<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
------------------------
FORM 10-Q
(MARK ONE)
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
/X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
OR
/ / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF
1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO
</TABLE>
COMMISION FILE NUMBER 1-5706
------------------------
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant, as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 58-0971455
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
ONE MEADOWLANDS PLAZA, EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ 07073-2137
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)
(201) 531-8000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
------------------------
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS
REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES /X/ NO / /
THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING AS OF AUGUST 9, 1999 WAS
69,175,254
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
INDEX TO
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
PART I--FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations............................................................ 2
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets...................................................................... 3
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows............................................................ 4
Consolidated Condensed Statement of Stockholders' Equity................................................... 5
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Loss.................................................... 6
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements....................................................... 7
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations................................................................................................. 32
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk......................................... 80
PART II--OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.................................................................................. 83
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K................................................................... 86
Signature.................................................................................................. 87
</TABLE>
1
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
---------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1999 1998 1999 1998
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues:
Communications Group............................................ $ 5,821 $ 7,667 $ 13,429 $ 16,629
Lawn and garden equipment....................................... 59,184 66,572 119,218 117,829
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
65,005 74,239 132,647 134,458
Cost and expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses--Communications Group...... 242 1,348 897 2,916
Cost of sales--lawn and garden equipment........................ 38,734 47,768 78,675 83,517
Selling, general and administrative............................. 28,177 43,189 60,602 77,919
Depreciation and amortization................................... 4,220 5,127 8,587 10,442
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating loss.................................................... (6,368) (23,193) (16,114) (40,336)
Other income (expense):
Interest expense................................................ (3,523) (4,557) (6,929) (9,560)
Interest income................................................. 2,546 4,179 4,246 7,213
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees.................... (4,248) (2,145) (5,933) (7,645)
Foreign currency gain (loss).................................... (2,286) 224 (2,794) 321
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss before income tax expense, minority
interest and discontinued operations............................ (13,879) (25,492) (27,524) (50,007)
Income tax expense................................................ (111) (143) (205) (630)
Minority interest................................................. 2,383 3,446 4,852 5,485
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss from continuing operations................................... (11,607) (22,189) (22,877) (45,152)
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of Landmark Theatre Group.......................... -- 5,267 -- 5,267
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss.......................................................... (11,607) (16,922) (22,877) (39,885)
Cumulative convertible preferred stock dividend requirement....... (3,752) (3,752) (7,504) (7,504)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net loss attributable to common stockholders...................... $ (15,359) $ (20,674) $ (30,381) $ (47,389)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Weighted average number of common shares--Basic................... 69,151 69,046 69,137 68,810
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Loss per share attributable to common stockholders-- Basic:
Continuing operations........................................... $ (0.22) $ (0.38) $ (0.44) $ (0.77)
Discontinued operations......................................... $ -- $ 0.08 $ -- $ 0.08
Net loss........................................................ $ (0.22) $ (0.30) $ (0.44) $ (0.69)
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
2
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31,
1998
JUNE 30, ------------
1999
-----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents........................................................... $ 101,948 $ 137,625
Accounts receivable:
Snapper, net...................................................................... 28,612 27,055
Other, net........................................................................ 10,644 18,826
Inventories......................................................................... 56,356 62,777
Other assets........................................................................ 9,592 5,441
----------- ------------
Total current assets............................................................ 207,152 251,724
Investments in and advances to joint ventures:
Eastern Europe and the Republics of the Former Soviet Union......................... 85,444 87,163
China............................................................................... 70,755 71,559
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation........................ 34,209 36,067
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization...................................... 157,743 159,530
Other assets.......................................................................... 4,229 3,598
----------- ------------
Total assets.................................................................... $ 559,532 $ 609,641
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable.................................................................... $ 19,430 $ 28,779
Accrued expenses.................................................................... 64,408 63,329
Current portion of long-term debt................................................... 886 1,723
----------- ------------
Total current liabilities....................................................... 84,724 93,831
Long-term debt........................................................................ 43,773 50,111
Other long-term liabilities........................................................... 4,807 5,410
----------- ------------
Total liabilities............................................................... 133,304 149,352
----------- ------------
Minority interest..................................................................... 30,318 34,749
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
7 1/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock................................... 207,000 207,000
Common Stock, $1.00 par value, authorized 400,000,000 shares,
issued and outstanding 69,161,937 and 69,118,841 shares at June 30,
1999 and December 31, 1998, respectively........................................ 69,162 69,119
Paid-in surplus..................................................................... 1,012,987 1,012,794
Accumulated deficit................................................................. (887,674) (857,293)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss................................................ (5,565) (6,080)
----------- ------------
Total stockholders' equity...................................................... 395,910 425,540
----------- ------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity...................................... $ 559,532 $ 609,641
----------- ------------
----------- ------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
3
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Operating activities:
Net loss................................................................................ $ (22,877) $ (39,885)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Gain on sale of Landmark Theatre Group.................................................. -- (5,267)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees............................................ 5,933 7,645
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... 8,587 10,442
Minority interest....................................................................... (4,852) (5,485)
Other................................................................................... 209 664
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable.............................................. 6,768 (3,510)
Decrease in inventories................................................................. 6,430 25,086
Increase in other assets................................................................ (2,273) (2,707)
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses....................................... (8,209) (9,888)
Other operating activities, net......................................................... 855 (349)
---------- ----------
Cash used in operating activities................................................... (9,429) (23,254)
---------- ----------
Investing activities:
Investments in and advances to joint ventures........................................... (12,728) (30,719)
Distributions from joint ventures....................................................... 7,822 3,550
Purchase of short-term investments...................................................... -- (3,069)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments............................................ -- 100,000
Advances to PLD under bridge loan....................................................... (3,000) --
Cash paid for acquisitions and additional equity in subsidiaries........................ (1,238) (6,873)
Net proceeds from sale of Landmark Theatre Group........................................ -- 57,298
Additions to property, plant and equipment.............................................. (2,452) (5,278)
Other investing activities, net......................................................... -- 629
---------- ----------
Cash used in investing activities................................................... (11,596) 115,538
---------- ----------
Financing activities:
Payments on notes and subordinated debt................................................. (7,175) (16,850)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock related to incentive plans....................... 27 5,347
Preferred stock dividends paid.......................................................... (7,504) (7,504)
---------- ----------
Cash used in financing activities................................................... (14,652) (19,007)
---------- ----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................................... (35,677) 73,277
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period........................................ 137,625 129,661
---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.............................................. $ 101,948 $ 202,938
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
7 1/4% CUMULATIVE
CONVERTIBLE
PREFERRED STOCK COMMON STOCK ACCUMULATED
---------------------- ------------------------ OTHER
NUMBER OF NUMBER OF PAID-IN ACCUMULATED COMPREHENSIVE
SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT SURPLUS DEFICIT LOSS
----------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ------------ ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balances, December 31, 1998....... 4,140,000 $ 207,000 69,118,841 $ 69,119 $1,012,794 $ (857,293) $ (6,080)
Issuance of stock and stock
options related to incentive and
other
plans........................... -- -- 43,096 43 193 -- --
Dividends on 7 1/4% cumulative
convertible preferred stock..... -- -- -- -- -- (7,504) --
Other comprehensive income........ -- -- -- -- -- -- 515
Net loss.......................... -- -- -- -- -- (22,877) --
----------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ------------ -------
Balances, June 30, 1999........... 4,140,000 $ 207,000 69,161,937 $ 69,162 $1,012,987 $ (887,674) $ (5,565)
----------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ------------ -------
----------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------- ------------ -------
<CAPTION>
TOTAL
---------
<S> <C>
Balances, December 31, 1998....... $ 425,540
Issuance of stock and stock
options related to incentive and
other
plans........................... 236
Dividends on 7 1/4% cumulative
convertible preferred stock..... (7,504)
Other comprehensive income........ 515
Net loss.......................... (22,877)
---------
Balances, June 30, 1999........... $ 395,910
---------
---------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
5
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Net loss.................................................................................. $ (22,877) $ (39,885)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment............................................... 515 (626)
---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income (loss)......................................................... 515 (626)
---------- ----------
Comprehensive loss........................................................................ $ (22,362) $ (40,511)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.
6
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND LIQUIDITY
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying interim consolidated condensed financial statements include the
accounts of Metromedia International Group, Inc. ("Metromedia", "MMG" or the
"Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Metromedia International
Telecommunications, Inc. and Snapper Inc. Metromedia International
Telecommunications and its majority owned subsidiary, Metromedia China
Corporation, are together known as the "Communications Group". All significant
intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The Company
completed the sale of Landmark Theatre Group on April 16, 1998 (see note 4).
Investments in other companies, including those of the Communications Group's
joint ventures that are not majority owned, or in which the Company does not
have control but exercises significant influence, are accounted for using the
equity method. The Company reflects its net investments in joint ventures under
the caption "Investments in and advances to joint ventures." The Company reports
the results of the operations of the Communications Group's operations in
Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union, and the
distributable cash flow generated by the telephony systems of China Unicom, on a
three month lag.
The accompanying interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been
prepared without audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and
regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are
adequate to make the information presented not misleading. These financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements and related footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to
present fairly the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 1999, the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the three and six month periods
ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 have been included. The results of operations for
the interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be
realized for the full year.
LIQUIDITY
MMG is a holding company, and accordingly, does not generate cash flows from
operations. The Communications Group is dependent on MMG for significant capital
infusions to fund its operations, its commitments to make capital contributions
and loans to its joint ventures and subsidiaries and any acquisitions. Such
funding requirements are based on the anticipated funding needs of its joint
ventures and subsidiaries and certain acquisitions committed to by the Company.
Future capital requirements of the Communications Group, including future
acquisitions, will depend on available funding from the Company or alternative
sources of financing and on the ability of the Communications Group's joint
ventures and subsidiaries to generate positive cash flows. See note 9
"Acquisition of PLD Telekom Inc." In addition, Snapper is restricted under
covenants contained in its credit agreement from making dividend payments or
advances to MMG.
In the near-term, the Company intends to satisfy its working capital and capital
commitments with available cash on hand. However, the Communications Group's
businesses are capital intensive and require the investment of significant
amounts of capital in order to construct and develop operational systems and
market its services. As a result, the Company will require additional financing
in order to
7
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND LIQUIDITY (CONTINUED)
satisfy its on-going working capital, acquisition and expansion requirements and
to achieve its long-term business strategies. Such additional capital may be
provided through the public or private sale of equity or debt securities of the
Company or by separate equity or debt financings by the Communications Group or
companies of the Communications Group. No assurance can be given that additional
financing will be available to the Company on acceptable terms, if at all. If
adequate additional funds are not available, the Company may be required to
curtail significantly its long term business objectives and the Company's
results from operations may be materially and adversely affected.
Management believes that its long term liquidity needs will be satisfied through
a combination of the Company's successful implementation and execution of its
growth strategy to become a global communications and media company and through
the Communications Group's joint ventures and subsidiaries achieving positive
operating results and cash flows through revenue and subscriber growth and
control of operating expenses.
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION
The Communications Group records its investments in other companies and joint
ventures which are less than majority-owned, or which the Company does not
control but in which it exercises significant influence, at cost, net of its
equity in earnings or losses. Advances to the joint ventures or subsidiaries
under the line of credit agreements between the Company or one of its
subsidiaries and the joint ventures are reflected based on amounts recoverable
under the credit agreement, plus accrued interest.
Advances are made to joint ventures and subsidiaries in the form of cash, for
working capital purposes and for payment of expenses or capital expenditures, or
in the form of equipment purchased on behalf of the joint ventures. Interest
rates charged to the joint ventures and subsidiaries range from prime rate to
prime rate plus 6%. The credit agreements generally provide for the payment of
principal and interest from 90% of the joint ventures' and subsidiaries
available cash flow, as defined, prior to any substantial distributions of
dividends to the joint venture partners. The Communications Group has entered
into charter fund and credit agreements with its joint ventures and subsidiaries
to provide up to $225.1 million in funding of which $56.9 million in funding
obligations remain at June 30, 1999. The Communications Group's funding
commitments are contingent on its approval of the joint ventures' and
subsidiaries business plans.
In 1998, the Communications Group's paging business continued to incur operating
losses. Accordingly, the Communications Group developed a revised operating plan
to stabilize its paging operations. Under the revised plan, the Communications
Group is managing its paging business to a level that should not require
significant additional funding for its operations. As a result of the revised
plan, in 1998 the Company took a non-cash, nonrecurring charge on its paging
assets of $49.9 million, which included a $35.9 million write off of goodwill
and other intangibles. The non-cash, nonrecurring charge adjusted the carrying
value of goodwill and other intangibles, fixed assets and investments in and
advances to joint ventures and wrote down inventory. The write down relates to
both consolidated joint ventures and joint ventures recorded under the equity
method. The Company has adjusted its investments in certain paging operations
which are recorded under the equity method to zero, and unless it provides
future funding will no longer record its proportionate share of any future net
losses of these investees.
At June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, the Communications Group's
unconsolidated investments in the joint ventures in Eastern Europe and the
republics of the former Soviet Union, at cost, net of
8
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
adjustments for its equity in earnings or losses, write downs, and distributions
were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
OPERATIONS
NAME 1999 1998 OWNERSHIP % COMMENCED (10)
- ------------------------------------------------ --------- --------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Baltcom GSM, Latvia (1)......................... $ 8,814 $ 9,817 22% 1997
Magticom, Georgia (1)........................... 11,886 13,048 35% 1997
--------- ---------
20,700 22,865
--------- ---------
FIXED TELEPHONY
Instaphone, Kazakhstan.......................... 797 1,168 50% 1998
--------- ---------
INTERNATIONAL AND LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONY
Telecom Georgia, Georgia........................ 4,791 5,922 30% 1994
--------- ---------
CABLE TELEVISION
Kosmos TV, Moscow, Russia....................... 954 $ 1,385 50% 1992
Baltcom TV, Riga, Latvia........................ 4,087 4,003 50% 1992
Ayety TV, Tbilisi, Georgia...................... 2,577 3,045 49% 1993
Kamalak TV, Tashkent, Uzbekistan................ 3,001 2,976 50% 1993
Sun TV, Chisinau, Moldova....................... 3,742 4,731 50% 1994
Cosmos TV, Minsk, Belarus....................... 3,156 2,934 50% 1996
Alma TV, Almaty, Kazakhstan..................... 6,431 5,994 50% 1995
Teleplus, St. Petersburg, Russia................ 1,779 1,941 45% 1998
--------- ---------
25,727 27,009
--------- ---------
PAGING
Baltcom Plus, Latvia (2)........................ -- -- 50% 1995
Paging One, Georgia (2)......................... -- -- 45% 1994
Raduga Poisk, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia (2)....... -- -- 45% 1994
PT Page, St. Petersburg, Russia (2)............. -- -- 40% 1995
Paging Ajara, Batumi, Georgia (2)............... -- -- 35% 1997
Kazpage, Kazakhstan (2) (3)..................... -- -- 26-41% 1997
Alma Page, Almaty, Kazakhstan (2)............... -- -- 50% 1995
Kamalak Paging, Tashkent, Uzbekistan............ 1,994 2,260 50% 1993
Mobile Telecom, Russia (4)...................... 7,033 7,405 50% 1998
--------- ---------
9,027 9,665
--------- ---------
RADIO BROADCASTING
Radio Nika, Socci, Russia....................... 247 244 51% 1995
AS Trio LSL, Estonia............................ 1,808 1,903 49% 1997
--------- ---------
2,055 2,147
--------- ---------
OTHER
Trunked mobile radio ventures (5)............... -- --
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR
OPERATIONS
NAME 1999 1998 OWNERSHIP % COMMENCED (10)
- ------------------------------------------------ --------- --------- ------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PRE-OPERATIONAL (6)
ATK, Archangelsk, Russia (7).................... $ -- $ 1,746 81% --
Tyumenruskom, Russia............................ 5,635 2,228 46% --
Caspian American Telecom, Azerbaijian (8)....... 9,590 5,488 37% --
Telephony related ventures and equipment........ 2,510 2,612
Other (9)....................................... 4,612 6,313
--------- ---------
22,347 18,387
--------- ---------
Total........................................... $ 85,444 $ 87,163
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) In August 1998, the Communications Group increased its ownership at Baltcom
GSM from 21% to 22% and in Magticom from 34% to 35%.
(2) Investment balance reflects write down of investment.
(3) Kazpage is comprised of a service entity and 10 paging joint ventures. The
Company's interests in the paging joint ventures range from 26% to 41% and
its interest in the service entity is 51%.
(4) In January 1998, the Communications Group signed a definitive agreement to
purchase 50% of Mobile Telecom. The purchase closed during June 1998 at a
price of $7.0 million plus two future contingent payments of $2.5 million
each, to be adjusted up or down based on performance of the business.
Simultaneously with the purchase of Mobile Telecom, the Company purchased a
50% interest in a paging distribution company for $500,000. Approximately
$7.0 million of the purchase price was allocated to goodwill.
(5) In July 1998, the Communications Group sold its investment in Protocall
Ventures Limited. The Company's interest in Spectrum, a trunked mobile radio
venture in Kazakhstan, was written off in 1998.
(6) At June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, amounts disbursed for proposed
joint ventures, pre-operational joint ventures and amounts expended for
equipment for future wireless local loop projects are included in
pre-operational joint ventures.
(7) Included in the Company's consolidated financial statements in the current
period.
(8) In April 1999, Caspian American Telecom became operational; however, its
operational results are reported on a three-month lag. In May 1999, the
Communications Group sold 2.2% of its shares of Omni-Metromedia, thereby
reducing its ownership interest in Caspian American Telecom to 37%.
(9) In June 1999, Ala-TV, a joint venture in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgystan,
became operational; however, its operational results are reported on a
three-month lag.
(10) Indicates year operations commenced, or in the case of the acquisition of
operational entities, the year of acquisition.
10
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
Summarized combined balance sheet financial information of unconsolidated joint
ventures as of June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, and combined statement of
operations financial information for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
accounted for under the equity method that have commenced operations as of the
dates indicated are as follows (in thousands):
COMBINED INFORMATION OF UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
1999 1998
---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Assets:
Current assets....................................................................... $ 27,239 $ 34,617
Investments in systems and equipment................................................. 110,373 111,114
Other assets......................................................................... 4,120 7,103
---------- ------------
Total assets....................................................................... $ 141,732 $ 152,834
---------- ------------
---------- ------------
Liabilities and Joint Ventures' Deficit:
Current liabilities.................................................................. $ 29,155 $ 31,934
Amount payable under credit facility................................................. 79,416 66,574
Other long-term liabilities.......................................................... 74,599 82,314
---------- ------------
183,170 180,822
Joint ventures' deficit.............................................................. (41,438) (27,988)
---------- ------------
Total liabilities and joint ventures' deficit...................................... $ 141,732 $ 152,834
---------- ------------
---------- ------------
</TABLE>
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
JUNE 30, JUNE 30,
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Revenues.................................................................................. $ 50,905 $ 46,102
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of sales and operating expenses.................................................... 11,944 14,248
Selling, general and administrative..................................................... 26,238 24,858
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... 13,896 12,418
Other income (expense).................................................................. -- 22
---------- ----------
Total expenses........................................................................ 52,078 51,546
---------- ----------
Operating loss............................................................................ (1,173) (5,444)
Interest expense.......................................................................... (7,424) (5,748)
Other income (expense).................................................................... 42 (1,524)
Foreign currency transactions............................................................. (3,832) (1,671)
---------- ----------
Net loss.................................................................................. $ (12,387) $ (14,387)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
For the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 the results of operations
presented above are before the elimination of intercompany interest. Financial
information for joint ventures which are not yet operational is not included in
the above summary.
11
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
The following tables represent summary financial information for all operating
entities being grouped as indicated as of and for the six months and three
months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998. For the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 and 1998 the results of operations presented below are before the
elimination of intercompany interest (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
AND LONG
CELLULAR TELE- FIXED DISTANCE CABLE RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING TOTAL
-------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ------- ------------ --------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT
VENTURES(1)
Revenues........................... $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 2,661 $ 1,745 $ 8,105 $ 12,511
Depreciation and amortization...... -- -- -- 953 307 531 1,791
Operating income (loss)............ -- -- -- (178) (1,299) (1,253) (2,730)
Interest income.................... -- -- -- -- -- 26 26
Interest expense................... -- -- -- 475 1,602 241 2,318
Net loss........................... -- -- -- (1,117) (4,437) (2,217) (7,771)
Assets............................. -- -- -- 10,797 3,157 18,469 32,423
Capital expenditures............... -- -- -- 353 630 349 1,332
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues........................... $17,920 $ 54 $11,585 $13,627 $ 6,532 $ 1,187 $ 50,905
Depreciation and amortization...... 6,555 28 1,033 5,845 304 131 13,896
Operating income (loss)............ (873) (183) 940 (1,231) 192 (18) (1,173)
Interest income.................... 1 -- -- 148 -- -- 149
Interest expense................... 4,589 89 83 2,561 80 22 7,424
Net loss........................... (5,479) (603) (2,050) (3,967) (200) (88) (12,387)
Assets............................. 80,804 943 20,841 32,748 5,236 1,160 141,732
Capital expenditures............... 11,139 24 788 4,399 356 24 16,730
Net investment in joint ventures... 20,700 797 4,791 25,727 9,027 2,055 63,097
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
investees........................ (2,244) (1,531) (615) (1,237) (79) (80) (5,786)
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
AND LONG
CELLULAR TELE- DISTANCE CABLE RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING OTHER(2) TOTAL
-------------- ------------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------- --------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT
VENTURES(1)
Revenues........................... $ -- $ -- $ 1,576 $ 2,157 $ 8,694 $ 3,200 $ 15,627
Depreciation and amortization...... -- -- 666 774 590 481 2,511
Operating income (loss)............ -- -- (1,084) (5,151) 144 (186) (6,277)
Interest income.................... -- -- 11 12 165 29 217
Interest expense................... -- -- 454 639 263 106 1,462
Net income (loss).................. -- -- (1,441) (6,137) (1,148) (364) (9,090)
Assets............................. -- -- 8,537 8,413 20,674 12,535 50,159
Capital expenditures............... -- -- 55 318 355 -- 728
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues........................... $ 8,850 $13,624 $14,053 $ 6,825 $ 970 $ 1,780 $ 46,102
Depreciation and amortization...... 4,724 915 5,489 719 91 480 12,418
Operating income (loss)............ (4,641) 3,112 (2,286) 119 (150) (1,598) (5,444)
Interest income.................... 2 14 2 2 -- -- 20
Interest expense................... 2,983 231 2,045 373 5 111 5,748
Net income (loss).................. (8,065) 1,884 (4,788) (1,541) (162) (1,715) (14,387)
Assets............................. 62,345 25,549 34,548 9,083 939 4,762 137,226
Capital expenditures............... 22,263 1,643 5,127 90 37 2,166 31,326
Net investment in joint ventures... 21,816 5,114 25,167 15,541 2,236 2,171 72,045
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees......... (3,104) 565 (2,308) (1,301) (81) (644) (6,873)
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
2. COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
AND LONG
CELLULAR TELE- FIXED DISTANCE CABLE RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING TOTAL
-------------- --------- ------------- ---------- ------- ------------ -------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT
VENTURES(1)
Revenues................................ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 1,413 $ 801 $ 2,916 $ 5,130
Depreciation and amortization........... -- -- -- 510 16 148 674
Operating loss.......................... -- -- -- (120) (146) (789) (1,055)
Interest income......................... -- -- -- -- -- 10 10
Interest expense........................ -- -- -- 235 757 108 1,100
Net loss................................ -- -- -- (698) (2,262) (1,686) (4,646)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................ $ 8,964 $ 34 $ 5,436 $ 6,894 $ 2,705 $ 484 $24,517
Depreciation and amortization........... 3,639 13 507 2,833 129 63 7,184
Operating loss.......................... (419) (77) (201) (129) (84) (57) (967)
Interest income......................... -- -- -- 83 -- -- 83
Interest expense........................ 2,275 42 77 1,323 41 11 3,769
Net loss................................ (3,448) (312) (1,052) (2,230) (431) (76) (7,549)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
investees............................. (1,716) (1,152) (316) (875) (241) (66) (4,366)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
AND LONG
CELLULAR TELE- DISTANCE CABLE RADIO
COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING OTHER(2)
--------------- ------------- ----------- --------- ------------- -----------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT
VENTURES(1)
Revenues................................. $ -- $ -- $ 867 $ 1,270 $ 3,166 $ 1,449
Depreciation and amortization............ -- -- 339 215 299 230
Operating loss........................... -- -- (305) (2,294) (1,059) (58)
Interest income.......................... -- -- 1 2 125 15
Interest expense......................... -- -- 217 339 144 72
Net loss................................. -- -- (431) (2,950) (1,480) (164)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................. $ 4,833 $ 6,575 $ 7,512 $ 2,983 $ 350 $ 706
Depreciation and amortization............ 2,422 377 2,734 265 47 202
Operating income (loss).................. (1,701) 1,096 (113) 494 (96) (624)
Interest income.......................... 2 14 1 -- -- --
Interest expense......................... 1,895 64 966 202 -- 42
Net income (loss)........................ (3,843) 515 (773) (661) (96) (690)
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees............... (1,732) 154 438 (439) (51) (221)
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
TOTAL
---------
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT
VENTURES(1)
Revenues................................. $ 6,752
Depreciation and amortization............ 1,083
Operating loss........................... (3,716)
Interest income.......................... 143
Interest expense......................... 772
Net loss................................. (5,025)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................. $ 22,959
Depreciation and amortization............ 6,047
Operating income (loss).................. (944)
Interest income.......................... 17
Interest expense......................... 3,169
Net income (loss)........................ (5,548)
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees............... (1,851)
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not reflect the Communications Group's headquarter's revenue and
selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months and six
months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998.
(2) Other includes the results of Protocall Ventures, the Communications Group's
trunked mobile radio operations, consolidated and unconsolidated joint
ventures and subsidiaries through the six months ended March 31, 1998.
