "P-1" (or higher) according to Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. or "A-1" (or higher) according to Standard and Poor's Ratings
Group, and
(v) investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from
the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state,
commonwealth or territory of the United States of America, or by any
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least "A"
by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or "A" by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc.
"Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that at
the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the
Board of Directors in the manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of
the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns
any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of, the
Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Subsidiary of the
Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that either (A) the
Subsidiary to be so designated has total assets of $1,000 or less or (B) if
such Subsidiary has assets greater than $1,000, such designation would be
permitted under the covenant described under "--Certain Covenants--Limitation
on Restricted Payments." The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted
Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately
after giving effect to such designation (x) if such Subsidiary had any
Indebtedness outstanding at the time of such designation, the Company could
Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of the covenant
described under
"--Certain Covenants--Limitation on Indebtedness" and (y) no Default shall have
occurred and be continuing. Any such designation by the Board of Directors
shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of
the resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and
an Officers' Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the
foregoing provisions.
"U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations (or certificates
representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of
America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of
which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and
which are not callable at the issuer's option.
"Vendor Credit Facility" means any agreement entered into with one or more
vendors, suppliers or lessors of telecommunications equipment or assets
(including any agreement entered into with any such vendor, supplier or lessor
or any financial institution acting on behalf of any such vendor, supplier or
lessor) in order to finance the
78
<PAGE>
acquisition or construction of telecommunications equipment or assets, as such
agreement may be amended, modified, supplemented, refunded, refinanced,
restructured, renewed or replaced from time to time; provided, however, that
any equipment or other assets acquired or leased under or pursuant to such
Vendor Credit Facility are used by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in
the Telecommunications Business.
"Voting Stock" of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock or other
interests (including partnership interests) of such Person then outstanding and
normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote
in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.
"Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary all the Capital
Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares) is owned by the
Company or one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.
79
<PAGE>
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following is a summary of material United States federal income tax
considerations relating to the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Notes, but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax
considerations relating thereto. This summary is based on the provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the applicable Treasury
Regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder ("Treasury Regulations"),
judicial authority and current administrative rulings and practice, all of
which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis. This summary
deals only with holders that will hold the Notes as "capital assets" (within
the meaning of Section 1221) and does not address tax considerations that may
be relevant to a particular investor in light of such investor's personal
investment circumstances, nor does the discussion address special rules
applicable to certain types of investors subject to special treatment under the
Code (including, without limitation, financial institutions, broker-dealers,
regulated investment companies, life insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, foreign corporations, non-resident aliens, dealers in securities
or currencies, persons that will hold Notes as a position in a hedging
transaction, "straddle" or "conversion transaction" for tax purposes, or
persons that have a "functional currency" other than the U.S. dollar.) This
summary discusses the tax considerations applicable to the initial purchasers
of the Notes who purchase the Notes at their "original issue price" as defined
in Section 1273 of the Code and does not discuss the tax considerations
applicable to subsequent purchasers of the Notes. The Company has not sought
any ruling from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") with respect to the
statements made and the conclusions reached in the following summary, and there
can been no assurance that the IRS will agree with such statements and their
conclusions. No consideration of any aspects of state, local or foreign
taxation is included herein. INVESTORS CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF NOTES SHOULD
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED
STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO THEIR PARTICULAR SITUATIONS AS WELL AS ANY
TAX CONSEQUENCES ARISING UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY STATE, LOCAL OR FOREIGN TAXING
JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.
United States Holders
As used herein, the term "United States Holder" means the beneficial owner
of a Note that for United States federal income tax purposes is (i) a citizen
or resident of the United States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other
entity created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any
political subdivision thereof, (iii) an estate the income of which is subject
to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or (iv) a
trust if (a) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary
supervision over the administration of the trust and (b) one or more U.S.
persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
Stated Interest
A United States Holder will recognize ordinary income when it receives or
accrues interest on the Notes in accordance with such United States Holder's
method of tax accounting. A United States Holder may be entitled to treat
interest income on the Notes as "investment income" for purposes of computing
certain limitations concerning the deductibility of investment interest
expense.
Disposition of the Notes
Generally, upon the sale or exchange or redemption of a Note, a United
States Holder will realize taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between
the amount of cash or other property received by the United States Holder in
exchange for such Note (except to the extent such amount realized is
attributable to accrued but unpaid interest which will be taxable as ordinary
interest income) and such holder's adjusted tax basis in such Note. A United
States Holder's adjusted tax basis in a Note will initially equal the cost of
the Note to such holder and will be decreased by the amount of any principal
payments received by such holder in respect of such Note. Any gain or loss upon
a sale or other disposition of a Note will generally be capital gain or loss.
At the time of sale or exchange or redemption, any such gain will be taxed to a
United States Holder who is a natural person at a maximum rate of 20 percent
(10 percent, if such holder is in a 15 percent bracket) if the Note is held for
more than 18 months and at a maximum rate of 28 percent (15 percent if such
holder is in a 15 percent bracket) if the Note is held for more than 12 months
but not more than 18 months. Under proposed legislation, the 20% maximum rate
would apply to Notes held for more than 12 months by a United States Holder who
is a natural person, but there can be no assurance that such legislation will
be enacted.
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<PAGE>
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
A United States Holder may be subject, under certain circumstances, to
backup withholding at a 31 percent rate with respect to payments received with
respect to the Notes. This withholding generally applies only if the United
States Holder (i) fails to furnish his social security or taxpayer
identification number ("TIN"), (ii) furnishes an incorrect TIN, (iii) is
notified by the IRS that he has failed to report properly payments of interest
and dividends and the service has notified the Company that he is subject to
withholding or (iv) fails under certain circumstances to provide a certified
statement, signed under penalty of perjury, that the TIN provided is his
correct number and that he is not subject to backup withholding. Any amount
withheld from a payment to a United States Holder under the backup withholding
rules is allowable as a credit against such holder's federal income tax
liability, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
Certain holders (including, among others, corporations and foreign individuals
who comply with certain certification requirements described below under
"Non-United States Holders") are not subject to backup withholding. United
States Holders should consult their tax advisors as to their qualification for
exemption from backup withholding and the procedure for obtaining such an
exemption.
The Company will furnish to the IRS and to record holders of the Notes (to
whom it is required to furnish such information) information relating to the
amount of interest.
Non-United States Holders
As used herein, the term "Non-United States Holder" means any beneficial
owner of a Note that is not a United States Holder.
The following discussion is a summary of certain U.S. federal income tax
consequences to a Non-United States Holder of a Note.
Stated Interest
Generally, any interest paid to a Non-United States Holder of a Note will
not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax, provided that (i) the
holder is not (A) a direct or indirect owner of 10% or more of the total voting
power of all voting stock of the Company or (B) a controlled foreign
corporation related to the Company through stock ownership, (ii) such interest
payments are not effectively connected with the conduct by the Non-United
States Holder of a trade or business within the United States and (iii) the
Company (or its paying agent) receives certain information from the holder
certifying under penalties of perjury that such holder is a Non-United States
Holder.
If these conditions are not satisfied a Non-United States Holder generally
would be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a flat rate of 30% (or lower
applicable treaty rate) on interest payments on the Notes.
Sale, Exchange or Redemption of the Notes
Except as provided below and subject to the discussion concerning backup
withholding, a Non-United States Holder of a Note will generally not be subject
to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized on
the sale, exchange or redemption of the Note unless (1) the gain is effectively
connected with a United States trade or business of the Non-United States
Holder, (2) in the case of a Non-United States Holder who is an individual,
such Holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating
183 days or more during the taxable year of the disposition and certain other
conditions are met or (3) the Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the
provisions of the Code applicable to certain United States expatriates.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
The Treasury regulations provide that backup withholding and information
reporting will not apply to payments of principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the Notes by the Company to a Non-United States Holder, if the
holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status under penalties of perjury or
otherwise establishes an exemption (provided that neither the Company nor their
paying agents has actual knowledge that the holder is a United States person or
that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied).
The payment of the proceeds from the disposition of the Notes to or
through the United States office of any broker, U.S. or foreign, will be
subject to information reporting and possibly backup withholding unless the
owner certifies as to its non-U.S. status under penalty of perjury or otherwise
establishes an exemption, provided that the broker does not
81
<PAGE>
have actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. person or that the conditions
of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied. The payment of the proceeds
from the disposition of a Note to or through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S.
broker that is not a U.S. related person will not be subject to information
reporting or backup withholding. For this purpose, a "U.S. related person" is
(i) a "controlled foreign corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes or
(ii) a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income from all sources for
the three-year period ending with the close of its taxable year preceding the
payment (or for such part of the period that the broker has been in existence)
is derived from activities that are effectively connected with the conduct of a
United States trade or business.
In the case of the payment of proceeds from the disposition of Notes to or
through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is either a U.S. person or a U.S.
related person, the regulations require information reporting on the payment
unless the broker has documentary evidence in its files that the owner is a
Non-United States Holder and the broker has no knowledge to the contrary.
Backup withholding will not apply to payments made through foreign offices of a
broker that is not a U.S. person or a U.S. related person (absent actual
knowledge that the payee is a U.S. person).
The United States Department of the Treasury recently promulgated final
regulations regarding the information reporting and backup reporting rules
discussed above. In general, the final regulations do not significantly alter
the substantive information reporting and backup withholding requirements but
rather unify current certification procedures and forms and clarify reliance
standards. In addition, the final regulations permit the shifting of primary
responsibility for withholding to certain financial intermediaries acting on
behalf of beneficial owners. The final regulations are generally effective for
payments made after December 31, 1999, subject to certain transition rules.
Prospective purchasers of the Notes should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the effect of such regulations on their particular situations.
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<PAGE>
UNDERWRITING
Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in the
Underwriting Agreement dated July 31, 1998 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the
underwriters named below (the "Underwriters") have severally but not jointly
agreed to purchase from the Company the following respective principal amounts
of the Notes:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Underwriter Amount
- --------------------------------------------------- ---------------
<S> <C>
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation ......... $126,000,000
Warburg Dillon Read LLC ........................ 54,000,000
------------
Total ........................................ $180,000,000
============
</TABLE>
The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the
Underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the
Underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the securities offered hereby
if any are purchased. The Underwriting Agreement provides that, in the event of
a default by an Underwriter, in certain circumstances the purchase commitments
of the non-defaulting Underwriter may be increased or the Underwriting
Agreement may be terminated.
The Company has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters
propose to offer the Notes to the public initially at the price set forth on
the cover page of this Prospectus. After the initial public offering, the
public offering price may be changed by the Underwriters.