14
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA
At June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998 the Company's investments, through
Metromedia China, in the joint ventures in China, at cost, net of adjustments
for its equity in earnings or losses, were as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR YEAR
VENTURE OPERATIONS
NAME 1999 1998 OWNERSHIP % FORMED COMMENCED
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------- --------- ----------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sichuan Tai Li Feng
Telecommunications Co.,
Ltd. ("Sichuan JV")................................. $ 18,055 $ 19,292 92% 1996 1999
Chongqing Tai Le Feng
Telecommunications Co.,
Ltd. ("Chongqing JV")............................... 15,170 15,504 92% 1997 1999
Ningbo Ya Mei
Telecommunications Co.,
Ltd. ("Ningbo JV").................................. 28,757 29,741 70% 1996 1997
Ningbo Ya Lian
Telecommunications Co., Ltd. ("Ningbo JV II")....... 8,773 7,022 70% 1998 1998
--------- ---------
$ 70,755 $ 71,559
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
Metromedia International Group and Metromedia International Telecommunications,
Inc. have made loans to Metromedia China under a credit agreement, and
Metromedia China has used the proceeds of these loans to fund its investments in
these joint ventures in China. At June 30, 1999, Metromedia China had borrowed
$88.5 million under this credit agreement (including accrued interest).
The joint ventures participate in cooperation contracts with China Unicom that
entitle the joint ventures to specified percentages of the projects'
distributable cash flows. The joint ventures amortize the contributions to these
cooperation contracts over the cooperation contract periods of benefit (15 to 25
years).
Because legal restrictions in China prohibit foreign participation in the
operation or ownership in the telecommunications sector, the Company's joint
ventures in China are limited to providing financing, technical advice,
consulting and other services for the construction and development of telephony
networks for China United Telecommunications Incorporated, known as China
Unicom, a Chinese telecommunications operator. The completed networks are
operated by China Unicom. In return, the Company receives payments from China
Unicom based on the distributable cash flow generated by the networks.
Subsequent to June 30, 1999, Ningbo JV received a letter from China Unicom
stating that the supervisory department of the Chinese government had requested
that China Unicom terminate the project with Ningbo JV. China Unicom has since
informed Metromedia China that the letter also applies to Ningbo JV II. The
notification letter from China Unicom requested that negotiations begin
immediately regarding the amounts to be paid to Ningbo joint ventures, including
return of investment made and appropriate compensation and other matters related
to the winding up of the Ningbo joint ventures' activities as a result of this
notice. Negotiation regarding the terms of the termination have begun and are
continuing. The content of the negotiations includes determining the investment
15
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
principal of the Ningbo joint ventures, appropriate compensation and other
matters related to termination of contracts. The letter further stated that due
to technical reasons which were not specified, the cash distribution plan for
the first half of 1999 had not been decided and that China Unicom also expected
to discuss this subject with the Ningbo joint ventures. As a result, the Company
cannot currently determine the amount of compensation the Ningbo joint ventures
will receive.
While there can be no assurance that China Unicom will provide similar letters
to the Company's other two sino-sino-foreign telephony-related joint ventures
(Chongqing JV and Sichuan JV), the Company expects that these joint ventures
will also be the subject of project termination negotiations. The Company cannot
yet predict the effect on it of the Ningbo joint venture negotiations and the
expected winding up of the Company's other two telephone-related joint ventures,
but the Company believes such negotiations, if adversely concluded, or the
failure to make scheduled cash distributions, could have a material adverse
effect on its financial position and results of operations. Depending on the
amount of compensation, the Company will record a non-cash charge that will
reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with its telecommunications
joint ventures in China. The goodwill balance at June 30, 1999 was approximately
$67 million.
The Company is currently reviewing other investment opportunities in China and
has recently announced the establishment of a new joint venture in China to
develop and operate an e-commerce system.
(A) SICHUAN JV
On May 21, 1996, Asian American Telecommunications Corporation, an indirect
majority-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Joint Venture Agreement
with China Huaneng Technology Development Corp. for the purpose of establishing
Sichuan Tai Li Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd., known as Sichuan JV. Also on
May 21, 1996, Sichuan JV entered into a network systems cooperation contract
with China Unicom. This contract covers the funding, construction and
development of a fixed line public switched telephone network providing local
telephone service in cities within Sichuan Province and long distance telephone
service among those cities. The initial project covered by the contract includes
development of 50,000 local telephone lines in Chengdu and Chongqing cities, and
construction of a fiber optic long distance facility between these two cities.
Subsequent projects covered by the contract and the existing and future joint
ventures may expand services to one million local telephone lines in cities
throughout Sichuan Province, and construct fiber optic long distance facilities
among these cities. The contract has a cooperation term of twenty-five years.
Under the contract, China Unicom will be responsible for the construction and
operation of the Sichuan network, while Sichuan JV will provide financing and
consulting services for the project. Distributable cash flows, as defined in the
contract, are to be distributed 22% to China Unicom and 78% to Sichuan JV
throughout the term of the contract. Sichuan JV holds non-transferable title to
all assets acquired or constructed with the funds that it provides to China
Unicom, except for any assets used to provide inter-city long distance service,
title to which immediately passes to China Unicom. On the tenth anniversary of
completion of the Sichuan network's initial phase, title to assets held by
Sichuan JV will transfer to China Unicom. Sichuan JV and China Unicom consider
the cost of all assets acquired or constructed with investment funds from
Sichuan JV to be part of Sichuan JV's contribution to the contract, regardless
of whether Sichuan JV holds title to such assets.
16
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
The total amount to be invested in Sichuan JV is $29.5 million with equity
contributions from its shareholders amounting to $12.0 million. Asian American
Telecommunications has made capital contributions to Sichuan JV of $11.1 million
of its $11.4 million share and China Huaneng has contributed $600,000. The
remaining investment will be in the form of up to $17.5 million of loans from
Asian American Telecommunications, plus deferred payment credit from the
manufacturers of the equipment used in construction of the Sichuan Network. As
of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had loans outstanding to
Sichuan JV in the amount of $8.9 million. These loans bear interest at 10% per
annum. Ownership of the Sichuan JV is 92% by Asian American Telecommunications
and 8% by China Huaneng. Asian American Telecommunications also has a consulting
contract with China Huaneng covering the latter's assistance with operations in
China. Under the contract, Asian American Telecommunications is obligated to pay
China Huaneng an annual consulting fee of RMB 15.0 million (U.S. $1.8 million at
June 30, 1999 exchange rates).
Commercial operations were launched on the Chongqing network and Sichuan network
in January 1999. China Unicom has suspended cooperation with the Communications
Group's Joint Ventures on further development of the Sichuan and Chongqing
networks. The Company believes that this action reflects China Unicom's
intention to negotiate the termination of its relationship with this joint
venture as described above.
(B) CHONGQING JV
In May 1997, Chongqing Municipality was made a separate region from Sichuan
Province administered directly by the Chinese government. In an amendment to the
existing network systems cooperation contract, China Unicom agreed to recognize
Chongqing Municipality as being covered by the terms of that contract, thereby
explicitly extending Sichuan JV's rights and obligations under that contract to
include the newly independent Chongqing Municipality, including rights and
obligations for any long distance services developed by China Unicom between
cities in Chongqing Municipality and those of Sichuan Province. On September 9,
1997, Asian American Telecommunications entered into a Joint Venture Agreement
with China Huaneng for the purpose of establishing Chongqing JV. Sichuan JV and
Chongqing JV entered into an agreement whereby Chongqing JV assumed the rights
and obligations of Sichuan JV under the contract, as amended, that relate to
financing of and consulting services for those portions of the originally
contemplated Sichuan Network that would now lie within Chongqing Municipality.
Rights and obligations under the contract, as amended, that relate to financing
and consulting services for those portions of the originally contemplated
Sichuan network lying within the redefined boundaries of Sichuan Province would
remain with Sichuan JV.
The total amount to be invested in Chongqing JV is $29.5 million with registered
capital contributions from its shareholders amounting to $14.8 million. Asian
American Telecommunications has made capital contributions of $13.6 million of
its total $14.1 million contribution and China Huaneng has contributed $740,000.
The remaining investment in Chongqing JV will be in the form of up to $14.7
million of loans from Asian American Telecommunications plus deferred payment
credit from the manufacturers of the equipment used in construction of the
Chongqing Network. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had
loans outstanding to Chongqing JV in the amount of $2.6 million. The loans bear
interest at 10% per annum. Ownership in Chongqing JV is 92% by Asian American
Telecommunications and 8% by China Huaneng.
17
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
Commercial operations were launched on the Chongqing network and Sichuan network
in January 1999. China Unicom has suspended cooperation with the Communications
Group's Joint Ventures on further development of the Sichuan and Chongqing
networks. The Company believes that this action reflects China Unicom's
intention to negotiate the termination of its relationship with this joint
venture as described above.
(C) NINGBO JV
Asian American Telecommunications entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with
Ningbo United Telecommunications Investment Co., Ltd. on September 17, 1996 for
the purpose of establishing Ningbo Ya Mei Telecommunications Co., Ltd., known as
Ningbo JV. Previously Ningbo United had entered into a network system
cooperation contract with China Unicom covering development of a GSM
telecommunications project in the City of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, for China
Unicom. The project entails construction of a mobile communications network with
a total capacity of 50,000 subscribers. China Unicom constructed and operates
the network. Under the contract, Ningbo United is to provide financing and
consulting services to China Unicom. The cooperation period for the contract is
fifteen years.
With the formation of Ningbo JV, Ningbo United assigned all of its rights and
obligations under the contract to Ningbo JV. This assignment of rights and
obligations was explicitly ratified by China Unicom in an amendment to the
contract. Ningbo United also agreed to assign rights of first refusal on
additional telecommunications projects to Ningbo JV in the event such rights are
granted to Ningbo United by China Unicom. Distributable cash flows, as defined
in the amended contract, are to be distributed 27% to China Unicom and 73% to
Ningbo JV throughout the contract's cooperation period. Under the amended
contract, Ningbo JV will hold non-transferable title to 70% of all assets
acquired or constructed by China Unicom with investment funds provided by Ningbo
JV. Ningbo JV's title to these assets will transfer to China Unicom as Ningbo
JV's funding of the assets is returned by distributions from China Unicom.
Ningbo JV and China Unicom consider the cost of all assets acquired with funding
from Ningbo JV to be part of Ningbo JV's contribution to the contract,
regardless of whether Ningbo JV holds title to such assets.
The initial amount to be invested in Ningbo JV was $29.5 million with registered
capital contributions from its investors amounting to $11.9 million. Asian
American Telecommunications has currently provided $8.3 million in capital
contributions, representing 70% of Ningbo JV's registered capital. Ningbo United
provided $3.6 million of registered capital contributions to Ningbo JV,
representing 30% of Ningbo JV's equity. Ningbo JV arranged loans with Asian
American Telecommunications, manufacturers of the equipment for the project and
banks. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had long term
loans to Ningbo JV in the amount of $22.5 million. A substantial portion of
these loans was incurred to refinance previous loans from manufacturers. These
loans bear interest at 10% per annum. Ownership in Ningbo JV is 70% by Asian
American Telecommunications and 30% by Ningbo United.
As described above, the Company has received notification from China Unicom that
China Unicom intends to terminate the project with Ningbo JV.
18
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
(D) NINGBO JV II
On March 26, 1998, Ningbo JV and China Unicom signed an amendment to the Ningbo
United contract covering expansion of China Unicom's GSM service throughout
Ningbo Municipality. The expansion is being undertaken as a separate project,
and provides capacity for an additional 25,000 GSM subscribers within Ningbo
Municipality. The feasibility study for the expansion project was completed on
March 6, 1998 and forecasts a total budget of approximately $17.0 million. The
terms of the Ningbo Expansion Agreement match those of the underlying Ningbo
United contract, except that the amendment will have its own cooperation period
of fifteen years. In the amendment, China Unicom and Ningbo JV explicitly
contemplated establishment of a separate joint venture to provide financing and
consulting services to the expansion project.
Pursuant to the amendment, Asian American Telecommunications and Ningbo United
entered into a second joint venture agreement and formed Ningbo Ya Lian
Telecommunications Co., Ltd, known as Ningbo JV II. In a further amendment dated
July 8, 1998, China Unicom and Ningbo JV agreed to assign all rights and
obligations originally held by Ningbo JV under the first amendment to Ningbo JV
II.
The total amount to be invested in Ningbo JV II is $18.0 million with registered
capital contributions from its investors amounting to $7.2 million. As of June
30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had made its $5.0 million registered
capital contribution, and Ningbo United had made its $2.2 million registered
capital contribution. The remaining investment in Ningbo JV II beyond planned
registered capital contributions from its investors will be in the form of up to
$10.8 million of loans from Asian American Telecommunications plus deferred
payment credit from the manufacturers of the equipment used in construction of
the expansion network. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications
had loans outstanding to Ningbo JV II in the amount of $3.5 million. The loans
bear interest ranging from 8% to 10% per annum. Ownership in Ningbo JV II is 70%
by Asian American Telecommunications and 30% by Ningbo United.
Commercial services commenced on the completed portions of the Ningbo expansion
in November 1998. The network was fully completed and in service in February
1999. China Unicom has thus far not invited cooperation with the Communications
Group's Ningbo joint ventures on additional GSM network development. This action
reflects China Unicom's expectation of new Chinese policies limiting foreign
investment in telecommunications development. The contracts between the
Communications Group's Ningbo joint ventures and China Unicom provide explicit
means to apportion future cash flows between the joint ventures and China Unicom
in the event that China Unicom chooses to undertake further Ningbo GSM network
development on its own.
As described above, the Company has received notification from China Unicom that
China Unicom intends to terminate the project with Ningbo JV II.
(E) HUAXIA JV
On May 7, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications entered into a joint venture
agreement with All Warehouse Commodity Electronic Commerce Information
Development Co., Ltd., for the purpose of establishing Huaxia Metromedia
Information Technology Co., Ltd., known as Huaxia JV. Also on May 7, 1999,
Huaxia JV entered into a computer information system and services contract with
All Warehouse and China Product Firm Corporation. The Huaxia JV will develop and
operate electronic
19
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
commerce computer information systems for use by All Warehouse and China Product
Firm and its affiliates and customers. The contract has a term of thirty years
and grants Huaxia JV exclusive rights to manage all of All Warehouse and China
Product Firm's electronic trading systems during that period. The Huaxia JV does
not have a contractual relationship with China Unicom.
The total amount to be invested in Huaxia JV is $25.0 million with registered
capital contributions from its shareholders amounting to $10.0 million. Asian
American Telecommunications will make registered capital contributions of $4.9
million and All Warehouse will contribute $5.1 million. The remaining investment
in Huaxia JV will be in the form of up to $15.0 million of loans from Asian
American Telecommunications. As of June 30, 1999, no investment had yet been
made by either party. Huaxia JV received its operating license on July 5, 1999
and is just initiating operations. Ownership in Huaxia JV is 49% by Asian
American Telecommunications and 51% by All Warehouse.
The following tables represent summary financial information for the joint
ventures and their related projects in China as of and for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively, (in thousands, except subscribers):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------
NINGBO NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JVII JV JV TOTAL
--------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................. $ 1,996 $ 504 $ -- $ 27 $ 2,527
Depreciation and amortization............................. (1,221) -- (255) (240) (1,716)
Operating income (loss)................................... 650 476 (424) (371) 331
Interest expense, net..................................... (1,370) (110) (501) (126) (2,107)
Net income (loss)......................................... (720) 366 (925) (497) (1,776)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures............... 287 336 (427) (343) (147)
Assets.................................................... 32,971 15,643 21,348 17,969 87,931
Net investment in project................................. 30,112 12,239 20,088 10,762 73,201
Subscribers............................................... 66,699 -- -- -- 66,699
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
--------------------------------------------
NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV JV TOTAL
--------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues............................................................. $ 1,395 $ -- $ 27 $ 1,422
Depreciation and amortization........................................ (1,171) (18) (90) (1,279)
Operating income (loss).............................................. 131 (321) (418) (608)
Interest income (expense), net....................................... (1,142) 11 6 (1,125)
Net loss............................................................. (1,011) (310) (412) (1,733)
Equity in loss of joint ventures..................................... (103) (287) (382) (772)
Assets............................................................... 35,231 18,370 14,540 68,141
Net investment in project............................................ 32,498 11,029 5,816 49,343
Subscribers.......................................................... 26,242 -- -- 26,242
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
3. INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO JOINT VENTURES--CHINA (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
-------------------------------------------------------
NINGBO NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JVII JV JV TOTAL
--------- --------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................. $ 1,008 $ 504 $ -- $ 3 $ 1,515
Depreciation and amortization............................. (613) -- (239) (182) (1,034)
Operating income (loss)................................... 357 491 (341) (228) 279
Interest expense, net..................................... (508) (74) (267) (46) (895)
Net loss.................................................. (151) 417 (608) (274) (616)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures............... 303 344 (334) (195) 118
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
--------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV JV TOTAL
--------- --------- ----------- ---------
Revenues............................................................. $757 $-- $27 $784
Depreciation and amortization........................................ (611) (9) (90 ) (710)
Operating income (loss).............................................. 84 (152) (186 ) (254)
Interest income (expense), net....................................... (427) 4 6 (417)
Net loss............................................................. (343) (148) (180 ) (671)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures.......................... 12 (138) (168 ) (294)
</TABLE>
For the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 the results of
operations presented above are before the elimination of intercompany interest.
Ningbo JV records revenues from the Ningbo China Unicom GSM project based on
amounts of revenues and profits reported to it by China Unicom for the periods
October 1, 1998 to March 31, 1999 and October 1, 1997 to March 31, 1998.
Chongqing JV records revenues from the lease of space currently unused by China
Unicom within a building that was purchased by Chongqing JV for China Unicom's
long term use as a switching and operations center. As of June 30, 1999,
Chongqing JV directly owned this building, but Chongqing JV plans to eventually
transfer the building to China Unicom as part of its funding and support under
the network systems cooperation contract.
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Basic earnings per share excludes all dilutive securities. It is based upon the
weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted
earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if
securities exercisable for or convertible into common stock were exercised or
converted into common stock. In calculating diluted earnings per share, no
potential shares of common stock are to be included in the computation when a
loss from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders exists. For
the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 the Company had losses
from continuing operations.
The Company had at June 30, 1999 and 1998, potentially dilutive shares of common
stock of 18,846,000 and 19,072,000, respectively.
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
At March 31, 1999, Snapper was not in compliance with all financial covenants
under its loan and security agreement. On May 14, 1999, the lenders under the
loan and security agreement waived any
21
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
5. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
event of default arising from such noncompliance. At June 30, 1999, Snapper was
in compliance with all financial covenants under its loan and security
agreement.
6. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
The Communications Group's joint ventures in Eastern Europe and the republics of
the former Soviet Union currently offer cellular telecommunications, fixed
telephony, international and long distance telephony, cable television, paging
and radio broadcasting. The Communications Group's joint ventures in China
provide financing, technical assistance and consulting service for
telecommunications projects. The revenues, operating results and assets by the
Communication Group's operations in Eastern Europe and the republics of the
former Soviet Union are disclosed in note 2 and the Communications Group's
operations in China are disclosed in note 3. Snapper manufactures
Snapper-Registered Trademark- brand premium priced power lawnmowers, lawn
tractors, garden tillers, snow throwers and related parts and accessories. The
Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on earnings,
before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.
22
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
The Company's segment information is set forth as of and for the six months
ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 in the following table (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION:
Revenues................................................................................ $ 13,429 $ 16,629
Direct operating costs.................................................................. (26,231) (38,448)
----------- -----------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.......................... (12,802) (21,819)
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... (3,957) (5,219)
----------- -----------
Operating loss........................................................................ (16,759) (27,038)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees............................................ (5,786) (6,873)
Foreign currency gain (loss)............................................................ (2,794) 321
Minority interest....................................................................... 624 1,342
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Assets at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998........................................... 191,735 194,864
Capital expenditures.................................................................... $ 1,088 $ 3,231
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--CHINA:
Revenues................................................................................ $ -- $ --
Direct operating costs.................................................................. (5,499) (5,788)
----------- -----------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.......................... (5,499) (5,788)
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... (1,574) (1,497)
----------- -----------
Operating loss........................................................................ (7,073) (7,285)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees............................................ (147) (772)
Minority interest....................................................................... 4,228 4,143
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Assets at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998........................................... 140,348 139,726
Capital expenditures.................................................................... $ 2 $ 197
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
SNAPPER:
Revenues................................................................................ $ 119,218 $ 117,829
Direct operating costs.................................................................. (105,514) (117,225)
----------- -----------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.......................... 13,704 604
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... (3,053) (3,722)
----------- -----------
Operating income (loss)............................................................... 10,651 (3,118)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Assets at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998........................................... 126,922 134,460
Capital expenditures.................................................................... $ 1,362 $ 1,850
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
23
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
OTHER:
Revenues................................................................................ $ -- $ --
Direct operating costs.................................................................. (2,930) (2,891)
----------- -----------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.......................... (2,930) (2,891)
Depreciation and amortization........................................................... (3) (4)
----------- -----------
Operating loss........................................................................ (2,933) (2,895)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Assets at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998, including eliminations................... $ 100,527 $ 140,591
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONSOLIDATED:
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................................................. $ 132,647 $ 134,458
Direct operating costs................................................ (140,174) (164,352)
--------- ---------
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization........ (7,527) (29,894)
Depreciation and amortization......................................... (8,587) (10,442)
--------- ---------
Operating loss........................................................ (16,114) (40,336)
Interest expense...................................................... (6,929) (9,560)
Interest income....................................................... 4,246 7,213
Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees.......................... (5,933) (7,645)
Foreign currency gain (loss).......................................... (2,794) 321
Minority interest..................................................... 4,852 5,485
--------- ---------
Loss before income tax expense...................................... (22,672) (44,522)
Income tax expense.................................................... (205) (630)
--------- ---------
Loss from continuing operations..................................... (22,877) (45,152)
Discontinued operations............................................... -- 5,267
--------- ---------
Net loss............................................................ (22,877) (39,885)
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
Assets at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998......................... 559,532 609,641
Capital expenditures.................................................. $ 2,452 $ 5,278
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
24
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
6. BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
Information about the Communications Group's operations by geographic location
for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 and as of June 30, 1999 and
December 31, 1998 is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
REVENUES ASSETS
-------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COUNTRY 1999 1998 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------
Austria............................................................ $ 346 $ 506 $ 816 $ 1,049
Azerbaijan......................................................... -- -- 9,790 5,172
Belarus............................................................ -- -- 3,156 2,934
Czech Republic..................................................... 829 259 3,621 3,527
Estonia............................................................ 370 574 1,923 2,026
Georgia............................................................ 187 26 21,891 24,412
Germany............................................................ 57 129 4,010 4,941
Hungary............................................................ 3,747 4,342 6,287 6,288
Kazakhstan......................................................... -- -- 7,614 7,162
Krgyzstan.......................................................... -- -- 366
Latvia............................................................. 368 327 13,404 14,219
Lithuania.......................................................... 516 303 1,883 2,141
Moldova............................................................ -- -- 3,908 4,896
People's Republic of China (2)..................................... -- -- 140,348 139,726
Romania............................................................ 2,564 2,177 7,460 6,115
Russia............................................................. 3,198 3,611 20,894 17,676
Ukraine............................................................ 339 -- 3,205 3,640
United Kingdom..................................................... -- 3,491 819 1,568
United States (1).................................................. 908 884 75,693 81,862
Uzbekistan......................................................... -- -- 4,995 5,236
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
$ 13,429 $ 16,629 $ 332,083 $ 334,590
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
--------- --------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Assets include goodwill of $55.0 million, and $54.5 million at June 30, 1999
and December 31, 1998, respectively.
(2) The Communications Group has received notification from China Unicom stating
that a department of the Chinese government has requested termination of two
of its four joint telecommunications projects in China and the
Communications Group expects that the other two telecommunications projects
in which it has invested will receive similar letters. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Opertions."
The revenues and assets by the Communications Group's line of business
operations are disclosed in notes 2 and 3. All remaining assets and
substantially all remaining revenue relate to operations in the United States.
7. INVESTMENT IN RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC.
The Company owns approximately 39% of the outstanding common stock of RDM Sports
Group, Inc. In August 1997, RDM and certain of its affiliates filed a voluntary
bankruptcy petition under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The chapter 11
trustee is in the process of selling all of RDM's assets to
25
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. INVESTMENT IN RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. (CONTINUED)
satisfy its obligations to its creditors and the Company believes that its
equity interest will not be entitled to receive any distribution. The Company
also holds certain claims in the RDM proceedings, although there can be no
assurance that the Company will receive any distributions with respect to such
claims.
On August 19, 1998, a purported class action lawsuit, THEOHAROUS V. FONG, ET
AL., Civ. No. 1:98CV2366, was filed in United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia. On October 19, 1998, a second purported class
action lawsuit with substantially the same allegations, SCHUETTE V. FONG, ET
AL., Civ. No. 1:98CV3034, was filed in United States District Court for the
Northern District of Georgia. On June 7, 1999, plaintiffs in each of these
lawsuits filed amended complaints. The amended complaints allege that certain
officers, directors and shareholders of RDM, including the Company and current
and former officers of the Company who served as directors of RDM, are liable
under federal securities laws for misrepresenting and failing to disclose
information regarding RDM's alleged financial condition during the period
between November 7, 1995 and August 22, 1997, the date on which RDM disclosed
that its management had discussed the possibility of filing for bankruptcy. The
amended complaints also allege that the defendants, including the Company and
current and former officers of the Company who served as directors of RDM, are
secondarily liable as controlling persons of RDM. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits
seek the following relief: unspecified compensatory damages, reasonable costs
and expenses, including counsel fees and expert fees, and such other and further
relief as the court may deem just and proper.
On December 30, 1998, the chapter 11 trustee of RDM brought an adversary
proceeding in the bankruptcy of RDM, HAYS, ET AL V. FONG, ET AL., Adv. Proc. No.
98-1128, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Georgia,
alleging that current and former officers of the Company, while serving as
directors on the board of RDM, breached fiduciary duties allegedly owed to RDM's
shareholders and creditors in connection with the bankruptcy of RDM. On January
25, 1999, the plaintiff filed a first amended complaint. The official committee
of unsecured creditors of RDM has moved to proceed as co-plaintiff or to
intervene in this proceeding, and the official committee of bondholders of RDM
has moved to intervene in or join the proceeding. Plaintiffs in this adversary
proceeding seek the following relief against current and former officers of the
Company who served as directors of RDM: actual damages in an amount to be proven
at trial, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses, and such other and further
relief as the court deems just and proper.
On February 16, 1999, the creditors' committee brought an adversary proceeding,
THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS OF RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. AND
RELATED DEBTORS V. METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC., Adv. Proc. No. 99-1023,
seeking in the alternative to recharacterize as contributions to equity a
secured claim in the amount of $15 million made by the Company arising out of
the Company's financing of RDM, or to equitably subordinate such claim made by
Metromedia against RDM and other debtors in the bankruptcy proceeding. On March
3, 1999, the bondholders' committee brought an adversary proceeding, THE
OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF BONDHOLDERS OF RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. V. METROMEDIA
INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC., Adv. Proc. No. 99-1029, with substantially the same
allegations as the above proceeding. In addition to the equitable and injunctive
relief sought by plaintiffs described above, plaintiffs in these adversary
proceedings seek actual damages in an amount to be proven at trial, reasonable
attorneys' fees, and such other and further relief as the court deems just and
proper.
26
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
7. INVESTMENT IN RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. (CONTINUED)
The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and plans to vigorously defend
these actions. Due to the early stage of these proceedings, the Company cannot
evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the likely
amount or range of possible loss, if any.
8. OTHER CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The total allowance for doubtful accounts at June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998
was $2.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following as of June 30, 1999 and December 31, 1998
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Lawn and garden equipment:
Raw materials......................................................... $ 8,426 $ 8,388
Finished goods........................................................ 49,124 55,488
--------- ---------
57,550 63,876
Less: LIFO reserve.................................................... 1,660 1,660
--------- ---------
55,890 62,216
--------- ---------
Telecommunications:
Pagers................................................................ 104 --
Cable................................................................. 362 561
--------- ---------
466 561
--------- ---------
$ 56,356 $ 62,777
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
STOCK OPTION PLANS
For the six months ended June 30, 1998 the Company has granted stock options and
stock appreciation rights under the 1996 Metromedia International Group, Inc.
Incentive Stock Plan, which has resulted in compensation expense of
approximately $661,000 included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
9. ACQUISITION OF PLD TELEKOM INC.
On May 18, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger with
PLD Telekom Inc. pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company will
be merged with and into PLD Telekom with PLD Telekom as the surviving
corporation. Following the consummation of the merger, PLD Telekom will become a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
PLD Telekom is a major provider of high quality long distance and international
telecommunications services in the former Soviet Union. Its five principal
business units are PeterStar, which provides integrated local, long distance and
international telecommunications in St. Petersburg through a fully
27
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. ACQUISITION OF PLD TELEKOM INC. (CONTINUED)
digital fiber optic network; Teleport-TP, which provides international
telecommunications services from Moscow and operates a pan-Russian
satellite-based long distance network; Baltic Communications Limited, which
provides dedicated international telecommunications services in St. Petersburg;
ALTEL, which is the principal provider of cellular service in the republic of
Kazakhstan; and BELCEL, which provides the only national cellular service in
Belarus.
In the merger, each holder of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share,
of PLD Telekom will receive for each share of PLD Telekom common stock a number
of shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company to be
determined based on the following exchange ratio:
(a) if the average company stock price (as defined below) is less than
$6.25 and equal to or greater than $5.25, the exchange ratio will be equal
to $3.50 divided by the average company stock price;
(b) if the average company stock price is equal to or greater than
$6.25 and less than or equal to $8.00, the exchange ratio will be 0.56;
(c) if the average company stock price is greater than $8.00, the
exchange ratio will be equal to $4.48 divided by the average company stock
price; and
(d) if the average company stock price is less than $5.25, then the
exchange ratio will be 0.6667.
If the average company stock price is less than $5.25, PLD Telekom will have the
right to request the Company to increase the exchange ratio to equal $3.50
divided by the average company stock price. If the Company refuses to increase
the exchange ratio, PLD Telekom will have the right to terminate the merger
agreement. In addition, PLD Telekom will be entitled to terminate the merger
agreement if the average company stock price is less than $4.00.
The average company stock price will be determined by taking the average of the
daily closing prices of the Company common stock on the American Stock Exchange
Composite Transactions Tape for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the
third business day immediately prior to the meeting of the shareholders of PLD
Telekom which will be called to approve the merger.
In the merger, each share of Series II and Series III preferred stock of PLD
Telekom (a total of 446,884 shares) will be redeemed for cash at a redemption
price of Cdn. $1.00 per share. Each outstanding option and warrant to acquire
shares of PLD Telekom common stock will be converted into an option or warrant
of the Company on the basis of the exchange ratio described above.
In the merger agreement, the Company has agreed to increase the size of its
board of directors in connection with the consummation of the merger from 9
members to 11 members and to cause the designation of two persons specified by
PLD Telekom, one of which will be designated by News America Incorporated, a 38%
shareholder of PLD Telekom.
The consummation of the merger is subject to a number of conditions including
the approval of the merger by the shareholders of the Company and PLD Telekom,
the receipt of various governmental clearances and consents, the absence of any
material adverse change in the Company's or PLD Telekom's respective businesses
and operations and other customary closing conditions. In addition, the
consummation of the merger is subject to the consummation of the transaction
contemplated by the agreement to exchange and consent entered into by certain
PLD Telekom senior and convertible
28
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. ACQUISITION OF PLD TELEKOM INC. (CONTINUED)
noteholders, the letter agreement with Travelers, the letter agreement with News
and the option modification agreements described below.
The merger agreement may be terminated in its entirety by either the Company or
PLD Telekom in the event that the other is in material breach of the merger
agreement, or in the event that the stockholders of both companies do not
approve the merger or that the merger is not otherwise consummated by October
31, 1999. The Company also has the right to terminate the merger agreement in
the event that the board of directors of PLD Telekom withdraws or modifies its
approval of the merger or recommends (or fails to recommend against) a different
transaction to the stockholders of PLD Telekom.
In the event that the Company terminates the merger agreement as a result of PLD
Telekom's board of directors withdrawing or modifying its approval of the merger
or recommending (or failing to recommend against) another transaction, or as a
result of a material breach by PLD Telekom of the merger agreement, or as a
result of the stockholders of PLD Telekom not approving the merger at a time
when a different transaction had been announced, PLD Telekom will be obligated
to pay the Company a termination fee of $6.3 million plus reimbursement of its
expenses (up to a maximum of $1.0 million).
In connection with the merger agreement, the Company entered into a voting
agreement with News and its affiliate which collectively own approximately 38%
of PLD Telekom's common stock. Pursuant to this voting agreement, News has
agreed to vote all of its shares of PLD Telekom common stock in favor of the
merger agreement and the consummation of the merger and against any proposal
that could impede, interfere with, delay, postpone or materially adversely
affect the merger. News has also agreed not to solicit, discuss or support any
other transaction involving PLD Telekom which could have the effect of
interfering with, preventing or materially delaying the merger. The Company and
its shareholder, Metromedia Company, also granted certain tag-along rights to
News upon a sale by Metromedia Company of Company common stock. In connection
with the voting agreement, the Company and News America executed a registration
rights agreement granting News certain shelf and piggy-back registration rights
with customary terms and conditions for their shares of Company common stock.
In connection with the merger, the holders of all of PLD Telekom's 14.5% Senior
Discount Notes due 2004 and 9% Convertible Notes due 2006, known as the "PLD
Notes", have agreed under an agreement to exchange and consent to exchange their
PLD Notes for new 10.5% Senior Discount Notes of the Company due 2007. The
noteholders have also agreed to waive certain events of default under the PLD
Notes that would result from the consummation of the merger as well as the
payment of certain amounts to become due under the PLD Notes until the earlier
of the termination of the merger agreement or October 31, 1999.
Also in connection with the merger, the Company and PLD Telekom entered into a
note and warrant modification agreement with The Travelers Insurance Company and
the Travelers Indemnity Company pursuant to which Travelers agreed to waive any
default under the applicable agreement as well as the payment of certain amounts
due or to become due under its revolving credit and warrant agreement dated
November 26, 1997 with PLD Telekom, and agreed to a restructuring of PLD
Telekom's debt under this agreement pursuant to which Travelers will be entitled
to receive at the closing of the merger, among other things, 100,000 shares of
PLD Telekom common stock, which will be converted in the merger into shares of
Company common stock at the applicable exchange ratio, and 10-year
29
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
9. ACQUISITION OF PLD TELEKOM INC. (CONTINUED)
warrants to purchase 700,000 shares of Company common stock at a price to be
determined in December 2000 that will be between $10.00 and $15.00 per share.
The Company also entered into a letter agreement with News under which News has
agreed to certain modifications to the terms of PLD Telekom's debt under its
revolving credit agreement dated as of September 30, 1998 and to the payment of
such debt as modified in its entirety upon consummation of the merger.
The Company and PLD Telekom have also entered into option modification
agreements with two minority shareholders of Technocom Limited, a subsidiary of
PLD Telekom, pursuant to which PLD Telekom will purchase all of such
shareholders' shares of Technocom Limited for an aggregate purchase price of
$12.6 million. In addition, PLD Telekom also agreed to pay various other amounts
to one of the shareholders and to cause the release of certain guarantees.
The Company also entered into a bridge loan agreement with PLD Telekom pursuant
to which it has agreed to extend revolving bridge loans to PLD Telekom of up to
$7.0 million at an annual interest rate of 10.0% to fund PLD Telekom's ongoing
operations during the period from the execution of the merger agreement to the
earlier of the consummation of the merger or the termination or expiration of
the merger agreement. The loans under this agreement will be secured by a pledge
by PLD Telekom of approximately 58% of the capital stock of PLD Telekom's
Technocom Limited subsidiary. At June 30, 1999, the amount advanced under the
bridge loan was $3.0 million.
The merger agreement and the merger have been unanimously approved by the boards
of directors of both the Company and PLD Telekom, and each board is recommending
approval by its respective stockholders.
The Company will record the merger as a purchase transaction. For accounting
purposes, MMG will be deemed to be the surviving corporation in the merger.
10. CONTINGENCIES
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY
The ability of the Communications Group and its joint ventures and subsidiaries
to establish profitable operations is subject to, among other things,
significant political, economic and social risks inherent in doing business in
emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and China.
These include matters arising out of government policies, economic conditions,
imposition of or changes in government regulations or policies, imposition of or
changes to taxes or other similar charges by government bodies, exchange rate
fluctuations and controls, civil disturbances, deprivation or unenforceability
of contractual rights, and taking of property without fair compensation. These
and other risks associated with the Company are disclosed more fully in the
Company's Form 10-K, "Item 1. Risks Associated with Company."
The Communications Group's strategy is to minimize its foreign currency risk. To
the extent possible, in countries that have experienced high rates of inflation,
the Communications Group bills and collects all revenues in U.S. dollars or an
equivalent local currency amount adjusted on a monthly basis for exchange rate
fluctuations. The Communications Group's joint ventures are generally permitted
to maintain U. S. dollar accounts to serve their U.S. dollar debt and current
account obligations, thereby reducing foreign currency risk. As the
Communications Group and its joint ventures expand their
30
<PAGE>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
10. CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
operations and become more dependent on local currency based transactions, the
Communications Group expects that its foreign currency exposure will increase.
The Communications Group does not hedge against foreign exchange rate risks at
the current time and, therefore, could be subject in the future to any declines
in exchange rates between the time a joint venture receives its funds in local
currencies and the time it distributes such funds in U.S. dollars to the
Communications Group.
The Communications Group's investments in joint ventures in China have been made
through a structure known as the sino-sino-foreign joint venture, an arrangement
in which the foreign invested joint venture is a provider of telephony
equipment, financing and technical services to telecommunications operators and
not a direct provider of telephone service. Since mid-1998, positions
unofficially taken by some departments of the Chinese government have raised
uncertainty regarding the continued viability of the sino-sino-foreign structure
and, as a result, the Communications Group's associated financing, service and
consulting arrangements with China Unicom. Subsequent to June 30, 1999, Ningbo
JV received a letter from China Unicom stating that the Chinese government had
requested that China Unicom terminate the project with Ningbo JV. China Unicom
has since informed Metromedia China that the letter also applies to Ningbo JV
II. China Unicom suggested immediately beginning negotiations with the Ningbo
joint ventures. The content of the negotiation includes determining the
investment principal of the Ningbo joint ventures, appropriate compensation and
other matters related to termination of contracts. The letter further stated
that due to unspecified technical reasons, the cash distribution plan for the
first half of 1999 had not been decided, and that China Unicom expected to
discuss this with Ningbo JV. As a result, the Company cannot currently determine
the amount of compensation the Ningbo joint ventures will receive.
While there can be no assurance that China Unicom will provide similar letters
to the Company's two other sino-sino-foreign telephony-related joint ventures
(Chongqing JV and Sichuan JV), the Company expects that these joint ventures
will also be the subject of project termination negotiations. The Company cannot
yet predict the effect on it of the Ningbo joint venture negotiation and other
expected negotiations, but the Company believes such negotiations, if adversely
concluded, or the failure to make scheduled cash distributions could have a
material adverse effect on its financial position and results of operations.
Depending on the amount of compensation, the Company will record a non-cash
charge that will reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with its
telecommunications joint ventures in China. The goodwill balance at June 30,
1999 was approximately $67 million.
LITIGATION
The Company is involved in various legal and regulatory proceedings and while
the results of any litigation or regulatory issue contain an element of
uncertainty, management believes that, subject to the information disclosed in
note 7, the outcome of any known, pending or threatened legal proceedings will
not have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial
position and results of operations.
31
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's
consolidated condensed financial statements and related notes thereto.
The business activities of Metromedia International Group, Inc. ("Metromedia"
"MMG" or "the Company") are composed of two operating groups, the Communications
Group and Snapper. The Communications Group consists of two geographic areas,
Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union, and China. The
operations in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union are as follows: (i)
various types of telephony services; (ii) cable television; (iii) paging
services; and (iv) radio broadcasting. The Company's Communications Group has
investments in various telephony services in China. The Company manufactures
lawn and garden products through Snapper.
In 1998, the Communications Group's paging business continued to incur operating
losses. Accordingly, the Communications Group developed a revised operating plan
to stabilize its paging operation. Under the revised plan, the Communications
Group intends to manage its paging business to a level that will not require
significant additional funding for its operations. As a result of the revised
plan, in 1998 the Company recorded a non-cash, nonrecurring charge on its paging
assets of $49.9 million, which included a $35.9 million write off of goodwill
and other intangibles. The non-cash, nonrecurring charge adjusted the carrying
value of goodwill and other intangibles, fixed assets and investments in and
advances to joint ventures and wrote down inventory. It is anticipated that
under the revised plan the Communications Group paging business's operating
losses will decrease significantly.
On May 18, 1999, Metromedia International Group, Inc. entered into an agreement
and plan of merger with PLD Telekom Inc. pursuant to which a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company will be merged with and into PLD Telekom with PLD
Telekom as the surviving corporation. Following the consummation of the merger,
PLD Telekom will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.
PLD Telekom is a major provider of high quality long distance and international
telecommunications services in the former Soviet Union. Its five principal
business units are PeterStar, which provides integrated local, long distance and
international telecommunications in St. Petersburg through a fully digital fiber
optic network; Teleport-TP, which provides international telecommunications
services from Moscow and operates a pan-Russian satellite-based long distance
network; Baltic Communications Limited, which provides dedicated international
telecommunications services in St. Petersburg; ALTEL, which is the principal
provider of cellular service in the republic of Kazakhstan; and BELCEL, which
provides the only national cellular service in Belarus.
On November 1, 1995, as a result of the mergers of Orion Pictures Corporation
and Metromedia International Telecommunications, Inc. with and into wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the Company and MCEG Sterling Incorporated with and into the
Company, the Company changed its name from "The Actava Group Inc." to
"Metromedia International Group, Inc." As part of the November 1, 1995 merger,
the Company acquired approximately 39% of RDM Sports Group, Inc. On August 29,
1997, RDM and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions
under chapter 11. The Company does not believe it will be entitled to any funds
from its equity interest in RDM.
Certain statements set forth below under this caption constitute
"Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. See "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" on page 80.
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
The Company, through the Communications Group, is the owner of various interests
in joint ventures that are currently in operation or planning to commence
operations in Eastern Europe, the former
32
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
Soviet Union, China and other selected emerging markets. The Communications
Group's joint ventures currently offer cellular telecommunications, fixed
telephony, international and long distance telephony services, cable television,
paging, and radio broadcasting. The Communications Group's joint ventures'
partners are often governmental agencies or ministries.
The Communications Group reports its activity and invests in communications
businesses in two primary geographic areas, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet
Union, and the People's Republic of China. In Eastern Europe and the former
Soviet Union, the Communications Group generally owns 50% or more of the
operating joint ventures in which it invests. Because legal restrictions in
China prohibit foreign participation in the operation or ownership in the
telecommunications sector, the Company's joint ventures in China are limited to
providing financing, technical advice, consulting and other services for the
construction and development of telephony networks for China United
Telecommunications Incorporated, known as China Unicom, a Chinese
telecommunications operator. The completed networks are operated by China
Unicom. In return, the Company receives payments from China Unicom based on the
distributable cash flow generated by the networks. Statistical data in this
document regarding subscribers, population, etc. for the joint ventures in China
relate to the telephony systems of China Unicom to which such joint ventures
provide funding and services.
Ningbo JV is currently conducting negotiations with China Unicom regarding
termination of the project on which the joint venture is assisting China Unicom.
See Note 3 to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements and "Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources--Communications Group--Risks
Associated with the Company."
The Company's financial statements consolidate only the accounts and results of
operations of 16 of the Communications Group's 48 operating joint ventures at
June 30, 1999. Investments in other companies and joint ventures which are not
majority owned, or which the Communications Group does not control, but over
which the Communications Group exercises significant influence, have been
accounted for using the equity method. Investments of the Communications Group
or its consolidated subsidiaries over which significant influence is not
exercised are carried under the cost method. See Notes 2 and 3 of the "Notes to
Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements" of the Company, for those joint
ventures recorded under the equity method and their summary financial
information.
The Communications Group accounts for the majority of its joint ventures under
the equity method of accounting since it generally does not exercise control.
Under the equity method of accounting, the Communications Group reflects the
cost of its investments, adjusted for its share of the income or losses of the
joint ventures, on its balance sheet. The losses recorded for the six months
ended 1999 and 1998 represent the Communications Group's equity in the losses of
the joint ventures in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and China. Equity
in the losses of the joint ventures by the Communications Group are generally
reflected according to the level of ownership of the Joint Venture by the
Communications Group until such Joint Venture's contributed capital has been
fully depleted. The Communications Group recognizes the full amount of losses
generated by the Joint Venture when the Communications Group is the sole funding
source of the joint ventures.
33
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes the Communications Group's joint ventures and
subsidiaries at June 30, 1999, as well as the amounts contributed, amounts
loaned net of repayments and total amounts invested in such joint ventures and
subsidiaries at June 30, 1999 (in thousands).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AMOUNT TOTAL
CONTRIBUTED LOANED INVESTED IN
TO JOINT TO JOINT JOINT
COMPANY VENTURE/ VENTURE/ VENTURE/
JOINT VENTURE(1) OWNERSHIP % SUBSIDIARY SUBSIDIARY SUBSIDIARY(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Baltcom GSM (Latvia)....................................... 22% $ 13,736 $ -- $ 13,736
Magticom (Tbilisi, Georgia)................................ 35% 2,450 18,009 20,459
Tyumenruskom (Tyumen, Russia)(3)........................... 46% 2,685 3,146 5,831
Ningbo Ya Mei Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Ningbo City,
China)(4)................................................ 41% 9,530 23,518 33,048
Ningbo Ya Lian Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Ningbo
Municipality, China)(4).................................. 41% 5,046 3,503 8,549
----------- ----------- -------------
33,447 48,176 81,623
----------- ----------- -------------
FIXED TELEPHONY
Sichuan Tai Li Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Sichuan
Province, China)(3)(5)................................... 54% $ 11,087 $ 8,930 $ 20,017
Chongqing Tai Le Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd.
(Chongqing Municipality, China)(3)(5).................... 54% 13,581 2,603 16,184
Instaphone (Kazakhstan).................................... 50% 93 1,799 1,892
Caspian American Telecommunications (Azerbaijan)(6)........ 37% 200 10,575 10,775
----------- ----------- -------------
24,961 23,907 48,868
----------- ----------- -------------
INTERNATIONAL AND LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONY
Telecom Georgia (Tbilisi, Georgia)......................... 30% 2,554 -- 2,554
----------- ----------- -------------
CABLE TELEVISION
Romsat Cable TV (Bucharest, Romania)(7).................... 100% 2,405 6,183 8,588
Viginta (Vilnius, Lithuania)(7)............................ 55% 397 3,330 3,727
ATK (Archangelsk, Russia)(7)............................... 81% 2,007 530 2,537
Ala TV (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan)(3)(9)......................... 53% -- -- --
Kosmos TV (Moscow, Russia)................................. 50% 1,093 13,158 14,251
Baltcom TV (Riga, Latvia).................................. 50% 819 12,320 13,139
Ayety TV (Tbilisi, Georgia)................................ 49% 779 9,273 10,052
Kamalak TV (Tashkent, Uzbekistan).......................... 50% 400 3,074 3,474
Sun TV (Chisinau, Moldova)................................. 50% 400 7,254 7,654
Alma TV (Almaty, Karaganda, Actau and Ust-Kamenogorsk,
Kazakhstan).............................................. 50% 222 6,915 7,137
Cosmos TV (Minsk, Belarus)................................. 50% 400 4,874 5,274
Teleplus (St. Petersburg, Russia).......................... 45% 990 1,480 2,470
----------- ----------- -------------
9,912 68,391 78,303
----------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
34
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AMOUNT TOTAL
CONTRIBUTED LOANED INVESTED IN
TO JOINT TO JOINT JOINT
COMPANY VENTURE/ VENTURE/ VENTURE/
JOINT VENTURE(1) OWNERSHIP % SUBSIDIARY SUBSIDIARY SUBSIDIARY(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PAGING
Baltcom Paging (Tallinn, Estonia)(7)....................... 85% 6,025 443 6,468
CNM (Romania)(7)........................................... 54% 490 13,525 14,015
Paging One Services (Austria)(7)(10)....................... 100% 1,036 12,671 13,707
Eurodevelopment (Ukraine)(7)............................... 51% 1,000 1,743 2,743
Kamalak Paging (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Andijan,
Uzbekistan).............................................. 50% 435 1,904 2,339
Mobile Telecom (Russia)(11)................................ 50% 7,407 -- 7,407
Baltcom Plus (Riga, Latvia)(12)............................ 50% -- -- --
Paging One (Tbilisi, Georgia)(12).......................... 45% -- -- --
Raduga Poisk (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)(12)................. 45% -- -- --
PT Page (St. Petersburg, Russia)(12)....................... 40% -- -- --
Kazpage (Kazakhstan)(12)(13)............................... 26-41% -- -- --
Alma Page (Almaty and Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan)(12)..... 50% -- -- --
Paging Ajara (Batumi, Georgia)(12)......................... 35% -- -- --
----------- ----------- -------------
16,393 30,286 46,679
----------- ----------- -------------
RADIO BROADCASTING
Radio Juventus (Budapest, Hungary)(7)...................... 100% 8,107 740 8,847
SAC (Moscow, Russia)(7).................................... 83% 631 2,211 2,842
Radio Skonto (Riga, Latvia)(7)............................. 55% 302 -- 302
Radio One (Prague, Czech Republic)(7)...................... 80% 627 477 1,104
NewsTalk Radio (Berlin, Germany)(7)........................ 85% 2,758 7,487 10,245
Radio Vladivostok, (Vladivostok, Russia)(7)................ 51% 267 59 326
Country Radio (Prague, Czech Republic)(7).................. 85% 2,046 -- 2,046
Radio Georgia (Tbilisi, Georgia)(7)(8)..................... 51% 705 306 1,011
Radio Katusha (St. Petersburg, Russia)(7)(8)............... 75% 437 726 1,163
Radio Nika (Socci, Russia)................................. 51% 260 -- 260
AS Trio LSL (Tallinn, Estonia)(8).......................... 49% 1,536 408 1,944
----------- ----------- -------------
17,676 12,414 30,090
----------- ----------- -------------
OTHER
Spectrum (Kazakhstan)(12)(14).............................. 33% -- -- --
----------- ----------- -------------
TOTAL...................................................... $ 104,943 $ 183,174 $ 288,117
----------- ----------- -------------
----------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Each parenthetical notes the area of operations for each operational joint
venture or the area for which each pre-operational joint venture is
licensed.
(2) Total investment does not include any income or losses.
(3) Pre-operational systems as of June 30, 1999.
(4) Ningbo Ya Mei Telecommunications is supporting the development by China
Unicom, a Chinese telecommunications operator, of a GSM mobile telephone
system in Ningbo City, China. Ningbo Ya Lian Telecommunications is similarly
supporting development by China Unicom of expansion of GSM services
throughout Ningbo Municipality, China. Both joint ventures provide
financing, technical assistance and consulting services to the Chinese
operator. The Communications Group has received notification from China
Unicom stating that a department of the Chinese government has requested
termination of two of its four joint telecommunications projects in China
and the Communications Group expects that the other two telecommunications
projects in which it has invested will receive similar letters. See Note 3
to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Risks
Associated with the Company".
35
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
(5) Sichuan Tai Li Feng Telecommunications and Chongqing Tai Le Feng
Telecommunications are supporting the development by China Unicom of
fixed-line, public switched telephone networks in Sichuan Province and
Chongqing Municipality, China, respectively. Both joint ventures provide
financing, technical assistance and consulting services to the Chinese
operator. In January 1999, the fixed wireline telephony systems in Sichuan
and Chongqing commenced commercial operations. The Communications Group has
received notification from China Unicom stating that a department of the
Chinese government has requested termination of two of its four joint
telecommunications projects in China and the Communications Group expects
that the other two telecommunications projects in which it has invested will
receive similar letters. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Condensed Financial
Statements, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Risks Associated with the Company".
(6) In August 1998, the Communications Group acquired a 76% interest in
Omni-Metromedia Caspian, Ltd., a company that owns 50% of a joint venture in
Azerbaijan, Caspian American. Caspian American has been licensed by the
Ministry of Communications of Azerbaijan to provide high speed wireless
local loop services and digital switching throughout Azerbaijan.