The Underwriters have informed the Company that they do not expect
discretionary sales by the Underwriters to exceed 5% of the principal amount
being offered hereby.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribute to payments which the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof.
The Underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids. Over-allotment involves
syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a syndicate short
position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying
security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum.
Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the Notes in the open
market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate
short positions. Penalty bids permit the Underwriters to reclaim a selling
concession from a syndicate member when the Notes originally sold by such
syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover
syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering
transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the Notes to be higher
than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions.
The Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading
market. The Underwriters have advised the Company that they intend to act as
market makers for the Notes. However, the Underwriters are not obligated to do
so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No
assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the Notes.
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<PAGE>
NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
Resale Restrictions
The distribution of the Notes in Canada is being made only on a private
placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare and file a
prospectus with the securities regulatory authorities in each province where
trades of Notes are effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Notes in Canada
must be made in accordance with applicable securities laws, which will vary
depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to be
made in accordance with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a
discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities
regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any
resale of the Notes.
Representations of Purchasers
Each purchaser of the Notes in Canada who receives a purchase confirmation
will be deemed to represent to the Company and the dealer from whom such
purchase confirmation is received that (i) such purchaser is entitled under
applicable provincial securities laws to purchase such Notes without the
benefit of a prospectus qualified under such securities laws, (ii) where
required by law, that such purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as
agent, and (iii) such purchaser has reviewed the text above under "Resale
Restrictions."
Rights of Action (Ontario Purchasers)
The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available, including
common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of action under
the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws.
Enforcement of Legal Rights
All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein may be located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be
possible for Canadian purchasers to effect service of process within Canada
upon the issuer or such persons. All or a substantial portion of the assets of
the issuer and such persons may be located outside of Canada and, as a result,
it may not be possible to satisfy a judgment against the issuer or such persons
in Canada or to enforce a judgment obtained in Canadian courts against such
issuer or persons outside of Canada.
Notice to British Columbia Residents
A purchaser of Notes to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia) applies
is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British Columbia
Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any Notes
acquired by such purchaser pursuant to this offering. Such report must be in
the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket Order BOR
#95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company. Only one such report
must be filed in respect of Notes acquired on the same date and under the same
prospectus exemption.
Taxation and Eligibility for Investment
Canadian purchasers of Notes should consult their own legal and tax
advisors with respect to the tax consequences of an investment in the Notes in
their particular circumstances and with respect to the eligibility of the Notes
for investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian Legislation.
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<PAGE>
LEGAL MATTERS
The validity of the securities offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Hale and Dorr LLP, Boston, Massachusetts. H&D Investments II, a
partnership comprised of partners of Hale and Dorr LLP, owns 15,845 shares of
Common Stock of the Company. The Underwriters have been represented by Cravath,
Swaine & Moore, New York, New York.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31,
1997 and 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1997 included in this Prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement
have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as
indicated in their report with respect thereto, and are included herein in
reliance upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act
with respect to the securities being offered by this Prospectus. This
Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the
Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto, certain portions of which have
been omitted as permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission. For
further information with respect to the Company and the securities offered
hereby, reference is made to the Registration Statement and the exhibits
thereto, copies of which may be obtained upon payment of the fees prescribed by
the Commission or examined without charge at (i) the Public Reference Section
of the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and (ii) the Commission's regional offices located at
500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661 and 75 Park Plaza,
14th Floor, New York, New York 10007. Statements contained in this Prospectus
as to the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily
complete, and in each instance where such contract or other document is an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, reference is made to the copy of such
contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement,
each statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. The
Commission maintains a World Wide Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains
reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding
registrants that file electronically with the Commission.
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<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
-----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants ............................................... F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and
March 31, 1998 (unaudited) ............................................................ F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and for the three month periods
ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited) ............................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and for the three month period
ended March 31, 1998 (unaudited) ...................................................... F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1996 and 1997 and for the three month periods ended
March 31, 1997 and 1998 (unaudited) ................................................... F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................................. F-8
Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Statements (unaudited) ................................ F-23
Consolidated Pro Forma Balance Sheet as of March 31, 1997 (unaudited) .................. F-24
Consolidated Pro Forma Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 1997
and for the three month period ended March 31, 1998 (unaudited) ....................... F-25
Notes to Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Statements (unaudited) ....................... F-26
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To NorthEast Optic Network, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NorthEast Optic
Network, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996
and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficit) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1997. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NorthEast Optic
Network, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1997, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Boston, Massachusetts ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
July 8, 1998
F-2
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31,
1996 1997 March 31, 1998
--------------- --------------- ---------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................. $ 4,864,925 $ 1,098,452 $ 1,232,254
Accounts receivable ................................................... 125,540 1,034,391 168,740
Refundable taxes from related party (Note 2) .......................... -- 368,734 495,375
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............................. 4,853 13,572 109,893
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current assets ............................................... 4,995,318 2,515,149 2,006,262
------------ ------------ ------------
Property and Equipment, at cost:
Communications network ................................................ -- 15,583,770 16,355,922
Machinery and equipment ............................................... 51,390 54,927 72,118
Motor vehicles ........................................................ 29,426 29,426 29,426
Furniture and fixtures ................................................ 8,057 11,918 17,319
Communications network construction in progress (Note 3) .............. 11,274,200 1,292,492 3,794,811
------------ ------------ ------------
11,363,073 16,972,533 20,269,596
Less--Accumulated depreciation ........................................ 33,578 437,830 640,173
------------ ------------ ------------
11,329,495 16,534,703 19,629,423
------------ ------------ ------------
Restricted Cash (Note 5) ............................................... -- 819,923 839,662
Intangible Assets, net (Notes 2 and 4)
Prepaid right-of-way fees--related party .............................. -- 2,348,156 2,286,362
Other ................................................................. 44,850 1,243,069 1,421,963
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 16,369,663 $ 23,461,000 $ 26,183,672
============ ============ ============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term obligations (Notes 2 and 5) ........... $ 380,142 $ 1,982,911 $ 1,949,936
Accounts payable ...................................................... 315,977 294,758 290,636
Accounts payable construction in progress ............................. 482,308 1,199,293 2,786,515
Accrued expenses (Note 13) ............................................ 32,243 571,493 409,135
Accrued right-of-way fees--related party (Note 2) ..................... 350,414 785,535 940,848
Deferred revenue ...................................................... 225,000 1,144,170 1,129,575
------------ ------------ ------------
Total current liabilities .......................................... 1,786,084 5,978,160 7,506,645
------------ ------------ ------------
Deferred Tax Liability ................................................. -- 61,000 86,192
------------ ------------ ------------
Note Payable to Related Party (Note 5) ................................. -- 2,100,000 3,975,000
------------ ------------ ------------
Long-Term Obligations, less current maturities (Notes 2 and 5) ......... 546,879 135,994 37,641
------------ ------------ ------------
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries ......................... 6,312,554 5,338,786 5,024,288
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 5, 10 and 11)
CMP Warrant ............................................................ -- 532,836 532,836
Stockholders' Equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value--
Authorized--200,000 shares; 21,180, 78,324 and 78,324 shares
issued and outstanding at December 31, 1996 and 1997 and
March 31, 1998, respectively ........................................ 212 783 783
Series B convertible preferred stock, $.01 par value--
Authorized--2,025,120 shares; 962,734 shares issued and
outstanding ......................................................... 9,627 9,627 9,627
Common stock, $.01 par value--
Authorized--4,000,000 shares; 284,828 shares issued and
outstanding ......................................................... 2,848 2,848 2,848
Warrants .............................................................. 8,595 8,595 8,595
Additional paid-in capital ............................................ 9,267,683 11,817,216 11,817,216
Accumulated deficit ................................................... (1,564,819) (2,524,845) (2,817,999)
------------ ------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity ......................................... 7,724,146 9,314,224 9,021,070
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 16,369,663 $ 23,461,000 $ 26,183,672
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended
Years Ended December 31, March 31,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
------------- --------------- --------------- ------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Network service ............................. $ -- $ -- $ 347,718 $ -- $ 146,257
Other service ............................... 42,598 13,773 46,986 -- 5,106
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Total revenues ............................. 42,598 13,773 394,704 -- 151,363
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Expenses:
Cost of sales (includes right-of-way
fees of approximately $0,
$350,400, $435,100, $108,000 and
$158,000, respectively, paid to
related parties) (Notes 2 and 10) ......... 104,223 260,619 1,137,943 108,358 247,386
Selling, general and administrative
(Note 2) ................................... 358,761 900,808 1,002,232 204,275 225,122
Depreciation and amortization ............... 24,175 24,168 552,862 32,987 302,013
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Total expenses ............................. 487,159 1,185,595 2,693,037 345,620 774,521
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Loss from operations ....................... (444,561) (1,171,822) (2,298,333) (345,620) (623,158)
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Interest Income (Expense):
Interest income ............................. -- 201,473 138,918 56,638 30,322
Interest expense ............................ (42,401) (75,635) (141,811) -- (91,816)
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Total interest income (expense) ............ (42,401) 125,838 (2,893) 56,638 (61,494)