Omni-Metromedia has committed to provide up to $40.5 million in loans to
Caspian American for the funding of equipment acquisition and operational
expenses in accordance with Caspian American's business plans. Caspian
American launched commercial operations in April 1999. In May 1999, the
Communications Group sold 2.2% of Omni-Metromedia thereby reducing its
ownership interest in Caspian American Telecommunications to 37%.
(7) Results of operations are consolidated with the Company's financial
statements.
(8) Radio Katusha includes two radio stations operating in St. Petersburg,
Russia and AS Trio LSL includes five radio stations operating in various
cities throughout Estonia. Radio Georgia includes two radio stations
operating in Georgia.
(9) In June 1999, Ala TV, a joint venture 51% owned by the Communications Group
and 4% owned by its 50% owned Kazakh joint venture Alma TV, launched cable
television services in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
(10) On July 7, 1999, Paging One Services entered into an agreement to sell
certain of its assets and transfer its customers to a competing service
provider in Austria. Pursuant to such agreement, Paging One shall transfer
title to such assets and complete the transfer of its customers to the buyer
by September 3, 1999.
(11) The Company's purchase of Mobile Telecom closed during June 1998. The
Company purchased its 50% interest in Mobile Telecom for $7.0 million plus
two additional earnout payments to be made on February 14, 2000 and February
14, 2001. Each of the two earnout payments is to be equal to $2.5 million,
adjusted up or down based upon performance compared to certain financial
targets. Simultaneously with the purchase of Mobile Telecom, the Company
purchased 50% of a related pager distribution company for $500,000.
(12) Balances reflect write down of investment.
(13) Kazpage is comprised of a service entity and 10 paging joint ventures that
provide services in Kazakhstan. The Company's interest in the joint ventures
ranges from 26% to 41% and its interest in the service entity is 51%.
Amounts described as loaned in the above table represent loans to the
service entity which in turn funds the joint ventures. The results of
operations of the service entity are consolidated with the Company's
financial statements.
(14) In July 1998 the Communications Group sold its share of Protocall Ventures
Limited. As part of the transaction, Protocall Ventures Limited repaid its
outstanding debt to the Communications Group. The Communications Group
received Protocall Ventures Limited's interest in Spectrum in partial
satisfaction of its outstanding debt. The Company recorded a gain of
approximately $7.1 million on the sale. The Company's interest in Spectrum
of $1.6 million was written down and offset against the gain on the sale of
Protocall Ventures.
36
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The following table summarizes by country the amounts contributed, amounts
loaned net of repayments and total amounts invested in the Communications
Group's joint ventures and subsidiaries at June 30, 1999 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AMOUNT TOTAL
CONTRIBUTED LOANED INVESTED
TO JOINT TO JOINT IN JOINT
VENTURE/ VENTURE/ VENTURE/
COUNTRY SUBSIDIARY % SUBSIDIARY % SUBSIDIARY %
- -------------------------------------------------- ----------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Austria........................................... $ 1,036 1.0 $ 12,671 6.9 $ 13,707 4.8
Azerbaijan........................................ 200 0.2 10,575 5.8 10,775 3.7
Belarus........................................... 400 0.4 4,874 2.7 5,274 1.8
Czech Republic.................................... 2,673 2.5 477 0.3 3,150 1.1
Estonia........................................... 7,561 7.2 851 0.5 8,412 2.9
Georgia........................................... 6,488 6.2 27,588 15.1 34,076 11.8
Germany........................................... 2,758 2.6 7,487 4.1 10,245 3.6
Hungary........................................... 8,107 7.7 740 0.4 8,847 3.1
Kazakhstan........................................ 315 0.3 8,714 4.7 9,029 3.1
Latvia............................................ 14,857 14.2 12,320 6.7 27,177 9.4
Lithuania......................................... 397 0.4 3,330 1.7 3,727 1.3
Moldova........................................... 400 0.4 7,254 4.0 7,654 2.7
People's Republic of China (1).................... 39,244 37.3 38,554 21.0 77,798 27.0
Romania........................................... 2,895 2.8 19,708 10.8 22,603 7.8
Russia............................................ 15,777 15.0 21,310 11.6 37,087 12.9
Ukraine........................................... 1,000 1.0 1,743 1.0 2,743 1.0
Uzbekistan........................................ 835 0.8 4,978 2.7 5,813 2.0
----------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
$ 104,943 100.0 $ 183,174 100.0 $ 288,117 100.0
----------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
----------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) The Communications Group has received notification from China Unicom stating
that a department of the Chinese government has requested termination of two
of its four joint telecommunications projects in China and the
Communications Group expects that the other two telecommunications projects
in which it has invested will receive similar letters. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Risks Associated with the Company."
SNAPPER
Snapper manufactures Snapper-Registered Trademark- brand premium-priced power
lawnmowers, lawn tractors, garden tillers, snowthrowers and related parts and
accessories. The lawnmowers include rear engine riding mowers, front-engine
riding mowers or lawn tractors, and self-propelled and push-type walk-behind
mowers. Snapper also manufactures a line of commercial lawn and turf equipment
under the Snapper brand. Snapper provides lawn and garden products through
distribution channels to domestic and foreign retail markets.
The following tables sets forth operating results for the three and six months
ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 for the Company's Communications Group's two
geographic areas and lawn and garden products operation.
37
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
(IN THOUSANDS)
SEE NOTE 1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
CELLULAR AND LONG SEGMENT
TELECOM- FIXED DISTANCE CABLE RADIO HEAD-
MUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING QUARTERS TOTAL
----------- --------- ------------- ---------- ------ ------------ -------- -------
COMBINED
Revenues...................... $ 8,964 $ 34 $ 5,436 $ 8,307 $3,506 $3,400 $ 691 $30,338
Depreciation and
amortization................ 3,639 13 507 3,343 145 211 1,256 9,114
Operating loss................ (419) (77) (201) (249) (230) (846) (7,543) (9,565)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues...................... -- -- -- 1,413 801 2,916 691 5,821
Gross profit..................
Depreciation and
amortization................ -- -- -- 510 16 148 1,256 1,930
Operating income (loss)....... -- -- -- (120) (146) (789) (7,543) (8,598)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues...................... 8,964 34 5,436 6,894 2,705 484 -- 24,517
Depreciation and
amortization................ 3,639 13 507 2,833 129 63 -- 7,184
Operating income (loss)....... (419) (77) (201) (129) (84) (57) -- (967)
Net loss...................... (3,448) (312) (1,052) (2,230) (431) (76) -- (7,549)
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated investees
(Note 2).................... (1,716) (1,152) (316) (875) (241) (66) -- (4,366)
Foreign currency loss......... (2,286)
Minority interest............. 331
Interest expense..............
Interest income...............
Income tax expense............
Net loss......................
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS
GROUP- CORPORATE
CHINA SNAPPER HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATED
-------------- ------- ------------ ------------
COMBINED
Revenues......................
Depreciation and
amortization................
Operating loss................
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues...................... $ -- $59,184 $ -- $ 65,005
Gross profit.................. 20,450
Depreciation and
amortization................ 790 1,498 2 4,220
Operating income (loss)....... (3,526) 7,332 (1,576) (6,368)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues...................... 1,515
Depreciation and
amortization................ 1,034
Operating income (loss)....... 279
Net loss...................... (616)
Equity in losses of
unconsolidated investees
(Note 2).................... 118 -- -- (4,248)
Foreign currency loss......... -- -- -- (2,286)
Minority interest............. 2,052 -- -- 2,383
Interest expense.............. (3,523)
Interest income............... 2,546
Income tax expense............ (111)
------------
Net loss...................... $(11,607)
------------
------------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
NOTE 1: The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization or EBITDA. The
above information and the discussion of the Company's operations is based on
operating income (loss) which includes depreciation and amortization. In
addition, the Company evaluates the performance of the Communications Group's
operations in Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union on a
combined basis. The Company is providing as supplemental information an analysis
of combined revenues and operating income (loss) for its consolidated and
unconsolidated joint ventures in Eastern Europe and the republics of the former
Soviet Union. As previously discussed, legal restrictions in China prohibit
foreign participation in the operations or ownership in the telecommunications
sector. The above information for the Communications Group's China joint
ventures represents the investment in network construction and development of
telephony networks for China Unicom. The above information does not reflect the
results of operations of China Unicom's telephony networks. The Company has
received notification from China Unicom stating that a department of the Chinese
government has requested termination of two of its four joint telecommunications
projects in China and the Company expects that the other two telecommunications
projects in which it has invested will receive similar letters. See Note 3 to
the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Risks Associated with
the Company".
NOTE 2: Equity in income (losses) of unconsolidated investees reflects
elimination of intercompany interest expense.
38
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
CELLULAR AND LONG SEGMENT
TELECOM- DISTANCE CABLE RADIO HEAD-
MUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING OTHER QUARTERS
----------- ------------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------
COMBINED
Revenues................................. $ 4,833 $ 6,575 $ 8,379 $ 4,253 $ 3,516 $ 2,155 $ 915
Depreciation and amortization............ 2,422 377 3,073 480 346 432 1,392
Operating income (loss).................. (1,701) 1,096 (418) (1,800) (1,155) (682) (9,955)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues................................. -- -- 867 1,270 3,166 1,449 915
Gross profit.............................
Depreciation and amortization............ -- -- 339 215 299 230 1,392
Operating loss........................... -- -- (305) (2,294) (1,059) (58) (9,955)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................. 4,833 6,575 7,512 2,983 350 706 --
Depreciation and amortization............ 2,422 377 2,734 265 47 202 --
Operating income (loss).................. (1,701) 1,096 (113) 494 (96) (624) --
Net income (loss)........................ (3,843) 515 (773) (661) (96) (690) --
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees (Note 2)...... (1,732) 154 438 (439) (51) (221) --
Foreign currency gain....................
Minority interest........................
Interest expense.........................
Interest income..........................
Income tax expense.......................
Discontinued operations..................
Net loss.................................
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS
GROUP- CORPORATE
TOTAL CHINA SNAPPER HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATED
---------- --------------- --------- ------------ ------------
COMBINED
Revenues................................. $ 30,626
Depreciation and amortization............ 8,522
Operating income (loss).................. (14,615)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues................................. 7,667 $ -- $ 66,572 $ -- $ 74,239
Gross profit............................. 18,804
Depreciation and amortization............ 2,475 741 1,908 3 5,127
Operating loss........................... (13,671) (3,935) (3,982) (1,605) (23,193)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................. 22,959 784
Depreciation and amortization............ 6,047 710
Operating income (loss).................. (944) (254)
Net income (loss)........................ (5,548) (671)
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees (Note 2)...... (1,851) (294) -- -- (2,145)
Foreign currency gain.................... 224 -- -- -- 224
Minority interest........................ 1,247 2,199 -- -- 3,446
Interest expense......................... (4,557)
Interest income.......................... 4,179
Income tax expense....................... (143)
Discontinued operations.................. 5,267
------------
Net loss................................. $ (16,922)
------------
------------
</TABLE>
39
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
CELLULAR AND LONG SEGMENT
TELECOM- FIXED DISTANCE CABLE RADIO HEAD-
MUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING QUARTERS
----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ ----------
COMBINED
Revenues.............................. $ 17,920 $ 54 $ 11,585 $ 16,288 $ 8,277 $ 9,292 $ 918
Depreciation and amortization......... 6,555 28 1,033 6,798 611 662 2,166
Operating income (loss)............... (873) (183) 940 (1,409) (1,107) (1,271) (14,029)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues.............................. -- -- -- 2,661 1,745 8,105 918
Gross profit..........................
Depreciation and amortization......... -- -- -- 953 307 531 2,166
Operating income (loss)............... -- -- -- (178) (1,299) (1,253) (14,029)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues.............................. 17,920 54 11,585 13,627 6,532 1,187 --
Depreciation and amortization......... 6,555 28 1,033 5,845 304 131 --
Operating income (loss)............... (873) (183) 940 (1,231) 192 (18) --
Net loss.............................. (5,479) (603) (2,050) (3,967) (200) (88) --
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
investees (Note 2).................. (2,244) (1,531) (615) (1,237) (79) (80) --
Foreign currency loss.................
Minority interest.....................
Interest expense......................
Interest income.......................
Income tax expense....................
Net loss..............................
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS
GROUP- CORPORATE
TOTAL CHINA SNAPPER HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATED
--------- --------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
COMBINED
Revenues.............................. $ 64,334
Depreciation and amortization......... 17,853
Operating income (loss)............... (17,932)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues.............................. 13,429 $ -- $ 119,218 $ -- $ 132,647
Gross profit.......................... 40,543
Depreciation and amortization......... 3,957 1,574 3,053 3 8,587
Operating income (loss)............... (16,759) (7,073) 10,651 (2,933) (16,114)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues.............................. 50,905 2,527
Depreciation and amortization......... 13,896 1,716
Operating income (loss)............... (1,173) 331
Net loss.............................. (12,387) (1,776)
Equity in losses of unconsolidated
investees (Note 2).................. (5,786) (147) -- -- (5,933)
Foreign currency loss................. (2,794) -- -- -- (2,794)
Minority interest..................... 624 4,228 -- -- 4,852
Interest expense...................... (6,929)
Interest income....................... 4,246
Income tax expense.................... (205)
------------
Net loss.............................. $ (22,877)
------------
------------
</TABLE>
40
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SEGMENT INFORMATION
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INTERNATIONAL
CELLULAR AND LONG SEGMENT
TELECOM- DISTANCE CABLE RADIO HEAD-
MUNICATIONS TELEPHONY TELEVISION PAGING BROADCASTING OTHER QUARTERS
----------- ------------ ----------- --------- ------------ --------- ---------
COMBINED
Revenues................................ $ 8,850 $ 13,624 $ 15,629 $ 8,982 $ 9,664 $ 4,980 $ 1,002
Depreciation and amortization........... 4,724 915 6,155 1,493 681 961 2,708
Operating income (loss)................. (4,641) 3,112 (3,370) (5,032) (6) (1,784) (20,761)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues................................ -- -- 1,576 2,157 8,694 3,200 1,002
Gross profit............................
Depreciation and amortization........... -- -- 666 774 590 481 2,708
Operating income (loss)................. -- -- (1,084) (5,151) 144 (186) (20,761)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................ 8,850 13,624 14,053 6,825 970 1,780 --
Depreciation and amortization........... 4,724 915 5,489 719 91 480 --
Operating income (loss)................. (4,641) 3,112 (2,286) 119 (150) (1,598) --
Net income (loss)....................... (8,065) 1,884 (4,788) (1,541) (162) (1,715) --
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees (Note 2)..... (3,104) 565 (2,308) (1,301) (81) (644) --
Foreign currency gain...................
Minority interest.......................
Interest expense........................
Interest income.........................
Income tax expense......................
Discontinued operations.................
Net loss................................
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
COMMUNICATIONS
GROUP- CORPORATE
TOTAL CHINA SNAPPER HEADQUARTERS CONSOLIDATED
---------- --------------- ---------- ------------ ------------
COMBINED
Revenues................................ $ 62,731
Depreciation and amortization........... 17,637
Operating income (loss)................. (32,482)
CONSOLIDATED
Revenues................................ 16,629 $ -- $ 117,829 $ -- $ 134,458
Gross profit............................ 34,312
Depreciation and amortization........... 5,219 1,497 3,722 4 10,442
Operating income (loss)................. (27,038) (7,285) (3,118) (2,895) (40,336)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
Revenues................................ 46,102 1,422
Depreciation and amortization........... 12,418 1,279
Operating income (loss)................. (5,444) (608)
Net income (loss)....................... (14,387) (1,733)
Equity in income (losses) of
unconsolidated investees (Note 2)..... (6,873) (772) -- -- (7,645)
Foreign currency gain................... 321 -- -- -- 321
Minority interest....................... 1,342 4,143 -- -- 5,485
Interest expense........................ (9,560)
Interest income......................... 7,213
Income tax expense...................... (630)
Discontinued operations................. 5,267
------------
Net loss................................ $ (39,885)
------------
------------
</TABLE>
41
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS--THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 1998, AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS
ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
LEGEND
C = Consolidated
E = Equity method
P = Pre-operational
N/A = Not applicable
N/M = Not meaningful
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION
The following sets forth, by line of business, the Communications Group's
consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures, the
Communications Group's ownership percentage and selected income statement
information for the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998.
TELEPHONY
CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----- ---------
Baltcom GSM (Latvia)................................................................. 22% E E
Magticom (Tbilisi, Georgia).......................................................... 35% E E
Tyumenruskom (Tyumen, Russia)........................................................ 46% P N/A
</TABLE>
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating loss, net loss and equity
in losses of the Communications Group's investment in unconsolidated joint
ventures recorded under the equity method (in thousands, except subscriber
information):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues....................................... $ 8,964 $ 4,833 85% $ 17,920 $ 8,850 102%
Operating loss................................. $ (419) $ (1,701) (75)% $ (873) $ (4,641) (81)%
Net loss....................................... $ (3,448) $ (3,843) (10)% $ (5,479) $ (8,065) (32)%
Equity in losses of joint ventures............. $ (1,716) $ (1,732) (1)% $ (2,244) $ (3,104) (28)%
Ending subscribers............................. 83,813 36,381 130% 83,813 36,381 130%
Average monthly revenue per subscriber......... $ 40.00 $ 49.65 (19)% $ 44.77 $ 63.02 (29)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. Baltcom GSM operates a nationwide cellular telecommunication system
in Latvia. Magticom provides service in major cities in Georgia and is licensed
to provide service nationwide. Revenue and subscriber increases for the three
months and six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the same periods in
1998 reflect the increasing demand for reliable and mobile telephone service in
these markets. However, average monthly revenue per subscriber has declined for
the three months and six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to 1998. In
Latvia, this is attributable to an
42
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
increase in the number of prepaid customers. In Georgia, the devaluation of the
Georgian lari from September 1998 to March 1999 has negatively impacted the U.S.
dollar value of revenue generated.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included cost of services of $3.0 million, selling general and administrative
expenses of $9.3 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $6.6
million. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating losses included cost
of services of $3.4 million, selling general and administrative expenses of $5.4
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $4.7 million. Included in
operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 were cost of services of
$1.3 million, selling general and administrative expenses of $4.5 million and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $3.6 million. Included in operating
loss for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were cost of services of $1.2
million, selling general and administrative expenses of $2.9 million and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $2.4 million. Baltcom GSM and Magticom
were both launched in 1997. Decreasing operating losses are a result of both
operations moving out of the start-up phase and increasing revenues and
subscriber base, while controlling costs.
NET LOSS. In 1999, interest expense increased by $379,000 and $1.6 million for
the three and six months ended June 30, 1999, respectively. The increase in
interest expense in 1999 from the prior year represents additional borrowings by
the joint ventures to fund and expand their operations. Additionally, included
in the net losses in the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 were foreign
currency losses of $17,000 and $443,000, respectively. For the three months
ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, net losses included foreign currency losses of
$753,000 and $248,000, respectively. Foreign currency losses represent the
remeasurement of the ventures' financial statements, using the U.S. dollar as
the functional currency.
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF JOINT VENTURES. The Communications Group initially
recognizes its proportionate share of the net income or loss of its joint
ventures. However, since 1998, the Communications Group recognized the full
amount of losses generated by the joint ventures since the contributed capital
of the joint venture had been depleted and the Communications Group was
generally the sole funding source.
FIXED TELEPHONY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----- ---------
Instaphone (Kazakhstan).............................................................. 50% E P
Caspian American Telecommunications (Azerbaijan)..................................... 38% P N/A
</TABLE>
43
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating loss, net loss and equity
in losses of the Communications Group's investment in unconsolidated joint
ventures recorded under the equity method (in thousands, except subscriber
information):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
Revenues........................................... $ 34 $ -- N/A $ 54 $ -- N/A
Operating loss..................................... $ (77) $ -- N/A $ (183) $ -- N/A
Net loss........................................... $ (312) $ -- N/A $ (603) $ -- N/A
Equity in losses of joint ventures................. $ (1,152) $ -- N/A $ (1,531) $ -- N/A
Ending subscribers................................. 44 -- N/A 44 -- N/A
Average monthly revenue per subscriber............. N/M N/M N/M N/M N/M N/M
</TABLE>
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF JOINT VENTURES. Results above are those of the
Communications Group's joint venture in Kazakhstan. Operations have been delayed
by the lack of success in securing an interconnection agreement with the local
ministry that is economically and technically appropriate. An interconnection
agreement is required to access public switched traffic from a private overlay
network such as Instaphone's. The lack of an interconnection essentially
precludes the joint venture from establishing viable commercial operations, even
though it meets the company requirement to be classified as an operational joint
venture. When Instaphone is granted an interconnection agreement, it will begin
to market its services and implement its business plan. Included in operating
loss for the six months ended June 30, 1999 were cost of services of $11,000,
selling general and administrative expenses of $198,000 and depreciation and
amortization expenses of $28,000. Interest expense for the six months ended June
30, 1999 was $89,000. For the three months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included cost of services of $6,000, selling general and administrative expenses
of $91,000 and depreciation and amortization expenses of $13,000. Interest
expense for the three months ended June 30, 1999 was $42,000.
INTERNATIONAL AND LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----- -----
Telecom Georgia (Tbilisi, Georgia).................................................... 30% E E
</TABLE>
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating income, net income (loss)
and equity in income (loss) of the Communications Group's investment in Telecom
Georgia which is recorded under the equity method (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
Revenues........................................ $ 5,436 $ 6,575 (17)% $ 11,585 $ 13,624 (15)%
Operating income (loss)......................... $ (201) $ 1,096 N/M $ 940 $ 3,112 (70)%
Net income (loss)............................... $ (1,052) $ 515 N/M $ (2,050) $ 1,884 N/M
Equity in income (loss) of joint venture........ $ (316) $ 154 N/M $ (615) $ 565 N/M
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
REVENUES. Telecom Georgia handles international calls inbound to and outbound
from the Republic of Georgia. Revenues have decreased for the three months and
six months ended June 30,1999 as compared to the three months and six months
ended June 30, 1998. This is partially the effect of increased competition from
other international telephone service providers during 1999. During the six
months ended June 30, 1998, Telecom Georgia was the only entity licensed to
handle international call traffic in or out of Georgia. Further, the devaluation
of the Georgian lari from September 1998 to March 1999 has negatively impacted
the U.S. dollar value of revenue generated by outgoing calls. Telecom Georgia
charges the local caller a per minute rate on these calls and pays a destination
fee to the interconnect carrier.
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS). For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating
income included cost of services of $5.8 million, selling general and
administrative expenses of $3.8 million and depreciation and amortization
expenses of $1.0 million. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating
income included cost of services of $5.3 million, selling general and
administrative expenses of $4.3 million and depreciation and amortization
expenses of $915,000. Included in operating loss for the three months ended June
30, 1999 were cost of services of $3.2 million, selling general and
administrative expenses of $2.0 million and depreciation and amortization
expenses of $507,000. Included in operating income for the three months ended
June 30, 1998 were cost of services of $2.7 million, selling general and
administrative expenses of $2.4 million and depreciation and amortization
expenses of $377,000. Operating results in the three and six months ended June
30, 1999 decreased as a result of contractual reductions in termination
accounting rates in international settlement agreements for traffic with
overseas carriers.
NET INCOME (LOSS). Included in net income in the six months ended June 30, 1999
and 1998 were interest charges of $83,000 and $231,000, respectively. In the
three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, net income included interest charges
of $77,000 and 64,000, respectively. Also included in net income were foreign
currency losses of $2.7 million in the first six months of 1999 and $519,000 in
the first six months of 1998. In the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
foreign currency losses were $655,000 and $270,000, respectively. The increased
foreign currency loss experienced in 1999 is a result of the devaluation of the
Georgian lari from September 1998 to March 1999. Net income also included income
taxes of $213,000 and $492,000 in the first six months of 1999 and 1998,
respectively. In the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, income taxes
were $122,000 and $262,000, respectively.The net loss in the three months and
six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the net income in the three months
and six months ended June 30, 1998 is attributable to the significant
devaluation of the Georgian lari.
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSS) OF JOINT VENTURE. Equity in income (loss) of joint
venture represents the Communications Group's proportionate share of Telecom
Georgia's net income (loss) in 1999 and 1998.
45
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
CABLE TELEVISION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----- ---------
Romsat Cable TV (Bucharest, Romania)................................................. 100% C C
Viginta (Vilnius, Lithuania)......................................................... 55% C C
ATK (Archangelsk, Russia)............................................................ 81% C N/A
Kosmos TV (Moscow, Russia)........................................................... 50% E E
Baltcom TV (Riga, Latvia)............................................................ 50% E E
Ayety TV (Tbilisi, Georgia).......................................................... 49% E E
Kamalak TV (Tashkent, Uzbekistan).................................................... 50% E E
Sun TV (Chisinau, Moldova)........................................................... 50% E E
Alma TV (Almaty, Kazakhstan)......................................................... 50% E E
Cosmos TV (Minsk, Belarus)........................................................... 50% E E
Teleplus (St. Petersburg, Russia).................................................... 45% E P
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the consolidated revenues and operating loss for
cable television (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues........................................... $ 1,413 $ 867 63% $ 2,661 $ 1,576 69%
Operating loss..................................... $ (120) $ (305) (61)% $ (178) $ (1,084) (84)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. Revenue increased by $1.1 million for the six months ended June 30,
1999 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 1998; and by $546,000 for the
quarter ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 1998. The
increases are primarily due to increased revenue at Romsat of $602,000 and
$280,000 for the six and three months ended June 30, 1999, respectively, coupled
with the acquisition of ATK in the Archangelsk region of Russia. Romsat's
favorable revenue trend was generated by an increase in rates and the launch of
internet services via the cable network.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included cost of services of $621,000, selling general and administrative
expenses of $1.3 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $953,000.
For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating losses included cost of
services of $647,000, selling general and administrative expenses of $1.3
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $666,000. Included in
operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 were cost of services of
$397,000, selling general and administrative expenses of $626,000 and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $510,000. Included in operating loss
for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were cost of services of $313,000,
selling general and administrative expenses of $520,000 and depreciation and
amortization expenses of $339,000. The decreased operating loss for the quarter
and six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the quarter and six months
ended June 30, 1998 reflects the increase in revenue realized by continuing to
emphasize the strategy of increasing the customer base by wiring buildings in
advance and targeting for a lower priced, broader based program package.