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Loss before minority interest in
subsidiaries' earnings and
provision for (benefit from)
income taxes .............................. (486,962) (1,045,984) (2,301,226) (288,982) (684,652)
Minority Interest ............................ -- 353,222 1,080,200 137,620 314,498
Provision for (Benefit From)
Income Taxes ................................ -- 16,000 (261,000) (33,000) (77,000)
---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
Net Loss ..................................... $ (486,962) $ (708,762) $ (960,026) $ (118,362) $ (293,154)
========== ============ ============ ========== ==========
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share ............. $ (1.71) $ (2.49) $ (3.37) $ (0.42) $ (1.03)
========== ============ ============ ========== ==========
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average
Shares Outstanding .......................... 284,578 284,735 284,828 284,828 284,828
========== ============ ============ ========== ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Series A Series B
Convertible Preferred Convertible Preferred
Stock Stock Common Stock
---------------------- ---------------------- ----------------------
Number of $.01 Par Number of $.01 Par Number of $.01 Par
Shares Value Shares Value Shares Value
----------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 ......... 21,180 $212 -- $ -- 284,578 $2,846
Issuance of common stock
warrant .......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Net loss .......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ---- -- ------ ------- ------
Balance, December 31, 1995 ......... 21,180 212 -- -- 284,578 2,846
Issuance of Series B
convertible preferred stock,
net of issuance cost of
$775,950 ......................... -- -- 405,024 4,050 -- --
Exercise of common stock
options .......................... -- -- -- -- 250 2
Issuance of common stock
warrant .......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of Series B
convertible preferred stock -- -- 557,710 5,577 -- --
Net loss .......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ---- ------- ------ ------- ------
Balance, December 31, 1996 ......... 21,180 212 962,734 9,627 284,828 2,848
Issuance of ownership
interest ......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
Issuance of Series A
convertible preferred stock 57,144 571 -- -- -- --
Net loss .......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ---- ------- ------ ------- ------
Balance, December 31, 1997 ......... 78,324 783 962,734 9,627 284,828 2,848
Net loss (unaudited) .............. -- -- -- -- -- --
------ ---- ------- ------ ------- ------
Balance, March 31, 1998
(unaudited) ....................... 78,324 $783 962,734 $9,627 284,828 $2,848
====== ==== ======= ====== ======= ======
F-5
<CAPTION>
Additional Total
Paid-in Accumulated Stockholders'
Warrants Capital Deficit Equity (Deficit)
---------- -------------- --------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1994 ......... $ -- $ 52,786 $ (369,095) $ (313,251)
Issuance of common stock
warrant .......................... -- 451 -- 451
Net loss .......................... -- -- (486,962) (486,962)
------ ----------- ------------ ----------
Balance, December 31, 1995 ......... -- 53,237 (856,057) (799,762)
Issuance of Series B
convertible preferred stock,
net of issuance cost of
$775,950 ......................... -- 9,220,000 -- 9,224,050
Exercise of common stock
options .......................... -- 23 -- 25
Issuance of common stock
warrant .......................... 8,595 -- -- 8,595
Issuance of Series B
convertible preferred stock -- (5,577) -- --
Net loss .......................... -- -- (708,762) (708,762)
------ ----------- ------------ ----------
Balance, December 31, 1996 ......... 8,595 9,267,683 (1,564,819) 7,724,146
Issuance of ownership
interest ......................... -- 1,750,088 -- 1,750,088
Issuance of Series A
convertible preferred stock -- 799,445 -- 800,016
Net loss .......................... -- -- (960,026) (960,026)
------ ----------- ------------ ----------
Balance, December 31, 1997 ......... 8,595 11,817,216 (2,524,845) 9,314,224
Net loss (unaudited) .............. -- -- (293,154) (293,154)
------ ----------- ------------ ----------
Balance, March 31, 1998
(unaudited) ....................... $8,595 $11,817,216 $ (2,817,999) $9,021,070
====== =========== ============ ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net loss .......................... $ (486,962) $ (708,762) $ (960,026) $ (118,362) $ (293,154)
Adjustments to reconcile net
loss to net cash provided by
(used in) operating
activities--
Accretion of long-term
obligations .................... -- -- 26,642 -- 26,642
Warrants issued in connection
with long-term obligations 451 -- -- -- --
Depreciation and amortization 24,175 24,168 552,862 32,987 302,013
Changes in assets and
liabilities--
Accounts receivable ............. (4,912) (120,628) (908,851) 2,783 865,651
Refundable taxes from
related party ................ -- -- (368,734) -- (126,641)
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets ............... (98,905) 104,565 (8,719) 1,124 (96,321)
Restricted cash ................ -- -- (819,923) (800,000) (19,739)
Accounts payable ............... (32,560) 315,977 (21,219) (213,565) (4,122)
Accrued expenses ............... 185,517 197,140 974,371 67,968 (7,045)
Deferred revenue ............... -- 225,000 919,170 -- (14,595)
Deferred tax liability ......... -- -- 61,000 -- 25,192
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by
(used in) operating
activities .................. (413,196) 37,460 (553,427) (1,027,065) 657,881
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Cash Flows from Investing
Activities:
Purchases of property and
equipment ....................... (16,303) (17,480) (7,397) -- (22,591)
Purchases of communications
network ......................... (4,580,598) (6,693,602) (5,602,062) (3,981,620) (3,274,471)
Increase in intangible assets ..... (22,801) (27,816) (3,188,792) (55,567) (243,413)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used in investing
activities ..................... $ (4,619,702) $ (6,738,898) $ (8,798,251) $ (4,037,187) $ (3,540,475)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years Ended December 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
------------- ---------------- --------------- --------------- -------------
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (Decrease) in
construction accounts payable $3,843,430 $ (3,361,122) $ 716,985 $ 229,294 $1,587,222
Proceeds from issuance of
long-term obligations ............. 1,147,766 -- 1,600,000 1,000,000 --
Proceeds from note payable to
related party ..................... -- -- 2,100,000 -- 1,875,000
Payments on long-term
obligations ....................... (47,896) (618,621) (408,116) (90,772) (131,328)
Proceeds from issuance of
ownership interest ................ -- -- 1,750,088 1,750,088 --
Proceeds from exercise of stock
options ........................... -- 25 -- -- --
Minority interest in subsidiary ..... --- 6,312,554 (973,768) (31,189) (314,498)
Proceeds from sale of preferred
stock, net ........................ -- 9,232,645 800,016 800,035 --
---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Net cash provided by
financing activities ............. 4,943,300 11,565,481 5,585,205 3,657,456 3,016,396
---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash
and Cash Equivalents ................ (89,598) 4,864,043 (3,766,473) (1,406,796) 133,802
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
beginning of period ................. 90,480 882 4,864,925 4,864,925 1,098,452
---------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
end of period ....................... $ 882 $ 4,864,925 $ 1,098,452 $ 3,458,129 $1,232,254
========== ============ ============ ============ ==========
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash
Flow information:
Cash paid during the year for--
Interest ........................... $ 27,896 $ 331,505 $ 165,446 $ 35,672 $ 161,555
========== ============ ============ ============ ==========
Taxes .............................. $ -- $ -- $ 45,261 $ 27,550 $ 28,440
========== ============ ============ ============ ==========
Supplemental Disclosure of
Noncash Investing and
Financing Activities:
Issuance of warrants in
connection with sale of
preferred stock and note
payable to related party .......... $ -- $ 8,595 $ 532,836 $ -- $ --
========== ============ ============ ============ ==========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
F-7
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)
(1) OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
NorthEast Optic Network, Inc. (the Company) (formerly FiveCom, Inc.) and
its subsidiaries are engaged in the ownership, management, operation and
construction of fiber optic telecommunication networks in the Northeast,
consisting of New England and New York.
The Company was incorporated in Massachusetts in July 1989. In May 1996,
FiveCom LLC, an operating subsidiary majority-owned by the Company, was
organized in Massachusetts. Also in May 1996, FiveCom LLC and Mode 1
Communications, Inc. (Mode 1), an affiliate of Northeast Utilities Services
Company (NU), organized NECOM LLC in Massachusetts, with FiveCom LLC owning
60%, and Mode 1 owning 40% of the membership interest in NECOM LLC. In December
1996, FiveCom LLC and Central Maine Power Company (CMP), organized FiveCom of
Maine LLC in Massachusetts, with CMP owning 66.67% and FiveCom LLC owning
33.33% of the membership interests in FiveCom of Maine LLC. In addition, CMP
purchased a 90.9% interest in the Company, giving it a controlling interest in
the Company. FiveCom LLC, NECOM LLC and FiveCom of Maine LLC commenced
operations upon their respective dates of organization. Prior to the
Reorganization completed on July 8, 1998 (see Note 14(a)--Reorganization) the
Company had a controlling interest in all entities except FiveCom of Maine LLC
(FiveCom of Maine LLC and the Company were commonly controlled by CMP). After
the Reorganization, FiveCom of Maine LLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Company. As a result, the accompanying financial statements have been
restated to give retroactive effect to the merger of FiveCom of Maine LLC with
and into a subsidiary of the Company as a reorganization of entities under
common control in a manner similar to a pooling of interest.
To date, the Company has recorded limited revenues, principally from
contract and other services, and has incurred cumulative operating losses. The
Company is dependent on the funds received from CMP (Note 5) to fund
construction of the communications networks and working capital. The Company is
also dependent upon a single or limited source of suppliers for a number of
components and parts. Shortages resulting from a change in arrangements with
these suppliers and manufacturers could cause significant delays in the
expansion of the NEON systems and could have a material adverse effect on the
Company.
The market for fiber optic telecommunications networks in which the
Company operates can be characterized as rapidly changing due to technological
advancements, the introduction of new products and services and the increasing
demands placed on equipment in worldwide telecommunications networks.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect the application
of certain accounting policies as described below and elsewhere in these notes
to consolidated financial statements.
(a) Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NorthEast
Optic Network, Inc. and its majority owned or controlled subsidiaries, FiveCom
LLC, FiveCom of Maine LLC and NECOM LLC. All significant intercompany
transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
(b) Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
Minority interest in the Company at December 31, 1996 and 1997 consists of
other members' interests in the LLCs identified above. Changes in minority
interest reflect other members' capital adjusted by their portion of the net
loss.
(c) Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 1998
and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 1997 and 1998 are unaudited,
but in the opinion of management, include all adjustments consisting of normal
recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of results for the
interim periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included
in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been omitted with respect to the quarters, although
the Company
F-8
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(1) OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
believes that the disclosures included are adequate to make the information
presented not misleading. Results for the three months ended March 31, 1998 are
not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year
ending December 31, 1998.
(d) Management Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual amounts could differ from those estimates.
(e) Revenue Recognition
Revenues on telecommunications network services are recognized ratably
over the term of the applicable agreements with customers. Other service
revenue, which consists of design and installation work, is recognized as
services are performed.
(f) Income Taxes
The Company has been majority-owned by CMP and under a tax-sharing
arrangement has been included in the consolidated federal tax return of CMP
since 1996 (see Note 2).
(g) Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company accounts for investments under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt
and Equity Securities. Under SFAS No. 115, investments for which the Company
has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity, consisting of cash
equivalents, are reported at amortized cost, which approximates fair market
value. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less. To date, the Company has not recorded any realized
gains or losses. Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, March 31,
1996 1997 1998
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents--
Cash ..................................... $ 270,316 $ 194,735 $ 232,984
Money markets ............................ -- 903,717 999,270
U.S. Treasury money markets .............. 4,594,609 -- --
---------- ---------- ----------
Total cash and cash equivalents ......... $4,864,925 $1,098,452 $1,232,254
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
(h) Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue represents prepayments received from customers for future
use of the Company's fiber optic network, as well as prepayment for
installation services that have not yet been provided. During 1997 and the
first quarter of 1998, the Company derived revenue from leasing dark fiber
optic cable. Lease payments are structured as either prepayments or monthly
recurring charges. Prepayments are accounted for as deferred revenue and
recognized over the term of the respective customer fiber optic lease
agreement. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company had prepaid lease
payments totaling $225,000 and $1,144,170, respectively.