46
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating loss, net loss and equity
in losses of the Company's investment in unconsolidated joint ventures recorded
under the equity method (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues........................................ $ 6,894 $ 7,512 (8)% $ 13,627 $ 14,053 (3)%
Operating loss.................................. $ (129) $ (113) 14% $ (1,231) $ (2,286) (46)%
Net loss........................................ $ (2,230) $ (773) 188% $ (3,967) $ (4,788) (17)%
Equity in losses of joint ventures.............. $ (875) $ 438 N/M $ (1,237) $ (2,308) (46)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. For the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the six months
ended June 30, 1998, revenue decreased by approximately $426,000. Revenues at
Kosmos TV, Moscow and Sun TV decreased by approximately $947,000 and $496,000,
respectively, for reasons described below. These losses were offset by increases
at Alma TV and Cosmos TV. Alma TV revenue increased by approximately $821,000.
In Almaty, Alma-TV distributes service through MMDS and wireline technologies.
The growth and increased revenue has been achieved primarily through a rapid
wireline build. Wireline home service grew from approximately 40,000 at June 30,
1998 to approximately 143,000 at June 30, 1999, resulting in an increase in
wireline subscribers from approximately 10,000 to approximately 34,000.
Additionally, during the six months ended June 30, 1999, the wireline build was
expanded within Kazakhstan to the cities of Actua, UST- Kamenogorsk, and
Karaganda. This expansion accounts for approximately $169,000 of Alma TV's
revenue increase. The increased revenue at Cosmos TV, Minsk was a result of an
118% increase in subscribers from approximately 4,000 at June 30, 1998 to
approximately 8,700 at June 30, 1999. However, the Communications Group is
intentionally slowing the growth of Cosmos TV due to regulations instituted by
various governmental agencies which may adversely affect the operations of the
venture. The impact on the Company's cable television revenues caused by the
policies that govern the granting of cable licenses by the Belarussian
government, is not easily measured in exact terms. However, it is clear that
because of the these policies the Company did not devote a substantial effort to
grow the ventures' revenue.
As a deterrent to subscriber churn during the Russian economic crisis, Kosmos TV
began granting price discounts to existing customers, which has negatively
impacted revenue. The number of subscribers at Kosmos decreased by approximately
1,355, or 6% during the quarter. The devaluation of the Moldovan lei has had an
adverse impact on Sun TV's revenue as the rate increase necessary to achieve the
pre-devaluation U.S. dollar value rate was made incrementally.
The decrease in revenue of $618,000 for the three months ended June 30, 1999 as
compared to the three months ended June 30, 1998 is primarily made up of
decreases of approximately $666,000 and $299,000 at Kosmos TV and Sun TV,
respectively, offset by an increase at Alma TV of approximately $421,000.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included cost of services of $1.8 million, selling general and administrative
expenses of $7.2 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $5.8
million. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating losses included cost
of services of $2.7 million, selling general and administrative expenses of $8.1
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $5.5 million. Included in
operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 were cost of services of
$844,000, selling general and administrative expenses of
47
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
$3.3 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $2.8 million.
Included in operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were cost of
services of $1.5 million, selling general and administrative expenses of $3.4
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $2.7 million. The
decreased operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to
the six months ended June 30, 1998 reflects the fact that certain operating
costs are fixed and as the number of subscribers increased, it reduced the
operating loss per subscriber, combined with cost savings achieved through
economies of scale resulting from contract renegotiation with programmers and
other suppliers.
NET LOSS. Included in net losses in the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
were interest charges of $2.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively. In the
three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, net income included interest charges
of $1.3 million and $966,000, respectively. Also included in net income was
foreign currency losses of $376,000 in the first six months of 1999 and $158,000
in the first six months of 1998. In the three months ended June 30, 1999 and
1998 foreign currency income (loss) was $(926,000) and $272,000, respectively.
The increase in interest expense in the six months and quarter ended June 30,
1999 as compared to the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998 relates to
additional borrowings by the joint ventures to fund and expand their operations.
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF JOINT VENTURES. The Communications Group initially
recognizes its proportionate share of the net income or loss of its joint
ventures. However, for 1999 and 1998, the Communications Group recognized the
full amount of losses generated in certain joint ventures since the contributed
capital of the joint venture has been depleted and the Communications Group was
generally the sole funding source.
COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the revenues, depreciation and amortization and
operating loss on a combined basis of the Communications Group's consolidated
and unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures (in thousands, except
subscriber information):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
---------- ---------- ------------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues.................................... $ 8,307 $ 8,379 1% $ 16,288 $ 15,629 4%
Depreciation and amortization............... $ (3,343) $ (3,073) 9% $ (6,798) $ (6,155) 10%
Operating loss.............................. $ (249) $ (418) (40)% $ (1,409) $ (3,370) 58%
Ending subscribers.......................... 375,460 269,017 40% 375,460 269,017 40%
Average revenue per subscriber.............. $ 7.38 $ 10.66 (31)% $ 7.85 $ 10.53 (25)%
</TABLE>
ANALYSIS OF COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. As noted above, subscriber growth
and revenue increases in 1999 were the result of further implementation of the
strategy by which buildings were wired in advance and targeted for a lower
priced, broader band program package. Total subscribers increased from 269,017
in 1998 to 375,460 in 1999. In 1999, the improvement in operating results
reflects the favorable relationship between certain fixed operating costs and
the increase in subscribers as described above, combined with cost savings
achieved through economies of scale resulting in advantageous contract
renegotiations with programmers and other suppliers.
Revenue per average subscriber decreased during the three and six months ended
June 30, 1999 as compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 1998 as a
result of increased wireline network build-outs and penetration, which
distribute lower priced cable plans relative to the MMDS cable package.
48
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
PAGING
OVERVIEW. In 1998, the Communications Group's paging business continued to
incur operating losses. Accordingly, the Communications Group developed a
revised operating plan to stabilize its paging operations. Under the revised
plan, the Communications Group intends to manage its paging business to a level
that should not require significant additional funding for its operation. It is
anticipated that under the revised plan the Communications Group's paging
business operating losses will decrease significantly. The Company has adjusted
its investment in certain paging operations which were recorded under the equity
method to zero, and unless it provides future funding, will no longer record its
proportionate share of any future net losses of these investees and is reflected
in the following table as E*.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ----- ---------
Paging One Services (Austria)........................................................ 100% C C
Baltcom Paging (Tallinn, Estonia).................................................... 85% C C
CNM (Romania)........................................................................ 54% C C
Eurodevelopment (Ukraine)............................................................ 51% C N/A
Kamalak Paging (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and
Andijan, Uzbekistan)................................................................. 50% E E
Mobile Telecom (Russia).............................................................. 50% E N/A
Baltcom Plus (Riga, Latvia).......................................................... 50% E* E
Alma Page (Almaty and Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan)................................... 50% E* E
Paging One (Tbilisi, Georgia)........................................................ 45% E* E
Raduga Poisk (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia)............................................... 45% E* E
PT Page (St. Petersburg, Russia)..................................................... 40% E* E
Kazpage (Kazakhstan)................................................................. 26-41% E* E
Paging Ajara (Batumi, Georgia)....................................................... 35% E* E
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the consolidated revenues and operating loss for
paging (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues......................................... $ 801 $ 1,270 (37)% $ 1,745 $ 2,157 (19)%
Operating loss................................... $ (146) $ (2,294) (94)% $ (1,299) $ (5,151) (75)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. For the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the
six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998, the decrease in revenue reflects the
increasing competition from GSM operators in the markets in which the
Communications Group has paging businesses. This factor has been partially
offset by the acquisition during the fourth quarter of 1998 of a paging
operation in the Ukraine.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included cost of services of $140,000, selling general and administrative
expenses of $2.6 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $304,000.
For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating losses included cost of
services of $2.0 million, selling general and administrative expenses of $4.5
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $774,000. Included in
operating loss for the three months ended June 30,
49
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
1999 were cost of services of $23,000, selling general and administrative
expenses of $908,000 and depreciation and amortization expenses of $16,000.
Included in operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were cost of
services of $946,000, selling general and administrative expenses of $2.4
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $215,000. During the six
months and quarter ended June 30, 1998, increased marketing, advertising,
technical and distribution expenses were incurred to introduce calling party
pays service.
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating income (loss), net loss
and equity in losses of the Communications Group's investment in unconsolidated
joint ventures, which are recorded under the equity method (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues.......................................... $ 2,705 $ 2,983 9% $ 6,532 $ 6,825 (4)%
Operating income (loss)........................... $ (84) $ 494 N/M $ 192 $ 119 61%
Net income (loss)................................. $ (431) $ (661) (35)% $ (200) $ (1,541) (87)%
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures....... $ (241) $ (439) (45)% $ (79) $ (1,301) (94)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. For the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the
six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998, the decrease in revenue reflects the
increasing competition from GSM operators in the markets in which the
Communications Group has paging businesses. These factors have been partially
offset by the acquisition during the third quarter of 1998 of Mobile Telecom, a
paging operation in Russia.
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS). Included in operating income for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 were cost of services of $1.3 million, selling, general and
administrative expenses of $4.7 million and depreciation and amortization
expenses of $304,000. For the six months ended June 30, 1998, operating income
included cost of services of $2.0 million, selling general and administrative
expenses of $4.0 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $719,000.
For the three months ended June 30, 1999, operating loss included cost of
services of $677,000, selling general and administrative expenses of $2.0
million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $129,000. Included in
operating income for the three months ended June 30, 1998 were cost of services
of $836,000, selling general and administrative expenses of $1.4 million and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $265,000. Operating loss increased for
the quarter ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 1998
as a result of the operating loss of $246,000 at Mobile Telecom, which was
purchased during the third quarter of 1998.
NET INCOME (LOSS). Included in the net losses in the six months ended June 30,
1999 and 1998 were interest charges of $80,000 and $373,000, respectively. Also
included in the net losses were foreign currency losses of $357,000 in the first
six months of 1999 and $548,000 in the first six months of 1998. Net losses also
included income taxes of $176,000 and $332,000 in the first six months of 1999
and 1998, respectively. Finally, net losses also included other income of
$221,000 and other loss of $405,000 in the first six months of 1999 and 1998,
respectively. In the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, the net losses
included interest charges of $41,000 and $202,000, respectively. In the three
months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 foreign currency losses were $341,000 and
$548,000, respectively. In the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, income
taxes were $111,000 and $112,000, respectively. In
50
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, other income was $145,000 and
other loss was $292,000, respectively
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSSES) OF JOINT VENTURES. As noted above, the Communications
Group recognizes its proportionate share of the net income or loss of its joint
ventures, however, for 1998, the Communications Group recognized the full amount
of losses generated by the joint ventures since the contributed capital of the
joint venture had been depleted and the Communications Group was generally the
sole funding source. During 1998, the Company adjusted its investments in
certain paging operations which were recorded under the equity method to zero,
and as noted above, unless it provides future funding will no longer record its
proportionate share of any future net losses of these investees.
COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the revenues, depreciation and amortization and
operating loss on a combined basis of the Communications Group's consolidated
and unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -----------
Revenues........................................ $ 3,506 $ 4,253 (18)% $ 8,277 $ 8,982 (8)%
Depreciation and amortization................... $ (145) $ (480) (70)% $ (611) $ (1,493) (59)%
Operating loss.................................. $ (230) $ (1,800) (87)% $ (1,107) $ (5,032) (78)%
</TABLE>
ANALYSIS OF COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. Total subscribers increased from
73,399 in 1998 to 113,872 in 1999. Revenues of investments written off at
December 31, 1998 are not included in the results of the unconsolidated or
combined joint ventures above. Subscribers reported in 1999 does not include
39,895 subscribers of these investments. Calling party pays subscribers are not
included in the subscriber count. Decreases in operating loss in 1999 were due
to the implementation during the quarter ended March 31, 1999 of the
Communications Group's revised operating plan.
51
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
RADIO BROADCASTING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
-------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- ----- -----
Radio Juventus (Budapest, Hungary).................................................... 100% C C
Country Radio (Prague, Czech Republic)................................................ 85% C P
NewsTalk Radio (Berlin, Germany)...................................................... 85% C C
SAC (Moscow, Russia).................................................................. 83% C C
Radio One (Prague, Czech Republic).................................................... 80% C C
Radio Katusha (St. Petersburg, Russia)................................................ 75% C E
Radio Skonto (Riga, Latvia)........................................................... 55% C C
Radio Vladivostok, (Vladivostok, Russia).............................................. 51% C P
Radio Georgia (Tbilisi, Georgia)...................................................... 51% C P
Radio Nika (Socci, Russia)............................................................ 51% E E
AS Trio LSL (Tallinn, Estonia)........................................................ 49% E E
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the consolidated revenues and operating income
(losses) for radio broadcasting (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
Revenues......................................... $ 2,916 $ 3,166 (8)% $ 8,105 $ 8,694 (7)%
Operating income (loss).......................... $ (789) $ (1,059) (25)% $ (1,253) $ 144 N/M
</TABLE>
REVENUES. For the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the six months
ended June 30, 1998, revenues decreased by approximately $589,000. Revenues
decreased at Radio 7 and Radio Katusha by approximately $150,000 and $512,000,
due to factors described below and was offset by increased revenues at Country
Radio, which was purchased at the end of the first quarter in 1998, of
approximately $424,000. In addition, decreased revenue of approximately $595,000
at Radio Juventus resulted from increased competition from television and from
two national radio networks. The decrease was partially offset by smaller
revenue increases at the other stations for the six months ended June 30, 1999
as compared to the six months ended June 30, 1998.
Overall revenues remained relatively flat for the three months ended June 30,
1999 compared to the three months ended June 30, 1998. Individually, revenues at
Radio 7 and at Radio Katusha decreased by approximately $179,000 and $250,000,
respectively, as the economic crisis had a negative impact on advertising
spending in Russian markets. The decrease was partially offset by smaller
revenue increases at the other stations for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 as
compared to the quarter ended June 30, 1998.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included selling, general and administrative expenses of $8.8 million and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $531,000. For the six months ended
June 30, 1998, operating losses included selling, general and administrative
expenses of $8.0 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $590,000.
Included in operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 were
selling, general and administrative expenses of $3.6 million and depreciation
and amortization expenses of $148,000. Included in operating loss for the three
52
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
months ended June 30, 1998 were selling, general and administrative expenses of
$3.9 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $299,000.
For the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the six months ended June
30, 1998, operating loss increased by approximately $1.4 million. This reflects
the impact on revenue, as described above, of the economic climate in the
Russian markets and increased competition in Hungary, as well as the increased
programming and other expenses associated with the news and talk format at
Berlin Aktuelle. The news and talk format has higher start up and continuing
costs than traditional music radio stations.
The operating loss for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the
quarter ended June 30, 1998 was slightly improved, primarily due to the impact
on Radio Juventus during the second quarter of 1998, of the operations of two
new national radio networks in Hungary.
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating income (loss), net loss
and equity in losses of the Communications Group's investment in unconsolidated
joint ventures, which are recorded under the equity method (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -------------
Revenues.......................................... $ 484 $ 350 38% $ 1,187 $ 970 22%
Operating loss.................................... $ (57) $ (96) (41)% $ (18) $ (150) (88)%
Net loss.......................................... $ (76) $ (96) (21)% $ (88) $ (162) (46)%
Equity in losses of joint ventures................ $ (66) $ (51) 29% $ (80) $ (81) (1)%
</TABLE>
REVENUES. The increase in revenues in the six months and quarter ended June 30,
1999 as compared to the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998 is primarily
attributable to additional revenues at the radio operations in Tallinn, Estonia.
OPERATING LOSS. For the six months ended June 30, 1999, operating losses
included selling, general and administrative expenses of $1.1 million and
depreciation and amortization expenses of $131,000. For the six months ended
June 30, 1998, operating losses included selling, general and administrative
expenses of $1.0 million and depreciation and amortization expenses of $91,000.
Included in operating loss for the three months ended June 30, 1999 were
selling, general and administrative expenses of $478,000 and depreciation and
amortization expenses of $63,000. Included in operating loss for the three
months ended June 30, 1998 were selling, general and administrative expenses of
$400,000 and depreciation and amortization expenses of $47,000. The decreased
operating losses for the six months and quarters ended June 30, 1999 and June
30, 1998 are a result of the increases in revenue growth and are reflective of
management's philosophy to continually develop existing audience share and
revenue base.
NET LOSS. Included in net loss in 1999 and 1998 were interest charges of
$11,000 and $5,000, respectively.
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF JOINT VENTURES. The Communications Group initially
recognizes its proportionate share of the net income or loss of its joint
ventures. However, since 1996, the Communications Group recognizes the full
amount of losses generated by the joint ventures since the contributed capital
of the joint venture had been depleted and the Communications Group was
generally the sole funding source.
53
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the revenues, depreciation and amortization, and
operating income (loss) on a combined basis of the Communications Group's
consolidated and unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- --------- --------- -----------
Revenues......................................... $ 3,400 $ 3,516 (3)% $ 9,292 $ 9,664 (4)%
Depreciation and amortization.................... $ (211) $ (346) (39)% $ (662) $ (681) (3)%
Operating income (loss).......................... $ (846) $ (1,155) (27)% $ (1,271) $ (6) N/M
</TABLE>
ANALYSIS OF COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. The decreased revenues and
increased losses for the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1999 compared to
the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998, reflect the impact on revenues,
as described above, of the economic climate in the Russian markets and increased
competition in Hungary, as well as the increased programming and other expenses
associated with the news and talk format at Berlin Aktuelle. The news and talk
format has higher start up and continuing costs than traditional music radio
stations.
OTHER
OVERVIEW: In July 1998, the Communications Group sold its investment in
Protocall Ventures Limited. Additionally, the Company has adjusted its
investment in Spectrum to zero, and unless it provides future funding, will no
longer record its proportionate share of any future net losses of this
investment and is reflected in the following table as E*.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
--------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------- ---------
Spectrum (Kazakhstan)............................................................... 33% E* E
Protocall Ventures Ltd.............................................................. N/A C/E
</TABLE>
CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES AND JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the consolidated revenues and operating income
(loss) for trunked mobile radio (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 30,
------------------------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998
----- --------- ------------- ----- ---------
Revenues................................................ $ -- $ 1,449 N/A $ -- $ 3,200
Operating loss.......................................... $ -- $ (58) N/A $ -- $ (186)
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
% CHANGE
-------------
Revenues................................................ N/A
Operating loss.......................................... N/A
</TABLE>
REVENUES AND OPERATING LOSS. Operations of the consolidated trunked mobile
radio ventures for the six months and quarter ended June 30, 1998 reflect the
activities of the Protocall Venture's operations in Portugal, Spain and Belgium.
In July 1998, the Communications Group sold its investment in Protocall Ventures
Limited.
54
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURES
The following table sets forth the revenues, operating loss, net loss and equity
in losses of the Communications Group's investment in unconsolidated joint
ventures, which are recorded under the equity method (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
----- --------- ------------- ----- --------- -------------
Revenues........................................... $ -- $ 706 N/A $ -- $ 1,780 N/A
Operating loss..................................... $ -- $ (624) N/A $ -- $ (1,598) N/A
Net loss........................................... $ -- $ (690) N/A $ -- $ (1,715) N/A
Equity in losses of joint ventures................. $ -- $ (221) N/A $ -- $ (644) N/A
</TABLE>
REVENUES, OPERATING LOSS AND NET LOSS. Results for the six months and quarter
ended June 30, 1998, include results of Protocall Ventures' equity investments
as well as results of Spectrum. As has been noted, the Communications Group sold
its interest in Protocall Ventures in July 1998. Additionally, the Company's
interest in Spectrum was written off during the fourth quarter of 1998.
EQUITY IN LOSSES OF JOINT VENTURES. Equity in losses of joint ventures
represent the Communications Group's proportionate share of the net losses of
the joint ventures.
COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the revenues, depreciation and amortization, and
operating loss on a combined basis of the Communications Group's consolidated
and unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
----- --------- ------------- ----- --------- -------------
Revenues.......................................... $ -- $ 2,155 N/A $ -- $ 4,980 N/A
Depreciation and amortization..................... $ -- $ (432) N/A $ -- $ (961) N/A
Operating loss.................................... $ -- $ (682) N/A $ -- $ (1,784) N/A
</TABLE>
ANALYSIS OF COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. As noted above, in July 1998 the
Communications Group sold its investment in Protocall Ventures, and at December
31, 1998 has written down the investment in Spectrum to zero.
SEGMENT HEADQUARTERS
Segment headquarters represent the costs associated with executives,
administration, logistics and joint venture support of the consolidated and
unconsolidated joint ventures. The following table sets forth the consolidated
revenues and operating losses for the segment headquarters (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
----------------------------------- -------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
Revenues..................................... $ 691 $ 915 (24)% $ 918 $ 1,002 (8)%
Operating loss............................... $ (7,543) $ (9,955) (24)% $ (14,029) $ (20,761) (32)%
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
REVENUES. The decreased revenue from the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 1998 reflects a
decrease in management fee revenues from the Communications Group's
unconsolidated subsidiaries offset by an increase in programming fees.
OPERATING LOSS. Depreciation and amortization charges of $1.9 million and $2.7
million are included in operating loss for the six months ended June 30, 1999
and 1998, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
depreciation and amortization was $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
The decreased operating loss from 1998 to 1999 is primarily a result of
reductions to headcount made in the fourth quarter of 1998, and the ensuing
decreases in salary, employee benefits and travel expenses. These reductions
were made in accordance with the Communications Group's plan to decrease
corporate management and administration operating expenses.
The following table sets forth minority interest and foreign currency gain
(loss) for the consolidated operations of the Communications Group--Eastern
Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -----------
Foreign currency gain (loss)..................... $ (2,286) $ 224 N/M $ (2,794) $ 321 N/M
Minority interest................................ $ 331 $ 1,247 (73)% $ 624 $ 1,342 (53)%
</TABLE>
FOREIGN CURRENCY GAIN (LOSS) AND MINORITY INTEREST. For the three and six
months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, foreign currency gain (loss) includes
losses from consolidated joint ventures and subsidiaries operating in highly
inflationary economies. Foreign currency losses represent the remeasurement of
the joint ventures' financial statements, in all cases using the U.S. dollar as
the functional currency. U.S. dollar transactions are shown at their historical
value. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in local currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing period-end exchange rate. All
other assets and liabilities are translated at historical exchange rates.
Results of operations have been translated using the monthly average exchange
rates. The foreign currency loss is the transaction differences resulting from
the use of these different rates. For the three and six months ended June 30,
1999 and 1998, minority interest represents the allocation of losses by the
Communications Group's majority owned subsidiaries and joint ventures to its
minority ownership interest.
56
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP--CHINA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
JOINT VENTURE/SUBSIDIARY OWNERSHIP % 1999 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- ----- ---------
Cellular Telecommunications
Ningbo Ya Mei Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Ningbo City, China)...................... 70% E E
Ningbo Ya Lian Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Ningbo Municipality, China)............. 70% E N/A
Fixed Telephony
Sichuan Tai Li Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Sichuan Province, China)........... 92% P P
Chongqing Tai Le Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd. (Chongqing Municipality, China)... 92% P P
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DISTRIBUTABLE
CASH FLOW %
CHINA UNICOM PROJECT TO JOINT VENTURE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
<S> <C>
Ningbo Project I................................................................................. 73%
Ningbo Project II................................................................................ 73%
Sichuan Province................................................................................. 78%
Chongqing Municipality........................................................................... 78%
</TABLE>
57
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
JOINT VENTURE INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------------
NINGBO NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV II JV JV TOTAL
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues...................................................... $ 1,008 $ 504 $ -- $ 3 $ 1,515
Depreciation and amortization................................. $ (613) $ -- $ (239) $ (182) $ (1,034)
Operating income (loss)....................................... $ 357 $ 491 $ (341) $ (228) $ 279
Net loss...................................................... $ (151) $ 417 $ (608) $ (274) $ (616)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures................... $ 303 $ 344 $ (334) $ (195) $ 118
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
------------------------------------------------
NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV JV TOTAL
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................................................. $ 757 $ -- $ 27 $ 784
Depreciation and amortization............................................. $ (611) $ (9) $ (90) $ (710)
Operating income (loss)................................................... $ 84 $ (152) $ (186) $ (254)
Net loss.................................................................. $ (343) $ (148) $ (180) $ (671)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures............................... $ 12 $ (138) $ (168) $ (294)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------------
NINGBO NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV II JV JV TOTAL
--------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues..................................................... $ 1,996 $ 504 $ -- $ 27 $ 2,527
Depreciation and amortization................................ $ (1,221) $ -- $ (255) $ (240) $ (1,716)
Operating income (loss)...................................... $ 650 $ 476 $ (424) $ (371) $ 331
Net loss..................................................... $ (720) $ 366 $ (925) $ (497) $ (1,776)
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures.................. $ 287 $ 336 $ (427) $ (343) $ (147)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
----------------------------------------------
NINGBO SICHUAN CHONGQING
JV JV JV TOTAL
--------- ----------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.............................................................. $ 1,395 $ -- $ 27 $ 1,422
Depreciation and amortization......................................... $ (1,171) $ (18) $ (90) $ (1,279)
Operating income (loss)............................................... $ 131 $ (321) $ (418) $ (608)
Net loss.............................................................. $ (1,011) $ (310) $ (412) $ (1,733)
Equity in losses of joint ventures.................................... $ (103) $ (287) $ (382) $ (772)
</TABLE>
The Communications Group has received notification from China Unicom stating
that a department of the Chinese government has requested termination of two of
its four joint telecommunications projects in China and the Communications Group
expects that the other two telecommunications projects in which it has invested
will receive similar letters.
58
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The following table sets forth operating loss, equity in income (losses) of
joint ventures and minority interests for the Communications Group's various
telephony-related joint ventures in China (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- --------- --------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating loss.................................. $ (3,526) $ (3,935) (10)% $ (7,073) $ (7,285) (3)%
Equity in income (losses) of joint ventures..... $ 118 $ (294) N/M $ (147) $ (772) (81)%
Minority interests.............................. $ 2,052 $ 2,199 (7)% $ 4,228 $ 4,143 2%
</TABLE>
OPERATING LOSS. The Communications Group began reducing the workforce it
devotes to support of China Unicom telecommunications projects during the first
half of 1999. This action reflects the completion by year-end 1998 of the
initial network development projects the Communications Group's China joint
ventures had undertaken with China Unicom and the fact that no additional
projects were started during the first half of 1999. The Communications Group
also anticipated the potential suspension of project cooperation with China
Unicom later in 1999 as a result of proposed Chinese regulations limiting
sino-sino-foreign telecommunications investments. As a result of the workforce
reductions, operating losses decreased $409,000 to $3.5 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to the same period in 1998. Operating
losses decreased $212,000 to $7.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999
as compared to the same period in 1998.