F-9
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(1) OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(i) Depreciation
The Company provides for depreciation using the straight-line method to
allocate the cost of property and equipment over their estimated useful lives
as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Communications network .......... 20 years
Machinery and equipment ......... 5-7 years
Motor vehicles .................. 3-5 years
Furniture and fixtures .......... 7 years
</TABLE>
(j) Long-Lived Assets
The Company follows SFAS No. 121, Accounting for Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of. SFAS No. 121, which requires that
long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment by comparing the fair value of the
assets with their carrying amount. Any write-downs are to be treated as
permanent reductions in the carrying amount of the assets. Accordingly, the
Company evaluates the possible impairment of long-lived assets when facts and
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable based on the undiscounted projected cash flows of the related
asset. Should there be an impairment, the cash flow estimates that will be used
will contain management's best estimates, using appropriate and customary
assumption and projections at the time. To date the Company does not believe
that an impairment exists.
(k) Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that subject the Company to significant
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents
and accounts receivable. The Company's cash equivalents are invested in
financial instruments with high credit ratings. Concentration of credit risk
with respect to accounts receivable is limited to customers to whom the Company
makes significant sales. One customer accounted for approximately 90%, 90%, and
88% of accounts receivable at December 31, 1996 and 1997 and March 31, 1998,
respectively (see Note 12). To control credit risk, the Company performs
regular credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and maintains
allowances, when required, for potential credit losses.
(l) Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term
nature of these instruments. The carrying amounts of debt issued pursuant to
agreements with banks approximate fair value as the interest rates on these
instruments fluctuate with market interest rates.
(m) Earnings per Share
The Company has adopted SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share, effective
December 15, 1997. SFAS No. 128 establishes standards for computing and
presenting earnings per share and applies to entities with publicly held common
stock or potential common stock. The Company has applied the provisions of SFAS
No. 128, retroactively to all periods presented. In accordance with SEC Staff
Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 98, the Company has determined that there were no
nominal issuances of common stock or potential common stock in the period prior
to the Company's planned initial public offering. The dilutive effect of
potential common shares in 1998, consisting of outstanding stock options and
convertible preferred stock, is determined using the treasury method and the
if-converted method, respectively, in accordance with SFAS No. 128. Diluted
weighted average shares outstanding for 1995, 1996 and 1997 exclude the
potential common shares from warrants, stock options and convertible preferred
stock outstanding because to do so would have been antidilutive for the years
presented. The potential common shares excluded in 1995, 1996 and 1997 related
to outstanding warrants and stock options were 0, 0 and 4,493 shares,
respectively. The potential common shares excluded in 1995, 1996 and 1997
related to convertible preferred stock were 21,180, 391,332 and 1,096,953
shares, respectively. In addition, the warrants to purchase membership interest
in a subsidiary (see Note 8(d)) have been excluded from diluted weighted
average shares.
F-10
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(1) OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
(n) New Accounting Standards
AICPA Statement of Position (SOP) 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up
Activities was issued in April 1998. SOP 98-5 requires that all
non-governmental entities expense the costs of start-up activities, including
organizational costs, as those costs are incurred. The Company has recorded
such costs as expense, in the period incurred.
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, Reporting Comprehensive
Income. SFAS No. 130 requires disclosure of all components of comprehensive
income on an annual and interim basis. Comprehensive income is defined as the
change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and
other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. SFAS No. 130 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. This new standard is not
anticipated to have a significant impact on the Company's financial statements
based on the current structure and operations.
In July 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, Disclosures About Segments of
an Enterprise and Related Information. SFAS No. 131 requires certain financial
and supplementary information to be disclosed on an annual and interim basis
for each reportable segment of an enterprise. SFAS No. 131 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997. Unless impracticable, companies
would be required to restate prior period information upon adoption. The
Company implemented this standard in the first quarter of 1998. The Company
intends to analyze segment reporting based on dark fiber and lit fiber
facilities. To date, the Company has recorded revenues and costs related to
dark fiber facilities only.
(o) Litigation
Certain claims arising in the ordinary course of business are pending
against the Company. In the opinion of management, these claims are without
merit and there is no potential liability.
(2) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Applied Telecommunication Technologies, Inc. (ATTI) has provided the
Company with $1,594,433 of lease financing to date as reflected in Note 5. The
principal balance of the obligations is $912,837 and $533,740 as of December
31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. ATTI owns 12,409 shares of the Company's
outstanding common stock at December 31, 1997. One of ATTI's investment funds
owns 21,180 shares of the Company's Series A convertible preferred stock.
During the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997, the Company reimbursed
CMP and/or its subsidiary MaineCom Services primarily for personnel costs
related to the activities of the Company. The amount paid to CMP totaled
approximately $310,591 and $725,000 for the years ended December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively. Approximately $0 and $29,779 was included in accounts
payable at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Company believes that
these costs approximated the actual costs incurred by CMP and/or MaineCom
Services related to such personnel, and does not believe that such costs would
have been materially different had CMP and/or MaineCom Services not been
affiliates of the Company.
CMP agreed to allow right-of-way payments otherwise payable by the Company
to accrue so long as amounts borrowed by the Company from a Bank under a $1.6
million construction loan agreement were outstanding. The amount of
right-of-way payments accrued through March 31, 1998 was approximately
$120,000.
In addition, CMP includes the Company in its consolidated federal income
tax return. At December 31, 1996 and 1997, the amounts due under the
tax-sharing arrangement to the Company from CMP are included in refundable
taxes from related party and amounted to approximately $0 and $368,734,
respectively, for current and deferred income tax benefits related to CMP's
utilization of the Company's loss carryforwards (see Note 9).
F-11
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(2) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
The Company is also affiliated with NU (see Note 1). The Company paid NU
approximately $3,719,404 in 1996 and $945,667 in 1997 for materials, labor and
other contractor charges. Approximately $357,100 and $494,500 was included in
accounts payable at December 31, 1996 and 1997, respectively.
In 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with NU whereby NU waived
right-of-way fees for 10 years in return for the Company's guarantee to build
the fiber optic network to certain NU facilities and allow NU the use of 12
fibers on designated route segments in the NU service territory.
The Company's agreement with NU provides for payments on a per mile basis
for certain right-of-way extensions. Such payments are recognized ratably over
the 30-year term of the contract. Approximately $350,400 and $785,500 was
included in accrued right-of-way fees--related party at December 31, 1996 and
1997, respectively.
The Company believes that the right-of-way fees payable under the NU and
CMP agreements are reasonable and are comparable to those which would have been
negotiated on an arms length basis with an unaffiliated third party.
The Company has employment contracts with four of its officers, two of
whom are also common and preferred stockholders of the Company. The contracts
are for three-year terms expiring at varying dates through July 2001 with an
annual compensation commitment of $537,000 in the aggregate. In addition, the
Company will record a one-time bonus for a payment to one individual totaling
$500,000 upon the successful completion of an initial public offering in the
period incurred.
Upon the successful completion of an initial public offering the Company
will record a one-time bonus for a payment of $500,000 to MaineCom Services.
(3) COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK CONSTRUCTION
The Company is constructing a communications network in the Northeast.
Costs directly related to the construction of the network are being capitalized
and will be depreciated over the 20-year estimated useful life of the fiber
optic transmission plant as individual segments of the system are placed in
service. During 1996 and 1997, approximately 0 and 160 miles, respectively,
were placed in service. Approximately $114,000, $181,000 and $142,000 of
interest has been capitalized to communications network construction in
progress in each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997.
(4) INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets subject to amortization have been capitalized and are
amortized on a straight-line basis as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Deferred right-of-way fees ......... 10 years (term of the agreement)
Financing costs .................... 3-5 years (term of the debt)
Trademarks ......................... 10 years
</TABLE>
Intangible assets consist of the following at December 31, 1996 and 1997:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
--------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred right-of-way fees--related party .......... $ -- $2,471,743
Financing costs .................................... 68,404 1,318,258
Trademarks ......................................... 2,098 2,098
------- ----------
70,502 3,792,099
Less--Accumulated amortization ..................... 25,652 200,874
------- ----------
$44,850 $3,591,225
======= ==========
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(5) LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND NOTE PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1997
---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Note payable to related party ................................... $ -- $ 2,100,000
======== ===========
Construction loan payable ....................................... $ -- $ 1,575,772
ATTI notes payable (related party) .............................. 912,837 533,740
Capital lease payable to a bank in monthly principal and interest
installments of $482 with interest at 8.25% through August
1999, collateralized by a motor vehicle ........................ 14,184 9,393
-------- -----------
927,021 2,118,905
Less--Current portion ........................................... 380,142 1,982,911
-------- -----------
$546,879 $ 135,994
======== ===========
</TABLE>
(a) Note Payable to Related Party
On October 7, 1997 the Company entered into a $30,000,000 construction
loan agreement with CMP. The Company paid CMP a commitment fee of $150,000. The
note bears interest at the LIBOR rate (5.72% at December 31, 1997) plus three
hundred basis points. Interest is payable quarterly in arrears commencing
January 1, 1998 through the conversion date (first day of the first month after
the completion of certain portions of the network (see Note 10)). Beginning on
the first day of the first month after the conversion date, the loan is payable
in equal monthly payments of principal plus interest accrued thereon. On
October 1, 2002, all amounts are due and payable in full. If required by the
Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC), CMP has the option of demanding
payment in full on April 1, 1999 of any amounts of the loan outstanding on
April 1, 1999 that are necessary to cause CMP to be in compliance with the
PUC's requirements concerning CMP's capitalization. The loan is secured by a
perfected mortgage lien on the security interest in substantially all assets of
the Company.
As of December 31, 1997, $2,100,000 has been advanced under the loan
agreement. Additional advances will be made upon the completion of certain
conditions contained in the loan document, as defined. Subsequent to year-end
the Company was advanced an additional $15,775,000. In conjunction with the
note, the Company issued a warrant to purchase membership interest in FiveCom
LLC (see Note 8(d)). The fair market value of the warrant, $532,836, included
in deferred financing costs in the accompanying balance sheet, is being
amortized as interest expense over the term of the note. Upon successful
completion of an initial public offering and retirement of the note, the
Company will record a charge in the statement of operations for the remaining
balance of the deferred financing costs in the period extinguished.