EQUITY IN INCOME (LOSSES) OF JOINT VENTURES. Equity in income of the
Communications Group's joint ventures in China amounted to $118,000 for the
three months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to equity losses of $294,000 for
the same period in 1998. The majority of the 1998 losses arise from the absence
of any revenues for the joint ventures in Sichuan and Chongqing during the
pre-operational state of the projects each venture supports. These joint
ventures contributed $306,000 to the second quarter 1998 losses. This loss was
partially offset by $12,000 of second quarter 1998 income derived from the
operational GSM project supported by the Communications Group's Ningbo joint
ventures. The China Unicom wireline telephone network project supported by the
joint ventures in Sichuan Province and the Chongqing Municipality remained in a
pre-operational state until the commercial service launch in January 1999. All
of the China Unicom projects supported by the Communications Group's joint
venture were operational during the second quarter of 1999. The Sichuan and
Chongqing wireline network projects, however, did not return any revenue to the
joint ventures during their initial start-up period of operation, resulting in a
second quarter 1999 loss for these joint ventures of $529,000. The joint
ventures supporting the Ningbo City and Ningbo Municipality GSM projects
recorded income of $647,000 in the second quarter of 1999, partially offsetting
this loss. The Ningbo projects generated $1.0 million in revenues to the joint
ventures in the second quarter of 1999, but this was not yet sufficient to
overcome the joint ventures' $1.1 million of the amortization and interest
expenses during the same period.
Equity in losses of the Communications Group's joint ventures in China amounted
to $147,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1999 as compared to $772,000 for
the same period in 1998. The majority of the 1999 and 1998 losses arise from the
absence of any revenues for the joint ventures in Sichuan and Chongqing during
the pre-operational state of the projects each venture supports. These joint
ventures contributed $669,000 to the first half of 1998 losses. This loss was
higher by $103,000 from the same period in 1998 derived from the operational GSM
project supported by the Communications Group's Ningbo joint ventures. The China
Unicom wireline telephone network project supported by the joint ventures in
Sichuan Province and the Chongqing Municipality remained in a pre-operational
state until
59
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
the commercial service launch in January 1999. However, these wireline network
projects did not return any revenue to the joint ventures during their initial
start-up period of operation, resulting in a first half of 1999 loss for these
joint ventures of $770,000. The joint ventures supporting the Ningbo City and
Ningbo Municipality GSM projects recorded income of $623,000 in 1999, partially
offsetting this loss. The Ningbo projects generated $2.5 million in year to date
1999 revenues to the joint ventures, but this was not yet sufficient to overcome
the joint ventures' $2.5 million of amortization and interest expenses during
the same period.
MINORITY INTERESTS. For the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
minority interests represents the allocation of losses to Metromedia China
Corporation's minority ownership.
INFLATION AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
Certain of the Communications Group's subsidiaries and joint ventures operate in
countries where the rate of inflation is extremely high relative to that in the
United States. While the Communications Group's subsidiaries and joint ventures
attempt to increase their subscription rates to offset increases in operating
costs, there is no assurance that they will be able to do so. Therefore,
operating costs may rise faster than associated revenue, resulting in a material
negative impact on operating results. The Company itself is generally negatively
impacted by inflationary increases in salaries, wages, benefits and other
administrative costs, the effects of which to date have not been material to the
Company.
In 1998, a number of emerging market economies suffered significant economic and
financial difficulties resulting in liquidity crises, devaluation of currencies,
higher interest rates and reduced opportunities for financing. At this time, the
prospects for recovery by the economies of Russia and other republics of the
former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe negatively affected by the economic
crisis remain unclear. The economic crisis has resulted in a number of defaults
by borrowers in Russia and other countries and a reduced level of financing
available to investors in these countries. The devaluation of many of the
currencies in the region has also negatively affected the U.S. dollar value of
the revenues generated by certain of the Company's joint ventures and may lead
to certain additional restrictions on the convertibility of certain local
currencies. The Company expects that these problems will negatively affect
certain of its cable television, telephony, radio broadcasting and paging
ventures.
The Communications Group's strategy is to minimize its foreign currency risk. To
the extent possible, the Communications Group bills and collects all revenues in
U.S. dollars or an equivalent local currency amount adjusted on a monthly basis
for exchange rate fluctuations. The Communications Group's subsidiaries and
joint ventures are generally permitted to maintain U.S. dollar accounts to
service their U.S. dollar denominated debt and current account obligations,
thereby reducing foreign currency risk. As the Communications Group's
subsidiaries and joint ventures expand their operations and become more
dependent on local currency based transactions, the Communications Group expects
that its foreign currency exposure will increase. The Communications Group does
not hedge against foreign exchange rate risks at the current time and therefore
could be subject in the future to any declines in exchange rates between the
time a subsidiary or a joint venture receives its funds in local currencies and
the time it distributes such funds in U.S. dollars to the Communications Group.
60
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SNAPPER
The following table sets forth Snapper's results of operations for the three
months and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues.................................... $ 59,184 $ 66,572 (11)% $ 119,218 $ 117,829 1%
Gross profit................................ $ 20,450 $ 18,804 9% $ 40,543 $ 34,312 18%
Operating income (loss)..................... $ 7,332 $ (3,982) N/M $ 10,651 $ (3,118) N/M
</TABLE>
REVENUES. Snapper's 1999 second quarter sales were $59.2 million as compared to
$66.6 million in 1998. Sales of lawn and garden equipment contributed the
majority of the revenues during both periods. Second quarter 1999 sales were
lower due primarily to $6.7 million higher rear-engine rider sales in 1998 on
older equipment acquired from distributor inventory repurchases during 1997.
Snapper's 1999 year-to-date sales were $119.2 million as compared to $117.8
million in 1998. Rear-engine rider sales shortfalls during the second quarter of
1999 were offset by $6.2 million in higher snow thrower sales in the first
quarter of 1999 as compared to 1998.
GROSS PROFIT. Gross profit in the second quarter of 1999 was $20.4 million as
compared to $18.8 million in 1998. The lower gross profit in 1998 was due to
sales of older equipment during the quarter at incentive pricing to help
eliminate older inventory acquired in distributor inventory repurchases during
1997.
Gross profit for year-to-date 1999 was $40.5 million versus $34.3 million. In
addition to the incentive pricing on older inventory during the second quarter,
the additional profit increase is due to production efficiencies in 1999 as
compared to 1998.
OPERATING INCOME(LOSS). Operating income for the second quarter was $7.3
million in 1999 as compared to an operating loss of $4.0 million in 1998. The
second quarter 1999 operating profit increases were due to better gross profit
margins as noted above and a $5.5 million reduction in advertising expense. In
addition, Snapper reached a settlement on certain legal matters which resulted
in a reduction in the legal reserve of $2.4 million.
1999 operating income increases were due to better gross profit margins,
productivity increases, lower advertising expense and the legal settlement noted
above.
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
The following table sets forth the operating loss for Corporate Headquarters (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
--------- --------- --------------- --------- --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Operating loss.................................. $ (1,576) $ (1,605) (2)% $ (2,933) $ (2,895) 1%
</TABLE>
OPERATING LOSS. For the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
Corporate Headquarters had general and administrative expenses of approximately
$1.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively. Corporate headquarters includes
general and administrative expenses.
61
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
MMG CONSOLIDATED
The following table sets forth on a consolidated basis the following items for
the three months and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
1999 1998 % CHANGE 1999 1998 % CHANGE
---------- ---------- ------------- ---------- ---------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Interest expense........................... $ (3,523) $ (4,557) (23)% $ (6,929) $ (9,560) (28)%
Interest income............................ $ 2,546 $ 4,179 (39)% $ 4,246 $ 7,213 (41)%
Income tax expense......................... $ (111) $ (143) (22)% $ (205) $ (630) (67)%
Discontinued operations.................... $ -- $ 5,267 N/A $ -- $ 5,267 N/A
Net loss................................... $ (11,607) $ (16,922) (31)% $ (22,877) $ (39,885) (43)%
</TABLE>
INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense decreased $1.0 million to $3.5 million for
the three months ended June 30, 1999. The decrease in interest was due
principally to a decrease in borrowings at Snapper.
Interest expense decreased $2.6 million to $6.9 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1999. The decrease in interest expense was due to the repayment of debt
at Corporate Headquarters and a decrease in borrowings at Snapper.
INTEREST INCOME. Interest income decreased $1.6 million to $2.5 million for the
three months ended 1999, principally from the reduction of funds at Corporate
Headquarters which have been utilized in the operation of the Company.
Interest income decreased $3.0 million to $4.2 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1999, principally from the reduction of funds at Corporate Headquarters
which have been utilized in the operations of the Company.
INCOME TAX EXPENSE. For the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998,
the income tax benefit that would have resulted from applying the federal
statutory rate of 35% was $4.0 million and $7.9 million, $7.7 million and 15.6
million, respectively. The income tax benefit in 1999 and 1998 was reduced
principally by losses attributable to foreign operations, equity losses in joint
ventures currently not deductible and a 100% valuation allowance on the current
year loss not utilized. The income tax expense in all periods in 1999 and 1998
reflects foreign taxes in excess of the federal credit.
NET LOSS INCLUDING DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. Net loss decreased to $11.6 million
for the three months ended June 30, 1999 from $16.9 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1998. The decrease in operating loss in 1999 is primarily from a
reduction in the Communications Group's operating loss in the current year of
$5.1 million and an increase in the operating results of Snapper in the current
year of $11.3 million. Equity in losses of unconsolidated investees increased in
1999 by $2.1 million. The net loss for 1998 includes a gain from discontinued
operations from the sale of the Landmark Theatre Group of $5.3 million.
Net loss decreased to $22.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1999, from
$39.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. The net loss for 1998
includes a gain from discontinued operations from the sale of the Landmark
Theatre Group of $5.3 million. The decrease in operating loss and net loss in
1999 is primarily from a reduction in the Communications Group's operating loss
of $10.3 million and an improvement in Snapper's operating results of $13.8
million.
62
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
THE COMPANY
MMG is a holding company and, accordingly, does not generate cash flows from
operations. The Communications Group is dependent on MMG for significant capital
infusions to fund its operations and make acquisitions, as well as to fulfill
its commitments to make capital contributions and loans to its joint ventures.
Such funding requirements are based on the anticipated funding needs of its
joint ventures and certain acquisitions committed to by the Company. Cash
amounts to be expended in connection with the Company's proposed acquisition of
PLD Telekom (see "Acquisition of PLD") are expected to be funded from cash on
hand. In addition, future capital requirements of the Communications Group,
including future acquisitions, will depend on available funding from the Company
and on the ability of the Communications Group's joint ventures to generate
positive cash flows. Snapper is restricted under covenants contained in its
credit agreement from making dividend payments or advances, other than certain
permitted debt repayments, to the Company and the Company has periodically
funded the short-term working capital needs of Snapper.
There are 70,000,000 shares of preferred stock authorized and 4,140,000 shares
were outstanding as of June 30, 1999.
On September 16, 1997 the Company completed a public offering of 4,140,000
shares of $1.00 par value, 7 1/4% cumulative convertible preferred stock with a
liquidation preference of $50.00 per share, generating net proceeds of
approximately $199.4 million. Dividends on the preferred stock are cumulative
from the date of issuance and payable quarterly, in arrears, commencing on
December 15, 1997. The Company may make any payments due on the preferred stock,
including dividend payments and redemptions (i) in cash; (ii) through issuance
of the Company's common stock or (iii) through a combination thereof. If the
Company were to elect to continue to pay the dividend in cash, the annual cash
requirement would be $15.0 million. During 1998 and March 15 and June 15, 1999,
the Company paid its quarterly dividends on the preferred stock in cash. The
preferred stock is convertible at the option of the holder at any time, unless
previously redeemed, into the Company's common stock, at a conversion price of
$15.00 per share equivalent to a conversion rate of 3 1/3 shares of common stock
for each share of preferred stock subject to adjustment under certain
conditions.
The preferred stock is redeemable at any time on or after September 15, 2000, in
whole or in part, at the option of the Company, initially at a price of $52.5375
and thereafter at prices declining to $50.00 per share on or after September 15,
2007, plus in each case all accrued and unpaid dividends to the redemption date.
Upon any change of control, as defined in the certificate of designation of the
preferred stock each holder of preferred stock shall, in the event that the
market value at such time is less than the conversion price of $15.00, have a
one-time option to convert the preferred stock into the Company's common stock
at a conversion price equal to the greater of (i) the market value, as of the
change of control date, as defined in the certificate of designation, and (ii)
$8.00. In lieu of issuing shares of the Company's common stock, the Company may,
at its option, make a cash payment equal to the market value of the Company's
common stock otherwise issuable.
Since each of the Communications Group's joint ventures operates or invests in
businesses, such as cable television, fixed telephony and cellular
telecommunications, that are capital intensive and require significant capital
investment in order to construct and develop operational systems and market its
services, the Company will require in addition to its cash on hand, additional
financing in order to satisfy its long-term business objectives including its
on-going working capital requirements, funding of pre-operational joint ventures
and acquisition and expansion requirements. Such additional capital may
63
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
be provided through the public or private sale of equity or debt securities of
the Company or by separate equity or debt financings by the Communications Group
or certain companies of the Communications Group or proceeds from the sale of
assets. No assurance can be given that such additional financing will be
available to the Company on acceptable terms, if at all. If adequate additional
funds are not available, the Company may be required to curtail significantly
its long-term business objectives and the Company's results of operations may be
materially and adversely affected. The Company believes that its cash on hand
will be sufficient to fund the Company's working capital requirements for the
remainder of 1999.
Management believes that its long-term liquidity needs will be satisfied through
a combination of the Company's successful implementation and execution of its
growth strategy to become a global communications and media company and the
Communications Group's joint ventures achieving positive operating results and
cash flows through revenue and subscriber growth and control of operating
expenses.
As the Communications Group is in the early stages of development, the Company
expects to generate significant consolidated net losses for the foreseeable
future as the Communications Group continues to build out and market its
services.
COMMUNICATIONS GROUP
The Communications Group has invested significantly (in cash or equipment
through capital contributions, loans and management assistance and training) in
its joint ventures. The Communications Group has also incurred significant
expenses in identifying, negotiating and pursuing new telecommunications
opportunities in selected emerging markets.
The Communications Group and many of its joint ventures are experiencing
continuing losses and negative operating cash flow since many of the businesses
are in the development and start-up phase of operations. The Communications
Group's primary source of funds was from the Company in the form of
inter-company loans.
Until the Communications Group's operations generate positive cash flow, the
Communications Group will require significant capital to fund its operations,
and to make capital contributions and loans to its joint ventures. The
Communications Group relies on the Company to provide the financing for these
activities. The Company believes that as more of the Communications Group's
joint ventures commence operations and reduce their dependence on the
Communications Group for funding, the Communications Group will be able to
finance its own operations and commitments from its operating cash flow and will
be able to attract its own financing from third parties. There can be no
assurance, however, that additional capital in the form of debt or equity will
be available to the Communications Group at all or on terms and conditions that
are acceptable to the Communications Group or the Company, and as a result, the
Communications Group will continue to depend upon the Company for its financing
needs.
Credit agreements between the joint ventures and the Communications Group are
intended to provide such ventures with sufficient funds for operations and
equipment purchases. The credit agreements generally provide for interest to
accrue at rates ranging from the prime rate to the prime rate plus 6% and for
payment of principal and interest from 90% of the joint venture's available cash
flow, as defined, prior to any distributions of dividends to the Communications
Group or its joint venture partners. The credit agreements also often provide
the Communications Group the right to appoint the general director of the joint
venture and the right to approve the annual business plan of the joint
64
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
venture. Advances under the credit agreements are made to the joint ventures in
the form of cash for working capital purposes, as direct payment of expenses or
expenditures, or in the form of equipment, at the cost of the equipment plus
cost of shipping. As of June 30, 1999, the Communications Group was committed to
provide funding under various charter fund agreements and credit lines in an
aggregate amount of approximately $225.1 million, of which $56.9 million
remained unfunded. The Communications Group's funding commitments under a credit
agreement are contingent upon its approval of the joint venture's business plan.
To the extent that the Communications Group does not approve a joint venture's
business plan, the Communications Group is not required to provide funds to the
joint venture under the credit line.
Metromedia International Group and Metromedia International Telecommunications,
Inc. have made loans to Metromedia China under a credit agreement, and
Metromedia China has used the proceeds of these loans to fund its investments in
these joint ventures in China. At June 30, 1999, Metromedia China had borrowed
$88.5 million under this credit agreement (including accrued interest).
The Communications Group's consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures'
ability to generate positive operating results is dependent upon their ability
to attract subscribers to their systems, the sale of commercial advertising time
and their ability to control operating expenses. Management's current plans with
respect to the joint ventures are to increase subscriber and advertiser bases
and thereby operating revenues by developing a broader band of programming
packages for cable television and radio broadcasting and by offering additional
services and options for telephony services. By offering the large local
populations of the countries in which the joint ventures operate desired
services at attractive prices, management believes that the joint ventures can
increase their subscriber and advertiser bases and generate positive operating
cash flow, reducing their dependence on the Communications Group for funding of
working capital. Additionally, advances in the price performance of telephony
technology are expected to reduce capital requirements per subscriber. Further
initiatives to develop and establish profitable operations include reducing
operating costs as a percentage of revenue and assisting joint ventures in
developing management information systems and automated customer care and
service systems. No assurances can be given that such initiatives will be
successful or if successful, will result in such reductions. Additionally, if
the joint ventures do become profitable and generate sufficient cash flows in
the future, there can be no assurance that the joint ventures will pay dividends
or will return capital at any time.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
EASTERN EUROPE AND THE REPUBLICS OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION
The fixed telephony, cellular, international and long distance telephony and
cable television businesses are capital intensive. The Communications Group
generally provides the primary source of funding for its joint ventures both for
working capital and capital expenditures, with the exception of its GSM joint
ventures. The Communications Group's joint venture agreements generally provide
for the initial contribution of cash or assets by the joint venture partners,
and for the provision of a line of credit from the Communications Group to the
joint venture. Under a typical arrangement, the Communications Group's joint
venture partner contributes the necessary licenses or permits under which the
joint venture will conduct its business, studio or office space, transmitting
tower rights and other equipment. The Communications Group's contribution is
generally cash and equipment, but may consist of other specific assets as
required by the applicable joint venture agreement.
In June 1997, the Communications Group's Latvian GSM Joint Venture, Baltcom GSM,
entered into certain agreements with the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development pursuant to which the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development agreed to lend up to $23.0 million to Baltcom GSM in order to
finance its system buildout and operations. Baltcom GSM's ability to borrow
under these agreements is conditioned upon reaching certain gross revenue
targets. The loan has an interest rate equal to the 3-month London interbank
offered rate or LIBOR plus 4% per annum, with interest payable quarterly. The
principal amount must be repaid in installments starting in March 2002 with
final maturity in December 2006. The shareholders of Baltcom GSM were required
to provide $20.0 million to Baltcom GSM as a condition precedent to European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development funding the loan. In addition, the
Communications Group and Western Wireless agreed to provide or cause one of the
shareholders of Baltcom GSM to provide an additional $7.0 million in funding to
Baltcom GSM if requested by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
which amount has been provided. In August 1998, the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development and Baltcom GSM amended their loan agreement in
order to provide Baltcom GSM the right to finance the purchase of up to $3.5
million in additional equipment from Nortel. As part of such amendment, the
Communications Group and Western Wireless agreed to provide Baltcom GSM the
funds needed to repay Nortel, if necessary, and to provide Baltcom GSM debt
service support for the loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development in an amount not to exceed the greater of $3.5 million or the
aggregate of the additional equipment purchased from Nortel plus interest
payable on the financing.
As part of the financing, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
was also provided a 5% interest in the joint venture which it can put back to
Baltcom GSM at certain dates in the future at a multiple of Baltcom GSM's
earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA, not to
exceed $6.0 million. The Company and Western Wireless have guaranteed the
obligation of Baltcom GSM to pay such amount. All of the shareholders of Baltcom
GSM, including Metromedia Internatgional Telecommunications, pledged their
respective shares to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as
security for repayment of the loan. Under the European Bank for Reconstruction
and Development agreements, amounts payable to the Communications Group are
subordinated to amounts payable to the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development.
In April 1997, the Communications Group's Georgian GSM Joint Venture, Magticom,
entered into a financing agreement with Motorola, Inc. pursuant to which
Motorola agreed to finance 75% of the equipment, software and service it
provides to Magticom up to $15.0 million. Interest on the financed amount
accrues at 6-month London interbank offered rate or LIBOR plus 5% per annum,
with interest payable semi-annually. Repayment of principal with respect to each
drawdown commences twenty-one
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
months after such drawdown with the final payment being due 60 months after such
drawdown. All drawdowns must be made within 3 years of the initial drawdown
date. Magticom is obligated to provide Motorola with a security interest in the
equipment provided by Motorola to the extent permitted by applicable law. As
additional security for the financing, the Company has guaranteed Magticom's
repayment obligation to Motorola. In June 1998, the financing agreement was
amended and Motorola agreed to make available an additional $10.0 million in
financing. Interest on the additional $10.0 million accrues at 6-month LIBOR
plus 3.5%.
The Company has guaranteed Magticom's repayment obligation to Motorola, under
such amendment to Motorola.
The Communications Group and Western Wireless have funded the balance of the
financing to Magticom through a combination of debt and equity. Repayment of
indebtedness owed to such partners is subject to certain conditions set forth in
the Motorola financing agreements.
In January 1998, the Communications Group entered into a loan agreement with DSC
Finance Corporation pursuant to which DSC agreed to finance 50% of the equipment
it provides to the Communications Group. At June 30, 1999, $3.5 million was
outstanding and the Company agreed to guarantee the Communications Group's
obligation to repay DSC under such loan agreement.
As of August 1998, the Communication Group acquired a 76% interest in
Omni-Metromedia Caspian, Ltd., a company that owns 50% of a Joint Venture in
Azerbaijan, Caspian American. Caspian American has been licensed by the Ministry
of Communications of Azerbaijan to provide high speed wireless local loop
services and digital switching throughout Azerbaijan. Omni-Metromedia has
committed to provide up to $40.5 million in loans to Caspian American for the
funding of equipment acquisition and operational expense in accordance with
Caspian American's business plans. The Communications Group is obligated to
contribute approximately $5.0 million in equity to Omni-Metromedia and to lend
up to $36.5 million in accordance with Caspian American's business plan. In May
1999, the Communications Group sold 2.2% of the shares of Omni-Metromedia to
Verbena Servicos e Investimentos, S.A., thereby reducing its ownership interest
in Caspian American from 38% to 37%.
As part of the original transaction, the Communications Group has sold a 17.1%
participation in the $36.5 million loan commitment to AIG Silk Road Fund, Ltd.,
which requires AIG Silk Road Fund to provide the Communications Group 17.1% of
the funds to be provided under the loan agreement and entitles AIG Silk Road
Fund to 17.1% of the repayments to the Communications Group. The Communications
Group agreed to repurchase such loan participation from AIG Silk Road Fund in
August 2005 on terms and conditions agreed by the parties. In addition, the
Communications Group provided AIG Silk Road Fund the right to put its 15.7%
ownership interest in Omni-Metromedia to the Communications Group starting in
February 2001 for a price equal to seven times the EBITDA of Caspian American
minus debt, as defined, multiplied by AIG Silk Road Fund's percentage ownership
interest.
In addition, in May 1999, the Communications Group sold a 2.35% participation in
the $36.5 million loan to Verbena Servicos e Investimentos, which requires
Verbena Servicos e Investimentos to provide the Communications Group 2.35% of
the funds to be provided under the loan agreement and entitles Verbena Servicos
e Investimentos to 2.35% of the repayments to the Communications Group. The
Communications Group has agreed to repurchase such loan participation from
Verbena Servicos e Inestimentos in August 2005 on terms and conditions agreed by
the parties. In addition, the Communications Group provided Verbena Servicos e
Investimentos the right to put its 2.20%
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
ownership interest in Omni Metromedia to the Communications Group starting in
February 2001 for a price equal to seven times the EBITDA of Caspian American
minus debt, as defined, multiplied by Verbena Servicos e Investimentos
percentage ownership interest.
In January 1999, Caspian American entered into an equipment purchase agreement
with Innowave Tadiran Telecommunications Wireless Systems, Ltd. to purchase
wireless local loop telecommunications equipment. In connection with such
agreement, the Communications Group provided Innowave Tadiran a payment
guarantee of $2.0 million.
As part of its investment in Tyumenruskom announced in November 1998, the
Communications Group agreed to provide a guarantee of payment of $6.1 million to
Ericsson Radio Systems, A.B. for equipment financing provided by Ericsson to one
of the Communication Group's wholly owned subsidiaries and to its 46% owned
joint venture, Tyumenruskom. Tyumenruskom is purchasing a digital advanced
mobile phone or DAMPS system cellular system from Ericsson in order to provide
fixed and mobile cellular telephone in the regions of Tyumen and Tobolsk,
Russian Federation. The Communications Group has agreed to make a $1.7 million
equity contribution to Tyumenruskom and to lend the joint venture up to $4.0
million for start-up costs and other operating expenses. Tyumenruskom also
intends to provide wireless local loop telephone services.
The license pursuant to which the Communications Group's radio joint venture in
Hungary, Radio Juventus, was renewed on January 1, 1999 for a period of 7 years.
The license fee to be paid over the term of the license is approximately $8.0
million in Hungarian forints adjusted for inflation.
CHINA
Subsequent to June 30, 1999, Ningbo JV received a letter from China Unicom
stating that the Chinese government had requested that China Unicom terminate
the project with Ningbo JV. China Unicom has since informed Metromedia China
that the letter also applies to Ningbo JV II. China Unicom suggested immediately
beginning negotiations with the Ningbo joint ventures. The content of the
negotiation includes determining the investment principal of the Ningbo joint
ventures, appropriate compensation and other matters related to termination of
contracts. The letter further stated that due to unspecified technical reasons,
the cash distribution plan for the first half of 1999 had not been decided, and
that China Unicom expected to discuss this with Ningbo JV. As a result, the
Company cannot yet determine the amount of compensation the Ningbo joint
ventures will receive.
While there can be no assurance that China Unicom will provide similar letters
to the Company's other two sino-sino-foreign telephony-related joint ventures,
the Company expects that these joint ventures will also be the subject of
project termination negotiations. The Company cannot yet predict the effect on
it of the Ningbo joint venture negotiation and the other expected negotiations,
but the Company believes such negotiations, if adversely concluded, could have a
material adverse effect on its financial position and results of operations.
Depending on the amount of compensation, the Company will record a non-cash
charge that will reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with its
telecommunications joint ventures in China. The goodwill balance at June 30,
1999 was approximately $67 million.
The Company is currently reviewing other investment opportunities in China and
has recently announced the establishment of a new joint venture in China to
develop and operate an e-commerce system.
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<PAGE>
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SICHUAN JV AND CHONGQING JV
On May 21, 1996, Asian American Telecommunications, an indirect majority-owned
subsidiary of the Company, entered into a joint venture agreement with China
Huaneng Technology Development Corp. for the purpose of establishing Sichuan Tai
Li Feng Telecommunications Co., Ltd., known as Sichuan JV. Also on May 21, 1996,
Sichuan JV Sichuan JV entered into a network systems cooperation contract, with
China Unicom. The contract covers the funding, construction and development of a
fixed line public services telephone network providing local telephone service
in cities within Sichuan Province and long distance telephone service among
those cities known as the Sichuan network. The initial project covered by the
contract includes development of 50,000 local telephone lines in Chengdu and
Chongqing cities, and construction of a fiber optic long distance facility
between these two cities. Subsequent projects covered by the contract and the
existing and future joint ventures may expand services to one million local
telephone lines in cities throughout Sichuan Province, and to construct fiber
optic long distance facilities among the cities. The contract has a cooperation
term of twenty-five years.
Under the contract, China Unicom will be responsible for the construction and
operation of the Sichuan network, while Sichuan JV will provide financing and
consulting services for the project. Distributable cash flows, as defined in the
contract, are to be distributed 22% to China Unicom and 78% to Sichuan JV
throughout the term of the contract. Sichuan JV holds non-transferable title to
all assets acquired or constructed with the funds that it provides to China
Unicom, except for any assets used to provide inter-city long distance service,
title to which immediately passes to China Unicom. On the tenth anniversary of
completion of the Sichuan network's initial phase, title to assets held by
Sichuan JV will transfer to China Unicom. Sichuan JV and China Unicom consider
the cost of all assets acquired or constructed with investment funds from
Sichuan JV to be part of Sichuan JV's contribution to the contract, regardless
of whether Sichuan JV holds title to such assets.
The total amount to be invested in Sichuan JV is $29.5 million with equity
contributions from its shareholders amounting to $12.0 million. Asian American
Telecommunications has made capital contributions to Sichuan JV of $11.1 million
of its total $11.4 million contribution and China Huaneng Technology Development
has contributed $600,000. The remaining investment will be in the form of up to
$17.5 million of loans from Asian American Telecommunications, plus deferred
payment credit from the manufacturers of the equipment used in construction of
the Sichuan network. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had
loans outstanding to Sichuan JV in the amount of $8.9 million. These loans bear
interest at 10% per annum. Ownership of the Sichuan JV is 92% by Asian American
Telecommunications and 8% by China Huaneng Technology Development.
Asian American Telecommunications also has a consulting contract with China
Huaneng Technology Development covering the latter's assistance with operations
in China. Under the contract, Asian American Telecommunications is obligated to
pay China Huaneng Technology Development an annual consulting fee of RMB 15.0
million (U.S. $1.8 million at June 30, 1999 exchange rates).
In May 1997, Chongqing Municipality was made a separate region from Sichuan
Province administered directly by the Chinese government. In an amendment to the
network systems cooperation contract China Unicom agreed to recognize Chongqing
Municipality as being covered by the terms of that contract, thereby explicitly
extending Sichuan JV's rights and obligations under that contract to include the
newly independent Chongqing Municipality, including rights and obligations for
any long distance services developed by China Unicom between cities in Chongqing
Municipality and those of Sichuan Province. On September 9, 1997, Asian American
Telecommunications entered into a Joint Venture Agreement with China Huaneng
Technology Development for the purpose of establishing Chongqing
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
JV. Sichuan JV and Chongqing JV entered into an agreement whereby Chongqing JV
assumed the rights and obligations of Sichuan JV under the contract, as amended,
that relate to financing of and consulting services for those portions of the
originally contemplated Sichuan network that would lie within Chongqing
Municipality. Rights and obligations under the contract, as amended that relate
to financing and consulting services for those portions of the originally
contemplated Sichuan network lying within the redefined boundaries of Sichuan
Province (a redefinition of the Sichuan network) would remain with Sichuan JV.
The total amount to be invented in Chongqing JV is $29.5 million with registered
capital contributions from its shareholders amounting to $14.8 million. Asian
American Telecommunications has made capital contributions of $13.6 million of
its total $14.1 million contribution and China Huaneng has contributed $740,000.
The remaining investment in Chongqing JV will be in the form of up to $14.7
million of loans from Asian American Telecommunications plus deferred payment
credit from the manufacturers of the equipment used in construction of the
Chongqing network. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had
loans outstanding to Chongqing JV in the amount of $2.6 million. The loans bear
interest at 10% per annum. Ownership in Chongqing JV is 92% by Asian American
Telecommunications and 8% by China Huaneng Technology Development.
Commercial operations were launched on the Chongqing network and Sichuan network
in January 1999.
Sichuan JV and Chongqing JV may also provide additional capital for China
Unicom's later expansion of the public switched telephone network within and
between Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality up to a capacity of one
million total subscribers. China Unicom is responsible for construction,
operation, management and maintenance of the public switched telephone network.
Sichuan JV and Chongqing JV provide financing, consulting and technical support
services to China Unicom in exchange for receiving 78% of distributable cash
flow from China Unicom's public switched telephone network and long distance
operations within and between Sichuan Province and Chongqing Municipality for a
25-year period, payable semi-annually.
In December 1997, Sichuan JV and Chongqing JV entered into a phase 1 loan with
Northern Telecom Communications, known as Nortel, for the purchase of up to
$20.0 million of Nortel equipment during the first phase of the Sichuan
Chongqing project. The Company secured the phase 1 loan repayment with a $20.0
million letter of credit. Nortel had the right to draw on the $20.0 million
letter of credit in January and July of 1999 for amounts due Nortel at such
times for phase 1 equipment purchases. In December 1998, Nortel, Sichuan JV,
Chongqing JV, China Unicom and the Company executed a settlement of various
outstanding matters pertaining to this phase 1 loan. Under this settlement,
except for amounts owned for equipment and interest of $3.4 million which are
payable in July 1999, all outstanding deferred amounts owed to Nortel were paid.
The loan agreements between Nortel and the joint ventures were terminated. The
$20.0 million letter of credit associated with the phase 1 loan agreement was
reduced to $3.4 million and Nortel has the right to draw on the $3.4 million in
July 1999. Commercial service was launched on the phase 1 network in January
1999.
The estimated total investment for phase 1 is approximately $29.5 million in
Sichuan Province and approximately $29.5 million in Chongqing Municipality. As
of June 30, 1999 Asian American Telecommunications, the Company's majority-owned
subsidiary has contributed in registered capital and loans $20.0 million and
$16.2 million to Sichuan JV and Chongqing JV, respectively.
The Communications Group has received notification from China Unicom stating
that a department of the Chinese government has requested termination of two of
its four joint telecommunications projects
70
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
in China and the Communications Group expects that the other two
telecommunications projects in which it has invested will receive similar
letters. See "Risks Associated with the Company".
NINGBO JV
Asian American Telecommunications entered into a joint venture agreement with
Ningbo United Telecommunications Investment Co., Ltd. on September 17, 1996 for
the purpose of establishing Ningbo Ya Mei Telecommunications Co., Ltd. known as
Ningbo JV. Previously Ningbo United Telecommunications had entered into a
network system cooperation contract with China Unicom, covering development of a
GSM telecommunications project in the City of Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, for
China Unicom. The project entails construction of a mobile communications
network with a total capacity of 50,000 subscribers. China Unicom constructed
and operates the network. Under the contract, Ningbo United Telecommunications
is to provide financing and consulting services to China Unicom. The cooperation
period for this contract is fifteen years.
With the formation of Ningbo JV, Ningbo United Telecommunications assigned all
of its rights and obligations under the network system cooperation contract to
Ningbo JV. This assignment of rights and obligations was explicitly ratified by
China Unicom in an amendment to the contract. Ningbo United Telecommunications
also agreed to assign rights of first refusal on additional telecommunications
projects to Ningbo JV in the event such rights are granted to Ningbo United
Telecommunications by China Unicom. Distributable cash flows, as defined in the
amended contract, are to be distributed 27% to China Unicom and 73% to Ningbo JV
throughout the contract's cooperation period. Under the amended contract, Ningbo
JV will hold non-transferable title to 70% of all assets acquired or constructed
by China Unicom with investment funds provided by Ningbo JV. Ningbo JV's title
to these assets will transfer to China Unicom as Ninbgo JV's funding of the
assets is returned by distributions from China Unicom. Ningbo JV and China
Unicom consider the cost of all assets acquired with funding from ningbo JV to
be part of Ningbo JV's contribution to the contract, regardless of whether
Ningbo JV holds title to such assets.
The initial amount to be invested in Ninbgo JV was $29.5 million with registered
capital contributions from its investors amounting to $11.9 million. Asian
American Telecommunications has currently provided $8.3 million in capital
contributions, representing 70% of Ningbo JV's registered capital Ningbo United
Telecommunications provided $3.6 million of registered capital contributions to
Ningbo JV, representing 30% of Ningbo JV's equity. Ningbo JV has arranged loans
with Asian American Telecommunications, manufacturers of the equipment for the
project and banks. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had
long term loans to Ningbo JV in the amount of $22.5 million. A substantial
portion of these loans was incurred to refinance previous loans from
manufacturers. These loans bear interest at 10% per annum. Ownership in Ningbo
JV is 70% by Asian American Telecommunications and 30% by Ningbo United
Telecommunications.
The project was completed and put into commercial service in mid-August 1997.
Subsequent to June 30, 1999, Ningbo JV received a letter from China Unicom
stating that the supervisory department of the Chinese government had requested
that China Unicom terminate the project with Ningbo JV. China Unicom has since
informed Metromedia China that the letter also applies to Ningbo JV II. The
notification letter from China Unicom requested that negotiations begin
immediately regarding the amounts to be paid to Ningbo joint ventures, including
return of investment made and appropriate compensation and other matters related
to the winding up of the Ningbo joint ventures' activities as a result of this
notice. Negotiation regarding the terms of the termination have begun and are
continuing. The content of the negotiations includes determining the investment
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
principal of the Ningbo joint ventures, appropriate compensation and other
matters related to termination of contracts. The letter further stated that due
to technical reasons which were not specified, the cash distribution plan for
the first half of 1999 had not been decided and that China Unicom also expected
to discuss this subject with the Ningbo joint ventures. As a result, the Company
cannot currently determine the amount of compensation the Ningbo joint ventures
will receive.
While there can be no assurance that China Unicom will provide similar letters
to the Company's other two sino-sino-foreign telephone-related joint ventures
(Chongqing JV and Sichuan JV), the Company expects that these joint ventures
will also be the subject of project termination negotiations. The Company cannot
yet predict the effect on it of the Ningbo joint venture negotiations and the
expected winding up of the Company's other two telephone-related joint ventures,
but the Company believes such negotiations, if adversely concluded, or the
failure to make scheduled cash distributions, could have a material adverse
effect on its financial position and results of operations. Depending on the
amount of compensation, the Company will record a non-cash charge that will
reduce the carrying value of the goodwill associated with its telecommunications
joint ventures in China. The goodwill balance at June 30, 1999 was approximately
$67 million.
NINGBO JV II
On March 26, 1998, Ningbo JV and China Unicom signed an amendment to the
original Ningbo contract covering expansion of China Unicom's GSM service
throughout Ningbo Municipality. The expansion is being undertaken as a separate
project, and provides capacity for an additional 25,000 GSM subscribers within
Ningbo Municipality. The feasibility study for the expansion project was
completed on March 6, 1998 and forecasts a total budget of approximately $17.0
million. The terms of the Ningbo expansion agreement match those of the
underlying Ningbo United contract, except that the Ningbo expansion agreement
will have its own cooperation period of fifteen years. In the Ningbo expansion
agreement, China Unicom and Ningbo JV explicitly contemplated establishment of a
separate joint venture to provide financing and consulting services to the
expansion project.
Pursuant to the Ningbo expansion agreement, Asian American Telecommunications
and Ningbo United Telecommunications entered into a second Joint Venture
Agreement and formed Ningbo Ya Lian Telecommunications Co., Ltd., known as
Ningbo JV II. In an amendment to the Ningbo expansion agreement dated July 1,
1998. China Unicom and Ningbo JV agreed to assign all rights and obligations
originally held by Ningbo JV under the Ningbo Expansion Agreement to Ningbo JV
II.
The total amount to be invested in Ningbo JV II is $18.0 million with registered
capital contributions from its investors amounting to $72 million. As of June
30, 1999, Asian American Telecommunications had made its $5.0 million registered
capital contribution, and Ningbo United Telecommunications had made its $2.2
million registered capital contribution. The remaining investment in Ningbo JV
II beyond planned registered capital contributions from its investors will be in
the form of up to $10.8 million of loans from Asian American Telecommunications
plus deferred payment credit from the manufacturers of the equipment used in
construction of the expansion network. As of June 30, 1999, Asian American
Telecommunications had loans outstanding to Ningbo JV II in the amount of $3.5
million. This loan bears interest at 8% per annum. Ownership in Ningbo JV II is
70% by Asian American Telecommunications and 30% by Ningbo United
Telecommunications.
Commercial services commenced on the completed portions of the Ningbo expansion
in November 1998. The network was fully completed and in service in February
1999.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
As described above, the Company has received notification from China Unicom that
China Unicom intends to terminate the project with Ningbo JV II.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPANY
The ability of the Communications Group and its joint ventures to establish
profitable operations is subject to significant political, economic and social
risks inherent in doing business in emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, the
former Soviet Union and China. These include matters arising out of government
policies, economic conditions, imposition of or changes in government
regulations or policies, imposition of or changes to taxes or other similar
charges by governmental bodies, exchange rate fluctuations and controls, civil
disturbances, deprivation or unenforceablility of contractual rights, and taking
of property without fair compensation.
The Communications Group's strategy is to minimize its foreign currency risk. To
the extent possible, in countries that have experienced high rates of inflation,
the Communications Group bills and collects all revenues in U.S. dollars or an
equivalent local currency amount adjusted on a monthly basis for exchange rate
fluctuations. The Communications Group's joint ventures are generally permitted
to maintain U. S. dollar accounts to serve their U.S. dollar obligations,
thereby reducing foreign currency risk. As the Communications Group and its
joint ventures expand their operations and become more dependent on local
currency based transactions, the Communications Group expects that its foreign
currency exposure will increase. The Communications Group does not hedge against
foreign exchange rate risks at the current time and, therefore, could be subject
in the future to any declines in exchange rates between the time a joint venture
receives its funds in local currencies and the time it distributes such funds in
U.S. dollars to the Communications Group.
The Communications Group's investments in joint ventures in China have been made
through a structure known as the sino-sino-foreign joint venture, an arrangement
in which the foreign invested sino-sino-foreign joint venture is a provider of
telephony equipment, financing and technical services to telecommunications
operators and not a direct provider of telephone service. Since mid-1998,
positions unofficially taken by some departments of the Chinese government have
raised uncertainty regarding the continued viability of the sino-sino-foreign
structure and, as a result, the Communications Group's associated financing,
service and consulting arrangements with China Unicom. No formal decisions or
regulations on the resolution of sino-sino-foreign issues have yet been
announced by the Chinese Government.
Subsequent to June 30, 1999, Ningbo JV received a letter from China Unicom
stating that the Chinese government had requested that China Unicom terminate
the project with Ningbo JV. China Unicom has since informed Metromedia China
that the letter also applies to Ningbo JV II. China Unicom suggested immediately
beginning negotiations with Ningbo JV. The content of the negotiation includes
determining the investment principal of the Ningbo joint ventures, appropriate
compensation and other matters related to termination of contracts. The letter
further stated that due to unspecified technical reasons, the cash distribution
plan for the first half of 1999 had not been decided, and that China Unicom
expected to discuss this with Ningbo JV. As a result, the Company cannot yet
determine the amount of compensation the Ningbo joint ventures will receive.
While there can be no assurance that China Unicom will provide similar letters
to the Company's other two sino-sino-foreign telephony-related joint ventures,
the Company expects that these joint ventures will also be the subject of
project termination negotiations. The Company cannot yet predict the effect on
it of the Ningbo joint venture negotiation and the other expected negotiations,
but the Company believes such negotiations, if adversely concluded, could have a
material adverse effect on its financial
73
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
position and results of operations. Depending on the amount of compensation, the
Company will record a non-cash charge that will reduce the carrying value of the
goodwill associated with its telecommunications joint ventures in China. The
goodwill balance at June 30, 1999 was approximately $67 million. The Company is
currently reviewing other investment opportunities in China and has recently
announced the establishment of a new joint venture in China to develop and
operate an e-commerce system.
ACQUISITION OF PLD
On May 18, 1999, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger with
PLD Telekom Inc. pursuant to which a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company will
be merged with and into PLD Telekom with PLD Telekom as the surviving
corporation. Following the consummation of the merger, PLD Telekom will become a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. See Note 9 to Consolidated Condensed
Financial Statements. Set forth below is a description of elements of the PLD
Telekom merger that will affect the Company's liquidity and financial resources.
METROMEDIA BRIDGE LOAN AGREEMENT
The Company entered into a bridge loan agreement with PLD Telekom pursuant to
which it has agreed to extend revolving bridge loans to PLD Telekom of up to
$7.0 million at an annual interest rate of 10.0% to fund PLD Telekom's ongoing
operations during the period from the execution of the merger agreement to the
earlier of the consummation of the merger or the termination or expiration of
the merger agreement. All amounts payable under the bridge loan agreement are
due and payable on the earlier of (x) termination or expiration of the merger
agreement or (y) October 31, 1999. The loans under this agreement are secured by
a pledge by PLD Telekom of approximately 58% of the capital stock of PLD
Telekom's Technocom Limited subsidiary. The bridge loan agreement contains
negative covenants that restrict PLD's activities during this period. As of June
30, 1999 and July 31, 1999, funds advanced under the bridge loan agreement were
$3.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively.
TECHNOCOM ARRANGEMENTS
The Company and PLD Telekom have also entered into option modification
agreements with the two minority shareholders of Technocom Limited, a subsidiary
of PLD Telekom, pursuant to which PLD Telekom will purchase all of these two
shareholders' shares of Technocom Limited for an aggregate purchase price of
$12.6 million, equal to 50% of the price PLD Telekom would have been otherwise
obligated to pay for these shares beginning on June 30, 1999.
AGREEMENT TO EXCHANGE AND CONSENT; TERMS OF METROMEDIA NOTES
It is a condition to the completion of the merger that the holders of at least
95% in aggregate principal amount of each of PLD Telekom's 14% senior discount
notes due 2004 and 9% convertible subordinated notes due 2006 agreed to exchange
their PLD Telekom notes for new Company notes with the terms described below and
consent to certain amendments to the existing indentures for their PLD Telekom
notes.
In order to ensure satisfaction of this condition, the Company has entered into
an agreement to exchange and consent with holders of $122,230,000 in aggregate
principal amount of PLD Telekom's senior discount notes (or approximately 99.4%
of the outstanding senior discount notes) and holders of $25,000,000 in
aggregate principal amount of PLD Telekom's convertible subordinated notes (or
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
approximately 94.3% of the outstanding convertible subordinated notes), in which
such noteholders have agreed to:
(a) exchange $1,000 principal amount of their PLD Telekom notes for $1,000,
in the case of PLD Telekom's 14.0% senior discount notes, or $900 (in the
case of PLD Telekom's 9.0% convertible subordinated notes), accreted
amount of new Company notes subject only to consummation of the merger
and the registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of
exchange notes that will be identical to the new Company notes and will
be exchanged for the new Company notes 20 business days after
consummation of the merger;
(b) consent to certain amendments to the PLD Telekom note indentures that
will eliminate substantially all restrictive covenants from these
indentures and release the properties and assets of PLD Telekom from the
security and collateral arrangements that currently secure, and all
guarantees that currently guarantee, the payment of all amounts due on
the PLD Telekom notes; and
(c) waive certain events of default under the PLD Telekom notes that would
result from the consummation of the merger as well as the payment of
interest that would become due under the PLD Telekom notes until the
earlier of the termination of the merger agreement or October 31, 1999.
In order to satisfy the noteholders' condition with respect to the registration
of the Company's exchange notes, the Company has filed a registration statement
on Form S-4 to register the exchange notes that will be offered to holders of
PLD Telekom notes that accept new Company notes upon consummation of the merger.
The new Company notes and the exchange notes will have identical terms. The
Company notes will mature on the anniversary of the closing of the merger in
2007 and will accrete in value until the date that is 2 1/2 years from the
closing of the merger, at a rate of 10 1/2% per year, compounded semi-annually,
to a principal amount of $1,291.55 for each $1,000 accreted value at original
issuance on the date that is 2 1/2 years from the closing of the merger. The
notes will not pay cash interest before the date that is 2 1/2 years from the
closing of the merger. Thereafter, the notes will pay interest in cash
semi-annually at a rate of 10 1/2% per year. The Company will not be able to
redeem any of the notes before the date that is 2 1/2 years from the closing of
the merger. The Company will be able to redeem the notes at any time thereafter,
at the Company's sole option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal
to the principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
through but excluding the date of redemption.
If a change in control of the Company occurs, holders of the Company notes will
have the right to require the Company to make an offer to repurchase all of the
notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of their accreted value, plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, through but excluding the date of
repurchase.
The indenture under which the Company notes will be issued will limit the
Company's ability and its subsidiaries' ability to:
(a) incur additional indebtedness or issue capital stock or preferred stock,
(b) pay dividends on, and repurchase or redeem the Company and subsidiaries'
capital stock and repurchase or redeem subordinated obligations,
(c) invest and sell assets and subsidiary stock,
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
(d) engage in transactions with related entities, and
(e) incur additional liens.
In addition, the indenture for the notes will limit the Company's ability to
engage in consolidations, mergers and transfers of substantially all of its
assets and also contains limitations on restrictions on distributions from its
subsidiaries. All of these limitations and prohibitions have a number of
important qualifications and exceptions.
TRAVELERS NOTE AND WARRANT MODIFICATION AGREEMENT
The Company and PLD Telekom have also entered into a Note and Warrant
Modification Agreement, dated as of May 18, 1999, with The Travelers Insurance
Company and The Travelers Indemnity Company. This agreement provides that all
principal payable by PLD Telekom to Travelers under their Revolving Credit Note
and Warrant Agreement, dated as of November 26, 1997, with PLD Telekom will be
deferred until the earlier of (x) the date of the consummation of the merger or
(y) termination of the merger agreement. Furthermore, upon the consummation of
the merger, Travelers will relinquish all warrants held or to which it may be
entitled to purchase shares of common stock of PLD Telekom.
In consideration for Travelers' agreement to defer the payment of principal and
to relinquish its PLD Telekom warrants at closing, PLD Telekom will repay $8.5
million of the Travelers loan upon consummation of the merger and the remaining
amount outstanding under the Travelers credit agreement, $4.9 million, on the
earlier of (x) August 30, 2000 or (y) one year from the closing date of the
merger. Travelers will also be entitled to receive at the closing of the merger,
100,000 shares of PLD Telekom common stock, which will be converted in the
merger into shares of Metromedia common stock at the applicable exchange ratio,
and 10-year warrants to purchase 700,000 share of the Company's common stock at
a price to be determined in December 2000 that will be between $10.00 and $15.00
per share. Travelers will also maintain its existing security interests in
certain PLD Telekom assets and its debt will be guaranteed by the Company and
three of PLD Telekom's subsidiaries.
NEWS LETTER AGREEMENT
The Company has also entered into a Letter Agreement, dated as of May 18, 1999,
with News America Incorporated. Pursuant to this agreement, News America has
agreed that it will not exercise its rights upon the occurrence of any defaults
of PLD Telekom under the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 30,
1998, with PLD Telekom until the earlier of the completion of the merger or the
termination or expiration of the merger agreement. News America has also agreed
not to exercise any rights that it may have to convert its loans under the
credit agreement into shares of common stock of PLD Telekom between the signing
and the closing of the merger. At closing all principal, $6.5 million
outstanding as of June 30, 1998, and accrued interest, payable at a reduced
10.0% interest rate, will be payable in full and News America will also be
released from its obligations under $3.1 million of guarantees made of amounts
outstanding under the Travelers Credit Agreement.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SNAPPER
Snapper's liquidity is generated from operations and borrowings. On November 11,
1998, Snapper entered into a loan and security agreement with the Lenders named
therein and Fleet Capital Corporation, as agent and as the initial lender,
pursuant to which the lenders have agreed to provide Snapper with a $5.0 million
term loan facility and a $55.0 million revolving credit facility, the proceeds
of which were used to refinance Snapper's then outstanding obligations under its
prior revolving credit agreement and will also be used for working capital
purposes. The Snapper loan will mature in November 2003 (subject to automatic
one-year renewals), and is guaranteed by the Company up to $10.0 million
(increasing to $15.0 million on the occurrence of specified events). Interest on
the Snapper loan is payable at Snapper's option at a rate equal to prime plus up
to 0.5% or London interbank offered rate or LIBOR plus between 2.5% and 3.25%,
in each case depending on Snapper's leverage ratio under the Snapper loan
agreement. The agreements governing the Snapper loan contain standard
representation and warranties, covenants, conditions precedent and events of
default, and provide for the grant of a security interest in substantially all
of Snapper's assets other than real property. At March 31, 1999, Snapper was not
in compliance with all financial covenants required under the loan agreement;
the lenders have waived any event of default arising from such noncompliance. At
June 30, 1999, Snapper was in compliance with all financial covenants under the
loan agreement.