(b) Construction Loan Payable
In March 1997, the Company entered into a $1,600,000 construction loan
agreement with a bank. The Company is required to maintain $800,000 in a
reserve account, which is included in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 as restricted cash. All
interest earned on the deposit becomes part of the reserve account. The reserve
account agreement remains in effect until the note is paid in full; however,
the bank may release the reserve account in the absence of any material default
under the loan agreement and a debt service coverage ratio greater than 1.5 to
1.0, as defined. As of December 31, 1997, the bank has not released any funds
in the reserve account. Under the agreement, the Company is required to
maintain certain covenants, as defined, including tangible net worth. As of
December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with
this covenant. The Company received a waiver from the bank related to
compliance with this covenant through March 31, 1998. The Company has
classified this debt as current in the accompanying financial statements, due
to noncompliance with this covenant subsequent to March 31, 1998.
F-13
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(5) LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND NOTE PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTY (Continued)
(c) ATTI Notes Payable
Through August 1994 and October 1995, the Company entered into five notes
payable with ATTI. The notes bear interest at 13% and are payable in monthly
principal and interest installments ranging from $1,194 to $13,270 through
August 1999. In addition, the Company issued common stock warrants in
conjunction with the notes (see Notes 2 and 8(d)).
(d) Future Maturities
Future maturities of long-term obligations as of December 31, 1997 are as
follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Year ending December 31,
1998 ............................... $1,982,911
1999 ............................... 135,994
----------
2,118,905
Less--Current portion ............... 1,982,911
----------
Total long-term obligations ......... $ 135,994
==========
</TABLE>
(6) CMP WARRANT
During October 1997 and in connection with the CMP construction loan
agreement (see Note 5), the Company issued a warrant to purchase 5,876 shares
of membership interest in FiveCom LLC to the lender at an exercise price of
$.01 per share. The warrant expires on October 7, 2002. At the time of
issuance, the warrant was recorded as a discount on the agreement and as a
component of stockholders' equity in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheet at $532,836, the fair market value of the warrant, as calculated using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The discount is being amortized as
interest expense over the term of the debt. The warrant contains put and call
options and a right of first refusal. At the earlier of three years from the
date of the agreement or upon any reorganization, as defined, or an initial
public offering, the lender shall have the right to require the Company to
repurchase the warrant at fair market value, as defined. In addition, the
Company has the option to purchase the warrant prior to the warrant exercise at
the fair market value, as defined.
Subsequent to year end, CMP exercised the warrant (see Note 14).
(7) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(a) Reverse Stock Split
On April 30, 1996, the Company declared a five-for-one reverse split of
each class of its capital stock. All share and per share amounts for all
periods presented have been adjusted to reflect this split.
(b) Preferred Stock
The Company's Board of Directors authorized up to 3,000,000 shares of $.01
par value preferred stock, of which 200,000 shares are designated as Series A
convertible preferred stock (Series A preferred) and 2,025,120 are designated
as Series B convertible preferred stock (Series B preferred).
Pursuant to a stock subscription agreement dated November 22, 1995, CMP
invested $10,000,000 for 75% of the fully diluted equity of the Company. As of
December 31, 1996 and 1997, CMP owned 962,734 (subject to antidilution
adjustment) shares of Series B preferred.
On May 5, 1998 the Board of Directors voted to increase the authorized
shares of Series B convertible preferred stock to 4,500,000.
F-14
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(7) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Continued)
Dividends
The holders of Series A and B preferred are entitled to receive dividends,
as defined, if and when declared by the Company's Board of Directors. To date
no dividends have been declared.
Voting
Each holder of outstanding shares of Series A and B preferred is entitled
to a number of votes equal to the number of whole shares of common stock into
which such share of Series A and B preferred held is then convertible. All
outstanding holders of Series A and Series B preferred shall vote together with
the holders of common stock as a single class, except holders of Series A
preferred shall vote as a separate class upon matters adversely affecting the
Series A preferred stock and holders of Series B preferred shall vote as a
separate class upon matters adversely affecting the Series B preferred stock.
Liquidation
After payment in full to any class or series of stock ranking senior to
Series A and B preferred and before payment to any class or series of stock
ranking junior to Series A and B preferred, Series A and B preferred
stockholders are entitled to receive, in the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation or dissolution of the Company, (i) $23.6 and $24.7 per
share, respectively (subject to certain adjustments, as defined) plus any
dividends declared or accrued but unpaid or (ii) such amount per share as would
have been payable had each such share been converted into common stock.
Conversion
Each share of Series A and B preferred is convertible, at the option of
the holder, at any time after the date of issuance and without any additional
payment into such number of shares of Common Stock as is determined by dividing
$23.6 and $24.7, respectively, by the Conversion Price, as defined ($2.948 and
$9.88 as of December 31, 1997, respectively). Series A and Series B preferred
will automatically convert into common stock upon the closing of an
underwritten public offering, as defined.
(c) Common Stock
In November 1995, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the issuance
of up to 4,000,000 shares of common stock. At December 31, 1997, there were
1,500 shares reserved for issuance under the Company's stock option plan and
1,213,541 shares reserved for issuance upon conversion of Series A and B
preferred stock. On June 23, 1998 the Board of Directors voted to increase the
authorized shares to 30,000,000.
(8) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
(a) 1994 Stock Option Plan
On December 2, 1994, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the 1994
Stock Option Plan (the 1994 Plan). Under the terms of the 1994 Plan, incentive
and nonstatutory options may be granted to employees, officers, directors,
consultants and advisers to purchase an aggregate of 4,000 shares of common
stock. The exercise price of the incentive options will be 100% of the fair
market value of the common stock or 110% of the fair market value in the case
of options granted to a greater than 10% stockholder. Options generally vest
quarterly over a two-year period and are exercisable within five years of the
original date of grant.
Stock option activity for the three years in the period ended December 31,
1997 and for the three-month period ended March 31, 1998 (unaudited) is as
follows:
F-15
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(8) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Average
Number of Exercise
Shares Price
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding, December 31, 1995 .................. -- $ --
Granted ........................................ 4,000 .10
Exercised ...................................... (250) .10
----- -----
Outstanding, December 31, 1996 .................. 3,750 .10
Canceled ....................................... (3,750) .10
------ -----
Outstanding, December 31, 1997 .................. -- $ .10
====== =====
Outstanding, March 31, 1998 (unaudited) ......... -- $ --
====== =====
</TABLE>
(b) 1998 Stock Incentive Plan
The Company's 1998 Stock Incentive Plan (the 1998 Plan) was adopted by the
Board of Directors on May 18, 1998 and approved by the Company's stockholders
on May 26, 1998. The 1998 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock
options, nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock awards and other
stock-based awards, including the grant of shares based on certain conditions,
the grant of securities convertible into common stock and the grant of stock
appreciation rights (collectively the Awards). Options may be granted at an
exercise price that may be less than, equal to or greater than the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options and
options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation may not be
granted at an exercise price less than the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant (or less than 110% of the fair market value in the
case of incentive stock options granted to optionees holding more than 10% of
the voting power of the Company). Options granted under the 1998 Plan typically
will vest over time, subject to acceleration upon change in control. Restricted
stock awards entitle recipients to acquire shares of common stock, subject to
the right of the Company to repurchase all or part of such shares from the
recipient in the event that the conditions specified in the applicable Award
are not satisfied prior to the end of the applicable restriction period
established for such Award. Under the 1998 Plan, the Board of Directors has the
right to grant other Awards based on the common stock having such terms and
conditions as the Board of Directors may determine, including the grant of
shares based on certain conditions, the grant of securities convertible into
common stock and the grant of stock appreciation rights. Officers, employees,
directors, consultant and advisors of the Company and its subsidiaries are
eligible to be granted Awards under the 1998 Plan.
Upon consummation of the Equity Offering, a total of 2,436,105 shares will
be reserved for issuance under the 1998 Plan, of which 1,705,272 shares will be
subject to options granted to employees of the Company with an exercise price
per share equal to the initial public offering price.
(c) Fair Value of Stock Options
In October 1995, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation. SFAS No. 123 requires the measurement of the fair value of stock
options to be included in the statements of income or disclosed in the notes to
financial statements. The Company has determined that it will continue to
account for stock-based compensation for employees under Accounting Principles
Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and elect the
disclosure-only alternative under SFAS No. 123.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions
used for grants during the applicable period: dividend yield of 0% for all
periods; volatility of 0% for all periods; risk-free interest rate of 7.67% for
options granted during 1995 and a weighted average expected option term of two
years for all periods. The weighted average fair value per share of options
granted during 1995 was $0. No options were granted during 1996 and 1997.
F-16
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(8) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Continued)
(d) Warrants
From August 1994 to October 1995, the Company issued warrants to ATTI (see
Note 2) for the purchase of 11,450 shares of the Company's common stock at an
exercise price of $.06 per share. The warrants expire five years from the date
of grant. At the time of issuance, the Company recorded a charge of $178,
representing the fair market value of the warrants, as determined by the Board
of Directors.
During July 1996, the Company issued a warrant to one of its advisors for
the purchase of 2,656 shares of membership interest in FiveCom LLC at an
exercise price of $125.84 per share. The warrant expires on April 30, 2001. At
the time of issuance, the Company recorded a charge of $8,595, representing the
fair market value of the warrant, as calculated using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model.
(9) INCOME TAXES
As discussed in Note 2, the Company is included in CMP's consolidated
federal income tax return. The Company accounts for income taxes under SFAS No.
109, Accounting for Income Taxes, the objective of which is to recognize the
amount of current and deferred income taxes payable or refundable at the date
of the financial statements as a result of all events that have been recognized
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, as measured by enacted
tax laws.
The income tax provision (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 1995,
1996 and 1997 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1996 1997
------------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current--
Federal ......................... $ -- $ 14,000 $ (291,000)
State ........................... -- 2,000 (31,000)
---------- --------- ----------
-- 16,000 (322,000)
Deferred--
Federal ......................... (150,000) (58,000) 47,000
State ........................... (16,000) (6,000) 14,000
---------- --------- ----------
(166,000) (64,000) 61,000
Less valuation allowance ......... 166,000 64,000 --
---------- --------- ----------
Total .......................... $ -- $ 16,000 $ (261,000)
========== ========= ==========
</TABLE>
The provision for income taxes for the year ended December 31, 1996
consists of alternative minimum and net worth taxes. The benefit from income
taxes for the year ended December 31, 1997 represents refundable income taxes
from CMP as a result of its tax-sharing agreement with CMP.
The Company has recorded a deferred tax liability of $61,000 at December
31, 1997 related to the temporary differences associated with accelerated
depreciation.