Snapper has entered into various long-term manufacturing and purchase agreements
with certain vendors for the purchase of manufactured products and raw
materials. As of June 30, 1999, noncancellable commitments under these
agreements amounted to approximately $8.4 million.
Snapper has an agreement with a financial institution which makes available
floor plan financing to dealers of Snapper products. This agreement provides
financing for dealer inventories and accelerates Snapper's cash flow. Under the
terms of the agreement, a default in payment by a dealer is nonrecourse to
Snapper. However, Snapper is obligated to repurchase any new and unused
equipment recovered from the dealer. At June 30, 1999, there was approximately
$96.2 million outstanding under this floor plan financing arrangement. The
Company has guaranteed Snapper's payment obligations under this agreement.
The Company believes that Snapper's available cash on hand, the cash flow
generated by operating activities, borrowings from the Snapper loan agreement
and, on an as needed basis, short-term working capital funding from the Company,
will provide sufficient funds for Snapper to meet its obligations and capital
requirements.
MMG CONSOLIDATED
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1999 COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash used in operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 1999 was
$9.4 million, a decrease in cash used in operating activities of $13.8 million
from the same period in the prior year.
Losses from operating activities include significant non-cash items such as
discontinued operations, depreciation, amortization, equity in losses of joint
ventures and investees, and losses allocable to minority interests. Excluding
discontinued operations, non-cash items decreased $3.4 million from $13.3
million to $9.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 1998 and 1999,
respectively. The decrease relates to decreases in equity losses of the
Communications Group's joint ventures of $1.9 million. Changes in operating
assets and liabilities, net of the effect of acquisitions, increased cash flows
for the six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998 by $3.6 million and $8.6
million, respectively.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The increase in cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 1999 resulted from
the improved operating results of the Communications Group's operations in
Eastern Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union and Snapper.
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash used in investing activities was $11.6 million for the six months ended
June 30, 1999 as compared to cash provided by investing activities of $115.5
million for the six months ended June 30, 1998. The principal uses of funds for
the six months ended June 30, 1999 were investments in and advances to joint
ventures of $12.7 million, advances to PLD Telekom under a bridge loan
agreement, acquisitions by the Communications Group of $1.2 million and
additions to property, plant and equipment of $2.5 million. The principal
sources of funds from investing activities in 1998 were proceeds from maturities
of short-term investments of $100.0 million and the net proceeds of $57.3
million from the sale of Landmark. The principal uses of funds for the six
months ended June 30, 1998 were investments in and advances to joint ventures of
$30.7 million, acquisitions by the Communications Group of $6.9 million and
additions to property, plant and equipment of $5.3 million.
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash used in financing activities was $14.7 million and $19.0 million, for the
six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Funds used in financing
activities in 1999 were for the preferred stock dividend of $7.5 million,
payments of Snapper's debt of $7.2 million. Funds used in financing activities
in 1998 were for the preferred stock dividend of $7.5 million and the repayment
of debt of $16.9 million, principally the Snapper Revolver, which was partially
offset by proceeds of $7.5 million from the exercise of stock options.
YEAR 2000 SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS
The Company is currently working to evaluate and resolve the potential impact of
the Year 2000 on the processing of date-sensitive information and network
systems. The Year 2000 problem is the result of computer programs being written
using two digits (rather than four) to define the Year 2000, which could result
in miscalculations or system failures resulting from recognition of a date using
"00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. The Company expects to make
some of the necessary modifications through its ongoing investment in system
upgrades.
The Company has delegated responsibility to a group of executives to coordinate
the identification, evaluation and implementation of changes to computer systems
and applications necessary to achieve the Company's goal of a Year 2000 date
conversion which would minimize the effect on the Company's subsidiaries, joint
ventures and their subscribers and customers, and avoid disruption to business
operations.
The Company is also focusing on outside forces that may affect the Company's
operations, including the Company's and its subsidiaries' and joint ventures'
vendors, banks and utility companies. The Company's analysis of the Year 2000
problem is on-going and will be continuously updated through the remainder of
1999 as necessary.
The Company has developed a Year 2000 project plan for the Company, its
subsidiaries and unconsolidated joint ventures. However, the Company is not
directly responsible for Year 2000 readiness of many of its joint ventures and
in some cases has no access to the joint venture's management regarding these
matters. Executives of the Company are responsible for monitoring Year 2000
activities across all subsidiaries and joint ventures. Individual joint ventures
and subsidiaries are responsible for initiating and executing specific Year 2000
action plans.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The Company has completed its inventory of information technology and
non-information technology systems. Joint venture information technology and
non-information technology systems have principally been reviewed on a line of
business basis for cable television, telephony, radio and paging ventures. The
mission critical systems identified for the Company's joint ventures are those
that relate to revenue generation, customer service and collection and billing.
Non-information technology mission critical systems include GSM switches,
ACS/Tocom systems, satellite program delivery systems and paging terminals and
related equipment.
The Company has initiated communications with all of its suppliers and its joint
ventures' suppliers of mission critical systems. The Company has accepted the
service providers' statement of Year 2000 compliance as evidence in its
assessment phase. For those mission critical systems determined not to be
compliant, the Company is in the process of replacing or remediating the system
at each significant joint venture or subsidiary. In addition, limited testing
has been performed at certain joint ventures and at the subsidiaries and joint
venturers' technical facilities.
The Company recognizes that to the extent its remediation efforts and those of
its joint ventures fail to prevent Year 2000 problems from arising a temporary
interruption of service and loss of revenue may occur. High level contingency
plans have been developed which include the removal of noncompliant technology
from service on a temporary basis, replacing systems or reverting to manual
processes to deal with such possible occurrences. The Company expects to
complete this project prior to January 1, 2000.
Based on the preliminary data, the Company's estimate is that the Year 2000
effort will cost approximately $750,000, covering the period from January 1,
1998 through December 31, 1999, out of a total expected cost of information
systems of $10.4 million for this period, although there can be no assurance as
to the ultimate cost of the Year 2000 effort or the total cost of information
systems. Such costs will be expensed as incurred, except to the extent such
costs are incurred for the purchase or lease of capital equipment.
As of June 30, 1999, the Company has incurred $595,000 in respect of its Year
2000 conversion effort, or 79% of the total estimated cost. The Company expects
that the source of funds for Year 2000 costs will be cash on hand. No other
information systems projects of the Company and its subsidiaries and joint
ventures have been deferred due to the Year 2000 efforts.
The Company's Communications Group is heavily dependent on third parties, many
of whom are themselves heavily dependent on technology. In some cases, the
Company's third-party dependence is on vendors of technology who are themselves
working toward solutions to Year 2000 problems. Moreover, the Company is
dependent on the continued functioning of basic, heavily computerized services
such as banking and telephony. Further, the Company's Communications Group's
businesses are located in countries where basic services are operated by the
government or other governmental entities and the Company may not be able to
obtain information on Year 2000 problems. In certain joint ventures within the
Communications Group, the Company does not have a controlling management
interest and cannot unilaterally cause the joint venture to commit the necessary
resources to solve any Year 2000 problems. However, substantially all of the
Company's joint ventures operate or are planned to operate in countries where
reliance on automated systems is substantially less significant, and more
recent, than in the United States. Therefore, the Company believes that, in the
event Year 2000 problems arise in such joint ventures, the local operators of
such joint ventures and customers and vendors should be able to revert to manual
methods. If the Company, its joint ventures in which it does not have a
controlling management interest, and their respective customers and vendors are
unable to solve any Year 2000 issues, a material adverse effect on the Company's
results of operations and financial condition could result.
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
The above information is based on the Company's current estimates using numerous
assumptions of future events. Given the complexity of the Year 2000 issues and
possible unidentified risks, actual results may vary from those anticipated and
discussed above.
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q constitutes a Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure
Statement, and the Statements in this Form 10-Q are subject to the Year 2000
Information and Readiness Disclosure Act, and the Company hereby claims the
protection of this Act for this document and all information contained herein.
NEW ACCOUNTING DISCLOSURES
ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVES
In June 1998, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", was issued. Statement 133
established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and
for hedging activities. Statement 133 requires that an entity recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities and measure those instruments at
fair value. The accounting for the gain or loss due to changes in fair value of
the derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative instrument qualifies
as a hedge. Statement 133 is effective for all fiscal quarters of fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 2000. Statement 133 can not be applied retroactively to
financial statements of prior periods. The Company anticipates that the adoption
of Statement 133 will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated
financial position and results of operations.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
In the normal course of business, the financial position of the Company is
routinely subjected to a variety of risks. In addition to the market risk
associated with interest rate movements on outstanding debt and currency rate
movements on non-U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities, other examples
of risk include collectibility of accounts receivable and significant political,
economic and social risks inherent in doing business in emerging markets such as
Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and China.
With the exception of Snapper, the Company did not have any significant long
term obligations at June 30, 1999. Since Snapper's bank debt is a floating rate
instrument, its carrying value approximates its fair value. A 100 basis point
increase in the level of interest rates with all other variables held constant
would result in an increase in interest expense of $20,000. In addition, a 100
basis point increase in interest rates on Snapper's floor plan financing and
dealers would have resulted in an increase in interest expense of $47,000.
The Company does not hedge against foreign exchange rate risks at the current
time. In the majority of the countries that the Communications Group's joint
ventures operate, there currently do not exist derivative instruments to allow
the Communications Group to hedge foreign currency risk. In addition, at the
current time the majority of the Communications Group's joint ventures are in
the early stages of development and the Company does not expect in the near term
to repatriate significant funds from the Communications Group's joint ventures.
"Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and
Results of Operations--Inflation and Foreign Currency" contains additional
information on risks associated with the Company's investments in Eastern
Europe, the former Soviet Union and China.
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q about the Company's
expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or
performance are not historical facts and are forward-looking statements within
the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are often but
not always made through the use of words or phrases like "believes," "expects,"
"may," "will," "should" or "anticipates" or the negative of these words or
phrases or other variations on these words or phrases or comparable terminology,
or by discussions of strategy that involves risks and uncertainties.
These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or
achievements or industry results to be materially different from any future
results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these
forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors
include, among others:
- general economic and business conditions, which will, among other things,
impact demand for the Company's products and services,
- industry capacity, which tends to increase during strong years of the
business cycle,
- changes in public taste, industry trends and demographic changes,
- competition from other communications companies, which may affect the
Company's ability to generate revenues,
- political, social and economic conditions and changes in laws, rules and
regulations or their administration or interpretation, particularly in
Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, China and other selected emerging
markets, which may affect the Company's results of operations,
- timely completion of construction projects for new systems for the joint
ventures in which the Company has invested, which may impact the costs of
these projects,
- developing legal structures in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union,
China and other selected emerging markets, which may affect the Company's
ability to enforce its legal rights,
- cooperation of local partners for the Company's communications investments
in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, China and other selected
emerging markets, which may affect its results of operations,
- exchange rate fluctuations,
- license renewals for the Company's communications investments in Eastern
Europe, the former Soviet Union, China and other selected emerging
markets,
- the loss of any significant customers,
- changes in business strategy or development plans,
- the quality of management,
- the availability of qualified personnel,
- changes in or the failure to comply with government regulations, and
- other factors referenced in this report.
Accordingly, any forward-looking statement is qualified in its entirety by
reference to these risks, uncertainties and other factors and you should not
place any undue reliance on them. Furthermore, any forward-looking statement
speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New factors emerge from time to
time and it is not possible for the Company to predict which will arise. In
addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or
the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual
results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking
statements.
Furthermore, this report constitutes a Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure Statement,
and the statements in this report are subject to the Year 2000 Information and
Readiness Disclosure Act, and the Company hereby claims the protection of this
Act for this report and all information contained herein.
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PART II--OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Updated information on litigation and environmental matters subsequent to
December 31, 1998 is as follows:
FUQUA INDUSTRIES, INC. SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION
IN RE FUQUA INDUSTRIES, INC. SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION, Del. Ch., Consolidated C.A.
No. 11974, plaintiff Virginia Abrams filed a purported class and derivative
action in the Delaware Court of Chancery on February 22, 1991 against Fuqua
Industries, Inc., Intermark, Inc., the then-current directors of Fuqua
Industries and certain past members of the board of directors. The action
challenged certain transactions which were alleged to be part of a plan to
change control of the board of Fuqua Industries from J.B. Fuqua to Intermark and
sought a judgment against defendants in the amount of $15.7 million, other
unspecified money damages, an accounting, declaratory relief and an injunction
prohibiting any business combination between Fuqua Industries and Intermark in
the absence of approval by a majority of Fuqua Industries' disinterested
shareholders. Subsequently, two similar actions, styled BEHRENS V. FUQUA
INDUSTRIES, INC. ET AL., Del. Ch., C.A. No. 11988 and FREBERG V. FUQUA
INDUSTRIES, INC. ET AL., Del. Ch., C.A. No. 11989 were filed with the Court. On
May 1, 1991, the Court ordered all of the foregoing actions consolidated. On
October 7, 1991, all defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. Plaintiffs
thereafter took three depositions during the next three years.
On December 28, 1995, plaintiffs filed a consolidated second amended derivative
and class action complaint, purporting to assert additional facts in support of
their claim regarding an alleged plan, but deleting their prior request for
injunctive relief. On January 31, 1996, all defendants moved to dismiss the
second amended complaint. After the motion was briefed, oral argument was held
on November 6, 1996. On May 13, 1997, the Court issued a decision on defendants'
motion to dismiss, the Court dismissed all of plaintiffs' class claims and
dismissed all of plaintiffs' derivative claims except for the claims that Fuqua
Industries board members (i) entered into an agreement pursuant to which Triton
Group, Inc. (which was subsequently merged into Intermark,) was exempted from 8
Del. C. 203 and (ii) undertook a program pursuant to which 4.9 million shares of
Fuqua Industries common stock were repurchased, allegedly both in furtherance of
an entrenchment plan. On January 16, 1998, the Court entered an order
implementing the May 13, 1997 decision. The order also dismissed one of the
defendants from the case with prejudice and dismissed three other defendants
without waiver of any rights plaintiffs might have to reassert the claims if the
opinion were to be vacated or reversed on appeal.
On February 5, 1998, plaintiffs filed a consolidated third amended derivative
complaint and named as defendants Messrs. J.B. Fuqua, Klamon, Sanders, Scott,
Warner and Zellars. The complaint alleged that defendants (i) entered into an
agreement pursuant to which Triton was exempted from 8 Del. C. 203 and (ii)
undertook a program pursuant to which 4.9 million shares of Fuqua Industries
common stock were repurchased, both allegedly in furtherance of an entrenchment
plan. For their relief, plaintiffs seek damages and an accounting of profits
improperly obtained by defendants.
In March 1998, defendants J. B. Fuqua, Klamon, Sanders, Zellars, Scott and
Warner filed their answers denying each of the substantive allegations of
wrongdoing contained in the third amended complaint. The Company also filed its
answer, submitting itself to the jurisdiction of the Court for a proper
resolution of the claims purported to be set forth by the plaintiffs.
Discovery is ongoing. Motions to disqualify Abrams and Freberg as derivative
plaintiffs and certain discovery motions have been fully briefed and argued, but
no decision has been rendered with respect to these motions.
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ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONTINUED)
MICHAEL SHORES V. SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY, ET AL.
On May 20, 1996, a purported class action lawsuit, MICHAEL SHORES V. SAMUEL
GOLDWYN COMPANY, ET AL., Case No. BC 150360, was filed in the Superior Court of
the State of California. Plaintiff Michael Shores alleged that, in connection
with the merger of the Samuel Goldwyn Company, Samuel Goldwyn Company's
directors and majority shareholder breached their fiduciary duties to the public
shareholders of Samuel Goldwyn Company. In amended complaints, plaintiff
subsequently added claims that the Company had aided and abetted other
defendants' fiduciary breaches and had negligently misrepresented and/or omitted
material facts in the Company's prospectus issued in connection with the merger.
The Company successfully demurred to the first and second amended complaints and
plaintiff filed a third amended complaint, which included only the negligent
misrepresentation claim against the Company. The plaintiff agreed to settle the
action in exchange for a payment by defendants in the amount of $490,000, which
payment constitutes a complete and final satisfaction of the claims asserted by
the plaintiff and a plaintiff class certified solely for the purposes of the
settlement. The settlement and the settlement class were approved by the court
on October 8, 1998. Members of the class have been notified of the settlement
and were able to file proofs of claim until February 15, 1999, which claims are
now being processed. At a hearing on July 7, 1999, the court approved the final
distribution of the settlement fund.
SAMUEL GOLDWYN, JR. V. METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER INC., ET AL.
On October 29, 1997, Samuel Goldwyn, Jr., the former chairman of Samuel Goldwyn
Company, filed SAMUEL GOLDWYN, JR. V. METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER INC., ET AL., Case No.
BC 180290, in Superior Court of the State of California, alleging that the
Company fraudulently induced him and the Samuel Goldwyn, Jr. Family Trust to
enter into various agreements in connection with the merger of the Samuel
Goldwyn Company (since renamed Goldwyn Entertainment Company); breached an
agreement to guarantee the performance of Goldwyn Entertainment Company's
obligations to the Trust; and used, without permission, the "Goldwyn" trademark.
The action also alleged that the Company and other defendants breached Mr.
Goldwyn's employment agreement and fiduciary duties owed to him and the trust,
both before and after the sale of Goldwyn Entertainment Company to
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. After the Company successfully demurred to the
trademark and the breach of fiduciary duty claims, the plaintiffs amended their
pleading, revising and reasserting the trademark and breach of fiduciary duty
claims. Following a period of discovery, the Company reached a settlement with
the plaintiffs. The court ordered the plaintiffs' claims against the Company
dismissed with prejudice on January 11, 1999.
SYDNEY H. SAPSOWITZ AND SID SAPSOWITZ & ASSOCIATES, INC. V. JOHN W KLUGE, STUART
SUBOTNICK, METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, ET AL.
On June 30, 1997, the plaintiffs in SYDNEY H. SAPSOWITZ AND SID SAPSOWITZ &
ASSOCIATES, INC. V. JOHN W. KLUGE, STUART SUBOTNICK, METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL
GROUP, INC., ORION PICTURES CORPORATION, LEONARD WHITE, ET AL. filed a lawsuit
in Superior Court of the State of California alleging $28.7 million in damages
from the alleged breach of an oral agreement to pay a finder's fee in connection
with the Entertainment Group Sale. The Company denies the existence of any such
contract and believes it has meritorious defenses and is vigorously defending
this action. Discovery is proceeding.
ANTHONY NICHOLAS GEORGIOU, ET AL. V. MOBIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCING SERVICES,
INC., METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC., ET AL.
On January 14, 1998, ANTHONY NICHOLAS GEORGIOU, ET AL. V. MOBIL EXPLORATION AND
PRODUCING SERVICES, INC., METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC., ET
AL., Civil Action No. H-98-0098, was filed in the
84
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONTINUED)
United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Plaintiffs
claim that MITI conspired against and tortiously interfered with plaintiffs'
potential contracts involving certain oil exploration and production contracts
in Siberia and telecommunications contracts in the Russian Federation.
Plaintiffs are claiming damages, for which all defendants could be held jointly
and severally liable, of an amount in excess of $395.0 million. On or about
February 27, 1998 MITI filed its answer denying each of the substantive
allegations of wrongdoing contained in the complaint. The contracts between
plaintiff Tiller International Limited ("Tiller") and defendant Mobil
Exploration and Producing Services, Inc. ("MEPS") which are at issue in this
case contain broad arbitration clauses. In accordance with these arbitration
clauses, MEPS instituted arbitration proceeding before the London Court of
International Arbitration on July 31, 1997. On August 27, 1998, Judge David
Hittner entered an order staying and administratively closing the Houston
litigation pending final completion of arbitration proceedings in Great Britain.
As such, this matter is presently inactive. The parties have engaged in some
discovery. The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and is vigorously
defending this action.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN CONNECTION WITH RDM
On August 19, 1998, a purported class action lawsuit, THEOHAROUS V. FONG, ET AL,
Civ. No. 1:98CV2366, was filed in United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia. On October 19, 1998, a second purported class action
lawsuit with substantially the same allegations, SCHUETTE V. FONG, ET AL., Civ.
No. 1:98CV3034, was filed in United States District Court for the Northern
District of Georgia. On June 7, 1999, plaintiffs in each of these lawsuits filed
amended complaints The amended complaints allege that certain officers,
directors and shareholders of RDM, including the Company and current and former
officers of the Company who served as directors of RDM, are liable under federal
securities laws for misrepresenting and failing to disclose information
regarding RDM's alleged financial condition during the period between November
7, 1995 and August 22, 1997, the date on which RDM disclosed that its management
had discussed the possibility of filing for bankruptcy. The amended complaints
also allege that the defendants, including the Company and current and former
officers of the Company who served as directors of RDM, are secondarily liable
as controlling persons of RDM. Plaintiffs in these lawsuits seek the following
relief: unspecified compensatory damages, reasonable costs and expenses,
including counsel fee and expert fees, and such other and further relief as the
court may deem just and proper.
On December 30, 1998, the chapter 11 trustee of RDM brought an adversary
proceeding in the bankruptcy of RDM, HAYS, ET AL. v. FONG, ET AL., Adv. Proc.
No. 98-1128, in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of
Georgia, alleging that former officers or directors of the Company, while
serving as directors on the board of RDM, breached fiduciary duties allegedly
owed to RDM's shareholders and creditors in connection with the bankruptcy of
RDM. On January 25, 1999, the plaintiff filed a first amended complaint. The
official committee of unsecured creditors of RDM has moved to proceed as
co-plaintiff or to intervene in this proceeding, and the official committee of
bondholders of RDM has moved to intervene in or join the proceeding. Plaintiffs
in this adversary proceeding seek the following relief against current and
former officers of the Company who served as directors of RDM: actual damages in
an amount to be proven at trial, reasonable attorney's fees and expenses, and
such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper.
On February 16, 1999, the creditors' committee brought an adversary proceeding,
THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS OF RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. AND
RELATED DEBTORS V. METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC., Adv. Proc. No. 99-1023,
seeking in the alternative to recharacterize as contributions to equity a
secured claim in the amount of $15 million made by the Company arising out of
the Company's financing of RDM, or to equitably subordinate such claim made by
Metromedia against RDM and other debtors in the bankruptcy proceeding. On March
3, 1999, the bondholders'
85
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS (CONTINUED)
committee brought an adversary proceeding, THE OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF BONDHOLDERS
OF RDM SPORTS GROUP, INC. v. METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC., Adv. Proc.
No. 99-1029, with substantially the same allegations as the above proceeding. In
addition to the equitable and injunctive relief sought by plaintiffs described
above, plaintiffs in these adversary proceedings seek actual damages in an
amount to be proven at trial, reasonable attorneys' fees, and such other and
further relief as the court deems just and proper.
The Company believes it has meritorious defenses and plans to vigorously defend
these actions. Due to the early stage of these proceedings, the Company cannot
evaluate the likelihood of an unfavorable outcome or an estimate of the likely
amount or range of possible loss, if any.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
In accordance with Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, pursuant to the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the
Company has agreed to indemnify its officers and directors against, among other
things, any and all judgments, fines, penalties, amounts paid in settlements and
expenses paid or incurred by virtue of the fact that such officer or director
was acting in such capacity to the extent not prohibited by law.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS OF FORM 8-K
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ---------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
11* Computation of Earnings Per Share
27* Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
(i) On May 20, 1999, a Form 8-K was filed to report the agreement and plan of merger between the Company
and PLD Telekom Inc.
(ii) On August 4, 1999, a Form 8-K was filed to report on certain developments in China.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Filed herewith
86
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ SILVIA KESSEL
-----------------------------
Silvia Kessel
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER
</TABLE>
Dated: August 16, 1999
87
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11
METROMEDIA INTERNATIONAL GROUP, INC.
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Loss per common share--Basic (A):
Continuing operations............................................................. $ (11,607) $ (22,189)
Cumulative convertible preferred stock dividend requirement....................... (3,752) (3,752)
---------- ----------
Continuing operations attributable to common stock shareholders................... (15,359) (25,941)
Discontinued operations........................................................... -- 5,267
---------- ----------
Net loss attributable to common stock shareholders................................ $ (15,359) $ (20,674)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Weighted average common stock shares outstanding during the period.................. 69,151 69,046
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Loss per common share--Basic:
Continuing operations............................................................. $ (0.22) $ (0.38)
Discontinued operations........................................................... -- 0.08
---------- ----------
Net loss.......................................................................... $ (0.22) $ (0.30)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE
30,
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Loss per common share--Basic (A):
Continuing operations................................................................ $ (22,877) $ (45,152)
Cumulative convertible preferred stock dividend requirement.......................... (7,504) (7,504)
---------- ----------
Continuing operations attributable to common stock shareholders...................... (30,381) (52,656)
Discontinued operations.............................................................. -- 5,267
---------- ----------
Net loss attributable to common stock shareholders................................... $ (30,381) $ (47,389)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Weighted average common stock shares outstanding during the period..................... 69,137 68,810
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Loss per common share--Basic:
Continuing operations................................................................ $ (0.44) $ (0.77)
Discontinued operations.............................................................. -- 0.08
---------- ----------
Net loss............................................................................. $ (0.44) $ (0.69)
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(A) In calculating diluted earnings per share, no potential shares of common
stock are to be included in the computation of diluted earnings per share
when a loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders
exists. For the three and six months ended June 30, 1999 and 1998, the
Company had a loss from continuing operations.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION FROM THE CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FILED AS PART OF THE QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-1999
<CASH> 101,948
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 41,630
<ALLOWANCES> (2,374)
<INVENTORY> 56,356
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 207,152
<PP&E> 54,505
<DEPRECIATION> (20,296)
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 559,532
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 84,724
<BONDS> 43,773
0
207,000
<COMMON> 69,162
<OTHER-SE> 119,748
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 559,532
<SALES> 132,647
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 132,647
<CGS> 79,572
<TOTAL-COSTS> 148,761
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> (6,929)
<INCOME-PRETAX> (22,672)
<INCOME-TAX> 205
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (22,877)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (22,877)
<EPS-BASIC> (0.44)
<EPS-DILUTED> (0.44)
</TABLE>