(10) NETWORK CONSTRUCTION AND NU AND CMP CONTRACTS
In 1994 the Company contracted for the rights to use NU property over an
initial 30-year term for the purpose of owning and operating the fiber optic
network facilities. At the end of the initial 30-year term, NU will have the
option to purchase the network on NU rights-of-way from the Company at the
appraised value, or to extend the agreement for an additional 30-year term with
an added payment incentive of 10% of revenues generated from the network built
on NU rights-of-way. Contractually, the Company is required to build 310 fiber
route miles in NU's service territory by September 27, 1999.
Pursuant to the Company's agreement with NU, the right-of-way fees for
specified route segments have been waived for 10 years in return for the
Company's guarantee to build the fiber optic network to certain NU facilities
F-17
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(10) NETWORK CONSTRUCTION AND NU AND CMP CONTRACTS (Continued)
and allow NU the use of 12 fibers on designated route segments in the NU
service territory. Costs of $2,348,156 associated with the construction of the
12 fibers are included in Prepaid right-of-way fees-related party in the
accompanying balance sheet and are being recognized as a cost-of-service
ratably by over 10 years.
The Company's agreement with NU also provides for payments on a per mile
basis for certain right-of-way extensions. Such payments are being recognized
ratably over the 30-year term of the contract.
In 1996, the Company contracted for the rights to use CMP's property over
an initial 30-year term for the purpose of owning and operating fiber optic
network facilities. At the end of the initial 30-year term, CMP will have the
option to purchase the network on CMP rights-of-way from the Company at the
appraised value, or to extend the agreement for an additional 10-year term with
an added payment incentive of 10% of revenues generated from the network built
on CMP rights-of-way.
The Company's agreement with CMP provides for payments on a per mile
basis. Such payments are payable annually by January 31st of each year and are
recognized ratably over the 30-year term of the contract. CMP has agreed to
allow right-of-way payments otherwise payable by the Company to accrue so long
as amounts borrowed by the Company from a Bank under a $1.6 million
construction loan agreement were outstanding. The amount of right-of-way
payments accrued at December 31, 1997 and March 31, 1998 was approximately $0
and $120,000, respectively.
The Company believes that the right-of-way fees payable under the NU and
CMP agreements are reasonable and are comparable to those which would have been
negotiated on an arms length basis with an unaffiliated third party.
(11) COMMITMENTS
The Company leases certain motor vehicles, equipment and office facilities
under noncancelable operating leases which expire at various dates through
December 1999. Future minimum lease payments required under these leases at
December 31, 1997 are approximately as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Year ending December 31,
1998 .................. $14,000
1999 .................. 4,000
-------
$18,000
=======
</TABLE>
(12) SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS
Sales to significant customers as a percentage of the Company's total
revenues were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three-Months
Ended
December 31, March 31,
1995 1996 1997 1997 1998
------ ------ ------ ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Customer A ......... 100% 98% 10% --% --%
Customer B ......... -- -- 69 -- 76
Customer C ......... -- -- -- -- 10
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(13) ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses at December 31, 1996 and 1997, and March 31, 1998 consist
of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, March 31,
1996 1997 1998
--------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Accrued property taxes ................... -- $315,036 $293,034
Accrued interest ......................... -- 92,180 --
Accrued professional fees ................ 12,016 50,000 15,387
Accrued payable to related party ......... -- 61,793 61,793
Accrued payroll and benefits ............. 20,227 22,992 --
Accrued other ............................ -- 29,492 38,921
------ -------- --------
$32,243 $571,493 $409,135
======= ======== ========
</TABLE>
(14) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
(a) Reorganization
Prior to the Reorganization, approximately 90.9% of the Company was owned
by MaineCom Services. In addition, the Company had one direct subsidiary,
FiveCom LLC, of which the Company owned approximately 82.6% of the outstanding
membership interests, with 9.9% of the outstanding membership interests being
owned by Mode 1, 5% of the outstanding membership interests being owned by CMP
and the remaining membership interests being owned by certain individuals.
FiveCom LLC in turn owned 60% of the outstanding membership interests in NECOM
LLC (with Mode 1 owning the other 40%) and 33.3% of the outstanding membership
interests of FiveCom of Maine LLC (with MaineCom Services owning the other
66.7%).
In order to simplify the corporate structure and in contemplation of the
Offerings, the Company's major stockholders decided to reorganize the Company.
In April 1998, prior to the Reorganization, CMP exercised its warrants to
purchase 5,876 shares of membership interests in FiveCom LLC for an aggregate
exercise price of $58.76 and on July 8, 1998, (i) each of the minority members
in FiveCom LLC (and each of Mode 1 and MaineCom Services) exchanged their
membership interests in FiveCom LLC, NECOM LLC and FiveCom of Maine LLC,
respectively, for 3,470,470 shares of the Series B Convertible Preferred Stock
of the Company; (ii) FiveCom LLC and NECOM LLC were each merged with and into
the Company; (iii) FiveCom of Maine LLC was merged into FiveCom of Maine, Inc.,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and (iv) the Company was
reincorporated in Delaware under the name "NorthEast Optic Network, Inc." and
the Company's Certificate of Incorporation was amended and restated.
As a result of the Reorganization, (i) MaineCom Services ownership of the
Company was reduced to 52.82%, with Mode 1 gaining an ownership interest of
40.84% in the Company, and (ii) FiveCom LLC and NECOM LLC were merged with and
into the Company, and FiveCom of Maine LLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company which was converted from a Massachusetts limited liability company
into a Delaware corporation.
On July 8, 1998, the Company entered into a Restructuring and Contribution
Agreement with CMP, MaineCom Services (a wholly-owned subsidiary of CMP) and
Mode 1 (an affiliate of NU) relating to the restructuring of the Company.
Pursuant to this Agreement, each of MaineCom Services and Mode 1 exchanged
membership interests in subsidiaries of the Company for shares of the Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company. In addition, pursuant to the
Restructuring and Contribution Agreement, the Company's President and the
Company's Vice President, Operations, exchanged their membership interests in
FiveCom LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, for shares of the Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company.
Prior to the reorganization, Fivecom, Inc., NU, and other minority
interests owned 82.7%, 9.9% and 7.4%, respectively, of FiveCom LLC membership
interests. CMP through its ownership in FiveCom, Inc. owned a 75.1% interest in
FiveCom LLC. In connection with the Reorganization, the Company will record an
intangible asset of approximately $46,000,000 to reflect the Company's exchange
of membership interest (acquisition) related to NU's
F-19
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(14) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
minority interest in a subsidiary (NECOM LLC), in accordance with AICPA
Accounting Interpretation 39 to APB Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations
(AIN-39). The intangible will be amortized over 30 years, reflecting assignment
of value to goodwill and to the rights-of-ways, which have 30-year terms.
Pro forma results of operations for the Company for the year ended
December 31, 1997 assuming that the Reorganization had occurred on January 1,
1997 would have been revenues of $394,704; operating loss of ($3,824,612); a
net loss of ($3,566,505); and a basic and diluted loss per share of $12.52.
(b) Stockholders' Equity
The Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the issuance of up to
2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share. Under the terms
of the Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is authorized,
subject to any limitations prescribed by law, without stockholder approval, to
issue such shares of preferred stock in one or more series. Each series of
preferred stock shall have rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions,
including voting rights, dividend rights, conversion rights, redemption
privileges and liquidation preferences, as shall be determined by the Board of
Directors.
In connection with the Reorganization, the par value of the Series A
convertible preferred stock, Series B convertible preferred stock and common
stock was reduced from $0.05 to $0.01 per share, resulting in a reduction in
par value of $3,133, $38,509 and $4,557 in Series A convertible preferred
stock, Series B convertible preferred stock and common stock, respectively, and
a corresponding increase in additional paid-in capital of $46,199. All par
value amounts have been retroactively restated to reflect the reduction.
In connection with the Reorganization, the conversion rate on the Series A
convertible preferred stock was reduced to a 1:1 ratio and 199,636 additional
shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock were issued to adjust for such
reduction.
On June 23, 1998 the Board of Directors voted to increase the authorized
common shares to 30,000,000.
In July 1998, the Company's Board of Directors voted to effect a 2.5- to
- -1 common stock split. Series A and B convertible preferred stock will convert
at a rate equal to the common stock split. All share and per share amounts have
been retroactively restated to reflect the stock split.
(c) Principal Stockholders Agreement
CMP and NU have entered into a Principal Stockholders Agreement dated May
28, 1998, whereby each such party agrees that, following the completion of the
Offerings, it will not permit or cause the Company to (i) merge or consolidate,
liquidate or dissolve, change its form of organization or sell, lease, exchange
or transfer all or substantially all of its assets; or (ii) seek bankruptcy
protection or certain other protection from creditors, unless both parties
agree. After the closing of the proposed equity offering and debt financing,
this agreement will remain in effect for so long as (a) NU owns at least 10% of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, fully diluted and (b) the
aggregate Common Stock of the Company owned by NU and CMP is at least 331/3% of
the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, fully diluted. The Company expects
that each of CMP and NU will be major creditors of the Company under their
existing right-of-way agreements.
(d) Qwest Agreement
In July 1998, the Company entered into an agreement (the "Qwest
Agreement") with Qwest Communications Corporation ("Qwest") in which Qwest
agreed to grant to the Company an indefeasible right to use (IRU) in certain
fibers along a route to be constructed between Boston and New York City (the
"Boston-New York Segment"). In consideration of such grant, the Company agreed
to pay to Qwest an aggregate IRU fee to be paid in a series of installments.
The Boston-New York Segment is expected to become available to the Company by
December 31, 1998. The term of the Qwest Agreement is for the longer of 20
years or the useful economic life of the fiber subject
F-20
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(14) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Continued)
to the Qwest Agreement, provided, however, that the Qwest Agreement may be
terminated at any time upon the occurrence of certain uncured defaults by the
Company or the loss of certain underlying rights held by Qwest or the other
parties upon whom Qwest depends for its rights in the fiber.
(e) BecoCom/NEES Communications Agreements
In July 1998, the Company entered into a Fiber Optic Lease Agreement with
NEES Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of New England Electric System (the
"NEES Com Agreement"), and a Fiber Optic Use Agreement with BecoCom, Inc., a
subsidiary of Boston Edison Company (the "BecoCom Agreement"). Pursuant to the
terms of these agreements, the Company acquired the right to use certain fibers
(the "Company Fibers") to be constructed and maintained by NEES Communications
and BecoCom, respectively, on routes running from Hudson, New Hampshire to and
within Boston, Massachusetts. Under the terms of these agreements, the Company
is required to pay a monthly fee, and has agreed to share a portion of the
revenue generated from the use of the Company Fibers (in excess of a base
revenue amount specified in each agreement). NEES Communications and BecoCom
are each required to use their best commercial efforts to make the fibers
available to the Company by December 31, 1998. Both the NEES Com Agreement and
the BecoCom Agreement have an initial term of 20 years, with the potential to
negotiate for up to two additional, consecutive five-year extensions.
(15) SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth certain unaudited quarterly results of
operations for each of the four quarters ended December 31, 1997 and the
quarter ended March 31, 1998. In management's opinion, this unaudited
information has been prepared on the same basis as the annual financial
statements and includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the
quarters presented, when read in conjunction with the financial statements and
notes thereto included elsewhere in this document. The operating results for
any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results for any subsequent
quarter.
F-21
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Including Data Applicable to Unaudited Periods)--(Continued)
(15) SELECTED QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED) (Continued)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter ended
------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, March 31,
1997 1997 1997 1997 1998
------------- ------------- --------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues:
Network service ............................. $ -- $ 106,369 $ 114,784 $ 126,565 $ 146,257
Other service ............................... -- 5,036 18,221 23,729 5,106
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues ............................. -- 111,405 133,005 150,294 151,363
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Expenses:
Cost of sales ............................... $ 108,358 $ 405,038 $ 289,777 $ 334,770 $ 247,386
Selling, general and administrative ......... 204,275 445,930 172,554 176,365 225,122
Depreciation and amortization ............... 32,987 135,204 137,936 249,843 302,013
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses ............................. 345,620 986,172 600,267 760,978 774,521
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from operations ....................... (345,620) (874,767) (467,262) (610,684) (623,158)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Other Income (Expense):
Interest income and other, net .............. 56,638 28,118 38,603 15,559 30,322
Interest expense ............................ -- (481) (37,297) (104,033) (91,816)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total other income (expense) ............... 56,638 27,637 1,306 (88,474) (61,494)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss before minority interest in
subsidiaries' earnings and
provision for income taxes ................ (288,982) (847,130) (465,956) (699,158) (684,652)
Minority Interest ............................ 137,620 397,644 218,721 326,215 314,498
Benefit From Income Taxes .................... (33,000) (96,000) (53,000) (79,000) (77,000)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net Loss ..................................... $ (118,362) $ (353,486) $ (194,235) $ (293,943) $ (293,154)
========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Basic and Diluted Loss per Share ............. $ (0.42) $ (1.24) $ (0.68) $ (1.03) $ (1.03)
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
The following unaudited consolidated pro forma financial statements give
effect to the Reorganization of entities under common control. These unaudited
consolidated pro forma financial statements have been prepared from, and should
be read in conjunction with, the historical financial statements and notes
thereto of NorthEast Optic Network, Inc.
On July 8, 1998, the Company entered into a Restructuring and Contribution
Agreement with CMP, MaineCom Services (an affiliate of CMP) and Mode 1 (an
affiliate of NU) related to the restructuring of the Company. See Notes 1 and
14(a). In connection with the Reorganization, the Company will record an
intangible asset of approximately $46,000,000 to reflect the Company's exchange
of membership interest (acquisition) related to NU's minority interest in a
subsidiary (NECOM LLC), in accordance with AICPA Accounting Interpretation 39
to APB Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations (AIN-39).
The unaudited Consolidated Pro Forma Balance Sheet gives effect to the
Mergers as if they had occurred on March 31, 1998. The Consolidated Pro Forma
Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 1998 and the year
ended December 31, 1997 give effect to the Reorganization as if it had occurred
on January 1, 1997.
The Consolidated Pro Forma Financial Statements of the Company do not
purport to present the financial position or results of operations of the
Company had the Mergers or acquisitions been consummated at the dates
indicated, nor is it necessarily indicative of future operating results or
financial position of the reorganized companies.
F-23
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
March 31, 1998 Adjustments March 31, 1998
Actual As Adjusted
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Assets
Current Assets:
Total current assets ................................ $ 2,006,262 $ 2,006,262
------------ ------------
Property and equipment, net ............................ 19,629,423 19,629,423
Restricted cash ........................................ 839,662 839,662
Intangible Assets, net ................................. 3,708,325 $ 45,788,366(1) 49,496,691
------------ ------------------ ------------
$ 26,183,672 $ 45,788,366 $ 71,972,038
============ ================== ============
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term obligations ........... $ 1,949,936 $ 1,949,936
Accounts payable and accrued expenses ................. 699,771 699,771
Accounts payable construction in progress ............. 2,786,515 2,786,515
Accrued right-of-way fees--related party .............. 940,848 940,848
Deferred revenue ...................................... 1,129,575 1,129,575
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities ........................... 7,506,645 7,506,645
------------ ------------
Note Payable Related Party ............................. 3,975,000 3,975,000
------------ ------------
Other Long-Term Obligations ............................ 123,833 123,833
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries ......... 5,024,288 $ (5,024,288)(2) --
CMP Warrant ............................................ 532,836 (532,836)(3) --
Stockholders' Equity:
Series A convertible preferred stock .................. 783 1,996(7) 2,779
Series B convertible preferred stock .................. 9,627 34,705(6) 44,332
Common stock .......................................... 2,848 2,848
Warrants .............................................. 8,595 8,595
Additional paid-in capital ............................ 11,817,216 51,308,789(1)(2)(3) 63,126,005
Accumulated deficit ................................... (2,817,999) (2,817,999)
------------ ------------
Total stockholders' equity .......................... 9,021,070 60,366,560
------------ ------------
$ 26,183,672 $ 45,788,366 $ 71,972,038
============ ================== ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated pro forma
financial statements.
F-24
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
December 31,
1997 Adjustments
--------------- ---------------------
Actual
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues: ................... $ 394,704
-------------
Expenses:
Cost of sales .............. 1,137,943
Selling, general and
administrative ........... 1,002,232
Depreciation and
amortization ............. 552,862 1,526,279(4)
------------- -----------
Total expenses ........... 2,693,037 1,526,279
------------- -----------
Loss from
operations ............ (2,298,333) (1,526,279)
------------- ------------
Interest Income
(Expense):
Interest income ............ 138,918
Interest expense ........... (141,811)
-------------
Total interest
expense ............... (2,893)
-------------
Loss before minority
interest in
subsidiaries' earnings
and provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes ............. (2,301,226) (1,526,279)
Minority Interest ........... 1,080,200 (1,080,200)(5)
Provision for (Benefit
From) Income Taxes ......... (261,000)
-------------
Net Loss ................... (960,026) (2,606,479)
============= ============
Basic and Diluted Loss
per Share .................. (3.37)
=============
Basic and Diluted
Weighted Average
Shares Outstanding ......... 284,828
=============
<CAPTION>
Three Months
Year Ended Three Months Ended
December 31, Ended March 31, March 31,
1997 1998 Adjustments 1998
--------------- ----------------- ------------------- ---------------
As Adjusted As Adjusted
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues: ................... $ 394,704 $ 151,363 $ 151,363
------------- ----------- -------------
Expenses:
Cost of sales .............. 1,137,943 247,386 247,386
Selling, general and
administrative ........... 1,002,232 225,122 225,122
Depreciation and
amortization ............. 2,079,141 302,013 381,570(4) 683,583
------------- ----------- --------- -------------
Total expenses ........... 4,219,316 774,521 381,570 1,156,091
------------- ----------- --------- -------------
Loss from
operations ............ (3,824,612) (623,158) (381,570) (1,004,728)
------------- ----------- ---------- -------------
Interest Income
(Expense):
Interest income ............ 138,918 30,322 30,322
Interest expense ........... (141,811) (91,816) (91,816)
------------- ----------- -------------
Total interest
expense ............... (2,893) (61,494) (61,494)
------------- ----------- -------------
Loss before minority
interest in
subsidiaries' earnings
and provision for
(benefit from)
income taxes ............. (3,827,505) (684,652) (381,570) (1,066,222)
Minority Interest ........... -- 314,498 (314,498)(5) 0
Provision for (Benefit
From) Income Taxes ......... (261,000) (77,000) (77,000)
------------- ----------- -------------
Net Loss ................... (3,566,505) (293,154) (696,068) (989,222)
============= =========== ========== =============
Basic and Diluted Loss
per Share .................. (12.52) (1.03) (3.47)
============= =========== =============
Basic and Diluted
Weighted Average
Shares Outstanding ......... 284,828 284,828 284,828
============= =========== =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated pro forma
financial statements.
F-25
<PAGE>
NORTHEAST OPTIC NETWORK, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(1) To record an intangible asset to reflect the step-up in basis resulting
from the Company's acquisition of NU's minority interest in a subsidiary
(NECOM LLC), in accordance with AIN-39.
(2) To record the elimination of minority interest resulting from the exchange
of minority members' interest in subsidiaries of the Company for Company
stock as part of the Reorganization.
(3) To record CMP's exercise in April 1998 of its warrants to purchase 5,876
shares of membership interests in FiveCom LLC for an aggregate exercise
price of $58.76.
(4) To record additional amortization associated with the intangible asset
recorded to reflect the step-up in basis resulting from the Company's
acquisition of NU's minority interest in a subsidiary (NECOM LLC). The
Company is utilizing a 30-year amortization period, reflecting the
assignment of value to goodwill and to the rights-of-way, which have
30-year terms.
(5) To eliminate the allocation of losses to minority members due to the
exchange of such interests' for the Company's stock in the reorganization.
(6) In connection with the Reorganization, the minority interests in the
Company's subsidiaries were exchanged for Series B convertible preferred
stock, resulting in the elimination of any minority interest and an
increase of 3,470,470 shares of Series B convertible preferred stock, of
which 144,172 shares arose from CMP's exercise of a warrant.
(7) In connection with the Reorganization, the conversion rate on the Series A
convertible preferred stock was reduced to a 1 : 1 ratio and 199,636
additional shares of Series A convertible preferred stock were issued to
adjust for such reduction.
F-26
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY
Set forth below are definitions of certain terms used herein.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Access charges ................ The fees paid by long distance carriers to LECs for originating and
terminating long distance calls on the LECs' local networks.
Analog Transmission ........... A way of sending voice, video and data signals electronically in which the
transmitted signal is analogous to the original signal.
ATM (Asynchronous
Transfer Mode) ................ An information transfer standard that is one of a general class of packet
technologies that relay traffic by way of an address contained within the first
five bytes of a standard fifty-three-byte-long packet or cell. The ATM format
can be used by many different information systems, including local area
networks, to deliver traffic at varying rates, permitting a mix of voice, data
and video.
Backbone ...................... The through-portions of a transmission network, as opposed to spurs that
branch off the through-portions.
Band .......................... A range of frequencies between two defined limits.
Bandwidth ..................... The relative range of analog frequencies or digital signals that can be passed
through a transmission medium, such as glass fibers, without distortion. The
greater the bandwidth, the greater the information carrying capacity.
Bandwidth is measured in Hertz, or "Hz" (analog), or Bits Per Second or
"bps" (digital).
Bit ........................... A contraction of the term Binary Digit, it is the basic unit in data
communications. Bits are typically represented by ones or zeros.
Bit Error Rate ................ A measure of transmission quality stated as the expected probability of error
per bit transmitted.
CAP ........................... Competitive Access Provider.
Capacity ...................... The information carrying ability of a telecommunications facility.
Carrier ....................... A provider of communications transmission services by fiber, wire or radio.
Carrier Ring .................. Local fiber optic network that connects one or more carrier facilities to a
NEON POP.
Carrier's Carrier ............. A wholesale private telecommunications carrier offering services primarily to
other carriers and not to the general public.
Central Office ................ A telephone company facility where subscribers' lines are joined to switching
equipment for connecting with other subscribers, both locally and for long
distance.
CLEC (Competitive Local
Exchange Carrier) ............. A company that competes with LECs in the local services market.
CMP ........................... Central Maine Power Company
CMP Service Territory ......... The geographical areas prescribed by CMP's franchise service territory in the
State of Maine.
Collocation ................... The physical locating of a telecommunication carrier's switch in another
carrier's premises that facilitates the interconnection of their respective
switching equipment.
Common Carrier ................ A government defined group of private companies offering
telecommunications services or facilities to the general public on a non-
discriminatory basis.
</TABLE>
G-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Conduit ........................... A pipe, usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic, that protects buried cables.
Dark Fiber ........................ Fiber optic cable without any of the electronic or optronic equipment
necessary to use the fiber for transmission.
Dense Wave Division
Multiplexing ...................... A technique for transmitting 8 or more different light wave frequencies on a
single fiber to increase the information carrying capacity.
Digital ........................... Describes a method of storing, processing and transmitting information
through the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that represent the binary
digits 0 and 1. Digital transmission/switching technologies employ a sequence
of discrete, distinct pulses to represent information, as opposed to the
continuously variable analog signal.
DS-0, DS-1, DS-3 .................. Standard telecommunications industry digital signal formats, which are
distinguishable by bit rate (the number of binary digits (0 and 1) transmitted
per second). DS-0 service has a bit rate of 64 kilobits per second and
typically transmits only the equivalent of one voice conversation at a time.
DS-1 service has a bit rate of 1.544 megabits per second and typically
transmits the equivalent of 24 simultaneous voice conversations. DS-3 service
has a bit rate of 45 megabits per second and typically transmits the equivalent
of 672 simultaneous voice conversations.
Equal Access ...................... The basis upon which customers of interexchange carriers are able to obtain
access to their Primary Interexchange Carriers' (PIC) long distance telephone
network by dialing "1", thus eliminating the need to dial additional digits and
an authorization code to obtain such access.
Facilities-Based Carriers ......... Facilities-based carriers that own and operate their own network and
equipment.
FCC (Federal
Communications
Commission) ....................... Regulatory body established pursuant to the Communications Act of 1934; it
has the authority to regulate all interstate communications originating in the
United States.
Fiber Miles ....................... The number of strands of fiber in a length of fiber optic cable multiplied by
the length of the cable in miles.
Fiber Optics ...................... A technology in which light is used to transport information from one point to
another. Fiber optic cables are thin filaments of glass through which light
beams are transmitted over long distances carrying large amounts of data.
Modulating light on thin strands of glass produces major benefits in high-
bandwidth, relatively low cost, low power consumption, small space needs,
total insensitivity to electromagnetic interference and great resistance to
bugging.
Frame Relay ....................... A high-speed, data-packet switching service used to transmit data between
computers. Frame Relay supports data units of variable lengths at access
speeds ranging from 56 kilobits per second to 1.5 megabits per second. This
service is well-suited for connecting local area networks, but is not presently
well-suited for voice and video applications due to the variable delays which
can occur. Frame Relay was designed to operate at high speeds on modern
fiber optic networks.
Gbps .............................. Gigabits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital signal
transmission expressed in billions of bits per second.
ILEC .............................. Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier, an historic provider of local telephone
services.
</TABLE>
G-2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Interconnect .................... Connection of a telecommunications device or service to the public switched
telephone network ("PSTN").
IXC (Interexchange carrier) ..... A company providing inter-LATA or long distance services between LATAs
on an intrastate or interstate basis.
Kbps ............................ Kilobits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital signal
transmission expressed in thousands of bits per second.
LATAs (Local Access
Transport Areas) ................ The approximately 200 geographic areas that define the areas between which
the RBOCs currently are prohibited from providing long distance services.
LEC (Local Exchange Carrier) A company providing local telephone services.
Lit Fiber ....................... Fiber activated or equipped with the requisite electronic and optronic
equipment necessary to use the fiber for transmission.
Local loop ...................... A circuit that connects an end-user to the LEC central office within a LATA.
Long-haul circuit ............... A dedicated telecommunications circuit generally between locations in
different LATAs.
Mbps ............................ Megabits per second, which is a measurement of speed for digital signal
transmission expressed in millions of bits per second.
Multiplexing .................... An electronic or optical process that combines a large number of lower speed
transmission lines into one high speed line by splitting the total available
bandwidth into narrower bands (frequency division), or by allotting a common
channel to several different transmitting devices, one at a time in sequence
(time division).
NEON ............................ NorthEast Optic Network, the Company's fiber optic network in the Northeast.
NEON POP ........................ A POP owned and operated by the Company.
Non-Zero Dispersion Fiber ....... This fiber was designed and introduced in the early 1990's for communication
systems operating in the 1550 nm transmission window. The refractive index
profile has been selected to provide non-zero dispersion over the Erbium-
doped fiber amplifier passband region. This non-zero dispersion feature is
important for system performance in high bit rate Dense Wavelength Division
Multiplexing (DWDM) applications.
Northeast ....................... Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island
and Vermont.
NU .............................. Northeast Utilities.
NU Service Territory ............ The geographical areas where NU provides retail or wholesale electric service;
owns or operates electric transmission facilities or has obtained rights,
interests or permissions which would allow NU to install transmission or
distribution facilities in such areas.
OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and
OC-192 .......................... OC is a measure of SONET transmission optical carrier level, which is equal
to a corresponding number of DS-3s (e.g., OC-3 is equal to 3 DS-3s and
OC-48 is equal to 48 DS-3s).
POP (Point of Presence) ......... Locations where a carrier has installed transmission equipment in a service
area to relay telecommunications traffic to a network or a switching center.
PCS (Personal
Communications Services) ........ Services planned for a new digital Radio Frequency (RF) equipment
conveying both voice and data over wireless networks.
</TABLE>
G-3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
RBOCs (Regional Bell
Operating Companies) .............. The seven local telephone companies (formerly part of AT&T) established as
a result of the AT&T Divestiture Decree.
Regeneration/amplifier ............ Devices which automatically re-transmit or boost signals on an out-bound
circuit.
Reseller .......................... A carrier that does not own transmission facilities, but obtains
communications services from another carrier for resale to the public.
Route Miles ....................... The number of miles spanned by fiber optic cable calculated without including
physically overlapping segments of cable.
ROWs .............................. Rights-of-way.
Single Mode Fiber ................. A fiber having a small core diameter and in which only one mode (the
fundamental mode which may consist of two polarizations) will propagate at
the wavelengths of interest.
SONET (Synchronous
Optical Network
Technology) ....................... An electronics and network architecture for variable-bandwidth products
which enables transmission of voice, data and video (multimedia) at very high
speeds.
SONET ring ........................ A network architecture which provides for instantaneous restoration of service
in the event of a fiber cut by automatically rerouting traffic along an
alternating path. This occurs so rapidly (in 50 milliseconds) that it is virtually
undetectable to the user.
Switch ............................ A device that selects the paths or circuits to be used for transmission of
information and establishes a connection. Switching is the process of
interconnecting circuits to form a transmission path between users and it also
captures information for billing purposes.
Switched service carriers ......... A carrier that sells switched long distance service and generally refers to a
carrier that owns its switch.
Switchless resellers .............. A carrier that does not own facilities or switches, but purchases minutes in
high volumes from other carriers and resells those minutes.
Tandem Switch ..................... An electronic communications switch located between the LEC switch and the
IXC switch that passes along routing, signaling and billing information.
Telecommunications ................ The transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of
information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of
the information as sent or received.
Telecommunications Service The offering of telecommunications for a fee to the public, or to such classes
of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the
facilities used.
Telephony ......................... The transmission of sounds between widely removed points with or without
connecting wires.
Unbundled ......................... Services, programs, software and/or training sold separately from the hardware.
Video Services .................... The provision of video over a channel.
Wireless .......................... A communications system that operates without wires, such as cellular services.
</TABLE>
G-4
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give
any information or to make any representation not contained in this Prospectus
and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied
upon as having been authorized by the Company or any Underwriter. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer
to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person
to whom it is unlawful to make such offer in such jurisdiction. Neither the
delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that the information herein is correct as
of any time subsequent to the date hereof or that there has been no change in
the affairs of the Company since such date.
------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
-----
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary ............................. 3
Risk Factors ................................... 11
Equity Offering ................................ 20
Use of Proceeds ................................ 20
Capitalization ................................. 21
Selected Consolidated Financial and
Operating Data .............................. 23
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of
Operations .................................. 25
Business ....................................... 29
Management ..................................... 45
Certain Transactions ........................... 50
Principal Stockholders ......................... 51
Description of Capital Stock ................... 53
Description of the Notes ....................... 55
United States Federal Income Tax
Consequences ................................ 80
Underwriting ................................... 83
Notice to Canadian Residents ................... 84
Legal Matters .................................. 85
Experts ........................................ 85
Additional Information ......................... 85
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements ..... F-1
Glossary ....................................... G-1
</TABLE>
------------------------
Until October 29, 1998, all dealers effecting transactions in the Notes,
whether or not participating in this distribution, may be required to deliver a
prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to the obligation of
dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to
their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
[logo]
NorthEast Optic
Network, Inc.
$180,000,000
12-3/4% Senior Notes
Due 2008
P R O S P E C T U S
Credit Suisse First Boston
Warburg Dillon Read LLC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
